This is Football with Kevin Clark

Daniel Jeremiah joins Kevin Clark to preview the NFL season and share some of his boldest predictions. DJ picks the Philadelphia Eagles to win the Super Bowl, explains why he expects a bounce-back season from C.J. Stroud, and shares his expectations for Cam Ward. He also picks his quarterback for the next 10 years, discusses how much draft information he really knows before draft night, and names some of the most impressive players he’s ever scouted. Plus, a conversation about roster building, Jalen Hurts, the Eagles’ underrated depth, preseason overreactions, and what it takes to play with conviction at the NFL level. Check out the ManningCast Heist here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NfXJynWRdtU Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jourdan Rodrigue joins Kevin Clark to break down how the Rams went from a roster reset to a legitimate Super Bowl contender. They dig into the draft classes and team-building decisions that reshaped the roster, why Los Angeles is once again willing to trade premium draft capital for elite players, and what the additions of Myles Garrett and the return of Aaron Donald mean for the defense. Plus, they look at the Rams’ battle with the Seahawks for control of the NFC West, the small margins that could decide the season, and the biggest threats standing in their way, including an Eagles team that has given Los Angeles plenty of problems in recent years. With the Rams entering the season as one of the NFL’s biggest Super Bowl favorites, what could ultimately keep them from finishing the job? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kyle Long joins Kevin Clark for a wide-ranging conversation about life in the NFL, starting with an honest discussion about mental health and his own struggles during his playing career. Long talks about how the culture around mental health has changed in NFL locker rooms, the importance of asking for help, and the experience that ultimately taught him he didn't have to deal with everything on his own. They also get into the football side of things, including which former NFL stars could still play today, what Long has learned from covering the league as a media member, the Bears and Caleb Williams, Ben Johnson's offense, Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs, the NFL's best offensive linemen, and Kyle's choice for the toughest player he ever played with: Danny Trevathan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kevin Clark is joined by Steven Ruiz to make their predictions for the 2026 NFL awards. They pick their MVPs, Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year, Comeback Player of the Year, Rookies of the Year, and Coach of the Year, including bold calls on Dak Prescott, Justin Jefferson, Kyle Hamilton, Abdul Carter, Fernando Mendoza and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Curt Cignetti joins This Is Football after leading Indiana to a national championship to discuss how he stays hungry, builds his program, evaluates quarterbacks and keeps his team focused on the next season. Cignetti also explains why Fernando Mendoza has what it takes to be a successful NFL quarterback, his approach to efficient practices, his coaching journey and why Julio Jones is the most bada** player he's ever been around. Then, Jordan Reid joins Kevin Clark to break down the next wave of NFL quarterbacks. Who are the potential first-round picks? What does Archie Manning need to prove? Can Dante Moore rise to the top? And which quarterbacks could make the biggest jump this season? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kevin Clark and Denny Carter break down the biggest storylines emerging from NFL training camp. They discuss the league-wide shift toward playing quarterbacks under center, what Baltimore’s new offense could mean for Lamar Jackson, why Jalen Hurts’ practice interceptions might actually be a good thing, and whether the Eagles are finally unlocking more of his passing game. Plus: Travis Hunter’s role in Jacksonville, Jonah Coleman’s emergence in Denver, Ashton Jeanty’s weight loss and expanded receiving role, Reuben Bain’s massive chip on his shoulder, and why joint practices may be telling us more than preseason games. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Who has the most loaded roster in the NFL? Kevin Clark and Sheil Kapadia rank their five favorites heading into the 2026 season, including the Rams, Eagles, Broncos, Lions, and Seahawks. They debate why the Eagles are being underrated, whether Denver is ready to make a Super Bowl run, how much credit Mike McDonald deserves for Seattle's title, and why the Rams stand alone at No. 1. Plus, they debate which team has the best roster without its star quarterback. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jayden Daniels, Derrick Henry, Sonny Styles, Dan Quinn and Declan Doyle join the show from Ravens and Commanders training camp. Jayden Daniels breaks down his transition into a new offense, the freedom he has at the line of scrimmage, learning from quarterbacks like Matthew Stafford and Jared Goff, and what he took away from a difficult second season. He also reveals which defender gives him the most pause and names the most bada** player on the Commanders. Then, rookie linebacker Sonny Styles talks about his transition from safety to linebacker, the challenge of defending Jayden Daniels and Marcus Mariota every day, and why Tommy Eichenberg is one of the toughest players he's ever been around. Dan Quinn joins the conversation to discuss Daniels' development, the explosive-play potential of the new offense and what Styles' rare athleticism can bring to Washington's defense. In Baltimore, new offensive coordinator Declan Doyle explains his philosophy of putting pressure on the defense, what he learned from Sean Payton and Ben Johnson, and how he's approaching his first season running the Ravens' offense. Finally, Derrick Henry discusses Baltimore's new offense, the return of value to the running back position, the importance of the run game and why you still have to be able to run the football to win. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kevin Clark sits down with Jordan Love, Matt LaFleur, Jonathan Gannon, Kevin O’Connell and Andrew Van Ginkel to break down the Packers and Vikings ahead of the 2026 season. Love discusses finishing games and his development, LaFleur breaks down his quarterback’s evolution and the rise of 13 personnel, while Gannon explains why trick plays are changing the NFL. O’Connell dives into the Vikings’ QB competition and the league’s defensive evolution, and Van Ginkel breaks down Brian Flores’ unpredictable defense. Plus: Randy Moss stories and plenty of NFC North insight. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kevin Clark heads to Detroit Lions training camp for three in-depth conversations with quarterback Jared Goff, general manager Brad Holmes, and new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing. Together, they discuss why the Lions believe they're entering 2026 with renewed hunger, how the organization has built one of the NFL's premier contenders, and what it will take to make the next step toward a Super Bowl. Jared Goff explains why patience is disappearing in quarterback development, why too many young passers are expected to succeed immediately, and what separates elite quarterbacks from the rest. He also talks about his chemistry with Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams, Detroit's passionate fan base, and the mindset driving the Lions this season. Brad Holmes shares how the Lions have kept their championship window open through youth development, why he believes the team's hunger has returned, and why he thinks Jared Goff remains one of the NFL's most underrated quarterbacks. Drew Petzing discusses taking over one of football's best offenses, his player-first offensive philosophy, and why Goff's anticipation and ability to throw receivers open make him one of the league's elite signal-callers. He also shares his first impressions of Dan Campbell and the culture that's made Detroit one of the NFL's model organizations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Training camp is here, and This Is Football hits the road with stops in Buffalo and Cleveland to check in with two franchises entering pivotal seasons. First, Kevin Clark sits down with new Bills head coach Joe Brady and reigning MVP Josh Allen to discuss their evolving partnership, Buffalo's championship mindset, the addition of D.J. Moore, and why team chemistry could be the difference in 2026. Plus, Brandon Beane breaks down the Bills' defensive overhaul, roster-building philosophy, and what it will take to finally bring a Super Bowl to Buffalo. Then it's off to Cleveland, where Shedeur Sanders opens up about blocking out the noise, staying present, and competing for the Browns' starting quarterback job. General manager Andrew Berry explains the team's vision under new head coach Todd Monken, while Monken shares what he's learned about his new team, his approach to developing quarterbacks, and why asking questions is one of the most underrated traits in football. Guests: Josh Allen & Joe Brady Brandon Beane Shedeur Sanders Andrew Berry Todd Monken Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Training camp is here, which means football is officially back. Kevin Clark and Gregg Rosenthal preview the biggest NFL storylines entering camp, including the 49ers' outlook, Sean Payton's decision to hand over play-calling duties, Detroit's roster questions, quarterback battles around the league, and several under-the-radar storylines that could shape the 2026 NFL season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Justin Jefferson joins Kevin Clark to talk about spending his offseason in Minnesota, preparing for a massive 2026 season, and why he's focused on staying healthy after dealing with hamstring issues in recent years. The Vikings superstar also discusses the quarterback competition, his relationship with Ja'Marr Chase, being ranked behind Chase in recent receiver rankings, and why feeling overlooked has fueled him throughout his career. Then former Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett joins the podcast to discuss leadership, his new Coach 2 Coach podcast, and why he believes Dak Prescott remains one of the NFL's most underrated stars. Garrett shares stories from Dak's rookie season, breaks down what makes elite quarterbacks and coaches special, explains why Andy Reid is one of the greatest coaches ever, and dives into how football strategy continues to evolve. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

