Midwest Legends Episode #28: Leroy Butler Pt. 1 -- The Projects, Puntrooskie, and Getting to the NFL

Midwest Legends Episode #28: Leroy Butler Pt. 1 -- The Projects, Puntrooskie, and Getting to the NFL

This episode was so good, it had to be a two-parter! You may know him as the inventor of the Lambeau Leap or for his run in the iconic Puntrooskie play, but in this week’s Midwest Legends episode Leroy takes Russell back in time to his life before the Packers. Leroy grew up with everything stacked against him. He grew up in the projects in Duval County, Florida, was raised by a hardworking single mother, and had a physical disability where he couldn’t run or jump like the other kids. None of that stopped him from achieving his biggest goal: playing in the NFL. Tune in to hear this amazing journey of overcoming the odds from the entertaining and joyful perspective of Leroy Butler!

Midwest Legends Episode #12: Matthew Golden -- Playing For Green Bay, Being The #1 Draft Pick, and Jordan Love

Matthew Golden is a first-round draft pick, lightning-fast wide receiver, and now a Midwest Legends guest. At just 22 years old, Matthew has worked hard, gained a lot of perspective, and he's not even as old as the history he is making. It’s been 23 years since Green Bay’s home team chose a wide receiver as their first round pick, and he says that draft night “will stick with me for the rest of my life.” He shares the lessons he’s learned, the advice he'd pass on to younger players, and his love for Packers Nation: “I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.” Tune in to hear who Matthew considers a true legend, the superpower he’d choose if he had one, and the unexpected moment on Lake Michigan that quickly became a story to remember.

Midwest Legends Episode #27: Laila Edwards -- Canadian Rivalries, UW Madison, and Olympic Gold

Midwest Legend? More like international legend! This week, star hockey player Laila Edwards gives Russell the inside scoop on her amazing journey from growing up in Ohio playing on the boy’s hockey team to winning gold at the 2026 Olympics in Milan. Laila takes us behind the scenes of the Olympics, sharing how she overcame the nerves to clinch the win over the iconic Canadian rivals in the game that had everyone on the edge of their seats. Not only has Laila cemented herself as a force on the UW Badgers Women’s Hockey team, but also as a great friend, leader, and Chipotle-lover off the ice. Tune in to hear what happened when another Cleveland Heights local, Travis Kelce, heard Laila’s family needed some extra help getting to the Olympics… You won’t want to miss this episode!

Midwest Legends Episode #26: Ben Leber -- Vikings History, Tough Love, and the Drama of the Draft

Former Minnesota Vikings linebacker and current sideline analyst Ben Leber joins Russell to discuss his journey from a multicultural childhood in Iowa to a professional NFL football player. Ben talks about his supportive family, including two older brothers who inspired him to try football and how coaches along the way shaped the player he later became. After a trying rookie season in college, Ben reached a turning point where he chose to keep going despite the challenges of higher expectations. From that moment on, he’s embraced an incredible football career.  From the highs and lows of draft night to the legendary teammates he met along the way, Ben Leber tells Russell the inside scoop and the honest truths about his time in the NFL.

Midwest Legends Episode #25: Noah Bakken -- Motocross, Train Jumping, and Winning Big at Monster Jam

Noah Bakken, a motocross expert who is no stranger to performing impressive feats on two wheels, sat down with Russell to talk all things speed and spectacle. Noah Bakken remembers his childhood growing up in a family of motorcycle lovers fondly. Despite his first ride on a PW50 when he was just three ending with him hitting a swing set, he fell in love with all thing’s motocross. Noah tells Russell all the behind the scenes of his most viral motocross tricks, including his awe-inspiring train jumping videos and his popular “Coffee Run” videos, with the third one already in the works! He and Russell discuss the trials of mastering such a dangerous sport, including two broken femurs. Noah remembers his win at Monster Jam as a highlight in his career, celebrating with his entire family. There’s no telling what he will accomplish in the motocross world next! Tune in to hear Noah’s journey to becoming a Midwest motocross star with some twists and turns along the way.