Butkus Beyond The Line

Latest Episodes:

Chilling in the Windy City with Ryan Chiaverini Apr 27, 2023

Show notes

Ryan Chiaverini is an Emmy Award-winning television personality, actor, musician, and a southern California native. He’s a sports anchor and host of Windy City Weekend on ABC-7 Chicago. Since 2006, Ryan has covered all of Chicago’s major sports and interviewed a number of celebrities.

In this episode, hosts Matt Butkus and Matt Amendola talk with Ryan about his football career playing with his brother at the University of Colorado Boulder, his broadcast journey leading him to Chicago, and more.

Chiaverini has interviewed some of the biggest names across a multitude of industries such as entertainment, sports, and music. His family has a deep impact in the sports world, including his younger twin brother, Darrin Chiaverini, who played in the NFL with three different organizations, and is now an Offensive Analyst for the UCLA Bruins football team.

This podcast is brought to you by Americaneagle.com Studios. Follow this podcast wherever you listen to them!

Connect with:

· Butkus Beyond The Line: Website

· Dick Butkus: Twitter // Instagram // Facebook // Website // The Butkus Award

· Matt Butkus (Butko): Twitter

· Matt Amendola (Dola): Twitter // Instagram

· Ryan Chiaverini: Twitter // Instagram // Facebook // Website

The Pawn on the Gridiron with Jack Sanborn Apr 20, 2023

Show notes

Jack Sanborn, current linebacker for the Chicago Bears, joins the show today. Growing up in Deer Park, IL, Jack attended Lake Zurich High School where he recorded 296 tackles, and 13 sacks in the three years he played varsity. He was rated as a four-star recruit and went on to further his football career at the University of Wisconsin.

In this episode, hosts Matt Butkus and Matt Amendola talk with Sanborn about his football career growing up in Illinois to now playing for his hometown favorite team, the Chicago Bears. The three also discuss the major differences Sanborn's experiencing from college football to the pros, and more.

Sanborn signed with the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent following the start of the 2022-23 NFL season. In his first career start against the Detroit Lions, Sanborn recorded 2 sacks and 12 tackles. Pro Football Focus named Sanborn to their 2022 All-Rookie Team following the regular season.

This podcast is brought to you by Americaneagle.com Studios. Follow this podcast wherever you listen to them!

Connect with:

· Butkus Beyond The Line: Website

· Dick Butkus: Twitter // Instagram // Facebook // Website // The Butkus Award

· Matt Butkus (Butko): Twitter

· Matt Amendola (Dola): Twitter // Instagram

· Jack Sanborn: Twitter // Instagram

Catching Up with an Old Roommate with Tony Boselli Mar 09, 2023

Show notes

Tony Boselli joins the show today, a former USC Trojan Offensive Tackle from 1991 – 1994. In 1995 he was the first player ever to be drafted by the new Jacksonville Jaguars franchise in the first round, second pick overall.

In the episode, our hosts, Matt Butkus and Matt Amendola, chat with Tony about the moment he found out that he was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame, debating whether there’s enough room for the XFL and USFL in the football world, and more.

Tony was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 2022, with an impressive number of accolades being a Three-time First-team All-Pro, Five-time Pro-Bowler, and College Football Hall of Famer. He only missed 1 game throughout his whole NFL career playing 90 out of 91 games.

This podcast is brought to you by Americaneagle.com Studios. Follow this podcast wherever you listen to them!

Connect with:

· Butkus Beyond The Line: Website

· Dick Butkus: Twitter // Instagram // Facebook // Website // The Butkus Award

· Matt Butkus (Butko): Twitter

· Matt Amendola (Dola): Twitter // Instagram

· Tony Boselli: Twitter

The Grind Never Ends with Danny Amendola Feb 09, 2023

Show notes

Danny Amendola grew up in Woodlands, Texas, and went on to further his football career at Texas Tech University. Being an undrafted free agent in 2008, he was signed on to the Dallas Cowboys practice squad, then made a powerful impact by starting at wide receiver for the St. Louis Rams in 2009.

In this episode, our hosts, Matt Butkus and Matt Amendola, talk to Danny about his experience being coached by the legendary Mike Leach, reliving past memories in New England, and recapping his experience on “Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test.”

