Former NFL quarterback Erik Kramer joins Sports IQ with Larry Smith for one of the most powerful and important conversations we’ve ever had.

Kramer opens up about his decade-long NFL career, his battle with depression, the personal tragedies that shaped his life after football, and his remarkable survival following a suicide attempt. With honesty, humility, and hope, Erik shares how he rebuilt his life, why he decided to tell his story in his new book The Ultimate Comeback, and how he’s now focused on helping young people and families navigate mental health challenges.

Before the interview, Larry dives deep into College Football Playoff trivia, breaking down historic context, bowl game history, legendary coaches, and fascinating stats surrounding this year’s matchups — from Indiana’s rare Rose Bowl appearance to Ohio State’s staggering consistency and the rich traditions of the Sugar, Cotton, and Orange Bowls.

The episode closes with a reflective look back at the biggest sports moments of 2025, including unforgettable performances across women’s sports, the World Series, and championship runs that defined the year — plus a classic Moment of Awe honoring the Immaculate Reception.

This is a thoughtful, emotional, and information-packed episode that reminds us why sports stories matter far beyond the scoreboard.

• Erik Kramer on surviving depression and reclaiming purpose after football

• Behind the book: The Ultimate Comeback

• College Football Playoff trivia and bowl game history

• Rose, Cotton, Sugar, and Orange Bowl deep dives

• Coaching legends, historic programs, and eye-opening stats

• Reflecting on the most memorable sports moments of 2025

• Moment of Awe: The Immaculate Reception

Erik Kramer
Former NFL Quarterback | Author of The Ultimate Comeback

In this holiday-week edition of Sports IQ, Larry Smith brings you three powerful stories that remind us why sports matter far beyond wins and losses.

The episode opens with a deeply personal conversation with longtime broadcaster Matt Morrison, whose new book Touched: The Marin Morrison Story chronicles the extraordinary life of his daughter Marin. A gifted swimmer whose Olympic dreams were altered by a devastating brain tumor diagnosis, Marin’s journey became one of resilience, courage, and inspiration. Morrison reflects on grief, faith, fatherhood, and the healing power of storytelling.

Next, Larry sits down with Nolan Desjarlait, the head coach and athletic director at Red Lake High School in northern Minnesota. Coaching a football program on the Red Lake Indian Reservation that hasn’t won a game since 1999, Desjarlais explains why perseverance, community, and opportunity matter more than the scoreboard. His dedication to his players — many of whom play both offense and defense with no substitutions — is a testament to leadership at its purest.

The show wraps with a Moment of Awe, looking back at a milestone season by Joe Namath, who became the first NFL quarterback to throw for 4,000 yards in a single season in 1967 — a reminder of how today’s game was shaped by the legends who came before it.

This episode is about courage, commitment, and character — the kind that defines greatness long after the final whistle.

Topics Covered:

• The life and legacy of Marin Morrison

• Coping with loss and finding purpose through storytelling

• Coaching football on the Red Lake Indian Reservation

• Leadership without wins — and why it still matters

• Joe Namath’s historic 1967 NFL season

• Why sports stories resonate far beyond the field

🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and wherever you get your podcasts.

The holiday week begins with a packed episode of SportsIQ, as Larry Smith and the crew break down the biggest stories across sports — from inspiring comebacks to playoff chaos.

At 41 years old, eight years after her last Olympic appearance — and following a knee replacement in 2024 — Lindsey Vonn is headed back to the Olympics. Her first World Cup victory in six years earned her enough points to qualify for Team USA and book a trip to Italy in 2026. A remarkable comeback, driven by passion, timing, and grit. Much love. Much respect. A true Moment of Awe.

Sun Sentinel Hurricanes beat writer Adam Lichtenstein joins the show to break down Miami’s gritty playoff win over Texas A&M, the impact of elite defense, and what lies ahead as the Hurricanes face Ohio State. The conversation also dives into:

• The expanded CFP format and why defense still wins in December

• Miami’s program turnaround under Mario Cristobal

• Why Ohio State’s talent — especially Jeremiah Smith — presents a massive challenge

Heavy.com NFL writer Micah Warren stops by to unpack one of the most unpredictable NFL seasons in years. Topics include:

• Jacksonville and Seattle as potential postseason disruptors

• The unraveling of Kansas City and what comes next for Patrick Mahomes

• Why no team feels unbeatable — and why that’s great for fans

• Which franchises might shock the league come January

Plus:

• Warriors coach Steve Kerr’s sideline clash with Draymond Green

• College basketball rankings shakeups and historic rivalry blowouts

• The Dodgers’ record-shattering luxury tax bill and what it means for baseball’s future

From awe-inspiring perseverance to postseason unpredictability, it’s a full-scale look at the sports world as the calendar turns toward the holidays.

