Greatest Show on Grass

Special Bonus Segment: Rams 2017 Draft Recap May 05, 2017

Is it time to panic? Joshua Neuman in joined by Bryan Kalbrosky, managing editor of USA Today’s TheRamsWire, to dissect the Los Angeles Rams 2017 draft class, one that has been widely maligned by the draft community. Will the Rams regret not passing on Forrest Lamp and failing to address their offensive line? What is the future of Tavon Austin with the addition of third round slot receiver, Cooper Kupp? Is John Johnson the new Rodney McLeod? How good can Josh Reynolds be in year one? And, can the Rams expect any of their undrafted free agents to make this year’s 53-man squad? These questions and others on this anxiety-inducing special bonus segment of the Greatest Show on Grass.

#35: John Hock and Brock The Rock Apr 24, 2017

You may not have heard of guard John Hock, who joined the Los Angles Rams prior to the 1953 season. You’re likely more familiar with the names of his teammates: Elroy “Crazylegs” Hirsch, Norm Van Brocklin, Tom Fears, Tank Younger, and Dick “Night Train” Lane. They were the most star-studded team of their era and one that would forever leave an imprint on pro football. Joshua Neuman is joined by the late John Hock’s son, Jim Hock, to discuss his recent book, “Hollywood’s Team: Grit, Glamour and the 1950s Los Angeles Rams.” The book explores the Rams during this, their most glamorous era, through the eyes of John Hock, who often found himself on the outside looking in. Neuman and Jim Hock discuss his father’s experiences, how the city of Los Angeles embraced the team, and how the team managed to embody the burgeoning aesthetics and values of Hollywood. Plus, we explore the fantastic world of Brock “The Rock” Callahan, a fictional Rams guard who was the protagonist of a crime series by author William Campbell Gault as well as of an unaired television pilot in 1959 for CBS.

#34: An Elegy for the 1989 L.A. Rams Mar 01, 2017

Los Angeles in the 1980s was rife with wild contradictions: serial killers and valley girls, hair metal and gangsta rap, cocaine and gourmet pizza. Just an hour south on Interstate-5 in anodyne Anaheim, Rams games often felt like a quiet oasis, but in 1989 all that changed. The Rams emerged as dangerous and awe-inspiring thanks to a dazzling aerial attack, menacing offensive line, and pounding ground game. The featured back in that ground game was Greg Bell who resurrected his career and helped restore a sense of glamour to the Rams—however briefly. Bell joins Joshua Neuman to discuss a Rams team that reached the NFC Championship Game and served as a reminder of a franchise that Southern California first fell in love with in 1946.

#33: Sean McVay and the Ghost of Pappy Lewis Feb 20, 2017

Hired at age 30, Sean McVay is the youngest head coach of the NFL’s modern era. But 79 years ago, before the Rams moved from Cleveland to Los Angeles, the team hired 26 (or some say, 27) year old Art “Pappy” Lewis who, like McVay, also hailing from Ohio and also charged with bringing back a sense of razzle-dazzle to a moribund Rams roster. Joshua Neuman speaks to James C. Sulecki whose recent book The Cleveland Rams: The NFL Champs Who Left Too Soon about “Pappy” Lewis and other early icons of Rams history like Damon “Buzz” Wetzel, Hugo Bezdek, and Earl “Dutch” Clark. Neuman and Sulecki discuss the early struggles of the team and their eventual success, which culminated in their 1945 NFL Championship, the Rams first of three championships in three different cities.

#32: Meet the L.A. Rams New Coaching Staff Feb 13, 2017

Despite being led by a man who is only 31-years old, the 2017 Los Angeles Rams will enter the 2017 season boasting more NFL coaching experience on its sidelines than they have since Dick Vermeil brought Jim Hanifan, Mike White, and Bud Carson with him to St. Louis 20 years ago. What are we to make of football prodigy Sean McVay, his offensive and defensive coordinators, and their veteran team of assistant coaches who collectively own eight Super Bowl rings? How might the new staff shift the culture of the organization? How might it influence the direction the Rams take in free agency and the draft? Bryan Kalbrosky, the managing editor of USA Today’s TheRamsWire, joins Joshua Neuman, to discuss these questions as we enter the Sean McVay Era on The Greatest Show on Grass.

