To The Rack With Mac

Kansas City Chiefs fans rejoice! You are Champions of the Football World! More magic from QB Patrick Mahomes is the story of the night as he led a 21-0 scoring run in the 4th quarter. At just 24 years old, he became the first QB ever to win both an MVP and a Super Bowl and Super Bowl MVP within his first 3 seasons. But, this team needed more than just their 40 million dollar man (soon to be) in order to secure their first title in 50 years.

In my preview, I stated that the key to a Chiefs victory would be the play of Mahomes, but more importantly, the defense needed to step up and stop the run and force 49ers QB Jimmy Garropalo to beat them. They did both of those things when it mattered most down the stretch late in the 4th quarter. Defensive lineman Chris Jones was the unsung hero of this game to me. Twice, late in the Game, Jones knew he wasn’t going to get to the QB, so he got his arms into the throwing lanes of Garropalo and batted passes down. This was critical as both stopped the clock when they needed to get the ball back and then stalled a 49ers drive when they needed to as well. Jones then also got his arms on yet another pass that nearly was picked by Kyle Fuller. Great mid-Game adjustments from Jones and the entire defense which at some points in the night looked like Swiss cheese with all the holes in it as San Francisco RB Raheem Mostert and WR Deebo Samuel had a field day with in the first 3 quarters of this game. The Chiefs defense also did a fantastic job on 49ers Tight End George Kittle. Kittle was a major factor in the running game as a blocker opening up holes upfield. But, aside from 2 short catches that he turned into big chunks, he was irrelevant in the passing game. Although Kittle had a fantastic catch at the end of the 1st half that would have set up San Francisco for a tie breaking field goal, but was called back on a very poor Offensive Pass Interference call. You just can’t make that call in the Super Bowl. There was barely any contact or extension of his arms. In the biggest game, you have to let them play a bit more than that. However, the call was made and the teams remained tied at halftime.

I also stated in my preview that the only way San Francisco was going to win was to shut down the big play ability of Patrick Mahomes and the seemingly unlimited amount of weapons he has in his arsenal. Led by Deforest Buckner and Nick Bosa, the 49ers did just that for 3 and a half quarters. Aside from the last 8 minutes of the game, the Niners took away all of Mahomes’s deep threats and forced him to make errant throws , 2 of which were picked off stalling key Kansas City drives. Chiefs RB Damien Williams stepped up and lifted his team up when they needed it most delivering over 100 ruah yards, a recieving TD and the game sealing rushing TD. The 2nd of Mahomes interceptions led me to believe that the game was over. This is where it gets interesting. 49ers Head Coach Kyle Shanahan decided that with 9 minutes left and all that was needed to win the Super Bowl was solid clock management and a few first downs, he was going to get away from everything that got his team to this point and throw the ball. I was dumbfounded. As I watched the collapse unfold, I was screaming for them to run the ball so much I had chicken sliders shooting from my mouth like rockets. I know, gross but hey that’s Super Bowl Sunday. Anyway, Shanahan’s decisions to me pretty much cost them the game. Passing the ball when Mostert was gaining big chunks all day, along with the unbelievable decision to not try and give it a go at putting some points on the board at the end of the first half, was the 49ers downfall. It gave Mahomes the ability to do what he does best, rally his team for yet another big time come from behind victory. This one being the biggest of his very young career.

To wrap up this season, I’d like to say a few things. First of all, great job by the NFL honoring the 100th season and the players from past to present who have made this league the powerhouse that it is. It was awesome seeing all those hall of famers and champions on one field last night. This was one of the most exciting seasons I can remember. From the MVP play of Lamar Jackson to the defensive mastery of Stephon Gilmore and the Bosa Brothers, to the dominance of King Derrick Henry, this was one of the best seasons if not the best season of football I can remember (aside from both NY Giant Super Bowl runs, of course). It was all capped off by a tremendous display of football by the 2 teams that deserved to be the last 2 standing. They put on a show for us down in Miami. It all culminated with Andy Reid getting the title that has eluded him for 21 years. With Patrick Mahomes at just 24 getting his first of what could be MANY MANY rings. I will end this by asking everyone one question that It will take a little less than 365 days to answer but did we just watch the birth of the NFL’s next great dynasty?

Like I have stated many times I grew up on Long Island, New York. Most would think that due to that and the fact my dad is a lifelong Knicks fan, that I would be the same. Most would be dead wrong. I actually grew up a Dallas Mavericks fan. I know that’s crazy but at a young age, a big 3 of Steve Nash, Michael Finley and a young Dirk was just too captivating. I really am just a fan of basketball and the game itself. I grew up in the Jordan Era. I Grew up with John Starks, Charles Barkley, Stockton and Malone, Clyde Drexler, Dominique, David Robinson etc. I also had the privilege to grow up in the Kobe era as a child . I watched Kobe and Shaq dominate the NBA. Allen Iverson, Tracy McGrady, Vince Carter. I gravitated towards the masters of their craft. So it is no surprise, that while I was in middle and High School, I was fascinated by a young and upcoming superstar named LeBron James.

I initially heard about LeBron when he was gaining national attention while at St. Vincent St Mary’s High School. I followed and watched like a hawk. I patiently awaited his arrival to the NBA because it was pretty clear he was too good for college and NBA stars were already praising his abilities. Sky was the limit when it came to his potential. I couldn’t wait for draft night. By this point everyone on the planet knew he was going to be a Cavalier. What a story. The kid from Akron was going to be staying home right there in Ohio, but as a professional in the NBA. After Draft night, my fandom was at an all time high. I bought his Cleveland jersey home and away, I bought his High School jersey home and away, I had jeans that were half jeans/half his Cleveland jersey. I had his headbands, his shoes, his posters, everything. I watched that first game against Sacramento and every single game of his first stint in Cleveland like a hawk. I studied LeBron like a book. He was the funnest athlete to watch. His athletic ability was insane. He took one of the most lackluster rosters of all time to the NBA Finals! I mean a roster who’s second best player was Ilgauskas. No disrespect to Big Z, but this showed just how good LeBron was. But those first few years were also very frustrating. Dan Gilbert just couldn’t build around him. LeBron bein the man he is, all he wanted to do was win. I see that now as clear as day but back then I didn’t really care for the behind the scenes stuff. Year’s of falling short and being frustrated by lack of depth, LeBron entered his 1st year of free agency.

