The Game Before the Money: Oral History of Pro and College Football

Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame guard Jerry Kramer shares about his life growing up in Idaho and his earliest days with the Packers. 

Devin Hester shares famous moments of his Hall of Fame NFL career and highlights Mike Ditka's Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund with host Michael Jackson. Also, learn how to win a trip to next year's Super Bowl from Southern Recipe pork rinds! Learn more about The Game Before the Money at TheGameBeforeTheMoney.com . 

Joe DeLamielleure shares about his NFL career, attending classic NFL games as a youth (including Super Bowl III), and why he chose Michigan State over Michigan and Notre Dame. The Game Before the Money is hosted by football historian Michael Jackson. The Game Before the Money Oral History Foundation is a registered 501 (c) 3 nonprofit. Learn more at TheGameBeforeTheMoney.com . 

Host/Producer Michael Jackson introduces exciting things ahead for The Game Before the Money Podcast. Happy New Year! 

John Lopez, former NFL trainer for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Baltimore Colts, discusses his career. He shares memories of Hall of Famer Lee Roy Selmon, the Buccaneers first year in the NFL, and how medicine has changed in the NFL since the 1970s. He also talks about legendary Colts trainer Eddie Block and what it was like for players and staff when the Colts moved from Baltimore to Indianapolis. The Game Before the Money Podcast is hosted by Michael Jackson. The Game Before the Money Oral History Foundation is a 501 c 3 nonprofit. Learn more at TheGameBeforeTheMoney.com.

The 2025 Packers only gave up 6 first-quarter points TOTAL through the first 9 games of the 2025 NFL season. How does that incredible stat compare against some of the NFL's all-time greatest defenses? Host Michael Jackson compares this stat against teams like the 1985 Bears, 1976 Steelers, 1962 Packers, 2007 Patriots, 2000 Ravens, and a few other of the best defenses in NFL history. While the Packers are only 5-3-1 after 9 games, how does their amazing first-quarter point stat stack up historically?  

NCAA football coaches Steve Sarkisian of Texas, Mike Elko of Texas A&M, Sonny Dykes of TCU, Rhett Lashlee of SMU, Dave Aranda of Baylor, Willie Fritz of Houston, Joey McGuire of Texas Tech, and Jeff Traylor of UTSA discuss their thoughts on the 2025 NCAA football season and how new rules surrounding paying players affect the game on and off the field. Part 2 of 2. Excerpts taken from the Texas High School Coaches Association press conferences in July of 2025. The show is hosted by Michael Jackson. Learn more about the podcast and Michael at TheGameBeforeTheMoney.com.

Head coaches Steve Sarkisian of Texas, Mike Elko of Texas A&M, Rhett Lashlee of SMU, Sonny Dykes of TCU, Dave Aranda of Baylor, Joey McGuire of Texas Tech, and Willie Fritz of Houston discuss the effects of money in college football.  Quotes were recorded at press conferences during the Texas High School Coaches Association convention in San Antonio. This is a real-time look at history in the making as these coaches discuss the rule changes in college football and how they affect recruiting, incoming freshmen, and their teams. Learn more about The Game Before the Money at TheGameBeforeTheMoney.com.

Randy Cross, starting 49ers OL during their greatest seasons, shares memories of the Catch, Super Bowl 23, and gives insight as to why the 49ers were a dynasty. He also remembers his upbringing and his college days at UCLA under head coach Dick Vermeil. The Game Before the Money Oral History Foundation is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit. The podcast is hosted by Michael Jackson. Learn more at TheGameBeforeTheMoney.com. 

Former NFL executive Upton Bell shares memories of his father, NFL Commissioner Bert Bell, creating the NFL Draft and early draft memories as well as his time drafting players for Hall of Fame coach Don Shula. Plus, who is the top player in the 2025 NFL Draft and fantastic firsthand accounts of Jackie Robinson as a football player and how he might have fared in the NFL. The Game Before the Money is a 501 c 3 nonprofit founded by host Michael Jackson. Learn more at TheGameBeforeTheMoney.com.

Upton Bell gives his insights about the NFL dynasties he's witnessed since the 1940s, when he father Bert Bell was NFL Commissioner. He also previews Super Bowl 59 with host Michael Jackson. The Game Before the Money Oral History Foundation is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit. Learn more  and donate at TheGameBeforeTheMoney.com.  

