Brief Summary
This episode of the Bow Work podcast features Tim Miller and Seth Wickerssham of ESPN discussing the intersection of football and politics, the unique role of the quarterback, and Wickerssham's new book, "American Kings," a biography of the quarterback position. They touch on the NFL's socialist structure, the league's reaction to political moments, and the challenges in evaluating and drafting quarterbacks. The conversation also explores the evolution of perceptions of Black quarterbacks and the current state of college sports, including recruiting and coaching changes.
- The NFL operates with a socialist structure despite being owned by ruthless capitalists.
- The quarterback position is unique due to the multiple roles and expectations placed on it.
- Evaluating quarterback potential is challenging due to differences between college and NFL play.
- The perception of Black quarterbacks has evolved, with pioneers like James Shaq Harris opening doors.
- College sports face issues with recruiting and coaching changes occurring mid-season.
Football, Politics, and Thanksgiving
Seth Wickerssham discusses the increasing presence of football during holidays and the mixing of politics with sports. He notes that the NFL has become more ambitious in owning holidays, similar to the NBA. Wickerssham's job involves writing profiles and investigating the NFL, which sometimes overlaps with politics, particularly during President Trump's involvement.
NFL as a Microcosm of Political Shifts
The NFL is presented as a microcosm of the political vibe shift in the country. Examples include the "end racism" messages in endzones during COVID and Black Lives Matter protests, followed by flyovers for figures like Charlie Kirk and Trump's presence at games. The discussion explores whether NFL team owners are revealing their true colors or simply reacting to current trends. Wickerssham emphasizes that the NFL is primarily reactionary rather than proactive on these issues.
The NFL's Socialist Structure and Owner Dynamics
The NFL is described as a socialist organization run by ruthless capitalists, adhering to a socialistic structure. NFL owners are seen as transactional rather than ideological. Despite being independent thinkers, they often vote in unison on league issues. Some owners take community involvement seriously, while others feel unappreciated for their efforts.
American Kings: The Quarterback
Wickersham introduces his book, "American Kings," which explores the unique role of the quarterback in sports. He notes that the quarterback position is different from any other in global sports, requiring individuals to wear many hats and carry significant expectations. The book examines the quarterback experience from high school through retirement, focusing on how the role shapes their identity.
The Manning Family and Quarterback Intangibles
The Manning family is highlighted as an example of the specialized knowledge and unique qualities required to succeed as a quarterback. Despite not being physical specimens, their success suggests that there is something more than just raw talent involved. The conversation explores whether their success is due to nature or nurture, and the mystery surrounding their ability to excel in such a difficult role.
The Elusive Nature of Quarterback Evaluation
NFL teams invest significant resources in evaluating quarterbacks, yet their success rate in drafting and developing them remains around 50%. The college game differs from the NFL, with hash mark spacing creating open windows that don't exist in the NFL. Context matters, and being drafted by a bad team can ruin a player's potential. The discussion touches on Caleb Williams and his family considering avoiding the draft to avoid teams with poor track records.
The Importance of Coaching and System
Coaching and system are crucial for a quarterback's success. John Elway's performance improved significantly under Mike Shanahan compared to Dan Reeves. The concept of a "system quarterback" is discussed, highlighting that every quarterback's performance is influenced by the system they play in.
The Evolution of Perceptions of Black Quarterbacks
The conversation addresses the historical slander against Black quarterbacks and how that perception has evolved. Wickerssham highlights James Shaq Harris, a quarterback from Grambling, who played a pivotal role in opening doors for future Black quarterbacks. Harris's story illustrates the challenges faced by Black athletes in overcoming stereotypes and proving their ability to play at an elite level.
College Sports and the Current State of Recruiting
The discussion shifts to the current state of college sports, particularly the issues with recruiting and coaching changes occurring mid-season. The facades of amateurism in college sports have crumbled, revealing the need for uniform rules and regulations. The practice of recruiting players and coaches taking other jobs during the season is criticized as abhorrent. The conversation touches on Lane Kiffin's potential move from Ole Miss and the impact on the team.
Upcoming Projects and Final Thoughts
Wickersham teases upcoming profiles and investigations that will transcend the sports world. He references a past story about Dan Snyder and his disgust with the Commanders' success. The episode concludes with thanks to Wickersham and a recommendation for listeners to check out his book, "American Kings."
