Never Played the Game

Schultzy has decided to break up the band. After nearly three decades in Atlanta, Jeff Schultz has moved on from the Atlanta Journal Constitution. Why he felt the time was right for the next chapter in his career and how Zach plans to dominate and entertain the podcast without him :)

Zach and Jeff visit with 1st year Atlanta Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos on his journey from a former HVAC owner in Canada to MLB Executive of the Year. Alex opens up on the death of his father, paying his way to 'Scouting School', leaving a dream job as GM of the Toronto Blue Jays, receiving the call to interview for the Braves and how long it will take to bring Atlanta a World Series title.

Zach and Jeff discuss the surprising start by the Braves who closed out the month of April as the National League's highest scoring team. Were the Falcons correct in drafting Calvin Ridley, a wide receiver in the 1st round? What to make of Julio Jones deleting his Falcons memories from his social media accounts and did Mike Budenholzer quit on the Hawks?

Zach and Jeff visit with Atlanta Falcons General Manger right before the 2018 NFL Draft. The two ask TD about: Mowing the lawn by day for the Cleveland Browns and watching film with Scott Pioli at night. Why the NFL combine can hurt more than it helps How many players are realistic for the Falcons at #26 Why are quarterbacks so hard to evaluate How close was he to being fired a few years ago His relationship with Head Coach Dan Quinn His passion for cycling and helping those in Atlanta

Zach and Jeff preview the 2018 Masters with Steve Hummer of the Atlanta Journal Constitution. The best hole.. the best food..the best Masters tradition... who will win? Plus.. if Tiger Woods get another green jacket, will it be a bigger story than Jack Nicklaus' victory in 1986?

Zach and Jeff discuss the 2018 Braves season, but before they look ahead, they must revisit the end of 2017 when the franchise parted ways with then GM John Coppolella. Jeff spoke with Braves CEO Terry McGurik about what went down. Plus, the expectations for Dansby Swanson and when will future Hall of Fame infielder (Jeff's words) Ronald Acuna make his big league debut.

Zach and Jeff discuss the wild opening weekend of the NCAA Tournament - For the first time ever, one regional failed to have a top 4 seed make it to the Sweet 16. Plus, was UMBC's win over #1 UVA the greatest upset in Soprts.. and is Tom Crean the right fit at Georgia?

Zach and Jeff discuss the firing of Mark Fox as Georgia's basketball coach. Who should replace him in Athens. What about GSU's Ron Hunter? Plus, a look at NCAA Tournament bracket and the return of Tiger Woods

Zach and Jeff discuss Georgia Tech's one and done at the ACC Tournament and Georgia's run in the SEC Tournament - Plus... How, two years after the Falcons asked inappropriate questions at the NFL Combine, another NFL team is asking about one's sexuality. What should be done to that NFL team?

Zach and Jeff react to comments made by Braves legend Chipper Jones. In a recent article in the Atlanta Journal Constitution, Chipper, an avid outdoorsman and hunter, denounces assault rifles. You will hear from Chipper on his upbringing and why he's pro guns and anti AK-15's

Zach and Jeff discuss the start of Braves spring training. New GM Alex Anthopoulos discusses traditional scouting vs analytics, young prospects in the minors and the outlook for the 2018 season. Plus, what will it take for UGA head basketball coach Mark Fox to return next season.

Zach visits with 7-Time NASCAR Champion Jimmie Johnson on his 'legendary' water polo career... having a cold beer to forget the 2017 season..his future at Hendrick Motorsports, his chances at Daytona, what needs to happen to win the Great American race in 2018, his 'Welcome' to NASCAR moment and what he would tell a "Rookie Jimmie Johnson"

Zach and Jeff visit with Georgia Tech AD Todd Stansbury on changing the culture inside the athletics department. How does he feel about head football coach Paul Johnson and is the support still there for head basketball coach Josh Pastner? Where does he stand on recruiting, facilities, the importance of beating UGA and an 8-team football playoff? Stansbury recently joined the College Football Playoff committee and discusses that, plus who he was cheering for in the title game, Alabama or Georgia.

