Rich (2:23)

JSB on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Covino (2:29)

$1.4 billion in NFL quarterback contracts the untold stories behind the biggest deals in football history. I'm AJ Stephens, vice president of client strategy at Athletes first, introducing the Athletes First Family podcast, the Quarterback Series. My co host, Brian Murphy, Athletes First CEO and I are sitting down with the agents who have negotiated contracts for Justin Herbert, Deshaun Watson, Dak Prescott, Tuathailoa and Jordan Love. Listen to Athletes First Family podcast on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Hey, thanks for listening to the Covino Enrich podcast. Be sure to catch us live every weekday from 5 to 7 Eastern, 2 to 4 Pacific on Fox Radio. Find your local station for Kavito and rich@foxsportsradio.com or stream us live every day on the iHeartRadio app by searching FSR. Welcome back to Kavino and Rich on Fox Sports Radio to our left. It's a pleasure to meet and welcome someone we see on social media all the time. Yeah, over 11 million followers on all social media platforms from Sports Grid. Give me props. Let's welcome Paige Sporadic to the show. Hello, Paige. How are you?

Rich (3:40)

Thanks for having me. I'm super excited.

Covino (3:42)

Pleasure to have you now. Great to see you in person. We feel like we see you every day on our phone.

Rich (3:46)

Yeah.

Covino (3:47)

How many people do you feel as though they recognize you? And I was like, I know her. Where do I know her from? Do you get that a lot?

Rich (3:54)

Yeah. Well, people going, you look familiar.

Covino (3:58)

Oh, yeah.

Rich (3:59)

If I'm on the golf course, it makes sense. But like, walking around here anywhere, but I have the best job ever because it's like I can be invisible in real life because social media fame isn't real. So it's like I have that life and then I have my real life.

Covino (4:12)

You got to tell us about that again. Paige Spraneck, you definitely know her again. Gimme Props is the new show on Sports Grid. She's a former pro golfer turned social media superstar. Tell us about that decision, how it happened. Was it hard to say? Well, I'm going to give up pro golf and focus on this, but still golf. Like, tell us about the journey. Yeah.

Rich (4:33)

So I was a competitive gymnast before I switched over to golf, and I really wanted to be a pro athlete and I thought that I would just be really well suited to golf. And So I did junior golf and then played D1 golf and then two years professionally. But that first year, it's financially straining, and I didn't have any support. And it just kind of happened to me where someone wrote an article about me, I went viral overnight, went from having 500 followers to 100,000 followers, and companies were reaching out. And at the time, this is almost 10 years ago now, there was no path to be a social media influencer or content creator, especially in, in golf or in sports. And so I was like, oh, I can use this to my advantage to finance my golf career. And that's really how started. And after really like a year of trying to balance both, which was really hard, and I was also dealing with a lot of criticism of, you know, getting a sponsor invite or just what people said was like, special treatment in the golf industry because of my following or my appearance. And it was just too hard to handle. And I was never cut out for pro golf. I had the, the physical skills to do it. But, oh, my God, I am such a head case. Like, it was bad. It was really bad.

Covino (5:49)

Wait, what got to you the most? The criticism or.

Rich (5:52)

You know, I think that, like, coming from a gymnastics background, where you need to be perfect and you're striving for perfection, and then you go to golf, which is the exact opposite. There is no such thing as perfect. And really, you look like this throughout your career, and the highs never really outweighed the lows. For me, there's just something about golf, and I don't know if you. You've played it, but it just makes you feel so small about yourself.

Covino (6:15)

For that reason. Yeah, I. I'm not. Because everyone's like, you're gonna, you're gonna love it one day, right? And then the minute you feel like I'm getting pretty good, then you feel like you suck.

Rich (6:23)

It just eats you alive. And especially when you're trying to do it as a living, which most people like, that's the dream job. And I'm like, well, you know, especially for the women I was playing on the mini tours, I played around 25 tournaments, I had a win, and I barely broke even for the year. And so you're grinding and you don't have support, and it's just a really hard lifestyle, so there's so much pressure on you. And then me just kind of being a people pleaser and wanting to do a good job. And also, it's a really unique sport too, where, you know, my parents always told me, if you work hard, you will be successful. If you do everything that you need to do, you will see results. And golf is like, nah, no you won't. You can eat right. You can, you know, do everything, have healthy habits and work hard in the gym and work hard, you know, on your practice. And then, you know, it could be the first tee, and then it's like, you've never held a golf club before. And I just couldn't ever wrap my head around that. And so I decided to lean into doing social media work for just a year or two to be able to, you know, then maybe take a break of that and go back to pro golf. In about a year of just doing social media, I was like, I will never, ever go back to playing golf competitively. Yeah.

Covino (7:24)

Because that just blew up, up, blew up for you. Congrats.

Rich (7:27)

And I'm just better suited. So what held me back in playing professional golf actually helped me in my social media career, where I think I was very vulnerable and, you know, competition was hard for me, and that vulnerability helped me build a really great community. And so I'm just much better suited to be doing this. And I still got to stay in golf, which I'm so passionate about, but I just was never meant to play professional golf.

Covino (7:49)

Yeah. Hey, listen, we're here hanging with Paige, Spiranic, Kavino and Rich. What I love about what you do is you don't shy away from the obvious. You're good at golf.

Rich (7:56)

What are you talking about?

Covino (7:57)

You're a good looking. You're a good looking woman. And like, a lot of times there's like, a hesitancy where people, like, want to know if I want to lean in. And you're like, listen, I was blessed with good looks, and I know how to play sports, and I know sports. Why not marry the two? Yeah.

Rich (8:10)

I mean, when I first started doing this, I again, had no idea what it would morph into, and I was taking a more traditional route, and it was so funny. I posted a picture, and I was wearing a turtleneck, and someone called me out for my wardrobe, and I was like, this isn't about my wardrobe. You're just putting me in this box. And I got so sick of that. And I was like, you know what? I'm gonna lean in, and I'm gonna do that the best I possibly can.

Covino (8:34)

Why not? Right?

