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Jeff Mezydlo

A Chicago native, Jeff Mezydlo has professionally written about sports, entertainment and pop culture for parts of four decades. He was an integral member of award-winning sports sections at The Times of Northwest Indiana (Munster, Ind.) and Champaign (Ill.) News-Gazette, where he covered the NFL, PGA, LPGA, NCAA basketball, football and golf, Olympics and high school athletics. Jeff most recently spent 12 years in the editorial department at STATSPerform, where he also oversaw coverage of the English Premier League. A graduate of Northern Illinois University, Jeff's work has also appeared on such sites at Yahoo!, ESPN, Fox Sports, Sports Illustrated and NBA.com. However, if Jeff could do it again, he'd attend Degrassi Junior High, Ampipe High School and Grand Lakes University

EXPERTISE:

NCAA football, NCAA basketball, PGA/LPGA, international soccer, sports history, rock music, film history

The 25 greatest 'Survivor' contestants of all time

In its third decade, Survivor  remains must-see reality television for plenty. With iconic host Jeff Probst running the show, Survivor  has produced some of the most memorable personalities in the history of reality TV.

The 20 greatest rock bands from the Bay Area

The San Francisco Bay Area has produced some of the most beloved and legendary rock bands of all time. Here's a list our 20 best from the region. Listed in alphabetical order.

The definitive Rolling Stones playlist

Sure, it would seem nearly impossible to select the 30 best songs released by the Rolling Stones during the band's legendary career. Why would one even try?

The most memorable P.E./gym teachers in fiction

Physical education/gym teachers often get put down and are not seen as serious educators, which is far from the truth. However, in the fictional world of film and television, the stereotype is presented more times than not — for better or worse. Here is our list of 20 standout gym teachers.

The most memorable fictional school principals

Being a school principal, at any level or variety, is a daunting job. However, it can be an entertaining profession when it comes to those in the fictional world of television, film or literature.

Athletes who were stars for their hometown pro teams

Playing for your hometown, or home area, professional team is truly something special for any athlete. Achieving both individual and team success makes it even better. Here's our rankings of 25 notable stars to succeed with their hometown teams.

25 memorable athlete-entertainer couples

Celebrity couples come and go, especially those meshing the world of sports and entertainment. And, there are those more memorable than others. Here's our list of such notable couples.

The definitive Madonna playlist

Trying to rate the 25 best songs in Madonna's vastly celebrated and legendary catalog was not easy. But for those just getting into the Material Girl after all these years, we feel it's a good start.

The 20 best swimming pool scenes of all time

Swimming pools have been a popular setting in film and television for just about ever. Sometimes it's the focus of a project, while in other instances it's an important or interesting backdrop.

The 21 most iconic surfing films in cinema history

When it comes to capturing the spirit and danger of surfing on film, either through fictional or real-life accounts, there are plenty that have done it well. Here's our list of the most noteworthy surfing movies.

25 forgotten Oscar-winning performances

In the storied history of the Academy Awards, there are some big names who have taken home an acting Oscar that audiences tend to forget were victorious -- for various reasons.

The 20 best characters from 'Pulp Fiction'

It was 30 years ago this year that Pulp Fiction became a piece of pop culture iconography. The innovatively unique film, which is part drama, comedy, action thriller, continues to be praised to this day, notably for its memorable cast of characters. Here's our rankings of that crew.

The top storylines coming out of 2024 spring football practices

College football spring practices and games have passed, but there is plenty to discuss. Here are some notable happenings from 2024's spring action. Statistics in parenthesis are from 2023 unless otherwise noted.

20 WNBA games to watch during the 2024 season

The 2024 WNBA season might be the most anticipated of any in the league's history. The presence of collegiate scoring machine Caitlin Clark is a big reason, but interest in women's basketball continues to soar.

The most memorable fictional alcoholic drinks

Anyone thirsty? Then check out our list of the most notable fictional alcohol-related drinks.

25 underrated characters from 'Star Wars' films

It was a daunting task to pick just 25 underappreciated characters amid the 11 feature Star Wars franchise of films. Yet, here it is. Feel free to agree or disagree. When it comes to Star Wars, opinions are passionate and aplenty. Enjoy.

The best domed/retractable-roof stadiums of all time

Whether talking about classic domed stadiums or the more modern sports venues with those popular and practical retractable roofs, there have been, and remain, some special places of the kind throughout the world. Here's our list of the 25 best. 

20 screen stars and their quintessential acting roles

There are some film, television or streaming roles that make an actor's or actresses' career, so much that nothing they've done — before or after — can compare... for better or worse. Here is our list (in alphabetical order) of those who fit that bill.

Way-too-early Top 25 for the 2024-25 NCAA men's basketball season

It's never too soon to start thinking about the 2024-25 men's college basketball season. We may not know exactly who will be staying or going around the country, but there's a good idea of which programs have a chance to shine next season.

The best performances by rookies in the NHL playoffs

The NHL Stanley Cup playoffs tend to bring out the best in young, or inexperienced, players. Especially rookies. Here's our list of the top single-season, rookie playoff moments in league history.

American musicians who found more success in other countries

Just because an American-born musician(s) don't find long, consistent commercial or critical success in the United States doesn't mean all hope is lost.

The most unexpected MLB pitchers who threw a no-hitter or perfect game

The no-hitter and perfect game in Major League Baseball knows no bounds.. It doesn't matter how efficient or attractive said performances look, both are still a special moment in the game.

The greatest high school basketball teams of all time (non-prep school)

Hoops fans won't find the likes of Oak Hill Academy or Monteverde, or their ilk here. Those prep schools that welcome talent from all over the country are in a different world. So, high school basketball fans, get ready to agree — and certainly disagree — with what we have here.

25 notable matches in the England-Scotland football rivalry

There is no older rivalry in the international football world than that of England vs. Scotland. These United Kingdom nations, as of February 2024, had met on the pitch 116 times.