Gridiron Japan
46 episodes - English - Latest episode: 3 months ago - ★★★★★ - 4 ratingsA podcast devoted to the coverage of the latest happenings and news in the world of Japanese gridiron football, from the amateur level to the professional game.
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Episodes
Episode 45: Boogie Knight & The Dream Japan Bowl
January 17, 2024 02:51 - 44 minutes - 102 MBGreg and BJ sit down with Boogie Knight of the Asahi Soft Drink Challengers, and talk about his career in Japan and the 2023 season in which he was named rookie of the year and led the Super X-League in receiving and won the triple crown of touchdowns made, number of receptions and yards. As highlighted by the Challengers, Boogie is an exciting and dynamic player who reminds many older fans of NFL Hall of Famers like Steve Largent and Fred Biletnikoff. They also talk about his upcoming game ...
Episode 44: Rice Bowl Wrap Up, With Fujitsu Frontiers' Al-Rilwan Adeyemi
January 07, 2024 14:29 - 1 hour - 160 MBOn a Sunday night, John, BJ and Greg are joined by Rice Bowl and X-League champion, as well as the most famous American playing football in Japan, Al-Rilwan Adeyemi of the Fujitsu Frontiers. They discuss with him the key moments of the game that led to the Frontiers' big win and also talk about his recent NFL360 spotlight on the NFL Network. Lastly, they discuss with him the upcoming Dream Japan Bowl that is taking place in Tokyo on January 21, 2024. To learn more about American football in...
Episode 43: Rice Bowl Preview/NFL Films Spotlight on Al-Rilwan Adeyemi
December 29, 2023 14:02 - 45 minutes - 104 MBIn the first part of the podcast John, BJ and Greg preview the upcoming matchup of Japan's championship game, which will be played on January 3rd, 2024 at the Tokyo Dome and feature a battle of two unbeaten teams, the Fujitsu Frontiers and Panasonic Impulse. During the second part the guys talk about the recent NFL360 episode, entitled "Ikigai", in which NFL Films puts a spotlight on the inspiring story of the Fujitsu Frontiers' Al-Rilwan Adeyemi. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SsO0SNgVe6w
Episode 42: X-League Semi-Finals & Koshien Bowl Wrap Up
December 22, 2023 10:31 - 49 minutes - 31.8 MBJohn, BJ and Greg sit down and dissect the victories by Panasonic and Fujitsu in X-League semi-final action, including notes on attendance for the matches. They then discuss the victory by the KG Fighters over the Hosei Orange in the Koshien Bowl, Japan's collegiate gridiron championship. Lastly, they talk about what it is going to take, in their opinions, for American football to be grown at the grass roots and become more popular and widely known and followed in Japan.
Episode 41: X-League Super Semi-Final Preview Show
December 06, 2023 13:32 - 55 minutes - 36.8 MBOn the eve of the X-League semi-finals, Greg and John sit down to talk about the weekend's matchups (Fujitsu v. Obic and Panasonic v. IBM) to see who will square off in January's Rice Bowl, as well as the league's promotion/relegation games. After which they turn their attention to the college game and talk about the postseason changes coming in 2024, as well as the decision by administrators at Nihon University to disband the school's legendary gridiron program.
Episode 40: Japan's College Football Playoffs
November 26, 2023 13:31 - 48 minutes - 32.7 MBJohn and Greg sit down and talk about the road to the Koshien Bowl and how the final team in Japan's college football semi-final playoffs was selected via a method that falls under the heading, "things that make you go...Huh??" The guys also talk about the upcoming Dream Japan Bowl, Mexican college football, and more!
Episode 39: "So You Want to Play Football in Japan?"
November 22, 2023 12:48 - 1 hour - 60.2 MBWith BJ and John away, Greg is joined by 2022 X-League Area MVP Aaron Ellis, starting quarterback of the Dentsu Caterpillars and Gridiron Japan alumnus, and co-host of the USFL Podcast, sports media wunderkind Zach Keilman. During a very early morning for poor Zach, the three review the week that was during the first round of the Super X-League post season tournament. After which they discuss, with apologies to former Chunichi Dragon star baseball player Tom Selleck, the dreams of many you...
Episode 38: Playoff Fiesta
November 15, 2023 13:28 - 1 hour - 84.7 MBIt's a playoff party on the eve of the Super X-League quarterfinals as Greg, BJ and John give their predictions for the upcoming tournament. The guys are joined by Dentsu Caterpillars starting quarterback, Aaron Ellis, who gives his perspective on the 2023 season. They also talk about the Road to the Koshien Bowl in Japan's college playoff tournament.
