The physical toll of football extends far beyond the final whistle, a reality former Buckeye and NFL veteran Donnie Nickey brings into sharp focus on this week's Scarlet Orange and Brown podcast. His candid journey through the aftermath of an eight-year NFL career—from debilitating cluster headaches to the spiritual awakening that ultimately saved him—offers a rare glimpse behind professional football's glossy exterior.

Between brutally honest reflections on his role as a "wedge buster" on special teams ("You've got to have a few screws loose") and shocking revelations about concussion protocols of the early 2000s ("Apple, umbrella... I just regurgitated the same three words"), Nickey delivers the kind of authentic perspective only someone who's lived in the trenches can provide. His admission of wearing the same helmet technology from high school through his NFL career stands as a stark reminder of how quickly player safety has evolved.

The episode doesn't shy away from current affairs, delivering comprehensive analysis of all three Ohio football teams. The hosts break down Ohio State's commanding 37-9 victory over Ohio University, highlighting Julian Sayin's impressive performance and Matt Patricia's defensive wizardry. They examine the Cincinnati Bengals' uncertain future following Joe Burrow's turf toe injury and explore why the Cleveland Browns continue to struggle despite outgaining opponents.

What emerges is a multi-layered conversation about football that transcends box scores and highlight reels. When Nickey says, "My championship ring now is my wedding ring," he crystallizes the episode's most powerful message: there's life after football, but finding your way there requires the right team around you. For anyone who loves the game but wants to understand its human cost, this episode delivers wisdom that lingers long after the final play.

Football fever has taken over the Buckeye State, and our latest episode delivers the comprehensive coverage you deserve. We dive deep into Ohio State's scorching 2-0 start, where they've dominated opponents 84-7 behind Julian Sane's near-perfect passing and a defense that's been nothing short of spectacular. Despite significant coaching changes and new personnel, the Buckeyes haven't missed a beat, suggesting their ceiling remains sky-high as Big Ten play approaches.

The upcoming matchup against Ohio University has Vegas setting a five-touchdown spread, but our hosts predict a more competitive affair. While still forecasting a convincing Buckeyes victory (44-17 or 48-17), we explore why the Bobcats' recent upset over West Virginia and the emotional charge of an in-state rivalry could make this more interesting than expected.

We also dissect the Browns-Bengals showdown that saw Joe Flacco throw for nearly 300 yards in a losing effort while Joe Burrow struggled with just 113 passing yards yet emerged victorious. Cleveland's secondary impressed by containing Cincinnati's elite receivers, but drops and special teams failures proved costly. Meanwhile, the Bengals' defense, particularly linebacker Logan Wilson, stepped up in a major way—something our Bengals expert notes hasn't always happened when Burrow has an off day. Looking ahead to Week 2, we offer predictions for the Browns' challenging trip to Baltimore and Cincinnati's home opener against Jacksonville, complete with betting insights that went perfect in Week 1.

Whether you're bleeding scarlet and gray, rooting for orange and brown, or devoted to the orange and black, our passionate analysis covers every angle of Ohio football. Subscribe now to ensure you never miss our weekly breakdown of everything happening on gridirons across the Buckeye State!

Dive into the heart of Ohio football passion with the debut episode of the Scarlet, Orange and Brown (SOB) podcast! Hosts Chris Huesman and Ken Carpenter – both former coaches with decades of experience – bring their blue-collar perspective to Ohio's football landscape, covering everything from the Buckeyes to the Bengals to the Browns.

Football runs deep in the Buckeye State, and we're embracing the "Ohio against the world" mentality. Our hosts break down what to expect from Ohio State this season, projecting a return to the Big Ten Championship against Penn State. With analysis of Michigan's challenges, Nebraska's potential breakthrough under Matt Rule, and why Oregon could dominate the western division, we provide insights you won't find elsewhere.

The NFL conversation heats up with an in-depth look at the AFC North, where the Ravens and Bengals battle for supremacy while the Browns rely on elite defense to overcome quarterback questions. We examine Joe Burrow's weapons, Cincinnati's offensive line improvements, and Cleveland's veteran addition of Joe Flacco. Our bold predictions include the Bills finally breaking through to win the Super Bowl against the Eagles, with division winner forecasts across the NFL.

Beyond X's and O's, we highlight the character of Ohio's football culture through stories like Nick Chubb's $5 million donation to Cleveland homeless shelters and similar community initiatives from players across the state. We wrap up with betting locks for the week, including the Commanders over Giants and a potential Browns upset of the Bengals in the Battle of Ohio.

Join us weekly as we bring you insights from our coaching backgrounds, passionate fan perspectives, and upcoming guest interviews with insiders from across Ohio football. Subscribe now to get every episode delivered straight to your device – because here, it's all football, all Ohio, all the time.