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🏔️ Woman of Awe: Lindsey Vonn🏈 College Football Playoff Breakdown🏟️ NFL Playoff Picture & Parity🏀 NBA, College Hoops & MLB Spending

It’s a packed SportsIQ episode as Larry Smith and producer Tony Cordaro take listeners deep inside one of the busiest weeks on the sports calendar.

The show opens with a comprehensive look at NFL Week 16, where playoff scenarios tightened across both conferences. From Jacksonville’s statement win in Denver to Buffalo grinding out a road victory, and the Chargers surviving injuries to knock off Dallas, the postseason picture continues to evolve. The NFC South race, Detroit’s playoff hopes, and a wild Bears–Packers overtime thriller also headline a chaotic weekend.

College football takes center stage with an in-depth Sugar Bowl preview as Georgia and Ole Miss prepare for a high-stakes rematch. Georgia beat reporter Marc Weiszer of the Athens Banner-Herald joins the show to explain how the Bulldogs took control late in their first meeting, why Georgia’s defense has surged down the stretch, and what the long layoff could mean heading into the playoff quarterfinals.

Later, attention shifts to the Rose Bowl and the College Football Playoff with Shannon Griffith, lead analyst for Hoosiers.com. Griffith breaks down Indiana’s historic season, the impact of NIL and the transfer portal, and why Alabama remains a dangerous opponent despite late-season turbulence. The conversation widens into a broader debate about CFP expansion, automatic bids, and whether the format truly rewards the best teams.

The episode also covers:

• Coaching carousel updates and major contract extensions

• Texas A&M’s dominant NCAA volleyball championship run

• A shocking Texas Tech upset of Duke in men’s basketball

• Growing labor tension in the WNBA as players authorize a potential strike

The show closes with a Moment of Awe, spotlighting a record-setting auction price for a rare game-worn Larry Bird jersey—proof that sports history still commands jaw-dropping value decades later.

A must-listen episode blending analysis, reporting, and perspective as football season barrels toward its most important moments.

The road to a championship begins.

On this packed Friday edition of SportsIQ with Larry Smith, the spotlight shines on the opening weekend of the College Football Playoff — plus two massive FCS semifinal matchups that prove elite football doesn’t stop at the FBS level.

The show opens with a deep dive into the highly anticipated Oklahoma vs. Alabama playoff rematch, as Sooners beat writer Colton Sulley joins the program to break down what’s changed since Oklahoma’s regular-season win in Tuscaloosa, how the Sooners can win a third straight matchup, and what Alabama brings into this postseason showdown.

From there, the focus shifts to the FCS semifinals, starting with one of the most historic rivalries in college football. Coulter Nuanez of Skyline Sports previews the first-ever playoff meeting between Montana and Montana State, a 125-year rivalry now playing for a trip to the national championship game.

Later, Randy Reinhardt of the Bloomington Pantagraph joins the show to discuss Illinois State’s remarkable playoff run, including their stunning road upset of North Dakota State and what to expect as the Redbirds face Villanova in another win-or-go-home matchup.

The episode also features:

• A breakdown of Thursday night’s instant-classic NFL game between the Rams and Seahawks

• NBA highlights from LaMelo Ball, Luka Dončić, Nikola Jokić, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

• Championship matchups set in NCAA Volleyball

• A heartfelt tribute to NASCAR legend Greg Biffle, honoring his life, career, and impact beyond the track

• Picks and predictions for a loaded weekend of college football

The show closes with a Moment of Awe honoring the extraordinary 1905 journey of the Dawson City Nuggets, whose month-long trek to compete for the Stanley Cup remains one of the most unbelievable stories in sports history.

Insightful, emotional, and packed with championship energy — this is SportsIQ at its best.

It’s a packed December 18th edition of Sports IQ with Larry Smith, with major storylines unfolding across college sports and the NFL as the season races toward the holidays.