Hall of Fame running back Thurman Thomas shares great stories of helping lead the Buffalo Bills to four Super Bowls and his college days at Oklahoma State. He also tells you how to win a trip to next year's Super Bowl in a contest hosted by Pork Rind Appreciation Day and Gridiron Greats. The Game Before the Money Podcast is hosted and produced by Michael Jackson. Learn more at TheGameBeforeTheMoney.com.

Upton Bell previews the 2024 NFL Playoffs and remembers the NFL's greatest running backs and their performances.  The Game Before the Money Oral History Foundation is a 501 c 3 nonprofit. Learn more at TheGameBeforeTheMoney.com. Host Michael Jackson (aka Jackson Michael) produces this podcast. 

Richmond Webb, a Miami Dolphins and Texas A&M legend, discusses his career in NCAA and the NFL. Webb is a semi-finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame 2025 class. He shares about blocking for Dan Marino, playing for head coach Don Shula and his college coaches Jackie Sherrill and R.C. Slocum.   The Game Before the Money Oral History Foundation is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit. Learn more and donate at TheGameBeforeTheMoney.com.

NFLPA-certified contract advisor Bryan Ehrlich explains the many things NFL agents do to represent their clients. He also discusses trades, the NFL Draft, and contract negotiations.  Learn more about The Game Before the Money at TheGameBeforeTheMoney.com.  

Hall of Famer Dick LeBeau discusses his new book "Legendary" as well as his playing career with the Lions and his coaching career. He goes in-depth about the 2008 Pittsburgh Steelers defense and what it was like playing with Night Train Lane and for Woody Hayes.  

Former Colts executive Upton Bell shares about scouting O.J. Simpson. He discusses concerns about Simpson's character even at USC, what he reported back to head coach Don Shula, and his memories of personal interactions with Simpson's defense team before and after the trial.

Upton Bell, a former executive with the Colts and Patriots, looks back at the 2023 NFL season and how it rates historically. He also discusses how he approached the NFL Draft, the state of the NFL in modern times, and who he thinks is the best player in the upcoming NFL Draft. The Game Before the Money is a 501 c 3 non-profit, dedicated to preserving NFL history through oral history interviews. Learn more at TheGameBeforeTheMoney.com.

Upton Bell reached Super Bowl 3 and Super Bowl 5 with the Colts as Director of Player Personnel. Hear him preview Super Bowl 58 and share his Super Bowl experience. He also reviews last week's conference championships and discusses Bill Belichick.   The Game Before the Money is a 501(c)3 non-profit that preserves the life stories of NFL legends through oral history. Learn more at TheGameBeforeTheMoney.com. 

Baltimore hosted the first-ever AFC Championship Game. Former Baltimore executive Upton Bell shares his memories of the game and building the Super Bowl 5 champion Baltimore Colts. He also shares memories of the 1957 Lions-49ers playoff and predicts this week's NFC Championship and AFC Championship. Learn more about The Game Before the Money and host Jackson Michael at TheGameBeforeTheMoney.com.

Former Colts and Patriots executive Upton Bell discusses the 2023 NFL Playoffs and makes predictions on the Divisional Playoffs and beyond. To learn more about The Game Before the Money, hosted by author and oral historian Jackson Michael, visit TheGameBeforeTheMoney.com.     

Upton Bell, a Colts executive in the 1960s and with their Super Bowl 5 championship team, gives his thoughts on the current NFL season. Topics include offensive line play, coaching, and officiating. The program is hosted by oral historian and author Jackson Michael. Learn more about The Game Before the Money at The Game Before the Money.

Football author John Eisenberg discusses his latest book, "Rocket Men: The Black Quarterbacks Who Revolutionized Pro Football." He celebrates the careers of Warren Moon, Doug Williams, James Harris, and Randall Cunningham as well as current QBs Patrick Mahomes and Russell Wilson. The Game Before the Money Oral History Foundation is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit. Learn more at The Game Before the Money. 

