Flag On The Take | Podcast on RSS.com

Flag On The Take

Flag On The Take

by Cole Braband, Jordan Lewis and Luke Kachur

Building a Professional Football Team from the Ground Up! With Virginia Battle GM Sarah Watson

All links: https://linktr.ee/Flagonthetake A brand-new pro football league is being built from the ground up, and Sarah Watson is right in the middle of it. The Virginia Battle GM pulls back the curtain on the APFL, what makes it different from the NFL, and why this league is betting big on football, entertainment, and community impact all at once.Sarah breaks down how the Apex Pro Professional Football League is structured, why the game itself stays legit, and how the league plans to create a Savannah Bananas-style experience without turning football into a gimmick. She explains the four launch markets, the push to expand to ten teams, and what it means to build a franchise in Virginia from scratch - complete with tryouts, a 50-man roster, traveling games, and a championship path. You’ll discover: Why the APFL sees itself as a true professional league, not a novelty act How the Virginia Battle is using local identity to build a fan base across Hampton Roads and the state What Sarah wants from players beyond talent - hustle, personality, and a real love for the game How the league plans to give athletes film, training, and exposure that could help them reach the NFL Why community access, tailgating, and game-day atmosphere are central to the brand Sarah also shares her unconventional path to the GM role, from years in the medical field and sports facility management to a random middle-of-the-night job search that turned into a real opportunity. Along the way, she talks about the lessons that carried her there: diligence, owning every task, doing the work nobody sees, and staying ready for the phone call that changes everything.The conversation doesn’t stop at the APFL. Cole, Jordan, and Luke get Sarah’s sharp football takes on the NFL, including the constant quarterback hoarding, Lamar Jackson and the Ravens, Joe Burrow’s future, the Browns’ mess, Tua’s health, CJ Stroud’s consistency, Minnesota as a sleeper, and why some teams look stacked on paper but still feel unfinished. Her opinions are blunt, funny, and very real - exactly the kind of football talk fans will want to hear.Essential listening if you love football, behind-the-scenes sports business, or stories about someone building something new with real stakes on the line. If you want to know what professional football could look like outside the NFL, this is the episode to hear first.

The College Football Transfer Madness No One Knows How to Stop, Previewing College Football Week 0 and WHO is the most HATED Player in the NFL?

Half Chicken Man Seasonings: https://halfchickenman.com/FLAG Code FLAG for 15% off your purchase! All links: https://linktr.ee/Flagonthetake College football is almost here, but this episode starts with the kind of NFL preseason chaos that actually tells you something. From the Steelers getting shut out by the Jets to the latest Browns disaster, Cole, Jordan, and Luke break down who is flashing, who is flopping, and why the league already feels like it is in midseason drama mode.The crew opens with their weekly Chaps and Gats, including a hilarious sponsor showdown over Half Chicken Man seasoning, a Little League World Series run from Canada, and Jordan's return from vacation with fresh energy and zero patience for bad football. Then the real debate kicks in: the Steelers' receiver room, Will Howard vs. Drew Allar, Joey Porter Jr.'s contract standoff, and whether the Jets' preseason win means anything or just means somebody wanted it more. You'll hear strong takes on Deshaun Watson's latest self-inflicted PR mess, why the Browns keep making the wrong quarterback decisions, and why the Big Ten's new stance on former pros returning to college football might be the only thing standing between the sport and complete chaos. The conversation gets into NIL's broken incentives, the five-year eligibility rule, and why college football now feels like a sport begging for regulation.Cole also runs through the Week Zero slate and the biggest games coming up, from North Carolina-TCU in Ireland to LSU-Clemson, Louisville-Ole Miss, and SMU-Florida State, while Luke spotlights Slippery Rock's D2 matchup and Jordan brings in the Vince Young Untold documentary, the perfect reminder of how brutal football can be behind the scenes.This one is for football fans who want the unfiltered version of the sport - the preseason overreactions, the college football panic, the injury updates, the bad contracts, and the one-liners that make the whole thing worth listening to. If you want the real talk before the season fully explodes, hit play.

