May 9th, 2026 - Titans, Nashville SC out of CCC, Vanderbilt's Big Year

Music City Baseball Board Member Nancy Schultz on Bringing MLB to Nashville | Chris Johnson & Predators News

CORRECTION: This episode mistakes the date of the next USMNT game. The game is on Monday, July 6th NOT Tuesday July 7th On this special Fourth of July edition of the Nashville Sports Report, host Russell Ries is joined by Music City Baseball board member Nancy Schultz for an in-depth conversation about the effort to bring Major League Baseball to Nashville through the Nashville Stars initiative. Nancy discusses the vision behind Music City Baseball, Nashville's growing case for an MLB franchise, and her family's longstanding connection to sports in Middle Tennessee. Before the interview, we reflect on the heartbreaking news that former Tennessee Titans superstar Chris Johnson has been diagnosed with ALS. We discuss CJ2K's incredible legacy on and off the field, what he meant to Nashville, and why he remains one of the greatest players in Titans history. Also on this week's show: • Tennessee Titans announce public training camp dates and details for the 2026 Blue & White Scrimmage • Nashville Predators GM Chris MacFarland reshapes the roster with trades and free agent signings involving Mavrik Bourque, Nils Höglander, Jack Drury, Adam Edström, and Alexander Kerfoot • What the Predators' busy offseason says about the future direction of the franchise • The US Men's National Team advances to the World Cup quarterfinals and prepares for a showdown with Belgium • The Nashville Sounds continue their chase of the Memphis Redbirds in the International League standings Featured Interview: Nancy Schultz, board member of Music City Baseball, joins the Nashville Sports Report to discuss the Nashville Stars project, the effort to bring Major League Baseball to Tennessee, and why she believes Nashville is ready to become a major league city. If you'd like to support ALS research and patient care, please consider donating to The ALS Association [https://www.als.org/]. Click here [https://www.nashvillechildrensalliance.org/]to support the Nashville Children's Alliance. Featured Links: Chris Johnson on Good Morning America [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGdqmYPwRu4] USMNT vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NuuMIICMQxo] Nashville Stars homepage [https://www.mlbmusiccity.com/]  Nashville Stars shop [https://nashville-stars.myshopify.com/] Nashville Stars newsletter [https://www.mlbmusiccity.com/newsitedev/email-subscribe/] Nashville Stars on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/nashvillestars/] Nashville Stars on Twitter [https://twitter.com/NashvilleStars] Subscribe for weekly coverage of the Tennessee Titans, Nashville Predators, Nashville SC, Vanderbilt athletics, the Nashville Sounds, and the biggest stories in Nashville sports. #MusicCityBaseball #NashvilleStars #MLBtoNashville #NancySchultz #Titans #ChrisJohnson #Predators #NashvilleSports Send us your thoughts OR Come be on the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2615141/fan_mail/new] Twitter - @NSHSportsReport [https://x.com/NSHSportsReport] BlueSky - @NSHSportsReport.bsky.social [https://bsky.app/profile/nshsportsreport.bsky.social] Youtube - @NashvilleSportsReport [https://www.youtube.com/@NashvilleSportsReport] Music: Games by Pold https://soundcloud.com/pold-music [https://soundcloud.com/pold-music] License: Creative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported — CC BY-SA 3.0 Free Download / Stream: https://audiolibrary.com.co/pold/games [https://audiolibrary.com.co/pold/games] Music promoted by Audio Library: https://youtu.be/SyFPLhALc5w [https://youtu.be/SyFPLhALc5w]

Pekka Rinne Enters Hockey Hall of Fame | Predators Draft Wyatt Cullen & Cam Ward's Quarterback Trailer | Will Dossett on Senegal