Episode 37: Flag Football in Japan and More!
November 01, 2023 14:36 - 1 hour - 85.7 MBWhile the rest of Japan is glued to the TV to watch baseball and the Japan Series, the guys sit down and talk gridiron. They start off with a talk about Japan's very own Hidetora Hanada, who is currently playing for the Colorado State University Rams. They then turn their attention to Japan's recent medal achievements in the Asian flag football tournaments for men and women, with a discussion about the growth of the domestic game. After which, they discuss their predictions for the final wee...
Episode 36: B.J. Beatty and His DARE Initiative
October 18, 2023 14:30 - 55 minutes - 55.8 MBOn a cool October night, Greg and BJ review the scores from week 3, and preview week 4 of the Super X-League. After which BJ talks about his DARE Sports initiative that is designed to provide gridiron education in Japan for those players who want to excel and reach new heights both on and off the field. You can find out more about BJ and Dare Sports at the program's Instagram page and web site. https://mosh.jp/daresports/home https://www.instagram.com/d.a.r.e.sports/
Episode 35: Rise Up! With Colby Campbell of the Nojima Sagamihara Rise
October 05, 2023 12:29 - 54 minutes - 58.1 MBIn this episode, with BJ away at team practice, John and Greg sit down with Nojima Sagamihara Rise linebacker Colby Campbell to talk about his life and journey to Japan. From South Carolina to Finland to Germany and to Japan, Colby has had an interesting and varied journey during his young gridiron career! The three discuss not just his life on the field, but also his experiences off the field in Japan. Colby can be found online at his YouTube channel where he is presently publishing videos...
Episode 34: Week 1 & 2 Review of Super X-League
September 26, 2023 01:29 - 1 hour - 102 MBAs the X-League teams play every two weeks, the guys are back after the season openers and subsequent games to review the power rankings of the 12 teams that make up the X-League Super, Japan's premier football league. The guys also discuss the planned return of the Ivy League in January 2024 for a rematch with Japan's gridiron all-stars.
Episode 33- X League Super Preview
September 08, 2023 13:58 - 50 minutes - 62.8 MBJohn Gunning, BJ Beatty, and Greg James return for the third season of the Gridiron Japan podcast to preview the upcoming 2023 season of the X-League Super. The three discuss the probable and likely results, as well as the possible upsets, along with talk about the new and returning players from America.
Episode 32: Spring Season Wrap Up
July 01, 2023 14:57 - 1 hour - 96.4 MBJoining BJ, John and Greg in this episode is Dentsu Caterpillar QB, Aaron Ellis. The guys spend time reviewing the scores of the final games of the Spring X-League season and look ahead at the upcoming fall season and schedule. They also talk about the international gridiron game in Europe and Mexico, and Aaron's experience in both Japan and in the European leagues. Unfortunately, no predictions were made by Aaron as to how many fantasy points he is likely to owe BJ at the end of the '23 X-L...
Episode 31: The Blue Men Group
May 31, 2023 02:27 - 1 hour - 64.6 MBThe guys return this week, and after about an hour of candid blue conversation, in the second hour they hit the record button and talk about the latest scores and news going on in the world of spring Japanese gridiron. Amongst their topics are the unexpected loss by Fujitsu, import quarterbacks, and why NAIA quarterbacks from Illinois, like Aaron Ellis, should never be discounted.
Episode 30: Let's Go You Hiroshima Hawks!
May 16, 2023 09:03 - 53 minutes - 49.1 MBIn what is this podcast's first interview with an active head coach, John and Greg sit down with new X3 Hiroshima Hawks head coach A.J. Koikoi to talk about his playing and coaching career in the Chugoku (Okayama & Hiroshima) region of Japan and his work developing local talent. We also talk about his college playing days, his career with the UN, and his commitment and work towards social justice. Lastly, we manage to sneak in some Baltimore football talk, as A.J. is a proud Baltimore Ravens...
Episode 29: Week 1 of the Spring Japanese Gridiron Season
May 08, 2023 09:17 - 53 minutes - 49.6 MBThe spring exhibition season has begun for both the X-League and collegiate teams, and the three provide the scores of all the games played. The guys also talk about many of the off season moves of the X-League. In addition, the guys discuss how to watch the upcoming fall X-League and major college season via a revamped joint streaming service.
Episode 28: The 2023 Spring Gridiron Season in Japan is Here!
March 18, 2023 09:17 - 1 hour - 59.5 MBOn the day the Japanese high school baseball tournament has begun and the focus of the nation is on Koshien Stadium, as well as Team Samurai Japan in the World Baseball Classic, the guys look at the upcoming spring gridiron season and the upcoming changes for the X-League moving into 2023, including the move of one franchise to the western side of Honshu. As the spring season kicks off here in Japan, make sure to check out www.gridironjapan.net to stay abreast of all the scores and how to wa...
