Taylor Twellman on Lionel Messi, MLS, Apple, Tom Brady, and more

Host Brandon Contes interviews head Apple MLS commentator Taylor Twellman. Brandon and Taylor discuss a wide range of topics including giving Tom Brady broadcasting advice, Lionel Messi in MLS, leaving ESPN for Apple, and more. For even more discussion, head over to awfulannouncing.com and follow us on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, Threads, LinkedIn, TikTok, Bluesky, and YouTube: @awfulannouncing. -:38: Excitement for start of MLS season -1:51: Transition from pitch to booth -3:29: Not giving bulletin board material when playing -5:41: Times Taylor gave bulletin board material -6:55: Robert Kraft’s involvement with the New England Revolution -8:27: Tom Brady -9:33: Broadcasting advice for Brady -11:17: Apple’s first season in MLS -12:30: Issues or complaints from fans about MLS on Apple -13:22: MLS embracing streaming -15:41: Lionel Messi effect for MLS -17:01: Can one player make such an impact for MLS? -18:26: MLS talent level compared to England -20:01: Messi with the media -20:53: Different feel when doing Messi’s matches -21:46: Transition from ESPN to Apple -23:41: Enjoying doing other shows like “SportsCenter” and “First Take” -25:33: Complaints from viewers -26:08: ESPN daytime programming not putting enough focus on soccer -27:45: Is talent or management more reluctant to talk soccer? -29:32: Talking soccer with Stephen A. Smith -30:47: Twitter post on leaving ESPN -32:20: “What are we doing?” clip -35:14: Realistic the USMNT should’ve won a World Cup by now? -36:54: What’s held the USMNT back from making the World Cup quarterfinals? -38:41: Working the World Cup as a broadcaster -40:05: United States hosting the World Cup -41:14: Reservations about going to other countries to play -42:47: Soccer industry handling concussions -44:36: Movement to make changes happen during matches? -46:12: Heading in youth sports -47:02: Diagnosed concussions -47:47: Effects from concussions -49:12: Support from others when speaking about concussions -51:08: MLS referee lockout and starting season with temporary refs -51:59: Inter Miami’s 2024 season -53:19: Messi backlash from China after missing Hong Kong friendly -54:07 MLS season starting in February -55:46: MLS players not named Messi that people should know about