Sports aren't a game. They're Everything.

The New York Knicks are NBA Champions.

Who woulda thought it?!

As I wrote on Instagram, if I knew Rory would bring me championships, I would've knocked Hallie up back in 2017 when we first met!

But today’s newsletter isn’t to reminisce on the greatest basketball team in the history of the sport (by the numbers), it’s to expand on the title.

Sports aren’t just a game. They’re EVERYTHING

I know we’re a football country but the sports world is on FIRE right now.

I’ve never been more obsessed and excited and as a lifelong sports fan.

The NBA Finals were incredible. The best ratings since 1998!

The Stanley Cup Finals were fantastic as well.

And then you’ve got the World Cup

After months of complaining and reporting on all the bad things about it, it’s been a magical start.

The scenes at the Azteca on opening day. The performance the USMNT put on.

And then of course, Freddy.

If you don’t know Freddy, he’s the sensation of the World Cup right now.

A German soccer fan who is road tripping the USA during the World Cup.

He’s discovered Waffle House, Buccees, the SEC and really shown how we spoiled we are here in the United States.

Freddy’s overwhelming positivity at each turn has been a joy to watch.

And Freddy’s journey is really a microcosm of what sports are.

Not a game.

I’ve used this phrasing in the past to speak about the business of sport.

People say it’s just a game yet a good run by your local team can impact businesses for decades!

As someone who grew up in a beer business that revolved a lot around the Ravens, I learned at a young age how each home playoff game could make or break the year.

That’s why it was super ironic that when my Mom sold the business, the Ravens then went to host an AFC Championship for the first time ever.

But today’s newsletter isn’t about the business side of sports, it’s about the connective side.

They say that people come together for 3 things.

Start of life

End of life

Sports

I have NEVER seen a community come together like I have during the Knicks Finals run.

It was one of the coolest things I’ve ever seen.

NYC was on fire (literally).

It brought out the greatest emotions, relationships, and memories that will live on forever.

Before I continue, shoutout to single parents.

Hallie was at a bachelorette this weekend and I was in charge of Rory from Friday morning till Sunday morning.

I managed and we had a great 48 hours but I couldn’t do a damn thing except care for that child.

Feed, play, sleep, wash bottles, try and remember to drink water myself and repeat every 3 hours.

So credit to single parents who took on that by themselves.

Rory’s night feeds are at 7 and 10pm.

The Knicks tipped at 8:40pm.

The hope was that I was going to be able to do her dream feed at halftime into mid 3Q, put her back down and watch the rest of the game.

When you have a plan, God babies laugh.

A fussy Rory meant I’d be watching with her on my chest for the next hour and when she finally fell asleep, there were 4 minutes to play.

But the Knicks had staged another riveting comeback and now there was no chance I was leaving my good luck charm!

So, there left me with Rory on my chest as the Knicks captured their first title in 53 years.

A week ago, I wrote about why I was spending $6,000 on a Knicks ticket (it actually ended up being $8,800 - in a loss…)

It was a memory I’ll have forever and one I’ll be able to show her in a few (10) years.

At this point, you may be wondering why I am sharing all this context.

It’s hopefully to drive home this point:

Throw yourself in as deep as you can

By the way, I’m halfway through my 30 life lessons in 30 years of life book that releases on July 23rd

If you want it for free, refer someone to the newsletter

And this doesn’t have to just apply to sports.

Care about your job. Get fired. Care about that girl you have a crush on. Get your heart broken.

Because in the end, it is the most human thing we can do.

The heartbreak of alllllll my teams losing at the goal line, made Saturday night that much sweeter.

And find your people and jump in with them too.

Because whether it is sports or religion or whatever you love, doing it with others is the best way to do it.

That’s why this Nike Knicks Ad was perfect.

The guy is running to find his people. Because going alone, no matter how far you can go, is not the way.

Now as I write this in the Fort Lauderdale Airport Cell Phone lot waiting to pick up Casey, you may find irony in the message.

Casey is doing his World Cup tour solo. Except he’s not.

At each stop, he’s throwing himself in to a country’s fandom.

And we’ve staged guests along the way.

Yesterday was Ryan Hammer.

Today is me but more importantly Cam Jordan of the New Orleans Saints.

If you haven’t been watching the WC content from Casey, you’re missing out

Watch here

Sports are the best.

My goal for 2026:

Write this newsletter once a week and release it every Monday at 12pm EST

If you found value in today’s edition, send this to someone who would also gain value from it