Match Point will be streaming on Prime Video and Apple TV+ on February 11.
By Zachary Greenberg
Celebrity podcasting has become a major trend in recent years, offering fans a more personal and authentic glimpse into their favorite stars’ personalities and opinions. But creating a podcast isn’t as easy as it might seem. That’s the focus of the new comedic mockumentary series Match Point, which follows former tennis pros Max (Vernon Davis) and Anthony (Omar Bolden) on their mission to launch a successful pod. Of course, this being a comedy, everything that can go wrong, does – from faulty equipment to guests spilling NDA-protected secrets.
In real life, stars Davis and Bolden are former NFL players with storied seasons on the field, including a Super Bowl winning season in 2015 when they were both on the Denver Broncos. TV and City had the exciting opportunity to sit down with Vernon last month to discuss his journey from tight end to leading man.
TV and City: Vernon, thanks so much for taking the time to chat. I watched the first two episodes of Match Point and loved it! It’s like The Office but swap the paper company for a podcast, along with the mockumentary vibes and breaking the fourth wall. Was that what the show was going for?
Vernon: Absolutely, that was the vision. We wanted to create something that felt fresh and innovative, yet relatable. The mockumentary style brings a sense of humor and intimacy that lets the audience feel like they’re part of the story, almost like they’re in the room with the characters.
The podcasting world was the perfect backdrop because it’s such a growing space and people are curious about how it works behind the scenes. By adding that Office-style humor and breaking the fourth wall, we’re inviting viewers into this chaotic, funny, and sometimes awkward world where anything can happen. That energy is what makes Match Point special.
I love that! So on to a bit about you. You’re an all-time great NFL tight end (and one of my fantasy football darlings), but was acting always part of your career plan? What first sparked your interest in acting?
It’s interesting, acting wasn’t originally in my career plan at all. My background was in fine arts. I went to school for it, and I even opened an art gallery and started the Vernon Davis Foundation for the Arts because I’ve always been passionate about creativity. But acting? That came later.
I remember taking an acting class just to try something new, to explore a different side of myself, and I completely fell in love with it. It became this incredible creative outlet for me. Acting allows you to step into someone else’s shoes and live a completely different life, even if just for a little while. That ability to transform, to become anyone or anything, is what hooked me.
Watching the show, you seemed to really enjoy playing Max. What drew you to the character?
Max felt like someone I already knew, maybe even a version of myself. He’s gentle, funny, caring, and patient, all qualities I try to embody in my own life. When you play a character like Max, someone who aligns so closely with your own personality, it just feels natural. You’re not pretending, you’re bringing parts of yourself to the screen.
Over the months of filming, I really felt like I became Max. Living in his world, thinking like him, making decisions as him, it’s an immersive experience. And honestly, that’s what makes acting so rewarding. You get to live these parallel lives, and for me, Max was one I deeply connected with.
Did you have input into Max being a tennis star, or was that already decided?
That was all director Joslyn Rose Lyons, she’s brilliant. She had this vision for Max as a tennis star transitioning into podcasting, and it just clicked. She saw something in my personality that she thought would work perfectly for Max, and I trusted her instincts. I loved the dialogue and the way the character was written, but we still collaborated to tweak certain aspects and make him feel even more authentic.
The idea of Max being an athlete who’s exploring a completely new world felt personal because so many athletes, myself included, venture into different industries after sports. That transition is very real, and it was exciting to bring that to life in a way that felt genuine.
Following up on that, Match Point captures the chaos of starting a podcast. As an athlete, I’m sure you have friends who’ve started podcasts. How did you relate to that?
Oh, I could relate to it so much. Starting anything new, whether it’s a podcast, a business, or a career shift, is always a challenge. There are so many moving parts, so much you don’t know, and it can feel overwhelming. That’s what Match Point captures so well. The humor in the show comes from those relatable struggles, the mistakes, the learning curve, and the moments where everything seems to go wrong but somehow works out in the end. It’s authentic, and I think that’s why it resonates with people.
Do you have a favorite scene?
Without a doubt, the rap scene. That was such a blast to film. Last year, I released a rap album called Showtime, so music is already something I’m passionate about. When I saw that scene in the script, I couldn’t wait to bring my own flavor to it. It was familiar territory for me, but it was also something new because it was happening in this fictional world of Match Point. It was one of those moments where my real-life experiences lined up perfectly with the character, and it made the whole thing feel seamless.
At this point you’ve acted across genres, from thrillers to comedies. How do you adapt to such varied roles?
For me, it’s all about vulnerability and preparation. Each role is different, and you have to fully commit to understanding who that character is. Whether it’s a dark, intense thriller or a lighthearted comedy, the key is immersing yourself in the world of that character. I love the challenge of switching genres because it pushes me as an actor. It forces me to step outside my comfort zone and explore new sides of myself. And that’s what acting is all about, constant growth and discovery.
Just curious, do you have a favorite movie?
That’s a tough one. I’d have to say Jason Bourne. I love those films, they’re action-packed, intense, and keep you on the edge of your seat.
You’ve hosted, judged, and acted in many projects. Do you have a dream role?
Oh, definitely. I’d love to play a superhero, maybe for Marvel. I’ve always admired those larger-than-life characters and the incredible stories they get to tell. But honestly, I have this gut feeling that I’ll land a role in the DC universe someday. It’s just one of those things I can see happening, and I’d be thrilled to take on that kind of role.
That would be awesome. Are there any upcoming projects you’re excited about?
Yes, I’m really excited about Masquerade, which I’m working on with Jocelyn Rose Lyons. It’s such a unique project, and I can’t wait for people to see it. I’m also working on a project called Vernon Lake, which I co-wrote. It’s a gripping story, but I can’t give too much away just yet. Let’s just say it’s something I’m incredibly proud of, and I think it’s going to resonate with a lot of people.
Alright, I know we’re talking about the show, but as a football fan I have to throw this question in here. Was the touchdown pass you caught in the 2012 NFC playoff game against the Saints your favorite moment in the NFL, or do you have a different one?
That’s definitely one of my top moments. That game, that pass, it was unforgettable. It was the first time we [the San Francisco 49ers] made it to the playoffs, which was huge for us because before that we were struggling and we hadn’t been able to make it there.
I remember that day so clearly. It was like something out of a dream. As a kid, you always imagine hitting that game-winner, that moment that everyone celebrates, and for me, that was it. That was my game-winning moment. My teammates were celebrating with me, and it was such a special thing to share with them. It was like a dream come true. The energy, the emotion, the stakes, it all came together in a way I’ll never forget.
Awesome. What themes or messages do you hope the audience takes away from Match Point?
The biggest message is about taking chances and stepping out of your comfort zone. Life is full of opportunities, but so many people hold back because they’re afraid of failing or worried about what others might think. Match Point is about embracing those challenges and going for it anyway. Whether it’s starting a podcast, switching careers, or pursuing a passion, it’s all about the journey and the lessons you learn along the way. I also think the show highlights the humor and humanity in these pursuits. It’s a reminder that even in the chaos, there’s always something to laugh about and something to appreciate.
TV and City 