Rich (8:35)

So my social media has morphed over the years, and it's really become this, like, parody of how people view me. And if you follow me, you're kind of in on the bit. And it's like, if you know, you know.

Covino (8:45)

Yeah.

Rich (8:45)

And I have so much fun with it, and I'm very Self aware. And I just feel like there's so much negativity on line that I want people to come to my page and have fun and smile and not think that I'm like, trying to preach something or do this or do that.

Covino (8:58)

It's like you were. That you were the first. Like, I feel like because of you, there's so many. Like, I have buddies that like, my whole algorithm is like, hot girls golfing. Yeah, you be. You started sort of like a genre.

Rich (9:08)

No, I mean, I paved a path for so many, not even just for the women, but for also my male counterparts to be able to do this. I was the first one to be able to monetize your social media in a way in the golf industry that no one had ever really done before. And sometimes I don't always get credit for that because again, of, like, how I've built my brand and it. Because it is more kind of silly and not as like, in your face golf all the time. But I'm really proud of that. And it's so cool that so many women now have an opportunity to make, you know, a career.

Covino (9:41)

Have you met guys that are intimidated that you are better than them at golf? Because there's a lot of guys that would have a hard time, like, gosh, it's better than me. Like, is that. Have you encountered many a man that are insecure about your skills?

Rich (9:52)

You know, it's funny because a lot of people, because I am so public and I say, oh, I feel that playing golf professionally, that they think that I'm a bad golfer. And so when I meet a lot of people, they're not nervous that they're playing with me because they think I'm good. They think that I'm going to be bad and I'll make. I'll make contact on the first shot and they're like, oh, no. Oh, my gosh. And like, that's the fun part. It's like I, I still can play at a, you know, a good level and I'm confident in my skills and. But most people just don't realize that I, you know, can break 70.

Covino (10:24)

You could hustle so many people. You can hustle so many people.

Rich (10:28)

I've been doing it online. I mean, that's my whole career.

Covino (10:30)

That's the big hustle, by the way, on the Kavino and Rich show, Fox Sports Radio. Show me your tips. You're not shying away from. Like I said, everything's like you said. If you're in on it, she's leaning into it. You're in on it. Yeah. When you talk about Gimme Props, prop bets, looking at Super Bowl 59, are there bets you're already eyeing up with. With people you're talking about or no? Do you like some of the prop bets?

Rich (10:50)

Oh, I love them. They have the national anthem. The Gatorade pour is always my favorite. What color it's going to be. I mean, always the fun prop bets. But what we decided to do with Gimme Props is people were writing in prop bets that they want to see me attempt. So the first one, the first episode that launched on February 2, our YouTube channel under Lost Pages is Dirty Balls.

Covino (11:12)

So again, leaning in, having fun.

Rich (11:15)

And it's by the way, when she.

Covino (11:17)

Said that she looked at you, I want you to know that she looked at Rich, he said, dirty balls, balls. And look at Rick. Just, just so you know, I want to make that clear.

Rich (11:25)

And so I have to clean golf balls, dirty golf balls in a certain amount of time. And then the second one was a double stacked burger, and I have to finish it in under five bites.

Covino (11:36)

Okay. So they're just fun. Silly fun. Yeah. It's supposed to be fun.

Rich (11:40)

Supposed to be fun.

Covino (11:41)

Paige, do you ever think about how you really just.

Rich (11:43)

This is my life.

Covino (11:44)

I know.

Rich (11:45)

I think about my digital footprint and I, like, shiver sometimes.

Covino (11:48)

There are times we think like, we're faking life. Like, we talk about radio and sports and nonsense for a living job ever. You are like, people are betting on a cheeseburger bites 100.

Rich (11:57)

And it's so funny because, you know, I hear people in my industry and they're like, oh, my job is so, you know, difficult. And I'm like, we have the best job ever. Like, if you talk to someone in the real world with, like, an actually challenging job, it humbles you real quick.

Covino (12:12)

Oh, yeah.

Rich (12:12)

And I'm so blessed to be able to do what I do every single day. And I. I never take that for granted. I'm so appreciative of my community that allows me to eat cheeseburgers. Like, the best job ever.

Covino (12:25)

When you walk around, like, a media row like this for a big event like the super bowl, this is your demo. So do you feel that everyone's looking where you're going? Like. Like, she's used to that. But I saw you walk this way, and every radio booth is like, is that Paige?

Rich (12:41)

Like, oh, really?

Covino (12:42)

Yeah. Do you get that vibe?

Rich (12:43)

No, I think I'm just so desensitized.

Covino (12:45)

I'm numb to it. It happened on the golf course. It probably happens all the time.

Rich (12:50)

Well, you know, it's funny because a lot of people think, oh, you must be, like, really confident. And I, like, at my core, I'm, like, deeply insecure. And so sometimes when people look at me, I'm like, is there, like, is there makeup on my teeth? Or, like, is there something wrong? And so when people are, like, looking, I'm like, oh, my God, wait, like, there's something wrong with me, and I don't think about it in, like, ever a positive way in my life.

Covino (13:09)

They're trying to read your shirt. That's what it says. I just hope both teams have fun. Have fun again. Paige. Yeah, it was this.

Rich (13:18)

I mean, it was only this really tiny print, right?

Covino (13:21)

She put it on. I gotta ask you this. You're talking about how great the career is, right? But there has to be a weird side or tell us how you balance out the fact that everybody wants to know everything about you because everything's so public, right? And they want to see what you're doing at home, and they want to see all your videos and everything. How do you balance any privacy when you're so public all the time?

Rich (13:40)

When I first started doing this, I was an open book, and I would say everything that just, you know, popped into my head. And I realized, like, that's probably not the best thing that you could be doing. And so I still want to keep my authenticity and be genuine, because that's how you connect with your audience. But there's just certain things that I decided that I'll never talk about, which is, like, friends, family, any relationships, it's just not worth it. And so when you go on to any of my social media platforms, it's me, and me only because I signed up for this. But a lot of people in my life, especially, like, my best friends, they don't even have social media. And so I don't want to subject them to.

