Mike Sando | ep. 3
Mike Sando on QB Tiers, Officiating, Fandom & the Modern Game
A Deep Dive with One of Football’s Sharpest Analysts
In this thought-provoking episode, NFL writer Mike Sando — known for his quarterback tier rankings and long tenure covering the sport — joins The Family Business with Norv and Stephanie Turner to unpack some of the most hot-button topics in football today. From how we evaluate quarterbacks to the sweeping influence of gambling, media, and officiating on the modern fan experience, this conversation goes beyond stats and highlights and dives into why the game feels the way it does in 2025.
Quarterback Tiers: Beyond Rankings to Real Context
A centerpiece of the discussion is Sando’s quarterback tier framework — a system he uses to categorize signal-callers not just by raw performance, but by impact and context. Instead of the traditional “rank 1–32” list, Sando’s tiers reflect how quarterbacks influence games and seasons holistically: from elite franchise-defining stars to those whose play is solid but doesn’t move the needle as much.
This approach helps clarify debates that rage every season, like how much weight to place on supporting cast vs. pure talent, or why certain players are celebrated more loudly than their numbers warrant. By framing divisions between tiers — rather than rigid ranks — Sando gives fans a way to discuss quarterbacks with nuance instead of hot takes.
Officiating: Chaos or Consistency?
Officiating is another major thread in the conversation. Sando candidly discusses how inconsistent calls and evolving replay protocols can shift narratives around teams and players — sometimes unfairly. These aren’t just nitpicks; they affect game outcomes, fan perception, and even team strategies as coaches try to anticipate how rules are being interpreted from week to week.
Rather than just complain about “bad calls,” Sando explores what consistency would look like and how it might restore some confidence in the product on the field — something fans increasingly crave as viewing habits and expectations change.
Fandom, Gambling & the Modern Experience
Perhaps the most compelling section of the episode centers on how fandom itself is changing. In the era of fantasy leagues, daily wagering, and nonstop social media discussion, fans interact with games differently than ever before. Sando explores how these forces shape narratives around players and teams, amplify storylines, and sometimes create echo chambers of opinion that feel louder than the on-field reality.
This isn’t just about criticism — it’s a nuanced look at how the NFL’s ecosystem now extends far beyond 60 minutes of Sunday football, affecting everything from broadcast tones to locker room environments.
Media, Message & the Lens We Watch Through
As someone who’s covered more than 20 Super Bowls, Sando understands both the craft of reporting and the chemistry between media and audience. He talks about the responsibilities and limitations of sports media — how narratives are constructed, why certain players get more or less attention, and what happens when coverage becomes louder than performance itself.
It’s a refreshing perspective: the best storytelling doesn’t just chase clicks — it elevates understanding.
Takeaways for Fans Old and New
Whether you’re a die-hard NFL follower or someone interested in the bigger picture of how sports intersect with culture, this episode offers valuable insights:
QB evaluation is as much art as science, where tiers reflect context and influence more than raw stats.
Officiating consistency matters more than any single call, shaping competitive fairness and fan trust.
Fandom is evolving, and with it, how fans consume, discuss, and emotionally invest in the game.
Media narratives can elevate or distort perception, reminding us to look deeper than headlines.
Final Thoughts
This episode is a masterclass in thoughtful sports discussion. By bringing together analytical rigor, journalistic integrity, and a genuine love for the game, Mike Sando helps listeners see the NFL through a clearer, more informed lens. Whether you agree with every take or not, you’ll walk away with a richer understanding of what makes football so compelling — and so complex.
🎧 Watch the full episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/qqS8kuQuEkc