You can tell a lot about a football program by what happens before kickoff and after the final whistle. We’re launching Saturdays In Jonesboro to pull back the curtain on Arkansas State athletics and show the full game day picture: the preparation, the people, the relationships, and the moments fans remember for years.
For our first guest, we brought in the person Matt sits next to every Saturday in the fall: Darion “Grizz” Griswold. Grizz walks us through his Arkansas State football journey from arriving on campus in 2011 to becoming an all-conference tight end, then leaping into the NFL with the Colts and Falcons. He shares what it felt like joining a winning culture, adapting through coaching changes, and living through defining Sun Belt Conference moments like the electric 2012 finale at Centennial Bank Stadium.
We also get into what fans rarely hear about the broadcast side: how a former player prepares to call a game, why blowouts are the toughest to talk through, and how note-taking and film study still matter when you’re in the booth instead of the huddle. Then we zoom forward to the modern era of college football, talking NIL, roster turnover, and why Butch Jones’ attention to detail and culture-building approach gives Arkansas State a foundation to keep growing into 2026 and beyond.
If you love the Red Wolves, college football stories, and the real behind-the-scenes of Saturdays in Jonesboro, subscribe, share this with a fellow fan, and leave us a review. What part of game day do you want us to spotlight next? Follow us on @arkansasstatemedianetwork
More About this Episode
Saturdays in Jonesboro: A Dynasty Built on Discipline and Brotherhood
In the inaugural episode of the Arkansas State Media Network’s latest podcast, Saturdays in Jonesboro, veteran play-by-play announcer Matt Stolz sat down with his broadcast partner and former Red Wolf standout Darion Griswold.
The conversation served as a bridge between the "golden age" of Arkansas State football and the modern era, offering an inside look at the transition from star player to professional analyst.
The Foundation of a Winning Culture
Griswold arrived on the Jonesboro campus in 2011, a year that marked the beginning of nine straight winning seasons and five conference championships. Coming from the small town of Dumas, Arkansas, Griswold recalled the initial adjustment to college life—from the shared dorm rooms to the discipline required for 8:00 AM classes.
Griswold initially joined the program as a quarterback under Coach Hugh Freeze. However, the arrival of Coach Gus Malzahn in 2012 prompted a career-defining move to tight end.
The 2012 season culminated in a legendary 45-0 shutout against Middle Tennessee, a game played before a record crowd of over 30,000 fans. Griswold described the atmosphere as the "start of a dynasty," noting that the team’s preparation that week was so intense they never doubted the outcome.
Navigating the Coaching Carousel
One of the most remarkable aspects of Griswold's five-year career was the frequency of coaching changes. From Freeze to Malzahn, then Brian Harsin, and finally Blake Anderson, the roster faced constant upheaval. Rather than splintering the team, these changes forged a bond that remains unbroken today.
Griswold revealed that his former teammates still maintain multiple active text groups, discussing everything from their playing days to how they can support the program today.
From the Gridiron to the Broadcast Booth
After a stint in the NFL with the Indianapolis Colts and Atlanta Falcons, where he famously surprised Andrew Luck by revealing he had won four conference championships in college, Griswold returned to Jonesboro. In 2023, Stolz called him with an unexpected offer: to become the color analyst for the Red Wolf Sports Network.
Despite initial nerves and an "over-note-taker" approach to preparation, Griswold has become a staple of the broadcast. He credited the team’s chemistry, including sideline reporter JC Cox and the rest of the crew, for making the transition seamless.
Griswold noted that his preparation as a broadcaster mirrors his routine as a player. He spends his Thursdays meeting with Coach Butch Jones, studying film, and charting players to ensure he is ready for any situation, such as the 20-minute injury delay during the Coastal Carolina game or the "tough to call" lopsided season opener against Oklahoma.
The Vision of Butch Jones
Both Stolz and Griswold spoke highly of the current state of the program under head coach Butch Jones. They highlighted his attention to detail, noting that Jones often jots down notes during their informal meetings to use for future leadership sessions, and his ability to build a sustainable culture in the era of the transfer portal and NIL.
Stolz pointed out that despite having over 70 newcomers last season, the Red Wolves still secured a winning record and a bowl victory. This, they agreed, is a testament to the "Red Wolf Standard" of "chopping wood"; a metaphor for consistent, daily hard work regardless of the circumstances.
Looking Ahead to 2026
As the 2026 season approaches, the excitement in Jonesboro is palpable. Griswold is particularly looking forward to seeing the "teal turf" at Coastal Carolina and watching the development of current leaders like Chauncy Cobb.
Griswold’s message to the current players and students remains rooted in the lessons he learned 15 years ago:
- Exceed the standard, never lower it.
- Embrace the adversity of college sports; it prepares you for life after the ball deflates.
- The "Red Wolf Standard" is about presence and persistence.
With Stolz entering his 21st year and Griswold continuing to provide expert analysis, the Saturdays in Jonesboro podcast promises to be the definitive voice for fans who bleed scarlet and black.