Random Acts Of Podcast Ep.544 | Key To The City

On this weeks episode RAOP we give live updates on the Election (lol). Also we chop it up about the Hot Boys Reunion, Lil Wayne Getting a key to New Orleans, Kodak Black being on dat dope again, Jaguars scaring the hoes and a lot more. Remember to send in your listener questions, "They Need Their A** Beat" or "Real N*gga Of The Week" submissions, email us at MAIL@RAOPodcast.com or call 424-260-RAOP to leave a voicemail.

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Long-Term Storytelling: The GOAT Episode | #theFBCPod

Long Term Storytelling | #theFBCPod

Long-term storytelling has been missing from wrestling, but we have seen a major return this week. 

- The OG Bloodline is back but with some caveats. 

- The Wyatt Sicks aims at the person who put one of the members in a prime but embarrassing position. 

- The New Day may be no more. 

- The Hurt Syndicate is back

The Piledriver is back in a major way! What over old school moves need to return? #CampBeKnowin: We have a new number one contender and a new belt coming to the E.

Rate, Like, Subscribe, and Download the First Black Champ Podcast on Apple Podcasts & Spotify. Search #theFBCPod for all episodes and follow us on Instagram and Twitter at @theFBCPod!

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Letting the Ladder Down

I was always taught that America was a special nation. We were “given” a land rich with resources and filled with diverse groups working hard for the betterment of the country and our planet. I love the idea of America. I truly want to believe that this is the “land of the free.” I want to believe this is a nation modeled on the teachings of Jesus. When I hear the national anthem, I want to feel that same spirit of patriotism that flows so easily through many Americans. I want to feel proud that this land is “my land” and that it was made for “you and me.” In theory, America should be the greatest country on earth—one that embraces the richness of its land and celebrates the diversity of its people.

 

But the problem with this view is that this version of America…does not exist.

 

To illustrate, let’s consider a story.

 

Imagine a massive, muddy hole in the ground with three people trapped inside. The walls are too slick and high to climb, leaving them desperate, calling out for anyone who might hear. After what feels like an eternity, a ladder finally appears, descending from above. The three look at each other, stunned by this glimmer of hope, yet uncertain if the ladder is sturdy enough to carry them to safety. One of them volunteers to test it, stepping out carefully. As he climbs higher, his heart races with a mix of fear and anticipation. Finally, he reaches the top and pulls himself out, feeling the warmth and freedom of the world above.

 

But as he stands there, basking in his newfound freedom, a flicker of doubt crosses his mind. He wonders, What if they come up too? What if there’s not enough space or opportunity for us all? That initial sense of liberation shifts to something darker—a fear that his freedom might somehow be diminished if others share it. And so, he does the unthinkable: he pulls the ladder up, leaving the others behind, ensuring he’s the lone escapee.

 

It’s a tragic story, isn’t it? You might be thinking, If he just let the others climb up, they could all find freedom together! Most people who hear this story likely feel the same way. The sad truth, however, is that this is the story of America. Rather than welcoming others with open arms and using our diversity to build a richer, more inclusive society, we consistently do the opposite. We have used the lives and labor of others to enrich ourselves, regardless of the cost to those left behind. The America enshrined in the second paragraph of our Declaration of Independence: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness” is, in many ways, a fairy tale, as distant and mythical as the great stories of ancient gods.

 

For every step forward this country takes, there seems to be a step back—a negative reaction that chips away at progress. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was an incredible piece of legislation that protected the voting rights of millions of Americans, yet in its wake, voter suppression has resurged. In 2015, the landmark case Obergefell v. Hodges legalized same-sex marriage, granting many Americans the freedom to marry who they love. But soon after, we saw protections for the LGBTQ+ community erode in various ways. This is what America is: the land of the see-saw. For every progression we gain, there’s an action taken to erode it.

 

Progress in America is like a pendulum, swinging back and forth. It moves forward, reaches a peak, but inevitably swings back in the other direction. This back-and-forth motion keeps us in a state of oscillation rather than true advancement. It gives us just enough hope to believe in change, only to have our hearts ripped out when the counter-reaction comes.

