THIS IS THE SPORTS SPECTRUM PODCAST
WITH JASON ROMANO, FEATURING LAUREN SISLER
Lauren Sisler is a sideline reporter for ESPN covering college football. She joined ESPN in 2016 after being named Best Sports Anchor by the Alabama Associated Press in 2014 and 2015. The former Rutgers gymnast also covers SEC football for AL.com in Alabama.
In 2003, while a freshman on a gymnastics scholarship at Rutgers, Sisler unexpectedly lost both of her parents, George and Lesley Sisler, to prescription drug overdoses within hours of each other. Today, Lauren is dedicated to spreading awareness about the dangers of addiction and the devastation it can cause for the addict, their loved ones and the community. She currently serves as a board member for the Addiction Prevention Coalition in Birmingham, Alabama, and is on the Speakers Bureau for the Shelby County Drug Free Coalition.
Lauren also just released her first book, “Shatterproof.” You can order your copy here.
Today on the podcast, Lauren Sisler discusses her journey as a college football sideline reporter, her experience as an author, and the healing process she went through while writing her first book. She shares how becoming a mother has changed her perspective on her own story and how she wants to pass on her parents’ legacy to her son. Lauren also talks about the importance of sharing our stories and the impact they can have on others.
Thank you @aldotcom and @RickKarle for sharing my story. My hope is that it encourages someone out there to keep going and fall in love with their own story. https://t.co/wNRtUVxbwf
THIS IS THE SPORTS SPECTRUM PODCAST HOSTED BY ANNABELLE HASSELBECK, FEATURING JENNY TAFT
Jenny Taft is a reporter for Fox Sports and its lead reporter for 2026 World Cup coverage.
Jenny joins our Annabelle Hasselbeck to talk about the World Cup, covering the U.S. men’s national team’s run, faith at the World Cup, growing in her own faith, her daughter’s prayers at 4 years old, and why Jenny wanted to partner with IJM to bring freedom to children worldwide.
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.
