Kickoff Countdown with Mike Max podcast artwork

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Kickoff Countdown with Mike Max

Welcome to WCCO's Kickoff Countdown, your source for all things Viking and Gopher football! Each week, Mike Max previews the college and pro football matchups that matter in the upcoming weekend. Plus, we check in on the Packers and Badgers and go behind the headlines with stories you won't get anywhere else. What's at stake on game day? This is your ticket to action and insights all season long.

  1. 30

    Kickoff Countdown #20

    From hunting for hits on the football field, to a much different kind of hunting: how this city kid found his true calling. And a Vikings hall-of-famer creates his own kind of Canton, here in Minnesota. Plus, the Big Ticket is back. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  2. 29

    Kickoff Countdown #19: Minnesota Vikings look to capitalize after a commanding win over Washington

    The Vikings face the Cowboys in prime time Sunday, how will J.J. McCarthy fair? And, a St. Cloud native in the NFL prepares to suit-up against his hometown team. Plus, the former Viking QB who passed-on his gift for the game. Why can't St. Thomas offer football scholarships as a D-I team? Good Question. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  3. 28

    Kickoff Countdown Week 18 - Minnesota Vikings look to simplify offense in McCarthy's return

    The Vikings look to build momentum in J.J. McCarthy's return. Plus, a group of former Albert Lea athletes relive the gridiron glory days visiting college football powerhouses around the country.  And how a former Big 10 referee Mike Cannon is giving back to the next generation in Minnesota football. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  4. 27

    Kickoff Countdown Week 17 - Minnesota Vikings face quarterback questions with former starter Sam Darnold in Seattle Showdown

    Former Gopher QB Max Brosmer may make his first start Sunday against the Seahawks, and Warren Moon breaks down what he's seeing from J.J. McCarthy ahead of the matchup between Moon's two former teams. Plus, a father-son Gopher duo gives back around the holidays and meet the Minnesotan who's seeing success in a jump to D-1 football this season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  5. 26

    Kickoff Countdown Week 16

    How the Vikings and packers are getting ready for the NFC North Rivalry, and a new business venture keeping former Viking Kyle Rudolph busy after his NFL career. Plus, a one-man wrecking crew taking down college Q-B's. Meet the Minnesotan leading the nation in interceptions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  6. 25

    Kickoff Countdown Week 15 - Vikings against the Bears, Gophers take on Ducks

    Why Justin Jefferson says he's ready to be a leader this week against Chicago, and They capture the attention of the audience while Honoring our nation's history. How do the Vikings choose who gets to sing the National Anthem? Plus, a Minnesota football family seeing success in high school and college this year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  7. 24

    Kickoff Countdown Week 14 - Can the Minnesota Vikings keep their momentum with J.J. McCarthy?

    The Vikings look to keep it rolling against the Ravens and gain ground in the NFC North. Meet the former Hill-Murray star now shining for the University of North Dakota. Plus, how St. Ben's is growing the game of women's flag football in Minnesota. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  8. 23

    Kickoff Countdown Week 13 - Can J.J. McCarthy's return bring some mojo back to the Vikings?

    Minnesota heads to Motor City as J.J. McCarthy resumes his starting role.  How justin jefferson is looking to stay aggressive despite the quarterback carousel. Plus, how close Hall of Famer Dave Winfield came to playing for the Vikings, and Minnesota's Arena Football team provides an outlet for athletes from all walks of life. Meet the people under the pads. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  9. 22

    Kickoff Countdown Week 12 BONUS - Former Minnesota Gopher and NFL Wideout Eric Decker

    Extended interview with former Minnesota Gopher and NFL Wideout Eric Decker Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  10. 21

    Kickoff Countdown Week 12

    Minnesota looks to beat Los Angeles, and we chat with former Gopher and NFL Wide Receiver Eric Decker about life off the field. PLUS: Vikings Tight End and former Hawkeye T.J. Hockenson on the University of Minnesota matchup with his alma mater, and from a broken back to break-out season, the University of St. Thomas standout this season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  11. 20

    Kickoff Countdown Week 11 BONUS - Minnesota Native Emmett Johnson talks taking on the Gophers

    Extended interview with Emmett Johnson, Minnesota native and one of the best running backs in the Big 10. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  12. 19

    Kickoff Countdown Week 11

    The Vikings' quarterback question still lingers as they prepare for the champs, and we dance back through the decades, to meet some original Vikings cheerleaders. One of the best backs in the Big 10 comes from Minnesota, but he's taking on the Gophers this weekend. Plus, a highlight machine at Bethel University is getting high praise from a Vikings Veteran. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  13. 18

    Kickoff Countdown Week 10 BONUS - Minnesota Wideouts make noise at NDSU

    Minnesota natives Bryce Lance and Raja Nelson are making a name for themselves as NDSU Bison. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  14. 17

    Kickoff Countdown Week 10 - Vikings QB Conundrum: McCarthy's Moment or Stick with Wentz

    The Vikings head into the bye week with a quarterback conundrum: Stick with Wentz, or give McMarthy his moment? NFL MVP Rich Gannon on the decision. Then will your favorite Vikings player be passing the time in the bye week by playing Fantasy football? The answer may surprise you. and what's an Auggie, Cobber, and a Scot? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  15. 16

    Kickoff Countdown Week 9 - EXTRA Extended Interview with Coach James Laurinaitis

    Full interview with OSU LB Coach James Laurinaitis on the Gopher's big game in Columbus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  16. 15