Episode 27: Antoine Sinclair, Japan's Gridiron Renaissance Man
February 28, 2023 02:17 - 1 hour - 72.6 MBIn this episode John, BJ and Greg sit down with X2 Blue Thunder player Antoine Sinclair to talk about his life and journey to Japan. From Georgia to Japan, and from the rugby pitch to the gridiron, Antoine has had an interesting and varied journey! The four also discuss the recent CFL combine in Tokyo where John was present.
Episode 26: Ocean Bowl and Super Bowl Roundtable
February 09, 2023 12:51 - 52 minutes - 48.8 MBThe guys in this episode sit down on a cold Thursday night to talk about the upcoming championship game of the Japan Private Football Federation, the "Ocean Bowl.". After which the guys talk about the upcoming Super Bowl, make their predictions, and share the best memories of past games that cemented them forever as fans. Also, they share the news about the signing by the Calgary Stampeders of friend of the show, Toshiki Sato.
Episode 25: Dream Bowl Review
February 03, 2023 10:00 - 46 minutes - 43.4 MBGreg sits down with B.J. to review Team Japan's loss to the Ivy League All-Stars and his experiences during the game. They also discuss the current changes happening with the Obic Seagulls, as the X-League looks forward to the new 2023 season.
Episode 24: Dream Bowl Preview
January 19, 2023 11:40 - 57 minutes - 52.8 MBWith BJ at practice for Team Japan, John and Greg sit down to preview the upcoming matchup of Japan's top players versus the Ivy League all-stars. The two review the history of the Ivy League playing in Japan and discuss the possible implications for the game in Japan, with what they both hope is a decisive win by the home team. They also discuss flag football in Japan and how the country is a unique experience for any person wishing to not just play football, but also broaden their cultura...
Episode 23: Super X-League- The Rice Bowl and a Time For Glory
January 09, 2023 12:57 - 1 hour - 61.5 MBIn this week's Gridiron Japan episode, John, B.J., and Greg review the Super X-League championship game, the Rice Bowl, and break down the performances that led to the Fujitsu Frontier's victory over the Panasonic Impulse. We then discuss the upcoming Dream Bowl game in Tokyo, with our very own B.J. Beatty leading the charge of Team Japan, when they square off against the American Ivy League all-stars.
Episode 22: Time Well Spent With the Best Quarterback in Chicago, the X-League's Aaron Ellis
December 29, 2022 10:57 - 1 hour - 68.1 MBB.J. and Greg return after the Christmas holiday, with guest and X-League Area MVP Aaron Ellis, the star QB of the Dentsu Caterpillars (in Chicago freezing his butt off and pinch hitting this week for John) to talk about his championship all-pro year in Japan, the prospects for his return, and his upcoming season in Austria with the Telfs Patriots. Greg then talks on his attendance of his first football game in Japan, at the Koshien Bowl, which is the same venue he saw his first Japanese ba...
Episode 21: Super X-League- To The Dream Bowl and Beyond
November 30, 2022 11:15 - 1 hour - 78.8 MBFor the first time in many weeks, all three co-hosts (John, BJ, and Greg) sit down to review the past week's action and preview the X-League semi final matchups. In addition, the guys talk about the Dream Bowl, and specifically the selection of BJ to the team in what very well may be the future Hall of Famer's final game. For those new to the show, please give our past episodes a listen to learn more about the gridiron game in Japan!
Episode 20: Super X-League- Quarterfinal Predictions
November 17, 2022 05:55 - 46 minutes - 43.2 MBGreg has finally landed in Japan and has overcome his jet lag to sit down with BJ and review the upcoming slate of quarterfinal matches and a discussion as to who might be relegated to Area play in 2023. They also talk about the upcoming post season championship games, including the Koshien, Rice and Dream Bowls.
Episode 19: Super X League 2022- Where Have You Gone Aaron Ellis? Sumimasen!
October 29, 2022 02:00 - 1 hour - 56.9 MBIn this episode, BJ and Greg review the results of Week 4 in Super X-League play, from the blowouts to nail bitters, and look ahead to the teams on the bubble for relegation, and also on the rise in the Area division for promotion, including the Dentsu Caterpillars, whose star QB, and friend of the show, Aaron Ellis, did not respond to BJ's on air request. We have to assume he was busy at practice studying the playbook :-). We also talk a bit about the college championship game of Japan, the...
Episode 18: X-League, We Talkin' Playoffs or What?