Covino (14:17)

To.

Rich (14:17)

There's so much good, but there is also some bad. And I've come to terms with that. But that's not a life for everyone. And so, yeah, there is a balance, but, like, keeping that part of my life separate. And I think it's also helped with the. The hate, too, because it's a Persona that I play. It's a character, and it's not really me or my real life. And I think that separation side of you, though, right? It's my most confident, sexiest, most playful side of me.

Covino (14:43)

The.

Rich (14:44)

The person I want to be is who I show online. It's who I, like, strive to be that confident.

Covino (14:50)

It's like Larry David said, he wants to be who he is on curve, but in real life, he, he just can't. And that platform, the platform allows you and expects you to do that at this point? Yeah.

Rich (15:01)

I mean, because at the end of the day it needs to be entertaining. Right. And so like, if I'm just sitting home in sweats and doing nothing and like, reading, people are not going to find that interesting.

Covino (15:11)

How do you handle hate? I mean, it's easy to say, yeah, just ignore it all, but there'll be times we'll do a show or an event or like, hey, that was good. And for every nice person, there's an a hole that's saying some stuff. Do you just totally block it all out or are there times where you're like, yeah, people are pretty mean. Like, social media is not a nice place.

Rich (15:28)

Again, I'm like so desensitized to it now. But I will say that, like, I've noticed that the things that people say that bother me the most are insecurities that I have with myself. And so you do have to. It's going to be cheesy, but like, you have to take that journey of like, self love and like figuring out why those comments bother you. So for me, like, I feel like I failed at pro golf. And so when people criticize my golf game early on in my career, that really ate at me because I was insecure about that. And now again, it's a Persona. It's this kind of character that I play up and being able to separate, like, what I do from who I am. And it's hard because as a content creator, you are the brand. And so when someone is criticizing you, they're criticizing the brand or this version that they think they know of you. But I can't sit down and have an hour long conversation with every single person I meet. And I feel if I did, I would change or sway there. Maybe not. Maybe I'm just, you know, very unlikable and like everything that people say. But like, once you get to know someone, then you can make a full, you know, judgment on who they actually are and you just won't get that opportunity with so many people.

Covino (16:34)

Paige Spiranack. I'm sure you get a lot of hate, but you get a lot of love too. You have 11 million followers across platforms. You're a celebrity. You said social media celebrity, however you.

Rich (16:45)

Want to put it.

Covino (16:45)

Influencer. Do you put that number? That's a lot of people.

Rich (16:49)

That's crazy.

Covino (16:50)

That's crazy. Cover of Sports Illustrated, you know, Illustrated model, all that stuff. I wanted to ask you. Obviously, a lot of men are reaching out to you all the time. Let's talk about celebrity guys and athletes. Do they hit you up constantly? Are you always seeing it? You don't have to give us names, but it has to be a constant thing. Yeah. Is that fair to assume?

Rich (17:10)

Yeah. A lot of baseball players and hockey players, because they love golf, and so that's always, like, a pretty easy transition. And then some random people sometimes that I'm like, that was really cool. That, like, they know who I am.

Covino (17:25)

Right. Okay.

Rich (17:27)

Because, like, I just don't. I. Throughout all of this, like, I can't believe I'm doing this. And so it's so weird to me.

Covino (17:33)

So you notice that, though, right? It's not like, you just see that dude and you're like, yeah, whatever. You notice it and you're like, okay, interesting.

Rich (17:40)

I never respond, though, Ever. No, because it's. I don't. You don't meet your heroes. That's what I found out in this industry, that most of the time, I'm often disappointed. And so I just want to. If I really respect them or like them, I kind of want to keep it as I envision them in my head.

Covino (17:55)

You don't want to know that they're really a creepo. No, but maybe they're not. I mean, you got to respect sometimes people shooting. Shooting their shot. They're a fan, and they're like, hey.

Rich (18:03)

And I'll never, like. I. I don't like when girls drop names or make it into a big thing, because that's, like. It's disrespectful. Like, it takes a lot of, like.

Covino (18:11)

Oh, I know what you mean. Like, someone would screenshot it and throw it out there publicly.

Rich (18:14)

Yeah, I think that's so cringy.

Covino (18:15)

I agree. Yeah.

Rich (18:16)

I think that's because it takes a lot of courage to, like, slide into someone's DMs, and then for that, then they blasted online. I. I don't. Like.

Covino (18:24)

I'm actually. I'm with you on that. Yeah. I think that's a weak look. Yeah, no doubt, no doubt. By the way, when you. When you're around here, are you a big football fan? Are you more like, what. What? Besides golf, what are your sports that you actually enjoy?

Rich (18:35)

Yeah. So my aunt played freshwater tennis. My dad played football at Pitt when they won the national championship. My mom was a professional ballet dancer. My sister ran track at Stanford. And so we have Most of the sports covered, big sports family. Both my parents are from Pittsburgh, so I bleed black and gold.

Covino (18:52)

I know.

Rich (18:54)

And so always been a big Pittsburgh fan, but I just love sports. I. It's just.

Covino (19:01)

It's the best because you have 11 million followers and people know who Paige Sporanek is. Do you have the ability to be like, hey, I want to go meet Russell Wilson. I want to, you know, do you know Coach Tomlin? Like, have you infiltrated that world at all or.

Rich (19:14)

No, No, I, again, like, I just have such imposter syndrome that, like, I don't even ask or try to do or facilitate those things. Like, I probably could have taken advantage of, like, opportunities, and I just have never done it. But I love Mike Tomlin. I think he's so cool. I think it may be his time at the Steelers is done. But, like, I have always loved the coach.

Covino (19:37)

When he finds out, he'll be sliding into your DMs next hateful.

Rich (19:42)

Like you said, I'm.

Covino (19:43)

Hey, wait, before all this happened for you in the Gulf, what was like, your last regular job?

