In The Front Row With Mike Vaccaro podcast

40:59

Amy Van Dyken-Rouen grew up in Colorado and started swimming to combat her asthma. She soon excelled at the sport and just missed out on making the 1992 US Olympic Swim Team. She swam collegiately at Arizona for 2 years before transferring to Colorado State where she almost quit the sport. Instead, Van Dyken-Rouen swam for the Rams and broke the US record for the 50-yard freestyle at the NCAA Championships with a time of 21.77 seconds. Named the 1994 NCAA Female Swimmer of the Year, Van Dyken-Rouen moved to the US Training Center in Colorado Springs where she qualified for the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. At those games, she became the first American female athlete to win 4 gold medals in a single Olympic Games when she won the 50-yard freestyle, 100 butterfly, the 4×100 medley relay and the 4×100 freestyle relay. After that feat, the 23-year-old won many major awards, was on the cover of magazines, made numerous TV appearances and was inducted into the US Olympic Hall of Fame. She battled injuries the next four years, but once again qualified for the US Olympic Team and won two more gold medals in the Sydney Olympics at 27 years old. Van Dyken-Rouen retired from the sport after Sydney and married NFL punter Tom Rouen. Retirement included stints as a radio DJ and NFL sideline reporter along with triathlons. On June 6, 2014, Van Dyken-Rouen's life took a dramatic turn when an ATV accident left her paralyzed from the waist down and nearly ended her life. Recovery from the accident led to an addiction to opioids and additional affects still felt today. She uses her platform to help those dealing with similar issues and has returned to broadcasting. The energetic Van Dyken-Rouen shares her story and tells us how being an athlete helped in her recovery both mentally and physically. She also recounts her Olympic experience and takes us in the pool in Atlanta during a race with an unexpected result. Van Dyken-Rouen also tells us about how her husband stood by her side during an uncertain time after her accident.…

In The Front Row with Mike Vaccaro

1
Marc Mero on Wrestling for WCW and WWE, negotiating with Vince McMahon, Working with Ric Flair, and his INSPIRATIONAL Lifestyle 50:24

10 giorni fa50:24

50:24

Marc Mero was born in Buffalo before moving to Liverpool, NY where he gravitated to the contact sports of hockey, lacrosse, football and boxing. He was a 4-time state champion boxer, but when an injury ended his dream of boxing in the Olympics, Mero turned to drugs and odd jobs to fill the void. After watching pro wrestling on TV, Mero gave the sport a try at age 30. He trained in Tampa and signed with the WCW in 1990 and worked with Dusty Rhodes to create "Johnny B. Badd". Portraying the flamboyant villain, Mero became a star and eventually negotiated with Vince McMahon to join the WWF (now WWE). Mero retired in 2006 and once again turned to drugs to cope with life's struggles. Down and out one Christmas Eve, Mero had a moment that would change his life and lead him to his current path as a motivational speaker talking to high school and middle school students about bullying and drug addiction. With the release of his memoir, Badd to Good - The Inspiring Story of a Wrestling Wildman , Mero joined us to share his story. He goes behind the scenes of professional wrestling and the training it takes to avoid series injury for him and his opponent. Mero tells us how singer Little Richard inspired his "Johnny B. Badd" character and also takes us in the ring for an early match against wrestling legend Ric Flair. He also remembers his darkest day and leaves us with an inspirational message. (For more on Marc Mero and his memoir, visit https://marcmero.com/ )…

In The Front Row with Mike Vaccaro

1
Herm Edwards on Life Lessons from Playing and Coaching in the NFL 52:27

29 giorni fa52:27

52:27

Herm Edwards was born on an Army base with a dad who was a World War II veteran and a German mom. Edwards grew up in Seaside, CA and took to football against his mother’s wishes. He played cornerback at nearby California Berkeley for 2 seasons along with one season at Monterey Peninsula College and San Diego State where he would graduate in 1976 with a criminal justice degree. Undrafted, Edwards signed with the Philadelphia Eagles in 1977. He spent 9 years with the franchise and never missed a regular season game. Along the way, he grabbed 38 interceptions, just 1 shy of the franchise record. Following his playing career, Edwards turned to coaching where he worked under mentors like Marty Schottenheimer and Tony Dungy. He got his own head coaching job in 2001 when he was hired by the New York Jets and was later traded to the Kansas City Chiefs where he replaced Dick Vermeil, his head coach in Philadelphia. He moved onto TV in 2009 when he was hired by ESPN and returned to the network in 2022 after a stint as a college coach. Now 70, Edwards reflects on his journey and shares the lessons he’s learned playing and coaching football. He also tells us about the life-changing moments during his career including the impact quarterback Roman Gabriel had on him. Plus, we hear the story behind his first NFL interception and the full-circle moment that came later.…