Jeff is in Minneapolis for the Super Bowl and had a chance to visit with the players and coaches from both teams. He and Zach discuss if anyone is interested in this game outside of Boston and Philly and who walks away with the Vince Lombardi trophy. Also.. what the Patriots did to "piss off" Falcons owner Arthur Blank

Zach and Jeff visit with veteran sports writer and columnist Mark Purdy. Purdy was 1 of 12 voters who did not cast a ballot for Braves legend Chipper Jones. Why? What about Barry Bonds, Pete Rose and will there ever be someone who gets in with 100% of the vote.

Zach and Jeff discuss then end of the Falcons season and the 1st and goal sequence that determined their fate. A shovel pass? To a 3rd string running back? Should Offensive Coordinator Steve Sarkisian return? Will He? Plus, the impact on UGA LB Roquan Smith leaving for the NFL

Zach and Jeff discuss what happened to UGA in title game vs Alabama. Refs? Too much Saban? Tua? We hear from Saban and Kirby Smart on when the game turned. Plus, the Falcons head to Philadelphia for a divisional playoff game against the Eagles.

Zach and Jeff discuss where Georgia's win in the Rose Bowl ranks among the all-time great games in sports. Plus, their predictions against Nick Saban and the Alabama Crimson Tide. Also, the Falcons prepare to defend their NFC Championship title in LA against the Rams

Zach and Jeff discus the Rose Bowl media day and the drama surrounding Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield - Also, Zach gets from broadcasting help from one of the Bulldog offensive lineman

Zach and Jeff discuss the first official day of Rose Bowl week for the Georgia Bulldogs, a day that saw one of their star running backs nearly pass out... at Disneyland! Plus, Jeff's "must visit" stops for any Bulldog fan visiting Los Angels

Zach and Jeff visit with Braves legend Dale Murphy. His thoughts on the Hall of Fame, facing Greg Maddux and the recent embarrassment surrounding the Braves front office. Plus, Murph's thoughts on the New York Yankees and how long until the Braves are back in the playoffs.

The last QB to lead the Georgia Bulldogs to an SEC Championship visits with Zach and Jeff on a wide range of topics. From the rematch against Auburn in the the 2017 SEC title game, to his experience in Athens and sitting behind David Greene, to his relationship with Mark Richt and his advice to Jacob Eason.

Zach and Jeff touch on the three biggest stories in Atlanta sports this week: 1) It’s rivalry week in college football, led by Georgia vs. Georgia Tech and Alabama vs. Auburn, games that have playoff ramifications; 2) Why former Braves GM John Coppolella was really banned from baseball; 3) Are we starting to see the Falcons’ team we all expected.

Zach and Jeff visit with Former Falcons, Broncos and Giants head coach Dan Reeves. Dan shares his thoughts the 1998 Falcons team that went to the Super Bowl, the emotional reaction from fans after his heart surgery, his time with Mickey Mantle on the golf course and why the 2017 Falcons struggled to start the season.

Zach and Jeff discuss the highly anticipated showdown in Auburn, plus the Falcons return home to face the Cowboys.. and a cell phone call interrupts the conversation just as they were talking about the allegations and accusations facing the Georgia Tech basketball program

Zach and Jeff discuss the Bulldogs starting the playoff rankings being #1 and the fact Nick Saban loves it! Plus, the Falcons finally begin NFC south play. What's wrong with Cam & will he ever return to his MVP self

Zach and Jeff visit with one of the most popular athletes and entertainers on the planet for nearly four decades, wrestling legend Ric Flair. They discuss his introduction to the sport, his jet setting lifestyle, the tragedy of losing his son to a drug overdose and the triumph of watching his daughter carry on the family legacy and own the world of professional wrestling.

Zach and Jeff discuss the annual showdown in Jacksonville and the Gators are not holding back. While all is quiet in Athens, a few Florida Gators players have stepped up the trash talking game.

