Alternate Routes

The boxing and social media worlds will collide on Nov. 15 when 58-year-old former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson, takes on 27-year-old influencer-turned-boxer Logan Paul in one of the most highly anticipated fights in recent memory. A large portion of the audience will be YouTubers who have only heard about Tyson because he bit off part of Evander Holyfield’s ear…or maybe they saw him in The Hangover. But “Iron Mike” was once the baddest man on the planet, an undisputed undefeated fighting machine. But that all changed in 1990 when he faced journeyman James “Buster” Douglas in what was supposed to be a tune up before Tyson faced Evander Holyfield. Douglas, a 42-to-1 underdog, shocked the world and took away the title, and Tyson’s world spiraled out of control. But what would’ve happened if Tyson had defeated Douglas and faced Holyfield in the Fight of the Century? Would Tyson’s status as champ have helped him through his legal troubles? Would the UFC still have gone mainstream? And how would the careers of Schwartzenegger, Stallone and The Rock have been different? Find out on Alternate Routes.  Listen to Alternate Routes on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to episodes early and ad-free on Wondery+ now. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/alternate-routes now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On today’s special Hot Routes episode, we’re getting into the Halloween spirit by looking at some of the scariest events, moments and people in sports. What happens if a Palace doesn't erupt in a melee that torches the title hopes of one of the NBA’s best teams and an all-time great? What if the NBA’s all-time worst owner isn’t unmasked? Which NFL trick looked like a treat but ultimately led to a Titanically horrifying Super Bowl result? Plus, who’s scarier? Philly fans, Raider Nation or soccer hooligans? Find out on Alternate Routes.Listen to Alternate Routes on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to episodes early and ad-free on Wondery+ now. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/alternate-routes now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

There wasn’t much that Kobe Bryant didn’t achieve on the basketball court. National High School Player of the Year. NBA Most Valuable Player. Five-time NBA Champion. Two-time Finals MVP. 18-time NBA All-Star. Olympic gold medalist. Hall of Famer. He even won an Oscar! But the one thing Kobe didn’t accomplish - by his own choice- was to play college basketball. Under former draft eligibility rules, Bryant was one of a few dozen U.S. players who skipped college to declare for the NBA Draft straight out of high school. At 17, Bryant was selected with the 13th pick by the Charlotte Hornets but soon after was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. The rest is history. But what would have happened if Kobe had gone to college instead? Would he have ended up on Tobacco Road? What dynasty would get an unexpected reboot by drafting him? What legendary college coach would have an unexpected homecoming? And how does J. Cole fit into all of this? Find out on Alternate Routes.Listen to Alternate Routes on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to episodes early and ad-free on Wondery+ now. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/alternate-routes now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The untold stories behind the products you’re obsessed with and the bold risk-takers who made them go viral. How did Birkenstocks go from a German cobbler’s passion project 250 years ago to a starring role in the Barbie movie? Who created that bottle of Sriracha permanently living in your fridge? Did you know the Air Jordans were initially banned by the NBA, or that Super Mario became the best-selling video game character ever thanks to a strategy called “The Infinite Game?” On Wondery’s new weekly podcast The Best Idea Yet, Nick Martell and Jack Crivici-Kramer (hosts of the award-winning daily pop-business podcast, The Best One Yet aka TBOY) have identified the most viral products of all time and reveal their untold origin stories — plus the bold risk-takers who brought them to life. From the Happy Meal to Levi’s 501 jeans, come for the products you’re obsessed with, stay for the business insights that’ll make you the most interesting person at your next brunch. Follow The Best Idea Yet on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to new episodes early and ad-free on Wondery+. Wondery.fm/TBIY_IPSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The World Series is the most enduring team championship in North America. Not even, World War I, World War II or even the events of September 11 could postpone it. But in 1994 the World Series was canceled because of a labor dispute and players’ strike that prematurely ended what was well on its way to being an historic major league season. But what if baseball’s union and owners came to an agreement to save the season? Which franchise would never have said “bon voyage” to their longtime home? Which Hall of Famer would’ve reached heights not seen in over a half century? Which Giant (not named Barry Bonds) would’ve been the new home run king? And why would a meaningless September game on Chicago’s South Side be the toughest ticket in baseball history? Find out on Alternate Routes.