Between the Tackles

Gary Vaynerchuck is an entrepreneur, marketing guru and social media influencer who serves as the Chairman of VaynerX, the CEO of VaynerMedia, Creator and CEO of VeeFriends and a six-time New York Times Best Selling Author. Gary Vee is also a lifelong New York Jets fan, who has endured his fair share of heartache rooting for his favorite team.

Gary Vee kicks off the episode by sharing insights on the growth of VaynerSports, a full-service talent representation and sports marketing consulting agency, over the past decade. From representing NFL Pro Bowl players like Detroit Lions superstar Aiden Hutchinson to Indianapolis Colts cornerback Sauce Gardner, VaynerSports has made an impact on the marketing and business side of football. VaynerSports also represents Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles, a projected Top 10 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh.

Gary Vee discusses how he competes with more established powerhouse NFL agencies to land top-tier elite NFL prospects. He shares the secret of leveraging his marketing and social media expertise to land coveted college prospects. Gary Vee shares his short-term and long-term visions for VaynerSports, including his strategies for continued growth in a very crowded space. What’s the best way to build the company? Would he add premier NFL agents like Joel Segal, Dave Mulugheta (Athletes First) or Tory Dandy (CAA) if they became free agents?

Gary Vee talks about his lifelong chase to own the New York Jets. The influx of private equity firms investing in NFL teams will make it a daunting challenge. Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross recently agreed to sell one percent of his franchise that has a $12.5 billion valuation. The San Diego Padres recently sold for $3.9 billion, or three times as much as Steve Cohen purchased for the New York Mets in 2020. Gary Vee shares a funny story about Ross, who is business partners with him.

With the value of pro sports franchises skyrocketing, Gary Vee dives into whether he would ever consider buying an NFL team other than the New York Jets. He shares a never-before told story about how he and legendary New York Jets running back Curtis Martin nearly teamed up at Vayner Sports and how the Hall of Famer helped him recruit future NFL Pro Bowler Budda Baker.

Gary Vee goes on to his leadership style that is rooted in no fear. He goes on to discuss he has been able to connect with professional athletes like Super Bowl champion quarterback Sam Darnold and Dallas Cowboys (and former New York Jets Pro Bowler) Quinnen Williams.

Gary Vee has made an impact and difference in countless people’s lives. He dives deep into why he continues to help others achieve greatness. He leaves little doubt about the impact that his parents have had on his life and why he chooses to see the good in every situation.

Gary Vee’s passion, growth mindset and positive and optimistic outlook on life shines through during the episode. His insights on leadership, building business and chasing his biggest dream are fascinating.

 

#SportsPodcast #NFLPodcast #NFL #NFLDraft #NewYorkJets #NYJets #NewYorkJetsNews #MiamiDolphins #StephenRoss #SanDiegoPadres #NYMets #NewYorkMets #2026NFLDraft #NFLMockDraft #NFLCombine #SonnyStyles #ScoutingCombine #2026NFLCombine #Podcast #NFLFootball #FreeAgency #Patriots #SuperBowl #SportsMedia #FreeAgency #SportsJournalism #BehindTheScenes #FootballTalk #Jets #AFCEast #Bills #BillsMafia #Dolphins #Widereceivers #Quarterback #AaronGlenn #OhioState #Buckeyes #USCFootball #AlabamaFootball #MiamiFootball #Gridirontalk #NFLChampions #ProFootballTalk #ProFootballNetwork #PhinsUp #RollTide #TeamStrategies #NFLBreakdown #NFLProspects

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A wild Final 2026 NFL Mock Draft show includes five trades, including three by one AFC team.

Where will future stars like Jeremiyah Love, David Bailey, Arvell Reese, Sonny Styles, Caleb Downs, Carnell Tate, Makai Lemon, Jordyn Tyson, Kenyon Sadiq, Omar Cooper, Jr., Monroe Freeling, Omar Cooper Jr., Denzel Boston, Francis Mauigoa, Reuben Bain, Akheem Mesidor, Spencer Fano, Mansoor Delane, Spencer Fano, Caleb Lomu, T.J. Parker, Jermod McCoy, Colton Hood, Keldric Faulk, Max Iheanachor, Kayden Proctor, Cashius Howell, Zion Young, Dillon Thieneman, Blake Miller, Olaivavega Ioane, Emmanuel McNeil-Warren and others land?

Will Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson get picked on Day 1? Will quarterback-needy teams like the Arizona Cardinals, Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Jets pull the trigger or wait until a loaded 2027 draft class that includes Texas star Arch Manning, Oregon’s Donte Moore & Texas Tech’s Brendan Sorsby? Which offensive linemen, safeties, cornerbacks & linebackers will shine?

Will Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown be traded? Will the New England Patriots trade their first-round pick to reunite Brown with Mike Vrabel? What will the Miami Dolphins do with the pick from the Denver Broncos in the Jaylen Waddle deal?