Zach and Jeff discuss Dooley's love his history (Has a Masters in it and owns as letter from General Robert E. Lee and a table that was used to sign the Confederate Constitution), the rivalry against Auburn, Georgia Tech and Florida, plus Kirby Smart and UGA's chances of winning a national championship.

Zach and Jeff discuss the Falcons and Patriots and the Super Bowl rematch. Plus, the Braves make coaching moves, TP and Eddie are out.

The Falcons All-time leader in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns discusses going to clubs with Michael Vick, wanting to fight former offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan and losing $60,000 in Las Vegas the night before the Super Bowl.

Heartbreak, Pain and Holy @%*&@!! Plus, Jeff makes a bold prediction

Zach and Jeff discuss the Falcons first trip to the Super Bowl since the 1998 season. Reaction from offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan, defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux and offensive lineman Jake Matthews... and All-Pro wide receiver Julio Jones on the Falcons winning it all.

Tony Gonzalez, the former Atlanta Falcons and Kansas City Chiefs tight end visits with Zach and Jeff about: Matt Ryan vs Aaron Rodgers Who wins the NFC Championship game between the Falcons and Packers If he asked for a trade during his final season in Atlanta to go to a playoff contender His current movie role in xXx: Return of Xander Cage with Vin Diesel What actor and director he wants to work with in Hollywood

For the first time since he signed with Boston over the summer, 4-time All-Star center Al Horford returns to Atlanta to face his former team. How will the fans react and how should they? Zach and Jeff discuss this, plus the Falcons and Seahawks in the NFC Divisional round of the playoffs. We'll hear from Julio Jones and Matt Ryan on why this is NOT a big game.

Now a 4-time finalist for the NFL's Hall of Fame, Anderson discusses with Klein and Schultz: 07:00 - WHY ISN’T HE ALREADY IN THE HOF 10:06 ON COMING TO THE USA ON EXCHANGE PROGRAM AT 17 11:50 ON FIRST LOOK AT FOOTBALL “I SAW 11 GUYS AND A PILE OF BODIES” I SAW A REALLY BIG GUY IN TIGHT PANTS, BENT OVER AND A BALL IN HIS HANDS. 14:25 ON WHEN HE THOUGHT HE COULD MAKE A CAREER OF KICKING 17:15 ON INVITING THREE GIRLS TO THE PROM IN HIGH SCHOOL 18:30 ON GETTING THE CALL FROM THE NEW ORLEANS SAINTS WHILE LIVING IN “ANIMAL HOUSE” 28:00 - ON GOING TO THE HATED FALCONS “I COULD NOT HAVE GONE TO A WORSE TEAM” 31:30 - NFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME VS MINNESOTA VIKINGS 37:10 - WHO WATCHED MORE GAME TAPE.. MORTEN OR MICHAEL VICK 47:38 - WHEN HE FOUND OUT ABOUT EUGENE ROBINSON AT SUPER BOWL

Kyle gets a shot a ring, while the Hawks are on the verge of blowing things up. How long will the rebuild take and who's really in control.. GM Wes Wilcox or Head Coach/President Mike Budenholzer.

On a day the Falcons secured the #2 seed in the NFC playoffs, the loudest cheers from the Georgia Dome crowd of more than 70,000 came when Michael Vick returned to the field. Vick discusses his return to Atlanta and if he'd like to retire as an Atlanta Falcon

Happy holidays from everyone (Zach and Jeff) at the We Never Played the Game podcast. Zach is working in Atlanta, Jeff is playing in New York City and the Falcons are three wins from the Super Bowl. Another week and another NFL record for Matt Ryan... Seats cost how much to see Hamilton? and Jeff discusses why he's fed up with MLB Hall of Fame voting process and will never vote again. Sorry Chipper.

Zach and Jeff discuss the Falcons scoring 83 combined points in consecutive weeks without Julio Jones. Where does QB Matt Ryan stand in the NFL MVP conversation and Stanford running back Christian McCaffrey will sit out the Sun Bowl to focus on his NFL draft prep. Will this now be the standard for top picks in meaningless bowl games.

