Bussin' With The Boys — Kay Adams On Leaving NFL Network, Starting 'Up & Adams' + Why Jonathan Taylor Is The MVP
Episode: 354
Release Date: November 11, 2025
Host(s): Will Compton & Taylor Lewan
Guest: Kay Adams
Episode Overview
This episode of Bussin’ With The Boys features sports media standout Kay Adams. The discussion circles around Kay’s career pivots—most notably her leap from NFL Network’s Good Morning Football to launching her solo venture, Up & Adams with FanDuel. The crew explores the grind of sports broadcasting, challenges and rewards of forging your own path, the art of landing big interviews, Kay’s approach to relationships, and a hearty NFL breakdown—particularly her case for Jonathan Taylor as league MVP.
The conversation is delivered in the show’s signature style: honest, hilarious, and unrehearsed, with plenty of locker room vibes.
Main Sections & Key Discussion Points
1. Kay’s Career Pivot: Leaving NFL Network and Building Up & Adams
[56:51 – 65:00]
- Kay reflects on her time with Good Morning Football, describing it as precious for the relationships and unique chemistry with co-hosts Nate, Peter, and Kyle.
- On leaving the show:
“I felt so good about the work I did there, and I knew that I didn’t want to stay. I had an offer to stay, and I was like, ‘Man, do I really want to do this for four more years?’ Do I really? Is this the right time to leave?” – Kay Adams [63:29]
- Launching Up & Adams with FanDuel:
- Credits FanDuel’s willingness to let her shape the program: “They were just so willing to support me and say, ‘What do you think this should be? What kind of guests?...’ I’ve always been a fan-first person.”
- She admits, “I wouldn't say I run the show. I just host it. I’ve never had a master plan; I just know what works and trust my gut.” [59:25]
- Discussion of bringing freshness to sports TV: embracing mistakes, breaking the fourth wall, and making the viewer feel present.
2. Challenges of Hosting and Navigating TV/Media
[65:01 – 75:00]
- Kay contrasts the creative freedom on Good Morning Football and Up & Adams versus the rigid structure of shows like ESPN’s Get Up.
- Will and Taylor share stories about prepping for national TV, the pressure to have “a take” on every talking point, and the pitfalls of producers pushing for hot takes over authentic opinions.
“You don’t need to always have some scathing take. You can be in the maybe zone. I certainly do.” – Kay [72:32]
- Kay’s role as a connector: She focuses on good interviews, asking real questions, and letting curiosity drive her content.
3. Personal Stories: Vulnerability, Hustle, and Growth
[91:01 – 104:16]
- Will and Kay discuss fixing their teeth for TV, joking about “veneer podcasts.”
- Kay shares about “doing anything for airtime” early in her career: taking on unpaid and overnight gigs at SiriusXM Fantasy Sports Radio, seizing every opportunity to learn and be seen.
- “I would do anything to be on air. You are begging people to put you on the air. And I would do anything. So for like, midnight to 6am I would... anything for reps.” [95:51]
- She points to her break when an NBC exec (a fantasy football fanatic) heard her on the radio and offered her a shot.
- Her move to New York, early struggles, living off couches to chase the dream.
4. Life, Relationships & Dating Philosophy
[115:14 – 127:04]
- Kay candidly admits her career tunnel vision has meant little time for dating, and most of her relationships have jumped quickly from “first date to relationship.”
- She describes herself as “ready to settle down” and discusses the qualities she values—loyalty, stability, intelligence, and wit.
“I need to feel secure. I need somebody who makes me feel secure. So loyalty is more important than anything.” [122:01]
- On first dates: “It should be romantic. It should be planned entirely by the man... First date, they have to pay.” [119:29]
- The group jokes about “cuffing season,” with Kay recognizing she’s in a new, more open phase of her personal life.
5. NFL Deep Dives: Fan Bases, Coaches, Trades, and the MVP Debate
[131:21 – 159:33]
- The crew dives into coaching changes, specifically the firing of Brian Daboll in New York, and possible replacements (Lou Anarumo, Joe Brady, etc.).
- Kay lists her favorite and most challenging fan bases (Packers as “family,” Bears as “the beef”), noting the unique behavioral traits and loyalty of each.