That summer, every day of my life was LeBron watch. I was desperately praying that Mark Cuban could work some magic and bring him to Dallas. A big part of me also wanted him to choose New York. It would have reignited a franchise that was headed downhill and it was my dad’s and so many friends team. I woke up and with breakfast in hand every morning, stayed glued to ESPN until the last second I had to leave for work. While at work I was grateful most of it was driving because I listed to WFAN and ESPN radio all day long. I got home flipped on ESPN and turned the volume to 100 so I could hear it in the shower. I was obsessed. Finally, the moment came where he announced he was airing his decision on tv at a school in Connecticut. I thought to myself, ” Damn he’s coming to NY, he’s holding this event on the east coast, he has to be”. The rumblings began though. Chris Broussard was the first one to break that he was going to sign with the Heat. I thought there was no way. The Heat had already signed Chris Bosh and brought back Dwayne Wade, there was no way they were going to bring LeBron in too. There was no way that LeBron would take the easy way out. The night came. Myself, my dad, a couple of friends were all having a few beers and a couple of appetizers watching the big decision. He then uttered the words “I’m taking my talents to South Beach and playing for the Miami Heat”. I was crushed. I was pissed. All that love and all that fandom became pure anger and white hot hatred.

I blasted him. I ridiculed him. I threw away every piece of LeBron gear that I had (i regret that terribly now). I was still young. I was 21 and hot headed. I was also psychotically obsessed with sports. I went on social media and raged. I called radio stations screaming like a lunatic. I was furious every single day that he was a member of the Miami Heat.

That first season, the Miami Heat made the NBA Finals and who was there to take them on but the Dallas Mavericks. A dream come true for me. The first years of this so called dynasty and here’s my team ready to take down who I thought was the worst super villain the NBA had ever seen. The Mavericks took the series in 6 games. I was the happiest man on the face of the earth. I saw Dirk finally get his title and simultaneously crush the hopes of LeBron and heat fans everywhere. Ahh it was a thing of beauty. The next 2 years were awful.

The Heat ran right through the league for back to back titles and so began the GOAT debate. I won’t get into that. That debate is dead and I’ll explain why later. At the end of 2014, LeBron entered free agency once again and this is where everything started to turn around again for me. I started watching him again. I saw a different LeBron. I saw a changed LeBron. Most importantly I saw an incomplete LeBron. He had it all. The money, the fame, the beautiful family life with his wife and kids. He began using his platform and voice as a major star to speak out and raise awareness to various topics. He relentlessly pursued charity work and strived toward making the world a better place where it mattered Most, in the younger generations. He then penned the beautiful letter to the Players Tribune that he was going home to finish what he started. It was time to complete his legacy. All the respect for I had lost had come back, and then some. I was rooting for him again. I wanted him to succeed. I wanted him to release that pain I could see and get that Cleveland monkey off his back. And he did. The night the Cavs beat the Warriors, I was ecstatic. He finally did it. He finally brought a title home. I couldn’t have been happier for him. He was finally free.

The next chapter of his life, I could care less what he chose to do. He had earned the right to do what he wanted for him and his family. He eventually chose LA and the Lakers. It was perfect. Kobe had just retired and they were desperate to be relevant again having been mediocre at best the last few seasons. The whole culture changed. Lakers fans were excited again. LeBron is poised to bring them back to the promise land. Especially after adding MVP candidate Anthony Davis and plenty of worthy role players. Basketball is alive and well in LA. That is, up until Sunday, January 26th.

Man, losing Kobe was a loss for the entire world. Not basketball, not sports, but the world. I saw grown men cry this week. I saw Lebron barely containing himself having to almost be held up and consoled as he got to the airport after hearing the news. Last night like the rest of the world, I watched the Lakers take the floor for the first time since the tragedy that claimed 9 lives. I watched as LeBron and his teammates could barely hold it together but held each other up in the most trying time of their lives. I saw Lebron, being the man he is, lift LA and the rest of the world up and take the court as only Kobe and Gianna would have wanted. Thank you LeBron we all needed that.

This brings me back to the GOAT debates we all love to have. This week has made me appreciate what I have. It’s made me love harder than I ever loved before. But also, to appreciate what we have in feont of us every second we have It, because it can get ripped away from us at any moment. We should stop comparing these men and appreciate the hard work and sacrifice and level of determination they give us every step of the way. We have to claim Kareem, Russell, Jordan, Kobe and Lebron as kings of their respective era’s instead of crossing them over. Appreciate the fact that without them, we wouldn’t have basketball. We wouldn’t even have the chance to debate these sort of things because it could have died out years ago. LeBron , whether you ever read this or not, thank you. Thank you for what you have done for the game. Thank you for what you have done for this world. Thank you for helping the underprivileged realize their dreams. Thank you for being a role model for my kids. Thank you for being transcendent and passionate and having that shine through eveey time you speak or take the court. You’re one of a kind. And I think I speak for everyone in the sports world when I say, LeBron, get it done this year, bring a title back to LA, Kobe has your back, and so does any real fan of the game.