Zach and Jeff discuss the shocking announcement of four key Bulldog football players returning for their senior seasons and the hype that will surround the team entering the '17 season.

Zach and Jeff visit with Mark Fox in Athens about the state of UGA hoops, his upbringing in Garden City Kansas, the dirty game of AAU basketball and how he defines success at a school known for its football program.

Zach and Jeff discuss the legacy of John Schuerholz and, as a Hall of Fame voter, will Schultz ever vote for those connected to the steroid era? Georgia State hires a new head football coach and the Falcons head west to play the Rams in LA.

Zach and Jeff discuss former Creekside high school standout Eric Berry returning to Atlanta and beating the Falcons. Berry had a pick-6 and a pick 2. Should the Falcons have gone for 2 to begin with? Also, College Football Final-4 is set..sorry Penn State

Zach and Jeff discuss Alabama being a 24-point favorite over Florida and Ohio State on the verge of getting bounced from the College Football Playoff Final 4 - Plus, the Falcons and Chiefs and an opportunity for Atlanta to send a playoff message.

Zach and Jeff discuss our favorite holiday of the year. Family, Football and Food. Our go-to Thanksgiving side dishes and yes, that includes gravy. "You can put gravy on a brick and I'd eat that," says Schultz. Also.. who wins between Georgia and Georgia Tech.

On this episode, Zach and Jeff discuss Pastner's rise from a 16 year-old AAU head coach, to a 19-year old who interviewed for the LA Clippers head coaching position, to writing 1,000 personal letters to nearly every basketball program in the country. If you ever wondered who has film of Wilt Chamberlin's 100-point basketball game, Pastner will tell you.

Zach and Jeff discuss the Falcons playing arguably their worst game of the year, but still having a chance to beat the Eagles.. Georgia and Georgia Tech both knocking off top-25 opponents and did Georgia State's Trent Miles deserved to be fired, let alone during the season.

Episode 11: Zach and Jeff discuss the reasoning behind Thomas Dimitroff’s three-year contract extension, Matt Ryan’s return to Philadelphia, problems at Georgia and Georgia Tech and why Klein believes Warren Sapp is the most miserable person on earth.

Fresh off a month long stint calling MLB playoffs, Smoltz discusses pitching in front of 40-million in a Game 7 of the World Series and the nerves of broadcasting a Game 7 in front of 40-million... plus: 5:40 - on the maddening aspect of changing pitchers every at bat 7:20 - on if Bobby Cox went to pull him in game 7 after 4 2/3 innings 10:15 - on Jason Hayward and the pressure of a 180-million dollar contract in Chicago 13:30 - What is Theo Epstein doing that every other GM is baseball wishes they are 17:00 - How far the Braves are from following the Cubs blueprint 25:10 - on the harsh lesson learned of oppressing powerful bulldozer equipment 26:45 - the best/worst Greg Maddux story 29:00 - on trying to compete on the Champions Tour and qualifying for the US Open 32:30 - on losing the ‘Black Book’ 35:00 - Hall of Fame Voting.. Bonds, Clemens? 45:45 - “I should have pitched Tony Gwynn right down the middle of the plate."

The Chicago Cubs win the World Series, but is it enough to save baseball... Plus.. Matt Ryan and the Falcons toy with the Buccaneers and extend lead in the the NFC South and is Kentucky really going to beat Georgia in football?

Itzler discusses is ownership role with the Hawks and how this team can contend and eventually win a NBA Champioship

In part 1-of-1, Jesse disscusses: 7:00 owning a pool, enough money for vacation and the ability to grow food was the ultimate dream as a youngster 8:00 the time Jesse's music almost got Zach suspended from High School 11:35 on the origin of "Go New York Go" 15:00 on meeting RUN DMC and the famous intern 19:00 on flying to Atlanta to wait out Grant Hill for Foot Locker 26:30 on meeting a Navy Seal that would eventually live with him NYC