#31: The Schoolboy Assassin, Eddie Meador Feb 01, 2017

Between 1959 and 1970 Eddie Meador preyed on wide receivers with the brutality of Jack the Ripper—all the while resembling an innocent choirboy. Meador recovered 18 fumbles, blocked 10 kicks and intercepted 46 passes during his Rams career—all team records. Though playing during the tumultuous 1960s and on the most integrated team of the era, the former ROTC cadet managed to fit right in with rabble-rousing teammates—some of whom he led in a famous revolt against management following the firing of Head Coach George Allen. Joshua Neuman speaks with Meador about his storybook career and whether the Rams of his era were too Hollywood for their own good.

#30: Kermit Alexander and the Valley of the Shadow of Death Jan 16, 2017

You would be hard-pressed to find a Rams player for whom his team meant more than Kermit Alexander. He sold newspapers as a child so he could afford to attend the team’s games, called his trade to L.A. in 1970 “the greatest moment of his pro career,” and, not surprisingly became a season ticket holder when the Rams returned to Southern California last year. While his love of the Rams is unwavering, Alexander’s experience of Los Angeles was forever changed in 1984 when his mother, sister and two nephews, ages 8 and 13, were murdered in South Central Los Angeles. Joshua Neuman speaks with Alexander about his complicated relationship with L.A., experiencing the Rams/Niners rivalry from both sides, and hobnobbing with Ram-loving celebrities Bill Cosby, Telly Savalas, and Warren Beatty. Join us for a very special episode of the Greatest Show on Grass about love, loss, and the power of memory.

#29: The L.A. Rams as Epistemological Problem Jan 10, 2017

The Rams concluded the 2016 season with losses against the division rival San Francisco 49ers and Arizona Cardinals to finish their first season back in Southern California in 21 years with a disappointing record of 4-12. Joshua Neuman dissects the Christmas Eve Day catastrophe and the New Year’s Day nightmare and shares some thoughts about how being a Rams fan can feel like an epistemological problem. Plus, Jared Goff’s LA-LA Land, Todd Gurley’s Ricky Williams routine, and the part of the Rams 2016 season that you really shouldn’t take for granted, their luck.

#28: Niners Week, Fisher Fallout, and Chucky Rumors Dec 23, 2016

This Saturday the Rams take on the San Francisco 49ers at the Coliseum in a rivalry with roots that go back to 1950. The historical dimension of the upcoming week’s game did not escape Interim Head Coach John Fassel or the Los Angeles Rams players who, aptly, will be wearing throwback uniforms for the occasion. Joshua Neuman and Tunisha Singleton preview this matchup between the league’s worst offense and worst defense, plus: The stars come out in full force in Seattle to see the Seahawks defeat the Rams 24-3; Jeff Fisher gives his first interview since being canned as coach; Aaron Donald makes the best throw of the 2016 season; and the Rams move towards a meeting with ESPN analyst Jon Gruden.

#27: Jeff Fisher Has Been Canceled Dec 15, 2016

One day after the Los Angeles Rams got bamboozled 42-14 by the Atlanta Falcons, Jeff Fisher was handed his walking papers after nearly 5 seasons as the team’s Head Coach. Joshua Neuman, Tunisha Singleton, and Eriq Gardner discuss the timing of Fisher’s firing, the organizational failure that was the Fisher Era, and how Hollywood had a hand in the head coach heave-ho. Plus, Kendra Wilkinson becomes Sabrina Britt’s BFF on the second episode of E!’s “Hollywood and Football,” Aaron Donald wins the Madden 17 Xbox NFL Player Charity Challenge and proves that there is no field he cannot dominate, and interim Head Coach John Fassel leads the Rams to CenturyLink Field to take on the division-leading Seahawks on Thursday Night Football.