This is an article I’d never thought I would write. Growing up a diehard New York fan, I had a real hatred for the Boston Sports. I hated their cocky attitudes. Whether it was the Red Sox or Celtics I hated them with a burning passion down to the deepest parts of my soul. That’s how I was raised. Through all this I still respected the legends of sport that came out of Boston. I idolized Larry Bird. I loved Ted Williams. Even Carl Yastrzemski, who denied his hometown which was my hometown, I was enamored by, simply because of his Triple Crown accomplishment. I recognized at a young age that no matter what uniform they wore, they still deserved my respect as a diehard sports enthusiast. I carried this with me throughout my life and presently, except with one man, Tom F*****G Brady.

It all started in 2001. I was 12 years old. I was doing what my dad and I did every Super Bowl, sitting with my Uncle Vinny in his living room, stuffing our faces, and arguing about the game. They both had explained to me that they thought this Brady character was special and had both picked the Patriots. Me, I was betting on the Rams. I mean c’mon, no matter what team you cheered for, it was “the greatest show on turf”. Kurt Warner, Marshall Faulk, Isaac Bruce, Torry Holt, hell even Ricky Proehl was fun to watch on that team. I thought there was no way this random guy who had gotten past the Raiders on a technicality (to this day I will argue with you that it was a fumble, I don’t care what the rule is) could take down this dynasty in the making. Well was I ever wrong?! Tom Brady controlled the ball all night and led his team on the first of what seems like thousands of game winning drives and crushed my 12 year old heart. That was only the beginning. The next 18 years of my life, I had to sit there and watch Tom Brady every season make his statement on the field that he was the greatest quarterback of all time.

I didn’t care. I didn’t care about the stats. I didn’t care about the trophies, I didn’t care about the records. I didn’t care that my favorite team beat him twice in the Super Bowl. None of it mattered to me. I HATED TOM BRADY! My dad and my brother who are no Patriots fans, would have the same conversation with me every year “Nick, how can you be so smart and knowledgeable about all sports, but hate Tom Brady, he’s the greatest of all Time”. ” Well, the same way you guys try and get me to change my mind all the time but know you’re not going to, I’m set in my ways” I’d refute. There were many times we almost came to blows about it. I lost friends because of my ignorance. I could never ever admit that He is the Greatest. A lot of this comes from the media too. I’d be watching a damn Sunday night game between the Giants and Cowboys and here they are talking about Tom Brady. Why? I’m watching the Giants, fuck off with this Tom Brady stuff. I used to get so mad, I’d leave the house. I’d be flipping through the newspaper in New York and see a picture of Tom in a Yankee hat walking the streets with his wife and throw the paper in my fireplace and watch it burn. I understood he was great, but why the hell is he in our newspapers?! This is New York, not New England!

I was on my way to college in Boston (I know, hilarious) one year with my dad, step mom and older brother. The Patriots Vs. Chiefs was the opening week matchup on the radio. My brother and father were doing their usual Brady loving and there I was 18 and pouting in the back seat. I finally had enough and yelled at the top of my lungs “I hope he breaks his leg so you 2 can shut up!!!” I shit you not, the next play he tore his ACL and his season was over. I remember for the first 10 seconds feeling pure joy and elation that I just predicted that followed by the immediate feeling of remorse because as much as I hated the guy, I don’t want to see anyone hurt. I figured well at least I won’t have to hear about Brady all year again, HA! All I heard all year was updates on Brady’s rehab and if Brady played they would be a Super Bowl team and blah blah blah. Damnit!!! As spygate and deflategate happened, I was in my glory trying to justify that they had to cheat to win. But no matter what, he came back, did his job, and won another title every time.

Even as he orchastrated the greatest game in Super Bowl history against the Falcons, Even as this year came to a close and he threw a pick-6 to seal their fate, I still couldn’t stand him. But I respected him. Tom Brady is a warrior. He’s a class act on the mic. He’s a vocal and physical beast between the lines. He’s earned the respect and admiration of all his peers, on and off the field. Tom Brady is the Greatest Quarterback Of All Time, period. There I finally said it.

So why now you may ask? In light of recent events and tragedies, I really felt that unnecessary hatred and anger towards anyone, sports related or otherwise, needs to be extinguished from my life. I don’t know Tom Brady the man, only the football player and I can’t hate someone I don’t even know. The GOAT debates need to stop. The friendships being ruined over those debates need to stop. No matter what uniform they wear, no matter what their beliefs are, no matter if they are your teams rival or not, the anger towards athletes and people needs to stop. We have to appreciate greatness while it’s still here and after it’s gone. The world will never see another Jordan, another LeBron, and definitely not another Kobe. The world will never see another Tom Brady and my hatred for him is long gone. Replaced by respect and gratitude that I got to see him play, I’d like to end this article by saying this. No matter if you retire tomorrow or give it another go, Tom Brady I Am Sorry and Thank you for years of passionate football that in turn led to passionate debates and banter. Thank you GOAT.

I grew up in a small town on very Eastern Long Island, New York called Sag Harbor. My Father Tom was a hard working landscape business owner. He used to tell me something all the time. ” Nick, we work hard, we provide for our family no matter what it takes, we love with all we have within us and we ALWAYS root for the New York Giants”

Along with my father; my stepfather Chuck and his father Charlie, I grew up immersed in Giants history. They made sure I knew the ins and outs of the entire rich history of one of the greatest franchises in football. My dad and grandfather made sure I knew the likes of Emlen Tunnell and Y.A Tittle, along with such legends as Frank Gifford and Fran Tarkenton. They suffocated me with tales of the rough and tough defensive play of Harry Carson, Carl Banks, and the best defensive player of all-time, Lawrence Taylor. All of these men epitomized the meaning of what it was to be a Giant. And they were just that in my eyes. Larger than life. The way I grew up, hard work was key in my household and nothing resonated with that sentiment more than good ol smash mouth, hard nose play of The New York Giants.