From 2013 to 2017, Danny made a run with the New England Patriots winning two Super Bowls with the franchise (XLIX & LI). He played for 7 different NFL organizations throughout his career, tallying over 6,000 receiving yards, 24 receiving touchdowns, and over 5,000 return yards.

This podcast is brought to you by Americaneagle.com Studios. Follow this podcast wherever you listen to them!

Connect with:

· Butkus Beyond The Line: Website

· Dick Butkus: Twitter // Instagram // Facebook // Website // The Butkus Award

· Matt Butkus (Butko): Twitter

· Matt Amendola (Dola): Twitter // Instagram

· Danny Amendola: Twitter

Student Turned Hunter with Richard Dent Jan 26, 2023

Show notes

Richard Dent grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, and went on to pursue his football career at Tennessee State University. After being drafted by the Bears in 1983, he accelerated at his position, defensive end, and had a list of accolades throughout his career. In 2011, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame for his efforts.

In the episode, our hosts, Matt Butkus and Matt Amendola sit down with Richard to talk about his experience as a rookie once he joined the Chicago Bears, Richard being awarded MVP in the 1985 Super Bowl, and his current thoughts and opinions on what the Chicago Bears need to do this off-season.

When the Bears defeated the New England Patriots 46-10 in Super Bowl XX, Richard was selected as the game’s MVP. He recorded 1.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and a blocked pass in that game. He was also a featured soloist of the “Shuffling Crew” in the Super Bowl Shuffle Video in 1985.

This podcast is brought to you by Americaneagle.com Studios. Follow this podcast wherever you listen to them!

Connect with:

· Butkus Beyond The Line: Website

· Dick Butkus: Twitter // Instagram // Facebook // Website // The Butkus Award

· Matt Butkus (Butko): Twitter

· Matt Amendola (Dola): Twitter // Instagram

· Richard Dent: Website

Chuckin Knucks with Alan May Jan 12, 2023

Show notes

Alan May is a former professional hockey player and current NHL analyst for NBC Sports Washington covering everything Washington Capitals. He played for 5 different NHL organizations between 1988 to 1995.

In this episode, our hosts, Matt Butkus and Matt Amendola talk with Alan about his playing career being undrafted, his early life growing up in the Canadian hockey culture, and his broadcast career with the Washington Capitals.

May started his playing career in the NHL with the Boston Bruins and the Edmonton Oilers, but had a more significant role with the Washington Capitals. In the 1989-90 NHL season, May still remains the Capitals’ single-season leader in penalty minutes with 339. His career total is 1,348 penalty minutes throughout his professional career.

This podcast is brought to you by Americaneagle.com Studios. Follow this podcast wherever you listen to them!

Connect with:

· Butkus Beyond The Line: Website

· Dick Butkus: Twitter // Instagram // Facebook // Website // The Butkus Award

· Matt Butkus (Butko): Twitter

· Matt Amendola (Dola): Twitter // Instagram

· Alan May: Twitter // Instagram // LinkedIn

Trust, Love, & Commitment with Chris Zorich Dec 22, 2022

Show notes

Chris Zorich grew up on the south side of Chicago where he attended Chicago Vocational High School. The same high school that, “The Maestro of Mayhem”, Dick Butkus also attended in his early days. Chris went on to play football at the University of Notre Dame, where he won a National Championship and eventually went on to play for the Chicago Bears for six seasons (1991 – 1997).

In this episode, our hosts, Matt Butkus and Matt Amendola, talk with Chris about the truth behind college athletes going into the transfer portal, Chris’s journey playing football and being recruited by Dick Butkus himself, and Notre Dame’s culture change for football when he was coached by the legend Lou Holtz.

In 1989, Chris won the Lombardi Award as a senior in college. The award is given out to college football players that embody the spirit and values of the NFL’s legendary coach Vince Lombardi. In Chris’s last college game ever, he won Defensive MVP in the Orange Bowl against the University of Colorado.

This podcast is brought to you by Americaneagle.com Studios. Follow this podcast wherever you listen to them!