    Kickoff Countdown Week 9

    Vikings prepare for week 2 overseas It started as a way to fund his mission trips. Now, one man is selling sporting gear to make a difference A MN Native with Buckeye ties: OSU LB Coach James Laurinaitis on the Gopher's big game in Columbus. And No two lineman are alike—except these two. How these twins bring a unique edge to Concordia St. Paul football. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  17. 14

    Kickoff Countdown Week 8

    The Vikings are heading for a double-dip across the pond after a big win, and the trip to Dublin marks something new for a soon to be 96-year-old whose seen it all. Plus, international fans show their purple pride and explain the Irish gameday experience. And Carleton's quarterback is facing the battle of his life off the field. How he's balancing chemo with play calls and inspiring teammates along the way. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  18. 13

    Kickoff Countdown Week 7 EXTRA - Tommy Watson Extended Interview

    A former gopher who grew up homeless and eventually earned a PhD. Tommy Wayson's story inspired a short film, and he believes sports can help aid in curing teen homelessness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  19. 12

    Kickoff Countdown Week 7

    This week on kickoff countdown, a back-up Q-B battle between the Vikings and Bengals begs the question: who will seize the spotlight? Plus, meet the man motivating College and pro athletes as he overcomes a rare disease. and a Minnesota native returns home to take a spot under center with help from a familiar face. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  20. 11

    Kickoff Countdown Week 6 Extra: 1 on 1 with Gopher Jameson Geers

    He stayed his entire career and he is conquering. Jameson Geers is the Gophers pass catching tight end. He's now a senior, choosing Coach PJ Fleck and his teammates over the transfer portal with his parents standing right by his side. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  21. 10

    Kickoff Countdown Week 6

    The Vikings look to capitalize on a wild comeback win, how teammates are supporting the new star who missed practice for the maternity ward.A local family remembers their son and brother, a football player who made a splash and left the world too soon.And a Viking Lineman is a dual threat on the field and stage. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  22. 9

    Kickoff Countdown Week 5 - Nate Burleson Extended Interview

    Former Viking Nate Burleson shares his thoughts on the competitive NFC North, and a rare condition stopped a star athlete's competitive career. How he's using his battle to help others. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  23. 8

    Kickoff Countdown Week 5

    All eyes on J.J. McCarthy as the Vikings head into Week One with high expectations. We go one on one with former NFL QBs Rich Gannon, Jim McMahon, Daunte Culpepper and Ryan Leaf for their take on Minnesota's new signal caller. Plus former Viking Nate Burleson shares his thoughts on the competitive NFC North, and a rare condition stopped a star athlete's competitive career. How he's using his battle to help others. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  24. 7

    Kickoff Countdown Week 4

    This week on Kickoff Countdown, Mike Max dives into the stories shaping the sports world—on and off the field. From somber reflections following the Annunciation church tragedy to the return of a hometown hero. A veteran chain gang member shares memories of a game-changing trade, and high school football kicks off with full force. All that and more, right here on Kickoff Countdown with Mike Max. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  25. 6

    Kickoff Countdown Week 3

    This week on Kickoff Countdown, Mike Max dives into all things Vikings as they wrap up the preseason. He chats with a former player recently honored by the President, spotlights the rising importance of mental health in pro sports, and brings you more can't-miss stories—only on Kickoff Countdown with Mike Max. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  26. 5

    Kickoff Countdown Week 2

    On this week's Kickoff Countdown, Mike Max sits down with Jim Nantz, sports commentating legend to talk legacy; Ren Clayton meets the Vikings and Patriots on the field skirmishing to train for the coming season; Hear about the Packer's close call with quarterback Jordan Love's injury and it's impact on the regular season, and more in this week's Kickoff Countdown with Mike Max. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  27. 4

    Kickoff Countdown Week 2 - Jim Nantz Interview EXTRA

    CBS Sports host Jim Nantz talks with WCCO's Mike Max about special golf projects in Minnesota. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  28. 3

    Kickoff Countdown Week 1 - Cris Carter EXTRA

    Mike Max interviews Cris Carter about his life and football. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  29. 2

    Kickoff Countdown Week 1

    The Vikings and Packers prepare for their preseason openers. Gophers star safety Koi Perich's expanding role and how NIL can create more power for players. Cris Carter opens up about battling addiction on his road to the Hall of Fame. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  30. 1

    Introducing: Kickoff Countdown with Mike Max

    A look ahead to professional and college football games of the week from WCCO-TV's Sports Director, Mike Max. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Welcome to WCCO's Kickoff Countdown, your source for all things Viking and Gopher football! Each week, Mike Max previews the college and pro football matchups that matter in the upcoming weekend. Plus, we check in on the Packers and Badgers and go behind the headlines with stories you won't get anywhere else. What's at stake on game day? This is your ticket to action and insights all season long.

HOSTED BY

CBS News Minnesota

CATEGORIES

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Kickoff Countdown with Mike Max have?

Kickoff Countdown with Mike Max currently has 30 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Kickoff Countdown with Mike Max about?

Welcome to WCCO's Kickoff Countdown, your source for all things Viking and Gopher football! Each week, Mike Max previews the college and pro football matchups that matter in the upcoming weekend. Plus, we check in on the Packers and Badgers and go behind the headlines with stories you won't get...

How often does Kickoff Countdown with Mike Max release new episodes?

Kickoff Countdown with Mike Max has 30 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to Kickoff Countdown with Mike Max?

You can listen to Kickoff Countdown with Mike Max on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Kickoff Countdown with Mike Max?

Kickoff Countdown with Mike Max is created and hosted by CBS News Minnesota.
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