Highlights:

(6:10) Trade No. 1:

(9:25) Trade No. 2:

(22:10) Trade No. 3:

(33:25) Trade No. 4:

(37:30) Trade No. 5:

#SportsPodcast #NFLPodcast #NFL #NFLDraft #MockDraft #2026NFLDraft #NFLMockDraft #NFLCombine #ScoutingCombine #2026NFLCombine #Podcast #NFLFootball #FreeAgency #Patriots #SuperBowl #SportsMedia #Raiders #TomBrady #FernandoMendoza #TySimpson #ArvellReese #JeremiyahLove #CalebDowns #KenyonSadiq #JordynTyson #SeanMcVay #AndyReid #DrakeMaye #FreeAgency #SportsJournalism #BehindTheScenes #FootballTalk #Jets #AFCEast #Bills #BillsMafia #Dolphins #ArchManning #CarsonBeck #Nussmeier #NationalChampions #BrendanSorsby #IndianaFootball #MakaiLemon #Widereceivers #Quarterback #AaronGlenn #Eagles #AJBrown #NotreDame #OhioState #Buckeyes #USCFootball #AlabamaFootball #MiamiFootball #TexasLonghorns #TexasLonghorns #FightingIrish #NotreDameFootball #Gridirontalk #NFLChampions #ProFootballTalk #ProFootballNetwork #PhinsUp #RollTide #TeamStrategies #NFLBreakdown #HowieRoseman #GoIrish #JadarianPrice

#NFLProspects #CarnellTate #GoIrish #RollTide #JeremiyahLove #JadarianPrice #NotreDameFootball #MikeVrabel #AJBrown #AJBrownTrade #HowieRoseman #JalenHurts #TySimpson #MaxxCrosby #TomBrady #FernandoMendoza #CarnellTate #MakaiLemon #JaylenWaddle #SeanPayton #Broncos #Chargers #JustinHerbert #JoshAllen

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Burg and Manish kick off the show by discussing the latest on the scandal centering on New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel and former Athletic NFL Insider Dianna Russini after her recent resignation. Is there a double standard at play? Why did Russini resign amid the Athletic internal investigation in the wake of the New York Post Page 6 story? What, if any, repercussions will Vrabel face?

Then, the guys take a deep dive in the Top 10 running back prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft. They rank the ball carriers from No. 1-No. 10 with team and scheme fits and which rounds they are projected to get selected in Pittsburgh next week. Which teams have shown interest in each of the top running back in this year’s draft class?

Great discussions on projected Top 10 pick Jeremiyah Love (Notre Dame), Mike Washington, Jr. (Arkansas), Emmett Johnson (Nebraska), Nicholas Singleton (Penn State), Jadarian Price (Notre Dame), Kaytron Allen (Penn State), Seth McGowen (Kentucky), Roman Hemby (Indiana), Kaelon Black (Indiana), Jaydn Ott (Oklahoma), Adam Randall (Clemson), Demond Claiborne (Wake Forest), Jonah Coleman (Washington).

Who will be the next Bijan Robinson, Saquon Barkley or Christian McCaffrey? Some of the running backs in the 2026 NFL Draft class have comparisons to Bucky Irving, Blake Corum, Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker, Kyren Williams, Isaiah Pacheco and other established players in the league.

Teams like the Tennessee Titans, Arizona Cardinals, New York Jets, Minnesota Vikings, Denver Broncos, Seattle Seahawks, Jacksonville Jaguars, Washington Commanders, Cincinnati Bengals< Baltimore Ravens, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Green Bay Packers and Atlanta Falcons have been doing their homework by bringing in running backs for pre-draft visits in the run-up to the 2026 NFL Draft.

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What should we make of the New York Post Page Six story about the coach and reporter meeting in Arizona? Should Russini’s reporting on Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown’s future and possible trade be called into question? Did Russini’s and Vrabel’s statements refuting the insinuation of an improper relationship change the mind of the public? Will people question Russini’s agenda for future reports connected with the Patriots and Vrabel, who she admitted was a source in her statement?

Burg and Manish focus on the fallout from a purely reporting and journalistic standpoint. Is there a conflict of interest?

Speaking of conflicts of interest, ESPN Monday NightFootball NFL broadcaster Troy Aikman made news by sharing behind-the-scenes intel on why the Miami Dolphins hired him as a consultant. Aikman made it clear that owner Stephen Ross & Co. were attracted to his ability to get information from other teams’ players, coaches and front office personnel in his role as a broadcaster. New Miami Dolphins G.M. Jon-Eric Sullivan said that Aikman has been a good sounding board.