Rich (19:49)

Okay, so I. This is going to be crazy. My parents always said that if you gave your all to sports, that you'd never had to work a job. And so I was able to commit to sports, get a full ride scholarship, and so I never had to work. And then right out of this, no, I worked in my sister's frozen yogurt shop for like a week. And then I couldn't figure out the cash register, so I just started like, giving people free yogurt. And I got fired by my sister. But no, I've never worked, like, a real job, which I'm lucky that I fell into what I do today. But there are so many college athletes who are not able to get internships or not able to get jobs, and they're thrown into the workforce with really no skills other than what they learn through athletics. And it's actually a pretty big problem.

Covino (20:38)

Wow. I do tell my kids. I tell my daughter. I'm like, if you get a scholarship, all this money dad saving, you could use it for whatever you want. So scholarships are a big deal.

Rich (20:46)

That's 100%.

Covino (20:48)

Because you, you know, you said you didn't really have to work, but what you've done is you've built an empire here. I'm not downplaying that. But she did get fired by her sister, so, yeah, we can't go past that.

Rich (20:59)

I don't even have a college degree because this happened in my. My senior year. And So I wasn't able to graduate. And so I really had to like, fully lean into this or else. Like, I mean, who would have known right then?

Covino (21:11)

Exactly. Let me ask you one more thing. Paige Spiranac here with Kavino and Rich, Fox Sports Radio. Let's say you're on a date, hanging with friends.

Rich (21:18)

Yeah.

Covino (21:18)

You're going mini golf. Topgolf any of these things. Are you. Are you able to check out and be casual or you like looking at people's grips, people's swings? Like, are you able to step aside from golf?

Rich (21:30)

Funny enough, I am terrible at mini golf. Terrible. I am so bad at it. I don't know why. It's like, it's the same thing. I can't figure it out.

Covino (21:39)

At a windmill or clown's mouth. And you're off.

Rich (21:41)

Oh, I just lose it. Like, my mind goes in wild places and I just can't figure it out. And they're like, well, bank it off here. And I'm like, that's not real golf. Like, I can't do that. No. I try to have as much fun as possible, but if someone's asking for, you know, swing tips, I will always help them.

Covino (21:55)

And my last question again, Paige Branick, you said you like to have fun. Aside from golf, what's like your perfect night? What do you like to do? Do you like to binge out on shows? You like to be lazy? You like, like, what's your thing?

Rich (22:07)

I mean, I travel at home. Yeah. It's so funny because I the Persona that, you know, has kind of been created online is people think it's like fun party girl, like doing all these cool events with like a listers and athletes and my go to night is home with my dog, eating ice cream. Like what? Binge watching a show or reading a book. And like, that is what I love.

Covino (22:30)

That's your happy time?

Rich (22:31)

That's my happy time.

Covino (22:32)

What's your show?

Rich (22:33)

Right now I am one episode away from finishing Yellowstone.

Covino (22:37)

Oh, yeah. We're not on it. You watch we're not on it. I've been pushing, shrinking on him. Yeah.

Rich (22:42)

Okay.

Covino (22:42)

Apple tv.

Rich (22:43)

Okay, I'll check it out because I'm gonna need a new show after Yellowstone. Yellowstone is done.

Covino (22:47)

Tell us about your stuff. Give me props. Sports grid. We got this here, this little. Nice.

Rich (22:52)

Yeah. So we, we always want to bring give me props with us everywhere. Last night at opening night, we had a couple fun props. One was how long it would take for Travis Kelsey to get asked a question about Taylor Swift. Over under was five minutes I took the under and I won. Another one was how long it would take to get to the front for Saquon Barkley. Over under 45 minutes. We did not succeed on that one. But with the Lost Pages poker chip, today's challenge is you have to put it on your forearm and then try to catch it. And if you do, you get the belt. No, no, no.

Covino (23:27)

I gotta do this over here. I gotta stand up for this bad boy. Hold on. Here's the chip. Oh, come on. I got it. First try. First try. There you go. You get. Oh, yeah. Yeah, buddy. I'll take it. Give me props. Bell, Paige, Franic. Thank you, guys. I mean, follow her. I mean, follow us. She's got enough followers. You got plenty. Can you save some for, you know, for us?

Rich (23:49)

We can collab.

Covino (23:51)

Where can people hit you up? Obviously, at Paige Sporanek.

Rich (23:53)

Yeah, on my platforms that are my name Paige Spranek. On Instagram, it's Paige Renee. And then for the Lost Pages, gimme prop show. You can find it on YouTube under Lost Pages.

Covino (24:04)

Perfect. A pleasure meeting you. Thank you again. Thanks for being on the show. You're welcome by any time. We appreciate it. We got more Camino and Rich. Fox Sports Radio has the best sports talk lineup in the nation. Catch all of our shows@foxsportsradio.com and within the iHeartRadio app. Search FSR to listen live. Hey, it's Bobby Bones. Join me and former NFL quarterback Matt Castle every Wednesday for our new podcast, Lots to say with Bobby Bones and Matt Castle. Between us, we have over 17,500 passing yards, multiple New York Times bestsellers, and one mirror ball trophy from Dancing with the Stars. So where else you're gonna find a show with that much athleticism and football insight?

Rich (24:46)

Based in Nashville, we're more than just.

Covino (24:48)