- A robust MVP discussion:
“You have to say Jonathan Taylor. He’s not going to get it. They’re going to put... but like if it’s between Drake Maye and Jonathan, you should give it to Jonathan.” [154:26]
- Kay and the boys break down why Taylor is the most valuable player, referencing his stats and impact compared to QBs.
- Other NFL topics hit:
- Playoff predictions and the strengths of the Patriots, Colts, Chiefs, Ravens, and more.
- The role of trades/free agency, and Will’s admitted disinterest in tracking “who’s on the block.”
- The importance of defense and leadership characteristics in building teams.
6. Fun & Wholesome Tangents: Animals, Pranks, The Locker Room, and Laughs
[162:13 – End]
- The classic “Bud Light question”: What would Kay do anything for? Her answer: “I would do anything to have a baby fox as a pet!” [163:44]
- Spirited sidebars on favorite animals, domesticated foxes, skunks, and dream safaris. Kay shares she cried on safari from the emotional experience.
- Locker-room humor about pranks and why guys “will do anything for a good laugh.”
- Reflection on meaningful moments, both on and off camera.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- On trusting your gut and betting on yourself:
“I just have never operated with a master plan. Trust my gut and always lead with what the fans want.” – Kay Adams [59:25]
- On the pressure for “hot takes”:
"You don't need to have some scathing take all the time. You can be... in the maybe zone." – Kay [72:32]
- On moving to NYC for her big break:
“I love the energy of it and the convenience. I didn't like driving... I wanted to be the little fish. I knew it.” – Kay [104:25]
- On what she values most in a partner:
“Loyalty is more important than anything. I need to feel secure.” – Kay Adams [122:01]
- On Jonathan Taylor’s MVP case:
"He’s the most valuable player. But also, like, Drake. It’s him or Drake. But I’m going to give it to him this week." – Kay [155:08]
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Kay’s transition from NFL Network to Up & Adams — [56:51 – 65:00]
- Inside the process of solo hosting and content creation — [59:25–62:10]
- Reflections on Good Morning Football crew and chemistry — [63:29–66:40]
- Hot takes, prepping for national sports TV — [72:00–75:21]
- Personal hustle, vulnerability, early grind stories — [91:01–104:16]
- Dating, relationships, ‘cuffing season’ — [115:02–127:04]
- Fan bases, coaching changes, and MVP cases — [131:21–159:33]
- Bud Light “do anything for” & fun tangents — [162:13–End]
Highlights Table
| Time | Segment | Speaker | Notable Moment/Quote | |----------|----------------------------------------------------|------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------| | 59:25 | Launching Up & Adams | Kay | "I've never had a master plan. I just know what works and trust my gut." | | 63:29 | Leaving Good Morning Football | Kay | "Do I really want to do this for four more years? ... I felt so good about the work I did there..." | | 72:32 | TV Hot Takes | Kay | "You don't need to always have some scathing take. ... You can live in the maybe zone." | | 122:01 | On Loyalty in Relationships | Kay | "Loyalty is more important than anything. I need to feel secure." | | 154:26 | Jonathan Taylor for MVP | Kay | "If it’s between Drake Maye and Jonathan, you should give it to Jonathan." | | 163:44 | Bud Light—Do Anything For... | Kay | "I would do anything to have a baby fox as a pet." |
Final Takeaways
- Kay Adams exemplifies self-belief, adaptability, and hustle—her career trajectory is a masterclass in using every ounce of opportunity, trusting one’s instincts, and focusing on authentic connections with fans and guests.
- Authenticity over hot takes—Kay and Bussin' with the Boys agree: nuanced, honest commentary wins over recycled, contrived “takes.”
- Big sports media is evolving—ownership of your brand and voice (and creative freedom) is more possible (and critical) than ever.
- On the field: Jonathan Taylor, despite the weight of the QB position, deserves MVP-level recognition for his transformative impact.
- Off the field: Stay loyal, enjoy the journey, embrace the process (and maybe one day you'll get your pet fox).
End Note:
This episode is classic Bussin’—raw, relatable, and deeply fun. Kay Adams is more than a media personality; she’s proof that hustle, heart, and authenticity are a formula for success—on TV, in locker rooms, and in life.