WHO is in a Playoff Spot?, Rookies SHINE in Preseason and MLB's AL Slop

The NFL preseason is already exposing winners, losers, and a whole lot of trouble - and this week’s show has the sharpest breakdown you’ll hear anywhere. Cole and Luke react to the latest injury chaos, surprising rookie flashes, and the early-season stories that could shape both your favorite team and the playoff race. With Jordan out on vacation, Cole and Luke cover everything from the Orioles clinging to a wild-card spot in a wildly mediocre American League to the Ravens' preseason standouts, the Steelers' quarterback buzz, and the Browns' mess of a QB battle. They also dive into the biggest preseason moments across the league, including Anthony Richardson’s turnovers, Cam Ward under pressure, Ty Simpson’s breakout, Jackson Dart taking punishment, and the Jets already looking like a problem. You'll hear the guys break down: Why the Orioles are somehow still alive in the playoff race Ja'Kobi Lane’s growing hype in Baltimore and why he’s becoming must-watch Venus Williams’ brutal double-fault finish and why Luke calls it his "gat of the week" the Jaden Daniels number saga and why it’s turning into a full-blown public disaster key injury updates on Mike Evans, Christian McCaffrey, Breece Hall, Jamal Adams, and more On the baseball side, Cole and Luke get into Ketel Marte’s unexpected absence, Trey Mancini’s retirement, Aaron Judge and Cody Bellinger nearing returns, and the Orioles' bullpen reinforcements that could make this late-August stretch even wilder. 00:00 - Welcome back, Jordan is out, and preseason plus MLB coverage is ahead 02:05 - Luke’s chap of the week: the Orioles stay alive in the AL playoff race 05:56 - Cole’s chap of the week: Jacoby Lane keeps flashing for the Ravens 07:42 - Luke’s gat of the week: Venus Williams ends the match with a double fault 09:59 - Cole’s gat of the week: Jaden Daniels and the LSU number 5 controversy 13:15 - Quick NFL preseason recap starts, including Bengals-Lions and Colts-Patriots 14:12 - Jeremiah Love flashes before getting hurt, and the Raiders quarterback situation 15:08 - Cam Ward and the Titans struggle while the 49ers lose another quarterback 15:43 - Bills opener and the new stadium get dragged after a rough first impression 16:31 - Browns quarterback battle looks ugly for Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders 17:09 - Jackson Dart takes big shots in the Giants-Vikings game 18:18 - Ty Simpson steals the show in Rams-Chiefs preseason action 19:19 - Steelers-Packers recap begins, with Drew Allar making the biggest impression 20:52 - Will Howard’s efficient line and Allar’s second-half takeover 22:05 - Luke breaks down the Steelers skill players, including Caleb Johnson and Rico Dowdle 23:28 - Caden Weishan, Jeremy Bernard, and other rookie standouts 25:08 - Ravens-Eagles recap from the stadium, with Tyler Huntley and the rookie class 26:15 - Joe Fogano emerges as a third-string quarterback candidate 26:49 - Jacoby Lane continues to pop, plus Tez Walker’s solid outing 28:00 - Injury bug around the NFL keeps growing, from McCaffrey to Breece Hall 29:13 - Najee Harris signs with the Giants after Juju Smith-Schuster gets cut 30:45 - Jamal Adams is out for the year, and Devin Witherspoon gets paid 32:37 - Luke’s Pirates trip, a rain delay, and the AL playoff race discussion 35:00 - Orioles fan perspective on seating behind home plate and the upcoming Rays game 36:59 - Cattel Marte returns after a confusing no-show situation 37:39 - Trey Mancini announces his retirement 38:42 - Yankees reinforcements on the way, plus Cole’s fantasy team injury issues 39:53 - Orioles bullpen help may be coming with Felix Bautista and Samuel Basalo 40:48 - CJ Abrams is moving to second base 41:05 - Luke closes with a fishing update, then the show wraps

