American Prodigy: Becoming Great

Julian Edelman Dec 22, 2022

Chris looks back at the career of 3x Super Bowl Champion WR Julian Edelman and how Julian went from QB to WR, fitting in with the Patriots offense, his relationships with Tom Brady & Bill Belichick, the Patriots 2016 resurgence and Super Bowl LI, Super Bowl LII, and more.

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Eric Dickerson Dec 15, 2022

Chris reviews the career of Hall of Fame RB Eric Dickerson and discusses Eric's upbringing in the small of town of Sealy, Texas, his record-breaking performances in the NFL, playing for the Rams in the 80's, his stints with the Colts and the Raiders and more.

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Tony Boselli Dec 08, 2022

Chris highlights the career of Hall of Fame LT Tony Boselli with discussion about the pressure of being a high pick for a new franchise, Tony getting his own McDonalds burger, career ending injuries, Tony's long wait for his Hall of Fame induction and more.

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Osi Umenyiora Dec 01, 2022

Chris looks at the career of 2x Super Bowl champion DE Osi Umenyiora as he reviews Osi's journey from London to Nigeria to Alabama, learning from coach Mike Waufle, the journey to Super Bowl XLII, missing the 2008 season and more.

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Ryan Fitzpatrick Nov 17, 2022

Chris reflects on the career of former NFL QB Ryan Fitzpatrick and Ryan's time at Harvard University, his stints with multiple NFL teams, Fitzmagic, how Ryan wants to be remembered and more.

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Terrell Owens Nov 10, 2022

Chris breaks down the career of Hall of Fame WR Terrell Owens & highlights TO playing with his idol, Jerry Rice, his iconic celebrations, excelling with the Eagles before his ankle injury, his journey to the Hall of Fame, the possibility of coming back to play in the NFL and more.

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Lane Johnson Nov 03, 2022

Chris highlights the career of Super Bowl champion and former teammate RT Lane Johnson as he discusses growing up in east Texas, his transition from quarterback to right tackle, Super Bowl LII, his journey with mental health and more.

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Aaron Donald Oct 27, 2022

For the first episode, Chris Long breaks down Super Bowl Champion & All-Pro DT Aaron Donald's football journey; from the days in the dungeon with his dad, to being a breakout DT at Pittsburgh, to playing with the Rams and creating the top defensive moves in his arsenal, and more.

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Trailer: American Prodigy: Becoming Great Oct 20, 2022

What does it mean to be great?

Greatness might indicate a Hall of Fame career. But it can also be exemplified by blazing new trails o the field, or carving out a unique role in the pages of history. There are many different ways to be great, and everyone’s path is one-of-a-kind.

Two-time Super Bowl champ and 11-year NFL vet, Chris Long, highlights a handful of NFLers who have been on fascinating journeys, and takes you on a trip through their life stories, and explores the true definition of “greatness.”

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S3 Ep. 9: Finding Freedom in the Air Apr 18, 2022

Host Amira Rose Davis and story editor Jessica Luther recap their highlights from the American Prodigies series, talk about the gymnasts and topics that they wished they could have covered, and consider whether to abandon gymnastics or whether there’s something there worth believing in.

Click here for the transcript of episode 9

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S3 Ep. 8: Brown Girls Doing Gymnastics Apr 11, 2022

Brown Girls Do Gymnastics was born in 2015 with a mission to serve underrepresented and marginalized athletes in gymnastics and the circus arts. Its founder, Derrin Moore, talks to Amira about her work – from teaching parents how to advocate for their children in this particular sport, to launching a women’s gymnastics program at Fisk University.

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S3 Ep. 7: Some Serious Pressure: Simone Biles Apr 04, 2022

**Content note** This episode contains graphic accounts of sexual abuse and child neglect. There are also accounts of physical and emotional abuse, suicidal ideation, and racism.

In 2016, both Simone and Gabby are on the world’s stage — and USAG starts to crack. There’s no accountability, just complete institutional failure to protect young women in this sport and it’s starting to boil over. Jordan Chiles, Jessica Luther, mental health expert Alanna Gardner, and Nellie Biles talk about the crucial period between 2016 and 2021 — the role Simone played in it — and the toll being a symbol with power can take.

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S3 Ep. 6: And The Crowd Is Loving It: Sophina DeJesus and Nia Dennis Mar 28, 2022

This episode looks at how Black gymnasts came to create spaces of joy for themselves and how college programs benefited from that. After Olympic dreams are dashed because of injury, some elite gymnasts, like Sophina DeJesus and Nia Dennis, opt to compete at top-notch college programs. Sophina and Nia talk about their journeys at UCLA and how they created floor routines viewed by millions online. Valorie Kondos Field (“Miss Val”), UCLA’s famed retired head coach, describes the diversity at UCLA gymnastics as a happy accident. The gymnasts’ mothers, Maria DeJesus and Deetra Dennis share the different paths they took to protect their daughters while encouraging them to embrace their authentic selves.

