Drew Bledsoe knows what it means to reach the top — early. The youngest quarterback ever named to a Pro Bowl, Drew later saw his very first wine vintage earn a spot on Wine Spectator’s Top 100. In this episode of Crosby’s Cru, Drew shares how excellence, loyalty, and long-standing relationships have shaped both his football career and his winery. From honoring the franchises he played for to giving real ownership and recognition to his winemaker, this conversation goes beyond accolades to explore what it means to build something the right way — where everyone involved rises together.See Privacy Policy at <a href="https://art19.com/privacy" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://art19.com/privacy</a> and California Privacy Notice at <a href="https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info</a>.

AFC vs NFC: Picking Teams, Training Palates

While playing for the Green Bay Packers, field goal kicker Mason Crosby saw his life change in many ways. He became a husband to Molly, a father of five, a Super Bowl champion… and just a little bit of a wine snob. With teammates like Charles Woodson—founder of Intercept Wines—and Tony Moll, Jason Spitz, and Darryn Colledge of Three Fat Guys Winery, there was no escaping developing a taste for the good stuff.When the Crosbys made their first trip to Napa with wine shop owners Justin and Christine Rutchik, that preference exploded into a passion for the couple. A tasting at Vineyard 29 with Keith and Holly Emerson fundamentally shifted the way the Crosbys thought about wine. It was a comment Keith made about the relationship between Oregon Pinot Noir and French Burgundy that connected the dots between domestic wines and the global wine scene—leaving the Crosbys hungry (or, ahem, thirsty) for more. The two couples kept in touch.A few years later, a video of Keith kicking a field goal through uprights made of wine crates during harvest made its way to the Crosbys—thanks to Holly. The Crosbys insisted that the Emersons make a trip out to Lambeau Field, where there were brats, the best tea-tailgate drink of Molly’s life, and a big win over the Cowboys. What started as shared interests grew into a real friendship.This podcast exists at the intersection of those worlds: a football player with a passion for wine, a winemaker who loves sports, and the women who keep their lives interesting.Some notes on the members of the Cru:Mason Crosby is now retired from his 17-year NFL career and hosts his own radio program, broadcasting live to Milwaukee and on the Audacy app. Keith is president, CEO, and winemaker at Vineyard 29, runs his own labels—Emerson Brown and atLarge Wines—and consults for several other wineries. Holly, his wife, is VP of sales for Emerson Brown and atLarge, although she’d tell you her favorite title is “Audrey’s head cheerleader” at every single one of her daughter’s soccer games. Molly didn’t like any of the titles brainstormed for her—but she definitely asks the most questions about wine and is constantly dreaming up new Crosby’s Cru episodes (which are basically just all her questions for Keith and Holly).Now that you know who we are, you’re invited to be part of Crosby’s Cru—tasting two (or more!) wines each episode alongside Mason and Molly, with guidance from Keith and Holly. Think of the Cru as your pre-dinner date: helping you discover what you like and don’t like when drinking wine, determine your favorite varietals and regions, and choose wines to serve your family and friends with confidence.There will also be episodes featuring wine-loving friends of the Crosbys—from the football world and beyond.Let the games begin!