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

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.