Larry opens with headlines from around the sports world, including the Chicago Bears expanding their stadium search beyond Illinois, ownership changes with the Pittsburgh Penguins, college coaching turmoil, and a look at how close we really are to Christmas shopping panic mode.

The spotlight then shifts to NCAA Women’s Volleyball, as Pittsburgh Post-Gazette beat writer Abby Schnable joins the show to preview the Final Four in Kansas City. Abby breaks down Pitt’s remarkable fifth straight Final Four appearance, the culture built under Dan Fisher, and why this year’s tournament—without traditional blue-blood powers—represents a major moment for the sport’s growth.

Later, Colts insider and Lucas Oil Stadium PA announcer JJ Stankevitz stops by to unpack one of the NFL’s most fascinating quarterback situations. From Philip Rivers’ unexpected return, to Daniel Jones’ rise and injury, to Anthony Richardson’s uncertain future, JJ explains how Indianapolis has navigated chaos both on and off the field following the death of longtime owner Jim Irsay.

Larry and Tony then zoom out to the league-wide trend: the growing danger of massive quarterback contracts. With teams like Miami, Denver, and New England facing cap reality, the discussion centers on whether paying $50+ million for a quarterback is becoming more liability than luxury.

The episode closes with a Moment of Awe, as Florida’s 7-foot-9 center Olivier Rioux makes history with his first collegiate basket—literally towering over college basketball history.

A thoughtful, wide-ranging episode that captures the strategy, emotion, and economics shaping sports right now.

It’s Hump Day on Sports IQ with Larry Smith, and the college football conversation is heating up.

Larry is joined by Andrew Monaco, the voice of Texas A&M, to break down the Aggies’ path into the College Football Playoff, the disappointment of missing the SEC Championship, and what lies ahead against Miami. They dive deep into physicality, playoff preparation, and whether the expanded format is rewarding the right teams.

Later, Colin Gay of The Tuscaloosa News joins the show to talk Alabama football, Kalen DeBoer’s first playoff run with the Crimson Tide, the rematch against Oklahoma, and whether Alabama — of all programs — has something to prove in this new era of college football.

Larry and producer Tony also tackle:

• The growing SEC vs Big Ten debate

• NIL’s impact on recruiting and parity

• Coaching shifts, scheduling inequities, and playoff reform

• NBA expansion talk, Nick Saban investing in pro sports, and more

Plus, today’s Moment of Awe goes to Justin Thomas, who donated $1 million to Alabama’s new men’s and women’s golf facility — putting his money back where his championship journey began.

Insightful, opinionated, and right on the edge of the biggest sports conversations — this is Sports IQ.

On today’s episode of Sports IQ with Larry Smith, Larry checks in from Atlanta while calling the Georgia High School Football Championships and reflects on where his broadcasting journey began — then dives into a packed day of headlines and hard conversations across the sports world.

The Steelers surge back into playoff relevance, Aaron Rodgers makes history in the cold, and Washington shuts down rookie QB Jayden Daniels for the season. In the NBA, Nikola Jokić delivers yet another triple-double, Cade Cunningham shines against Boston, and Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs prepare for the NBA Cup Final.

Bracketology legend Jerry Palm joins the show to break down his new venture PalmBrackets.com, explain how the selection process really works, and assess the early college basketball landscape. Arizona, Michigan, Gonzaga, Nebraska, and Iowa all get the spotlight as teams making serious early-season statements — and Palm explains which programs may be flying under the radar.

Senior writer Eric Hansen (BlueAndGold.com) joins the show to unpack Notre Dame’s stunning exclusion from the College Football Playoff. The discussion tackles committee inconsistencies, head-to-head logic, conference politics, the future of Notre Dame’s ACC relationship, and whether bowl games still matter in the modern CFP era.

Arch Manning announces his return to Texas, quarterbacks across the country prepare to enter the portal, and the realities of roster turnover reshape the college football landscape.

A jaw-dropping Florida high school championship finish caps the show, featuring a Hail Mary, a lateral, and an improbable walk-off touchdown that delivered a state title in unforgettable fashion.

Smart analysis, honest debate, and the moments that define sports — this is Sports IQ with Larry Smith.

🏈 NFL & Pro Sports Headlines🏀 College Basketball with Jerry Palm🏈 College Football Playoff Fallout🔁 Transfer Portal & Coaching Carousel🌟 Moment of Awe