 

This pattern holds a special and negative place in my heart because of my upbringing in the American Christian church. It’s a trauma that started from my early days in Sunday School. As a child I was taught in church to love our neighbor and pray for those who are against us. I was taught to trust our pastors, trust the church, and pray for our elected leaders because, in the end, the church is led by the Lord and God has a plan for our “blessed” nation. I believed them and I trusted in this church and nation. I saw my country to be a beautiful place that, while it struggled in the past, is turning around and becoming a nation built on love and respect. So, when I heard these sayings in Sunday School, I took them to heart. These sayings and phrases sounded so good on the surface, but as I grew in age, I slowly realized that they failed to acknowledge the poison that has been within the church and this country since its inception

 

Take, for instance, the founding fathers. They hold a special place in our society, and we revere them for the actions they took to secure our freedom from the hands of the British. If we stopped at the surface, that would be a correct outlook but what the founding fathers did came at the cost of black and native lives. The land that they built came on the backs of slave labor and the land they stole was taken from people(s) who had lived here for thousands of years. The Christian leaders like Jonathan Edwards and others spread the Gospel in this land and spoke so highly of God’s redeeming love but maintained slave ownership. Rather than talk about our leaders and founders in the complex light of truth, we refer to them simply as “people of a different time” Yet, these “leaders” valued the oppression of people of a certain color over manumission. When the first nations people rose up to protect themselves, the crushed their rebellion and sequestered them to reservations. They gave African slaves the Bible as a means to “save” their souls but conveniently omitted any Biblical reference to liberation. This is indicative of what this nation has always been. It’s not the “land of the free” but rather a home for the privileged. Here, people are not created equal; instead, the many are subservient to the few who have more.

 

The most disheartening aspect of America is how it’s poor revere those who oppress them. Many of the poor and middle class would rather live under the yoke of injustice than do everything in their power to eradicate it. It reminds me of the story of the Israelites in the Torah. After hundreds of years under Egyptian oppression, YHWH set them free. Yet this joy of freedom was short-lived, as many soon complained to Moses about their hardships. They said, “Why is the Lord bringing us to this land only to let us fall by the sword? Wouldn’t it be better for us to go back to Egypt?” The Egyptians were their captors, but because the concept of radical freedom was so frightening, they would rather live under oppression.

 

This mindset brings us to where we are now. Donald Trump has won the presidency again, and for a large section of the country, there is happiness that their chosen leader has returned. Meanwhile, in the Trump campaign, there are promises of large-scale deportation operations, and phrases like “taking our country back” resonate more than calls to love and embrace your neighbor. Many respond to this by saying we should “worry about our own country first.” Some may even express sadness at how others’ lives are affected but will prioritize Americans as they define them, rather than extending compassion to all within our borders. It’s puzzling for a nation that claims such high ideals of love, and even more confusing when this is purportedly a “Christian” nation.

 

In some ways, I agree. America is a Christian nation in the same sense as the Roman Empire was during the height of the Catholic Church’s power. We elect leaders who speak of the Gospel and profess their love for God. Many donate to charity and attend worship regularly. From this perspective, it is indeed a “Christian” nation. However, alongside this declaration lies a disturbing truth: America is also a godless nation. While its ideals are lofty, its actions resemble those of nations we deem “terroristic.” Our culture prioritizes power and wealth over love and generosity. Success is measured in dollar amounts, not in the lives we uplift. America is a home of religion but often to people who have never truly encountered the God they believe they serve.

 

So, where does this leave us?

 

From my perspective, we face a choice. We can give in to the desire to insulate ourselves from others and focus only on our own needs. This is, after all, the most American thing we could do. It’s easy, requiring little work or sacrifice, and comes naturally. But our other option is to press on. It’s not a flashy or glamorous option, and it can feel like starting from scratch. Many people will help those around them until the lack of progress depresses them, and they retreat into their own realities.

 

Yet, every so often, there’s a moment when the tide starts to shift, and real change takes root. A life of service can transform someone who is struggling. An act of selflessness can ripple beyond your lifetime, touching lives in ways you may never see. Yes, evil will continue to propagate, but in its wake are those who need help. Some will accept your help and go on to help others, while others will take the help and pull up the ladder behind them, saving only themselves. This truth is hard, but it is no reason to stop serving. Instead, it is a call to press on even harder.

