Episode 73- XFL Tight End Jake Sutherland

We know many of our listeners are stressing out with the lack of sports viewing opportunities happening right now. We also know, there’s only so many times you can relive your favorite sports moments on ESPN Classic and so many 30 for 30s you can watch, even though they’re just soo good. While we can’t bring back the games, we can bring some of the players to you.

This week we spoke to Jake Sutherland, tight end for the XFL’s New York Guardians. He’s currently ‘working from home’ in Michigan training and keeping conditioned for next season.

Jake shared with us what it was like to be living the dreams of kids across the country by getting to play football professionally. His team, the Guardians, even plays at the iconic Met Life stadium which just makes the gig even cooler.

During our interview, he talked about learning the new rules of the game in the league, which offers some slight variations to the traditional NFL rules and regulations. As well as who gets to pick what the play codes are. We even tried to get him to spill on what some of those codes were, but he wouldn’t bite.

Jake told us about everything from his teammates to his greatest moment yet in the game. He shared his training regime during the downtime and how he’s staying in shape while the rest of us inhale boxes of Girl Scout cookies in one setting.

Jake talked a lot what he’s anticipating for next season and what he’s hoping for long-term in the game. He also shared what his plans are for when he retires from the game, many years from now.

We even tried to get him to dish on how many random friends and relatives have come out of the woodwork to get in contact with him since he’s now a pro football player. He wouldn’t budge. Our producer Randi actually went to high school with him, but to be fair she reached out to him completely selflessly for the good of our listeners and the show. We thank her for her dedication and being cool enough in school that he still knew who she was. Jake was a great guy to chat with and we’re excited to see how his career unfolds. 

For those who aren’t familiar with the XFL, the league is owned by Vince McMahon. This year has been the inaugural season (a previous iteration back in 2001). Due to the COVID-19 crisis play has been suspended, but they are fully committed to coming back for 2021 if they are unable to play again this year. There are 8 teams in the XFL who compete in a winter/spring season that kicks off following the NFL’s Super Bowl.

For those looking to learn more about the sport, Jake, and the New York Guardians click here. You can also follow them on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. Oh, and you can even score your tickets for the next season already.