Cohen's Corner - TopPodcast.com

Ep. 30 — Robbie Gould Feb 10, 2021

Michael is joined by San Francisco 49ers kicker Robbie Gould, who is now the longest-tenured kicker in the National Football League at 38 years old. A former walk-on at Penn State, Robbie entered the league as an undrafted free agent before catching on with the Chicago Bears in 2005. Over the next 11 years, Robbie entrenched himself as one of the best kickers in the league by making the Pro Bowl, being named an All-Pro, guiding the Bears to a Super Bowl appearance and finishing his time in Chicago as the franchise's all-time leading scorer. Robbie has continued to find success in San Francisco, where he made a career-high 39 field goals in 2017 and was named second-team All-Pro by Pro Football Focus. In total, Robbie has had 13 seasons with five or fewer missed field goals and ranks 11th all time in field goals made. Off the field, Robbie has raised more than $3 million for charitable causes through his foundation, The Goulden Touch.

Ep. 29 — Cliff Avril Jan 07, 2021

Michael is joined by former Seattle Seahawks and Detroit Lions defensive end Cliff Avril, who developed into one of the better pass rushers in the league before a neck injury cut his career short in 2017. A former third-round pick by the Lions, Avril endured the ultimate high and ultimate low of life in the NFL: He won a Super Bowl with the Seahawks in 2013; and he endured an 0-16 season with the Lions during his rookie season in 2008. Along the way, Avril earned the reputation of a ball-hawking defensive end who finished with 74 career sacks and 30 forced fumbles across 10 seasons. Now retired, Avril and his family remained in Seattle where they spend much of their time giving back to the community through the Cliff Avril Family Foundation.

Ep. 28 — Tamba Hali Dec 15, 2020

Michael is joined by former Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Tamba Hali, whose story ventures far beyond the confines of his sport. In football, Hali was an All-American defensive end at Penn State and a first-round pick by the Chiefs in 2006. He spent his entire career in Kansas City and developed into one of the best pass rushers in the league, evidenced by six consecutive trips to the Pro Bowl (2010-15) and two seasons in which he was named second-team All-Pro (2011, 2013). Off the field, Hali has focused his philanthropic efforts toward his native Liberia, where he helped create a clinic during the Ebola crisis and is now working toward the construction of a school. Hali also has his own record label, Relumae Records, where he showcases his own songs and also works with prominent artists and producers from Africa.

Ep. 27 — Norm Chow Dec 07, 2020

Michael is joined by longtime offensive coordinator Norm Chow, whose remarkable career began as a high school coach in Hawaii and has spanned some 50 years. Regarded as an elite offensive mind, Chow won three national titles at the collegiate level (BYU, USC x2) and in 2002 he received the prestigious Broyles Award given to the country's top assistant coach. Chow has tutored three Heisman Trophy-winning quarterbacks — Ty Detmer, Carson Palmer, Matt Leinart — and also coached a handful more of the game's greatest QBs: Jim McMahon, Steve Young, Philip Rivers, Steve McNair and Vince Young, to name a few. His career featured stops at BYU, N.C. State, USC, the Tennessee Titans, UCLA, Utah, Hawaii (head coach) and, most recently, the XFL prior to the pandemic. Tune in for a rollicking conversation.

Ep. 26 — Beth Mowins Nov 10, 2020

Michael is joined by ESPN and CBS play-by-play broadcaster Beth Mowins, who became the first woman to call a national NFL broadcast when she was part of the Monday Night Football season opener in 2017. Mowins earned her master's degree in communications from Syracuse University in 1990 and joined ESPN four years later. Her work at ESPN has included broadcasts of college basketball, college football, softball, soccer, volleyball and the NFL. A terrific athlete in her own right, Mowins was a D-1 point guard and 1,000-point scorer at Lafayette College.

Ep. 25 — Charlie Ward Oct 20, 2020

Michael is joined by Heisman Trophy winner and former New York Knicks point guard Charlie Ward, who is regarded as one of the best all-around athletes of his generation. Ward starred at Florida State in the early 1990s and led the Seminoles to a national championship on the football field and the Elite Eight on the basketball court. He was also drafted by both the Milwaukee Brewers and the New York Yankees despite not playing baseball in college. The Knicks selected Ward with the 26th pick in the 1994 NBA Draft, and he helped guide them to seven consecutive postseason appearances and one trip to the NBA Finals.

