The Athletic Football Show: A show about the NFL

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The Athletic’s flagship NFL podcast covers the league like only The Athletic can. Host Robert Mays and co-host Derrik Klassen dive into the biggest stories, break down the Xs and Os, tackle the ins and outs of roster building, follow the details of why we all love this sport, and have plenty of fun along the way, bringing the expertise necessary to cover the NFL at the highest level. Whether it’s happening on the field or behind the scenes, you’ll get an in-depth look at all things NFL on The Athletic Football Show, available wherever you get your podcasts.

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Recent Reviews
  • I Talk Fax
    Talking fax
    They were talking fax in this podcast. And it’s fun to listen to stuff you like.
  • EmceeAlister
    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.
  • Fan in Mint Hill NC
    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!
  • collegefan08
    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
  • Sean T. Mc
    Robert Mays is unbearable
    Robert Mays is unbearable
  • Ryan13131313
    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.
  • Rodgers Mustache
    Miss Nate
    I was gonna write a review but first let’s take a quick break
  • Gtstudent12345
    Sleeping aid
    Great podcast! I particularly enjoy it while on the plane as it helps me fall asleep without fail.
  • Svetlana del Gay
    good stuff
    Increasingly convinced that Derrik is paid by Justin Herbert’s camp to do positive PR
  • Brian H 2
    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.
  • Wildcat_Steamer
    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.
  • jdw261
    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.
  • MM1226485947363937
    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.
  • R-Pro Dart
    fine
    just fine. noticeably worse during the 2024-2025 season.
  • bethmcel
    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!
  • Coach_Cohen1
    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
  • cubbyfan4ever
    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.
  • Podcast Enjoyer II
    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.
  • Augsbeard
    Robert
    Robert and his former Mustache are my favorite podcast hosts. I miss Tice but Robert’s former Mustache is a near worthy substitute.
  • DougBF
    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.
  • Popo_Nono
    Herbert tears
    Had myself a good laugh when these two had their little herbert therapy session
  • SkipperDipper234
    Vocal fry is annoying
    The woman(?) who is the primary host should consider getting vocal coaching/therapy to correct their vocal fry.
  • portlanding
    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.
  • Tom Deflady
    Dripping with Bias
    Robert is a very interesting host with objective views which I’m a huge fan of. However, it’s very, very difficult to take a preview show seriously when the cohost mentions that he’s “manifesting” for a certain player times and as a result admits that it’s affecting his analysis. Very disappointing. Unbiased media is a thing of the past, unfortunately.
  • Kurrykatsu
    Best football podcast around
    No other podcast blends Xs and Os technical knowledge of the game with genuinely fun and entertaining delivery.
  • buca5
    Favorite Football Pod
    The best and most informative football podcast out there
  • Kmoejo
    Need Time Stamps
    The show notes need detailed time stamps like Check the Mic podcast. I don’t have time to listen to everything and I don’t care about some of the content, like the New York teams.
  • mollypeyton01
    5 stars
    I love this podcast. I am a more recent football fam and have learned so much from Robert. Plus he’s hilarious and I love his voice.
  • 425w
    Me, too
    Robert: Your language level is semi-tough. When you & guests review games, it’s a first-person conversation. As in: Derek & I (not me). Lose “pretty good” & your swearing for adult attention.
  • Jasonwc97
    Favorite sports podcast!
    Derek has really come into his own over the course of the season and he clearly knows his stuff, it’s been fun to see them grow as co hosts. Good balanced takes that are clearly well thought out. Planning on listening for a long time.
  • 1# football podcast
    Very knowledgeable
    I love this podcast. Really know football. Filled me in on matchups and have great anaylisises
  • Cdavidt63
    Best Football Podcast
    This is consistently the best football podcast. If you like in depth analysis, good questions and thoughtful answers, look no further. There are some exceptions but TV football shows are all about personalities, sound bites, and cliche-filled Q’ and A’s. Not this show. Opinions are backed up with data. I don’t always agree with Robert Mays but I understand his logic and views because they are always come with evidence. I understand the game better since I started listening to this show. Excellent work!