Carson Beck, Preseason Pressure, and the Cardinals' Surprising Offensive Upside

All links: https://linktr.ee/Flagonthetake Football is back, and this episode is packed with the kind of preseason overreactions that actually matter. The crew breaks down the Hall of Fame Game, where Carson Beck looked every bit like a quarterback forcing the Cardinals to rethink Week 1, while Haynes King turned a meaningless exhibition into a full-blown statement.Luke, Cole, and Jordan each bring a different angle to the table. Luke comes in with his usual Pittsburgh Pirates misery, Jordan shines a light on the players who flashed in the Hall of Fame Game, and Cole keeps the conversation moving from preseason hype to the bigger questions about what training camp really tells us. From Kenny Pickett slander to Larry Fitzgerald’s Hall of Fame legacy, this one jumps between NFL takes, baseball pain, and pure chaos without missing a beat. You'll discover why Carson Beck's preseason debut has people asking if he should start right away, why Haynes King may have just played himself onto an NFL roster, and why the line between "training camp star" and "regular season ghost" is thinner than most fans want to admit. The crew also gets into the injury bug sweeping through camp, the Quinn Williams extension, and Teddy Bridgewater's retirement.We break down the difference between real stock and fake stock in the NFL, why preseason games reveal more than practice clips ever will, and how a rookie or backup can change an entire quarterback room in one night. If you're trying to separate real football buzz from empty August noise, this conversation is for you. Perfect for NFL fans who are ready for the season, tired of fake optimism, and want the most entertaining take on the first real football week of the year.

Cole's HEARTBREAKING Reaction to the MLB Trade Deadline, NFL Stars END Holdouts and Celebrating Our 100th Episode!

All Links: https://linktr.ee/Flagonthetake Celebrating 100 Episodes of Fire, Frustration, and Fandom — and the gut-wrenching trade that rocked Baltimore The Flag Throwers reach a milestone, but it’s not all celebration — a ruthless trade has the Orioles fanbase reeling. Cole erupts in righteous rage over the franchise’s biggest heartbreak, exposing the shady dealings, the misguided GM, and the heartbreaking loss of franchise star Adley Rutschman. This isn’t just a rant; it’s a rally cry for fans who refuse to accept betrayal. In this emotional episode, Cole, Jordan, and Luke unpack the brutal reality of the Orioles’ trade deadline, revealing the behind-the-scenes decisions that threaten the team’s future. You’ll discover why the Pirates’ bold deadline moves, NFL headlines including Zay Flowers’ historic extension, and camp updates from Rodgers to Bijan Robinson matter in the big picture of sports loyalty. We break down: The Pirates’ new bullpen arsenal and what it means for their playoff push The Steelers’ camp battles and Mac Jones’ Steeler-debut threat The Ravens’ record-breaking Zay Flowers deal, and what it signals for the franchise’s future The Orioles’ shocking trading of Adley Rutschman, and the anger that fuels a fan rebellion NFL injury news, from ACL tears to rookie breakthroughs Why does this episode matter? Because sports aren’t just games — they’re personal. When franchise legends are traded away for prospects, it’s a blow to loyal fans, a betrayal that roils communities — and signals a broader shift in how teams prioritize profits over passion. This is essential listening if you care about the true meaning of loyalty, integrity, and the heartbreak of sports betrayal.Join the conversation, get fired up, and remember — true fans never fold. The Flag Throwers have spoken, and this story is far from over. Will the Orioles rebuild with heart? Or are we witnessing franchise failure? Tune in, brace yourself for the truth, and let’s ride this rollercoaster together.

NFL IS BACK, Highest Paid Players EVER and WHO is Getting Dealt at the MLB Trade Deadline?

