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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

Pixel perfect: Video game films that aren't awful

Films that are based around popular video games can be truly hit or miss, with most falling into the latter category. But never one misses the mark. These 20 won't leave games feeling disappointed. 

From Homer to Matlock: The 25 best characters on network TV right now

For those who still watch network television (ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, WB), there are some pretty good fictional characters on the airwaves. Here's our list of the best.

The 25 most iconic 'SNL' sketches from the 21st centry

'Saturday Night Live' has been a TV institution for 50 years, so what better way to celebrate than to look back at the 25 best sketches since the year 2000?

The most memorable 'Saturday Night Live' musical performances

For 50 seasons, Saturday Night Live  has showcased some of the biggest musical acts and artists in the business. Anybody who is anybody has performed on the famous sketch comedy series.

Musical acts to keep an eye and ear on in 2025

From new or under-the-radar bands and artists to established stars that music fans are in need of an update, there are plenty of acts to keep tabs on in 2025.

The 25 most memorable fictional hospitals

While the characters tend to drive the success of these projects, there are memorable hospitals and medical facilities that come along for the ride.

The all-time most memorable mascot moments

Who doesn't love a mascot? Well, we're sure there are plenty who don't. However, at times, the mascots provide memorable moments at a live sporting event, as well as some notable happenings off the court or field.

The definitive ABBA playlist

In celebration of their legacy, here are our rankings of the top 20 songs in the ABBA catalog. 

Alright, alright, alright: The best Matthew McConaughey roles

For more than three decades, Matthew McConaughey has captivated audiences on screens, both big and small. Now, we look back at the most indelible roles in the career of everyone's favorite Lone Star State slacker.

Notable concert tours to look forward to in 2025

A new year is upon us, and fans of live music — spanning all genres — have plenty of options to please their tastes. Here's a look at some of the more prominent artists who are hitting the road in 2025. 

The definitive Madonna playlist

There are pop stars. Then, there are pop legends and icons. And then, there's Madonna. 

The definitive Chicago playlist

Even through tragedy and various lineup changes, Chicago has persevered with its unique sound, which's been reinvented over the years with a rousing horn section and poignant lyrics. 

Non-Christmas songs made to listen to in winter

The winter season might be synonymous with Christmas music, but it doesn't have to be. Here are 20 songs, not about the holidays, that are ideal to listen to in winter.

The best College Football National Championship performances

Throughout the years, college football's game to determine that season's national champion has delivered some memorable individual performances. Here's our list of the best, in chronological order. 

2024 in review: The breakout actors and actresses

Our look at some actors and actresses who stepped out, or up, to earn more mainstream success in 2024.

2024 in review: The most memorable music moments

Spanning the wide world of music, we've come up with some of the most memorable accomplishments, concerts, albums, and storylines from 2024.

2024 in review: The best TV series of 2024

Of all the network and streaming series offerings out there, we discuss 20 that stood out in 2024.

2024 in review: The best entertainment comebacks

Returning to the spotlight, whether it be in Hollywood or the music world, is not easy, even for the most celebrated entertainers. Here's our list of 20 who did that quite well in 2024.

2024 in Review: The best games and matches

Trying to find 24 of the most memorable sporting events from 2024 to highlight was a daunting task. But we gave it a try. Here we go.

2024 in review: The best college football games

Regarding the best games of the year, we've whittled it down to our 24 most memorable.

Year in review: The breakout sports stars of 2024

From career-defining performances to once-in-a-lifetime moments of jubilance, countless athletes broke out in a big way in 2024, whether it be for a season, a game, or a mere few minutes.

The most memorable games played on New Year's Eve

Sports have played a major part prior to ringing in a new year. Some games, matches, and events are more memorable than others. Here's our list of 20 notable sporting events held on New Year's Eve.

25 players to watch in the College Football Playoff

The College Football Playoff field is set,  and the anticipation awaits. The 12-team tournament is an opportunity for individual stars to shine their brightest.

Storylines to follow in the 2024-25 College Football Playoff

There is plenty of excitement and intrigue surrounding the first 12-team College Football Playoff. Here's our take on some storylines to keep an eye on before and during this historic tournament.

25 players to watch in non-College Football Playoff bowl games

Not all of the nation's best players will compete in the College Football Playoff. The remaining bowls feature some of the country's elite athletes. Here are 25 to watch.