From the NFL to the NBA, and even the MLB, athlete-hosted podcasts are exploding in popularity. What used to be a post-retirement side hustle has turned into a powerful branding tool—with stars like Travis Kelce, Draymond Green, and Mookie Betts speaking directly to fans on their own terms.
But with current players dropping episodes during training camps and playoff runs, many are questioning whether these shows are helping careers… or hurting them.
The Case Against: “Stick to the Game”
While post-retirement pods (see: The Pat McAfee Show) are nothing new, active athletes stepping into the studio during their seasons is what’s sparking criticism.
Take Draymond Green. He recorded new episodes of The Draymond Green Show while his Golden State Warriors were in the playoffs. That didn’t sit well with fans, who questioned his focus.
“Are we podcasting or playing for a championship?”
The backlash hasn’t stopped there. Green’s podcast has led to fines and controversy after he publicly criticised referees, teammates, and journalists.
Micah Parsons, linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys, faces similar scrutiny with his show, The Edge. His rants after tough losses have been called “vent sessions” and some critics claim they damage team unity and the locker room culture.
There’s also the conflict-of-interest question. CJ McCollum, guard for the New Orleans Pelicans and president of the NBA Players Association, hosts a personal podcast while negotiating league-wide policies. Critics argue it’s a blurred line between representing players and pushing personal narratives.
The Case For: “Control the Narrative”
Despite the drama, these podcasts are helping reshape the athlete-fan relationship.
Look at New Heights, hosted by NFL brothers Jason and Travis Kelce. Since launching in September 2022, they’ve turned a niche show into one of the most influential sports podcasts globally—mixing game recaps, sibling banter, and heartfelt interviews with family members like Donna Kelce and Kylie Kelce.
Even more impressive? Since the podcast began:
-
Travis Kelce’s Kansas City Chiefs have reached three straight Super Bowls
-
Jason Kelce’s Philadelphia Eagles made it to the big game in 2023
Clearly, podcasting hasn’t slowed them down—it’s amplified their reach.
Meanwhile, in the MLB, Mookie Betts is helping evolve baseball’s image with On Base. His podcast breaks the “buttoned-up” mould of baseball media and brings fresh energy to a traditionally conservative space.
“Players are no longer just performers—they’re storytellers, too.”
These shows give fans more than post-match clichés. They offer real personality, human moments, and behind-the-scenes access fans crave.
The Verdict: More Than Just a Trend
Like it or not, athlete podcasts are here to stay. And in the age of TikTok, vlogs, and viral soundbites, fans are embracing players who are willing to keep it real.
Yes, there’s a fine line between self-expression and oversharing. But athlete-hosted podcasts reflect a larger truth: sports stars are evolving into full-blown media brands.
“This isn’t just a podcast boom—it’s a new era of athlete storytelling.”