In The Front Row with Mike Vaccaro

1
Herman Moore on NFL Pro Bowl Career, Barry Sanders and the Curse of Bobby Layne 35:35

7 weeks fa35:35

35:35

Herman Moore was born and raised in Danville, VA where he was a three-sport athlete playing basketball, football and running track. After decommitting from Virginia Tech, Moore played for rival Virginia becoming an All-ACC and All-American wide receiver under Hall of Fame coach George Welsh. The Detroit Lions drafted Moore 10th overall in 1991 and in his rookie season, he helped lead Detroit to their first playoff win in 34 years. He made the Pro Bowl 4 times and finished his career with all the Detroit receiving records. In this episode, Moore shares his journey and takes us inside his NFL career explaining the differences between his many quarterbacks. He also tells us what it was like playing alongside Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders and tells us what keepsake of Sanders he won't part with. Moore explains why his numbers make him worthy of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and hints at what his induction speech might include. He talks about being a fan favorite in Detroit and why he's still part of the community. Moore also gives us his take on The Curse of Babby Layne.…

In The Front Row with Mike Vaccaro

1
Astronaut Leland Melvin on Travelling to Space, NFL, and His New Book "Space Chasers" 40:56

10 weeks fa40:56

40:56

Leland Melvin was born and raised in Lynchburg, VA in the 1960s during the time of the moon landing in 1969. But, instead of wanting to be the next Neil Armstrong or Buzz Aldrin, Melvin wanted to be the next Arthur Ashe. While tennis didn't become his sport, football did, and Melvin earned a scholarship to the University of Richmond. Playing for the Spiders from 1982-85, Melvin set records as a wide receiver and was inducted into the Richmond Athletics Hall of Fame. He was drafted in the NFL by the Detroit Lions in 1986 but a hamstring injury ended his time in Detroit. Melvin gave it another try playing for Tom Laundry and the Dallas Cowboys, but an injury would ultimately end his professional football aspirations. During this time, Melvin worked on his master's degree from the University of Virginia and in 1989 started working at NASA's Langley Research Center. He was selected as an astronaut in 1998 and flew two missions on Space Shuttle Atlantis in 2008 visiting the International Space Station where he helped build a laboratory. After logging 565 hours in space, Melvin retired and returned to Lynchburg. He wrote his autobiography, "Chasing Space", and became a motivational speaker. Melvin shares his incredible story with us including obstacles that nearly ended his chance to become an astronaut. He also tells us the role football played in his career in space and takes us through what it's like traveling at 17,500mph. Plus, we go behind-the-scenes of his viral photo of him and his dogs that would become the cover of his autobiography. Now an author of a book for young readers, Melvin gives us the backstory of "Space Chasers" which is the first in a series of books featuring middle school students in an exclusive NASA program. (Special thanks to MacMillan Publishers for arranging our interview with Melvin. For more in "Space Chasers" or to order a copy, visit https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250782779/spacechasersbylelandmelvin/ ).…

In The Front Row with Mike Vaccaro

1
Chucky Brown's Epic Journey: From NC State to 13 Years and 12 NBA Teams! 38:02

13 weeks fa38:02

38:02

Chucky Brown was born and raised in New York City before moving to Southeastern North Carolina his sophomore year in high school. He was a standout at North Brunswick High School in Leland, NC and was named the 1985 North Carolina Mr. Basketball along with All-State and All-America. Although he grew up a North Carolina Tar Heel fan, Brown chose NC State and coach Jim Valvano. He played for the Wolfpack from 1985-89 and helped lead the Pack to Elite 8 and Sweet 16 appearances while being named All-ACC in 1989. Cleveland drafted Brown in the 2nd round in 1989 starting his NBA journey that would last 13 years playing for 12 teams which was a record at the time. 1995 would prove to be a banner year for Brown as he won a Continental Basketball Association title with the Yakima Sun Kings before he helped the Houton Rockets win an NBA title. After his career ended, Brown turned to coaching and scouting while he also finished his degree at NC State. Brown was recently inducted into the Greater Wilmington Sports Hall of Fame and shares what that honor means to him. He also remembers the players he played with, and against, in college and the NBA and tells us why coach Lenny Wilkins had a great impact on him. He also takes us back to the secret pick-up games his college teammates played against players from North Carolina, Duke and North Carolina Central in the 1980s; and he tells us which teammate ended those games. Brown also tells us what he has in common with fellow NC State standout Julius Hodge, our guest in Ep. 98 of In The Front Row: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hk8E8QmaLqQ&t=164s . Plus, Brown considers what’s ahead for him and why his daughters might be providing a great example.…