Ep. 24 — Ronnie Brown Oct 06, 2020

Michael is joined by former Miami Dolphins and Auburn Tigers running back Ronnie Brown. A native of Georgia, Brown was a two-time All-SEC performer at Auburn and helped lead the Tigers to a perfect 13-0 season in 2004. Brown was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft and would go on to play 10 years in the league for the Dolphins, Eagles, Chargers and Texans. He rushed for a career-high 1,008 yards in 2006 and was named to the Pro Bowl in 2008 when he rushed for 916 yards and scored 10 touchdowns. Brown also served as the Dolphins' wildcat quarterback alongside fellow running back Ricky Williams as that formation took the league by storm in '08.

Ep. 23 — Eric Musselman Sep 22, 2020

Michael is joined by Arkansas men's basketball coach Eric Musselman, who guided the Razorbacks to a 20-12 record in his first year with the program last season. Musselman, 55, is the former head coach of the Golden State Warriors (2002-04), the Sacramento Kings (2006-07) and the University of Nevada (2015-19). He also worked as an assistant coach for the Orlando Magic (1998-2000), the Atlanta Hawks (2000-02) and the Memphis Grizzlies (2004-06). His international basketball resume includes stints as head coach of the Dominican Republic and Venezuelan national teams. Eric is the son of former Cleveland Cavaliers and Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Bill Musselman.

Ep. 22 — Wes Hodkiewicz Sep 14, 2020

Michael is joined by Packers digital reporter Wes Hodkiewicz for a behind-the-scenes look at what's happening inside Lambeau Field during a time when access to the building is restricted due to COVID-19. Having previously covered the Packers for the Green Bay Press-Gazette, Hodkiewicz offers terrific insight into how the organization prepared for the 2020 season and what daily life looks like for players, coaches and staff in this unprecedented NFL campaign.

Ep. 21 — Kevin Harlan Aug 31, 2020

Michael is joined by sports broadcaster and play-by-play man Kevin Harlan, the son of former Green Bay Packers president and CEO Bob Harlan. From his calls of the NFL and college basketball on CBS to his radio broadcasts of Monday Night Football on Westwood One to his coverage of the NBA for TNT, Kevin's voice and energy have become ubiquitous with some of sports biggest moments. Join Michael and Kevin for behind-the-scenes stories from the NFL and NBA, a deep dive into the art of broadcasting and some tremendous insight into the modern rebirth of the Packers.

Ep. 20 — Tyler Dunne Aug 19, 2020

Michael is joined by Bleacher Report's NFL features writer Tyler Dunne, whose longform stories have become must-read material for football fans around the country. Michael and Tyler went to college together at Syracuse University and both covered the Green Bay Packers for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, where Michael followed in Tyler's footsteps. Join them for a discussion about reporting methods, the fate of this year's NFL season and Tyler's recent stories on Jameis Winston, Minkah Fitzpatrick and Marquise "Hollywood" Brown.

Ep. 19 — Dennis Thurman Aug 03, 2020

Michael is joined by former Bills and Jets defensive coordinator Dennis Thurman, who worked alongside head coach Rex Ryan with both franchises from 2008-16. Thurman, who starred at safety for Southern California, played nine seasons at cornerback for the Cowboys and Cardinals before entering coaching in 1988. He developed a terrific reputation for mentoring defensive backs during his years as a secondary coach in both college football (USC) and the NFL (Ravens and Jets) prior to becoming a coordinator. His pupils have included Troy Polamalu, Ed Reed, Chris McAlister, Samari Rolle, Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie, among others. Thurman appeared in one Super Bowl as a player and reached a total of six conference championship games during his career.

Ep. 18 — Rob McClanaghan Jul 27, 2020

Michael is joined by basketball trainer Rob McClanaghan, whose private workout business with some of the sports's biggest stars has made him one of the more influential people in NBA circles. A former walk-on at Syracuse, Rob's client list now includes Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, Derrick Rose, Russell Westbrook and Kevin Love. He's also worked with Anthony Davis, James Harden, Carmelo Anthony, LeBron James and many more of the league's elite. Tune in for a discussion about player development, star power and what makes some of the NBA's best truly great.