October 20, 2022 20:00 - 31 minutes - 29.1 MBIn the second part of this week's podcast, John, B.J. and Greg make their predictions for week four of X-League Super and also talk about the playoff format for the 2022 season.
Episode 18: X-League 2022- “We Talkin' Playoffs or What?"
October 20, 2022 20:00 - 31 minutes - 29.1 MBIn the second part of this week's podcast, John, B.J. and Greg make their predictions for week four of X-League Super and also talk about the playoff format for the 2022 season.
Episode 17: From the Big Blue to the Double Blue, a Conversation with Toshiki Sato
October 20, 2022 16:30 - 39 minutes - 36.1 MBJoining John, BJ and Greg from the The Great White North, legendary X-League kicker Toshiki Sato (who has kicked the longest field goal in league history with IBM Big Blue), and now a member of the Toronto Argonauts, sits down with the three to talk a football career that has spanned three countries. Toshiki began his kicking career with the Waseda University Big Bears and is part of the CFL's inaugural Global Initiative draft class. From the X-League to The Spring League (now the USFL), ...
Episode 16: A Conversation With Tim Goins
October 14, 2022 22:57 - 2 hours - 122 MBIn football some of the individuals who make the biggest impact are not just on the field, but just as much on the sidelines and in the boardroom. For the X-League, one of the most impactful individuals to the league has been Tim Goins, whose influence upon the game of Japanese gridiron football has been significant, be it as recruiter of talent, as a coach, and most importantly, as a mentor and humble icon. Since 2015, Tim, or "Sensei" as he is often called, has built and engineered a title...
Episode 15: X-League 2022- Fantasy Tecmo Bowl Hopes and Dreams
October 07, 2022 19:04 - 1 hour - 75.8 MBWith John on assignment, BJ and Greg mute Al Michaels and sit down for long conversation that covers his new English language show that is soon to debut this month over on X-League TV (and hopefully their Youtube channel). BJ's new show will focus on the stories of players and their journeys to Japan, and we hope will make the league more accessible to fans outside of the country. We then segue into a talk about Greg's plan to ramp up a beta X-League fantasy football league utilizing teams a...
Episode 14: X-League 2022- Colton Runyan and the Intersection Where the Gridiron and the Sumo Ring Meet
September 27, 2022 15:39 - 1 hour - 102 MBIn this episode, John, B.J. and Greg sit down with Texan Colton Runyan, a member of Club Bears of X-3 football and former player in Tokyo's Urban Football League. Colton also is a former player in the United Kingdom with Cambridge University and the Cambridgeshire Cats of the British American Football Association. In addition to his football career, Colton is also a trained sumo wrestler whom our own John Gunning has come to know while reporting on his training and career for the Japan Times...
Episode 13: X-League 2022- Going Deep with Aaron Ellis of the Dentsu Caterpillars
September 22, 2022 15:23 - 1 hour - 101 MBA perfect football conversation to kick off the official start of autumn! Aaron Ellis, the starting quarterback of the Dentsu Caterpillars joins John Gunning (of Inside Sport Japan and The Japan Times), X-League legend B.J. Beatty, and football historian Greg James in a freewheeling conversation about his college career at the University of St. Francis in Joliet, Illinois; and in the Austrian Football League and European League of Football. We talk about his recent games in which he has pass...
Episode 12: X-League 2022- Football in Japan is Back!
September 16, 2022 05:00 - 1 hour - 84.8 MBFor the new season of the Gridiron Japan podcast, Greg James and John Gunning are joined by former Obic Seagull linebacker B.J. Beatty to talk about last year's Rice Bowl championship and review the off season moves of the X-League. We review the first week of the Super X-League and talk about the top players making waves on the field. We then take a look at the current players from Japan playing in Canada and Europe, talk about the expansion of the league, and provide predictions for week tw...
Episode 11: All or Nothing - Previewing the 75th Rice Bowl!
January 02, 2022 05:41 - 1 hour - 43.4 MBThe Rice Bowl is upon us, and only one can walk away the victor! Zach, John, and Greg come together to break down the 75th Rice Bowl between the Panasonic Impulse and the Fujitsu Frontier. The trio previews key players, strategies, and more to what is going into determining who will be crowned champion.
Episode 10: Onward to the Semi-Finals!
December 11, 2021 06:08 - 47 minutes - 33.6 MBThe Semi-finals are here, and only two teams can advance to the 2021 Rice Bowl. Zach and Greg recap last week's end of regular season action, talk keys to semi-final matchups, discuss the upcoming X1 Area/X2 Promotion contests, and more including our predictions for who will be in the Rice Bowl!
