Episode 3

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Published on:

10th Sep 2024

EP 3 Insights Into the Brand New NFL Season From Guest Wes Durham

Host Jim Powell is joined by legendary sportscaster Wes Durham, who brings his deep insights from covering the NFL and college football. This episode covers his career, the Falcons' latest game, the differences between college football and the NFL, and the complexities of international NFL games. Durham shares his thoughts on his favorite sports, the relationships formed over his career, and insights into NFL team dynamics. The episode concludes with the popular segment 'Get Off My Lawn,' highlighting fan opinions on the challenges of international NFL games.

IN THIS EPISODE:

  • [00:40] Special Guest: Wes Durham
  • [00:56] Wes Durham on College vs. NFL Football
  • [03:58] Rooting for Friends in Sports
  • [05:41] Analyzing the Atlanta Falcons
  • [07:22] NFL Draft and Quarterback Strategies
  • [09:33] Surprising NFL Teams to Watch
  • [15:00] - Wes discusses Cincinnati Bengals’ challenges for the upcoming season.
  • [17:32] International NFL Games and Field Conditions
  • [22:15] - Wes recalls the unforgettable 28-3 Super Bowl story from an insider’s perspective.
  • [24:10] Get Off My Lawn segment with a passionate fan submission on NFL international games.

 

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • In the Southeast, college football is more than a sport—it's a family tradition spanning generations.
  • Successful teams must know when to let go of top players to keep cap space balanced while nurturing new talent.
  • NFL teams live and die by turnovers, and this was evident in the Falcons’ recent performance.
  • As the NFL grows globally, ensuring quality playing conditions for players is crucial.


ABOUT THE GUEST: 

Dallas Wesley "Wes" Durham (born January 25, 1966, in Greensboro, North Carolina) is an American sportscaster. He is a play-by-play announcer for ESPN and ACC Network coverage of college football and basketball. He works telecasts of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) due to his experience broadcasting in the conference.

Durham served as the radio play-by-play announcer for the Georgia Tech football and men's basketball teams from the start of the 1995-1996 season through 2010, and continued to announce the basketball games through 2013.[1] He was also Georgia Tech's Director of Broadcasting[2] and is the radio play-by-play announcer for the Atlanta Falcons.[1]

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About the Podcast

Fans First a Sports Podcast
Welcome to "Fans First: A Sports Podcast," where your voice matters most! Hosted by the legendary Hall of Fame sportscaster Jim Powell, this show puts fans at the heart of the conversation. We believe sports are more than just games—they’re a way of life, a source of passion, and a community that brings people together. That’s why "Fans First" is here to celebrate your insights, opinions, and love for the game like never before. Whether you’re cheering in the stands, shouting at the TV, or debating trades with friends, "Fans First" is your go-to destination for all things sports. Each episode features fan-driven discussions, expert analysis, and exclusive interviews with players, coaches, and insiders. Jim Powell brings his wealth of experience and storytelling prowess to every episode, guiding conversations that are as engaging as they are insightful. But this podcast isn’t just about the headlines—it’s about the stories that matter to you. From the thrill of victory to the agony of defeat, from blockbuster trades to unforgettable moments in sports history, "Fans First" covers it all. We’re here to give you a platform to share your thoughts, ask tough questions, and connect with a community of fellow sports enthusiasts.

Join us each week as we explore the stories behind the scores, the emotions behind the plays, and the fans who make it all possible. Plus, don’t miss our special segments—“Flip the Switch,” where we suddenly turn the conversation in an unexpected new direction, and “Get Off My Lawn,” where fans can offer their spirited opinions about the hottest current topics in sports before the host gets his chance to react. So, tune in, speak up, and be part of the sports conversation that celebrates what makes the game great—you, the fan!

Bio: Jim Powell is an American radio and television sportscaster, previously employed with Major League Baseball's Milwaukee Brewers (1996–2008) and Atlanta Braves (2009–2023). A native of Roswell, Georgia, Powell was educated at the University of Georgia. He began his baseball play-by-play career with the minor-league Columbia Mets (1987–89, 1993–94) and Charlotte Knights (1990–91, 1995), also calling games part-time for the Minnesota Twins in 1993–94 before being hired by the Brewers in 1996. Teaming with Bob Uecker, Powell called games for the Milwaukee Brewers Radio Network and was Uecker’s longest-tenured partner. Powell was named Wisconsin Sportscaster of the Year in 1998. In 2009, he began teaming with Don Sutton to call games on the Atlanta Braves Radio Network and continued his play-by-play role through 2023. In addition to his baseball work, Powell has called college football (for the University of South Carolina and CBS Radio) and college basketball (for Davidson College and South Carolina) at various points in his career. Powell was a National Merit Scholar and is MENSA-qualified. He was inducted into the Georgia Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2020.

Social Media Handles:
X: https://x.com/Jim_Powell
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-powell-38715a5/
Website: Fansfirstpodcast.com

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