Cleats Off

Join us in the latest episode of Cleats Off, hosted by Liz Bhandari (NFLGirlUK), as we welcome the legendary Erik Coleman, former New York Jets safety. Delve into the thrilling world of the NFL as Erik recounts his most memorable moments with the Jets, the hurdles he leapt over during his career, and his journey post-retirement. As a mentor and a role model, Erik sheds light on the future of footb...

In this episode of Cleats Off, host Liz Bhandari sits down with Minkah Fitzpatrick, safety for the Pittsburgh Steelers, to delve into his life both on and off the field. Minkah shares his weekly preparation routine leading up to game day and reflects on the challenges he's faced in his professional journey. He also explores the significance of his faith and the influential people in his life. Mink...

In this episode of the Cleats Off podcast Liz Bhandari is joined by Ben Isaacs, a journalist and broadcaster. From his co-hosting role on talkSPORT’s NFL coverage to his avid passion for American football, Ben shares details from his latest book, 'The American Football Revolution: How Britain Fell In Love With The NFL'. From Channel 4's pivotal role in introducing the NFL to British homes, to touc...

Welcome back to the "Cleats Off" podcast with your host, Liz Bhandari! After a brief hiatus, we're diving helmet-first into the much-anticipated new NFL season. From the awe-inspiring triumphs of last season to the electrifying prospects of the upcoming games, we've got it all covered. Discover the rising teams ready to challenge the status quo, the players set to break records, and the legendary...

In this episode Liz Bhandari interviews the multi-talented Amy Trask, a writer, CBS Sports analyst, former Raiders CEO, and BIG3 Board Chairperson. Amy interned with the Los Angeles Raiders shortly after graduating, and 14 years later, after obtaining experience elsewhere, she was named CEO, becoming the NFL's first female CEO, a feat she never dreamed possible. Trask is also known as the "Princes...

In this episode of Cleats Off, Liz Bhandari speaks to Scott Hanson, presenter of NFL RedZone. Before NFL RedZone, Scott was working as a roving reporter, and they would fly him to practice, new conferences, or games in one of the 32 NFL cities. Scott was a guy in a press box, and he would be in one game, but be interested in what was happening in all the other games in other stadiums. When he hear...

In this episode of Cleats Off, Liz Bhandari speaks to Cori Yarckin. Cori is the presenter of Sunday morning show NFL End Zone on Channel 5. Cori shares: •Her broadcasting career and what led to the show •What she loves about the show and why you should watch it •Plus, her favourite cities so far and where she can’t wait to explore next. // About The Cleats Off Podcast // Cleats Off is the show tha...

In this episode of Cleats Off, Liz Bhandari speaks to Krys Barnes, linebacker for the Green Bay Packers. Krys went undrafted in 2020, but was the team’s top inside linebacker by the end of the year. Liz and Krys discuss… •The experience of the Draft •His leadership style •The shift from college to NFL •The prospect of coming to London •What it means to be a Green Bay Packer. // About The Cleats Of...

In this episode of Cleats Off, Liz Bhandari speaks to David Bada, defensive tackle for the Washington Football Team. A native of Munich, he played in the German Football League prior to joining Washington in 2020 as part of the NFL's International Player Pathway Program. Liz and David discuss… •Growing up in Germany and the popularity of the NFL •Joining the International Player Pathway and its in...

Welcome to the debut episode of the Superfan Series hosted by Liz Bhandari aka NFLGirlUK. In this episode, Liz is joined by Cincinnati Bengals fan Shawn Moore. Shawn is one of the most dedicated fans you’ll meet. He travels from Tampa Bay to Cincinnati for every home game and no matter what - he's always optimistic, he's always positive, and he's always uplifting. Shawn channels this positivity in...

In this episode of Cleats Off, Liz Bhandari speaks to Gary Hayden, who runs the social media for Passyunk Avenue, a Philadelphia-inspired bar and restaurant in London serving cheesesteaks, buffalo wings and more. Liz and Gaz discuss… •How Passyunk started •Their passion for American Sports •The future of Passyunk, and how you can help support them // About The Cleats Off Podcast // Cleats Off is t...

Liz Bhandari is a writer and podcast host covering American Football here in the UK. In this teaser she introduces a brand new podcast called the Superfan Series, which features interviews with NFL fans from around the world. The show was born off the back of the NFL’s ‘Fan of the Year’ programme which spotlights extraordinary fans from all 32 franchises – these are people who have a special affin...

