The Athletic Football Show: A show about the NFL
The Athletic Football Show: A show about the NFL
The Athletic
Reviews
via Podcasts
Great Pod
I started listening to TAFS when ATN broke up (shouts to NFLD and HTC). This is a really great resource for all things NFL without the dumb, bro energy I found while looking for an ATN replacement. Just talking ball in an articulate way. Also, I am absolutely loving the new addition of Dave Helman. I wasn’t familiar with his work before but he’s a great hang, shoots straight, and brings a ton of levity to the pod. 10/10
Read more
Cline 85
Meh
If you like insightful, in-depth commentary about the AFC/NFC south and occasionally the NFC north, this podcast is for you! The quality of insight is high, just never about teams that matter.
Sweetjayt
Long
The Podcast is great, but there is way too many details. Also Saquon is really good!!!
SaquonBarkley#1
A hard listen
I listen to many NFL podcasts and this one is a tough listen. I know Robert does his work and is a smart football commentator but I feel like he and his other hosts talk down to the listener like they know more than everyone else and their opinion is gospel. Listening to the NFL QB discussion they don’t mention leadership once as a necessary attribute when an argument can be made that is the most important one. It is tough to listen to these “smart” football podcasters and feel like I am gaining any constructive knowledge.
Read more
Athletic NFL football show
This show really really needs a 3rd host
I’ve enjoyed Robert since his ringer days, I think he’s one of the best nfl podcasts hosts, and I think Derrik has really come into his own taking over for Nate, but even though I keep trying to come back to it I find that I can’t stick with this show for long. I couldn’t really put my finger on why that was until I listened to Robert’s appearance on Bill Barnwell’s show last week. Robert and Derrick agree way too much. Sure they’re smart football guys, but the podcast space is full of people giving smart football analysis and audio format really isn’t that conducive to having deep discussions about a game that’s so visual. Because Robert and Derrik agree way too much their opinions never evolve and the discussion always ends up being the same. And that’s the problem I realized I kept having with the show, after one or two episodes of hearing the same ideas over and over again it just became boring.
Read more
Ejhdhehrueu
The Best Podcast Out There
As an avid podcast listener who listens to anywhere from four to eight hours of podcasts per day on topics ranging from sports to Christianity to Joe Rogan to movie reviews, this is THE BEST PODCAST. Robert is a simply incredible host. He and Nate had amazing chemistry. Derrik is great too. Robert is a Bears fan but he’s grounded. He’s smart. They do fun topics. They don’t want to just be right. They want to learn. I’ve listened to every podcast for at least the last five years. A+ work. Keep it up.
Read more
Fish14!
best football pod there is
Robert and Derrik do the work necessary to explain some of the most intricate parts of the game in a really digestible, enjoyable way. Their chemistry is fantastic and their analysis is never pretentious; you can find their joy in every episode. The guests always bring fresh, expert perspectives. To prevent things from getting stale, the podcast looks at topics in a really fresh, interesting way. Their weekly mailbags, annual trade value list along with other beloved gimmicks, and their commitment to covering every corner of the league make this my favorite NFL podcast.
Read more
Bob620plmoknijbfhsk
Stop talking over your co-hosts
Listen to the episode with Mike Sando where the participants DIDN’T speak over each other.
vertital
Niche Complaints You’ll Relate To
These guys clearly put the time in and are extremely knowledgeable. Best across the league, in depth football content out there. With that said: Please stop saying “There’s a world where” or “They’re a top 10 O-Line in 700 out of 1000 simulations” every time you make a prediction. Sometimes just say they’ll be good, it’s not a Bayesian Stats lecture. Please stop overdramatizing potential POVs by relating them to poor mental health, i.e., “That’s the opinion of a deeply unwell man” Best, Ben
Read more
JHerb10
Too Long
The podcast episodes are just too long, man. Way too long.
Markbeede1
Very happy with Klassen
I think Derrik is a great co-host because he has his own insights about players that are also thoughtful
mgrassa
Baker Mayfield
Can’t Give Him His Flowers — and one huge note you two left out in regard to Baker’s 2024 season — he didn’t have his two top receivers for a lot of the season. So it’s not just bc he has Mike Evans. At some point, you’re just going to have to accept that Baker is a good NFL QB.