Steelers Hall of Fame center Dermontti Dawson shares stories about his life and career, from playing college ball at Kentucky to being elected to the Hall of Fame. The Game Before the Money Oral History Foundation is a 501 (c) non-profit. Learn more about The Game Before the Money at https://www.TheGameBeforeTheMoney.com.

Rams legendary defensive back Eddie Meador shares stories in this reposting of one of the first episodes of The Game Before the Money. Meador passed away in September of 2023. Reposting the podcast is an effort to honor his life and career. Learn more about The Game Before the Money at TheGameBeforeTheMoney.com. 

Football historian and author T.J. Troup outlines the greatness of Hall of Famer Charley Trippi. The Game Before the Money Oral History Foundation is a 501 (c) non-profit. Learn more about The Game Before the Money at https://www.TheGameBeforeTheMoney.com.

Author and NFL Films head research librarian Chris Willis discusses his book about Bronko Nagurski. He discusses Nagurski’s life and career and drops many football history nuggets. The Game Before the Money Oral History Foundation is a 501 (c) non-profit. Learn more about The Game Before the Money at https://www.TheGameBeforeTheMoney.com

Former Colts executive Upton Bell shares NFL Draft stories from the 1960s, including stories previously never told about the NFL/AFL war. He also discusses scouting star players he drafted and his conversations with Colts head coach Don Shula. The Game Before the Money Oral History Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the life stories of former NFL players, coaches, and executives. Learn more at TheGameBeforeTheMoney.com.  Opinions of interviewees are not necessarily the views of the foundation or its sponsors.

Super Bowl 30 MVP Larry Brown of the Cowboys, two-time Super Bowl winner Dan Neil of the Broncos, and Colts executive Upton Bell share their Super Bowl memories and insight into this year’s game. Upton’s father founded the Philadelphia Eagles, and adds a special touch to the show. The three guests have a combined seven Super Bowl's worth of experience. Learn more about The Game Before the Money at https://www.TheGameBeforeTheMoney.com

Hall of Famer Carl Eller discusses playing in 4 Super Bowls with the Vikings, Mike Ditka’s Gridiron Greats initiative that assists former players, and his love of Pork Rind Appreciation Day. Learn more about The Game Before the Money at https://www.TheGameBeforeTheMoney.com

Minnesota Vikings legend Chuck Foreman talks about his NFL career, playing college football at Miami, and the athletes of his era. Learn more about The Game Before the Money at https://www.TheGameBeforeTheMoney.com

A brief history of the Cowboys vs 49ers NFL playoff rivalry, written by football historian Jackson Michael. This segment aired nationally on the SportsMap Radio Network during the 2023 NFL Playoffs. Learn more about The Game Before the Money at https://thegamebeforethemoney.com 

Former Colts and Patriots executive Upton Bell provides perspective on Damar Hamlin's injury, based on his lifetime of pro football experience.  Learn more about The Game Before the Money at https://www.TheGameBeforeTheMoney.com

1970s Steelers assistant coach Lionel Taylor talks about his play call on the famous Immaculate Reception play. Host Jackson Michael gives facts about the game and Franco Harris. He also talks about two great NFL playoff games on Christmas Eve, 1977. The material is from 12/24/2022 episode of The Game Before the Money Radio Show, which airs through Super Bowl weekend on Saturday mornings at 11 am Eastern, 10 Central on the SportsMap Radio Network and on the SportsMap Radio App.

Dan Fouts shares about his Hall of Fame career as quarterback of the San Diego Chargers. He discusses Don Coryell’s “Air Coryell” offense and grants insight into the famous Chargers vs Dolphins game in the 1981 NFL Playoffs. He also talks about his college football career at Oregon and his father's broadcasting work as the San Francisco 49ers play-by-play announcer. Learn more about The Game Before the Money at https://www.TheGameBeforeTheMoney.com

Legendary NFL referee Jim Tunney discusses famous NFL games he officiated, including the 1981 NFC Championship Game featuring “The Catch” and the 1979 AFC Championship Game featuring the Mike Renfro Play. He also remembers Tom Dempsey’s record-setting field goal and shares his thoughts about instant replay. Jim Tunney officiated in the NFL for 31 years from 1960 through 1990. He refereed 3 Super Bowls: Super Bowl 6, Super Bowl 11, and Super Bowl 12. Learn more about The Game Before the Money at https://www.TheGameBeforeTheMoney.com