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Compared to other hockey players Wayne Gretzky wasn’t especially big, strong or fast. But nobody ever dominated a sport the way “The Great One” dominated the NHL. Before his 28th birthday the captain of the Edmonton Oilers had shattered every NHL single-season scoring record en route to leading his team to four Stanley Cups championships in five years. And that’s why the entire sports world was stunned when in the summer of 1988 the Oilers traded Gretzky to the NHL’s most remote locale, Los Angeles, sparking other NHL franchises to set their sights on the U.S. Sunbelt. But what would’ve happened if No. 99 was never traded to Southern California? How long would the Oilers dynasty have lasted? Could Gretzky have rolled into the Motor City instead? Which classic movies would never have gotten greenlit? And what does this all have to do with art smuggling? Find out on Alternate Routes.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Whether it’s MJ or LeBron, Tiger, Serena, Brady or Biles, there are scores of athletes who can lay claim to being the GOAT. But when it comes to unicorns - mythical athletes whose abilities defy belief - there are at best a handful. For all who saw him play, Vincent “Bo” Jackson was a unicorn. A threat to score from anywhere on the football field, with elite power and arm strength on the baseball diamond, Jackson is the only person to play both in the NFL’s Pro Bowl and baseball’s All-Star game. But, in the prime of his career during his first postseason game, Jackson suffered an injury that abruptly ended his football career and was the beginning of the end for his baseball career. But what would’ve happened if Jackson had avoided injury? Would the “Bo Knows” phenomenon have eclipsed all other athletes? How much would a talent of his magnitude be worth in free agency? Could he have ended up in Cooperstown? Or Canton? Or both?! And how else would this all disrupt The Matrix? Find out on Alternate Routes.Listen to Alternate Routes on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to episodes early and ad-free on Wondery+ now. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/alternate-routes now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Eli Manning Hall of Fame debate is about to achieve critical mass as Peyton’s little brother headlines the latest class of Canton hopefuls. Manning is one of the most beloved players in Giants history after leading Big Blue to two Super Bowl titles, both against Tom Brady and the Patriots. However, Eli wasn’t drafted by the Giants. Instead he was taken - against his wishes - by the San Diego Chargers and traded to the Giants for Philip Rivers and a pick. But what would’ve happened had Manning agreed to play for the Chargers? Would he have led the long-suffering Chargers to the promised land? Who would the Giants have taken instead with the fourth pick? Where would Rivers have ended up playing? And why does this all affect [Joaquin] Phoenix? Find out on Alternate Routes.Listen to Alternate Routes on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to episodes early and ad-free on Wondery+ now. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/alternate-routes now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

“How ‘bout them Cowboys?” In the early 1990s Dallas had a dynasty built by masterminds Jimmy Johnson and Jerry Jones. Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith & Co. won consecutive Super Bowls, but before they could even say “three-peat” Johnson and Jones parted ways, rocking the NFL. The Cowboys managed to win another Super Bowl two years later, but haven’t even gotten past the Divisional Playoffs since. But what would have happened if Jimmy Johnson had stayed with the Cowboys? How many more Super Bowl wins would he have? Which other teams’ Hall of Famers might have worn the star instead? Which Florida legend would go pro to replace the NFL’s all-time winningest coach? And why isn’t there a hair out of place in the entire state of Texas? Find out on Alternate Routes.Listen to Alternate Routes on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to episodes early and ad-free on Wondery+ now. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/alternate-routes now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

One of the few drawbacks of winning the Super Bowl is that you get the worst draft position - a tradeoff every team would make any day. But in the 2018 draft, the “Philly Special” Eagles had the opportunity to select Lamar Jackson at No. 32, but chose to trade the pick to the Baltimore Ravens for a package of lower picks. Since then, the Ravens have been elite, Jackson has won two MVPs, while the Eagles bottomed out in 2020, changed coaching staffs and underwent a major roster overhaul before bouncing back the past two seasons. But what would’ve happened if that trade never happened and the Eagles used their pick on Lamar? Could Jackson have ever beaten out Carson Wentz in Philly? What former Eagles great would he forever be compared to? Who would the Ravens find as a replacement for Joe Flacco? And what does this all have to do with Tecmo Bowl? Find out on Alternate Routes.Listen to Alternate Routes on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to episodes early and ad-free on Wondery+ now. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/alternate-routes now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For the past two decades, the road to the college football National Championship has passed through the SEC. With Texas and Oklahoma joining the party, it doesn’t look like that’s changing anytime soon. This current dominance began in 2006 when The Florida Gators won two titles in a three year span under coach Urban Meyer. Those Florida teams were so stacked with talent, they began their 2008 championship season with reigning Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow at QB1 and an athletic sophomore named Cam Newton at QB2. But injuries and off-field issues led to Newton’s departure from Gainesville. He eventually landed in Auburn where he led the Tigers to the 2010 National Championship, won a Heisman of his own, became the top pick in the 2011 NFL Draft and was named NFL MVP in 2015. But what would’ve happened had Newton stayed with the Gators? Could he and Tim Tebow co-exist? Why would the Buckeyes be out of luck? What Hall of Famers team up in the desert? And how does this all relate to Snoop Dogg and an iconic southern clothing designer? Find out on Alternate Routes.Listen to Alternate Routes on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to episodes early and ad-free on Wondery+ now. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/alternate-routes now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The wait is almost over - the 2024 NFL season finally kicks off this week! Since every new season comes with an endless supply of storylines yet to be played out, instead of our usual look back at “woulda, coulda, shoulda” moments, Trey and Kevin are focusing on the “here and now” and doing their best to predict what will happen. Will Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and the Kansas City Chiefs become the first team ever to win three straight Super Bowls? Will Caleb Williams be this season’s C.J. Stroud? Or will it be Jayden Daniels? What will Aaron Rodgers’ return to the Jets and Jim Harbaugh’s return to the NFL look like? And which GOAT, Brady or Belichick, will be everyone’s favorite rookie broadcaster? Find the answers to all of these questions and more in a special extended Hot Routes episode of Alternate Routes.Listen to Alternate Routes on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to episodes early and ad-free on Wondery+ now. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/alternate-routes now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For the first time in nearly two decades there’s a new boss in Tuscaloosa, AL. Nick Saban, widely regarded as the GOAT in college football, stepped down in January after winning six of his seven National Championships at Alabama, leading the Tide to eight of the first ten College Football Playoffs, and coaching four Heisman Trophy winners. Perhaps the most memorable championship for Saban came in the 2018 CFP Final when trailing Georgia 13-0 at halftime, he shocked the entire nation by switching QBs from two-year starter Jalen Hurts to unproven freshman Tua Tagovailoa. The move worked as Tua led the Tide to an overtime win and the National Championship. Hurts would eventually transfer, Tua would suffer a serious injury, but both would end up near the top of the highest paid players in NFL history. But what would’ve happened if Saban stuck with Hurts? Does Alabama still come back to win? Does Tua stay at Alabama or does he transfer? Does Hurts win a Heisman as a junior? And which other player becomes the biggest two-sport star since Deion Sanders? Find out on Alternate Routes.Listen to Alternate Routes on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to episodes early and ad-free on Wondery+ now. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/alternate-routes now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

One of the biggest stories of this NBA offseason was the breakup of Golden State’s Splash Brothers. Teammates since 2011, Steph Curry and (now-Dallas Maverick) Klay Thompson won four NBA titles, made a collective 7,000 regular and postseason three pointers and literally changed how the sport is played on all levels. But the NBA’s all-time greatest shooting duo almost never happened. The Warriors reportedly offered Curry to the Bucks in a 2012 trade, but Milwaukee, worried about the durability of his troublesome ankles, passed on the Hall of Famer, choosing to receive veteran Monta Ellis instead, and every NBA fan knows the rest. But what would’ve happened if the Bucks did take the baby faced assassin? Would Steph overcome his bad ankles to eventually form a different dynasty with Giannis Antetokounmpo? Would Thompson and the Warriors ever win a title? And how does this alternate scenario lead to a revolution in the fast food industry?! Find out on Alternate Routes.Listen to Alternate Routes on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to episodes early and ad-free on Wondery+ now. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/alternate-routes now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Before arriving in Paris for the 2024 Olympics, the U.S. national basketball teams were making more headlines for who wasn’t chosen. At the center of the respective maelstroms were WNBA phenom Caitlin Clark and 2024 NBA Finals MVP Jaylen Brown. However, those omissions pale in comparison to the greatest snub in Olympic basketball history: Isiah Thomas being left off the Dream Team. Legend has it that Michael Jordan gave USA Basketball an ultimatum about his biggest rival: either him or me. They chose Jordan, the U.S. captured gold, and basketball around the world was changed forever. But, what if Thomas was part of the greatest roster ever assembled? Would Jordan really have “abandoned” the national team or learned to coexist with his archenemy? Would the squad have been torn into warring factions? And which pitchman would suddenly become the global face of counterculture? Find out on Alternate Routes.Listen to Alternate Routes on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to episodes early and ad-free on Wondery+ now. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/alternate-routes now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As the world’s greatest athletes descend on Paris for the 2024 Olympics, we find ourselves in the golden age of women’s team sports. Over the past year alone we’ve seen record viewership and attendance across the board, punctuated by the more than two billion viewers who tuned into the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. However, it was another World Cup, 25 years ago, that first transformed “women’s sports” to just “sports.” That U.S. Women’s National Team win over China – and Brandi Chastain’s legendary celebration – put female athletes in the spotlight like never before – until now. But what would’ve happened if the U.S. had lost that World Cup Final? Would superstars like Diana Taurasi, Sue Bird, A’ja Wilson, Megan Rapinoe, Sophia Smith, Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese have ever gotten the chance to shine? What indispensable article of clothing would never have gotten its due? And what does this have to do with Tebowing, T.O.’s popcorn and the Steph Shimmy?! Find out on Alternate Routes.Listen to Alternate Routes on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to episodes early and ad-free on Wondery+ now. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/alternate-routes now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It was the “retirement” heard round the world. In October of 1993, shortly after losing his father, Michael Jordan shocked the world by walking away from basketball and becoming a minor league baseball player for the Birmingham Barons. MJ was at the peak of his powers and the Chicago Bulls were coming off three consecutive championships when he decided to ride the bus and pick up a bat and glove. Although (after announcing it by fax) Michael came back in ‘95 and led the Bulls to the promised land three more times, we’ll never know what would’ve happened if he had just stayed in Chicago. That’s where Trey and Kevin come in. Would the Bulls have gone on to win NINE rings? Would the Houston Rockets have ever won a championship? Would Phil Jackson have ever gone to the Lakers and would Jordan staying in the NBA somehow extended the curse of the Bambino?! Find out on Alternate Routes.Listen to Alternate Routes on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to episodes early and ad-free on Wondery+ now. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/alternate-routes now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Of all the sports covered on Alternate Routes, few breed more “what if” scenarios than golf. It’s so often one round, one swing, one putt separating winners from losers. To fully explore golf’s greatest “what if?” moments, we’re flipping the script with a new format called Hot Routes, where Trey and Kevin dive down the rabbit holes from multiple sliding door moments. For instance, what if Tiger Woods was disqualified at the 2000 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach (almost happened) - does he still become the greatest golfer of his generation? Would Ben Hogan become one of the all-time greats if he never got into that car crash? And if Greg Norman doesn’t choke at The ‘96 Masters, does LIV Golf exist today?? Find out on the inaugural Hot Routes edition of Alternate Routes.Listen to Alternate Routes on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to episodes early and ad-free on Wondery+ now. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/alternate-routes now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Can a single play change the trajectory of a franchise? If a quarterback is hit while his arm is (maybe) in motion, is it a fumble? Is there no true justice in the universe?! These are the questions that keep sports fans (especially Raiders fans) up at night. When the referees called the infamous “tuck rule” in the 2001 AFC Divisional Round Playoff game, they sent New England into the record books and Oakland into the wilderness. But, what if the play in question was ruled a fumble? Do the Raiders go on to Super Bowl glory and ultimately stay in Oakland? Does Tom Brady go back to the bench and Drew Bledsoe become the greatest Patriot of all time? And does an AFC East with no TB12 pave the way for “Broadway Mark Sanchez”?! Find out on Alternate Routes.Listen to Alternate Routes on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to episodes early and ad-free on Wondery+ now. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/alternate-routes now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Whether you call him Shaq, Diesel, Shaq Diesel, or DJ Diesel, Shaquille O’Neal is one of the greatest players to ever step on a basketball court and a true American treasure. So much of his success as a player and personality stems from the three rings he won alongside Kobe Bryant in L.A, despite their tumultuous alliance. But, what if Shaq never moved out West and instead, stayed in Orlando? Do the Magic outrun the Bulls and speed up the last dance? Does LeBron never take his talents to South Beach in a newly configured Eastern Conference? And would we never have witnessed the cinematic masterpiece, Kazaam?! Find out on Alternate Routes.Listen to Alternate Routes on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to episodes early and ad-free on Wondery+ now. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/alternate-routes now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.