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S3 Ep. 5: Nobody Has Beyoncé’s Weavologist: Gabby Douglas Mar 21, 2022

Amira has a conversation with Dr. Samantha Sheppard and Dr. Courtney Cox answering, “Whatever happened to Gabby Douglas?” The trio zoom in and out of Gabby’s career, highlighting her as a transitional figure between Black pioneers like Dominique Dawes and today’s media savvy icons like Simone Biles. They also share their personal experiences as Black women in academia to help bring context to what Gabby was up against as a Black girl in white spaces.

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S3 Ep. 4: She Was Just Everything To Me: Dominique Dawes Mar 14, 2022

When you ask people of a certain age to remember the first Black gymnast, odds are they’ll remember Dominique Dawes. What they don’t remember – or maybe never knew about – is the immense pressure that she faced as a Black prodigy in the sport. Today, Dominique is using her powerful legacy to distance herself from USA Gymnastics and ensure that future gymnasts have the childhood she never did.

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S3 Ep. 3: I Wanted Freedom: Betty Okino Mar 07, 2022

Betty Okino started gymnastics “late” — at age 9 — and begged her mother to let her train with Bela Karolyi so that she could realize her Olympic dream. She won bronze medals at the 1992 Olympics. And despite having stories of training until her knees and back broke, being denied food, and being pitted against her teammates, it was only recently that she began to admit to herself that Karolyi’s training methods constituted abuse. Now, as a coach and choreographer, Betty approaches her responsibilities very differently.

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S3 Ep. 2: Life Is Too Short To Be Bitter: Dianne Durham Feb 28, 2022

Dianne Durham could have represented the United States at the 1984 Olympics in LA, but she was injured during trials. A combination of racism and internal gymnastics coaching politics meant that she was unable to petition for a spot on the team. In this episode, we give the trailblazer the flowers she deserved – almost four decades overdue.

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S3 Ep. 1: We’re Inevitable Feb 21, 2022

Jordan Chiles tells Amira about losing her love for gymnastics and how she discovered who she wanted to become – just in time to win a silver medal in Tokyo in 2021.

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S3 Trailer: American Prodigies: The Rise of Black Girls in Gymnastics Feb 14, 2022

This season of American Prodigies is the story of how Black girls moved from the margins of gymnastics to the core. You’ll hear from trailblazers and viral sensations – coaches and mentors and trainers – journalists and academics – and athletes themselves – as we unpack what it means to be a Black girl in gymnastics.

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S3 Preview: The Next American Prodigies Feb 14, 2022

Amira talks with her Burn It All Down cohost, Jessica Luther, about what to expect from this season of American Prodigies

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S2 Ep. 5: The Last Swing May 11, 2021

In June of 2010, hours before the Mariners hosted the Twins, a 40-year-old Ken Griffey Jr. got into his car and drove out of Seattle. He told no one that he was leaving, and told no one where he was going. Instead of a farewell tour, Junior retired from baseball driving for two straight days from Washington to Florida to return home—for good. In many ways, his retirement—both the way that it was received and the reason he chose to do it that way—is the best portrait of Griffey’s legacy, forcing us to ask the question: did we need him more than he needed us?

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S2 Ep. 4: What the F*** is a Met? May 04, 2021

If Ken Griffey Jr. was the charismatic new face of MLB who brought tons of new fans to the sport, why has baseball's popularity continued to decline over the last two decades? And, why has the number of Black ballplayers declined, too? Was The Kid baseball's last black superstar? For a sport that’s always been known as America’s pastime, baseball can’t seem to stay in touch with America.

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S2 Ep. 3: Do Your Thing Apr 27, 2021

In 1999, Griffey was in the prime of his career with the Mariners. Yet, instead of playing out his last season, he turned down an extension, requested a trade, and was shipped to the Cincinnati Reds. Was Ken giving up on Seattle? Or was he truly looking to have a homecoming both on and off the diamond?

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S2 Ep. 2: Griffey To The Max Apr 20, 2021

After the strike, Griffey became a superstar on and off the field. From cameos on “The Simpsons” and “Fresh Prince,” to record-selling video games and a signature Nike shoe, The Kid had taken over popular culture. Griffey was becoming a brand all to himself, paving the way for the athletes of today. But, one thing that comes with blazing a trail, is that it's hard to figure out. For Ken, it led to a breaking point.

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S2 Ep. 1: The Two Kids Apr 13, 2021

He's remembered as one of the biggest stars in America and a 90's cultural icon, yet somehow, it seems like Griffey's legacy has gone missing. Where did it go? Musician Kid Sensation (Xola Malik) and producer Alex Ward revisit the origins of Ken's early success in high school and with the Mariners, Xola's own beginnings with Sir Mix-a-Lot's crew, and the moment these two Kids crossed paths in Seattle.

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S2 Trailer: American Prodigy: The Kid Apr 06, 2021

What ever happened to Ken Griffey Jr., our love for him, and our love for baseball? Seattle musician and friend of Griffey, Kid Sensation (Xola Malik), as well as producer Alex Ward, rehash the life and career of one of sports most misunderstood superstars, and examine America’s relationship with baseball, music, race, celebrity and success.