I was 11 years old the first time I went to a Giants football game. The year was 2000. They were playing the Pittsburgh Steelers. Jim Fassel was our head coach. Kerry Collins led the offense along with Tiki Barber at running back and star wideouts Amani Toomer and Ike Hilliard. I could easily have fell in love with the offense that year. They were fantastic. But, as I sat there watching this drubbing unfold (Giants won 30-10) I was zeroed in on one man and one man only, #92, Michael Strahan. He didn’t record a sack that day, but the way he drew double teams, the way he communicated and led his team, his passion, his fire. All of those things made me realize why my family loved the Giants so much, because those things are the way they led their lives every single day.

The next year, Strahan broke the single season sack record with 22.5 sacks. The beautiful thing about It, I was there the day Strahan sacked Favre. The Giants were being blown out by Green Bay, but New York being New York, not a single person left their seats when the defense was on the field. We were all on the edge of our seats, waiting, hoping, praying he’d do it in front of the New York faithful that day. All of a sudden, Strahan went unblocked into the backfield, Favre went down and kind of uneventfully, the record was his. Nevertheless, the place erupted. Our guy, our leader, our field General had the record and in a way it was like the entire fan base got that record with him. I saw grown men almost cry sitting up in section 314. I was 12 and even I understood the magnitude of what was accomplished. It was a moment I’ll never forget. Even if you’d like to say Brett took a dive for Michael that day or whatever, what you cannot deny is that the record was broken and Strahan stood all alone atop the single season sack mountain. The next few years were hard to watch, but no matter what every year, my stepdad and I were there cheering on Strahan and The Giants. We cheered and supported during 3-13 and 4-12. We cheered as chants of “Fire Fassel” rained down in Giants Stadium. We cheered as we ushered in the new era of Coughlin/Eli even though at times in the beginning, it was brutal. Strahan kept that same energy, came with that same leadership every single game, every single play. Watching Strahan get around an offensive linemen for a strip sack or hit that caused an errant pass was a thing of beauty, and the flex celebration made him seem even more larger than life. He was on top of his game, until 2004. When he tore his pectoral muscle, I remember thinking that it could be the last time we ever saw him play. A comeback of that nature had never been done before. But Strahan being who he was and embodying the true nature of a Giant, he fought back. He willed his way back to the field much to the pleasure of thousands of Giants fans.

2007. Man what a run. Sneak into the Wild Card. Beat Tampa on the road. Beat Dallas on the road. Beat Green Bay in Lambeau. And an absolute defensive masterpiece against the undefeated New England Patriots for a Super Bowl Title. None of that ever happens without #92 and being paired with DE Osi Umenyiora. He was all over the field. He mauled quarterbacks, he terrorized running backs, and above all else was more than ever before the vocal and emotional field General I had grown to love. I truly believe that 2007 title does not happen without Michael Strahan. He had finally gotten that elusive title he had relentlessly chased for 14 years. The down times were worth it. The comeback was worth it. The trials and tribulations on and off the field did not matter. He was a champion and no one could ever take that away from him.

I Remember getting the news that Strahan was ready to walk away from the game after that 2007 season. My initial reaction was emotional and full of anger. After I calmed down, those emotions immediately turned to gratitude and elation. What better way for the defensive captain and a man that gave his absolute best to the Giants to go out than on top as Super Bowl Champion. Those same feelings came to the surface the day I heard about his election to the Pro Football Hall Of Fame. I even had the same feelings when I heard he was going to join Fox NFL Sunday! Hell, there’s not many people I like to hear breakdown a good football matchup more than Michael Strahan.

I had these same feelings of joy and elation and gratitude last night as I lay in bed. The alert came across my phone as I was publishing a separate piece and I jumped up in pure bliss when I heard that he was finally being immortalized by the New York Giants and having his #92 retired. To me, it was the last piece to a legendary career that was needed to be absolutely complete. What a ride it has been. Thank you Michael. Thank you New York for making me a diehard, win or lose, hard working, smash mouth, hard nosed Giants fan. I bring the same energy I always have to every Giants game now. Whether 4-12 or 12-4, I’ll be there in front of my TV cheering, screaming, angry or joyous rooting for the New York Giants. As you can probably gather it runs deep in my family roots and I without a doubt, bleed Big Blue!

There are some things that need to be said to preface this article before I dive right into the career and rise of the baddest mother f****r in the UFC. First, I will not be touching on Masvidal’s upbringing or personal life. I do not know him personally, I wasn’t there when he was growing up, I didn’t live in his home, and I’ve never spoken to the man himself. I have to keep this 100 percent real. I’m not going to Google quotes and bite off of other people’s work. A lot of other articles can have quotes from him and things like that, but you never know if they were exact or not. With out sitting down with Masvidal or speaking on the phone, I’d like to show a level of respect to these men and women that isn’t very common in today’s media. Also I can’t, as a man, try and speak to you about another man’s life without his permission. If you want that kind of bull***t, go on Wikipedia. This article is about what I’ve seen over the many years of watching Masvidal fight. This is about the things I have actually seen him say. This is about the real reasons Gamebred is my favorite current fighter and how that came to be. It is about what I think should be next for him. It is about where I hope to see him go because even without knowing him, he’s earned an immense amount of respect from me and many people I know. With that all being said, let’s do this!

