Deep Blue

Marc Lyons wanted to be a basketball player. So how did a kid from Arvada, Colorado—who wasn’t a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—end up as the quarterback at BYU? In this episode of Deep Blue, Marc shares the story of his conversion to the Church and his legendary, decades-long radio career calling games for the Cougars.

Michael Davie has helped the best basketball players in the world elevate their game through nutrition and sports science. But when the opportunity came to leave the NBA lifestyle behind and join BYU, why did he jump at the offer? In this episode of Deep Blue, Michael discusses pursuing the dream of working for an NBA team, winning the NBA Finals, and chasing a new dream with the BYU Cougars.

Deep Blue producer Cleon Wall interviews Matt Mitchell about what it's like to coach BYU's prolific quarterbacks, and how his faith in God keeps him grounded.

Join host Jason Shepherd on this episode of Deep Blue as he sits down with BYU football legend and three-time Super Bowl champion Bart Oates. Bart reflects on his journey from a small-town Georgia high school to BYU, his mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and the foundation he helped lay for BYU’s football legacy. Bart shares insights on playing under legendary coach LaVell Edwards, memories of the Miracle Bowl, and his transition to a professional career in the USFL and NFL, including championship runs with the New York Giants and San Francisco 49ers. Hear about the mentors who shaped him, the challenges of life in pro football, and how faith and family have guided his path beyond the field. W

Lee Johnson didn’t grow up dreaming of being a football player. So how did a soccer kid from Houston, Texas, end up becoming one of the best punters in BYU history — and last nearly two decades in the NFL? In this episode of Deep Blue, Lee shares how LaVell Edwards’ faith in him changed the course of his life — and how he’s paying that trust forward today through his work with BYU.

Mihailo Boskovic was living his dream as a pro basketball player in Europe — and had never even heard of BYU. So why did he leave it all behind and take a leap of faith in Provo? Discover his incredible journey in this episode of Deep Blue.

In this episode of Legends of '84, we delve into the world of Trevor Matich, BYU’s stalwart center and a key figure in the Cougars’ unforgettable championship run. From being the last kid picked at recess to earning a scholarship at BYU, Matich shares his inspiring story of perseverance, sacrifice, and brotherhood. He reflects on the lessons learned under LaVell Edwards, the unbreakable bond of the 1984 team, and how their unity propelled them to greatness. Along the way, Matich recounts pranks, rivalries, and the fierce loyalty that made the national title possible. This is more than a football story—it's a testament to faith, hard work, and the power of never giving up.

Dawson Baker didn’t take the typical path to BYU basketball. In this episode of Deep Blue, the Cougar guard opens up about battling through early injuries, adjusting to new roles, and finding peace through patience. From growing up the youngest of seven in Southern California to serving a mission in Micronesia, Baker reflects on his decision to stay at BYU, the impact of Coach Kevin Young, and how he's seen God's hand in helping him grow through adversity.

John Wardenburg is a natural fit as a coach. But when he was let go from his dream job, how did he recalibrate? Find out in this episode of Deep Blue.

Trace Eddington never imagined his voice would one day boom through LaVell Edwards Stadium and the Marriott Center. After a stellar audition, he became the PA announcer for BYU football and basketball—until an unexpected cancer diagnosis threatened the career he loved. Hear his story of faith and resilience, and how relying on God helped him face one of his greatest trials.

In this edition of Practice Chats on the Deep Blue podcast, producer Cleon Wall interviews BYU punter Sam Vander Haar and long snapper Garrison Grimes. The duo discusses playing together for the first time, the perfect snap, the mental side of the game, and if Sam practices tackling.

Gifford Nielsen dreamed of playing basketball, but a surprise prompting, a rough start, and a little faith led him to become BYU’s All-American quarterback—and the face of a football revolution. In part two of this Deep Blue conversation, Elder Nielsen reflects on LaVell Edwards’ bold decision to commit to the pass, the arrival of football guru Doug Scoville, and how BYU’s offense changed the landscape of college football. He also shares his NFL journey, his unexpected rise in broadcasting, and how every step—both planned and unplanned—led him to a calling as a General Authority Seventy of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Few athletes have influenced BYU football and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as much as Gifford Nielsen. But how did a Provo kid who once dreamed of basketball become a legendary BYU quarterback, an NFL veteran, and eventually a General Authority? And what did he learn about joy, faith, and leadership while serving across the world—even in West Africa—before returning to reflect on BYU Athletics’ global impact? In part one of our two-part Deep Blue conversation, Elder Nielsen shares stories of testimony, adversity, and vision, and how those experiences shaped both his life and his love for BYU.

Jordan Brady’s road to becoming a successful basketball coach was anything but typical. From a small-town upbringing to professional stints overseas and an unexpected turn coaching in the G League, how did he learn to lead under pressure—and what lessons has he carried into his role as Director of Recruiting and Player Personnel for BYU Basketball? In this episode of Deep Blue, Jordan opens up about the influence of his father, the challenges of raising a family while chasing coaching jobs across the country, and how he found purpose through basketball and faith.

Few college athletes have drawn as much attention as AJ Dybantsa—hailed by many as the top basketball prospect in the nation. How does he stay grounded despite the hype? What role does faith play in his rise to national stardom? And how is he using his platform to give back to those who need it most? Find out in this episode of Deep Blue.

Few BYU Football players have achieved as much both on and off the field as Tanner Wall. As a captain of the BYU defense, an MBA student, a mentor for BYU Pathways, and an Academic All-American, how does he manage to balance it all? And how did a self-described “little guy” go from walk-on to leading one of the top defenses in college football? Find out in this episode of Deep Blue.

Reggie Frischknecht was a star at the Junior College level, but he knew his college football career had more in store. With no initial offers from Power Four schools, how did he know he'd find a team to play for? Hear the story of how he became a BYU Cougar on Deep Blue's Practice Chats.

BYU Football's Cody Hagen is hoping to turn his track speed into being a deep threat for the Cougars' wide receiver corps. In this edition of practice chats, listen to how he felt about his first season after his mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and his goal of becoming a primary target on offense.

In this edition of Practice Chats on Deep Blue, we talk with BYU linebacker Choe Bryant-Strother. Hear him discuss what it's like being brothers with an NBA champion and having a name no one pronounces correctly on the first try.

In this edition of Practice Chats on Deep Blue, we talk with new BYU football defensive end Hunter Clegg. Why did he choose to transfer to BYU after his mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and what were most the impactful lessons he learned while serving? Find out on this edition of Practice Chats.