In The Front Row with Mike Vaccaro

1
Boubacar Aw on playing for John Thompson at Georgetown, rooming with Allen Iverson and coaching girls basketball 45:19

15 weeks fa45:19

45:19

Boubacar Aw was born and raised in Sengela in West Africa. Like most Senegalese children, he played soccer and loved the sport. However, a growth spurt led to basketball and a new love. Georgetown assistant coach Craig Esherick helped discover Aw along with fellow Senegalese player Ya-Ya Dia. In 1993, at age 17 and speaking only French and Wolof, Aw moved to Lake Waccamaw, NC. He played one season at East Columbus High School and was the Player of the Year whole also graduating. From 1994-98 he attended Georgetown and played for Hall of Fame coach John Thompson. Instead of rooming with friend Dia, Aw was paired with Allen Iverson by his veteran coach. During his four years, Aw helped lead the Hoyas to the NCAA Tournament three times including a run to the Elite 8 in 1996 where the Hoyas lost to Marcus Camby and top seed UMass. Aw graduated in 1998 with honors and spent the next 13 years playing professionally overseas earning numerous honors. When his body told him it was time to retire, Aw moved back to Southeastern North Carolina and started teaching in Wilmington. When an opportunity arose to coach the girls’ basketball team at Hoggard High School, Aw volunteered and has led the Vikings to over 200 wins in his career. Aw shares stories from his journey to the United State including how he overcame the language barrier. He tells us what he learned from playing for Coach Thompson and rooming with Iverson. Aw describes his coaching style and explains why he’s just a “country boy” at heart.…

In The Front Row with Mike Vaccaro

1
Jake Plummer: NFL Pro Bowl Star, Pat Tillman's Bond, and the Magic of Umbo Mushrooms 49:04

23 weeks fa49:04

49:04

Jake Plummer grew up in Idaho playing sports with his two older brothers. A three-sport athlete in high school, Plummer became an All-State quarterback who wanted to go to Stanford. Instead of being a walk-on for the Cardinal, he accepted a scholarship to Arizona State where he played for Bruce Snyder and became a starter his freshman year. A record-setting career culminated in 1996 when the Sun Devils were 11-0 before falling in the Rose Bowl denying them a chance at a share of the National Championship. That senior season, Plummer was the PAC 10 Offensive Player of the Year, a First-Team All-American and finished third in the Heisman Trophy voting behind Danny Wuerffel (Ep. 22 featuring Wuerffel: https://bit.ly/40wgbLf). Plummer was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2019. Ten years in the NFL followed college including the first six in Arizona where he helped lead the Cardinals to a postseason victory in 1998, their first in 51 years. He finished his career with the Denver and helped lead the Broncos to the 2005 AFC Championship game, falling to Pittsburgh. Since his retirement in 2007, Plummer has played handball professionally and helped co-found Umbo Functional Mushrooms for Athletes. In this episode, Plummer shares his journey and remembers his teammates including the late Pat Tillman who he played with at Arizona State and with the Arizona Cardinals. He also tells us about being labeled a "gunslinger" and why he likes his nickname, Jack "The Snake". He also explains the benefits of the natural ingredients Umbo uses and the positive affects the mushrooms have on the body and mind (Get 15% off your order at https://getumbo.com/ using the code ITFR15). In the Front Row with Mike Vaccaro is your front row seat to one-on-one conversations with sports figures. Each episode we go beyond the bio and hear about the stories that made headlines. Our guests are hall of famers, gold medalists, record holders, trailblazers and more. We cover all sports and all eras to bring you amazing guests with incredible accounts of the moments that made them the athlete and person they are today. Join us as our guests share memories of their best, and worst, moments of their journey in sports and in life.…