On this week's episode of the Nashville Sports Report, host Russell Ries reacts to the historic news that Nashville Predators legend Pekka Rinne has been elected to the the Hockey Hall of Fame as part of the 2026 class, becoming the first full-time Predator to receive hockey's highest honor. We also break down a busy week for the Predators, including: • Chris MacFarland's trade with the Colorado Avalanche for Jack Drury • Nashville selecting Wyatt Cullen with the 10th overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft • The Predators trading back into the first round to draft defenseman Thomas Bleyl • What these moves say about the future of the franchise Plus: • Vanderbilt's Tyler Nickel is selected by the NBA champion New York Knicks • Tennessee Titans training camp dates are officially announced • Netflix releases the first trailer for Quarterback featuring Titans QB Cam Ward • The US Men's National Team advances to the World Cup knockout stage and prepares to face Bosnia and Herzegovina • A Nashville Sounds update as they chase the division lead This week's guest is Will Dossett, joining us from Senegal to discuss the World Cup experience overseas, Senegal's run through the tournament, and what it's been like following one of the world's biggest sporting events from West Africa. Links Referenced: * Pekka Rinne's Goalie Goal [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1Su1dDVBiw] * Chris MacFarland 1st Round Press Conference [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ma9LplnwpxI]  * Netflix Quarterback Season 3 Official Trailer [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rydp5C5QsPQ] * Senegal vs. Morocco AFCON Finals Highlights [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chuhAI45g70] * Rob Bironas' 60-Yard Game Winning Field Goal vs. Colts [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zh5K8ok3t6A] * Senegalese Laamb Wrestling [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Om9EqqHRdHA] Subscribe for weekly coverage of the Tennessee Titans, Nashville Predators, Nashville SC, Vanderbilt athletics, the Nashville Sounds, and all things Nashville sports. #NashvillePredators #PekkaRinne #Titans #CamWard #NHLDraft #USMNT #Vanderbilt #NashvilleSports Send us your thoughts OR Come be on the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2615141/fan_mail/new] Twitter - @NSHSportsReport [https://x.com/NSHSportsReport] BlueSky - @NSHSportsReport.bsky.social [https://bsky.app/profile/nshsportsreport.bsky.social] Youtube - @NashvilleSportsReport [https://www.youtube.com/@NashvilleSportsReport] Music: Games by Pold https://soundcloud.com/pold-music [https://soundcloud.com/pold-music] License: Creative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported — CC BY-SA 3.0 Free Download / Stream: https://audiolibrary.com.co/pold/games [https://audiolibrary.com.co/pold/games] Music promoted by Audio Library: https://youtu.be/SyFPLhALc5w [https://youtu.be/SyFPLhALc5w]

Titans Make Jeffery Simmons Highest-Paid DT Ever | USMNT Wins Group & Preds Trade | Officer Kurt Cook

The Tennessee Titans made a franchise-defining move this week, signing Jeffery Simmons to a record-breaking extension that makes him the highest-paid defensive tackle in NFL history. Russell Ries breaks down what the deal means for the Titans' future and why locking up "Big Jeff" was the right move. Also on this episode: 🏈 Titans minicamp wraps up as Cam Ward continues to impress coaches Robert Saleh and Brian Daboll. With new weapons like Carnell Tate and Wan'Dale Robinson, is Tennessee's offense ready to take a major leap in 2026? ⚽ The US Men's National Team defeats Australia 2-0 to advance to the World Cup knockout stage and secure first place in their group. Russell discusses the USMNT's strong start, Alex Freeman's goal, and why expectations should be rising for this team. 🏒 The Nashville Predators stay busy ahead of the NHL Draft, acquiring Ross Colton from Colorado, retaining head coach Andrew Brunette, and adding Jamie Langenbrunner to the front office. ⚾ The Nashville Sounds fall behind in the division race after a tough week against Memphis but still have time to close the gap as the season continues. Plus, Russell sits down with Metro Nashville Police Officer Kurt Cook to discuss his sports background and what it's like working traffic control at some of Nashville's biggest sporting events. Links: * Jeffery Simmons Press Conference [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QpG_69jA6i0] * USA vs Australia Extended Highlights [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1gMiT5r-K7Q] * Derrick Henry - 2018 Week 14 Highlights vs. Jaguars [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PjeLOrojZwE] Topics Covered: * Jeffery Simmons contract extension * Tennessee Titans minicamp updates * Cam Ward development * Robert Saleh and Brian Daboll * USMNT vs Australia World Cup recap * USMNT knockout stage outlook * Nashville Predators trade for Ross Colton * NHL Draft preview * Nashville Sounds update * Interview with Officer Kurt Cook Subscribe for weekly coverage of the Tennessee Titans, Nashville Predators, Nashville SC, Nashville Sounds, Tennessee Vols, and more. #Titans #JefferySimmons #USMNT #WorldCup #Predators #NHLDraft #NashvilleSports #NFL #CamWard #NashvilleSounds Send us your thoughts OR Come be on the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2615141/fan_mail/new] Twitter - @NSHSportsReport [https://x.com/NSHSportsReport] BlueSky - @NSHSportsReport.bsky.social [https://bsky.app/profile/nshsportsreport.bsky.social] Youtube - @NashvilleSportsReport [https://www.youtube.com/@NashvilleSportsReport] Music: Games by Pold https://soundcloud.com/pold-music [https://soundcloud.com/pold-music] License: Creative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported — CC BY-SA 3.0 Free Download / Stream: https://audiolibrary.com.co/pold/games [https://audiolibrary.com.co/pold/games] Music promoted by Audio Library: https://youtu.be/SyFPLhALc5w [https://youtu.be/SyFPLhALc5w]