The first time I ever saw Jorge Masvidal fight was actually by accident. I was training boxing at the time. One of the people I always watched fight even though it was MMA was Yves Edwards. My coach told me that this fight was going to be Yves toughest fight yet and I needed to tune in. I couldn’t that night but my coach being the fight maniac he was, taped it for me. He handed me the tape the next night, even though I already knew the result. He said “Nick , watch this. Dude is a savage”. I went home that night and yes threw the tape in my VCR. It was 2007 and yes I still had my VCR. The Fight started and immediately I was amped up. Masvidal came out on fire. He was throwing head kicks, pumping out the 1-2 setting up body kicks, moving in and out blocking the onslaught of kicks from the feared striker. Making Yves miss like no one I’d seen do before. Still, was an even fight. Round 2 more of the same until Masvidal was able to take Edwards down. He got control on top and pounded the body with right hooks. Masvidal also landed a few to the head cutting his opponent open. Edwards got to his feet, and a few more exchanges were thrown. All of a sudden, BOOM! Right head kick out of nowhere, fight over. That’s when I first saw the patented Masvidal smirk and celebration we all love to see when he hits the octagon these days. From that day forward I missed fights, I watched some, but I always kept track. It has been said by Masvidal this was the fight that made him most nervous beforehand and Yves has said that Masvidal is the best fighter he’s ever worked with. Respect from 2 greats!

I Watched him leave BoDog and join Bellator. I Watched him win. I Watched him lose. Either way I didn’t care, it was fun and he was a warrior which is what I wanted to be training and fighting. I want to be clear here. I had other favorite fighters, mainly boxers like Manny Pacquiao and always Mike Tyson, also currently Teofimo Lopez, Lomachenko, Errol Spence, Terrence Crawford, and Deontay Wilder.I’ve got other MMA fighters I follow like Israel Adesanya, Khabib, The Diaz Brothers and Yoel Romero among many others. I have players from every team in every sport that I follow and could draw connections to throughout my life… so I’m not a fanboy by any means, I just appreciate hard work and a no bullshit fighter/athlete when I see one. I saw Masvidal leave Bellator and join Strikeforce eventually leading to his UFC debut. Now I’m not going to go over all of his fights, we don’t have that kind of time. I am however going to go over some key moments in his career that I think helped mold him into the man we see today.

Masvidal won his debut. He lost some, he won some in his next few fights. He beat Michael Chiesa with hands down my favorite submission, the D’arce choke. He lost a couple decisions that I thought were definitely his wins, namely Henderson and Iaquinta. At the time, the TKO of Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone was definitely his biggest win and it gave us one of my favorite quotes “Im A real fighter, there’s dudes who hear my name and hang up the phone. Im not on social media and shit which is why my name aint out there. Dana White, I got 200K that you can’t find anyone that can beat me”. The man came out and beat down his opponent, who was no scrub, and called out the owner of the company to make better fights. Classic. The next 2 fights were tough. He lost to both Demian Maia and Stephen Thompson. The Thompson fight being particularly rough and one-sided. Clearly it was rough on Masvidal too. He took a 16 month layoff and in his comeback fight, in typical Masvidal fashion, took on one of the toughest dudes out there in Darren Till. I couldn’t wait for that fight. I tuned in and when Till dropped him in the first round, I was almost defeated. Until, I saw that Masvidal smirk and I smiled because we all know during a fight, that smirk means RUN! “Street Jesus” ended up baptizing Till in the 2nd round. We all know what happened next. He knocked out Askren in 5 seconds(Thank God no one likes that guy). He handily took the BMF title match against Nate. He blew up. He became a rockstar in 2019. Fighter of the Year. Period. End of Story. Finally a man I Watched take whatever fight he could and grind and work and sacrifice was getting the recognition he had deserved for years.

So what’s Next? My hope is that Masvidal finally gets some damn respect from fight makers and the UFC. What I wanna see is one of 3 things. 1). I’d love to see him get his money! The Conor fight would be great. I’m not a Conor fan but I respect anyone that walks into that octagon. They are all warriors and athletes, better than any one drawing opinions who wouldn’t know a fight if it hit them right in the mouth. Funny, because as I’m writing this, I’m watching an interview Jorge did today on the Rich Eisen Show addressing the Conor rumors. Anyway Jorge said what we already all knew, Conor doesn’t want the fight. Rightly so. On some Good Will Hunting shit, Masvidal said that when looking at Conor, he sees numbers and openings. A true student of the fight game. Credit to Masvidal though. Eisen kept challenging him on the Conor thing and He just kept his cool and laid out the facts. 2). The man deserves some gold around his waist! The Fight with Kamaru Usman would be huge and is one that Jorge has earned. 16 years of devotion to the sport, put some respect on his name and give him that title shot! He presents a ton of problems to Usman with his body work. Kicks and punches to the body are something Usman clearly doesn’t handle well. Just look at the Covington fight. This seems to be the most likely and would be, in my opinion, a fight of the year candidate. 3). That whole thing I said about respecting people that fight, doesn’t apply to Colby Covington. I mean the MAGA gimmick is smart because without it no one would care who he is. But the MAGA gimmick is not the reason I can’t stand Colby. It’s what he says about other fighters. These 2 used to be friends. They trained together at the best facility in the country, American Top Team. Yesterday, Colby trashed Masvidal calling him a journeyman and saying Jorge had an ass whooping coming his way. Colby showed a lot of guts against Usman but come on man, humble yourself and keep your mouth shut especially coming off a fight where it was wired so. Chill out and earn your way back. Period. If any of these 3 happen, real fight fans would be advanced buying these fights no problem.

I understand that there’s thousands of athletes I could have picked. I know Masvidal isn’t the “biggest” or “prettiest” name in sports, but this is MY blog. I’m highlighting men and women who have impacted my life greatly. I could have picked Kobe this week, but I wrote him an entire article on Sunday giving him his due. I wanted to change the subject. Im hurt just as much as any sports fan is about this unprecedented tragedy. I wanted to write about something that brought me and maybe some other people joy. Get their minds off things for a while. I mean no disrespect at all. I picked Masvidal because he resonates with my family make up. Myself, my wife and my 3 kids don’t order a lot of fights. We can’t afford them. But be damn certain if Masvidal is on that card, we paid, we’re watching, and the only one talking better be Joe Rogan. It’s about what he represents. Hard work, Sacrifice, the refusal to give up, all things I bring into my own life and teach my kids. Colby wants to call him a “Miami thug”, well that “thug” has my respect and admiration for being where he is now through the work of him and his team. We can chop it up anytime Jorge. Thank you for what you’ve done and no doubt will continue to do for the UFC and at least for this one fan.