Your basic NFL show. We talk sports, but we talk pop culture and music and a little bit of everything because we got lots to say. I. I texted you, and you texted me back. Now, I don't know if you have the update, but, like, all the little thumbs up and heart and stuff, like, it's all colored. They changed it, and the heart's a little pink. It felt like I told you I loved you. I'm honest. It was a little pink. There was something sentimental. When you. When you send it, you're like, do I send the heart now? I don't like the color edition. It's extremely pink. Listen to Lots to say with Bobby Bones and Matt castle on the iHeartRadio app. Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Hey, it's Alec Baldwin. This season on my podcast here's the Thing, I speak with musician, photographer and philanthropist Julian Lennon. One of the really important things that happened to me in my relationship with photography and the that I would have people write to me. People that couldn't financially afford to travel the world or go anywhere, couldn't or were disabled and couldn't travel the world or go anywhere. And what they had all said to me is that you bring these stories to us, you bring the truth, you bring life to us of cultures that we would never necessarily know anything about. Photography really does allow me to do that, have empathy for people on the other side of the world that you'll never, ever meet. But you you'll at least have some understanding of what their life is and what they went through or are still going through. Listen to the new season of here's the thing on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Jon Stewart is back at the Daily show, and he's bringing his signature wit and insight straight to your ears with the Daily Show Ears Edition podcast. Dive into John unique take on the biggest topics in politics, entertainment, sports, and more. Joined by the sharp voices of the show's correspondents and contributors, and with extended interviews and exclusive weekly headline roundups, this podcast gives you content you won't find anywhere else. Ready to laugh and stay informed? Listen on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Ever wonder what it's like to be on the phone with an NFL general manager as you finalize the biggest contract in NFL history? I'm A.J. stephens, Vice President of Client strategy at Athletes first, where we've negotiated $1.4 billion in current NFL quarterback contracts. Introducing the Athletes First Family podcast, the Quarterback Series. Along with my co host Brian Murphy, Athlete's first CEO, we're pulling back the curtain on how these historic deals come together. You'll hear directly from the agents who shaped the NFL's financial landscape, the ones who negotiated Justin Herbert's extension and Deshaun Watson's fully guaranteed contract that sent shockwaves through the league. This isn't just about the numbers, though. It's about the untold stories behind these massive negotiations and the relationships the NFL superstars like Dak Prescott, Tua Tungavaloa and Jordan Love have with their agents at Athletes First. For the first time ever, the agents who orchestrate these deals are sharing the details of the negotiations and everything that led up to their clients signing on the dotted line. Listen to the Athletes First Family podcast on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. It was a moment that should have.

Rich (28:08)

Broken me, but just because of how.

Covino (28:10)

I was raised and my bullishness and arrogance to want to be great hardened.

Rich (28:13)

Me, it gave me a platform to.

Covino (28:15)

Be so singularly focused on greatness. We all have moments like this. Something happens that's supposed to break us, but it's in these moments that we discover what we're really made of. I promise you, if anyone knows this, it's me.

Rich (28:32)

I'm Ashlyn Harris, two time Women's World.

Covino (28:35)

Cup champion and goalkeeper for the US Women's National Team. In my new podcast, Wide Open, I'll sit down with trailblazers from sports, music, fashion, entertainment and politics to explore their toughest moments and the incredible comebacks that followed.

Rich (28:53)

Listen to Wide Open with Ashlyn Harris.

Covino (28:55)

An iHeart women's sports production on the.

Rich (28:58)

Iheartradio app, Apple podcast or wherever you get your podcasts. Presented by Capital One, founding partner of iHeart Women's Sports.

Covino (29:06)

Hey hey. We are back live from Media Row in Nolens@ TireRack.com studio. Remember, Travis Matthew is apparel designed for conference confidence and comfort no matter where the day takes you. We were just hanging out with Paige Spiranack, former pro golfer and she was pretty impressed with our Travis Matthew gear. I know. Again, for performance driven styles to everyday essentials for men and women. Travis Matthew has you covered. Visit travismathieu.com and receive 20% off your first order when you sign up for email. Again, live from the tire rack.com studio, I'm Covino. That is rich. And for those who don't know. Yes. What do we do? There's a reason Rich was uber giddy in that interview. Oh, I'm sorry. And the reason is underscore page Renee. She's got 4 million followers on IG, over 11 million followers on social media. She's a looker. She leans into it. She was a lot of fun. That's. I mean, listen, I was trying to get at the fact that I love when talented, good looking women in sports lean into it. Because it's like the reality is, what do men like? Sports and women. So to pretend that's not the case is silly. I love that she leans into it. You know who else leans into their looks? Isaac Lowenkron. Let's go for an update. What's up ilo? A man that leans into those looks. What's up, buddy boy? Do you know it? It transcends the radio airwaves. He leans like a cholo. So raw. Elbows up, side to side. Didn't think I knew that, did you, guys? No. But you impress me. Always. What can I say, guys? We will start with a story out of Philadelphia, this one not involving the Eagles. It's in the NBA, where the Philadelphia 76ers announced a short time ago that Joel Embiid will be available tonight against the Dallas mavericks after missing 15 games due to a sprained foot and knee swelling. Meanwhile today, we got to hear verbally from Luka Doncic for the first time since the big trade as the Los Angeles Lakers held his introductory news conference. I mean, everybody was surprised, so you can imagine how surprised I was.

Rich (31:16)

I was almost asleep, so when I.

Covino (31:17)

Got a call, I had to check. It was April 1st. I didn't really believe it at first, and it was a big shock. It was hard moments for me. It was home. Meanwhile today, new Dallas maverick Anthony Davis described his reaction to the trade. I was shocked. Everyone else, like I said, I didn't know.

Rich (31:36)

I was actually at home about to watch a movie with my wife and.

Covino (31:40)

And got the phone call.

Rich (31:42)

So I had no idea. I mean, now I'm kind of over.

Covino (31:45)

It and just kind of getting ready.

Rich (31:47)

To play with Dallas.

Covino (31:48)