 

While I don’t understand this country’s decisions or where its future lies, I know that as a child, many people went out of their way to ensure I grew up loved. Though my heart is heavy with the reality we live in, I know that, like all things, evil has a time limit. I will do what I can to share the gift of love and service because one day, light will shine further, and there will be those who need others to serve them. So, I’m going to make sure I let the ladder down with you and raise up everyone around me and I hope you will too.

Random Acts Of Podcast Ep.542 | Make $20 Haircuts Great Again

On this weeks episode of RAOP we talk about politicians pandering for votes, Wayans Bros returning to the Scary Movie franchise, Perkioo doing the hot tag for Lil Durk, making $25 haircuts great again, Onlyfans girls saving a community and a ton more. Remember to send in your listener questions, "They Need Their A** Beat" or "Real N*gga Of The Week" submissions, email us at MAIL@RAOPodcast.com or call 424-260-RAOP to leave a voicemail.

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4th Rope & The Culture | #theFBCPod

November 2nd, 2024 will go down as a good night for culture as rappers Westside Gunn and Smoke Dza debuted 4th Rope Wrestling to the masses and its first show at the UIC Forum in Chicago. Bang was in the building, and he gives his review of the major event. WWE Crown Jewel also happened on November 2nd and we get a recap of the overseas event. Why do the Crown Jewel title winners get rings instead of belts? Does the “title” even matter? Did the WWE drop the ball on a newly released wrestler?

Rate, Like, Subscribe, and Download the First Black Champ Podcast on Apple Podcasts & Spotify. Search #theFBCPod for all episodes and follow us on Instagram and Twitter at @theFBCPod!

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Bye Baby | #theFBCPod

WWE Crown Jewel is next week, so #theFBCPod gets you ready with their prediction show. The OG Bloodline is back together (Spoiler) to take on the new version. Who will win, and how will this set up Survivor Series War Games? Triple H told Randy Orton he is protecting him from Kevin Owens. What does that mean? Samantha Irvin has left WWE and has had some interesting comments since leaving.

Rate, Like, Subscribe, and Download the First Black Champ Podcast on Apple Podcasts & Spotify. Search #theFBCPod for all episodes and follow us on Instagram and Twitter at @theFBCPod

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Random Acts Of Podcast Ep.540: CLUB GAWD

On this weeks episode we bring on Duval legend DJ Prince Patron. We chop it up with him about what killed the club culture, wildest nights in the club, managing Foolio, our comedian Mt. Rushmore, most overrated wrestlers and a ton more. Remember to send in your listener questions, "They Need Their A** Beat" or "Real N*gga Of The Week" submissions, email us at MAIL@RAOPodcast.com or call 424-260-RAOP to leave a voicemail.

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Same Ol’, Same Ol’: The Bears' Familiar Struggles Persist

If you have spent your life, as I have, watching the Chicago Bears consistently on Sunday’s, you begin to wonder; Is football really as hard as the Bears make it seem? These are professionals who can do a job that most humans would fail at, yet, the Bears have a special habit of adapting slowly to changes around them and stubbornly holding onto anachronistic habits of competing. What complicates matters is the love that the Bears have within the city of Chicago. Whether you’re from within the city limits or the surrounding suburbs, Sunday’s are a holy day and there are few events that can take the average Bears fan away from their TVs on that day. Millions gather together with the hope and belief that this Sunday will be the one. Yet watching the Bears attempt to string together drives feels like watching a toddler try to solve a Rubik’s Cube. Even with these setbacks, Bears fans show up, week after week, pouring unwavering love into a franchise that repeatedly falls short. Sunday’s game against the Washington Commanders was just the latest disappointment in a season—and an era—filled with unmet expectations.

