Trent Dilfer in 2016 with ESPN (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
THIS IS EPISODE 231 OF THE SPORTS SPECTRUM PODCAST
Trent Dilfer was named the head football coach at Lipscomb Academy, a Christian prep school in in Nashville, Tenn., on Friday. The new gig comes after 14 seasons in the NFL and nine years with ESPN.
Selected in the first round (sixth overall) of the 1994 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Dilfer played from 1994-2007 with Tampa, Baltimore, Seattle, Cleveland and San Francisco. He was a Pro Bowl selection in 1997 and helped lead the Ravens to the Super Bowl in 2000, beating the Giants 34-7 in Super Bowl XXXV.
After retirement in 2008, Dilfer joined ESPN as an analyst, where he remained until 2017. He’s also been involved in the development of high school quarterbacks with the Elite 11 competition each spring.
On this episode of the podcast, Dilfer shared with us his decision to become a high school football coach, the powerful conversation he had with his wife and daughter, how his faith played a role in that decision, how he moved on from being let go by ESPN in 2017, and his favorite Super Bowl story.
Parker Messick in May 2026. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
THIS IS THE SPORTS SPECTRUM PODCAST HOSTED BY SCOTT LINEBRINK & JASON ROMANO, FEATURING PARKER MESSICK
Parker Messick is a pitcher with the Cleveland Guardians. He made his MLB debut on August 20, 2025, three years after being drafted out of Florida State by Cleveland in the second round.
Today on the podcast, Parker Messick joins Scott Linebrink and Jason Romano to discuss his journey to the big leagues, taking a no-hitter into the ninth inning in April, the importance of tempo as a pitcher, what he prays on the mound before each outing, and the incredible healing story of his grandfather from cancer.
New York Giants QB Jameis Winston greets U.S. fans, June 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Maddy Grassy)
Thousands of soccer fans from around the world have descended upon North America over the past month to cheer on their teams, experience some of the novelties of American culture, and celebrate the absolute best that “the beautiful game” has to offer.
Yet perhaps no one has had more fun than NFL quarterback Jameis Winston. The New York Giants veteran has been serving as Fox Sports’ World Cup correspondent, stepping into some of the unique traditions of other nations and inviting a captivated American audience along for the wild ride.
The 2013 Heisman Trophy winner, 2013 national champion with Florida State, and No. 1 overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, Winston seemed destined for a lengthy NFL career. What may not have been as expected is that he’s morphed into one of the most engaging personalities in the league.
And as can be seen in his World Cup coverage, Fox Sports is taking full advantage. Winston has also covered the 2025 Super Bowl with Fox Sports and the 2026 MLB opener with Netflix.
“Can’t wait to be back with @FOXSports team,” he wrote on X after announcing he’d be a World Cup correspondent, “and be part of the biggest global sporting event in the World!”
What makes Winston’s extended foray into television this summer more remarkable is that he’s still an active NFL player. The 32-year-old is entering the second season of a two-year deal with New York, last year backing up rookie Jaxson Dart. The Giants held their offseason organized team activities (OTAs) and minicamp just before the start of the World Cup on June 11, and their training camp begins a few days after the World Cup final on July 19.
But even with his sights set on a possible second career in television once his time in the NFL comes to a close, Winston isn’t coasting to the finish line. In fact, many believe the 2015 Pro Bowler is still a top-five backup quarterback in the league. He talked about his NFL future, and his deep desire to win a Super Bowl before it’s all over, in his most recent appearance on the Sports Spectrum Podcast in April.
“I believe in the team that’s around me, and I believe in a God that’s providing me with these opportunities,” he said on the podcast about his still yet-to-be-achieved NFL aspirations.
Throughout his career, Winston has also emerged as one of the most recognizable followers of Christ in the NFL. He said on the podcast that he’s learned over the years to rest in God’s sovereignty rather than chase the approval of other people.
“I was so consumed with being liked by my coaches, you know what I’m saying? Being sought in the eyes of my fellow players as a great player,” he said about his early days in the NFL, “that I missed the fact of, ‘God already called me to do this! Why am I trying to go above and beyond to impress somebody that didn’t write this and who didn’t finish it for me?'”
The combination of his gregarious personality, his expressive and candid demeanor, and his Bible-saturated wisdom makes Winston an effective motivator. As a result, he often breaks down Giants huddles, and when it comes to the things of faith, he seeks to inspire others so that they too might come to know the saving grace of his Heavenly Father.
“[God] has given me the responsibility to create disciples in His Name and spread His Word and be bold about Him,” he said on the podcast. “I’m so happy and grateful that God sent His only begotten Son on this earth to die and rise again for not just me but for all of us.”
Winston and his teammates will begin preparing for the 2026-27 season when the Giants report for training camp at the end of this month. New York hopes to improve on a 4-13 record a season ago and return to the playoffs for the first time since 2022-23.
THIS IS THE SPORTS SPECTRUM PODCAST HOSTED BY JASON ROMANO, FEATURING BEN ZOBRIST
Ben Zobrist played 14 seasons in the big leagues with the Tampa Bay Rays, Oakland Athletics, Kansas City Royals and Chicago Cubs. He played in three All-Star Games and three World Series with three different teams, winning in 2015 with Kansas City and 2016 with the Cubs. He was the 2016 World Series MVP.
Today on the podcast, Ben Zobrist reflects 10 years later on the Cubs’ World Series championship, his new book “Prepare for the Pressure” (available July 7), the role his faith in Jesus has played in his life, and how he was able to overcome anxiety and depression after the Cubs won the World Series.
