Syvelle Newton made his name on the football field as a versatile standout for the South Carolina Gamecocks in the mid-2000s. He played multiple positions, from quarterback to running back to wide receiver, under coaches Lou Holtz and Steve Spurrier. After a stint at a pro level, and a little high school coaching, the former Gamecock great has transitioned into a new era of football: podcast.
Newton is now channeling his competitive energy and love for storytelling into hosting a podcast called "As I Sip My Coffee," produced by 1801 Media in partnership with Garnet Trust. In his new role, Newton has gone from making plays on the field to making waves behind the microphone. Of course, all while keeping it distinctly Garnet and Black.
"As I Sip My Coffee" isn't just your typical sports podcast either, it is a relaxed, athlete-driven dialogue that feels more like chatting with a teammate over a cup of joe. Newton's tone and energy as a host is equal parts professional and personable. And with each episode, he literally sips coffee with his guests, creating a laid-back atmosphere that encourages a natural dialogue and candid conversations. The format for the show sees Newton sitting down with South Carolina football players and legends to talk about the upcoming season, as well as life, legacy, and the game they love. By keeping things real and casual, Newton gets his guests to open up in ways that fans don't often get to experience in press conferences. The result is a podcast that blends insider insight with the easygoing vibe of friends swapping stories at a local cafe.
The podcast is off to a hot start with some headline-grabbing early episodes, notably featuring Gamecock legend and Heisman Trophy-winner George Rogers. Some recent episodes feature star WR Nyck Harbor and incoming transfer Brandon Cisse. He also hosted former Gamecock and NFL great John Abraham, who used his appearance to get real about mental health and life after football. The mix of current stars, former greats, and incoming hopefuls keeps the content fresh and exciting for listeners of all ages in the Gamecock community.
The "As I Sip My Coffee" exemplifies the power of athlete-led media in college sports. Having a former player like Syvelle Newton behind the mic, the show operates on trust and camaraderie that traditional media outlets can't always replicate. Fans get a much deeper look into Gamecock football culture and football in general. From locker-room laughs to play calls, to struggles and triumphs that shape these athletes beyond the stats. The podcast's production by 1801 Media in partnership with the fan-driven Garnet Trust collective underscores its mission to bring players and supporters closer together. Episodes like the ones with Harbor and Cisse demonstrate how this platform gives South Carolina athletes a voice in telling their own stories, while giving the fans unprecedented access to the human side of their favorite players.
Syvelle Newton is brewing something special in his podcast (pun intended). The conversation series keeps it positive and fun, while asking the hard and interesting questions, and keeping it 100% Gamecocks. For the South Carolina faithful, "As I Sip My Coffee" is quickly becoming the go-to blend of entertainment and insight that celebrates Gamecock players and the bond they share with their fans.