 

DB Tyrique Stevenson with a costly error in judgment

This game was marked by a familiar scene on the defensive side of the ball. The Commanders were able to move down the field and get within scoring range but were consistently held to Field Goals; the classic Bears “bend but don’t break” defense. Late in the 3rd quarter, rookie Caleb Williams was able to put together two impressive drives that saw the game’s first touchdown as well as the Bears first lead. With less than 30 seconds on remaining, the Bears were in prime position to escape Washington with a win. However, as Jayden Daniels completed his last-second Hail Mary attempt, Chicago fans experienced that all-too-familiar gut punch. Once again, it seemed like the Bears, a team with more than a century of history, fail to understand what it takes to be truly competitive. The game, as well as recent memory showed more of what fans have come to expect: there were flashes of brilliance here and there, sure, but as a cohesive unit, this team remains the “same ol’, same ol’.”

 A Tale of Two Quarterbacks

 Sunday’s matchup against the Commanders brought with it additional pressure as the matchup featured the past two season’s Heisman trophy winners as well as the 1st and 2nd pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. While the anticipation was high with them both coming off impressive weeks of football, Bears QB Caleb Williams struggled under pressure, completing just 10 of 24 passes as the Bears' offensive line failed to provide him with adequate time to pass, allowing him to be pressured on over 50% of his drop backs. In contrast, Commanders’ QB Jayden Daniels found time in the pocket, finishing with over 300 yards and a game sealing touchdown. The difference between these two former Heisman winners, couldn’t have been clearer. Daniels, who has smoothly transitioned to the NFL, has been allowed to adapt to the speed and talent of the professional level with an offensive line that gives him time and a skill group that understands his needs in the pocket. In addition, head coach Dan Quinn has allowed him to make full use of his skillset, winning on both the ground and in the air. Compare this to Caleb who, while equally given a skilled skill group, has been left with a makeshift offensive line and a coaching staff that hasn’t figured out how to gameplan for football in the modern era. A win against Caleb and the Bears has allowed familiar narrative to shape the national media; did the Bears choose the wrong quarterback?

 

It brings back memories of 2017, when the Bears passed on Deshaun Watson and Patrick Mahomes in favor of Mitchell Trubisky, a decision that has haunted them as Mahomes ascended to greatness. While Caleb Williams appears to be “the real deal”, Sunday’s loss highlights the trend of what it means to play football in Chicago. While other franchises adapt to the league around them and allow their players to develop at a consistent pace, the Bears find themselves having to undergo the same events in a much harder and less effective way.

 The Issue of Adaptation

 Adaptation has never been the Bears' strong suit. The team’s resistance to change is well-documented, from George Halas’ unwillingness to find coaching with more experience to Lovie Smith’s reluctance to abandon the outdated Cover 2 base defense. Chicago is a stubborn city, one that scoffs in the face of the title “second city” and it’s no surprise that her teams exhibit that same stubbornness. What is unacceptable within this, is a lack of discipline. An alarming trend of the this has permeated the tenure of Matt Eberflus. On the play before the Hail Mary, the Bears' defense left the sidelines exposed, allowing an easy 13-yard completion. Then, on the Hail Mary itself, rookie cornerback Tyrique Stevenson was more focused on taunting fans than covering his man. While these are professional athletes who are free to make their own decisions in and out of the game, it starts with the head coach. It is Eberflus and his coaching staff’s job to make sure their players are well prepared for their opponent and consistently disciplined in such a demanding sport. Whether it is momentum killing penalties or confusing playcalls, there has rarely been a time where the Bears seemed prepared for the game before them.

 The Bears’ consistency—or lack thereof—rests on Eberflus’s shoulders and eventually, there will need to be a level of accountability from him that showcases he is the person that will shift the Bears fortunes. Until then, he might only be a transitional figure, reminiscent of former Chicago Cubs manager Ricky Renteria. His teams were scrappy but ultimately incapable of taking the team to the next level and their fortunes did not change until Joe Maddon took over the reins. While Eberflus has built a defense that can keep games close, his handling of the offense has been a stumbling block. It is beginning to reach a point in the season where one wonders if he can competently remain the head coach without costing his time precious time and development.

 Chicago fans are known for their loyalty, but loyalty doesn’t mean complacency. Ryan Poles and Kevin Warren talk of change, but the results mirror the same old story. Until the Bears prove they’re serious about transformation, they’ll remain lovable losers. For now, their story is one of familiarity aka the “same ol’, same ol’.

