Christian D'Andrea

Madison

@ForTheWin NFL writer. PFWA. formers @draftkings @SBNation @uproxx @rushthecourt. Rhode Island cuisine expert. i use antlers in all of my decorating. Vandy

Articles

SweetWater's Day Trip IPA is fine, but a little boring

1 week ago | ftw.usatoday.com | Christian D'Andrea

SweetWater was one of the first craft breweries readily available to me as a broke graduate student. By virtue of countless $2.50 420s and Blues, the Atlanta-based beermaker -- bought out by a Canadian concern in 2020 -- has spent most of the last two decades inside my circle of trust. Some of the recent returns have been uneven. The company's Gummies line of fruity, heavy pale ales was hit-and-miss.
Arkansas knocked out of College World Series in messy, heartbreaking fashion

1 week ago | ftw.usatoday.com | Christian D'Andrea

The Arkansas Razorbacks were a steamroller in college baseball this spring. The Louisiana State Tigers were one of just a few teams they'd been able to leave in their wake, beating their SEC rival three times in four opportunities. So when they met for a fifth time in the College World Series, it was equally likely we'd see fireworks or heartbreak. Unfortunately for the Razorbacks, they served up both.
Throne Sport Coffee wants you awake like Patrick Mahomes (minus the glory)

1 week ago | ftw.usatoday.com | Christian D'Andrea

Besides all the world championships, Patrick Mahomes' most valuable contribution to America's football-loving dads is his ability to subvert expectations. He helped the Kansas City Chiefs break through to glory after nearly five decades without a Super Bowl appearance. He proved Texas Tech quarterbacks were no longer figureheads of glorious-but-empty statistics. And, vitally, he showed the world the peak body type for an elite athlete carries just enough padding around the midsection.
The NFL's most important newcomers for all 32 teams in 2025

1 week ago | ftw.usatoday.com | Christian D'Andrea

Since the confetti dropped on the Philadelphia Eagles' Super Bowl 59 win, every franchise in the NFL has adjusted their sights toward Super Bowl 60. That means months and months of acquiring and lining up new pieces across a 32-team chess board. The dual cannons of free agency and the NFL Draft have helped squads restock talent and either defend their positions atop the league's pecking order or create the power needed to rise up to contention.
Mya Lesnar proved she's Brock Lesnar's kid with a second NCAA title

2 weeks ago | ftw.usatoday.com | Christian D'Andrea

Before going on to UFC and WWE gold, Brock Lesnar was a one-time NCAA Division I champion. Now daughter Mya has him beat. Brock Lesnar's combat sports career began as a decorated college wrestler. He won a National Junior College championship at 275 pounds while at Bismarck State College. From there, he transferred up to the University of Minnesota, capturing the Division I heavyweight title in 2000 after a runner-up performance (to future New England Patriots guard Stephen Neal) in 1999.
10 best (but priciest!) bourbons for Father's Day, from Iowa to India

2 weeks ago | ftw.usatoday.com | Christian D'Andrea

Bourbon is no longer the value it once was. Sure, great values still exist, but a growing marketplace of whiskey nerds and a willingness to sneaker-ify the spirit has led to robust resale markets and rising prices. You don't always wind up paying for quality. Let's talk about when you do -- especially if you're looking for a gift that delivers beyond the presentation and price tag.
Best scotches for Father's Day, from bargains to stupidly expensive

2 weeks ago | ca.news.yahoo.com | Christian D'Andrea

There's a certain classic vibe that emanates from an open bottle of Scotch whisky. One whiff, and suddenly you're standing behind Sean Connery in line at the bar of a wedding that seems far too fancy to have you on the guest list. That's an acquired taste, certainly, but a rewarding one. For a small sovereign nation, Scotland produces a tremendous amount of whisky with a wide spectrum of flavors. An Islay malt and a Speyside one will taste very different -- in a good way.
Best scotches for Father's Day, from bargains to stupidly expensive

2 weeks ago | ftw.usatoday.com | Christian D'Andrea

There's a certain classic vibe that emanates from an open bottle of Scotch whisky. One whiff, and suddenly you're standing behind Sean Connery in line at the bar of a wedding that seems far too fancy to have you on the guest list. That's an acquired taste, certainly, but a rewarding one. For a small sovereign nation, Scotland produces a tremendous amount of whisky with a wide spectrum of flavors. An Islay malt and a Speyside one will taste very different -- in a good way.
Best ryes for Father's Day for dads who like spicier, sweeter whiskey

2 weeks ago | ftw.usatoday.com | Christian D'Andrea

Rye is one of my favorite spirits. The base of a bourbon with a spicier, sweeter twist? Sounds awesome, count me in. While you won't find as many ryes on your local package store's shelves as bourbon or Scotch, they typically bring boatloads of taste at a reasonable price point, especially compared to whatever bourbon nerds have locked in on any given year (I mourn the loss of $45 bottles of Blanton's and blame the internet, which remains a mistake).
Best ryes for Father's Day for dads who like spicier, sweeter whiskey

2 weeks ago | yahoo.com | Christian D'Andrea

Rye is one of my favorite spirits. The base of a bourbon with a spicier, sweeter twist? Sounds awesome, count me in. While you won't find as many ryes on your local package store's shelves as bourbon or Scotch, they typically bring boatloads of taste at a reasonable price point, especially compared to whatever bourbon nerds have locked in on any given year (I mourn the loss of $45 bottles of Blanton's and blame the internet, which remains a mistake).