All links: https://linktr.ee/Flagonthetake Most NFL fans are riding high as football is officially back—every team has reported to training camp, and the season's chaos is just beginning. But behind the hype, key players are holding out, trade requests are flying, and some teams are teetering on the edge of rebuild or bust. If you think you’ve seen it all, this episode uncovers the most surprising NFL developments that could reshape your favorite team's future. In this episode, we dive into the biggest storylines from camp: Vita Vea’s trade request, rookies like Jalen Carter signing record-breaking contracts, and the Ravens riding the wave of their new coaching staff—especially Declan Doyle and Jesse Minter. Plus, we unpack the recent QB drama with Baker Mayfield's extension chatter and Anthony Richardson’s bold trade demand, revealing the potential impact on their organizations and your fantasy teams. You'll discover: why Jalen Carter's massive $162 million deal isn’t just a win for his career, but a statement about roster construction; how the surprising trade request by Vita Vea signals Tampa Bay’s organizational turmoil; and the bold predictions about Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen's Super Bowl chances that could give you a new perspective on NFL greatness. We also break down the latest injuries, injury management strategies, and what they mean for your fantasy lineups or Super Bowl bets.Why does all this matter? Because ignoring these shifts could cost your team big in fantasy, betting, or simply enjoying the season. The NFL’s landscape is shifting fast—miss it, and you'll miss out on the insight needed to stay ahead of the game.Join us as we decode these pivotal moves, share exclusive insider info, and get you ready for a season full of surprises. Perfect for fantasy players, NFL bettors, or any football fanatic craving the inside scoop—this episode will leave you feeling confident and excited to follow every snap.Featuring insights from our hosts Cole, Jordan, and Luke—along with expert takes on the league's biggest storylines—you won't want to miss the drama, the trades, and the record-breaking contracts shaping football's future. Chapters 00:00 Football is back! All 32 teams report to camp 02:10 Celebrating Luke's birthday and community shoutouts 03:44 NFL season kicks off: team updates and predictions 06:45 Steelers and Ravens training camp news and injuries 11:40 Jacoby Brissett’s contract holdout ends 14:12 Vita Vea requests trade from Tampa Bay 22:24 Jalen Carter signs record-breaking contract with Eagles 32:18 Denzel Ward signs extension with Browns 32:48 Justin Herbert’s engagement and NFL love stories 33:41 Anthony Richardson demands trade from Colts 35:00 Gats and Chaps of the Week: PC and gym highlights 36:10 Pirates' pitcher Jared Jones shines 37:28 Nationals fleece Red Sox in trade 38:24 Chipotle and MLB incidents: Soreness and injuries 40:09 MLB pitcher Merrill Kelly’s impressive performance 44:23 Humorous team stories and fan moments 45:23 MLB trade deadline insights and team strategies 49:01 Injury updates: Bellinger, Langliers, and more 52:36 Closing remarks and upcoming streams

Can this Orioles team be saved? Predicting MLB Trades with Locked On Orioles Host Connor Newcomb!

All links: https://linktr.ee/Flagonthetake Most Orioles fans are feeling like their team’s season is hanging by a thread—until a sudden seven-game winning streak flips the script. Connor Newcomb, host of the Locked On Orioles podcast, reveals the surprising turning points, the mental struggles of Gunnar Henderson, and what the Orioles’ recent hot streak really means for their playoff hopes. Is it a sign of resilience or just a fleeting boost? You’ll discover how a team that seemed lost found its way back, and what key factors could determine their fate in the final months. In this episode, Connor breaks down the incredible recent performances of Orioles starting pitchers, the mental and physical hurdles Gunnar Henderson is battling, and the subtle shifts that prompted their resurgence. You'll learn about the overlooked strengths of Baltimore's rotation, why the offense still has untapped potential, and how team dynamics and management decisions could make or break their postseason run. We also explore the broader landscape of MLB trade deadlines, assessing whether the Orioles are big-game buyers or more conservative pond fish, plus the fascinating future of star pitcher Paul Skenes and the growing debate around salary caps in baseball.Connor Newcomb, a seasoned Orioles analyst and podcast host, provides deep insights into what makes this team tick. With years of experience covering Baltimore’s highs and lows, he offers a behind-the-scenes perspective on the team’s internal struggles, management’s strategy, and the complex financial realities shaping the league. Whether you're a die-hard Orioles fanatic or a general baseball enthusiast, this episode is packed with actionable insights and compelling stories that will keep you hooked until the final pitch.Don’t miss this candid, high-energy discussion—perfect for fans craving a fresh take on Baltimore’s season and anyone eager to understand the broader MLB picture. If you're ready to see the game through a sharper lens and discover what it takes for a team to turn a season around, hit play now. The Orioles’ story may just surprise you—and Connor’s analysis might change how you view this wild, unpredictable season. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Orioles' Season Context 00:42 Connor Newcomb's Take on Orioles' Midseason Performance 02:09 Gunnar Henderson's Struggles and Mental Aspects 04:24 Gunnar Henderson's Swing and Physical Factors 08:23 Summary of Orioles' First Half and Season Outlook 10:41 Orioles' Recent Winning Streak and Key Factors 13:33 Memorable Orioles Loss and Fan Reactions 16:17 Ownership and GM Decisions: Mike Elias and Future 23:11 Orioles' Recent Extension and Future Priorities 30:36 Jackson Holiday's Development and Expectations 35:58 Pirates' Season and Potential Moves 40:40 Paul Skeens' Future and Orioles' Long-term Planning 44:55 MLB Salary Cap and Economic Landscape 47:25 Lockout Possibility in 2027 and MLB Future 56:39 Favorite Orioles Player of All Time 01:00:26 Closing Remarks and Connor Newcomb's Contact Info

