Author Archives: Bryce Johnson

Unpackin’ It — Bob Harris

Posted on by
2

Every week Bryce Johnson is joined on his faith and sports podcast, Unpackin’ It, by inspiring guests to discuss sports, faith and life. Listen to the full audio of all his interviews on unpackinit.com. Below are some highlights from Bryce’s interview with Bob Harris, who spent 45 years in broadcasting and has been the play-by-play voice of the Duke Blue Devils since 1976. The Hall of Fame broadcaster has called more than 1,200 basketball games and 400 football games. 

BRYCE JOHNSON: As someone who is so entrenched with the Duke program, how do you handle it when Duke loses?
BOB HARRIS: Better than I used to, let’s put it that way! But, you know, about the third or fourth year I had the Duke job, I remember we had lost a football game and I was heading home and I was just really grousing about it, and all of a sudden, and I don’t know why, but something just told me, “Bob you get paid the same dollar for a win or a loss. You don’t have to take it so hard.” So I try to keep that in perspective. But, I travel with these kids all the time; I’m with them three or four days a week, sometimes more. I get to know them, I know their parents…so you get attached to people like that, and you want to see them be successful. They’re almost like your kids. You don’t want any harm to come to them; you don’t want to see them have to deal with setbacks. But just like raising your own children, you know those are going to come, and you have to be there to do whatever you can to help them get through it. I’ve even been a little bit of a sounding board sometimes when guys were struggling, and that made me feel really good that they trusted me enough and thought enough of me to include me in their private life.

BRYCE JOHNSON: What is your advice to young broadcasters?
BOB HARRIS: Don’t try to be the next somebody. Be the best “your name” that you can be. Listen to all these other broadcasters, listen to the veterans to see how they do things, what they say, how they describe things, but don’t try to copy me or Jones Angell (UNC), or Gary Hahn (NC State) or Stan Cotten (Wake Forest)…but listen and see how we do it because we’ve got a lot of experience in calling football and basketball games. I think sometimes the younger people get a little bit antsy. They wanna have it happen now, and it’s not going to. You’ve got to pay your dues.

BRYCE JOHNSON: What has your faith journey been like?
BOB HARRIS:  At times it’s been a little bit bumpy, but it’s one of those things that always gets back on the straight and narrow, and I think in these last several years my faith has been strengthened even more because of the way our world is and the way our country is. At times I fear for our country because we have blocked God away from ourselves. The “me generation” is going to wake up and find out it should have been the “He generation” because that’s the only way we’re going to get through this current situation…I’m not one to tell anybody how they should live their lives, but I do know how I’ve tried to live mine, and what I believe in, and the things that I believe in are, in some instances, diametrically opposed to the way a lot of people are living. I pray for them and hope that they see the light and the error of their ways, at least as I see it… You wanna grab them around the neck with your arm and say, “Listen, there’s a better way and I hope before too long you recognize that way.”

BRYCE JOHNSON: Since you have known Coach Mike Krzyzewski for so long, what can you tell us about him?
BOB HARRIS: Well, being with Mike for 33 years now, the one thing that I do know is it doesn’t matter whether you’re a star player on this team or the last guy off the bench or a secretary in the office or the custodian that keeps his office cleaned up or the guy that does his radio broadcast. If you watch him, if you listen to him, if you just observe how he handles situations, you’re going to learn something every time you’re around him. And I think you’re going to be a better person in how you deal with people. I’m not trying to put Mike up on a pedestal or anything, but being as close to him as I have for these 33 years, I know what kind of man he is. I know where he came from, I know a good portion of his family and I know how he thinks about a lot of things. I tell people a lot of times that he is, in my opinion, probably the most misunderstood and under-appreciated person I have ever come in contact with because he does so many things out of the camera eye and out of the sight of other people.

By Bryce Johnson

This column was published in the March 2013 Sports Spectrum DigiMag and Volume 27, No. 2 print magazine. Print and digital subscribers, log in and view the issue here. Bryce is the host of the “Unpackin’ It” faith and sports podcast. Follow Bryce on Twitter-@BRYCERADIO.

Unpackin’ It — Renaldo Wynn

Posted on by
1

Every week Bryce Johnson is joined on Sports Spectrum’s official podcast, Unpackin’ It, by inspiring guests to discuss sports, faith and life. Listen to the full audio of all his interviews on unpackinit.com. Below are some highlights from Bryce’s interview with Renaldo Wynn, who  played defensive end at Notre Dame and then played 13 seasons in the NFL for the Redskins, Giants, Jaguars and Saints. He currently works for Game Plan for Life, his former coach Joe Gibb’s ministry. 