A Right Way & A Wrong Way to Tribute | Some Dude 208

The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony happened this past weekend (October 19th) and Some Dude go over the tributes. Did the Rock Hall get the Mary J. Blige and A Tribe Called Quest Tributes correct? What about the Rock and Country acts?

There was one person who was absent from Mary J.'s speech: Sean "Diddy Combs. 

The NBA season is here but did Some Dude pay attention enough to make predictions? Also, Bang's cousin slides through to talk about his amazing story.

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Random Acts Of Podcast Ep.538 | Hobosexual

On this weeks episode we bring back the homie Kelz. We chop it up about Joe getting kicked outta Kelz Gang, sex workers running around like their Pac, getting out of a "drought" and we call SEEK ALMIGHTY to get updates on his coochie getting Saga. Remember to send in your listener questions, "They Need Their A** Beat" or "Real N*gga Of The Week" submissions, email us at MAIL@RAOPodcast.com or call 424-260-RAOP to leave a voicemail.

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Flex Scheduling confirms the Chicago Bears' return to relevancy

It’s official: the Chicago Bears are once again marquee television.

For what feels like the first time since the Stone Age, the 4-2 Bears are a football team worthy of a national showcase. Their status was set Tuesday afternoon when the NFL announced it was flexing their Week 8 road matchup with the Washington Commanders to a 3:25 CST start. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, CBS’ top team of Jim Nantz and Tony Romo will be on the call next Sunday.

The late afternoon window, which over the years has become a quasi-primetime game with nationwide appeal for both CBS and FOX, has eluded the Bears over much of the past decade. Porous offenses and head-scratching coaching decisions will certainly force eyes across the country to lose interest.

But now, with a shiny new toy in QB Caleb Williams, and a tantalizing matchup with fellow top 2024 pick Jayden Daniels, Chicago is primed and ready to recapture America’s attention.

The Bears’ first six games of the season amounted to a slow burn for the Chicago faithful. With hopeful eyes, Bears fans watched in agony as the team - mainly its new-look offense - sputtered out of the gates. Williams struggled behind a leaky, mistake-prone offensive line. Offseason additions WR Keenan Allen and RB D’Andre Swift were either unable to play due to injury, or ineffective on the field. Old habits were hard to miss, whether it was guard Nate Davis’ lack of preseason reps, or head coach Matt Eberflus and his staff seemingly leaving their players unprepared for battle.

Then, everything changed.

Veteran leaders on offense, led by 40-year-old wonder and TE Marcedes Lewis, reportedly met with offensive coordinator Shane Waldron for a no-holds-barred meeting after a Week 3 debacle against the Indianapolis Colts. The offensive contingent laid it all on the line with Waldron, giving their unapologetic feedback on their sloppy, disjointed play. Lewis even intimated that Waldron was “walking on eggshells” as the Bears’ new OC.

One of the chief concerns of the meeting was the team lacking a script for the first 12-15 plays of each game during the first few weeks.

An opening drive script is critical for any offense looking to establish a rhythm in the first quarter. It’s essentially vital for a rookie quarterback seeing an NFL defense for the very first time.

And their lack of preparation showed. The Bears failed to reach 20 points in two of their first three games, and in the lone game during that stretch in which they did - a 24-17 opening week victory over the Tennessee Titans - 22 of the team’s 24 points were scored on defense and special teams. It was a classic Chicago Bears win, all things considered.

“Probably six out of the seven years I’ve been playing, I’ve had openers with 15 (scripted plays),” WR DJ Moore said during his Monday appearance with Mully and Haugh on 670 The Score. “So when we didn’t do it, everybody was a little thrown off – but we were going to make it work.”

Since that meeting, the Bears offense has not only taken off, it’s suffocating bad defenses. They’re averaging 31.7 points over their three-game winning streak, the club’s first since 2020. Williams has thrown 7 of his 9 passing touchdowns during that stretch, and is currently on pace to throw for more than 3,700 yards this season. Each win has seen a different offensive weapon step up, with Swift, Allen, Moore and TE Cole Kmet, who has provided a spark after not seeing much action in the first few games.

