Susannah welcomes ESPN NFL writer, host of “The Bill Barnwell Show” and contributor to NFL Live, Bill Barnwell to today’s episode of Kickback Committee: Open Mic!

03:00 - Sooz and Bill recap their days at SB Nation together and not realizing their respective soccer fandoms.

07:00 - Bill explains how he became a soccer fan, a supporter of Leicester City FC and the club formerly known as the NY/NJ Metrostars, now the New York Red Bulls, going back to 1996.

12:48 - Sooz asks Bill who are his Leicester City legends. We also get to see Bill’s shiny soccer ball autographed by Kasey Keller. The football phone that is normally in place in Bill’s background, we learn hasn’t worked in 25 years.

17:37 - Bill’s best AND worst in-person soccer experience ever.

22:15 - Career pivot to Soccer writing at any point? Future Liverpool supporter Graham Barnwell? And Bill’s thoughts on Liverpool’s future ahead.

33:41 - Musings on Leicester City’s future, facing back to back relegations and how to manage expectations.

36:49 - Bill’s feelings on the upcoming 2026 World Cup and expectations for the USMNT in the face of trying to cultivate a new identity for themselves.

45:54 - From someone who covers the most popular U.S. sport, how can soccer use this opportunity for growth in the US? (featuring Bill picking on England because it’s fun to do)

50:54 - Bill’s 2nd Team to root for in the World Cup and thoughts on the New York Red Bulls in 2026

54:52 - Fast Fire Question Round

01:00:03 - Close

Bill Barnwell: Bluesky

The Bill Barnwell Show: Apple Podcasts Spotify

ESPN Work: Contributions

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See our First Touch ’26 Preview page for breakdowns on all 48 teams competing this summer: First Touch 26' World Cup Preview