Former Colts and Patriots executive Upton Bell shares the history of Thanksgiving NFL games. He discusses his favorite moments, how NFL Thanksgiving games have changed, and the first televised NFL Thanksgiving game -- a broadcast set up by his father, NFL commissioner Bert Bell. Learn more about The Game Before the Money at https://www.TheGameBeforeTheMoney.com    

Raiders Hall of Fame coach Tom Flores reflects on moments from Super Bowl 15 and Super Bowl 18. He also shares about playing quarterback for the Raiders in the 1960s in the American Football League and his college career at Pacific. Learn more about The Game Before the Money at https://www.TheGameBeforeTheMoney.com

Former NFL executive Upton Bell shares his memories of the great Charley Trippi, including meeting him at the Cardinals training camp in 1947 and seeing Trippi score two touchdowns in the 1947 NFL Championship Game. Learn more about The Game Before the Money at https://www.TheGameBeforeTheMoney.com

Dan Neil, an All-American with Texas and a Super Bowl Champion with the Denver Broncos, previews the Alabama at Texas game, week 1 in the NFL, and remembers the Texas Longhorns winning the 1996 Big 12 Championship Game over Nebraska. This is the full interview for the September 10th episode of The Game Before the Money Radio Show. The popular football history podcast is now a national radio show! Airing Saturdays at 11am Eastern/10 am Central on the SportsMap Radio Network and the SportsMap Radio app. Connecting the past, present, and future of pro and college football. Episodes of The Game Before the Money Radio Show will be posted weekly throughout the 2022 NFL and NCAA football season. Additional episodes of The Game Before the Money Podcast, featuring pro and college football legends, will also be posted regularly.  Learn more at https://www.TheGameBeforeTheMoney.com. #NFL #NCAAFootball

Upton Bell, son of NFL commissioner Bert Bell, shares about NFL icons were American heroes off the football field during World War I and World War II. He also tells the story of how his father may have saved the NFL from collapse during World War II. Learn more at https://www.TheGameBeforeTheMoney.com.

NFL Kicker Tony Franklin tells why he kicked barefoot in the NFL, how he set the NCAA record with two 60-yard field goals in one game, and playing against Earl Campbell in high school. The popular football history podcast is now a national radio show! Airing Saturdays at 11am Eastern/10 am Central on the SportsMap Radio Network and the SportsMap Radio app. Connecting the past, present, and future of pro and college football. This interview is the full interview for the August 13, 2022 radio show. Episodes of The Game Before the Money Radio Show will be posted weekly throughout the 2022 NFL and NCAA football season. Additional episodes of The Game Before the Money Podcast, featuring pro and college football legends, will also be posted regularly.  Learn more at https://www.TheGameBeforeTheMoney.com. #NFL #NCAAFootball

Dick Vermeil interview, remembering Vin Scully, looking at Dolphins owner suspension. The popular football history podcast is now a national radio show! Airing Saturdays from 11am-Noon Eastern/10-11 am Central on the SportsMap Radio Network and the SportsMap Radio app. Connecting the past, present, and future of pro and college football. This episode aired August 6, 2022. This episode features raw footage of an interview with Dick Vermeil for episode 49 of The Game Before the Money Podcast. Host Jackson Michael also comments on what made Vin Scully so great, and he looks at the suspension of Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross. Episodes of The Game Before the Money Radio Show will be posted weekly throughout the 2022 NFL and NCAA football season. Additional episodes of The Game Before the Money Podcast, featuring pro and college football legends, will also be posted regularly.  Learn more at https://www.TheGameBeforeTheMoney.com. #NFL #NCAAFootball

Leigh Steinberg, NFL super agent, interviewed for The Game Before the Money Radio Show. The popular football history podcast, which is also a national radio show, airs Saturdays from 11am-Noon Eastern/10-11 am Central on the SportsMap Radio Network. Connecting the past, present, and future of pro and college football. This interview was for the show that aired July 30, 2022. This is the interview in its entirely and Leigh shared stories of working for Warren Moon, Troy Aikman, and Steve Young. He also shared memories of Hall of Famers Derrick Thomas and Thurman Thomas, and provided tremendous insight into the economics of the NFL and why NFL players didn’t obtain free agency until long after other pro sports. Episodes of The Game Before the Money Radio Show will be posted weekly throughout the 2022 NFL and NCAA football season. Additional episodes of The Game Before the Money Podcast featuring pro and college football legends will also be posted regularly.  Learn more at https://www.TheGameBeforeTheMoney.com. #NFL #NCAAFootball