In The Front Row with Mike Vaccaro

1
BMX Hall of Famer Ryan Nyquist on X Games, Dave Mirra and the Olympics 38:29

24 weeks fa38:29

38:29

Ryan Nyquist grew up in California riding bikes and doing trikes with his brother. What started out as a hobby became a profession when he left college and turned pro in 1995. He competed in his first X Games in 1996 and would rise to the top of the sport soon after. He moved to Greenville, NC where he lived with, and competed against, BMX legend Dave Mirra. Known for his bar spin variations, Nyquist won 16 medals at the X Games including 4 gold medals. In addition to BMX, Nyquist also competed in freeride and slopestyle mountain biking. He was inducted into the National BMX Hall of Fame in 2023. From competing to coaching, Nyquist is the head coach of Team USA's Olympic BMX Freestyle Team leading them in Tokyo, Paris and again in his home state for the 2028 LA Olympics. Now living in Wilmington, NC, Nyquist tells us about becoming one of the bests along with what he learned from the late Dave Mirra. He also takes us through several high moments along with several of the worst crashes he's endured. Plus, he describes the business he runs with his wife and the love for BMX that his son shares with him. In the Front Row with Mike Vaccaro is your front row seat to one-on-one conversations with sports figures. Each episode we go beyond the bio and hear about the stories that made headlines. Our guests are hall of famers, gold medalists, record holders, trailblazers and more. We cover all sports and all eras to bring you amazing guests with incredible accounts of the moments that made them the athlete and person they are today. Join us as our guests share memories of their best, and worst, moments of their journey in sports and in life.…

In The Front Row with Mike Vaccaro

1
Mario Andretti on His Life as a Refugee, to WINNING the Indy 500 and Daytona 500 48:46

25 weeks fa48:46

48:46

Mario Andretti was born in Italy during World War II. At 8 years old, he and his family spent time in a refugee camp in Italy before moving to the United States. The Andretti family settled in Nazareth, PA where Mario and twin brother Aldo discovered the nearby Nazareth Speedway. Lying about their age and experience, the brothers began racing at age 19 sharing one car and one helmet. Racing quickly became a passion and led to a career that prospered in the 1960s. He raced all discplines and won NASCAR's Daytona 500 in 1967 and the Indianapolis 500 in 1969. He raced Formula 1 in the 1970s and 1980s and returned to IndyCar winning the Pocono 500 in 1986. He watched his sons Michael and Jeff and grandson Marco follow in the family business that was built into Andretti Global. A member of numerous halls of fame, Andretti recounts his life including the moment he and his family passed the Statue of Liberty on their way from Italy. He remembers some of the big wins and also takes us behind the wheel for his crash at the 2003 Indianapolis 500 during testing. He also shares the enjoyment he gets out of his family's successes and why he's still involved with the sport. Plus, he gives us his take on whether or not racing is a sport.…

In The Front Row with Mike Vaccaro

1
Nick Mangold on Playing for THEE Ohio State, his New York Jets Career, and 74 BBQ Sauce 42:43

27 weeks fa42:43

42:43

Nick Mangold grew up in Ohio, the oldest of four kids with three sisters. He was all-state in football while also wrestling and competing in the shot put. A highly recruited offensive lineman, Mangold chose Ohio State over Notre Dame despite his mom's wishes that he'd play for the Fighting Irish. A three-year starter at center for Jim Tressel, Mangold was a member of the 2002 National Championship team for the Buckeyes and won three Fiesta Bowls including his senior season defeating Notre Dame. The Jets made him the 29th overall pick in 2006 and he played his entire 11-year career in New York where he was a 7-time Pro Bowler who committed just 20 penalties in 164 games. At one time the highest paid center in the NFL, Mangold officially retired in 2018 and was inducted into the Jets Ring of Honor in 2022. Mangold remembers his journey and recounts his recruiting process along with the draft process. He also describes the role of a center in the offense, how his wrestling career helped his football career and his welcome to the NFL moment. Mangold also tells us what it was like playing with a revolving door of quarterbacks in New York and why he never entertained going anywhere else. Plus, Mangold gives us his take on being eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Now the owner of Mangold's 74 BBQ Sauce (https://www.mangolds74bbq.com/), he shares how the business began, the cause it benefits and the sauces that are named after his four kids.…