– Nick Mac

I’m going to do my best with my words in this heartfelt tribute and farewell to one of the greatest basketball players of all-time, Kobe Bryant. Like most people around the world, I’m still in shock. I held back tears as im throwing a birthday party for my 6 year old. I hugged my kids in a vice grip. My heart is in the pit of my stomach, a childhood hero, an almost mythical figure in the world of sports and life, is suddenly gone. What cannot be lost in this entire tragic situation is that among the fallen is also Kobe’s 13 year old daughter Gianna and 7 other lives as well. Tears streaming as I write these words, it is truly a heartbreaking day and one that will live in infamy for the rest of time.

We all know about Kobe on the court. We watched him run through high school at Lower Merion High with such ferocity, he went straight to the league. We watched him dominate opponents and run that Mamba mouth like we all loved to watch him do. We watched him team up with Shaq as one of the most dominant duos in NBA history on his way to a 3 peat, that being only some of his rings. He was a 5 time champ. He was an 18 time All Star. He was an Olympic gold medalist. He was an assassin. We watched him time after time put the Lakers on his back and when it seemed impossible, Kobe made it happen. We watched him go off and scorch the Raptors for 81 points in Toronto. His will to be the best was unmatched. Even when he was he best, he still wanted to be better. His determination and work ethic were legendary. He was in the gym before anyone and left after everyone. We watched him challenge his own teammates, almost to the point of breaking them mentally and physically, but it was only to make them and his team better. I hated him, I loved him, I respected him, I wanted to be him. I still do.

Kobe off the court was just as amazing. He was in the happiest of times when he was coaching his beloved daughter Gianna and her basketball team. He founded a countless number of organizations and fundraisers for both veterans and the homeless in the Los Angeles area. He was a mainstay in charity and events organized by both the Lakers and his own groups. He used his name and platform to make a difference in this world. He did. He changed my life. He was the first athlete that made me say “Damn, these men and women are way more than just athletes, they are human beings with hearts and emotions just like any of us”. Thank you for that Kobe.

This day is one of the toughest days not just for the NBA, but for sports and this world as a whole. We lost a real one. We lost children. As we as fans grieve, we need to remember that even if we didn’t know him, it’s perfectly normal to feel what we’re feeling. Kobe was a staple of our childhood and beyond. Once the shock and sadness have subsided, we need to celebrate. Celebrate the life of a man who made ours better, who made basketball, well…basketball. In the deepest depth of my soul, I hope and pray the NBA retires the #24, no one should ever wear it again. We need to honor the other lives lost as well. The children lost. Remember the families and Kobe’s widow, who lost a husband and a daughter. I will pray for them whole heartedly. I’m going to miss Kobe. It was just getting normal for me to not see him lace up the shoes and go out and kill it. I’m going to miss his mind, his analytics on sports stations and his advice to younger generations. He was one of a kind. My kids will know his greatness. Their kids will know his greatness. He will never be forgotten. Rest In Peace Kobe and Gianna Bryant and the 7 others lost today.

PS I’m Always going to yell your name when I throw something away. ❤

San Francisco 49ers at Kansas City Chiefs– The last time I was this excited for a Super Bowl, the New York Giants were getting ready to play the Patriots. This has the potential to be the most explosive and exciting game from a hardcore football fans perspective. The only proper way to breakdown this matchup is in two parts. Each team’s defense vs each teams offense and make a decision based on those matchups.

SF Offense vs KC Defense– The San Francisco 49ers offense is coming off a stretch of games where they ran the ball at a historic pace. RB Raheem Mostert is coming off his best career performance, rushing for 3 touchdowns and over 200 yards. I ßee San Francisco using the same game plan trying to get Mostert involved early and often. Hopefully this gets things going in the passing game. QB Jimmy Garropalo has thrownfor just 208 yards with 2 TD’s and a pick. He is going to need to utilize his main weapons TE George Kittle and WR Deebo Samuel against a very stingy Kansas City defense. Look for Kittle to be the go to guy and if he has a big game then the 49ers do too. The KC Defense has heard it all about good running attacks leading into big games. It is all they heard about heading into the AFC Championship about star RB Derrick Henry. He had run for over 175 yards in 3 straight games. The Titans knocked out the 1 and 2 seeds. So what did this under the radar, beast of a defense do? Led by LB Frank Clark and S Tyrann Mathieu and the dominant return of Chris Jones, they held Henry to just 69 yards, and only 7 in the 2nd half. They executed just how I said hey should, try and make Tannehill beat you. He couldn’t and they advanced. If they do the same to Garropalo and take the running game away from San Francisco, it will be a similar stop it style game and that is one type of game you don’t want with Kansas City and All-World QB Patrick Mahomes.

San Francisco Defense vs Kansas City Offense– This matchup is what everyone is waiting to see. Such a hard hitting, fast, slugfest should require a main event introduction from one of the Buffer Brothers. For San Francisco, they come in on an absolute roll defensively. Led by rookie sensation Nick Bosa and wily veteran Richard Sherman, who’s still playing at an all pro level despite what Revis says, the defense has been lights out shutting down 2 very effective and balanced offenses led by 2 of the too quarterbacks in the game. They made Aaron Rodgers and Kirk Cousins look less than pedestrian while simultaneously shutting down Aaron Jones and Dalvin Cook. The ability of the defensive line to pressure Mahomes is going to be crucial to their success. Equally as important is the secondarys ability to stay in coverage with KC’s many weapons while also containing Mahomes. This will be their toughest task yet. As for Kansas City’s offense, what can be said that hasn’t been said 100 times about the best offense in the NFL? Patrick Mahomes is on another planet right now getting big things done with his arm and his legs. The big focus I see for this offensive attack is who gets the separation? Travis Kelce has been outstanding once again and when he is covered it seems WR Tyreek Hill is there to make a play. So many weapons, it’s hard to pick your poison. These 2 are especially dangerous when Mahomes is scrambling, knowing exactly where their QB wants to put the ball and getting there promptly. RB Damien Williams has been a huge spark for the Chiefs both running the ball and catching it out of the backfield as well. The only way that you van slow these guys down is to either force turnovers or get them off the field quickly. That is the name of any game but these guys make it especially harder.