The much-maligned offensive line has shown steady improvement over the winning streak. Veteran Matt Pryor has been favorable since replacing Davis at right guard. LG Teven Jenkins and RT Darnell Wright have played stand-up ball as of late. OG Bill Murray’s performance in the Bears’ Week 5 win over the Carolina Panthers had fans turning their heads.

The Bears could be forced to make some tough roster decisions following the bye week with the impending returns of tackle Larry Borom and IOL Ryan Bates, who had been battling with Coleman Shelton for the Center position prior to landing on injured reserve.

The offense has perfectly complemented a defense that is restoring its Monsters of the Midway moniker. The Bears rank in the top 10 of all major statistical defensive categories. They’ve allowed 16.8 points per game this season, the fifth-lowest mark in the league, and forced the second-most takeaways (13) through six weeks behind the Green Bay Packers (17). They’ve also scored 47 points off turnovers, as the defense has continued to put the offense in premium spots to take advantage of their opponents’ mistakes. The last time the Bears allowed more than 21 points in a game was Nov. 19, 2023, when they blew a double-digit lead on the road to the Detroit Lions.

Both phases coalesced perfectly in this past Sunday’s 35-16 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars in London. With a destination game and an exclusive window of football, Chicago overcame a slow first quarter to manhandle an inferior Jags team going through its own internal strife. An undermanned Bears defense forced two takeaways, with a third overturned on a bang-bang punch out by linebacker Tremaine Edwards. Williams had his best game as a pro, tossing a career-high four touchdowns (a fifth TD to Moore was ruled short of the goal-line). He bounced back from a brutal second-quarter interception - a mistimed lob to Moore that would have led to six with better placement -  making several elite-level throws, including a back-shoulder throw over the middle to Allen for a 9-yard score.

"You just gotta keep going," Williams told NFL Network's Stacey Dales post-game. "There's going to be times throughout the game where there's plays that you don't like, plays that you messed up on like today. But to keep going, have the positive mindset, stay a constant communicator throughout the whole team -- offensive coordinator, everybody. And have, like I said, that positive mindset goes a long way for our guys."

Waldron’s gameplan has made noticeable strides. Opening drives are still challenging, but his play scheme and designs are getting more clever by the game, as evident in their first score in Jacksonville - a double fake screen leading to a throw up the seam to Kmet for a 31-yard touchdown.

Overall, it was Waldron’s best game thus far. After the win, Eberflus praised Waldron’s growth and adaptability as an offensive coordinator.

"We had a good flow going”, Eberflus told reporters on Monday. “The offensive staff is really doing a good job of helping a lot of those ideas, and the execution piece with the positions…. but yeah, I thought he called a really good game."

While it hasn’t been a picture-perfect start to the Caleb Williams era in Chicago, it’s hard to imagine it going any better than this. Had you told Bears fans in April they’d be 4-2 entering the bye, a good chunk of them would’ve booked their February flight to New Orleans by now.

Sure there’s frustration with how they’ve opened ballgames, having trailed in every game this season. As T.J. Edwards told 670 The Score’s Bernstein, Harris & Rahimi on Tuesday, it’s an issue they’re focused on correcting.

“It’s definitely a point of emphasis for us, is kind of getting things rolling early”, Edwards said. “I think that starts confidence for our team, when you can do those things and score early.”

The Lisan al-Gaib of Chicago has also had his fair share of ups and downs. However, unlike Caleb Williams’ predecessors, his confidence and resolve has instilled a sense of calm across the fan base. Long gone are the days of waiting on the other shoe to drop and for a Bears QB to break the hearts of fans everywhere. No more will a defensive stalwart serve as the team’s representative in primetime promotional material. Finally, there is stability at the franchise’s most important position, and that tranquility has trickled throughout the organization.

So enjoy the bye week, Bears fans. Breathe easy and bask in the glory of winning football, because after this week, the real fun begins. Expectations are back in Chicago. Finally, the eyes of the football world are back on the Windy City.

May irrelevancy never rear its ugly head at Halas Hall again.


Pierce Roberson is an Emmy-award winning producer, writer and co-founder of the Barber’s Chair. He is currently based out of Philadelphia, PA. You can follow him and his work on X @CamronSanto.