Henry6150
The Best Football Podcast
Mays is excellent and Klassen (whose name auto-incorrected three times) brings his own perspective, without creating fake antagonism or forced confrontation. Mays does push Klassen around a bit, but I believe that is mostly because Robert is very passionate, and Derek interprets that fire as anger, rather than how I hear it—relish for a good argument (as in discussion on differences, not yelling match). They are young, so they think 2000 is ancient NFL history, and thus they sometimes lose perspective—guys did play amazing football in 1960, the year Chuck Bednarik last played both ways (in the true sense). I enjoy their conviviality, though, and I find myself laughing (yes, out loud) when they are having fun—which is most podcasts. Above all, they don’t bluster, or grandstand, and say outlandish things for the sake of being outlandish or grandstanding for audience share. That is hard to find. Of course, I wish they talked about the Browns way more, but it is clear their mothers taught them manners; if you can’t say something nice, then say nothing at all. Maybe this year!
Read more
caryn96
Great listen
Officially “must listen” territory. Even in the offseason. Robert Mays is a true master of his craft and his co-hosts are excellent.
Dillrange
Still miss Nate, but TAFS has bounced back nicely
I dig it! Definitely miss Sando’s episodes and Kiefer & The Beats, but Robert does great work. He’s a killer host who finds ways to keep things interesting deep into the off-season. Some good guests on the program, too. Shout-out to Beller (and his golden pipes) holding it down!
FartLicker_69
Love the show
Love the show and their football knowledge, but the guys need to spice it up… it sometime can put me to sleep
jcgpac
Dorks talk football
That’s it, that’s the show. Data nerds masquerading as football experts. The habitual and blatant disrespect of the SB champs cost you all credibility.
Steve Phillips
It’s OK to talk Bears
I love the show but it feels like Robert goes out of his way to not talk about the Bears. They’re a fascinating team right now!
KMcK44
Better pods out there
Show punches down a bit too much, gets old rather fast. Solid draft preview on prospects.
LJ2778
NFL podcast
An excellent football podcast.
dmike12856
Lost Me
the addition of co-host Klassen made this pod insufferable. Its more condescending, mean spirited, and pretentious than it was. And it was already kind of there. Klassen certainly does not have the professional track record to validate his self-righteous, snide, criticisms of actual professionals. It’s tired and its nauseating. Klassen’s record as QB evaluator is pretty horrific, so the absolute lack of self-awareness is grating and makes one wonder why he got the job. It’s just not fun to listen to anymore.
Read more
MJVerno
Great podcast but some of the segments are lazy
Great podcast but their current “on the clock” shows where the host gives the guest options to choose from always ends up as basically just choose whoever you want. Offering them “best wr, best edge, best dtackle, or a wildcard of their choice” is lazy. Might as well just say pick who you want from everyone available for each pick.
jhayes473
Who is Geno Smith?
I don’t understand how you guys continue to make Geno Smith out to be a lock top 10 Quarterback in the NFL! This is insane!
Saver Zero
Ben Solak
Please don’t have this annoying pretentious person on your otherwise regularly awesome show anymore.
Fernando Antonio C.
Audio Production
Love this podcast but what is up with the sharp S’s? Is there no way to mix that out? I have to turn the volume up to hear Derek better but then when Mays chimes back in I have to turn it down because any word he says with an S is so sharp it hurts my head and my ears. Is it the microphone or the mixing of the audio? Would love if this could get fixed. Otherwise everything else is fantastic!
Football Playin Jessie
Ads
I understand we work for money but the amount of ads on this podcast are out of control. Dane needs to have his own podcast
arossi15
Really good pod
Always very insightful and thoughtful analysis and do a good job covering the entire league as opposed to just a select group of teams
TVExpert-1993
Talking fax
They were talking fax in this podcast. And it’s fun to listen to stuff you like.
I Talk Fax
One of my go-tos
I’ve been listening to this podcast for over two years now and I’ve learned so much about football. The hosts do a good job at balancing a philosophical and realistic approach to the sport.
EmceeAlister
Very enjoyable, thank you.
My family and I thank you! I was compelled to complain about such foul language before so the least I can do is say thanks for the obvious successful attempts at not swearing so much and bleeping it out when you do. Always have loved the show, so thanks again! 5 stars from us!
