Former NFL, AFL, and NCAA football greats share unforgettable stories about their lives and careers. An oral history of pro and college football that often features never-before-told stories.
The Game Before the Money Podcast is protected under copyright. All rights reserved. Under no circumstances is AI data collection or mining (including modeling, generative, and the like) allowed from the content on the podcast or the website.
Episodes
Feb 6, 2026
Feb 6, 2026
9 min
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 .
Jan 20, 2026
Jan 20, 2026
27 min
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 .
Nov 24, 2025
Nov 24, 2025
1hr 14 min
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.
Nov 13, 2025
Nov 13, 2025
31 min
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?
Jun 23, 2025
Jun 23, 2025
48 min
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.
Apr 23, 2025
Apr 23, 2025
52 min
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.
Feb 3, 2025
Feb 3, 2025
59 min
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.
Jan 16, 2025
Jan 16, 2025
34 min
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.
Jan 10, 2025
Jan 10, 2025
1hr 7 min
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.
Nov 23, 2024
Nov 23, 2024
34 min
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.