#26: F*#k Yeah, Sabrina Britt Dec 09, 2016

Twelve games into the 2016 season, it’s not easy to remember that the Los Angeles Rams were the franchise to first wed pro sports with Hollywood allure. Losers of 7 of their last eight games, embroiled in quarterback and coaching controversies, and demonstrating the least glamorous style of play imaginable, the Rams are utterly bereft of star power. But, the premiere of E!’s latest reality series “Hollywood and Football,” Rams fans can finally experience some razzle-dazzle from their team—even if it comes from off-the-field. On this episode of the Greatest Show on Grass, we recap episode one of the Rams new primetime show and celebrate the ways that Kenny Britt’s wife Sabrina steals the show. Plus, Joshua Neuman and Tunisha Singleton discuss the Rams loss to the New England Patriots at Foxboro, the head-scratcher that is Jeff Fisher’s 2-year contract extension, and this Sunday’s game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

#25: Is Eric Dickerson Jeff Fisher’s Waterloo? Dec 03, 2016

In the future, we will likely look back at this past week as a terrible turning point in Jeff Fisher’s reign with the Los Angeles Rams. The Rams Head Coach passed Tom Landry on the all times losses list following a soul-crushing 49-21 defeat to the New Orleans Saints, but it was an off-the-field incident that captured the national spotlight. Fisher’s feud with L.A. Rams Hall of Famer Eric Dickerson left even the most stalwart supporters of the Fisher Regime jumping ship. Joshua Neuman and Tunisha Singleton discuss Fisher’s ill-advised attack on a legend, the Head Coach’s prospects for retaining power, and celebrate the icon that is Eric Dickerson, who even at age 56 is still the franchise’s biggest star. Plus, Hollywood hops on the anti-Fisher bandwagon, analysis of Jared Goff’s first two games as starting quarterback, and a preview of this Sunday’s matchup with the New England Patriots in Foxboro.

#24: The Sun Rises in the West Nov 16, 2016

The Los Angeles media and Rams fans everywhere have been clamoring for Jared Goff to play for weeks and weeks. On Tuesday, Chris Mortensen reported that the team had finally decided to insert Goff into the lineup. The 22-year old rookie replaces veteran Case Keenum who had a competent, albeit unglamorous, game in the Rams 9-6 victory over the New York Jets at Met Life Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ last Sunday. Joshua Neuman and Eriq Gardner discuss whether the QB change was Head Coach Jeff Fisher’s decision or one foisted upon him from above and how having Goff in the lineup might impact the team’s fortunes. And since we’re already on the subject of personnel changes, we make a case for fewer snaps for Tavon Austin and more for Corey Harkey, before previewing next Sunday’s game at the Coliseum against the Miami Dolphins.

#23: May God Bless the Los Angeles Rams and May God Bless the United States of America Nov 10, 2016

This week, Donald Trump shocked the world when he was elected to be the 45th President of the United States. Joshua Neuman and Tunisha Singleton take the occasion to re-visit an ongoing conversation about the relationship of politics and pro sports, chronicling the often overlooked moments that the Los Angeles Rams have been on the right side of progress in America—from Kenny Washington, to Tank Younger, to Rosey Grier, to James Harris, to Michael Sam, just to name a few. Plus, Aaron Donald’s “superman sack” of Superman, continued calls for Jared Goff at the Coliseum, and a preview of Sunday’s game pitting the Rams against the New York Jets.

#22: Dabbing, Dancing and Listener Mail Nov 03, 2016

The Los Angeles Rams bye week gave us the perfect occasion to catch up with the mail we’ve received from you. Joshua Neuman and Tunisha Singleton answer your questions about this season’s most pleasant surprises, what ought to be the official team burger, and—perhaps most contentiously—why, at the end of the day, we still believe in Jeff Fisher. Plus, YG ascends our celebrity mascot sweepstakes list, what the Los Angeles Rams can learn from the Los Angeles Clippers, and a preview of Sunday’s game against Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers. As always, we welcome you to email us questions, comments, and Greg Robinson jokes at greatestshowongrass@gmail.com.

#21: The Haunting Specter of Terry Baker Oct 28, 2016

The Los Angeles Rams slipped to 3-4 after losing 17-10 to the New York Giants at Twickenham Stadium in London. After tossing 4 interceptions, Rams fans are calling for Case Keenum’s head and the ascendance of the NFL Draft’s top selection Jared Goff, but Rams Head Coach Jeff Fisher vows that he’s sticking with Keenum and according to Jason Cole of Bleacher Report, Goff is still a long way from being ready to play. Yes, a full-fledged quarterback controversy has ensued! Joshua Neuman chronicles the myriad QB-conflicts that cut across Los Angeles Rams history, especially the one that emerged in 1963 when the team selected Terry Baker with the first pick in the NFL Draft. Plus: a tour of Warner Bros, a party at Roger Saffold’s house, and a sneak peak at the Rams upcoming reality show on the E! Network, “Hollywood and Football.”