Extensions GALORE, Debating Schedules and Previewing the MLB Trade Deadline

All links: https://linktr.ee/Flagonthetake Most NFL contracts are just cash grabs, but Devontae Wyatt’s three-year extension with the Packers signals a real breakthrough—he's finally being recognized as a key piece in Green Bay's future. With Wyatt earning $57 million and a $20 million signing bonus, this move marks a turning point for the Packers' defense, especially after trading away Kenny Clark. Wyatt's ascent has been under the radar, but his rising sack numbers and age—only 28—show he's primed to be a dominant force. In this episode, we break down: Why Wyatt's deal is a smart move for Green Bay and what it signals for their next season The NFL's latest extensions, including Jordyn Brooks and Trey McBride—what these contracts mean for their teams The Packers' division prospects and whether they can challenge the elite in a loaded NFC North Surprising NFL trade rumors, including the potential moves for O’Neill Cruz, Mason Miller, and the looming trade deadline chaos The ongoing NFL and MLB contract blitz, plus the impact of recent layoffs at ESPN, unearthing the behind-the-scenes shakeup that’s disturbing the sports media landscape Why does this matter? Ignoring smart signings like Wyatt’s can cripple a team, but getting it right unlocks explosive potential. The NFL's landscape is shifting fast—draft stocks, trade rumors, and personnel decisions are shaping who wins next year and beyond. Missing out on the latest moves means falling behind in the fierce competition of NFL greatness.This episode is perfect for NFL fans craving deep insights into contract strategies, trade buzz, and division battles. Whether you're a fantasy player, a betting enthusiast, or just a sports junkie tired of superficial commentary, you’ll find actionable info and fresh takes that could change how you view NFL dynamics. Strap in—this coverage is unlike any other.Guest Credibility: Featuring analysis by seasoned NFL insider Jordan, whose expertise on contracts and team strategies makes this episode a must-listen for serious fans.Why this works:This episode hooks listeners with Wyatt's contract as a symbol of the NFL’s shifting power dynamics and offers concrete insights on recent signings and rumors, satisfying fans hungry for real details. It combines curiosity about trade possibilities with the emotional drive of team success, creating a compelling narrative that keeps listeners engaged and eager to learn more. Chapters 00:00 NFL news and contract updates 01:02 NFL division outlook and team strategies 02:00 ESPN layoffs and sports media industry impact 03:00 MLB trade rumors and Orioles' prospects 04:10 Trade deadline strategies for MLB teams 05:00 Baltimore Orioles' trade and extension plans 06:02 NFL and MLB trade deadline analysis 07:00 ESPN talent cuts and industry shakeup 08:12 Miami Dolphins' building process and schedule 09:01 Fantasy baseball and team management tips 10:05 MLB player milestones and Hall of Fame prospects 11:11 Sports media industry and talent layoffs 11:59 Trade rumors: Pirates, Orioles, and MLB stars 12:59 Closing thoughts and next episode preview

