The Nightly podcast

Remembering The NFL's Controversial "Tuck Rule" Call

1/9/2026
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18:29
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Matt Bragg and Josh Gondelman time-travel to 2002 and revisit the infamous “Tuck Rule” game — the snowy, rule-bending NFL moment that launched the Patriots dynasty and infuriated the rest of America.


What You’ll Hear:

Sick Day Energy: Matt braves a heroic cold (with full dramatic flair) while Josh celebrates dodging New York’s winter flu.

The Tuck Rule Explained: Josh brings Matt deep into the Patriots-Raiders playoff that changed football forever.

Sliding Doors & Sliding Teams: A parallel universe where Oakland thrives, Manchester City falters, and one bad penalty kick rewrites sports history.


CHAPTERS

00:00 Sniffles, sighs & sympathy tea

03:00 The pop culture time machine opens

04:30 The infamous 2002 “Tuck Rule” game

08:50 Patriots’ dynasty origins

11:30 Soccer rivalries & near misses

14:20 The ripple effect of one call

16:30 Sliding doors & sleepy goodnights

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