#20: An Ode to the Jackrabbit Oct 20, 2016

When cornerback Janoris Jenkins signed a 5-year, $62.5 million contract with the New York Giants this past March, he joined a long list of stars to leave the Rams in the middle of their primes and join other teams, including Dick “Night Train” Lane, Jack “Hacksaw” Reynolds, and Jerome Bettis. Joshua Neuman previews Sunday’s game against the Giants at Twickenham Stadium in London and reflects on Jenkins’ four years with the Rams in St. Louis and imagines what might’ve been for the Jackrabbit in Los Angeles. Plus, the Rams get mauled by the Lions, Jeff Fisher continues to invoke the ire of fans, and the season’s biggest surprise—Kenny Britt and Brian Quick somehow emerge as a formidable WR duo.

#19: When Your Favorite Player is a Punter Oct 13, 2016

A bevy of A-listers were at the Coliseum to watch the Los Angeles Rams go up against the Buffalo Bills last Sunday. Unfortunately, it was far from an A-list performance by the Rams who ended up losing 30-19. Joshua Neuman and Tunisha Singleton discuss the controversial fake punt called by Head Coach Jeff Fisher in the fourth quarter of the game and bemoan the state of the Rams offensive line. Plus: the Rams official hip-hop anthem, an exclusive interview with TIME Magazine columnist Joel Stein about his recent decision to become a die-hard Los Angeles Rams fan and how Johnny Hekker became his favorite player, and a preview of next Sunday’s matchup with the Detroit Lions.

#18: Love, Hate, and Brian Quick Oct 06, 2016

While the 49ers may be the Los Angeles Rams most storied rival and the Seahawks the most formidable, during the Jeff Fisher Era the Cardinals have been the most hated—which made it all the more delightful when L.A. beat Arizona 17-13 at University of Phoenix Stadium on Sunday. “We see them after Christmas,” said Fisher inside the Rams locker room after the game. “This was their Christmas present. We just gave it to them early.” Joshua Neuman and Tunisha Singleton revel in the Bruce Arians beat down and wonder whether Jeff Fisher’s trash talking was also a secret message to his critics. Plus, Case and Kimberly Keenum have breakfast with Ryan Seacrest, Brian and Michelle Quick take shit from nobody, and the Buffalo Bills come to town in a game that pits Buddy Ryan’s protégé against his progeny.

#17: Black Lightning Sep 30, 2016

Earlier this month, it was reported that the man who has produced “The Flash,” “Arrow,” “Supergirl,” and “Legends of Tomorrow,” would be bringing to television “Black Lightning,” the 1977 DC Comics, electromagnetic superhero with the power to ride lightning bolts. If the producers are looking for someone to play the titular hero we suggest they look no further than Rams defensive end Robert Quinn—the energetic speed rusher who has been calling himself “Black Lightning” since 2013. Joshua Neuman and Tunisha Singleton discuss how Quinn zapped the Buccaneers on Sunday, powering the Rams to a 37-32 win in a game that was delayed for 70 minutes due to (you guessed it) lightning. Plus, we celebrate the first game that offensive coordinator Rob Boras didn’t “bore us,” ponder the curious case of LaMarcus Joyner, and preview next week’s battle against the Arizona Cardinals.

#16: Homecoming Sep 24, 2016

Last Sunday, 91,046 people came together to scream and sweat and celebrate as the Los Angeles Rams upset the Seattle Seahawks 9-3 in the Rams first regular season game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum since 1979. The feeling of history was ubiquitous: from the team’s throwback, classic blue and yellow uniforms, to the presence of Rams Hall of Famers Jackie Slater, Tom Mack, Jack Youngblood, and Eric Dickerson. This was not just a game. It was a living monument to a storied past. Joshua Neuman and Tunisha Singleton discuss the off-the-field pageantry as well as the on-the-field action. Plus, we wonder about a curious song selection announcing the team’s entrance to the field and look ahead to the Rams trip to Raymond James Stadium to take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

#15: Who Are You Going to Believe, Jeff Fisher or Your Lying Eyes? Sep 16, 2016

Under the brightest spotlight the NFL had to offer, the Los Angeles Rams began the 2016 season by getting stage fright, losing 28-0 to the San Francisco 49ers on Monday Night Football. Joshua Neuman and Tunisha Singleton awaken from the numbing fantasy that was “Hard Knocks” and into the cruel reality that portraying a football team on television is a whole lot different than playing one on the field. Plus, a look at Jeff Fisher’s propensity towards “myth-making” and a preview of the season’s home opener against the Seattle Seahawks, the first regular season NFL matchup in L.A. since 1994—a game in which the Red Hot Chili Peppers and CeeLo will be performing, and hopefully the Los Angeles Rams, too.