BRYCE JOHNSON: First, a few questions about your former teams in the news. As a Redskins fan and former player, did you think Robert Griffin III should have stayed in the game despite his injury?
RENALDO WYNN: That first knee buckle that he had, I was like, “Hey they need to take him out. They need to take him out now and just put Kirk Cousins in there and finish the second half”…RG III was neutralized. Being injured, he was not the same RG III…I just felt, even just for himself and his career alone, prolonging his career, this is not just a one-year deal, he is the franchise. When you’re looking at an eight-year commitment, and more than that hopefully, you just don’t want him to put that in jeopardy and end his career. So I just think…the call should have been made. I know RG III is a heck of a competitor and he said countless times on the interview that, “Hey, I felt I could go.” Sometimes it’s not his decision. It’s the coaches’.

BRYCE JOHNSON: Even though Notre Dame lost in the championship, how do you feel about your alma mater moving forward?
RENALDO WYNN: I think every team has their down time, but there are certain teams that sooner or later they’re gonna be back. We’ve had a long down time. I don’t think I’m stretched to say that I think we’ll be right back in the hunt again next year with the talent that we have. We’ve got a young quarterback who has a year under his belt. I think the thing we need to work on is probably depth. We’re really lacking in our depth.

BRYCE JOHNSON: I’d love to hear about your faith and how you came to know Christ. What is your story?
RENALDO WYNN: Everything was football. As a result, my grades really fell because of it. I wasn’t putting the time into my grades and academics when I was at Notre Dame like I was in football, and I was on academic probation. I came to a point where I was on my last leg and about to get kicked out of school, and for the first time in two years when I was at Notre Dame I just got on my knees and humbled myself and prayed and asked God to help me when I was in that valley. He immediately answered my prayers and sent me a wife, and in that same semester I was able to make it out of academic probation and make the Dean’s List. So I give all glory to God, it wasn’t me…I began going to church, but I still didn’t totally commit. It wasn’t until right before I got drafted with Jacksonville that my wife and I totally gave our life to Christ. It was awesome being drafted with Jacksonville and being a part of a team that was Christ-oriented. When I say that, professional sports it’s hard to really witness to guys, but to go on to a team where our leaders Mark Brunell, Tony Boselli and a whole crew of different guys were on fire for the Lord, it made my walk a little easier I guess.

BRYCE JOHNSON: So you have to tell me more about why you prayed for a wife and how God sent you a wife.
RENALDO WYNN: At that time, I was in so many different relationships with so many different women. I was still lonely. There was no fulfillment. The lies had continued to mound up, lie after lie. I told so many lies, I couldn’t even remember the next lie I was telling. The pressure of dealing with different relationships with all the different women had begun to really get to me. I asked God to send me someone that’s for me. I was tired. As a result He sent me my wife. I met her a couple months after that, and then we got married three months later.

BRYCE JOHNSON: Are you serious? Wow!
RENALDO WYNN: In the midst of all the stuff that had happened, I knew this was right. In the midst of all that, God will send you someone, a helpmate…He knows we can’t do things on our own. For me it was my wife. I wanted to change, but I wasn’t doing the things to change. So he had to send me someone. I really believe that…she was that inspiration for me to give it all I had…from there I really believe it was because God sent her to me that I was able to not only stay in school, but make the Dean’s List.

By Bryce Johnson

This column was published in the January 2013 Sports Spectrum DigiMag. Print and digital subscribers, log in and view the issue here. Bryce is the host of the “Unpackin’ It” faith and sports podcast. Follow Bryce on Twitter-@BRYCERADIO.

Unpackin’ it — Pat Williams

Posted on by
887

Pat Williams, co-founder and senior vice president of the Orlando Magic joined Bryce Johnson on the UNPACKIN’ it radio show to discuss sports, faith and family. Pat is also a motivational speaker and has spent more than 50 years in professional baseball and basketball as a player and executive.

Williams is the author of more than 75 books. He and his wife, Ruth, are the parents of 19 children, including 14 adopted children from four nations. You can listen to the full interview at www.unpackinit.com

BRYCE JOHNSON: You’ve been involved in the NBA for a long time. Do you still love it, and what’s your overall view of the league right now?
Pat Williams: Bryce, I’m still fascinated by it. This is my 44th year in the National Basketball Association. My first season was 1968, so I’ve seen an awful lot of change, and I’ve seen an enormous amount of growth. The internationalization of the game has been spectacular…and, yes…the games are still intriguing to me, the athletes are still intriguing…I follow what’s going on with each team very closely. I still root extra hard for our Magic here in Orlando. I’m just riveted by the sport…The game has never been played under a more glaring spotlight.