In The Front Row with Mike Vaccaro

1
ACC Legend Julius Hodge on NC State, NBA, his 1st Head Coaching Job, and Altercation with Chris Paul 40:57

28 weeks fa40:57

40:57

Julius Hodge grew up in Harlem and was named after NBA Hall of Famer Julius Erving. He fell in love with basketball after his dad took him to a New York Knicks game against Magic Johnson and the Los Angeles Lakers as a kid. Hodge's game flourished in high school where he was a McDonald's All-American and the New York State Mr. Basketball. He grew up a Syracuse fan but spurned the Orangemen for NC State where he played for Herb Sendek. In Raleigh, Hodge was a two-time All-American and the ACC Player of the Year as a junior. He was a first-round pick of the Denver Nuggets in 2005 and played alongside several future Hall of Famers. After 3 years in the NBA, Hodge spent 8 years playing overseas plus 2011 playing for the Antigua and Barbuda national team. After retiring, Hodge embarked on a coaching career with time spent as an assistant coach at Buffalo, Santa Clara (for Sendek), San Jose State and Arkansas Little Rock. This summer, Hodge was named head coach at Division II Lincoln University in Pennsylvania. Hodge shares his journey including the unusual way he decided to attend NC State. Plus, he talks about the ACC rivals and adversaries like Chris Paul with whom he had an altercation during his time at State. Hodge also recounts the drive-by shooting during his rookie season that changed his perspective on life and tells us what he learned from his time playing overseas. Hodge also gives us insight on his kids and their own hoop dreams.…

In The Front Row with Mike Vaccaro

1
Joe Theismann on being a Star Quarterback for Notre Dame and the Washington Redskins 44:09

31 weeks fa44:09

44:09

Joe Theismann grew up in South River, NJ where he was often found outside playing basketball, baseball or football. After he convinced his mom to allow him to play organized football, he teamed up with future Hall of Famer Drew Pearson at South River High School and became a star. Highly recruited, Theismann initially committed to NC State before eventually signing with Notre Dame and head coach Ara Parseghian. An injury led to him becoming the starting QB his sophomore year and he became an All-American his senior season in 1970. Before that year, his last name was pronounced "Theesmann". But Notre Dame PR man Roger Valdiserri convinced him to change the pronunciation of his name to rhyme with the Heisman Trophy. While he finished second that year for the award behind Jim Plunkett and ahead of Archie Manning, the name stuck. In 1971, he was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the NFL and the Minnesota Twins in MLB. After failed negotiations with the Dolphins, Theismann signed with the Toronto Argonauts in the CFL. Following three seasons in Toronto, the Washington Redskins obtained Theismann's rights. Waiting his turn at quarterback, Theismann returned punts to stay fresh. He eventually became QB1 with Washington where he led them to the Super Bowl XVII championship over the Dolphins. His playing career came to an end in 1985 after a gruesome injury on Monday Night Football. Broadcasting, speaking and even acting all followed along with charitable work with St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital. In this episode, Joe recounts the many twists and turns of his career. He tells us why Don Shula wasn't his biggest fan, why his injury was a blessing and why St. Jude's has a special place in his heart. He also shares stories from the Super Bowl season and his teammates "The Hogs" and "The Smurfs" - a group he calls "characters with character". Plus, he remembers what it was like hosting the first season of "American Gladiators" and shares why he wore the single bar facemask. (For more on Joe Theismann and you can help his efforts with St. Jude's visit https://www.joetheismann.com/autographs ).For more on the "American Gladiators", watch Episode 90 featuring Dan "Nitro" Clark: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlSmGTln55g&t=34s…

In The Front Row with Mike Vaccaro

1
Tony Silvagni: World Champion Surfer, Surf School Owner, And Global Traveler 36:36

32 weeks fa36:36

36:36

Tony Silvagni was born in Pennsylvania, but moved to Kure Beach, NC when he was 5. That move led to a love of the water and surfing. Silvagni gravitated to longboard surfing, idolizing surfing legend Kelly Slater. His professional career has taken Silvagni around the world where he has won numerous championships and placed 5th in the world in 2023. Back home in North Carolina, Silvagni owns and operates a surf school and puts his marketing degree from the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) to good use. Silvagni also organized numerous charities to support his community and was recently inducted into the Wrightsville Beach Hall of Fame. In this episode, Silvagni shares his journey and tells us where the best waves are. He also recounts how he once taught surf lessons to President Barack Obama's Secret Service agents while living in Hawaii. Plus, he explains what it means to be regular or goofy footed, what hang ten means and what animal he had a close encounter with one day in the water.…

In The Front Row with Mike Vaccaro

1
Bob Kendrick on Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, Willie Mays and the Negro League on MLB The Show 40:20

35 weeks fa40:20