Connect with:

· Butkus Beyond The Line: Website

· Dick Butkus: Twitter // Instagram // Facebook // Website // The Butkus Award

· Matt Butkus (Butko): Twitter

· Matt Amendola (Dola): Twitter // Instagram

· Chris Zorich: Twitter // Instagram // YouTube

Ice, Grit, and Skills with Dylan Strome Dec 08, 2022

Show notes

Dylan Strome grew up in Mississauga, Ontario playing hockey at an early age. In 2015, Strome was drafted first-round third overall in the 2015 NHL draft by the Arizona Coyotes. After playing three seasons with the Yotes, Strome went on to play for the Chicago Blackhawks for 4 seasons, tallying up 225 points.

In this episode, our hosts Matt Butkus and Matt Amendola talk to Strome about his career with the Blackhawks, playing superstars of the likes of Patrick Kane and Alex DeBrincat, his experience playing in the 2019 Winter Classic against the Boston Bruins, and his life outside of hockey.

Dylan Strome currently plays for the Washington Capitals and has two brothers that are also in the National Hockey League. — Ryan Strome playing for the Anaheim Ducks and Matthew Strome playing for the Washington Capitals AHL team, the Hershey Bears.

This podcast is brought to you by Americaneagle.com Studios. Follow this podcast wherever you listen to them!

Connect with:

· Butkus Beyond The Line: Website

· Dick Butkus: Twitter // Instagram // Facebook // Website // The Butkus Award

· Matt Butkus (Butko): Twitter

· Matt Amendola (Dola): Twitter // Instagram

· Dylan Strome: Twitter // Instagram

The Punishing Ball-Hawk with Gary Fencik Nov 24, 2022

Show notes

Gary Fencik grew up just outside of Chicago in Barrington, Illinois. He played college football at Yale University in the wide receiver position, catching 86 passes for 1,436 yards and 7 touchdowns from 1973 to 1975.

In this episode, our host, Matt Butkus, talks with Gary about his unique journey to the NFL being drafted by the Miami Dolphins originally, how the idea of the Iconic Super Bowl Shuffle came to fruition, and Gary’s advice he gives to former athletes looking for their next career path after football from the NFL.

Gary Fencik was drafted in the 10th round in the 1976 NFL draft by the Miami Dolphins. With Miami transitioning him to defensive back, Gary faced a ruptured lung and was released from the Dolphins and sent back to Chicago where the Bears would eventually pick him up on the roster. Two-time Pro Bowl selection, a two-time All-Pro selection, and an 85’ Super Bowl Champion later. Gary is on the list of the 100 Greatest Bears of All-Time.

This podcast is brought to you by Americaneagle.com Studios. Follow this podcast wherever you listen to them!

Connect with:

· Butkus Beyond The Line: Website

· Dick Butkus: Twitter // Instagram // Facebook // Website // The Butkus Award

· Matt Butkus (Butko): Twitter

· Matt Amendola (Dola): Twitter // Instagram

· Gary Fencik: LinkedIn

Battle Scars & The Wild West with Keith Van Horne Nov 10, 2022

Show notes

We are joined today by Keith Van Horne, who played Offensive Tackle for the Chicago Bears from 1981 to 1993. He’s a Super Bowl Champion playing on the 1985 Bears Team, and he’s a former National Champion, who had played for the USC Trojans back in 1978.

In this episode, our hosts, Matt Butkus and Matt Amendola, talk to Keith about some of the craziest stories Keith experienced during his time with the Bears. They discuss the '85 Super Bowl season, Keith’s experience with Mike Ditka as head coach, and what he currently likes to do in his day-to-day lifestyle.

Keith Van Horne was selected 11th overall in the 1981 Draft by the Chicago Bears. In his 13 NFL seasons, Van Horne played 186 games and started 169 of them. Back in 1980 for the USC Trojans, he was named First-Team All-American playing Offensive Tackle.

This podcast is brought to you by Americaneagle.com Studios. Follow this podcast wherever you listen to them!

Connect with:

· Butkus Beyond The Line: Website

· Dick Butkus: Twitter // Instagram // Facebook // Website // The Butkus Award

· Matt Butkus (Butko): Twitter

· Matt Amendola (Dola): Twitter // Instagram

· Keith Van Horne: Website