No word how the movie came out. Anyway, finally, guys, what movie was it, by the way? Is it the new Cameron Diaz Jamie Foxx movie? Maybe you're watching this. That's what. That's what I wanted to know. It was Moana, too. Okay. It'll be hard pressed to beat any given Sunday. Well, speaking of any given Sunday, finally, in the NFL, regarding the perception that the Kansas City Chiefs purposely get favorable calls, NFL referees associ executive director Scott Green issued a statement today saying, and I quote, it is insulting and preposterous to hear conspiracy theories that somehow 17 officiating crews consisting of 138 officials are colluding to assist one team. To find out how that statement went over with the public, we check the comment section. And Mr. C commented, not all refs are in on it. They change the outcome of several games a year with key calls or no calls in critical moments. We all know it. And to pretend it doesn't happen is ridiculous. Then finally, VistaTest2 added quote, this is like a cop pulling over a pothead for speeding, and the first thing he says is, there's nothing illegal in my car, sir. Unquote. Guys, the key to knowing that you're getting A great perspective on social media is if the username has at least one underscore in it. Back to you guys. No doubt. Isaac, always good to hear from you. And by the way, it isn't Isaac. You got to admit, it's pretty funny that they even Roger Goodell and people have to address this Wild. To me, it's unprecedented that the executive director of the referees association has ever issued a statement. The NBA Referees association has a notable presence on social media, but not in the NFL. But you know what will add fuel to it is if the Chiefs benefit again on Sunday. I know. You know what's interesting to me is that as far as I know know, aren't referees in the NFL, unlike other sports where in the offseason they're judges and lawyers and you like men of honor. No. Is that sort of the difference too? I don't know what ILO thinks about that, but that's bs. Men are men. Men of honor. Get out of here. Look what happened in the NBA, you know, you can't discredit that. If it happened in the NBA, it's possible anywhere. You know, just because of what they do or whatever doesn't mean they're great guys. I'm not buying into it. I'm just saying that doesn't really hold a lot of weight with me. Thank you. Thank you very much, buddy. Appreciate you. We're live from New Orleans, Covino and Rich. And if you just joined us, well, two things. Tomorrow we fill in for Colin Cowherd in for Colin on the Herd. And we're still doing our regular show. So join us, call in, get involved and stick around because lots of people stopping by the show live, lots of interviews. And if you just joined us now, we had Kurt Schilling on before. And that's always interesting for me too, because while I'm a big bass, we're both big baseball fans. No doubt. But you always hear, you know, rumblings about Curt Schilling and the type of guy he is, and everything couldn't have been cooler. I found him extremely charming. And I think the lesson there is you gotta always make your own opinions for yourself. Right. Even if that's real life. That's. That's the problem, I think a lot of times these days is that if you disagree with people on a couple issues here or there, like, you discount that person. Yeah, I don't care about his political beliefs. The guy was a great ballplayer. He's fun to talk to. Exactly. And we just. We're joined by Paige Spiranac the Sports Illustrated model pro golfer turned influencer. And that was a lot of fun, too. So, again, catch it on the podcast. And thanks for being here super bowl week with us now, because it's super bowl week, Obviously, everybody's talking Eagles, Chiefs, and something we promised yesterday was, what's a bigger motivator? Everybody keeps talking about the three. Pete. I've heard nobody except for me bring up the fact, well, what about the revenge game for the Eagles? I mean, I get it. It's an obvious. But that's not a motivation that should be talked about. I'm not. I'm not trying to shut you down by any means. I don't care, because you can. Because I find it to be a motivator. That's my opinion. You're gonna, like, stop me from believing that. All right, good. I'm glad you said there's beats. There's so many players that sit there and watch themselves lose a game, and they're watching another team celebrate, and they sit there and they take it in. They say the same thing all the time. I want to remember this because I never want to feel it again. You don't think that's a major motivator for Jalen Hurts and his Eagles to not want to lose again? Bro, I'm not saying that makes it an unbeatable motivator, but that is damn well a great motivator. In fact, that would make them hungrier than a team that won twice already. How do you say ass in Spanish again, Rich? Actually, yeah, it means ass. Spanish. No, I think it's Rico Davis. That's how you say it, because your cabeza is up your booty. I'm not trying to shoo you down or anything, but people who lack are motivated more than people that have. And guess what? These Chiefs have two super bowl championships in the past two years. So to downplay the hunger and appetite of an Eagles team that lost to this team is ridiculous. That's downplaying the heart of a champion because the challenger was beat. That's horse crap. And I'll give you they're not a bad team. They got Saquon Barkley. You don't think that they're leaning into that? You're crazy. Maybe you need to re. Listen to it. Who's more motivated in the boxing ring? The guy that's fighting for something or the guy that was raised with a silver spoon in his mouth? The guy that. That wants something because he lacks it is always more motivated than the guy that already has it. Guess What? The Chiefs already have it. There's one. There's one caveat, one rub to your stupid thought. And the boxing ring and the UFC Octagon are different. That is a one on one sport. You're right. Some guy that you know was broke and came from a small little village somewhere might have heart, might have a, you know, more motivation. There's 50 plus guys on this team. And when you say someone wants it more or someone's motivated, what's the greater motivator? Well, guess what, and I'll tell you straight up. Up. There's a another company here that let me go. If you don't think that that's greater motivation for me to kick their ass, then you're crazy. It doesn't matter what motivates you. It's how it motivates you. I think what Jalen hurts experienced definitely motivates him. Maybe even a little more than Patrick Mahomes winning three in a row every time. There's a big maybe every game seven. You can't act like you're so certain. What's a bigger motivator? Every end of a World Series, NBA Championship, NHL, Stanley Cup, super bowl, there's always a couple players on the losing team. And Danny back, there's always a couple players that like, let the confetti fall on their head or there's always some clown on the top row, the dugout. It was my boy Soto last year. Sure. They're sitting on the top row. Like, dude, I get it. You're no more motivated than the guy that walked back in the locker room. Don't give me these theatrics. That Jalen hurts. Really took it in two years ago. It doesn't guarantee that they're gonna win. But if you don't think that hunger is greater, then you've never been without. Okay, Rich, let me ask you this question really quick. What if you had a mansion already and you were just striving to add on to the mansion? You're not fighting as far as the guy that wants it, or you're in a one bedroom, crappy apartment in Reseda, California. That, but that. I get what you're saying. On paper, that's a beautiful argument. On paper, guys. But in reality, sometimes someone just better. And like, I don't care. That is the reality. But you're not. We're not saying who's better. We're saying what's the bigger motivator? The guy that wants that mansion is more motivated than the guy that has it. You don't Think Mahomes wants a three peat? You don't think that rich person is like, I gotta stay rich? Hold on. It's not about Mahomes not being motivated. I think people are more focused on the three peat motivation for the three peat than the motivation of Jalen hurts wanting to revenge that loss. No one's talking about that. That you don't think revenge is a great motivator. I promise you, every day I wake up with that motivation revenge. Every sports. I wake up every day thinking, I can't wait for everybody to kiss my ass. It's a great motivator, dude. And I don't think anyone's talking about that enough. I just feel like revenge in sports is a great thought, but I think the reality is talent will always win. And to say that someone's not motivated when they're in an elite level, it doesn't matter if they won zero times or try to go for a three, so much is straight better. I get it that you're right about that. And I think the other question here is, well, maybe that extra motivation, right? That extra I gotta win. I can't lose again. I can't. That could take them out of their focus, out of their game, where Mahomes is calm, cool, collected, because he's been there, done that. So you're telling me then. Well, hold on. I should be excited because Juan Soto stood on the top row of the dugout last year when the Yankees lost the World Series series. He should be fired up going into the season as a method. Absolutely. Oh, you know, hey, he wants to lose again. World Series a bust. So you think he wants to lose again. It's not about me being right. It's about you downplaying this motivating factor. All right, you give me a headache. I give you a headache every day. Now, this is a good debate, and I haven't heard anybody else talking about this. Yeah, because everybody's talking about the 3p. No one's talking about this guy. You know, avenging the. The major loss that probably haunts him every day. Oh, you know what? Hold that thought. We'll. We'll wrap up the show. We got more time. Fox Sports Radio has the best sports talk lineup in the nation. Catch all of our shows@foxsportsradio.com and within the iHeartRadio app. Search FSR to listen live. Hey, it's Bobby Bones. Join me and former NFL quarterback Matt Castle every Wednesday for our new podcast, Lots to say With Bobby Bones and Matt Castle. Between us, we have over 17,500 passing.