In this episode of Cleats Off, Liz Bhandari speaks to Hannah Wilkes, presenter of Overtime on Sky Sports NFL which you can catch at 9pm every Tuesday. Hannah has a strong background in journalism and sports broadcasting and works for Sky Sports and Talk Sport. Not only is she a regular on our screens talking about the game, but she’s fallen for the sport the same way we all have… Liz and Hannah di...

In this episode of Cleats Off, Liz Bhandari speaks to Dr Jen Welter, a woman of many firsts, and both a pioneer and trailblazer for women in professional football. She was the first female coach in the NFL, having joined the Arizona Cardinals as line backers coach. She was the first female to play in a men’s professional football league where she played running back. AND She even has two gold meda...

In this episode of Cleats Off, Liz Bhandari speaks to Maria Gigante, Vice President of Events at NFL UK. Maria has been with the NFL for 27 seasons, managing the likes of the Super Bowl, International Games and more. Liz and Maria discuss… •What goes in to organising the London games •The biggest challenges faced •The future of the international series •Her favourite career moments // About The Cl...

In this episode of Cleats Off, Liz Bhandari speaks to Matthew Sherry, the founder and editor of Gridiron, the UK's only NFL magazine. Over the course of his journalistic career, Matthew has reported on a wide variety of major sporting events, including the Olympic Games, the Ashes, Premier League football and, of course, the NFL. Liz and Matthew discuss: •His passion for American Football and how...

In this episode of Cleats Off, Liz Bhandari speaks to the legendary quarterback trainer Quincy Avery. Coach Avery is the guru behind QB Takeover, America’s elite quarterback training program, which is designed to give young athletes the mental toughness needed to lead a team, the skills necessary to execute and the mindset to make the right calls when the game is on the line. Liz and Quincy discus...

In this episode of Cleats Off, Liz Bhandari speaks to Phoebe Schecter, former Buffalo Bills coach, Great Britain American Football captain, and Managing Director of The UK Dukes. Liz and Phoebe discuss… •NFL’s flag football partnership with the 2022 World Games •How it feels to be an ambassador for ‘Female in Flag’ and named a trailblazer alongside other incredible names. •Plus more on illustrated...

In this episode of the Cleats Off Podcast, Liz Bhandari is joined by Jason Bell, former cornerback and safety in the NFL having played for the Dallas Cowboys, Houston Texans and New York Giants, pundit on the BBC’s The NFL Show, and co-host of the Jason & Osi Podcast. Liz and Jason discuss the reality of playing in the NFL, building resilience, defining career moments, and the mental impact of ret...

In this episode of the Cleats Off podcast, Liz Bhandari speaks to Nat Coombs, TV presenter and host of The Nat Coombs Show on ESPN. Liz and Nat discuss: -How Nat got in to the NFL and chose his team -How he got a career covering the game he loves -Plus some of the memories from along the way. // About The Cleats Off Podcast // Cleats Off is the show that brings you closer to the game you love. Hos...

In this episode of Cleats Off, Liz Bhandari speaks to George Reynolds, quarterback with the NFL Academy. Having played for Kent Exiles, and the U19 Great Britain team, George aspires to be the first British quarterback in the NFL. Liz and George discuss… •Being selected for the Quincy Avery QB stars event •Where his passion for American Football started •The biggest lessons learnt whilst with the...

In this episode of Cleats Off, Liz Bhandari speaks to Andy Wentling, the plant manager of Wilson Sporting Goods factory in Ada, Ohio. Andy shares the story of the iconic football ‘The Duke’, and its history in the NFL. // About The Cleats Off Podcast // Cleats Off is the show that brings you closer to the game you love. Hosted by Liz Bhandari, each episode features a new story in American Football...

In this episode of Cleats Off, Liz Bhandari speaks to Will Bryce, Head of Football Development at NFL UK. In his role, Will hopes to expand the reputation of American football beyond the US while giving British teenagers the opportunity of a lifetime. Liz and Will discuss: Will’s role in the NFL and how he got to where he is today News on how the NFL Academy is progressing, and what it takes to jo...

In this episode of Cleats Off, Liz Bhandari speaks to Scott Fish, the founder of the world famous Scott Fish Bowl. Not only does Scott run the largest pro-am league in the fantasy industry, he also runs Fantasy Cares, a charity focused primarily on buying toys for Christmas for children in need. Liz and Scott discuss… - The inspiration behind setting up the Scott Fish Bowl - The amazing work he do...

In this episode of Cleats Off, Liz Bhandari speaks to Erica Tamposi, Producer of Around of NFL. Liz and Erica discuss… •Life in lockdown and managing the show away from the studio •The career path that brought her to this moment and the incredible people she met along the way •Her favourite sporting moments, and what it was like to be brought up in a sporting-mad New England. // About The Cleats O...