The more we’ve weaved those opportunities into the show, the more people have grown to respect and enjoy that. We’re not going to overdo it, but if there’s a really cool moment unfolding, if we can explain it to the viewer on their couch and let them know exactly what Nick Sirianni is thinking or exactly why [Chiefs head coach] Andy Reid decided to take a timeout on this side of a two-minute warning, we’re going to try to make sure we paint that picture and provide that context to the viewer.
Kevin, you said a couple years ago that Greg was destined to become the next big thing in broadcasting. You worked with him during his audition at Fox, too. What specific things have impressed you about him? How much has he grown this year?
KB: I learn from him constantly. It’s a team game for broadcasters. We all have to work together to make this a good broadcast, and for me, it’s knowing what his hot buttons are and what he likes so I can get him to certain places. We talk a lot during the week, so I kind of know where his brain is, but then the game happens and it’s haywire and not what we prepared for. That happens all the time. So when I throw stuff his way, I kind of know which way he’s going to go, but he surprises me. He’ll be doing a replay and I’m like, “Goddamn, that’s really interesting.” And I’m standing next to him! That’s the fun part. He’s ultra up on all the progressive NFL stuff. The Eagles are a prime example. They go for it on fourth down every goddamn time. There’s a reason behind it and Greg knows why. That’s a big deal.
You’ve broadcast both of these teams a couple times this year. The game is filled with some fun connective storylines. What do you like about this matchup?
KB: You’re right: there are so many easy, teed-up, home run storylines to start with, which is great. I think in its simplest form, you have the best player in the sport in Patrick Mahomes against the Eagles, which I think has the best roster in the sport. In terms of big-picture stuff, I don’t think you can go wrong with Patrick Mahomes in any game, and when Jalen Hurts has quarterbacked the team, the Eagles have lost one game. And they’ve basically murdered most of the teams they’ve played.
The morning of the Super Bowl, what is your routine going to be? What are you eating? Are you exercising? What is your build up to gametime?
GO: Eating is at the top of the list. Our crew has done a nice job calling the games. But I feel like where we’ve really excelled is in our fellowship and our organized team dinners, breakfasts and snacks. We have crushed every restaurant in every town from our trips. I really specialize in that.
We definitely have our individual routines. I definitely eat breakfast. I don’t miss a lot of meals. The hardest thing with later kickoffs is occupying your time and not overthinking things prior to leaving for the stadium. We’ll have a few hours in the morning on Sunday to freshen up the boards and ideas and then get away from it—take a walk, eat, shoot the shit with each other. But when you pull into that stadium, it’s on. You’re on the field. You’re talking to coaches. You’re trying to get the last nuggets. We have a routine on game day where Erin and Kevin and I do a lap [around the field] and we always walk in the same direction, counter-clockwise, I don’t know why. It’s just like anything. It kind of just happens, and then once it happens you stick with it. It works for us.
Jake Kring-Schreifels
Source link