USMNT Dominates World Cup Opener, Titans Minicamp Ahead & My Nashville Sports Story | Nashville Sports Report

The United States Men's National Team is off to a dream start at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This week on the Nashville Sports Report, we break down the USMNT's impressive 4-1 victory over Paraguay, one of the most convincing World Cup performances by an American team in decades. We discuss Florian Balogun's match-winning goal, what the result means for the group stage, and why the U.S. now looks well-positioned to advance to the knockout rounds heading into next week's matchup with Australia. We also discuss the latest Tennessee Titans news as OTAs conclude and mandatory minicamp approaches. Rookie quarterback Cam Ward has generated plenty of headlines during offseason workouts, but should Titans fans be concerned about inconsistent practice reports? We examine why offseason growing pains are often a positive sign for a young quarterback and hear what defensive coordinator Robert Saleh had to say about Ward's development. In Nashville Predators news, new General Manager Chris MacFarland continues to put his stamp on the organization by announcing plans to expand the team's analytics department. We discuss what that means for the future of the franchise and why the upcoming NHL Draft and free agency period could reveal the organization's long-term vision. Plus, we check in on the Nashville Sounds as they continue their battle with the Memphis Redbirds for first place in the International League standings ahead of a critical series between the two clubs. For the first time on the show, the guest chair is empty—but that doesn't mean there's no interview. This week, host Russell Ries turns the microphone on himself and answers the same nine questions asked of every guest, including: *  His favorite sports to play and watch  *  His earliest sports memories  *  How he ended up in Nashville  *  His favorite Nashville sports team  *  His greatest Nashville sports memory  *  His Mount Rushmore of Nashville sports figures  *  His thoughts on Nashville's next professional sports franchise  *  His favorite Nashville restaurants  *  And a few Nashville sports hot takes  It's a personal look at the experiences and memories that helped shape a lifelong Nashville sports fan. Links from the show: * USMNT vs. Portugal Extended Highlights [https://youtu.be/lpDZwAxVkc4?si=0FHJmzg9q23Ki9AF] * Robert Saleh Press Conference (June 11th, 2026) [https://youtu.be/EmrSkSu2UYw?si=nmpOyFjKM-AHCbyF] * Trailer for the movie "Rad" [https://youtu.be/eoDn_Os4DkY?si=GXVbKK1ns5YMJM2I] * Vikings at Oilers, 12/26/98 (FULL GAME) [https://youtu.be/3Y13KxGEGf8?si=EKqD63sAQyl8y3hY] * Preds vs Caps game summary, 12/26/98 [https://www.espn.com/nhl/game/_/gameId/181226027/capitals-predators] * Wilma Rudolph Bio video [https://youtu.be/BYQXYVwa4YE?si=B23L4bwTsBB_DJ5x] #USMNT #WorldCup2026 #FIFAWorldCup #FlorianBalogun #TennesseeTitans #Titans #CamWard #RobertSaleh #NashvillePredators #Preds #ChrisMacFarland #NashvilleSounds #NashvilleSports #SportsPodcast #MusicCity #NashvilleSportsReport #MLS #NFL #NHL #BaseballPodcast Send us your thoughts OR Come be on the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2615141/fan_mail/new] Twitter - @NSHSportsReport [https://x.com/NSHSportsReport] BlueSky - @NSHSportsReport.bsky.social [https://bsky.app/profile/nshsportsreport.bsky.social] Youtube - @NashvilleSportsReport [https://www.youtube.com/@NashvilleSportsReport] Music: Games by Pold https://soundcloud.com/pold-music [https://soundcloud.com/pold-music] License: Creative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported — CC BY-SA 3.0 Free Download / Stream: https://audiolibrary.com.co/pold/games [https://audiolibrary.com.co/pold/games] Music promoted by Audio Library: https://youtu.be/SyFPLhALc5w [https://youtu.be/SyFPLhALc5w]