Ep. 17 — Lou Savarese Jul 20, 2020

Michael is joined by former heavyweight boxing champion Lou Savarese, who fought some of the biggest names in the sport: Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, George Foreman, Buster Douglas and Riddick Bowe. A two-time New York Golden Gloves champion as an amateur, Savarese reeled off 36 consecutive victories to begin his professional career and went on to win both the WBO Inter-Continental Heavyweight title and the IBA Heavyweight title. Savarese, who also dabbled in acting and made a cameo appearance on The Sopranos, retired from fighting in 2007 with a record of 46 wins (38 KOs) and 7 losses.

Ep. 16 — Chris Snee Jul 13, 2020

Michael is joined by former New York Giants offensive lineman Chris Snee, a two-time Super Bowl champion and the son-in-law of coach Tom Coughlin. Snee entrenched himself at right guard for the duration of his career (2004-13), all of which was spent with the Giants, and developed into one of the best players in the league at his position. He earned four trips to the Pro Bowl (2008-10, 2012) and was named to three All-Pro teams (2008-10), including a first-team All-Pro honor in 2008. Revered for his toughness, Snee made 101 consecutive starts from 2005-11 and anchored a unit responsible for protecting quarterback Eli Manning.

Ep. 15 — Mike Minter Jul 06, 2020

Michael is joined by former Carolina Panthers safety Mike Minter, who is now the head coach at FCS Campbell University in North Carolina. A former second-round pick out of Nebraska, Minter was an ironman for the Panthers who retired as the franchise leader in tackles, starts and consecutive starts following a 10-year career from 1997-2006. After football, Minter considered running for the U.S. House of Representatives in 2009 before turning his attention to coaching. Minter has been the head coach at Campbell since 2012 and has put together three consecutive winning seasons. He organized the school's first-ever Pro Day in 2016 that attracted 19 NFL scouts.

Ep. 14 — LeRoy Butler Jun 29, 2020

Michael is joined by Packers legend LeRoy Butler, who was a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame earlier this year. A second-round pick in 1990, Butler developed into one of the best safeties in the league and would later be named to the NFL's All-Decade Team for the '90s. Butler made the Pro Bowl four times during his 12 years in Green Bay (1990-2001) and was also named first-team All-Pro in each of those seasons. Tune in for some incredible stories about Butler's journey from the projects of Jacksonville to hoisting the Lombardi Trophy.

Ep. 13 — Wade Phillips Jun 22, 2020

Michael is joined by legendary defensive mastermind Wade Phillips, whose career in the NFL has spanned five decades. Phillips, 73, served most recently as defensive coordinator of the Los Angeles Rams (2017-19) but his resume includes stints with the Houston Oilers, New Orleans Saints, Philadelphia Eagles, Denver Broncos (twice), Buffalo Bills, Atlanta Falcons, San Diego Chargers, Dallas Cowboys and Houston Texans. He compiled a head coaching record of 82-64 (.562) and reached the playoffs in five of his nine seasons as a head coach for the Broncos, Bills and Cowboys. Phillips was the architect for one of the best defenses in NFL history when the Broncos won the Super Bowl in 2015.

Ep. 12 — Scott Burrell Jun 15, 2020

Michael is joined by former Chicago Bulls small forward Scott Burrell, who was a role player alongside Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen during the 1997-98 season chronicled in the documentary The Last Dance. Burrell, who starred at the University of Connecticut, remains the only athlete to be drafted in the first round for multiple professional sports leagues: as a pitcher by the Seattle Mariners in 1989 and as a wing player for the Charlotte Hornets in 1993. Burrell is now the head men's basketball coach at Southern Connecticut State University.

Ep. 11 — Keenan McCardell Jun 08, 2020

Michael is joined by Jaguars wide receivers coach Keenan McCardell, who won two Super Bowl rings and went to two Pro Bowls as a longtime NFL wideout. A former 12th-round pick in 1991, McCardell went on to star for the Jaguars, Buccaneers and Chargers. He finished his career with five 1,000-yard seasons and ranks 34th all-time in receiving yards. McCardell entered the coaching ranks in 2010 with the Redskins and also spent two years at the University of Maryland before assuming his current position with the Jaguars.

