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

Nashville SC Beats Atlanta, Signs Elias Saad | Chris Johnson Ring of Honor & Cam Ward's Quarterback

On this week's episode of the Nashville Sports Report, host Russell Ries recaps a busy week across Nashville sports, highlighted by Nashville SC's return from the MLS World Cup break with a hard-fought win over Atlanta United and another major addition to the roster. This week's topics include: ⚽ Nashville SC • Nashville SC defeats Atlanta United despite a long injury list • Shaq Mohammed scores the match-winning goal • New signing Elias Saad arrives from Germany after representing Tunisia at the World Cup • Reports link Nashville SC to Senegalese midfielder Famara Camara • Preview of Wednesday night's match against CF Montréal at GEODIS Park 🏈 Tennessee Titans • Chris Johnson will be inducted into the Titans Ring of Honor during Week 1 against the New York Jets • Cam Ward takes center stage in Season 3 of Netflix's Quarterback • Titans training camp begins this week as rookies and veterans report to Ascension Saint Thomas Sports Park 🏒 Nashville Predators • The Predators unveil their 2026-27 regular season schedule with a hilarious TV-themed release video • Nashville's home opener is set for October 1 against the Minnesota Wild • Locally televised games move to The Spot - Nashville 28 • Assistant GM Jeff Kealty departs for the San Jose Sharks ⚾ Nashville Sounds • The Sounds continue their pursuit of the Memphis Redbirds in the International League standings as they wrap up their series with Norfolk before heading to Sugar Land. Featured Interview This week's guest is Matthew Sullivan, a senior developer at Atiba with nearly 20 years of experience building sports analytics, fantasy sports, and simulation software. Russell and Matt discuss the evolution of sports data, predictive modeling, fantasy sports strategy, and how technology continues to shape the way fans understand the games they love. Links * Nashville SC vs Atlanta United full highlights [https://youtu.be/n0bifXkLeiI?is=0ZSGPrwKhZqQtDPF] * Titans' Chris Johnson Ring of Honor Announcement Video [https://youtu.be/pwOLFqMES08?si=C6yWDpBuvAS5jfDf] * Elias Saad highlights [https://youtu.be/1VwfCfdTQOw?si=QrsYev3an8J2muU4] * Famara Camara highlights [https://youtu.be/9yaQCmT0_pM?si=Y0CYkc6wlLhUmSNG] * Nashville Predators 26/27 Season Schedule Announcement Video [https://youtu.be/J3T9V72nKzk?si=AU9ODQjGgeqY0am8] * "How Lucky You Can Be" - Buster Olney book on Don Meyer [https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/205221/how-lucky-you-can-be-by-buster-olney/] * Abstract of "Authorship Versus Influence" about Professor Martin Mueller's work [https://www.manchesterhive.com/display/9781526164759/9781526164759.00008.xml] * Yakety Sax - 1 Hour Version [https://youtu.be/x9YpOmrTmtg?is=OCuZVNf2baYfZc0F] (for when the pain is too great) Subscribe for weekly coverage of the Tennessee Titans, Nashville SC, Nashville Predators, Vanderbilt athletics, the Nashville Sounds, and the biggest stories in Middle Tennessee sports. #NashvilleSC #Titans #ChrisJohnson #CamWard #Quarterback #Predators #NashvilleSports #MLS #FantasyFootball #RotoBaseball 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]

Nashville SC Returns, Predators Build for the Future & JJ Rosen on Nashville Sports History

Nashville SC is back from the World Cup break, and Russell previews Friday night's showdown with Atlanta United, predicts a big win for the Boys in Gold, and discusses Sam Surridge joining Nashville's league-leading four MLS All-Stars. Also this week: the Nashville Predators lock up Mavrik Bourque with a six-year contract, continue reshaping the front office with the hiring of assistant GM Vukie Mpofu, Titans training camp draws closer as Cam Ward prepares for Netflix's Quarterback, the USMNT's disappointing World Cup exit, and the latest on the Nashville Sounds' push for first place. Plus, Russell sits down with Nashville entrepreneur and Atiba [https://www.atiba.com/]founder JJ Rosen to talk about growing up in Nashville, his grandfather Ralph Kornman's career as a local sportswriter, founding one of Nashville's leading technology companies, and former Nashville Sounds slugger Steve Balboni. Links: * Steve Balboni 1980 profile [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ic59hCUtNGI] * Netflix Quarterback - Season 3 trailer [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rydp5C5QsPQ] * USA vs Belgium extended highlights [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QL3kCTgeVKA] If you enjoy Nashville sports, Tennessee Titans, Nashville SC, Predators hockey, Sounds baseball, and conversations about Music City sports history, be sure to subscribe to the Nashville Sports Report. #NashvilleSports #NashvilleSC #TennesseeTitans #Predators #NashvillePredators #NashvilleSounds #MLS #MLSSoccer #USMNT #WorldCup #SamSurridge #HanyMukhtar #CamWard #ChrisMacFarland #MavrikBourque #JJRosen #SteveBalboni #Atiba #Nashville #MusicCity 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]

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]