Prediction- I just think that this Kansas City Offense is clicking on all cylinders right now and too tough to stop. If there is one team to slow them down it would be this 49ers team. The mismatch lies when the SF Offense is on the field. My biggest concern is that if the running game gets shut down, Kansas City has a great secondary that can contain the attack. I give a slight edge to Kansas City in this one. Chiefs 30 49ers 27.

Understand the person behind the words before you read those words.

My Name is Nick Mac. I am 30 years old. I grew up in Sag Harbor, New York. I currently reside in Camrose, Alberta, Canada with my wife and 3 kids. Let me tell you why and how I got here today, writing my story and sharing it all with you.

I grew up in what many consider A “normal” environment. My parents were divorced before I could develop any real memories of them together. My dad and mom both re-married and I was blessed with 2 amazing stepparents and new brothers and sisters. I was an average school student. I was an average athlete. I played basketball, baseball, football and I boxed. I still train boxing to this day when I can. Aĺl of this seems like your basic, everyday growing up in a small town stuff, right? Well around the age of 16, everything for me went south and fast.

I was training daily, mainly for the upcoming Golden Gloves boxing tournament. During sparring, I threw a right hook improperly and my life changed forever. I broke my thumb and snapped and lost my ligaments in my right hand. Everything I was working for, everything I dreamed of was ripped away from me in a matter of a second. I didn’t talk about it. I did what any angry kid would do. I let it fester, I let it boil and boil until it eventually spilled over and wreaked havoc in my life for the next 13 years. I turned to alcohol and weed. Just on weekends I said. Weekends turned into daily use. Before school, during school, after school, I was drunk or stoned. I faked my way to college. I started using heavier drugs. Before I knew it, I was being kicked out of college, a full blown alcoholic and cocaine addict. I had to move back home, face my parents as a failure still denying my inevitable swirling out of control addictions.

Life didn’t get any easier. I had girlfriends. I went out places and tried to be social. None of that worked. All I wanted to do was feel sorry for myself and get high. I started stealing, hurting the people I loved, missing family functions, a real sick human being and dysfunctional member of society. I was now 23 years old in full blown addiction with no job, money, or way out. I finally asked for help. I went to rehab after rehab, 12 step meeting after 12 step meeting and to no avail. 6 months clean here, another 30 days there, none of it mattered. Looking back now I can say this. I wasn’t ready. I didn’t want to stop. I wanted to look good for others and had no care about changing myself.

Fast forward to 2015. I’m living in Florida in yet another recovery home. For the first time, I felt a sense of belonging. I felt a sense that I wanted my life to be better and I knew I could do it. I absolutely entrenched myself in sobriety and cleaning up my life and the damage I’d caused. I did. I worked hard. I searched the depths of my soul and brought every bit of pain and discomfort to the surface. There are things I thought I’d never say out loud and I did. As a matter of fact, there are things that not even my parents know, but they will now and so will many others. I’m a suicide survivor. They know that. Some don’t but I’m not ashamed because now more than ever I want to live! I’m also not ashamed anymore of what I’m about to reveal. I’m also a rape survivor. Not something a man is supposed to talk about, right? Wrong. am not grasping at attention, I am not aiming for this to be the focal point of this article. I dealt with it a long time ago. No details needed or added. It does not define who I am and it does not stop me any longer from being who I am determined to be. Period. During this time in Florida, I faced it, I felt it, and I fucking conquered it! Im revealing it now because i want people to know they arent alone. It can happen to anyone at anytime and dont be scared to talk about it. Also I blamed myself for a long time and it made things exponentially worse. That is all that needs to be said at this time.

During this time, I also began a long distance relationship with a woman. From the moment we said hello I knew I was going to be with her. She wasn’t so sure. But back to that in a bit. I went back to New York on a visit to my mother, stepfather and sister. The 3rd day of my visit my mother and sister were attending a baby shower, my stepdad not feeling well, stayed home. I was getting ready for a catering job I picked up and noticed something wasn’t right with my stepdad. Simultaneously, my mother and sister arrived. I checked on him and immediately my mom was on the phone with 911 and I hopped on the bed and started CPR relentlessly until a policeman showed up, pulled me off and told me he was gone. I couldn’t believe it. A man that had been in my life since I was a kid, gone. I decided to stay in New York and help my mother and sister try and get through this. The state ripped away his benefits. They took all my mom had.

My entire Life up until now, there was one thing that never wavered,one thing that I never lost or left me, and that was my undeniable love and passion for sports. Any time I was angry, sad, joyous,anxious, I threw on a game, calmed myself, and felt like it was all going to be okay. I cheered on the NY Yankees, NY Giants, and Dallas Mavericks with every fiber of my being. I have athletes not affiliated with those teams I cheer on vehemently as well. I religiously watch UFC and boxing. I went to so many games the memories are jumbled together. I was there for Strahan breaking the sack record, I was there when Jeremy Shockey caught the TD pass to send the Giants to the playoffs only to melt down the next week at San Francisco, I was there when Mcgwire broke the light in center field at Shea Stadium during his torrid 1998 campaign. I’ve caught foul balls, I’ve seen my older brother almost fight John Rocker outside Yankee Stadium, I watched Aaron Judge obliterate the HR derby down in Miami. All some of the best moments of my life. All those feelings, all those emotions is why I’m writing this blog. I’m bringing to this page every fiber of my being that I cheer my teams on with. I’m bringing it to every big story I break or article I express myself in. I’m bringing an unparralled love and passion to the page and trying to make you feel the things I am.