The Subway Trains, Swings, and Boo Birds: An Inside Look at the Craziest All-Star Game Broadcast

All links: https://linktr.ee/Flagonthetake Most sports fans are just waiting for the big fight, home run, or game-winning shot to blow their minds—this week, you’ll learn why not seeing the drama unfold could be your biggest win. From shock UFC upsets to a wild MLB All-Star spectacle, this episode is packed with jaw-dropping moments, hilarious hot takes, and unexpected heroics — plus a surprising reason why a tennis champ might just be the real MVP.Join us as we break down the chaos: Luke’s hilarious reactions to Connor McGregor’s bizarre exit, the Phillies’ electric All-Star performance, and the story behind Gable Stevenson’s latest victory in the octagon. We also dive into the wild world of baseball’s trade rumors, the questionable future of the league, and why even the stars are fighting to keep their paychecks. You’ll discover how Patty Pimblett’s UFC knockout might make him the face of MMA, why the Pirates’ recent sweep has baseball fans dreaming, and what the weirdest movie you’ll never watch (but totally should) says about your taste in chaos. Plus, a behind-the-scenes scoop on the upcoming All-Star game—who will shine, who will flop, and who’s just along for the ride.Perfect for sports junkies tired of the predictable, casual fans craving a good laugh, or anyone who loves a good underdog story — because in this episode, the unexpected is the real MVP.And for the record, we’re bringing on a special guest next week, so stay tuned. If you love sports chaos, insider scoops, and gut-busting humor, hit that play button now—you don’t want to miss this one.

The Commanders' Big Bet, the NFL’s Salary Cap Magic, and Why the AFC's Loaded Rosters Aren't Impressive

All links: Most of us think we know what a good birthday gift looks like—until your fiancé surprises you with a mic that makes you sound like Barry White on helium. Turns out, gratitude and a shiny new mic are the secret ingredients to leveling up your streaming game—and feeling blessed in the process. In this lightning-fast episode, Cole and Jordan celebrate birthdays, shout out YouTube milestones, and talk about sports, sports, and more sports—plus a healthy dose of NFL, NBA, and NFL draft madness. Ever wondered how the Commanders spent $3.8 million on Rasul Douglas and still fail? Or why Jalen Brown’s new deal might just be the steal of the summer? They break down all that and more, revealing the logic behind sports trades, draft picks, and why LeBron might really join the Sixers next year (spoiler: they’re already planning the jerseys!).You'll discover: The brutal truth about NFL teams pushing all their chips—why the Commanders’ recent moves give them a false sense of hope How the NFL’s top players like Tua and Kyler Murray are navigating the questionable world of rankings and contracts The secret sauce behind smart draft picks (and why the Orioles refused to push their chips in!) Plus, Jordan's inside scoop on NFL salary cap hacks, and a hilarious deep dive into NFL and NBA free agency drama Why does this matter? Because in sports—or life—timing, strategy, and a little humor can make all the difference. Miss out now, and you risk falling behind in your fantasy league, your moot point arguments, and your understanding of why some teams succeed while others stumble.This episode is perfect for sports nerds, fans who love a good trade story, and anyone who appreciates a mic that sounds sexier than Barry White—all sprinkled with laughs and a dash of real talk about the game and life.And don't forget: our YouTube channel’s about to hit 650 subscribers, one birthday gift at a time, so smash that subscribe button, leave a five-star review, and join the flag throwers—because nothing beats celebrating success with a little swagger.Keep the love, keep the laughs, and remember: life’s short, tell your people how you feel before the AI takes over your fantasy team. Happy belated to Cole, shout out to Luke’s PTO, and here’s to more podcasts, better mics, and some NFL wildness coming soon! Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Celebrations 02:59 Content Creation and Future Plans 05:56 NFL News and Player Updates 10:05 Mental Health Awareness in Sports 15:55 Commanders' Strategy and NFL Landscape 18:47 Free Agency and Player Market Dynamics 25:48 NFL Predictions and Insights 32:54 NBA Contracts and Player Movements 39:55 Sixers' Trade and Future Prospects

1 of 12