BRYCE JOHNSON:   What has God been teaching you recently?
Pat Williams: Well, the most recent teaching comes through my cancer diagnosis. I was diagnosed 22 months ago with multiple myeloma, which is cancer of the bone marrow, the blood in the bone marrow, so that has been a major issue here. I think the Lord has been teaching me that we are going to have storms in our life. I think all of us have either come out of a storm, or we’re in the middle of a storm, or we’re heading into one. And, in the middle of the storm, how are you gonna react? What are you gonna do? How are you gonna deal with it? I’ve been a Christian for many decades, but never really faced major adversity, but the cancer diagnosis got my attention. And I think, at that point, Bryce, you have one of two choices: You can turn your back on God and shake your fist at Him and play the “Why me?” game, or you can just do a flying leap into His lap and hold on around his neck as tightly as you can and ride through the storm holding onto the Lord. And that’s what I’ve been doing.

BRYCE JOHNSON: You and your wife have adopted 14 international kids. What have you learned through adoption?
Pat Williams:  I’ve learned that parenting is not easy, but children need your time. They need your attention; you’ve got to figure out the right balance between love and discipline. I think that’s the key. They need unconditional love, but that has to be balanced with the right amount of discipline. And the other thing I’ve learned is, at 18, they are leaving home. That needs to be planted in their minds from the time they’re very young, that at 18 they’re going to college or they’re going into the military or they’re going into the workforce, but they’re not hanging at home playing video games.

BRYCE JOHNSON: Since you are involved with the Magic organization, what was your thought process during the whole Dwight Howard saga in Orlando?
Pat Williams: Dwight, what are you thinking? What’s going on in your mind? Why can we not get through to you? This is your city; this is where you started as an 18-year-old. There’s something special, Dwight, about being in one city your whole career, a la John Havlicek or Tim Duncan or David Robinson or Cal Ripken…Dwight, to have a monument outside the building of you, this is your town.

BRYCE JOHNSON: How do you feel about players staying on one team their whole career or playing for multiple teams?
Pat Williams: At a certain point in their career a player has the right to make decisions and move in other directions…They have earned the right for that freedom. I, however, argue that if you can have one career in one city and start there and finish there, boy, I think that’s pretty special…and quite rare. Kobe Bryant will do it, it appears. He’ll be a one-city guy. You’re always linked to that franchise. Shaquille O’Neal, for example, started here, four years here, then off to LA, then to Miami, then to Phoenix, then to Cleveland, then to Boston. He does not have one city that is his…where he will always be linked to that one city…And, I think, at the end of your career, I think that’s kind of sad.

By Bryce Johnson

This column was published in the September 2012 Sports Spectrum DigiMag. Print and digital subscribers, log in and view the issue here. Follow Bryce on Twitter-@BRYCERADIO.

UNPACKIN’ it INTERVIEW — Pat Williams

Posted on by
2,298

Joining Sports Spectrum contributor and faith and sports podcast host Bryce Johnson today is Pat Williams, co-founder and senior vice president of the Orlando Magic. He’s also a motivational speaker and has spent 50 years in professional baseball and basketball as a player and executive.

Williams is the author of over 75 books. He and his wife, Ruth, are the parents of 19 children, including 14 adopted from four nations.

Bryce asks him about Dwight Howard, the state of the NBA, and his faith. Pat also discusses his battle with cancer. Click here to listen to Bryce’s interview with Pat on the “Upackin’ It” podcast.

UNPACKIN’ it DAILY — NFL Preview and Lakers

Posted on by
20

Listen to Sports Spectrum contributor and “Unpackin’ It” podcast host Bryce Johnson give his thoughts on the upcoming NFL weekend. Find out what 4-4 team he believes will make the playoffs in the NFC. Also, has he finally given up on the Eagles? Plus, will he pick the Panthers to beat the Broncos? Bryce also discusses what’s going on with “his” Lakers. Click here to listen.

UNPACKIN’ it DAILY — The Fantasy Football Show

Posted on by
1,139

It’s Wednesday! That means Sports Spectrum contributor, and faith and sports podcast host Bryce Johnson is lending his expertise to the fantasy football world. He answers the question, “What’s Boiling, Bryce?” and also gives you two players to pick up this week off the waiver wire. Find out if Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin helped or hurt his team last week. Click here to listen to Unpackin’ It podcast host Bryce Johnson’s Week 9 fantasy football thoughts.

