Celebrating Anniversary of ‘The Office’ Debut by Remembering Its Best Sports Moments: TRAINA THOUGHTS

With 'The Office' turning 17 years old, here are iconic sports moments from the show

1. On March 24, 2005—17 years ago today—The Office debuted on NBC. The pilot episode drew 11.2 million viewers.

Throughout its nine-season run, sports were a big part of The Office. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and look back at some of those best moments. 

One note: Nothing from seasons eight or nine is included because we all just need to forget about those.

HALL OF FAME EPISODE

“Basketball,” Episode 5 in Season 1, has been covered extensively by every sports site that’s ever existed. It’s a perfect episode of television from start to finish with too many highlights to cover.

Steve Carell shared behind-the-scenes details of that episode (and a few others) during an 2019 appearance on the SI Media Podcast.

NOTABLE EPISODES

“Office Olympics”, Season 2, Episode 3: Phyllis took the Gold in Flonkerton, and closing ceremonies were held.

"Beach Games," Season 3, Episode 23: The episode is filled with a variety of contests, including a hot-dog-eating contest, but nothing topped Dwight’s coal walk.

"Fun Run," Season 4, Episode 1: This episode featured the Dunder Mifflin Scranton Meredith Palmer Memorial Celebrity Rabies Awareness Pro-Am Fun Run Race for the Cure and gave us a carb-loading Michael Scott.

"Company Picnic," Season 5, Episode 28: This episode featured an intense volleyball game dominated by Pam Beesly.

It also featured the memorable scene when Jim and Pam find out they are pregnant.

GREAT ONE-OFF MOMENTS

"Michael's Birthday," Season 2, Episode 19: Michael bodychecks Toby.

"Dream Team," Season 5, Episode 22: Phyllis is the victim of a soccer mishap.

"Threat Level Midnight," Season 7, Episode 17: Michael Scarn saves the NHL All-Star Game.

BEST ATHLETE NAME DROPS

"The Dinner Party," Season 4, Episode 13: Andy gives ridiculous clues for "Joe Montana" during a game of charades and Pam mocks for it. I couldn't find video of that scene, so here instead is the greatest blooper, via that episode, in the show's history.

This blooper from the Dinner Party episode of The Office is one of the best things ever. The @johnkrasinski laugh at the end is truly a magnificent thing. pic.twitter.com/W7anzKpHsi

— Jimmy Traina (@JimmyTraina) August 30, 2018

"Michael Scott Paper Company," Season 5, Episode 23: No words need to be written for this one. The photo below says it all.

2. Eagles offensive lineman Jordan Mailata was revealed as one of the performers on The Masked Singer last night and the dude has got MAJOR PIPES.

Here is Jordan Mailata’s performance from The Masked Singer tonight. 🔥

ELECTRIC ON AND OFF THE FIELD ‼️#Eagles https://t.co/Md0ppSDqeo

— Eagles Nation (@PHLEaglesNation) March 24, 2022

This isn’t news to many NFL fans, who have been treated to Mailata’s singing in the past.

3. We mentioned in Tuesday's Traina Thoughts that the men’s tournament is enjoying a nice ratings bump. The same is true for the women. The women’s NCAA tournament experienced a 25% bump year-over-year for the second round.

#MarchMadness viewership up across ESPN networks

• @UCF_WBB vs @UConnWBB | 1.13M viewers, most-viewed early round game since '09
• @CreightonWBB vs @IowaWBB | 993,000 viewers
• First 2 Rounds up 15% | Second Round up 25%
• Nearly 26M hrs viewed on ESPN platforms#NCAAWBB pic.twitter.com/VrUPwGiEyt

— ESPN PR (@ESPNPR) March 23, 2022

4. Words cannot describe how much I hate the “runner on second base” extra-innings rule. Totally unnecessary gimmick that cheapens the game.

MLB & MLBPA agreed on the following rule changes, per @Joelsherman1

▪️ 28-man rosters through May 1
▪️ Automatic runner on second in extras for 2022
▪️ Pitcher can remain DH after being pulled from the mound pic.twitter.com/cQQNqjTnbR

— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) March 22, 2022

5. You need to see why Zack Greinke made sure to get a picture of this fan.

Zack Greinke makes his first start of the spring in less than an hour.

A fan approached and asked for an autograph as Zack left the bullpen.

Zack said he would, but only if he could take the fan’s picture.

Reed from Cali agreed to the terms & Zack pulled out his phone. #Royals pic.twitter.com/4MnNrjWY0t

— Josh Vernier (@JoshVernier610) March 23, 2022

6. This week’s SI Media Podcast features an interview with Troy Aikman, who revealed that he still doesn’t know why Fox let him leave after 21 years with the company. He also shared his thoughts on the move from Fox to ESPN and joining Monday Night Football. He talks about why he wanted Joe Buck to join him at ESPN, the big bump in broadcaster salaries, whether he feels pressure joining MNF, the differences in Fox’s NFL coverage compared to ESPN’s and much more.

Aikman also talks about Tom Brady’s returning to the NFL, Davante Adams’s leaving the Packers and more.

Following Aikman’s interview, Sal Licata from WFAN and SNY in New York joins Jimmy for the weekly “Traina Thoughts” segment. This week’s topics include the NCAA tournament, issues with streaming sports and the loss of a New York legend.

You can listen to the podcast below or download it on Apple, Spotify and Stitcher.

You can also watch the SI Media Podcast on YouTube.

7. RANDOM VIDEO OF THE DAY: Saturday, March 24, 1984. Shermer High School, Shermer, Illinois. That’s the opening dialogue from the ’80s classic The Breakfast Club, so we honor those six students who served detention, and Mr. Bender, 38 years ago today.

Be sure to catch up on past editions of Traina Thoughts and check out the Sports Illustrated Media Podcast hosted by Jimmy Traina on Apple, Spotify or Stitcher. You can also follow Jimmy on Twitter and Instagram.