Out Indefinitely: Mononucleosis.

This phrase instantly evokes a memory of an ESPN graphic that was immediately added to the file of embarrassing things that have happened to the New York Jets. The graphic in question featured Sam Darnold looking locked in, if not menacing, while the text next to him announced that he was out with…mono.

The moment was a microcosm of Darnold’s career as a Jet, and everyone assumed that mononucleosis and “seeing ghosts” would be the most memorable parts of what was supposed to be a storied career.

Then, over time, the worm turned.

A successful season in Minnesota, a move to Seattle, a miraculous season out west and boom: Sam Darnold was a Super Bowl Champion.

Today I’m joined by my old friend Mina Kimes, who’s going to help me figure out if Sam Darnold’s second act is one of the most impressive in NFL history. If it isn’t the best, it’s certainly close.

Welcome to Episode 010 of REAL DEAL! I’m Tony Reali, and I’m so happy you’re here.

Subscribe for new episodes of REAL DEAL every Tuesday. You can also listen on the iHeart app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Out Indefinitely: Mononucleosis.
This phrase instantly evokes a memory of an ESPN graphic that was immediately added to the file of embarrassing things that have happened to the New York Jets. The graphic in question featured Sam Darnold looking locked in, if not menacing, while the text next to him announced that he was out with&hellip;mono.
The moment was a microcosm of Darnold&rsquo;s career as a Jet, and everyone assumed that mononucleosis and &ldquo;seeing ghosts&rdquo; would be the most memorable parts of what was supposed to be a storied career.
Then, over time, the worm turned.
A successful season in Minnesota, a move to Seattle, a miraculous season out west and boom: Sam Darnold was a Super Bowl Champion.
Today I&rsquo;m joined by my old friend Mina Kimes, who&rsquo;s going to help me figure out if Sam Darnold&rsquo;s second act is one of the most impressive in NFL history. If it isn&rsquo;t the best, it&rsquo;s certainly close.
Welcome to Episode 010 of REAL DEAL! I&rsquo;m Tony Reali, and I&rsquo;m so happy you&rsquo;re here.
Subscribe for new episodes of REAL DEAL every Tuesday. You can also listen on the iHeart app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

REAL DEAL with Tony Reali is a sports culture podcast built around one irresistible moment at a time. A play. A clip. A photo. A legend. The cultural touchstones of sports that never leave us. Every episode starts small and goes deep into the story behind the story, the feeling behind the moment, and the human truth that explains why it's still living rent-free in our heads years later.

 

Hosted by longtime ESPN personality Tony Reali, REAL DEAL blends storytelling, humor, nostalgia, emotional insight, and unpredictable energy with guests who complete the story. Athletes, broadcasters, superfans, comedians, journalists and the people nobody else would think to call.

 

This is neither a debate show nor a recap show. It’s an evergreen sports culture format built around the moments, stories, and emotional chaos that keep sports alive, always.

 

REAL DEAL with Tony Reali is a sports culture podcast built around one irresistible moment at a time. A play. A clip. A photo. A legend. The cultural touchstones of sports that never leave us. Every episode starts small and goes deep into the story behind the story, the feeling behind the moment, and the human truth that explains why it's still living rent-free in our heads years later.
&nbsp;
Hosted by longtime ESPN personality Tony Reali, REAL DEAL blends storytelling, humor, nostalgia, emotional insight, and unpredictable energy with guests who complete the story. Athletes, broadcasters, superfans, comedians, journalists and the people nobody else would think to call.
&nbsp;
This is neither a debate show nor a recap show. It&rsquo;s an evergreen sports culture format built around the moments, stories, and emotional chaos that keep sports alive, always.
&nbsp;

REAL DEAL with Tony Reali

Sam Darnold’s Journey From Jets Meme to Super Bowl Champion

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/7ce9fea0-bbfe-45c9-a719-b4be0127cfd4/transcript