In this episode of The 5th Quarter Podcast, Sandy Adams sits down with Steve Ehrhart — former President and General Manager of the Memphis Showboats (1980s)— for a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most unforgettable eras in Memphis sports.

Recruited to Memphis by cotton industry titan Billy Dunavant — in what Steve calls an offer he “couldn’t refuse” — he helped build a team designed to compete at an NFL level, signing multiple first-round draft picks and assembling a roster that would leave a lasting mark on the game.

In this conversation, Steve shares:

• The real story behind how he was recruited to Memphis
• What it took to build a winning franchise almost overnight
• The moment he realized Reggie White was unlike anyone else
• Why the USFL was actually succeeding… and what led to its collapse
• And how close Memphis came to becoming an NFL city

Now the longtime Executive Director of the AutoZone Liberty Bowl, Steve reflects on a career that spans leagues, teams, and decades of leadership in sports.

📘 Want to dive deeper into the Showboats story?

Check out "The Memphis Showboats: The USFL Team and the City's Fight for Major League Status" by Dr. Keith B. Wood
Available on Amazon and at keithbwoodauthor.com

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Grab my new book, "The Visionary Personal Brand Playbook" and start building your brand today. Grab your copy at sandy-adams.com/playbook

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What does it look like to take deep-rooted discipline from your upbringing and turn it into leadership across sports and business?

In this episode of The 5th Quarter Podcast, I sit down with James Fisher Jr., General Manager of the Memphis Hound Dogs, to talk about a journey shaped long before titles ever came into play.

From growing up in Texas, where grit, discipline, and self-belief are part of the culture, to running track and playing football, to continuing his athletic career at Texas State — his foundation was built early. But like many athletes, the real story began in the transition.

We talk about how he moved from athlete to entrepreneur, building a career in performance, business, and leadership — and how those experiences now come together as he helps build a new professional franchise in Memphis.

Highlights:

• How his Texas upbringing shaped his mindset and work ethic
• Lessons from competing in track and football
• The transition from athlete to building a career beyond sports
• Starting at the ground level and creating real momentum
• What leadership looks like off the field
• Building the Memphis Hound Dogs from the ground up

If you’re navigating your next chapter or building something from scratch, this conversation will challenge how you think about growth and leadership.

Learn more at memphishounddogs.football

On social (at) MemphisHoundDogs - On IG (at) JamesFisherJr

Send us a text.

Grab my new book, "The Visionary Personal Brand Playbook" and start building your brand today. Grab your copy at sandy-adams.com/playbook

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Follow The 5th Quarter Podcast:
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🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite platform.
📺 Watch on our Youtube channel

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Follow Host Sandy Adams on Instagram | Linkedin | X | YouTube | Website

Memphis has chased major league status for decades — from the Memphis Red Sox to the ABA and the World Football League. In the early 1980s, that pursuit led to the Memphis Showboats, one of the most memorable chapters in the city’s sports history.

On this episode of The 5th Quarter Podcast with Sandy Adams, historian and author Dr. Keith B. Wood returns to discuss his new book The Memphis Showboats: The USFL Team & the City’s Fight for Major League Status and the leadership, vision, and belief that rallied a city.

We discuss:

• Memphis’ push to become a major league city
• How the Showboats landed in Memphis
• Leadership of owner William Dunavant and GM Steve Ehrhart
• Pepper Rodgers and the team’s identity
• The impact of Reggie White and Walter Lewis
• How the Showboats united Memphis
• Why the USFL collapsed
• The team’s lasting legacy

For three seasons, the country took notice — but the story is bigger than football. It’s about leadership, opportunity, and belief in what a city could become.

Send us a text.

Grab my new book, "The Visionary Personal Brand Playbook" and start building your brand today. Grab your copy at sandy-adams.com/playbook

Support the show

Follow The 5th Quarter Podcast:
Instagram | Threads | X | Facebook | Linkedin | Youtube

🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite platform.
📺 Watch on our Youtube channel

Connect with us: Website | Email

Follow Host Sandy Adams on Instagram | Linkedin | X | YouTube | Website