Aikman’s involvement with the Dolphins prompts questions about an obvious conflict of interest similar to the ones people already have about FOX Sports NFL broadcaster Tom Brady’s ownership stake with the Los Vegas Raiders. Brady showed up for the first day of the Raiders off-season program this week, highlighting his involvement with the team. Aikman’s and Brady’s dual roles as broadcaster and NFL team employees/owners opens the door for other teams do hire a broadcaster to be on their payroll to get inside intel from other clubs. The NFL and commissioner Roger Goodell does not seem inclined to close this loophole. So why shouldn’t a team hire other NFL analysts and broadcasters like Tony Romo (CBS), Greg Olsen (FOX), Cris Collinsworth (NBC), Kirk Herbstreit (Prime Video), J.J. Watt, Trent Green, Jason McCourty, Adam Archuleta and others?

The guys move on to the recent stories about Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts. Reports from ESPN and the Philadelphia Inquirer painted a less-than-favorable picture of the former Super Bowl MVP. Is Eagles general manager Howie Roseman trying to send a message to Hurts, who has been criticized via anonymous sources? How will Hurts do in new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion’s Kyle Shanhan-inspired West Coast offense? Hurts is not expected to get a contract extension this offseason.

More topics: New Guardian caps that will feature a smaller and sleeker design, the outsized demand for tickets for the first NFL game in Australia (Los Angeles Rams versus the San Francisco 49ers), the Raiders signing Kirk Cousins and Lamar Jackson showing up for the first day of the Baltimore Ravens offseason program under new head coach Jesse Minter.

HIGHLIGHTS:

(1:30): Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini controversy

(17:00): Troy Aikman’s conflict of interest with the Miami Dolphins is similar to Tom Brady’s situation with the Las Vegas Raiders. Should all NFL teams take advantage of this loophole?

(23:57): Is this a make-or-break year for Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts?

(32:00): The new Guardian caps 2.0 version are sleeker and smaller. Will more players wear them in 2026?

(34:00): Why are NFL fans in Australia complaining about tickets to the upcoming 49ers-Rams Week 1 game?

(37:00): What does Kirk Cousins signing with the Las Vegas Raiders mean for the No. 1 pick of 2026 NFL Draft Fernando Mendoza?

(39:50): Lamar Jackson shows up for the first day of the Baltimore Ravens offseason program with new head coach Jesse Minter

#NFLPodcast #SportsPodcast #NFLCombine #NFLFootball #SportsMedia #NFLFreeAgency #NFLDraft #BehindTheScenes #FootballTalk #SportsJournalism #SportsMedia #JalenHurts #TroyAikman #GuardianCaps #KirkCousins #TomBrady #Raiders #RaiderNation #LasVegasRaiders #AustraliaFootball

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Robinson gives secrets to acing player interviews when questioned by NFL head coaches, NFL scouts, NFL general managers, NFL owners and media at the NFL Combine and in the weeks leading up to the NFL Draft. Robinson spent the past two years helping players prepare for All-Star Game interviews, NFL Combine interviews and Top 30 Visit interviews.

Robinson was working for WIN Sports Group, a sports representation firm founded by Patrick Whitesell that works with stars like Joe Burrow and Nick Bosa, before recently getting hired by Miami Dolphins general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan to work as a front office and personnel executive for the AFC East team. Robinson also discusses his role in helping head coach candidates like Liam Coen of the Jacksonville Jaguars in the hiring process with NFL teams. Robinson also talks about the challenges for former GMs to get a second opportunity and the growing trend of general managers for college programs in the NIL era.

Robinson was still working with WIN Sports Group when he shared never-before-told stories with Manish and Burg about working with legendary Patriots head coach Bill Belichick. Robinson shares his humbling beginnings as a scout with the help of friend and current Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht. Robinson also chronicles his various roles within the Patriots organization, starting with a promotion after the Thomas Dimitroff left to become the Atlanta Falcons G.M. He relays a wild draft story about how and why the Pats (including current Houston Texans general manager Nick Caserio and Belichick) drafted future Hall of Fame tight end Rob Gronkowski. Robinson’s storytelling about Gronk will sure to make you laugh. Robinson talks about how the Patriots drafted reliable wide receiver Julian Edelman and talks about Troy Brown, Wes Welker, Danny Amendola, Danny Woodhead and other valuable members of the Pats.

Robinson discusses his time with the Bucs when Pro Bowl wide receiver Mike Evans was drafted. He then talks about his time as the Titans general manager when he hired Mike Vrabel, helped revive Ryan Tannehill and drafted future Hall of Fame running back Derrick Henry. Robinson also recalled the time that his AFC South team beat the Kansas City Chiefs in the playoffs.

An informative and entertaining conversation with a bright NFL mind in this encore episode.

(1:55) How Robinson got into scouting

(2:45) Working for the Patriots and Bill Belichick

(6:25) Rob Gronkowski Draft Story

(12:41): Drafting Julian Edelman

(16:47): Hiring Mike Vrabel as Titans HC

(53:00) Helping Liam Coen and Brock Bowers prepare for interviews

Check out our other videos on the 2026 NFL Draft and Free Agency:

1)     2026 NFL Mock Draft, Post-Free Agency (http://bit.ly/3NrdJ4R)

2)     Top 10 Best Unsigned Free Agents (https://bit.ly/4lPbp47).

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