The popular football history podcast is now a national radio show! Airing Saturdays from 11am-Noon Eastern/10-11 am Central on the SportsMap Radio Network. Connecting the past, present, and future of pro and college football. This episode aired July 23, 2022. Host Jackson Michael previewed the 2022 college football season and under-the-radar teams, Mark Moseley shared about his 1982 NFL MVP award, and we looked at famous controversial field goals and the NFL rule that made them good. Hall of Famer Lou Groza was also celebrated. Episodes of The Game Before the Money Radio Show will be posted weekly throughout the 2022 NFL and NCAA football season. Additional episodes of The Game Before the Money Podcast featuring pro and college football legends will also be posted regularly.  Learn more at https://www.TheGameBeforeTheMoney.com. #NFL #NCAAFootball

The popular football history podcast is now a national radio show! Airing Saturdays from 11am-Noon Eastern/10-11 am Central on the SportsMap Radio Network. Connecting the past, present and future of pro and college football. This episode aired July 16, 2022 and featured Bill Butler. Butler played in the NFL from 1959-1964 and talked about his time playing for Vince Lombardi and Tom Landry, as well as his work as a two-way player for the Minnesota Vikings in the 1960s. Host Jackson Michael also discussed NFL players who also played Major League Baseball and about the College Football Playoff. Episodes of The Game Before the Money Radio Show will be posted weekly throughout the 2022 NFL and NCAA football season. Additional episodes of The Game Before the Money Podcast featuring pro and college football legends will also be posted regularly.  Learn more at https://www.TheGameBeforeTheMoney.com. #NFL #NCAAFootball

The popular football history podcast is now a national radio show! Airing Saturdays from 11am-Noon Eastern/10-11 am Central on the SportsMap Radio Network. Connecting the past, present and future of pro and college football. This episode aired July 9, 2022 and featured Denver Broncos and Texas Longhorns legend Dan Neil sharing memories of winning the Super Bowl with Hall of Famers John Elway and Terrell Davis and what life is like in the NFL trenches. Host Jackson Michael also discussed the Baker Mayfield trade and traced the history of NCAA football conference realignment. Episodes of The Game Before the Money Radio Show will be posted weekly throughout the 2022 NFL season. Additional episodes of The Game Before the Money Podcast featuring pro and college football legends will also be posted regularly.  Learn more at https://www.TheGameBeforeTheMoney.com. #NFL #NCAAFootball

The popular football history podcast is now a national radio show on the SportsMap Radio Network! Airing Saturdays from 11am-Noon Eastern/10-11 am Central – connecting the past, present and future of pro and college football. This episode aired July 2, 2022 and featured guest Upton Bell sharing memories of Hugh McElhenny and rating the greatest tight ends of all time. Host Jackson Michael discussed the Davante Adams and Tyreek Hill trades, the importance of NFL quarterback leadership, and NFL legend Marlin Briscoe. Episodes of The Game Before the Money Radio Show will be posted weekly throughout the 2022 NFL season. Additional episodes of The Game Before the Money Podcast featuring pro and college football legends will also be posted regularly.  Learn more at https://www.TheGameBeforeTheMoney.com.

Seahawks legend Shaun Alexander discusses scoring 5 TDs in one half on Sunday Night Football, his incredible college career at Alabama, and the friendship he’s had with two other NFL legends since they were in high school. Learn more about The Game Before the Money at https://www.TheGameBeforeTheMoney.com #Seahawks #RollTide #Alabama 

Upton Bell, son of NFL commissioner Bert Bell who invented the draft, tells the real history of the NFL Draft. Upton also shares his drafting experience as an executive with the Colts and Patriots.  Learn more about The Game Before the Money at https://www.TheGameBeforethemoney.com. #NFLDraft #NFLHistory #BertBell