Bierman’s Six Pack: Issue #2

Welcome to this week’s Six Pack! Each week, I share a mix of thoughts – some sports-related, some not – and I’d love for you to jump in with your reactions, ideas, or recommendations in the comments. Here’s what’s on my mind this week:

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𝟏. 𝐓𝐕 𝐅𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐬

My 23 year-old daughter and I love watching television series together, especially shorter ones – just a few seasons at most – and often ones that fly under the radar. We gravitate toward action, suspense, and espionage thrillers, and many of them recently have tended to be British. Some of our favorites from the past year include The Night Manager, Bodyguard, Special Ops: Lioness, The Night Agent, Condor, The Day of the Jackal, and Hijack.

Right now, we’re wrapping up Rabbit Hole, but honestly, we don’t love it, and we’re gearing up to start the second season of The Night Agent soon. Do you have any recommendations in this realm? We’re always looking for our next binge-worthy show!

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𝟐. 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐟𝐬 𝐅𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐠𝐮𝐞?

I’m not a conspiracy theorist by any means, and it annoys me when people suggest the NFL manipulates games for teams like the Chiefs. That said, the league didn’t do itself any favors during Sunday’s AFC Championship game between the Bills and the Chiefs.

Forget that the Bills had 6 penalties for 48 yards compared to the Chiefs’ 5 for 21 yards – that’s close enough and not unusual. But the Chiefs’ critical 4th down stop in the fourth quarter left me scratching my head. One line judge clearly thought Allen got the first down, comfortably, but the other judge (coming from the Chiefs’ sideline, no less) marked it short. Then, without even discussing it, the first line judge crept his spot backward. What?!

To me, the replay clearly showed the ball hit the line to gain, and the Bills should have been awarded the first down. It just feels like the Chiefs always get the breaks, and I’ll admit, it’s starting to feel a bit tiresome. While this year’s Super Bowl between the Chiefs and Eagles should be a close one, with the Chiefs as slight favorites at -2, I was really looking forward to a Bills vs. Eagles matchup. Maybe it’s just Chiefs fatigue, but I’m ready for some new blood.

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𝟑. 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬

I was born in Dearborn, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit and home to Ford Motor Company. Across both sides of my family, I have 22 cousins (plus three siblings). I’m the youngest by a fairly significant margin, and while I love catching up with my cousins at family events, I sometimes feel a little jealous of my siblings, who grew up playing with them and built such tight bonds.

There’s something special about those connections between cousins, and I’m grateful my family has them. Still, I can’t help but wish I had been able to experience that closeness growing up. So many great stories and memories that I just wasn’t around for.

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𝟒. 𝐈𝐳𝐳𝐨’𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐌𝐚𝐠𝐢𝐜?

With football season winding down, I’m starting to pay more attention to college basketball. I was surprised to see Michigan State at 17-2 and ranked in the top 10. As a Michigan fan, I’m not usually rooting for the Spartans, but I wanted to give Tom Izzo some love.

Sure, he’s only won one national championship (back in 2000), but his resume is undeniably impressive. Eight Final Four appearances. Ten Big Ten regular-season titles. Six Big Ten tournament titles. Twenty-six consecutive NCAA tournament appearances – the longest streak in men’s college basketball history. And he’s never had a losing season in 30 years as head coach.

While maize and blue run through my veins, there’s a part of me that would like to see Izzo take his Spartans to one more championship before he retires. He’s always been a class act and has won the right way. In this wide-open year, could the Spartans do it? Why not? Work your March Magic, Coach, and bring it home!

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𝟓. 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐈’𝐝 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭 (𝐨𝐫 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭)

I’ve traveled to 49 of the 50 states (I’ll see you someday, Rhode Island) and most major U.S. cities. A friend recently asked me what the largest city I haven’t been to is, and after some research, I realized it’s El Paso, Texas. While I’m sure it’s a lovely city, I’m not in a rush to get there.

It got me thinking about cities I’ve been to but would love to revisit. Boston is high on the list as I’ve only been there a couple of times for work, but it’s been 25 years, and I’d love to visit Fenway Park. New Orleans is another. I know it has its challenges, but I loved the vibe of Bourbon Street, the Cajun cooking, the music, and the culture.

San Antonio is also on my radar. I haven’t been there in 30 years, but I’ve heard great things. I’d love to revisit the Alamo (even if it’s “overrated”) and check out the RiverWalk. Finally, while it isn’t probably considered a “big city”, I’ve never been to Asheville, North Carolina and have heard great things about it. I only live a few hours from it so hopefully can try to get down there for a long weekend some time soon. Outside of New York, Chicago, and LA, any other “big” cities you would recommend for a weekend getaway?

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𝟔. 𝐈𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐌𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬

On last week’s podcast, we talked about iconic sports moments for our favorite teams. For Michigan football, my #1 is Desmond Howard’s Heisman pose after his punt return touchdown against Ohio State in 1991.

For my Bengals, it’s tougher. There have been great moments, but trying to pin down one or two as “most iconic” is difficult. Was it the Fumble in the Jungle a couple of years ago? McPherson’s overtime kick against the Chiefs in 2022 to send them to the Super Bowl? Something else?

Bengals fans, chime in and let me know what you think. And if you’re not a Bengals fan, what’s your team’s most iconic sports moment? There are so many great ones out there and I’d love to hear about the sports moments you love and could watch over and over. Hit me up with your favorites!

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Thanks for checking out this week’s Six Pack, Sandman Nation! I’d love to hear your thoughts: what resonated with you, what you disagree with, or your own takes on these topics. Drop your comments below and let’s keep the conversation going. Have a fantastic week!