  • nicsc3000
    Better than ever!
    LOVE LOVE LOVE this show. Always giving good-natured, thoughtful football analysis. Been recommending it to friends. Robert and Derrik strike the perfect balance of personal and professional: I deeply appreciated when Robert shared with us what he was going through when he lost his furry family member, Molly and I’m so happy that other listeners seemed to appreciate it in the same way I did. Yet I am grateful that Robert and Derrik don’t spend too much time trying to force “funny” banter on us about every detail of what happened to them on their way to work each day. Miss me with that time-wasting mess. I also loved when they did what became a deep dive love letter to Lamar Jackson in a recent episode — seemingly just because. Beautiful. Loved the Money Down miniseries, too. More of those are welcome, whenever you find time. This show is one of my absolute favorites — no notes.
  • FartLicker_69
    Used to be better, but still worth your time!
    Nate is obviously missed, but Robert is still the man! I have no strong feelings either way about Derek yet. Definitely surprised to hear how incredulous they both were that a football fan might not care much about the MVP debate. Feels like a classic case of national pundits getting a tad out of touch with what matters to most fans. Not all of us like football purely for the arguments that may come with it - some of us just enjoy the game itself. That whole conversation really drove home for me just how much Nate brought to the show. Feels more narrative-driven now than before, but I’ll keep listening!
  • Rob B6
    Love pod
    I’ve become a huge fan this year. Nice to hear real content and detail. A fun show. Happily subscribed
  • Jdbvsugbeksknsvshhsb
    Love these Guys
    Miss the Nate and Robert superstar duo, but this is still such a great podcast for anybody who wants nuanced, thoughtful football content. It’s increasingly difficult to find and I appreciate you guys so much for it. Thank you. -Jodi
  • On the DFS Grind
    One of the best NFL Shows
    I listen to this year round and think it’s one of the best overall nfl shows. I listen multiple times a week
  • Ckbde
    Great Show
    This show has the best combination of football stats and actual football analysis from people who know the game. It’s a great listen for anyone who loves football and wants to learn more about it.
  • PJ-H
    Thank you
    I’ve loved listening to Mays since the Grantland days, and Klassen more than holds his own. The passion, the hard work, and the consistency shine through. Thanks for a great pod guys!
  • Bridger B
    Best in the business
    This has been my go to show for the past 2 years now. I miss Nate, (and love his show over at yahoo) but Derick has been great since taking over! I love the in depth analysis and deep dives into each game every week. Love listening to Robert rant about the bears every week (I’m a packers fan). Really love this show!
  • cnice82
    Bad
    Real bad, unenjoyable, a lot of words and time spent to say very little of substance or consequence
  • jabes01
    Good show but
    Take a drink every time Mays says “right now” or “what this is going to look like” and you’ll end up in the hospital.
  • Jonathan QA.
    Always a great listen
    I can count on one hand the number of episodes that didn’t really interest me. I almost always find it a worthy listen!
  • Hankeringsmankedibg
    My favorite podcast
    Listen to it every weekend on my long run along the Chicago lakefront to prep me for the weekend’s slate of games. Love the energy and dedication that Robert and the rest of the crew bring.
  • DutchmanEGR
    One of the best!
    Really engaging, interesting football content! One of the best football podcasts/content out there
  • Tom31415926
    Excellent show
    Love the way you approach breaking down the league from both an analytical and narrative perspective.
  • desco2805
    Incredible show insightful and interesting
    Amazing show first place I go for previews and recaps anything football I come to the athletic football show for 1st. Mays is a great host
  • w34599
    Bad Teams
    Loved the conversation with Conor
  • Bad*At*This
    Worth my time
    The show is so good and smart that it’s worth my time to leave a review. Never the knee-jerk reaction or brag about some pre-season prediction. Just thoughtful and insightful. I do miss Nate (“How ya doin’, buddy?”), but the new guys have filled in admirably. Keep up the great work and please keep doing this for as long as pissible
  • Kram Zone
    Great podcast
    Best NFL podcast out there
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