Will “Heated Rivalry” Change the NHL?

The fictional TV show Heated Rivalry was an overnight sensation — raking in more than 10 million streams for each of its six episodes. It follows two rival professional hockey players, Shane Hollander and Ilya Rosanov, whose public feud hides their secret, years-long romantic relationship. The show is fun, and it also raises a larger question: How welcoming is the NHL to LGBTQ athletes and fans?This week, we sit down with Harrison Browne, an actor on the show, and the first person ever to come out as trans in professional hockey. He tells us all about his role in Heated Rivalry, what it’s like to come out and compete as a pro athlete, and whether he felt supported. We also hear from Julian McKenzie, an NHL staff writer at The Athletic, about the upcoming playoffs — and whether he thinks the buzz from the show could actually change the culture in the pros.Show Notes ‘Heated Rivalry’ Easter Egg: This New Character Is Actual LGBTQ+ Hockey History | them Let Us Play | Harrison Browne, Rachel Browne ‘Heated Rivalry’ inspired me to come out as gay | BBC The Truth About Trans Athletes in Sports with Harrison Browne Hit show ‘Heated Rivalry’ became a TV phenomenon. Can it change hockey culture? | Julian McKenzie for The Athletic Show CreditsHost: David GreeneExecutive Producers: Joan Isabella, Tom GrahslerSenior Producer: Michael OlcottProducer: Michaela WinbergAssociate Producer: Bibiana CorreaTalent Booker: Britt KahnEngineer: Mike VillersTile Art: Bea WallingSports in America is a production of WHYY, distributed by PRX, and part of the NPR podcast network.

This year's Winter Games are wrapping up, and while many athletes are still buzzing from the thrill of performing on the world's largest stage, what actually happens to an Olympian’s mental health when the limelight moves on?For freeskier Nick Goepper, after the US Men’s Team swept the slopestyle podium at the 2014 Sochi Olympics, it seemed like he’d ride that high forever. But when the television appearances and sponsorships slowed to a stop, he was left to wonder, what’s next?This week, Nick tells us about the realities of the post-Olympic depression so many athletes face, his journey to recovery, and how he’s changed his preparation for Milan. We’ll also hear from Olympic runner Alexi Pappas to get her take on this year’s Games and how she’s tackled similar challenges. Show Notes Olympian Nick Goepper’s Comeback | HuffPost 3x Olympic Medalist Goepper Retires From Freeskiing | US Ski and Snowboard  Nick Goepper | My New Favorite Olympian Nick Goepper Podium Run | US Ski and Snowboard Mentor Buffett | Alexi Pappas Show CreditsHost: David GreeneExecutive Producers: Joan Isabella, Tom GrahslerSenior Producer: Michael OlcottProducer: Michaela WinbergAssociate Producer: Bibiana CorreaTalent Booker: Britt KahnEngineer: Mike VillersTile Art: Bea WallingSports in America is a production of WHYY, distributed by PRX, and part of the NPR podcast network.

Alysa Liu has been considered a figure skating prodigy ever since she was a kid. When she was just 12 years old, she was the youngest U.S. woman to land a triple axel in a competition. Then at 13, she became the country’s youngest World Champion ever.But in 2022, right as Alysa was at the height of her career, she quit the sport altogether and retired at 16. She didn’t set foot in a rink for nearly two years, until a family ski trip reminded her just how much she loved the sport. Now she’s competing in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy — and she’s looking like one of the favorites to win gold. If she medals at all, she’d be the first U.S. woman to do it in 20 years. In this episode, we hear from Alysa on what it’s like to be a child athlete competing at an elite level, what brought her back to the rink, and how she’s taking ownership of her career. We also discuss Alysa’s chances and her competition with senior correspondent at The Athletic Marcus Thompson, who’s covering women’s figure skating at the Olympics.Show Notes Alysa Liu 2025 World Championships | Skating ISU Alysa Liu left figure skating behind. She came back better than ever | The Guardian Alysa Liu Fell in Love With Skating All Over Again — And Is Now a World Champion | Sports Illustrated 14-year-old Alysa Liu makes history again at 2020 Nationals I NBC Sports Alysa Liu back on the Olympic stage, this time truly herself | Marcus Thompson for The Athletic Show CreditsHost: David GreeneExecutive Producers: Joan Isabella, Tom GrahslerSenior Producer: Michael OlcottProducer: Michaela WinbergAssociate Producer: Bibiana CorreaTalent Booker: Britt KahnEngineer: Mike VillersTile Art: Bea WallingSports in America is a production of WHYY, distributed by PRX, and part of the NPR podcast network.

