Club Shay Shay – Nightcap - Hour 2: Bill Belichick Wants Girlfriend Involved + Rome Flynn Joins

Release Date: March 22, 2025

In this engaging episode of Club Shay Shay, NFL Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe delves into a mix of lighthearted stories and in-depth discussions with guest Rome Flynn, a rising star in the acting world. The episode seamlessly blends anecdotes from the football world with insights into Rome Flynn's burgeoning acting career, providing listeners with both entertainment and inspiration.

Pranking Rookies: A Nostalgic Tale

The episode kicks off with Shannon Sharpe and his associate, Ocho Cinco, reminiscing about the classic tradition of pranking rookies. Shannon shares a humorous story about pranking rookie Stephon Castle by removing the wheels from his car:

Shannon Sharpe [05:09]: "They prank rookie Stephon Castle this week by taking the wheels off his car."

The conversation reveals the camaraderie and playful rituals that foster team bonding, with both hosts reflecting on their experiences:

Ocho Cinco [05:18]: "That's light. That's life. That's real life."

Bill Belichick's Unique Communication Strategy

Transitioning from team pranks, Shannon introduces a topical discussion about Bill Belichick, the esteemed NFL coach. Shannon raises an eyebrow at Belichick's decision to involve his girlfriend, Jordan Hudson, in all his work-related communications:

Shannon Sharpe [11:22]: "Bill Belichick is telling UNC staff to copy his 24-year-old girlfriend, Jordan Hudson, in every message intended for him."

Ocho Cinco and Shannon dissect the implications of this move, debating whether it's beneficial or intrusive:

Ocho Cinco [12:28]: "Would you think that's a good thing in general so he could focus on the football side of things and anything outside of that she can help and keep him abreast of what's going on."

Shannon reflects on the balance between personal and professional boundaries, acknowledging the unique dynamics of Belichick's approach:

Shannon Sharpe [12:55]: "That's their relationship. To each his own."

Special Guest: Rome Flynn’s Acting Journey

The highlight of the episode is the insightful conversation with Rome Flynn, known for his role in season four of Godfather of Harlem on MGM Plus. Shannon welcomes Rome warmly:

Shannon Sharpe [20:34]: "He's appearing in season four Godfather of Harlem on MGM. ... Take us get now Time to welcome Rome Flair."

Breaking into Acting: From Audition to Screen

Rome Flynn shares his path to securing the role of a young Frank Lucas, highlighting his meticulous preparation and dedication:

Rome Flynn [21:08]: "I auditioned for it. So I got the script and sort of the breakdown and I was like Frank Lucas, you know, young Frank. ... our creator, Chris Brancato, he just saw something in my tape, and he was just like, 'you were the guy.'"

He discusses the collaborative experience of working alongside seasoned actors like Forest Whitaker:

Rome Flynn [21:19]: "I got to work with Forrest and filmed for about five months on that."

Inspiration and Acting Philosophy

Shannon probes into Rome's inspirations, notably citing Will Smith as a pivotal figure:

Shannon Sharpe [21:41]: "You saw Denzel. You saw Denzel portrayal of Frank Lucas... Did you lean into that or you were trying to go a totally different way?"

Rome emphasizes his unique take on the character, differentiating his portrayal from Denzel Washington’s:

Rome Flynn [21:51]: "I didn't draw any inspiration from his portrayal of Frank at all... I play a young Frank who now touches down at Harlem in 1966."

Discussing the importance of range and reinvention in acting, Rome shares wisdom on maintaining longevity in the industry:

Rome Flynn [23:52]: "If you're good at what you do, there'll always be a lane for you. ... when you're ready, you get the opportunity to try to stretch a little more."

Dream Roles and Superheroes

The conversation shifts to Rome's aspirations within the superhero genre. He expresses a desire to portray a reimagined superhero:

Rome Flynn [28:17]: "I've always wanted to be able to do a film or like a series where I actually... a superhero, yeah."

Shannon teases a playful debate on favorite superheroes, ultimately highlighting Rome's eagerness to bring a fresh perspective to iconic characters:

Shannon Sharpe [28:36]: "You must be gonna be a big ass Spider-Man."

Sports, Personal Interests, and Community Ties

Returning to his roots, Rome discusses his connection to Chicago sports teams and his support for the Bears, sharing optimistic expectations for the upcoming season:

Rome Flynn [36:39]: "Caleb showed that with enough time, he can be accurate. ... he gonna be in a better place and he'll be able to be the best version of himself."

Shannon and Ocho Cinco engage in a friendly banter about sports preferences, illustrating the blend of personal interests that enriches the conversation.

Upcoming Projects and Future Endeavors

Before wrapping up, Rome highlights his upcoming projects, including a new show titled Side Quest on Apple TV:

Rome Flynn [37:32]: "I got a show called Side Quest that's on Apple TV that came out March 26th. ... Godfather of Harlem is April 13th."

He also extends a generous offer to listeners, gifting subscriptions to MGM Plus for Shannon and Ocho, showcasing his commitment to community and collaboration.

Rome Flynn [37:43]: "I'm gonna Gift y'all a year subscription for MGM Plus for both of y'all."

Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

As the episode draws to a close, Shannon commends Rome Flynn on his achievements and upcoming projects, reinforcing the supportive and celebratory atmosphere of the show:

Shannon Sharpe [39:35]: "Thank you for joining us on Nightcap tonight. We greatly appreciate it. Continue success. We'll see you down the road, my man."

Ocho Cinco adds a light-hearted comment, capturing the episode's friendly and humorous spirit:

Ocho Cinco [39:52]: "That was classic. That was a classic. Ending the volume."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Shannon Sharpe [05:09]: "They prank rookie Stephon Castle this week by taking the wheels off his car."

• Rome Flynn [21:08]: "Our creator, Chris Brancato, he just saw something in my tape, and he was just like, 'you were the guy.'"

• Rome Flynn [28:17]: "I've always wanted to be able to do a film or like a series where I actually... a superhero, yeah."

• Shannon Sharpe [39:35]: "Thank you for joining us on Nightcap tonight. We greatly appreciate it. Continue success."

Conclusion

This episode of Club Shay Shay masterfully balances entertaining stories from the football realm with an in-depth exploration of Rome Flynn’s acting career. Shannon Sharpe's warmth and engaging interviewing style create a welcoming space for guests to share their journeys, challenges, and aspirations. Listeners are left inspired by Rome's dedication to his craft and his vision for future roles, making this episode a must-listen for fans of sports and entertainment alike.