#14: Niners Week, Monday Night Football, and the "Hard Knocks" Season Finale Sep 08, 2016

The “Beat L.A.” chant will be music to the ears of Los Angeles Rams fans when their team steps onto the field to take on storied rival, the San Francisco 49ers on Monday Night Football. The Rams and Niners have been doing battle with one another since 1950, but the rivalry lost a bit of its luster when the Rams moved to St. Louis—even though San Francisco’s Dana Stubblefield insisted that his former L.A. opponents were the “same old, sorry-ass Rams.” Joshua Neuman and Tunisha Singleton discuss the NFC West matchup and cast their official predictions for the 2016 NFL season. Plus, this week marked the season finale of HBO’s “Hard Knocks,” an episode in which Mike Thomas got confused for Chris Rock, Jimmy Kimmel became William Hayes’ biggest fan, and all of us came to the startling realization that Russell Wilson and Ciara ain’t got shit on Case and Kimberly Keenum.

#13: “To Me, This Is Bigger Than Football,” The Colin Kaepernick Edition Sep 02, 2016

It’s been a tough few years for the San Francisco 49ers: First they lost Jim Harbaugh, the Head Coach who led them to the Super Bowl and three of their top players who opted for early retirement; then after one miserable season under Jim Tomsula, the team hired the beleaguered Chip Kelly who has clashed with management even before coaching a single regular season game. Just when things seemed like they couldn’t get any worse, their quarterback, Colin Kaepernick opts not to honor the Star Spangled Banner during a pre-season game. Joshua Neuman and Tunisha Singleton revel in the sorry state of the Niners and discuss the possibilities and pratfalls for pro athletes trying to impact society. Plus, a look at the penultimate episode of HBO’s “Hard Knocks” and we test your knowledge of Rams on the bubble in our own version of “Jeopardy.”

#12: Who Needs the Governor’s Cup When You’ve Got a Championship Banner? Aug 26, 2016

The Los Angeles Rams jumped to 2-0 in the 2016 preseason after another come-from-behind victory at the Coliseum. Joshua Neuman discusses the game versus the Chiefs and the growing spotlight on Rams Head Coach Jeff Fisher on the third episode of HBO’s “Hard Knocks.” Plus, we take a visit to Los Angeles’ Fairfax District where the Rams were formerly headquartered and to a storied tavern that—unbeknownst to most—showcases perhaps the most important artifact in the history of the team.

#11: The Los Angeles Rams, No Longer Pure Fantasy Aug 19, 2016

For over 21 years, the Los Angeles Rams were pure fantasy, existing mainly in memories and in movies. That all ended this past weekend when the L.A. Rams came from behind to defeat the Dallas Cowboys 28-24 in front of a record-breaking 89,140 fans at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Joshua Neuman and Tunisha Singleton analyze the Rams performance as well as the second episode of “Hard Knocks” and the newfound spotlight on dinosaur-denier/mermaid-believer, William Hayes. Plus, we take a trip to the Golden Ram Barber Shop in Westminster, CA for an emotional discussion about what the first pre-season game meant to diehard L.A. Rams fans. So, don’t miss this truly watershed episode of The Greatest Show on Grass.

#10: The Los Angeles Rams’ Two Season Premieres Aug 11, 2016

It’s an incredibly exciting week for Rams fans as their team kicks off the beginning of the NFL season with an exhibition game against the Dallas Cowboys and takes its turn as subjects of the critically acclaimed HBO docu-series, “Hard Knocks.” Joshua Neuman puts the Rams/Cowboys matchup in historical context and dissects the first episode of “Hard Knocks” and how the producers of the series are emphasizing the team’s Los Angeles roots. Celebrities are already gravitating to the team, but is that reason to expect that the Rams season will have a Hollywood ending?