As we get ready for Super Bowl LX, we sit down with one of the greatest football players to never win a Super Bowl.Larry Fitzgerald is an 11-time Pro Bowler who spent his 17-year career with the Arizona Cardinals. His first and only shot at a title was in 2009 when his team lost a squeaker to the Pittsburgh Steelers.In this episode, we relive all the key moments of that fateful game with the star wide receiver, who shares what it feels like to be so close to winning it all, only to have the opportunity snatched away in the final seconds. Plus, we sit down with The Athletic’s Madeline Hill and Charlotte Wilder to break down this year’s matchup between the Patriots and Seahawks.Show Notes Fitz Four: Super Bowl Versus Steelers | Arizona Cardinals Larry Fitzgerald: If a loved one has cancer, know there’s power in your presence | The Athletic Larry Fitzgerald: Best Hands in NFL History Career Highlights! | NFL Legends The Sports Gossip Show The Larry Fitzgerald Foundation Show CreditsExecutive Producer: Tom GrahslerSenior Producer: Michael OlcottProducer: Michaela WinbergAssociate Producer: Bibiana CorreaTalent Booker: Britt KahnEngineer: Mike VillersTile Art: Bea WallingSports in America is a production of WHYY, distributed by PRX, and part of the NPR podcast network.

Tom Coughlin’s first Super Bowl was one of the most famous games in NFL history. It pitted the New York Giants, considered massive underdogs at the time, against the New England Patriots, who hadn’t lost a game all season. To many people, the Giants seemed doomed from the start.But Coughlin and his team showed that with discipline and determination, anything was possible. Tom Coughlin is a three-time Super Bowl Champion, NFL Coach of the Year, and, more recently, a 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame semifinalist. But perhaps the most important title he’s had is that of caregiver to his wife Judy, who passed away in November 2022 after a long battle with a rare brain disorder.In this episode, Coach Coughlin talks us through that first Super Bowl with the Giants. We learn about his meticulous old-school style of coaching and how staying by his wife’s side in her final days changed his perspective on success.Show Notes Super Bowl XLII Helmet Catch | NFL (Patriots vs. Giants 2007, Week 17) | NFL Throwback  Nothing Could Prepare Me for Watching My Wife Slip Away | Tom Coughlin for NYT Tom Coughlin, You Had Me At Hello… | Bleacher Report Tom Coughlin Jay Fund Show CreditsHost: David GreeneExecutive Producers: Joan Isabella, Tom GrahslerSenior Producer: Michael OlcottProducer: Michaela WinbergAssociate Producer: Bibiana CorreaTalent Booker: Britt KahnEngineer: Mike VillersTile Art: Bea WallingSports in America is a production of WHYY, distributed by PRX, and part of the NPR podcast network.

Andrew Whitworth is an NFL legend. A four-time Pro Bowler, he played for 16 seasons into his 40s, then retired as the oldest tackle in NFL history. He was known not just for his skill on the field and his longevity — but also widely recognized for his character, and his charity work in his personal life. In this week’s episode, we sit down with Andrew to hear everything he learned from his 16 seasons in the NFL, like how to sweet-talk the defenders he was up against, and how the game helped him learn to take care of himself and the people around him. Show Notes Andrew Whitworth Mic'd Up For Super Bowl LVI Win vs. Bengals Andrew Whitworth is the Walter Payton Man of the Year | NFL Honors Look: Rams O-linemen training together in Andrew Whitworth's garage | RamsWire Los Angeles Rams left tackle Andrew Whitworth retires after 16 NFL seasons, goes out on top | ESPN Inside Matthew Stafford's no-look pass to Kupp in Super Bowl LVI | 'America's Game Show CreditsHost: David GreeneExecutive Producers: Joan Isabella, Tom GrahslerSenior Producer: Michael OlcottProducer: Michaela WinbergAssociate Producer: Bibiana CorreaTalent Booker: Britt KahnEngineer: Mike VillersTile Art: Bea WallingSports in America is a production of WHYY, distributed by PRX, and part of the NPR podcast network.