Predators Hire Chris MacFarland, Titans OTA Updates & Scott Viebranz on Nashville Sports Culture | Nashville Sports Report

The Nashville Predators have entered a new era. On this week's Nashville Sports Report, we break down the hiring of new General Manager and President of Hockey Operations Chris MacFarland and what his arrival could mean for the future of the franchise. We discuss why MacFarland's move from the Colorado Avalanche is significant, the addition of former Los Angeles Kings GM Rob Blake to the front office, and what the departures of longtime organizational figures could signal about the direction of the Predators. Will Nashville pursue a quick turnaround, or could a larger rebuild be on the horizon? We examine the key decisions facing the Predators as the NHL Draft and free agency approach. We also cover the latest Tennessee Titans news, including: *  OTA observations and offseason developments  *  The upcoming mandatory minicamp  *  Tennessee's preseason schedule against the San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks, and Chicago Bears  *  Why Robert Saleh's history with San Francisco could make joint practices a possibility  Plus, we preview the United States Men's National Team's final World Cup tune-up match and discuss the growing excitement surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup. We also check in on the Nashville Sounds as they continue their pursuit of first place in the International League standings. Then, longtime Nashville resident and retired business executive Scott Viebranz joins the show for a fascinating conversation about: *  Growing up as a sports fan in New York City  *  Watching Nashville transform into a major sports city  *  The importance of organizational culture in sports and business  *  Leadership, team building, and what makes successful organizations thrive  If you're a fan of the Nashville Predators, Tennessee Titans, Nashville Sounds, or the evolving sports landscape of Music City, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Referenced Links * Chris MacFarland Introductory Press Conference [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZGQYC_Aan4] * The 500 Home Run Club [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OD_wsKKRQSE] * Nashville SC: Cristian Espinoza Press Conference [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=It2OIP00Rps] #NashvillePredators #Preds #NHL #ChrisMacFarland #RobBlake #TennesseeTitans #Titans #NFL #RobertSaleh #NashvilleSounds #USMNT #WorldCup2026 #NashvilleSports #SportsPodcast #MusicCitySports #NashvilleSportsReport Send us your thoughts OR Come be on the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2615141/fan_mail/new] Twitter - @NSHSportsReport [https://x.com/NSHSportsReport] BlueSky - @NSHSportsReport.bsky.social [https://bsky.app/profile/nshsportsreport.bsky.social] Youtube - @NashvilleSportsReport [https://www.youtube.com/@NashvilleSportsReport] Music: Games by Pold https://soundcloud.com/pold-music [https://soundcloud.com/pold-music] License: Creative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported — CC BY-SA 3.0 Free Download / Stream: https://audiolibrary.com.co/pold/games [https://audiolibrary.com.co/pold/games] Music promoted by Audio Library: https://youtu.be/SyFPLhALc5w [https://youtu.be/SyFPLhALc5w]