Turf Troubles & Tough Losses: Stadium Hopping and Expert Insights with Dr. Tommy Rhee
If you’ve ever tried to explain to someone how your weekend went and had to start with “Well, all three of our teams lost,” you’ll understand where this episode began. The Girlfriends + Football crew, Dezi, Beth, and Laura, returned from an epic weekend of stadium hopping that included Tampa and Atlanta, tailgates with the Bills Mafia, and one too many heartbreaks on the field.
One Epic Weekend, Three Heartbreaking L’s
It all started in Tampa, where Dezi was riding high at kickoff for the 49ers vs. Buccaneers game. Spirits were up, the sun was out, and tailgating was top-tier. But the good vibes didn’t last long. In the first quarter, star linebacker Fred Warner went down, and that was that. “They wouldn’t even replay it on the Jumbotron,” Dezi said. “I was checked out of football for the rest of the day.”
Meanwhile, Laura found herself at a Lions bar in Florida, though “home of the Lions” might have been generous. “There were, like, four Lions fans. Total,” she laughed. Still, she held out hope as Detroit fought through controversial calls, including a Jared Goff touchdown wiped off the board. “Whether it was unfair officiating or just being outplayed, we lost. Fair and square. Well, maybe not fair and square.”
The trio regrouped in Atlanta for Bills vs. Falcons, where Beth’s team had the energy but not the execution. Despite a lively Mafia tailgate and a halftime show worthy of the Super Bowl, things unraveled quickly. “Josh Allen just didn’t look like Josh Allen,” Beth said. “Our defense tried, but the Falcons ran wild. We’ve got to do better.”
At least the tailgate food was good.
NFL Standings: Bizarro World
If you think your pick ’em pool has been unpredictable this year, you’re not alone. Dezi pulled up the standings mid-show, pointing out the chaos. “Colts, Steelers, and Chargers on top of the AFC? Bucks, Green Bay, and Niners leading the NFC? This is upside-down world!” she said. Laura agreed: “It feels like Bizarro NFL, where the unexpected keeps happening, and no one’s safe from a surprise win or loss.”
Expert Insight: Turf vs. Grass with Dr. Tommy Rhee
To dig deeper into the rise of injuries this season, the girlfriends welcomed Dr. Tommy Rhee, chiropractor and former team doctor for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. With experience treating NFL, NBA, and Olympic athletes, Dr. Rhee shed light on one of football’s most debated topics: turf versus grass.
“Athletes are bigger, faster, and stronger, but the turf isn’t forgiving,” said Dr. Rhee. “On concrete-based turf, something has to give, and usually, it’s the athlete’s body.”
He explained that the lack of “give” on artificial turf can lead to ruptures, ligament tears, and Achilles injuries. “When the surface doesn’t move, the bone, tendon, or ligament does,” he added.
Dr. Rhee also walked us through what recovery really looks like for pro athletes. From on-field assessments to cutting-edge rehab tools like oxygen therapy, shockwave, and underwater treadmills, the recovery process is intense and highly coordinated. “It takes a village,” he said. “Trainers, therapists, and medical staff all play a role in getting an athlete back safely.”
Everyday Advice: Take Care of Your Body
It’s not just elite athletes who need movement. When asked how often someone working at a desk all day should see a chiropractor, Dr. Rhee’s answer hit home for anyone glued to a screen. “Your body needs motion,” he explained. “If you’re static for eight hours, it gets stagnant. Stand, stretch, and move every 40 minutes to an hour.”
Beth, a doctor of physical therapy, wholeheartedly agreed: “The faster you address inflammation and circulation, the better your recovery.”
Final Whistle
From turf troubles to tough losses, this episode covered it all: heartbreak, halftime shows, and healing. Whether your team’s on top or taking an “any given Sunday” beating, remember, there’s always next week, another tailgate, and maybe a better field to play on.