ESPN's Seth Wickersham joins the show for an in-depth discussion on Sean Payton, NFL coaching, and the hidden details that separate great teams from everyone else. Seth shares stories from inside the Broncos' building, including Payton's legendary preparation methods, the creativity behind playoff game plans, and why the human element of football matters more than fans realize. The conversation also covers Bo Nix's importance to Denver, Bill Belichick's future at North Carolina, Drake Maye and the Patriots' trajectory, and Tom Brady's evolving role in football. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Super Bowl champion and longtime Buccaneers linebacker Lavonte David joins Kevin Clark to reflect on one of the NFL's most consistent and accomplished careers. Lavonte discusses his transition into retirement, the evolution of the linebacker position, defending today's offenses, playing alongside Tom Brady, and helping lead Todd Bowles' championship defense. He also shares the story of nearly quitting football before his career took off, his journey from junior college to Nebraska, the toughest offenses he ever faced, and the one play he'd most like to have back. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nate Tice joins the show for a full breakdown of the biggest NFL breakout candidates heading into the 2026 season. Kevin & Nate explore which players, coaches, offenses, and defenses are positioned to make the leap this year, including: • The potential impact of Jim Leonhard taking over the Buffalo Bills defense • Why Brian Schottenheimer could unlock a dangerous Dallas Cowboys offense • How Mike McDaniel and Omarion Hampton could transform the Los Angeles Chargers attack • Why the Cincinnati Bengals defense could emerge as one of the AFC’s biggest surprises • Under-the-radar breakout names like Patrick Paul As training camp approaches, this episode highlights the names and teams that could define the upcoming NFL season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Joe Fortenbaugh returns for the annual NFL Season betting preview. He & Kevin break down their favorite NFL futures, MVP bets, and Super Bowl long shots. Joe explains why he's fading Jacksonville and New England, buying Washington, and sticking with the Chargers. Kevin gives his take on Matthew Stafford's MVP case, the Vikings as a sleeper contender, and why Jeremiah Smith might be the best non-quarterback bet to go No. 1 overall in the 2027 NFL Draft. Plus: ESPN stories, sports betting narratives, and Michigan's difficult road ahead in 2026. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mina Kimes joins the podcast for an annual NFL exercise: identifying which teams can realistically win the Super Bowl. Kevin & Mina go division by division, separating contenders from pretenders and debating everything from the Bengals’ ceiling, the Ravens’ offseason changes, and the Jaguars’ upside to whether the Steelers have any realistic path to a championship. Plus, are the Broncos the team to beat in the AFC West? Can the Chargers take the next step? Is the NFC North the toughest division in football to evaluate? And how many teams truly belong in the Super Bowl conversation? Then NFL Hall of Famer Brian Urlacher joins the show to discuss the Bears’ outlook under Caleb Williams and Ben Johnson, the future of Soldier Field, and what it takes to build an elite NFL defense. He tells stories from his playing days, memories of Devin Hester, facing Aaron Rodgers, the one play from Super Bowl XLI he wishes he could have back, and his pick for the toughest teammate he ever played with. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sean McDermott joins Kevin Clark for a wide-ranging conversation about football, leadership, quarterback development, and what's next after his successful run with the Buffalo Bills. McDermott discusses how he's spending his first true offseason in years, lessons learned from coaching Josh Allen, the evolution of NFL offenses and defenses, and the coaching minds he's studying during his time away from the sidelines. He also reflects on his years with Andy Reid, shares stories about Cam Newton, Brian Dawkins, Luke Kuechly, and Drew Brees. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kevin Clark reacts to two blockbuster NFL trades, breaking down Myles Garrett's move to the Rams and AJ Brown's trade to the Patriots. Kevin asks if Myles Garrett could be the greatest player ever traded in NFL history? Kevin evaluates both deals, grades each side, and explains what they mean for the league moving forward. Then, Packers safety Xavier McKinney joins the show to discuss his offseason living in Green Bay, the Packers-Bears rivalry, lessons learned from Nick Saban, the toughest receivers he's faced in the NFL, and much more. 0:00 Welcome To This Is Football! 0:40 Myles Garrett Traded to the Rams5:50 AJ Brown Traded to the Patriots 9:00 Xavier McKinney joins the show9:25 Why Does Xavier live in Green Bay during the offseason?11:25 Reaction to Myles Garrett being traded to the Rams12:45 Biggest need for the Packers in 202614:25 What are the Dolphins getting in Jeff Hafley?15:45 Favorite Interception of Xavier's career17:05 Playing with Micah Parsons18:10 Getting to know Xavier McKinney19:50 Rivalry with the Bears21:30 Playing for Nick Saban24:40 Xavier McKinney joins the show Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices