1991 Heisman Trophy winner and Super Bowl XXXI MVP Desmond Howard joins me for an in-depth conversation that goes far beyond highlight reels and headlines. From his early days as a multi-sport athlete in Cleveland to becoming a Michigan legend, an NFL star, and a 20-year mainstay on ESPN’s College GameDay, Desmond shares the lessons, mentors, and mindset that shaped his career and his life.
This episode dives into discipline, sacrifice, perspective, and fatherhood along with Desmond’s reflections on football today, his future goals, and why kindness remains his ultimate game plan.
In this episode:
Early Sports Journey: Baseball, basketball, track, and football beginnings
Recruitment & Michigan Decision: Why he chose Ann Arbor - and stayed.
Legendary Mentors: Bo Schembechler, Bill Gutbrod, and the impact of Greg Harden
Position Switches: From running back to wide receiver and the discipline it required
The Heisman Trophy: Winning as a Michigan receiver in a run-heavy era
NFL Career: 11 seasons, favorite moments, and Super Bowl XXXI MVP
Sacrifice & Mindset: Skipping prom for a track meet, preparation, and discipline
College GameDay: Behind-the-scenes of his 20-year career with ESPN
Fatherhood: Lessons learned and advice for dads
Bowl Season & Boca Raton Bowl Memories
Life Perspective: Complain less, work hard and the power of kindness
@desmondhoward
www.DesmondHoward.com

@PaigeKornblueMedia
www.PaigeKornblue.com

He’s the youngest head coach in Division I FBS football and he’s already made history coaching some of the game’s biggest names, from Patrick Mahomes to Bailey Zappe. Now, Zach Kittley has brought his innovative, high-tempo style to Florida Atlantic University as the Hagerty Family Head Football Coach.
In this episode of The Paige Kornblue Show, Coach Kittley opens up about:
-Building a winning culture rooted in family, toughness, and fun
-His path from volunteer student coach to record-breaking offensive coordinator
-The lessons learned from Mahomes, Zappe, and more
-Navigating NIL, the transfer portal, and the evolving world of college football
-Life off the field as a husband and father of three
We talk playbooks and pressure, but also the personal side: how a coach balances vision, leadership, and family while shaping the future of FAU Football.
www.FAUSports.com
X | Instagram: @zkittley
www.PaigeKornblue.com
@PaigeKornblueMedia

How do you level the playing field for kids who love sports but lack access? How do you juggle running a growing nonprofit and raising teens?
In this episode, Paige sits down with Michelle Hagerty, founder of The Power of Sports, a new nonprofit providing athletic access, equipment, and opportunity to children across South Florida - with a growing mission for nationwide expansion.
They talk about:
The inspiration behind The Power of Sports
The real barriers kids face in accessing athletics
How Michelle balances motherhood, mission, and leadership
Her philanthropic journey supporting FAU Athletics, George Snow Scholarship Fund, Place of Hope, Boys & Girls Club of Boca Raton, Boca Raton Regional Hospital and more
What it means to be a woman, mom, and changemaker in 2025!
Learn more and get involved at thepowerofsports.com
Follow The Paige Kornblue Show at www.PaigeKornblue.com