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S2 Preview: The Next American Prodigy Apr 06, 2021

Grant Wahl is back to introduce Season 2 of American Prodigy. Grant talks to Xola Malik and producer Alex Ward about "The Kid," his impact on Seattle, baseball, and 90's culture. What ever happened to "The Kid," our love for him, and our love for baseball?

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S1 Bonus: The Breakdown Jan 12, 2021

Grant sits down with producer Harry Swartout and goes behind the scenes of the making of American Prodigy: Freddy Adu. What did it take to get the interviews done in a pandemic? Did Freddy’s penchant for trash talk ever land him in trouble? What really went down between Grant and Jaleel White at the MLS Cup? Grant tells all and plays quality audio we just didn’t have time for in the story.

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S1 Ep. 7: The Return Jan 05, 2021

While this podcast was being made, 31-year-old Freddy signed with Swedish third-division club Österlen, his first pro club in two years. Playing now for the love of the game, Freddy discusses his unexpected opportunity and what he has learned from being an American Prodigy. Is this the beginning of a great comeback? Or are we letting unreasonably high expectations get ahead of Freddy once again?

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S1 Ep. 6: Freddy’s Legacy Dec 22, 2020

It’s been two years since Freddy played competitive soccer, but at age 31 he’s still trying to make a comeback, even as he teaches the next generation. Today is a new world in American soccer, where the best prospects leave for Europe and developmental academies stateside grow to provide support for America’s next prodigy. What happens to the next Freddy Adu? Are we ready for the next American Prodigy? Are they already here? Grant Wahl examines.

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S1 Ep. 5: All Falls Down Dec 15, 2020

After a championship-winning rookie season, anything seemed possible for Freddy. Yet over the next 14 years, Freddy would play for more than a dozen teams in MLS, Europe, South America and the USL, slowly turning from an American Prodigy into a cautionary tale. Short flashes of success in summer tournaments provided flickering glimpses of hope that Freddy would gain traction and turn into a superstar. But Adu could never establish consistency at the club level. Grant Wahl watched Freddy struggle to build momentum in his career as it faded away. What went wrong?

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S1 Ep. 4: That Smile Dec 08, 2020

Freddy Adu had a million dollar smile. He flashed it on the field when he beat defenders twice his age. He showed it for the media when he gave interviews and posed for photographs. And he turned it on as D.C. United got hot down the stretch and made a push for the 2004 MLS Cup. But Grant Wahl noticed that as Freddy’s rookie season wore on, the 15-year-old's smile began to fade. Was the pressure that Freddy felt finally getting to him?

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S1 Ep. 3: Young and Black in America Dec 01, 2020

Not even Freddy was ready for the passionate response to him from Black Americans, many of whom had rarely engaged with MLS or soccer before. American soccer has long been a country-club sport—largely white and upper-middle-class—but Freddy's race, potential and extreme youth helped make him a cultural touchstone who transcended sports. They also left him virtually alone in locker rooms full of white men old enough to be his father. Grant Wahl saw a teenager constantly surrounded by media, teammates and fans, but was he really connecting with any of them?

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S1 Ep. 2: The Freddy Adu Show Nov 24, 2020

Freddy stepped off the stage of his introductory MLS press conference and right onto The Late Show with David Letterman. Before Adu had even played a pro game, MLS promoted its fresh-faced teen superstar with commercials alongside Pelé, feature stories and magazine covers in order to save a league in desperate financial straits. Freddy Mania put butts in the seats for the 2004 season, but it also set expectations unbelievably high. No one even knew if he was going to start games. Grant Wahl watched the pressure mount, wondering: “Can Freddy handle the hype?”

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S1 Ep. 1: The Legend of Freddy Adu Nov 17, 2020

In the streets of Ghana, Freddy played with boys twice his age. In the D.C. suburbs, Freddy went from playing at recess to dominating travel tournaments all within a week. Just six months into his stay at the prestigious IMG Academy in Florida, Freddy was at the top of the class. He had teams in England, Italy, Spain and America salivating as they waited for him to turn pro. That was before he dominated the FIFA U-17 World Championship. Grant Wahl knew it was time for Freddy to sign, but where?

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S1 Preview: Finding Freddy Nov 12, 2020

When Nike signed thirteen-year-old Freddy Adu to a million dollar contract, they thought he could be bigger than Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, and LeBron James. As it turned out, however, Freddy never lived up to the hype. Soccer journalist Grant Wahl investigates the impossible expectations that were placed on the teenager, and discusses with Freddy just how much of the blame lies on the media, MLS, and Freddy himself.

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S1 Trailer: American Prodigy: Freddy Adu Oct 08, 2020

He was an American Prodigy. The next Pelé. The savior of U.S. Soccer. But he wasn’t even old enough to drive. In 2004, Freddy Adu joined MLS at 14 years old becoming the youngest American pro athlete in 100 years. His story is a tale of talent, money, fame and futbol. Soccer journalist Grant Wahl retraces the legend of Freddy as he went from superstar to one of the biggest “what ifs,” asking, what determines who “makes it,” who “doesn’t,” and what does all of it say about us?

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