When was the last time sports made you cry? For Zach, it was Saturday. Plus, the Falcons go for it on 4th and 1 on their own 45 yard line in overtime and Shultz and Klein are OK with it. Georgia/Florida and the importance of it for Kirby Smart

Zach and Jeff discuss the criticism towards Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart after 3 losses in 4 games including a homecoming setback to Vanderbilt. Also, the Falcons return home after controversial loss to Seattle and Zach's daughter goes viral after taki

Arguably the best quote in Atlanta, Paul Johnson is always honest and refreshing. On this episode of the We Never Played the Game podcast, Johnson discusses: (3:55) What makes a great athletic director (4:50) How much longer he wants to coach (8:05) W

Klein and Schultz discuss the hiring of Brian Snitker by the Atlanta Braves as their manager and the one year guaranteed contract he was offered. Plus Georgia/Vandy, Georgia Tech/Georgia Southern and how the Falcons will do in Seattle.

Falcons owner Arthur Blank discusses: (1:53) - The future ownership of the franchise (10:10) - The high's and low's of Michael Vick (15:45) - On watching TV and finding out Bobby Petrino was leaving the Falcons (20:15) - On on he wants to be remembered

Arthur Blank helped changed the way we shop for home goods forever and now he is changing the Atlanta sports landscape. In part 1, Arthur shares his definition of success (5:23), handing out dollar bills to visit Home Depot in the beginning (9:05), meetin

Zach and Jeff discuss the Falcons and the Miami Dolphins who have a new set of issues and this has nothing to do with Jay Cutler. It's homecoming in Athens and Georgia Tech looks to stay undefeated in ACC play as they travel to Miami - Picks and predictions.

Zach and Jeff visit with David O'Brien, the longtime Atlanta Braves beat writer for the Atlanta Journal Constitution. 24-hours after the 2017 season ended, General Manager John Coppolella announced his resignation. David shares if there were any early indications of misconduct, who knew about the alleged alligations and what's next for this once proud franchise.

Zach and Jeff discuss Schultz's weakness in admitting he won't fast for Yom Kippur. (Zach thinks a grumpy/hungry sports writer makes a great sports column) - Georgia heads to Tennessee, while Tech hosts UNC - Plus, Falcons look to go 4-0 vs Bills and Rick Pitino is "shocked" about allegations at Louisville.

Zach and Jeff bring in DawgNation reporter Seth Emerson to preview the Bulldogs SEC opener against Mississippi State, Jacob Eason's return to practice and what Kirby Smart must do moving forward.

Zach and Jeff discuss recent chatter that Brian Snitker could be out as Braves manager. Plus, the Falcons open up Mercedes-Benz Stadium vs Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers and our weekly best bests from college and the NFL

Zach and Jeff discuss Georgia's first ever trip to Notre Dame and the first career start for quarterback Jacob Fromm. How long will he get to run the offense and when does Jacob Eason return? Also, a crushing defeat for Georgia Tech, should Paul Johnson have gone for 2 in OT #2? And Falcons open season in Chicago.. what to look for.

Zach and Jeff discuss the opening weekend of college football and by the time the year is over, who will compete for a national title. Also, will the Falcons head back to the Super Bowl? Crystal Ball time...

Zach and Jeff discuss the recent Q&A Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart did with Jeff. His regrets during his 1st year in Athens. Plus, Georgia Tech loses one of the best RB's in the ACC and what to expect at Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Zach and Jeff discuss the retirement announcement of Michael Vick and Roddy White. Why now? Why together? There is a very good reason he doesn't belong in the ring of honor or have his jersey retired and it has nothing to do with what you think. Also.. tip of the hat to Rory McIlroy during U.S Open week

Zach and Jeff discuss the failure of the Bartolo Colon experience and what the new Hawks General Manager, Travis Schlenk will do with Paul Millsap

Zach and Jeff discuss the Braves not having Freddie Freeman for the next 10 weeks due to a broken wrist and will the injury signal and end to the team as we know it. Plus, what direction the Hawks are headed for a new GM and where is the NCAA when it comes to their investigation into Baylor football

Jeff and Zach visit with Atlanta based NFL agent Todd France. CAA Football had 9 first round selections in the 2017 NFL draft and France is one of the reason why. He's negotiated over $1.5 billion worth of contracts and represents the who's who in football.

