Podcast Summary: "Throwbacks with Matt Leinart & Jerry Ferrara" Episode: 2024 in Review: The Year in Bad Takes & Unforgettable Moments + Justin Kroll’s 2024 Film Awards Release Date: December 26, 2024

Hosts: Matt Leinart (ML), Jerry Ferrara (JF) Guest: Justin Kroll

Introduction

In this episode of "Throwbacks with Matt Leinart & Jerry Ferrara," hosts Matt Leinart and Jerry Ferrara embark on a comprehensive review of the year 2024. They explore both the missteps in sports commentary—dubbed "freezing cold takes"—and the standout, unforgettable moments that defined the year. Additionally, they welcome Justin Kroll, Deadline’s senior film reporter, who joins them to present their unique blend of sports-adjacent film awards.

Year in Review: Bad Takes

JF [00:54]: "Instead of just pointing to the things we know were so amazing, like Dodgers or the Knicks, why don't we take a look back of 2024 and find what went wrong."

The hosts kick off the discussion by delving into some of the most notable erroneous predictions and opinions in the sports world over the past year. Sourced largely from social media accounts like 'Old Takes Exposed,' they reminisce about their own misjudgments, with Matt recalling a bet predicting the New York Jets’ Super Bowl appearance.

ML [02:13]: "I'm on record basically as one of these idiots who had a freezing take."

They highlight several cold takes from prominent sports personalities:

• Peter Schrager [02:36]: Predicted Aaron Rodgers as the 2024 NFL MVP. Despite Rodgers' consistent performance, the outcome may not have aligned with expectations.
• Nick Wright [07:03]: Forecasted the Chicago Bears to win the Super Bowl and doubted Colorado football’s success, both of which didn’t materialize.
• Mike Greenberg [07:56]: Asserted that “absolutely everyone is on Alabama” for college football, a prediction that proved premature.
• Caleb Williams [06:48]: Advised rookie punter Tori Taylor against excessive punting, yet the Bears ended up high in total punts.
• Austin Rivers [09:02]: Claimed he could name 30 NBA players who could play in the NFL, a crossover that many found implausible.

JF [09:12]: "How bad have the jets been? It's just been bad."

Adding humor, Jerry shares personal anecdotes about being misjudged by the 'Old Takes Exposed' community, recounting a misunderstood halftime comment about a basketball team's performance.

JF [11:11]: "Skip was the only person I could recall who was screaming about Tim Tebow. He deserves to start."

They continue to dissect various erroneous takes from sports media figures, emphasizing the blend of humor and critique in their analysis.

Defining Moments in 2024

Transitioning from missteps, the hosts celebrate the pivotal moments that defined the sports landscape in 2024.

ML [21:31]: "Freddie Freeman's walk off in game one in extra innings at home at the Chavez."

Matt highlights the Dodgers' successful playoff run, defeating the Padres and overcoming the Mets and Yankees in the National League Championship Series and World Series, respectively.

JF [24:45]: "Steph Curry gold medal game, putting them to sleep is my defining moment of 2024."

Jerry focuses on Steph Curry's performance in the USA Basketball gold medal game, emphasizing its significance for Curry’s legacy and the team's achievement amidst evolving NBA dynamics.

ML [25:32]: "He will go down as maybe a top five player of all time."

The conversation underscores the emotional and familial significance of these sports victories, with Matt recalling a personal moment shared with his father during a Dodgers game.

Justin Kroll's Hollywood Film Awards

Introducing their guest, Justin Kroll, the hosts pivot to blending sports and Hollywood, presenting their own set of film awards inspired by sports analogies. Categories include Rookie of the Year, Comeback Actor of the Year, and MVP awards for both male and female actors.

JF [56:07]: "We're going to do these segments where Matt also has an older son, I have a 16-year-old nephew. And their sports takes are just psychotic at times."

Justin elaborates on the criteria for their awards, focusing on factors like Oscar pedigree, box office success, and acting range.

Justin Kroll [56:21]: "Mickey Madison from Anora is her first big leading role. She's one of the remarkable new talents."

The discussions reveal their selections, with Matt leaning towards actors like Timothée Chalamet for Male MVP and Zendaya for Female MVP, acknowledging their impactful performances and rising reputations.

ML [60:37]: "Chalamet is your MVP crawl."

JF [62:50]: "Zendaya is it now."

They also mention potential breakout actors and recognize others like Glenn Powell, emphasizing the interconnectedness between film success and sports analogies.

Money Moments: Predictions for 2025

In their "Money Moments" segment, the hosts and guest Justin Kroll discuss whom they are counting on to be "money" (successful, profitable) in the upcoming year.

ML [68:40]: "I got two really quick. Bill Belichick moving to North Carolina."

Matt expresses excitement about the legendary coach Bill Belichick transitioning to college football at North Carolina, acknowledging the potential changes and challenges.

Additionally, Matt mentions Arch Manning as a standout college football player, projecting his future prominence in the NFL.

JF [73:21]: "The New York Knicks coming through when it matters."

Jerry predicts the New York Knicks’ success in the playoffs, hoping they establish themselves as a formidable team.

Justin Kroll [84:26]: "Arch Manning is probably the best athlete of all of them... he's going to be the number one pick in the draft."

New Year's Resolutions

Wrapping up, both hosts share their personal resolutions for 2025, focusing on health, family, and personal growth.

JF [84:23]: "I want to get back into Jiu Jitsu... to be able to defend my family."

Jerry outlines his goals related to health, including returning to Jiu Jitsu for self-defense and overall fitness.

ML [75:17]: "Overall health and awareness of my body... I want to stretch more."

Matt shares similar health-focused resolutions and emphasizes the importance of being present and spending quality time with his growing family, highlighting the challenges and joys of parenting.

ML [88:28]: "Quality over quantity, it’s the most important thing."

Conclusion

As the episode concludes, Matt and Jerry express optimism for the upcoming year, reflecting on the lessons from 2024's bad takes and celebrating the memorable sports moments. They encourage listeners to set meaningful resolutions and anticipate exciting developments in sports and Hollywood next year.

JF [89:05]: "Let's go, 2025."

ML [89:06]: "Let's go."

Notable Quotes

• ML [02:13]: "I'm on record basically as one of these idiots who had a freezing take."
• JF [09:12]: "How bad have the jets been? It's just been bad."
• ML [21:31]: "Freddie Freeman's walk off set the tone."
• JF [24:45]: "Steph Curry gold medal game, putting them to sleep."
• ML [60:37]: "Chalamet is your MVP crawl."
• JF [62:50]: "Zendaya is it now."
• ML [88:28]: "Quality over quantity, it’s the most important thing."

This detailed summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting discussions on sports missteps and triumphs, integrating film awards with a sports twist, and concluding with personal goals for the new year, all enriched with key quotes and structured sections for clarity.