So ESPN Ran a Segment on D&D in the NFL

This past weekend, ESPN ran a four-minute-long segment on Dungeons & Dragons in the Cleveland Browns. Meet the Heathens.

The Breakfast Club was right. We might separate ourselves into different identities, but we all have way more in common than we think. And ESPN thinks so too. A recent SportsCenter segment took a closer look at a D&D game featuring players from the Cleveland Browns.

Nerds are jocks. Jocks are nerds. This has been true for a long time now. But, you know, pop culture always takes a while to catch up. Mostly because Spirit Halloween still has a ton of nerd costumes to sell.

Nerd or gameshow host? All you have to do is remove the pocket protector…

Seriously, all you have to do is take a look at Jocks Machina, which is as beefy a stream as you’d ever see.

From Professional Wrestlers to bodybuilders and even NFL players, there are many folks who play D&D. But when D&D shows up on ESPN SportsCenter, it’s hard not to feel like the wheel has turned at least a little.

D&D on ESPN

On SportsCenter this past weekend, ESPN ran a four-minute long segment showcasing a D&D game run by Johnny Stanton IV, former fullback on the Browns. And joining him at the table are Myles Garrett and Wyatt Teller, who are absolutely delightful.

Stanton shared the video on Twitter this past Saturday. And it’s quickly been making the rounds.

There’s no question of the love that the players have for the game. Stanton famously scored a game-winning touchdown after showing up for the game with his Critical Role shirt.

It just goes to show that anywhere you have to rely on other people, you can find room for RPGs. Twenty years ago, a segment like this would have been unthinkable. But with D&D everywhere, as the game heads into its 50th year, the future looks bright indeed.

Happy Adventuring

Author: J.R. Zambrano

Bell of Lost Souls Staff Writer and DM, J.R. covers RPGs of all stripes and on occasion eats sandwiches. You can ask him about either at [email protected]