Episode 9: Locking in Playoff Seeds and New Promotions!
November 27, 2021 02:42 - 1 hour - 48.4 MBPlayoff seedings will be locked after this week as the 4th seed in X1 Super is up for grabs between the Rise, Big Blue, and the Creators. Who will make it out on top to face the Impulse in the Semi-Finals? Zach, John, and Greg break down this playoff race and how it will sort itself out. They also discuss the 4 teams that will be promoted to X1 Super come 2022!
Episode 8: Catching Up With Ian Park - X1 Super Week 5 and X1 Area Week 5 Part 2 Recap
November 13, 2021 03:52 - 1 hour - 42.6 MBIt is do or die time in X1 sections of the XLeague as the pivotal playoff and promotion races are coming down to the wires. Deers Football Club lineman Ian Park joined the show to discuss his team's road ahead to the possibility of being promoted to X1 Super. He and the crew also talk about the bond between players, the neglect of finding quality offensive lineman, and much more. All 4 of the guys also make their X1 Super picks too!
Episode 7: There Can Be Only - The Fight For The X1 Super Promotion - X1 Super Week 4 and X1 Area Week 5 Recap
October 30, 2021 03:19 - 1 hour - 55.3 MBIt all comes down to this! With two final X1 Super Promotion positions left, the crew is wondering who between the Suns, Deers, Caterpillars, and Eagles will claim the final spot. Zach and Greg discuss this, recap X1 Super Week 4 and X1 Area Week 5, and how outside football influences have helped the game grow in Japan!
Episode 6: The Game On A Global Scale - X1 Super Week 3 and X1 Area Week 4 Recap
October 16, 2021 02:38 - 1 hour - 59.8 MBFor the first time in some time, the full trio is back to record as Zach, John, and Greg have recaps and international football talk aplenty. From Yoshito Omi's session at the NFL International Combine to the grand scheme of growing the sport globally, this episode had plenty of points of how Japan might be crucial in exposure on a global scale moving forward. Plus, we have your X1 Super Week 3 recap, X1 Area Week 4 recap, and our pick'em for X1 Super Week 4!
Episode 5: Close Calls And A Miscalculation - X1 Super Week 2 and X1 Area Week 3 Recap
October 01, 2021 05:35 - 53 minutes - 37 MBX1 Super Week 2 wrapped up with some close calls for top teams that left the crew a tad surprised. Greg James subs in for John Gunning this week as he and Zach cover what made Panasonic and Fujitsu avoid the upsets in Week 2. The duo also give their impressions on X1 Area Week 3 action, and make their X1 Super Week 3 predictions (with some potential surprises) in this loaded new episode of Gridiron Japan!
Episode 4: Getting to Know Who the Top Dogs Are - Week 1 X1 Super and Week 2 X1 Area Recap
September 18, 2021 03:01 - 1 hour - 47.8 MBX1 Super officially wrapped up its first week of action as Zach and John discuss what it means for the division moving forward. The duo especially keyed in on what might be a crucial missed opportunity for the IBM Big Blue in their draw with the Elecom Kobe Finies. They also discuss tidbits of Week 2 of X1 Area that stood out, preview and pick outcomes for Week2 of X1 Super, and much more!
Episode 3: The X-League Season Is Here! - Week 1 X1 Area Recap and X1 Super Preview
September 02, 2021 13:00 - 57 minutes - 39.3 MBThe X-League season is officially under way! Greg, John, and Zach look back at Week 1 of the X1 Area and which teams look like early favorites for promotion. The trio also previews Week 1 of X1 Super and make their scoring predictions. All this and more on Gridiron Japan!
Episode 2: An Interview With Obic Seagulls LB BJ Beatty - Making a Career in the X-League
August 20, 2021 12:00 - 54 minutes - 35.3 MBBefore the 2021 X-League season kicks off, the crew at Gridiron Japan wanted to get a player's perspective. Look no further than Obic Seagulls LB and 10-year X-League veteran BJ Beatty! The crew discusses the player experience in the X-League, the season ahead, and various issues and tidbits surrounding the game in the Land of the Rising Sun!
Episode 1: An Introduction to American Football in Japan - Featuring John Gunning of Inside Sport: Japan
August 04, 2021 15:00 - 1 hour - 46.1 MBGridiron Japan kicks off with its inaugural episode with hosts Zach Keilman and Greg James looking to cover the lesser-known but still very competitive Japanese football scene! The two kick things off asking the question of what exactly the sport is like in terms of structure, culture, and more. They discuss all these points with Inside Sport: Japan founder and content director John Gunning. All this and more on the first episode!