Benjamin Watson spent 16 seasons in the NFL as one of the league’s most reliable tight ends. He was known for being a model teammate, always willing to do the dirty work of blocking in the trenches just as much as catching touchdown passes. Not as well known is the perfectionism and self-doubt he struggled with throughout his time in the league. When the Patriots won the Super Bowl his rookie year, the injured Watson refused to wear his ring because he felt he hadn’t earned it. In this episode, we hear about his challenges with mental health, his passion for faith and family, and how he became a fierce advocate for social justice after a prolific career. Show Notes 15 years ago today: Ben Watson tackles Champ Bailey at 1 yd line after 100 yard interception | Patriots NFL Player Benjamin Watson Reflects on Ferguson in Viral Facebook Post | NBC News Benjamin Watson: How to Stay Focused in Fatherhood Benjamin Watson | Pressure, Identity and Faith Inside the NFL  The Just Life with Benjamin Watson Show CreditsHost: David GreeneExecutive Producers: Tom Grahsler and Joan IsabellaSenior Producer: Michael OlcottProducer: Michaela WinbergAssociate Producer: Bibiana CorreaEngineer: Mike VillersTile Art: Bea WallingSports in America is a production of WHYY, distributed by PRX, and part of the NPR podcast network.

For many athletes, it’s their worst nightmare: getting an injury that could end their season — or even their career. In this episode of Sports in America, we sit down with two star athletes who’ve competed through painful moments. Robert Griffin III, or RGIII, had one of the most promising rookie campaigns in NFL history — but got injured soon after he made his debut. And in an attempt to lead the Washington Mystics to victory, two-time WNBA MVP Elena Delle Donne played through three herniated discs, a broken nose, and a knee injury.What’s the line between a heroic performance in the game, and the risk of permanent damage to an athlete’s body? And in the end, who’s responsible for protecting a player from themselves?Show Notes Outta Pocket with RGIII Podcast  Robert Griffin Dominates the Cowboys on Thanksgiving Day | NFL Highlights Mike Shanahan: James Andrews cleared Griffin to play, but doctor disagrees | USA Today The Best Of Elena Delle Donne (WNBA Finals 2019) | WNBA Family comes first for Delle Donne, even during WNBA championship run | ESPN Elena Delle Donne listens to body, announces retirement | ESPN

Kareem Rosser was just eight years old when his brothers stumbled across the Chamounix Stables in a Philadelphia park. That wrong turn would change his life forever. In 2011, he captained the first all-Black team to win the National Interscholastic Polo Championship.Today, we learn all about the sport of competitive polo, which is less genteel than it looks. It’s almost like a mix of ice hockey and NASCAR. Kareem opens up about the whiplash of traveling from the rough neighborhood where he grew up to the Hamptons and back in a weekend. He also talks about how he uses the tragedies he’s experienced to drive his passion to help others.Show Notes  A behind-the-scenes look at Philadelphia’s inspiring Work to Ride Program | Ralph Lauren A Polo Primer: Lessons From a Pro | WSJ 'Why I Play': Dominating polo while being black | The Undefeated Ride to the Olympics CEO on increase in Black polo players: 'We break barriers' | ABC News When You're Ready: A Love Story | Kareem Rosser Show CreditsHost: David GreeneExecutive Producers: Joan Isabella, Tom GrahslerSenior Producer: Michael OlcottProducer: Michaela WinbergAssociate Producer: Bibiana CorreaTalent Booker: Britt KahnEngineer: Mike VillersTile Art: Bea WallingSports in America is a production of WHYY, distributed by PRX, and part of the NPR podcast network.

Last week, we heard from former Tampa Bay Buccaneers center Ryan Jensen about how going pro was never supposed to happen to him; that dream was his brother Seth’s. This week, we sit down with Seth to talk about his own rugged athletic career, cut short by injury. We hear the highs of being a 5-star recruit, the lows of when the game was taken away from him, and how this all tested the bond between brothers.Show Notes Seth Jensen Athlete Profile | University of Nebraska- Lincoln Ryan Jensen: My Life as an NFL Offensive Lineman | CBS Back home in Colorado, the Bucs’ Ryan Jensen is still inspired by his family | The Athletic Retired Buccaneers Center Ryan Jensen Finds Post-NFL Purpose Alongside A Former D2 Rival | Forbes For sworn, retired, or family members of the law enforcement community who might be struggling with mental health, please call 1-800-267-5463 (1-800-COPLINE) Show CreditsHost: David GreeneExecutive Producers: Joan Isabella, Tom GrahslerSenior Producer: Michael OlcottProducer: Michaela WinbergAssociate Producer: Bibiana CorreaTalent Booker: Britt KahnEngineer: Mike VillersTile Art: Bea WallingSports in America is a production of WHYY, distributed by PRX, and part of the NPR podcast network.