Unvarnished Football Podcast By unvarnishedfootball cover art

Unvarnished Football

Unvarnished Football

By: unvarnishedfootball
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Former NFL executive Upton Bell provides the best football insights with co-host Michael Jackson. No gimmicks. No gossip. Just football.

Upton Bell was Director of Player Personnel for the Baltimore Colts under head coach Don Shula in the 1960s. Held same role when the Colts won Super Bowl V. He next became General Manager of the New England Patriots and changed the team’s name from the Boston Patriots to New England Patriots. His father, Bert Bell, founded the Philadelphia Eagles and was later NFL commissioner. Bert Bell invented the NFL Draft, the two-
minute warning, and overtime. Upton also was a pro football team owner, owning the World Football League’s Charlotte Hornets. His broadcasting credits including hosting New England Patriots pregame and postgame shows, and the long-running television show, “Sports Beat” on WSBK-TV in Boston. He is regularly quoted in many national media outlets including the New York Times and Washington Post.

Michael Jackson is an author, oral historian, and show host. His oral history book, The Game Before the Money was published by the University of Nebraska Press in 2014 and included interviews with NFL legends like Frank Gifford, Bart Starr, and Don Maynard. He writes TheGameBeforeTheMoney.com and hosts The Game Before the Money Podcast. Other past projects include directing a film documentary featuring the 1970s Luv Ya Blue Oilers, an oral history of HBCU
football, and two more published football books. As a host, he hosted a weekly national program on the SportsMap Radio Network, weekly live high school football postgame shows and high school football play-by-play on multiple radio stations in the Austin/San Antonio market area.

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Episodes
  • NFL Coaching Carousel
    Mar 26 2026

    Former NFL executive Upton Bell discusses the NFL's new coaching hires and the NFL scheduling games on Wednesday and in Australia with co-host Michael Jackson of The Game Before the Money. The two have an unvarnished discussion about African American head coaches and how many NFL teams truly upgraded with their new coaching hires.

    Unvarnished Football: No Fluff. No Filler. JUST FOOTBALL.

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    54 mins
  • The NFL Sights on Growth
    Mar 19 2026

    Former NFL executive Upton Bell discusses how fans and players might be affected by the NFL's plans for a potential 18-game season and at least one international game per team each season with co-host Michael Jackson of The Game Before the Money. Upton Bell worked for the Colts and Patriots as Director of Player Personnel and as General Manager. His father, Bert Bell, founded the Philadelphia Eagles and was later the NFL's commissioner.

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    46 mins
  • Maxx Crosby No Trade
    Mar 12 2026

    Former NFL executive Upton Bell discusses the Maxx Crosby failed trade situation with co-host Michael Jackson of The Game Before the Money. The two also question if free agency actually helps teams win championships, looking back on the past for examples.

    Pat Mahomes' injury is also looked at, and the hosts explore what it might mean for his future.

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    54 mins
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