Ep. 10 — Lindsey Hunter Jun 02, 2020

Michael is joined by two-time NBA champion Lindsey Hunter, who is now the head coach at Mississippi Valley State. A former lottery pick from Jackson State, Hunter won his first ring with Shaq and Kobe in Los Angeles before winning a second in Detroit alongside Chauncey Billups and Rasheed Wallace. He broke into coaching with the Suns in 2012 and the Warriors in 2013 before transitioning to the college ranks. Now he's building his own program at an HBCU amid our country's turbulent racial climate.

Ep. 9 — Brian Windhorst May 26, 2020

Michael is joined by NBA reporter Brian Windhorst of ESPN. A two-time New York Times best-selling author, Windhorst has been chronicling the NBA for nearly 20 years and offers his insight about Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, The Last Dance and a wealth of other basketball topics. Stick around for some incredible stories about LeBron James the football player, too.

Ep. 8 — Jim Nagy May 18, 2020

Michael is joined by longtime NFL scouting veteran Jim Nagy, who is now the executive director of the Senior Bowl. Jim spent 18 years as a scout for the Redskins (2001), Patriots (2002-08), Chiefs (2009-12) and Seahawks (2013-18) in both regional and national capacities before taking over college football's preeminent all-star game. Tune in as he brings listeners behind the scenes of the scouting world and the pre-draft process.

Ep. 7 — Marvin Lewis May 11, 2020

Michael is joined by former Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis, who is now the co-defensive coordinator at Arizona State. Tune in for a discussion about breaking into the league with Bill Cowher and the Steelers, what it was like to coach arguably the greatest defense of all time with the Ravens and how he turned a franchise around in 16 seasons as coach of the Bengals.

Ep. 6 — Casey Hayward May 04, 2020

Michael is joined by two-time All-Pro cornerback Casey Hayward of the Los Angeles Chargers. Hayward, who was drafted by the Packers in 2012, offers some insight about covering the league's best receivers, developing proper study habits, how to break down film, the importance of a position coach to overall development and those legendary pick-up basketball games at Lambeau Field.

Ep. 5 — Geep Chryst Apr 27, 2020

Michael is joined by longtime NFL assistant Geep Chryst, who has coached for the Bears (1991-95), Cardinals (1996-98; 2001-03), Chargers (1999-2000), Panthers (2006-10), 49ers (2011-15) and Broncos (2017-18). Tune in for stories about head coach Jim Harbaugh practicing in full uniform for the 49ers, weekly wine and cheese nights with Mike Ditka and what it's like to scout his brother Paul Chryst's players at Wisconsin.

Ep. 4 — Greg Bishop Apr 20, 2020

Michael is joined by Sports Illustrated senior writer Greg Bishop, who is one of the preeminent sports reporters in the country. Tune in for stories about Ricky Williams and marijuana use in the NFL; the brutal side of football that teams don't want you to see; the moral challenges of covering football and boxing; and how Greg ended up on a private plane with UFC star Conor McGregor.

Ep. 3 — Sage Rosenfels Apr 13, 2020

Michael is joined by former NFL quarterback Sage Rosenfels, who played 12 years in the league (2001-12) for the Redskins, Dolphins, Texans, Vikings and Giants. Tune in for stories about Brett Favre, Ricky Williams, Kyle Shanahan, Andre Johnson and what it's like to be a quarterback in the NFL Draft.

Ep. 2 — Dave McGinnis Apr 06, 2020

Michael is joined by former Arizona Cardinals head coach Dave McGinnis, whose career in pro football stretched from the '86 Chicago Bears to the '16 Los Angeles Rams, from legendary linebacker Mike Singletary to future Hall of Famer Aaron Donald. Tune in for 30 years of stories, insight and more.

Ep. 1 — Jerry Glanville Mar 31, 2020

Michael is joined by former Houston Oilers and Atlanta Falcons head coach Jerry Glanville, a football lifer whose lengthy career began in the late 1960s. At 78 years old, Glanville is now the defensive coordinator for the XFL's Tampa Bay Vipers. He remains one of the sport's best storytellers.

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