Buc fan in Charlotte
Really enjoy the current show
I like robert and his knowledge but had stopped listening to the previous version of the show. When derrik joined , i was impressed by derrik. he and Robert are very enjoyable to listen to. Excellent show
collegefan08
Robert Mays is unbearable
Robert Mays is unbearable
Sean TMc.
Need Time Stamps
Can you please add time stamps to your podcasts? Other shows that go long like you do it. I have stopped listening to your podcast because I only want to hear specific topics but it takes me forever to find them because you don’t put time stamps in the summary.
Ryan13131313
Miss Nate
I was gonna write a review but first let’s take a quick break
Rodgers Mustache
Sleeping aid
Great podcast! I particularly enjoy it while on the plane as it helps me fall asleep without fail.
Gtstudent12345
good stuff
Increasingly convinced that Derrik is paid by Justin Herbert’s camp to do positive PR
Svetlana del Gay
Great Show!
Love the high level analysis! One of my few regular podcasts, and always fun. Don’t always agree with everything, but always makes me think.
Brian H 2
Needs to add a NFL player/Coach
The Nerd on Nerd talk gets a little dizzying, I love the classic dichotomy of the the Analytics Guy bantering with the “On the Field” Guy. One can give uniques insights that only data and intense film watching would yield while the other can pull it down to earth and talk about the physicality and reality of what the game entails.
Wildcat_Steamer
Great pod
This is not just one of my favorite football pods — but one of my favorite pods on any topic. Mays is one of the truly great hosts and football personalities out there. Knowledgable, curious, and zero smugness (a rarity in this field these days). I always learn a lot listening to this show. Keep up the great work, guys.
jdw261
Analysis is not as smart as it thinks it is
I feel like this show wants to be the place where football hipsters come to analyze football in new insightful ways. It also aims to be a place for smart conversations about the game and well-considered, constructive arguments. Thing is, I don’t find your analysis all that insightful. Listened to the first 20 minutes of “What we can learn from the final 4 teams episode” and the first two were “Don’t turn the ball over” and “Run the ball to add consistency to your offense”. Really? That’s what you learned? Should we add “Score more points than your opponent”? Additionally, you show bias quite a bit, which is fine because people are biased by nature, but in the same episode you just include the Lions because you want to. Is there something to be learned by the Commies beating them? I’m not sure, but why bend the rule there? All in all, I try this show out every couple months wanting it to be better but I get disappointed.
Read more
MM1226485947363937
fine
just fine. noticeably worse during the 2024-2025 season.
R-Pro Dart
New to football
Enjoy the show and the personalities. Rarely keep up with the dissection of the plays but keeping up with the enthusiasm in the explanations is a breeze🙂 Can someone address the new colors on the logo this week? Something to do with playoffs? bye!
bethmcel
The Athletic
Love the show. As a high school OC and NFL junkie, the knowledge and insight on this pod makes it a must listen every week!(Miss Nate though) @Coach_Cohen1
Coach_Cohen1
Good solid show
Best part are the recaps after games and season previews dissecting each team division by division. I also love you guys talking about coaching carousel decisions. Want to make it better: get Mike Sando on midweek shows regularly. Yes, I miss him and Randy. Maybe pair him with Zak Keefer.
cubbyfan4ever
Fun!
This show is joyful. The hosts are having a ball and it’s contagious. They love the NFL and relish talking about it. Breezy good vibes keep me coming back.
Podcast Enjoyer II
Robert
Robert and his former Mustache are my favorite podcast hosts. I miss Tice but Robert’s former Mustache is a near worthy substitute.
Augsbeard
Excellent League-Wide Analysis
Robert is smart and insightful. Love his analysis and guests. One quibble is he can’t help himself from interrupting his guests, preventing them from finishing their thoughts. At times, he feels compelled to make a point that they are on the path of making. Overall, it’s one of the best league-wide football shows.
DougBF
Herbert tears
Had myself a good laugh when these two had their little herbert therapy session
Popo_Nono
Vocal fry is annoying
The woman(?) who is the primary host should consider getting vocal coaching/therapy to correct their vocal fry.
SkipperDipper234
Real football from a real person
I’ve been a pro football fan my whole adult life, but I’ve learned so much about the game this past season listening to Robert Mays and his guests. Not only that, but I was particularly moved by Robert talking having to put down his dog Molly on a recent episode.
portlanding
Load more