Rich (41:54)

Yards, multiple New York Times bestsellers, and.

Covino (41:57)

One mirrorball trophy from Dancing with the Star. So where else are you gonna find.

Rich (42:00)

A show with that much athleticism and football insight? Based in Nashville, we're more than just.

Covino (42:05)

Your basic NFL show. We talk sports, but we talk pop culture and music and a little bit of everything because we got lots to say. I texted you and you texted me back. Back. Now, I don't know if you have the update, but, like, all the little thumbs up and heart and stuff, like, it's all colored. They changed it, and the heart's a little pink. It felt like I told you I loved you. I'm gonna be honest. It was a little pink. There was something sentimental when you. When you send it. It was like, do I send the heart?

Rich (42:31)

Now?

Covino (42:31)

I don't like the color edition. It's extremely pink. Listen to Lots to say with Bobby Bones and Matt Castle on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcast. Hey, it's Alec Baldwin. This season on my podcast, here's the Thing, I speak with musician, photographer, and philanthropist Julian Lennon. One of the really important things that happened to me in my relationship with photography and the images was that I would have people write to me. People that couldn't financially afford to travel the world or go anywhere, couldn't. Or were disabled and couldn't travel the world or go anywhere. And what they had all said to me is that you bring these stories to us, you bring the truth, you bring life to us of cultures that we would never necessarily know anything about. Photography really does allow me to do that. Have empathy for people on the other side of the world that you'll never, ever meet, but you'll at least have some understanding of what their life is and what they went through or are still going through. Listen to the new season of here's the thing on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Jon Stewart is back at the Daily show, and he's bringing his signature wit and insight straight to your ears with the Daily Show Ears Edition podcast. Dive into John's unique take on the biggest topics in politics, entertainment, sports, and more. Joined by the sharp voices of the show's correspondence and contributors, and with extended interviews and exclusive weekly headline roundups, this podcast gives you content you won't find anywhere else. Ready to laugh and stay informed, listen on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Ever wonder what it's like to be on the phone with an NFL general manager as you finalize the biggest contract in NFL history. I'm A.J. stephens, Vice President of Client Strategy at Athletes Verse, where we've negotiated $1.4 billion in current NFL quarterback contracts. Introducing the Athletes First Family podcast the Quarterback Series along with my co host Brian Murphy, Athlete's first CEO, we're pulling back the curtain on how these historic deals come together. You'll hear directly from the agents who shaped the NFL's financial landscape, the ones who negotiated Justin Herbert's extension and Deshaun Watson's fully guaranteed contract that sent shockwaves through the league. This isn't just about the numbers, though. It's about the untold stories behind these massive negotiations and the relationships the NFL superstars like Dak Prescott, Tua Tango Valiloa and Jordan Love have with their agents at Athletes First. For the first time ever, the agents who orchestrate these deals are sharing the details of the negotiations and everything that led up to their clients signing on the dotted line. Listen to the athletes first family podcast on the iHeartRadio Apple podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. It was a moment that should have.

Rich (45:25)

Broken me, but just because of how.

Covino (45:27)

I was raised and my bullishness and arrogance to want to be great hardened.

Rich (45:31)

Me, it gave me a platform to.

Covino (45:32)

Be so singularly focused on greatness. We all have moments like this.

Rich (45:38)

Something happens that's supposed to break us.

Covino (45:41)

But it's in these moments that we discover what we're really made of. I promise you, you if anyone knows this, it's me.

Rich (45:49)

I'm Ashlyn Harris, two time Women's World.

Covino (45:52)

Cup Champion and goalkeeper for the US Women's National Team.

Rich (45:56)

In my new podcast, Wide Open, I'll.

Covino (45:58)

Sit down with trailblazers from sports, music, fashion, entertainment and politics to explore their toughest moments and the incredible comebacks that followed.

Rich (46:10)

Listen to Wide Open with Ashlyn Harris.

Covino (46:12)

An iHeart women's sports production on the.

Rich (46:15)

Iheartradio app, Apple podcast or wherever you get your podcasts. Presented by Capital One, founding partner of iHeart Women's Sports.

Covino (46:24)

And we're live from super bowl week in Nola and Tirerack.com studio don't have the right team on the court? Express employment professionals can help. From contract placements to full time hires, we've got you covered. Visit ExpressPros.com today. Let us handle your hiring so you could focus on growing your business. Covino and Rich on Fox Sports Radio Super Bowl Week Super Pump and Buddies just want to throw a few thanks out there. Thanks to Paige Varanek. I mean, thanks to Curt Schilling for stopping by. Kate Spiranik, of course, Burch and Ilo back at the studios Iowa, Samuel Sagar and Elijah posting lots of videos for your viewing pleasures at Fox Sports Radio. At Covino on rail, super producer Danny G. Spotty boy hanging out with us. And of course Mike who runs this convention center.