#9: Kenny Washington, Father of the Los Angeles Rams Jul 29, 2016

Seventy years ago, the Los Angeles Rams were granted permission to play in the L.A. Coliseum on one condition: Sign Kenny Washington. Lincoln Heights native, UCLA grad, and standout for the Hollywood Bears of the Pacific Coast Professional Football League, Washington broke the NFL’s color barrier the year before college teammate Jackie Robinson broke MLB’s. But Washington’s name largely toils in obscurity. Joshua Neuman sits down with Kenny Washington’s grandson and the President of the Kenny Washington Stadium Foundation to discuss Washington’s overlooked legend and legacy. Plus, we take a look at the most notable of Kenny Washington’s film performances, 1949’s “Pinky,” and the ways in which its themes speak to his short-lived NFL career.

#8: Fried Chicken, Candied Yams, and the Los Angeles Rams Jun 12, 2016

Perhaps the first public sign that the St. Louis Rams had become the Los Angeles Rams was an image from Todd Gurley’s Instagram account showing the 21-year old running back in front of Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles in Long Beach, CA. Joshua Neuman and Tunisha Singleton sit down with Zach Brooks of the “Food is the New Rock” podcast at Ms. B’s M&M’s Soul Food in Inglewood, CA to discuss restaurants and Rams. We will also deconstruct the recently released Carl’s Jr. television spot that places Gurley inside the universe of the 1996 film, “Jerry Maguire." So join us on an extra sumptuous episode of The Greatest Show on Grass that will leave you screaming, “Show Me the Yummy!”

Special Bonus Segment: How I Became a Los Angeles Rams Fan May 30, 2016

NFL allegiances can be complicated things. Most people end up rooting for the home team, but random factors often determine one’s allegiances—a particular player, game, or even uniform can make you one team’s fan for life. For “Greatest Show on Grass” host Joshua Neuman, it was one play during the third quarter of the fourth game of the 1983 NFL season between the Los Angeles Rams and the New York Jets. In this special bonus segment, you’ll take a trip to suburban New Jersey to experience the sack and bench-clearing-brawl that turned one 11-year old into a Rams fanatic for life.

#7: Everything You Need to Know About the Los Angeles Rams’ 2016 Schedule May 22, 2016

The 2016 Rams season promises a ton of high drama: Jared Goff’s likely debut against the 49ers on Monday Night Football; the first regular season Rams game in Southern California since 1994 against the Seahawks; a trans-Atlantic voyage to take on the Giants in London on October 23; a reprise of Super Bowl XXXVI against the Patriots; and a New Year’s Day season finale against the division favorite, Arizona Cardinals. Joshua Neuman and Tunisha Singleton walk through the schedule and discuss the most iconic matchup that each game on the schedule calls to mind. Plus, Andrew Clayman of the Cleveland sports blog, WaitingForNextYear, on one of the most storied games in NFL history: the 1950 NFL Championship between the Los Angeles Rams and Cleveland Browns. Don’t miss this utterly timeless episode of the Greatest Show on Grass—because an NFL game lasts so much longer than 60 minutes.

#6: The Los Angeles Rams Cheerleaders Of 1978 May 09, 2016

While the Dallas Cowboys may have assembled the NFL’s first modern cheerleading team, the L.A. Rams soon followed suit with a squad that was no less resplendent, yet all the more Hollywood. “The Embraceable Ewes,” as they came to be known, partied with the Rolling Stones, frolicked at the Playboy Mansion and made countless, primetime television appearances. Joshua Neuman sits down with original Rams cheerleader Jenilee Harrison (who would later co-star on hit TV shows like “Three’s Company” and “Dallas”), to remember a time when the L.A. Rams cheerleaders drew more attention than the L.A. Rams players. Neuman also excavates a little known ABC TV special about the Ewes starring elfish, everyman Regis Philbin. So whether you’re a foxy lady or a macho man—kick back and enjoy this totally bonkers, straight-outta-the-70s episode of The Greatest Show on Grass.

Special Bonus Segment: Goff vs. Wentz Apr 25, 2016

On January 12, 2016, the Rams return to Los Angeles got greenlit. On March 23, the team got its own reality show. And just when you thought things couldn’t get any more Hollywood, the Rams acquired the top pick in the NFL Draft and are now poised to cast a new leading man. Did the Rams give the Tennessee Titans too much for the number one selection? And for which quarterback should that selection be used: Cal’s Jared Goff or North Dakota State’s Carson Weinz? Joshua Neuman is joined by The Hollywood Reporter’s Eriq Gardner to discuss a decision that will impact the fate of the Rams franchise for years to come.