Zach and Jeff discuss the Hawks 1st round playoff knockout and the fact their starting center, Dwight Howard didn't play in the 4th quarter in 2 of the 6 games. Plus, the Falcons move up in the draft (shocker) and does Braves shortstop Dansby Swanson need to be sent down?

Zach and Jeff discuss the disappearing act of Dwight Howard and the hole the Hawks find themselves in. Plus the Falcons schedule is out and what happens on draft night.

Zach and Jeff discuss the Hawks opening the NBA playoffs in Washington DC and the dominance of John Wall. Plus the Braves come home to begin a new era at SunTrust Park

Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Mike Mills, former member of R.E.M. and lifelong Atlanta sports fans, riffs on music, sports, politics and this week's Masters.

An All-American at Georgia Tech, Castro is coming off a 2016 PGA Tour season where he qualified for the Tour Championship at East Lake, had 4, Top-10 finishes and finished 22nd in the FedEx Cup. Zach and Jeff discuss: 1:55 falling in love with Atlanta and Georgia Tech 6:10 on playing on the E-Golf Tour 12:00 on qualifying (or not) for Q School 20:35 on playing Augusta National and getting ready for Masters 24:15 on playing in Masters Amen Corner and watching '86 Masters 28:10 Tiger Talk 35:00 on Phil Mickelson and his process 38:15 on betting during practice rounds 44:45 his love of the Falcons and the disappointment of the Super Bowl 1:00:00 quick hits

North Carolina, Oregon, Gonzaga and South Carolina have made it to Phoenix and the Final 4. Frank Martin take the Gamecocks to their first ever Final 4 and the pressure increases for Georgia's Mark Fox. Zach and Jeff discuss this, plus should Paul Millsap just stay on the bench in street clothes for the final three weeks of the season?

Zach and Jeff discuss the state of hoops in Georgia and if Mark Richt was fired from Georgia for not exceeding expectations, what about Mark Fox. Plus Uncle Luke and Falcons Running Back DeVonta Freeman

After Dennis Schroder was benched for nearly the entire 2nd half against Golden State, Zach and Jeff visit with Chris Vivlamore of the AJC. 2:45 - Players known what happens if you mouth off to Bud 5:30 - Do players want Bud to punish Dennis off the court and not on it 7:40 - What player can pull Dennis aside and talk to him 10:20 - How will the Hawks do over the final 5 weeks of season 19:45 - UGA statement on head basketball coach Mark Fox 24:00 - Why now with the statement? 31:35 - United's debut - Sold out at Bobby Dodd Stadium

Darren Eales left one of the premiere teams in European soccer, Tottenham Hotspur F.C, to start Atlanta's newest professional franchise. United has sold more than 30,000 season tickets and will have more than 50,000 at their regular season opener. Zach and Jeff find out how an Ivy League soccer MVP born outside of London arrived got his start in soccer and how he plans on making the sport relevant in Atlanta for years to come.

Ed Roland had dreams of playing professional baseball, but after turning down athletic scholarships he attended Berklee College of Music and would form Collective Soul. The rock group would sell more than 20-million records worldwide. Zach and Jeff discuss: 2:45 - His favorite sports the Maters 5:00 - Collection of more than 160 guitars 9:00 - Seeing Johnny Cash at 6 years old 16:20 - Athlete groupie vs Music groupie 20:15 - On playing Augusta National 27:30 - On his ex-agent booking a show during Georgia/Alabama football weekend 33:30 - On traveling the world and never sleeping at home 34:00 - On writing "Shine" - The song that changed him forever 41:15 - On playing and hanging out with Slash from G&R

Zach and Jeff discuss the fallout from the Roddy White interview, plus the Braves open up Spring Training. Georgia Tech could do the unthinkable in year one of the Josh Pastner era and the Hawks thinking days before the NBA Trading Deadline