Rich (47:13)

Who?

Covino (47:13)

Yeah, Mike. Mike. He's here. Yeah, he's running stuff. By the way, I thought it was really nice. I was Sam during the break. During the break, Covino said he misses you and rather hang out with you than Paige Spiranac. Right, right. No, he didn't say that. No, no, no. I thought it though. Yeah, I appreciate that. Thank you. So another quick reminder too, and thanks to everybody at home and in their car and at work listening to us. We appreciate everybody in the future on the podcast. Thank. But again, join us tomorrow in for Colin on the Herd and of course our regular show. So we're doing five hours of radio from Radio Row here in New Orleans. We're working twice. Yeah, we're working twice tomorrow. But again, lots of guests, lots of people stopping by. So definitely join us manana here from New Orleans. Perfect. Now, any final thoughts on anything we saw last night at opening night, or do you want to continue arguing about motivation? Because I, I feel like we're bang our heads together. No, no, no, no. It's the fact that you downplay the flip side. Everybody can see the side that you're talking about. Why is everybody ignoring the other side? There's so many people that are motivated because they want things, because they felt what it was like to lose. You know, after a while, Mahomes and Travis and those guys, they're just sitting around expecting to win. And that's when they get punched in the face by a team that is really driven to not lose again. So it could happen. I don't understand why nobody's talking about that side of motivation. I don't think Jalen Hurts is motivated. You're out of your mind. With that said, he knows that sting of losing. If I were you. DraftKings sportsbook. Why don't you look at a prop bet for Jalen Hurts, mvp, if he's been there, got burned. And again with Saquon Barkley. That's what I was going to say.

Rich (48:56)

Cove.

Covino (48:57)

I think that's the difference between this matchup. The last time these two teams met each other in the Super Bowl, Saquon was not there running the football for the Eagles. The Chiefs defense, Amazing. Can they stop Saquon, Danny? I was gonna say no until I. Until I heard that you bumped into Chris Jones at CBS and you gave him a pep talk. That's a true story. Yep, Yep. That's a true story, Danny. Just like, yo, you gotta stop Saquon. And now I'm like, there's no way Saquon's gonna go for a hundo. Yeah, it was crazy. Chris Jones got a pep talk from Danny the other night. I was on Canal street here in New Orleans, and I'm in CVS late night, and the Chiefs had just arrived a few hours before that, and I'm standing in the aisle there, and Chris Jones is, like, right next to me. Did he forget his toothpaste?

Rich (49:38)

Yeah.

Covino (49:39)

And then so I. I chatted with him and, you know, yeah, you saw the tears, you know, in the. In the championship game. So I. I was hoping mid conversation he wasn't gonna burst into tears. It's funny. Danny did say Chris Jones said if I wasn't in the game, I'd definitely come on your show. So that's. That is cool. He was. He was a nice guy, by the way. Did he look gigantic? The aisles? Yes, He. He was three times the size of any other customer in the cbs. Right. He probably saw his head, you know, above the shelves and everything, and. And, you know, he's an intimidating fella. Yeah, he makes that chief's defense go. All right, well, hey, thank you for hanging with us today. A lot of fun. And it's only Tuesday, like you said. Kavino, tomorrow, a double dip. We got our show in for Colin, then our show, then Thursday, Friday. Each day just gets more and more jam packed with some of your favorite NFL stars, baseball, beautiful women, you know, celebrities. So hang with us, Covino and Rich. We're gonna have a lot of fun this week. Super bowl media row. Thank you, Fox Sports Radio. Until tomorrow, have a good one. Arriva Dare she, baby. See you in the promised land. Jon Stewart is back in the host chair at the Daily show, which means he's also back in our ears on the Daily Show Ears Edition podcast. Join late night legend John Stewart and the best news team for today's biggest headlines, exclusive extended interviews and more. Now, this is a second term we can all get behind. Listen to the Daily Show Ears edition on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Hey, it's Bobby Bones. Join me and former NFL quarterback Matt Castle every Wednesday for our new podcast, Lots to say with Bobby Bones and Matt Castle. Between us, we have over 17,500 passing yards, multiple New York Times bestsellers, and one mirrorball trophy from Dancing with a Star. So where else you can find a show with that much athleticism and football insight? We talk sports, but we talk pop culture and music and a little bit of everything. Listen to Lots to say with Bobby Bones and Matt Castle on the iHeartRadio app, Apple podcast or wherever you get your podcasts. $1.4 billion in NFL quarterback contracts the untold stories behind the biggest deals in football history. I'm AJ Stivers, Vice president of Client strategy at Athletes first, introducing the Athletes First Family podcast, the Quarterback Series. My co host Brian Murphy, Athletes first CEO, and I are sitting down with the agents who have negotiated contracts for Justin Herbert, Deshaun Watson, Dak Prescott, Tua tongavailoa and Jordan Love. Listen to Athletes First Family podcast on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. What's up, everyone? It's Justin Pennock from John Boy Media, the host of the Football Today podcast with Bobby and Chris Rose. We roll three times a week. On Mondays, on Wednesdays, on Fridays. Breaking down everything you need to know about the NFL. We're gearing up for the NFL playoffs. I hope you can join us. Join in with us three times a week. Listen to Football Today on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts and you will be glad you did.

Rich (52:43)

What's up, everyone?

Covino (52:44)

Julie Swearbinks here along with former NHL player Nate Thompson. We're doing a new podcast together. Here we go. The name Energy Line with Nate and jsb. Each week we'll get together and talk about hockey life. All topics are fair game, right? Exactly. And you'll never know who will drop.

Rich (53:01)

By to join us.

Covino (53:03)

Julie is pretty well connected. She has text threads going that you wouldn't believe. Listen to Energy Line with Nate and.

Rich (53:09)

JSB on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.