#5: A Guide To Following The L.A. Rams On Social Media Apr 11, 2016

As the present day Rams get to know the city of Los Angeles, don’t you think it’s time for you to get to know them? Joshua Neuman and Tunisha Singleton survey Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat to tell you which of the newly arrived Rams (as well as the Rams of the past) you need to follow on social media. Which ones appreciate Rams history? Which ones interact with Rams fans? And which ones might even follow you back? Plus, middleweight champ Gennady Golvkin’s blue and gold homage to the Rams and a tribute to the 1965 episode of The Beverly Hillbillies entitled, “The Clampetts Play the Rams.”

#4: John Wayne, Rock Hudson, and Roman Gabriel Apr 08, 2016

Though a diminutive 6’1 and with merely average arm strength, Rams quarterback Case Keenum hardly has star qualities—though General Manager Les Snead and Head Coach Jeff Fisher might disagree. On this episode, we take a look at the team’s decision to use the first round tender on Keenum as well as the flurry of Rams activities during the first two weeks of 2016 NFL free agency. We’ll also explore the 1969 film, The Undefeated, starring John Wayne, Rock Hudson and an L.A. Ram who seemed typecast for the role of the modern quarterback: Roman Gabriel. Joshua Neuman is joined by The Hollywood Reporter’s Eriq Gardner on this non-diminutive episode of The Greatest Show on Grass.

Special Bonus Segment: The Rams on Hard Knocks Apr 08, 2016

The team that set the standard for the Hollywood athlete/icon now has it’s own national television series. After much speculation, the Rams have become the 11th NFL team to star on HBO’s Hard Knocks. Joshua Neuman is joined by The Hollywood Reporter’s Eriq Gardner to explore what this moment means for Rams fans and put the news into a larger historical context that includes a cavalcade of showbiz stars including: Norman Fell, Linda Carter, “J.J.” Jimmie Walker, Judy Landers, Joan Rivers, Willie Tyler & Lester, Chuck Connors, and the recently deceased, Ken Howard.

#3: The People vs. Darryl Henley Mar 17, 2016

As FX continues its broadcast of The People vs. O.J. Simpson, we got to thinking about the other trial of a fallen football star going on in Los Angeles in 1995, that of Rams cornerback Darryl Henley. Sports Illustrated senior writer Michael McKnight joins Joshua Neuman and Tunisha Singleton to discuss the incredible ways that the Simpson trial impacted Henley’s legal fate. We’ll also look back at the career of Woody Strode, specifically, his starring role in the courtroom drama, Sergeant Rutledge, a story that eerily foreshadowed many of the themes of the Henley case some 35 years prior. PLUS: Suge Knight, JFK Junior, Kirk Douglas, and house hunting with the present day Rams on this episode of The Greatest Show on Grass.

#2: Crazylegs Feb 25, 2016

It’s Oscar season so we’d figure we’d hand out awards for the best and worst Rams of the 2015 season. We’ll also present a lifetime achievement award, to Elroy “Crazylegs” Hirsch who, perhaps more than anyone, established the Rams as Hollywood’s team. We’ll take a special look at the 1953 biopic, Crazylegs, in which Hirsch portrayed himself as well as examine some of his lesser roles. Joshua Neuman is joined by Tunisha Singleton and special guest, former L.A. Ram All-Pro kick returner and Inglewood-native Ron Brown on this episode of The Greatest Show on Grass.

#1: "You're the Quarterback" Feb 14, 2016

The Rams return to L.A., 70 years to the day after the team originally arrived, is not just the continuation of a sports legacy, but the green-lighting of a Hollywood re-make. On this episode, we remember the last time the Rams of Los Angeles won a Super Bowl, 1978—even if it was only in the movies. PLUS: Snoop roots for the Steelers, Macklemore reps the Seahawks and Ice Cube remains true to the Raiders, but who might emerge as the celebrity symbol of all things Rams? Joshua Neuman is joined by Tunisha Singleton and special guest, former L.A. Ram All-Pro cornerback LeRoy Irvin on the premiere episode of The Greatest Show on Grass.

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