UNPACKIN’ It INTERVIEW: Britton Lynn

Posted on by
946

Sports Spectrum contributor, and faith and sports podcast host Bryce Johnson interviews Fox6 sports reporter Britton Lynn about Alabama football, her faith, the Cowboys, being a female sports broadcaster and cheering for her alma mater.  Britton has covered BCS Championships, the ESPYS, and has been seen on ESPNU and Fox Sports. She brings some great energy to the UNPACKIN’ It podcast. Click here to listen to Bryce’s interview with Britton Lynn.

Unpackin’ It — This NBA season, I’m convinced…

Posted on by
1,130

1. I’m convinced there are three great teams this year. The three best players in the NBA, Lebron James, Kobe Bryant and Kevin Durant, all have a strong chance of winning a title this season. I always enjoy when the best players are on good teams instead of being on rebuilding teams. Those three guys are the obvious leaders, but each is surrounded by tons of talent that allows for success. You can make a case that the Thunder, Heat, or Lakers will win it all, but I’m convinced the Lakers win this year. I believe Steve Nash will do such a great job of getting Kobe, Dwight Howard and Pau Gasol their touches that teams will have a tough time stopping them, despite their difficult 0-3 start to the season.

2. I’m convinced the most exciting team to watch this year will be the Los Angeles Clippers. Chris Paul is such a great passer and Blake Griffin is an amazing dunker. They added Grant Hill and Lamar Odom to go along with Caron Butler, Chauncey Billups, and Deandre Jordan. They will score lots of points and dunk all the time.

3. I’m convinced rookie Anthony Davis will be a great NBA player. He will make an immediate impact in the NBA. He showed he was a winner at Kentucky and the fact he spent time around all the top players in the NBA on the gold medal-winning U.S. Olympic team only made him better.

4. I’m convinced the Brooklyn Nets are better than people realize. I think Deron Williams and Joe Johnson could be the best backcourt in the NBA and their front court provides the rebounding and defense they need to be a dangerous team. I’m convinced the Nets will be a team nobody will want to be matched up with in the playoffs.

5. I’m convinced the point guard position is the most talented in the NBA right now. It’s very similar to what we are seeing in the NFL at the quarterback position. The NBA used to be loaded with big centers, but now we hardly see any. Now, almost every team has a strong point guard including some very young promising players like Kyrie Irving, John Wall and Jeremy Lin. Plus, these great point guards are in their prime: Rajon Rondo, Chris Paul, Deron Williams, and Tony Parker.

6. I’m convinced the Utah Jazz will be a legit team this year, and the NBA world will start talking a lot about them. With Al Jefferson and Gordon Hayward and newcomer Marvin Williams, they have the makeup to be one of the West’s top teams.

7. I’m convinced the Orlando Magic will be the worst team in the NBA. They are going to go through a few years of rebuilding after letting go of Dwight Howard. It will be tough to be an Orlando Magic fan for a long time.

8. I’m convinced Lebron will win the MVP again. He’s clearly the best player and I think he’s only getting better.

9. I’m convinced the Washington Wizards will be the most improved team. They have a good balance of young players and veterans, and I’m positive John Wall will be a great point guard.

10. I’m convinced the New York Knicks will have a disappointing season. They have too many old players. It’s great to have solid veterans, but they just have old players. Plus, their main stars, Carmelo Anthony and Amar’e Stoudamire, don’t gel well enough to be a championship contender.

By Bryce Johnson

UNPACKIN’ it with Bryce Johnson is a radio show that unpacks the truth about faith, sports, life and entertainment.  Join Bryce as he interviews intriguing guests and has inspiring conversations. Find out more on www.unpackinit.com.  You can also follow Bryce on Twitter: @BRYCERADIO. This column was published in the All-Basketball, October 2012 DigiMag.

UNPACKIN’ it DAILY-NBA Season Preview

Posted on by
1,011

Today on the show, Sports Spectrum contributor and “Unpackin’ It” podcast host Bryce Johnson gives his predictions and thoughts on the big storylines heading into the NBA season. Find out who he thinks will win the MVP and who will win the championship. He also has some interesting thoughts on the Jazz and Nets. Click here to listen to Bryce’s views and predications on the 2012-13 NBA season.

Uncommon Challenge