Fast forward a few months past the time I spent helping my mom and sister. During all of this, I kept the relationship growing with the woman I had met online down in Florida. She knew everything. She didn’t judge or care about my wrongs, but decided to instead celebrate and point out the things I did right. We fell in love. One thing was, she lived in Alberta, Canada. She has 3 kids, she was just getting out of a dysfunctional, long marriage, but she loved me and I loved her more than anything. We hadn’t even met yet! I decided I was going to make this happen even if it took everything I had, I was going to be there for this woman and 3 kids. I did. I flew here on December 9th, 2017. We were married one year later. We just celebrated 1 year of marriage. These 4 human beings are the light of my life. With me came my crazy, passionate, sometimes psychotic love for sports. They love me for it. Sometimes even in spite of it.

So here I am. I have an extended period of clean time. I’m working hard every day to never go back. I’m finding outlets. I’m putting my passion into this. I’m showing my kids that no dream is too big as long as you believe in it and yourself. I do. I truly believe I have the talent, skill, and love for this. So I’m going to make it. I’m going to see this through until the day I die. Even if I never get to write for a major network or ESPN, that’s fine, I’m doing this and I’m giving it my absolute best. I, Nick Mac, am here making a statement that I won’t be denied, my wife and kids will see me chase my dream and never stop dreaming it.

Game 1 1996 ALCS, A scrawny shortstop steps to the plate, he hits a fly ball deep to right field, a 12 year old kid reaches over the wall and grabs it out of thin air, it gets called a homerun! Yankees take game 1! I remember the first time I saw Derek Jeter play ball. I was sitting in the living room of my dad’s house, just me, my dad and Uncle Vin. I have no idea what I’m watching or who I’m rooting for. I’m 7 years old and the next thing I know I’m jumping up and down screaming about something called a homerun(yes I know he should have been called out) hit by this young kid and his name was Derek Jeter. ” I’m going to be just like him when I grow up” I yelled at my dad. That didn’t turn out quite as planned but I tell you what, just watching him the next 20 years was amazing in itself. I remember every inside out swing slapping the other way to right field like a priceless work of art on display. I remember every play in the hole at short that seemed impossible for any human to be able to reach and like a superhero, this guy snatches it backhanded and in one swift poetic motion, jump throws it to first like it was shot out of a cannon well ahead of the runner. I remember Derek leading the greatest team of all time, the 1998 Yankees to an unprecedented run and World Series title. I remember in 2000, this same kid won All Star game MVP and World Series MVP in the same season, something the game had never seen before at that time. I remember the days at school where he was all anyone was talking about. Not just the baseball kids or sports enthusiasts, everyone! The girls swooned over him, the guys wanted to be him, he was a freaking God! I remember feeling like a god every time i put on my pinstriped #2 Yankee jersey. I remember the flip play in Oakland and the diving catch in the stands against Boston where he came out bloodied and bruised and still made the catch. Is there anything this guy can’t do? I remember 3 titles in a row. I remember the struggles and the questions of if he could still do it? I remember him keeping quiet and silently assassinating the doubters with every swing of the bat and amazing play in the field. I remember the smiles and the heart breaks. I remember the way he carried himself on and off the field, Staying out of the media solely focused on winning and being a good example. I remember the latter days. I remember watching his 3000th hit soar over the left field wall again out of some fairy tale storybook and him being mobbed at home by Jorge Posada first, followed by the rest of the team. I remember him breaking Gehrigs hits record in typical Derek fashion, an inside out swing to right field. I remember him and Andy Pettitte coming to embrace and reĺieve Mariano Rivera in his last career appearance holding back tears. I remember his last season. I remember his last stroll out to shortstop and myself being overcome with emotion watching a childhood hero take his final bow. I remember the final hit. A walk off inside out slap single to right field. I remember smiling and crying. I remember hearing yesterday that kid I saw pop that homerun to right field was now immortalized as a Hall of Famer. Suddenly, I remembered all those things at once. I laughed, I smiled, I teared up. I remembered I’m fortunate to see someone play the game with such passion, such leadership and such humility and be justly rewarded for it. Congratulations Derek Jeter. Re2pect!

Derek Jeter and Larry Walker were the only 2 player inductees in this years BBWA Hall Of Fame Class. Derek Jeter was one vote shot of being unanimous. Could you imagine hating the Yankees/ Jeter so much that you’re the only one that doesnt vote him in?! I’d really like to see this guys ballot because if he has Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens voted for But not Derek Jeter then he needs his credentials revoked and his ass sent back to school for a history lesson on baseball! Derek Jeter had a career .310 average, 3,465 hits (6th most in MLB history and a Yankees franchise record) and 1,923 runs scored. In 2000, he became the 1st player in League history to win both the All-star and World Series MVP. It is also worth mentioning that no matter the circumstances, when the team needed a boost, offensively or defensively, Derek Sanderson Jeter made is happen! Congrats #2. Thank you for making my childhood an amazing one. Also inducted was longtime Colorado Rockies RF Larry Walker. Larry was the 1997 NL MVP, batting .366 and mashing 49 homeruns. He was also a 7-time gold glover and 5-time all star. Larry Walker, it seemed was going to get the Coors field treatment, meaning the writers usually don’t vote Rockies in because of where they play, but his numbers were good no matter where he was. Congrats Larry, thank you for being a big part of my childhood too. It was an honor to watch you play.