Sunday Mornings with Matt and Myron – Episode: Hour 1: Updates are Hard (Released July 27, 2025)

Hosts: Matt Jones and Myron Metcalf
Platform: ESPN Radio

Introduction

In the inaugural hour of "Sunday Mornings with Matt and Myron," hosts Matt Jones and Myron Metcalf dive deep into the latest happenings across the sports landscape. The episode, aptly titled "Updates are Hard," navigates through significant MLB and NFL news, college sports realignment, and interactive segments with enthusiastic callers.

Opening Remarks and Lighthearted Banter (00:00 - 04:30)

The show kicks off with Matt guiding listeners through a brief relaxation exercise, which is humorously interrupted by Myron's promotion of 1-800-Contacts. This lighthearted exchange sets a casual and engaging tone for the episode.

MLB Spotlight: Cal Raleigh’s Historic Milestone (04:37 - 08:46)

Cal Raleigh’s 40th Home Run:
The hosts celebrate Cal Raleigh’s impressive achievement of hitting his 40th home run of the season, making him the first switch-hitting catcher to reach this milestone before August. Myron shares enthusiastic praise, stating, “Cal Raleigh is pretty amazing” ([05:52]).

Nickname “Big Dumper”:
A humorous segment unfolds as callers discuss Raleigh’s nickname, “Big Dumper,” attributed to his teammate Jared Kalanick’s playful moniker based on Raleigh’s well-proportioned physique. Matt reflects, “It is cool to see this guy... making such a big impact” ([07:53]).

Discussion on Player Recognition:
The hosts express admiration for Raleigh’s perseverance and performance, contrasting him with past players like Bonds and McGwire. Myron notes, “More people should be paying attention to this” ([05:52]).

MLB Update: Aaron Judge’s Injury (08:46 - 12:08)

Injury Details:
The Yankee star Aaron Judge is placed on the 10-day injured list due to a flexor strain in his right elbow. Fortunately, MRI scans revealed no damage to his ulnar collateral ligament, averting a more severe injury.

Expected Return:
Judge is anticipated to return within 10 to 14 days, initially as a designated hitter before resuming his outfield duties.

Impact on the Yankees:
The hosts discuss the potential ramifications of Judge’s absence on the Yankees’ playoff aspirations. Myron emphasizes, “This is a danger time for the Yankees and to lose Aaron Judge” ([10:15]).

NFL Update: Terry McLaurin’s Status (01:21 - 20:04)

Injury and Contract Status:
Terry McLaurin, Washington Commanders’ receiver, has reported to training camp after a four-day holdout but has been placed on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list due to an ankle injury. He has yet to finalize a contract extension with the team.

Team Dynamics and Negotiations:
Matt questions the team's strategy, pondering, “Is he just holding out? Does that mean he’s physically unable to perform?” ([19:00]). The discussion highlights the delicate balance between fulfilling contractual obligations and negotiating terms.

Team's Focus:
The conversation touches upon the Commanders’ focus on their quarterback, Jaden Daniels, and strategic player acquisitions to bolster the offensive line, potentially sidelining McLaurin’s contract negotiations.

College Sports Realignment: North Carolina's Move to the SEC (23:20 - 36:22)

Potential SEC Inclusion:
The hosts explore reports suggesting the University of North Carolina (UNC) is positioning to join the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Myron and Matt delve into the implications of such a move, considering the cultural and geographical fit for UNC within the SEC framework.

Impact on ACC and Rivalries:
Discussions revolve around how North Carolina’s shift could affect the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and longstanding rivalries, such as those between UNC and Duke. Myron shares, “Realignment has messed up some of those rivalries” ([29:21]).

SEC’s Dominance and Future Conferences:
The conversation extends to the SEC’s expanding influence in college sports, debating whether other powerhouses like Notre Dame, Florida State, or Virginia Tech might also seek membership. Matt asserts, “The SEC is still connected to geography,” highlighting the conference’s strategic coherence ([29:54]).

Best College Campuses:
In a lighthearted tangent, the hosts rank their favorite college campuses, with mentions of Charlottesville, Chapel Hill, Ann Arbor, Oxford, and Athens, adding a personal touch to the discussion ([36:22]).

Interactive Segment: NFL Nation Takeover – Titans Camp (16:17 - 45:55)

Titans’ Training Camp Insights:
The hosts attempt to cover the Tennessee Titans’ training camp but face challenges due to the absence of their dedicated reporter. This leads to a series of caller interactions offering their perspectives on the team’s prospects.

Caller Opinions:
Callers express mixed views on Titans’ quarterback Will Levis and Cam Ward’s leadership, with some critical of Ward’s blunt remarks regarding Levis’s injury. Matt summarizes a caller’s sentiment, “That guy could not face this fan base, so he took the coward's way out” ([45:56]).

Humorous Attempts at SportsCenter Reads:
Matt and Myron experiment with delivering news updates in a “SportsCenter” style, resulting in humorous exchanges. For instance, Matt’s subdued read of Cal Raleigh’s achievement elicits playful criticism from callers seeking more enthusiasm ([26:55]).

Fantasy Football and Additional Sports News (49:31 - 49:55)

Fantasy Football Promotion:
A brief promotional segment highlights ESPN Fantasy Football, emphasizing the platform’s role in creating engaging and competitive league stories.

Conclusion and Wrap-Up (40:40 - 49:55)

As the hour concludes, Matt and Myron reflect on their SportsCenter-style updates and the various caller interactions. They tease upcoming segments on the Titans and other sports news, maintaining an engaging and dynamic rapport with their audience.

Notable Quotes

• Myron Metcalf on Cal Raleigh:
  “More people should be paying attention to this.” ([05:52])

• Matt Jones on Aaron Judge’s Impact:
  “This is a danger time for the Yankees and to lose Aaron Judge.” ([10:15])

• Caller on Nickname Humor:
  “Big Dumper. The big dumper has 40 home runs.” ([07:22])

• Caller on Titans’ Quarterback:
  “Surgery is a coward's way out.” ([46:09])

• Matt on College Realignment:
  “The SEC is still connected to geography.” ([29:54])

Key Takeaways

• Cal Raleigh’s Achievement:
  Raleigh’s 40 home runs mark a historic milestone, positioning him as a standout catcher in MLB history.

• Aaron Judge’s Injury:
  While Judge’s injury is a setback, his expected return within two weeks offers hope for the Yankees’ playoff ambitions.

• Terry McLaurin’s Contract Status:
  McLaurin’s placement on the PUP list amid contract negotiations highlights the complexities of player-team agreements in the NFL.

• College Sports Realignment:
  UNC’s potential move to the SEC could reshape conference dynamics and influence future realignment moves across college sports.

• Interactive Engagement:
  The show’s interactive segments with callers provide diverse perspectives, enriching the overall discussion and listener engagement.

"Sunday Mornings with Matt and Myron" successfully intertwines in-depth sports analysis with entertaining interactions, offering listeners a comprehensive and enjoyable overview of current sports events.