It this latest fan interview, founder of The Terrace Apparel, Lee Metters, speaks to PFF’s lead NFL analyst, Sam Monson. Lee speaks to Sam about the launch of the PFF podcast and how it was a natural progression after the success of the PFF website and social accounts. We also quiz Sam on his most memorable NFL moment (which involves a near courtesy of Drew Brees) as well as his favourite NFL players.
Lee: Thanks for joining us on The Edit, Sam. Firstly, tell us about The PFF NFL Podcast and what American Football fans can expect if they tune in.
Sam: The PFF NFL Podcast started back in 2012, I think. It kind of became the next avenue of content for us. We’d already written content on the PFF website and had lots of social media presence, so a podcast seemed like the next logical step.
Our audience is football fans, no matter where they are in the world. Whilst the majority of our listeners are based here in the United States, we have a big international listenership relative to any other NFL podcast. I think that is in part because of PFF’s European origins and my own start in Ireland.
The podcast is recorded three times a week in-season. We start with a review show every Monday and then have a preview show every Thursday. Our Wednesday episode is more of an open discussion. If you want to tune in you should be able to find us by searching The PFF NFL Podcast on your favourite podcast provider. Alternatively you can watch a video version on the PFF YouTube channel.
NFL Favourites
Lee: So Sam, on The Edit we like to get to know a little bit more about you and your favourite players and team. Let’s kick off by hearing about your favourite NFL player, and why.
Sam: My favourite NFL players now are all for nonsensical reasons! Because I provide coverage on the whole league, I’ve kind of grown away from individual team and player fandom. I like players that catch my eye early in their college careers and seeing them transition into successful NFL stars, especially if they weren’t highly-ranked prospects.
I’m a big fan of Cordarrelle Patterson of the Atlanta Falcons. He’s incredibly unique in the way that he plays on the defensive side of the ball, much like Derwin James, of the Los Angeles Chargers.
I like players that catch my eye early in their college careers and seeing them transition into successful NFL stars
(Photo from Falcons Wire)
Lee: So following that, who is your favourite NFL team?
Sam: The Vikings are still my favourite team, they have been since I was a kid. Their biggest need right now is interior solidity on the offensive line. A guy like Micheal Onwenu from New England would be a huge help for them, and plug a problem spot they’ve had for years! Onwenu barely gives up any pressure and has always been a good run blocker.
Their biggest need right now is interior solidity on the offensive line!
NFL Memories
Lee: So Sam, as someone who originally hails from Ireland, what is your earliest NFL memory?
Sam: We lived in Minnesota for a year when I was a kid, and it was the year after the Vikings traded for Herschel Walker, the largest player trade in the history of the National Football League. As you can imagine, everything around Minnesota at that time was all about Walker. Unfortunately, it didn’t really work out for the Vikings. Instead, you could argue that it actually sparked the Dallas dynasty of the 1990s as they used the subsequent draft picks to acquire the players they needed to help them win three Super Bowl titles! It’s a pretty good case for how careful you need to be in making NFL trades and fixating on one particular player.
(Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
Lee: And what is your favourite NFL memory, and why?
Sam: It came in a game I attended as a sideline photographer in London. Late in the game, Drew Brees, of the New Orleans, took an intentional safety and threw the ball out the back of his own end zone, right at a photographer – that was me! I had to bat the ball down to stop it smashing my camera and/or face. I was the only photographer it that end zone, and remain convinced to this day that it was deliberately aimed at me!
Season Expectations
Lee: So finally then Sam, what are your expectations for the remainder of this season?
Sam: My preseason Super Bowl pick was Buffalo vs. Philadelphia, and so far, through Week 16, that’s still looking good!
The Terrace Apparel
Lee: And Sam, just before you go. What do you think of the products and designs on offer at The Terrace Apparel.
Sam: I think it’s a very cool concept and love the designs I’ve seen so far. Happily wearing my shirt
right now! NFL fans, be sure to check it out!
