20/20 with Dan Meylor

This week, senior writer and a DLF podcast co-host, Dan Meylor, shares his story with us. Enjoy!

 

Where are you from?

Originally from Wisconsin but have been in South Dakota since I was a kid. Still claim Sconnie though.

What do you do for your regular job?

I own a small carpentry company. We do a little bit of everything but specialize in remodels. My favorite jobs are when I can be outside in nice weather or inside when it’s bitter cold.

What is the worst job you have ever had? 

I picked pumpkins for a few weeks as a teenager… by hand… in 100-plus degree temperatures… for $7.50 per hour. If it meant that nobody would ever have to do that job, I could live without my favorite pie at Thanksgiving and abolish pumpkins forever.

What is the best job you have ever had?

My favorite job I’ve had is the one I’m currently at. Not because I love carpentry (although I do) or because I’m getting rich (which I’m not.) It’s because I don’t work for the man. If you have the opportunity to be your own boss, take it. 

What do you consider your dream job?

Quarterback for the Green Bay Packers… everybody always says never give up on your dreams.

How long have you been in the industry?

I just hit eight years with DLF.

How did you get your break into fantasy football?

I actually just asked. Knowing about the “Member’s Corner” program that DLF had which gives opportunities to aspiring writers, I clicked on “Ask DLF” on the site and Ken Kelly replied with a “sure… submit something and if it’s any good we’ll publish it” kind of response. I wrote about how an NFL general manager’s track record could be used as a tool during rookie drafts. Eight years later, I’m still submitting articles to Ken so the article must not have been too bad. 

What tool do you use the most on DLF?

I use the Trade Finder App the most because it helps identify the trade market range for players which is helpful when writing articles, preparing for the podcast, or even when sending offers in my leagues. My favorite tool is the Startup Auction App though. It’s the perfect place to prepare for and track in real-time a startup auction and best of all, it uses DLF values to keep you informed on what to expect next.

What tool do you use the most outside of DLF?

I’m a carpenter… so it’s a tape measure! Super high-tech.

Who was the best sleeper you pegged that broke out?

There is a handful that comes to mind immediately but none more than Stefon Diggs. When it comes to college football, I watch the Big Ten almost exclusively. Despite playing at Maryland, Diggs looked every bit a future star while with the Terrapins. I recommended him to everybody that would listen and picked him in the third round of every rookie draft that year.

Who was your biggest whiff?

Once again, Big Ten. I was convinced Montee Ball would be a monster on Sundays. As we all know now, I couldn’t have been more wrong.

What is the worst trade you have made?

I’ve had a couple rough ones but the worst I’ve ever made was when McDowell swindled me poolside on vacation. I sent Lamar Jackson and the devy copy of Miles Sanders for a package that included Demaryius Thomas, Mark Ingram, and Laquon Treadwell. I wish he would have just reached into my wallet and fleeced me there rather than my KS3 roster.

Who is your favorite underfollowed Twitter account?

I like following those that scout incoming rookies to give me motivation to dig deeper into prospects. @angelo_fantasy has done that for me many times since I started following.

Who is your favorite NFL team?

Well, I’m sick of hearing from fans of other franchises how my favorite team wasted having back-to-back Hall of Fame quarterbacks by winning ONLY two Super Bowls. Next question!

Who is your favorite college football team?

I told you, I still claim Sconnie. Go Badgers!

Who was your favorite player growing up? 

The Majik Man, Don Majkowski. I fell in love with the Packers as a seven-year-old because of Majik. I couldn’t guess how many times I re-created the throw from the “Instant Replay Game” in my backyard… or at men’s league flag football in my late 30’s.

Who is your favorite player of all time? 

It’s got to be Brett Favre. He was so much fun to watch. If I was going to select a non-Packer, it’d be Barry Sanders – the best running back I’ve ever seen.

What other hobbies or passions do you have outside of fantasy football? 

I have far too many hobbies to list. I like having “Dude Hangout” with my two sons – which is what we call the time we spend having Nerf gun wars or playing sports when my wife isn’t home. I also love bow hunting, playing softball, basketball, and flag football, working on my house, and hanging out by the lake with my family and a cold beer.

What are some of your favorite movies? 

I love action comedies so all three Bad Boys movies are favorites but the original is the 1.01. I also can’t turn off The Rock, all three Rush Hour movies, or Transformers. If there is a sleeper, it’s Out Cold.

Who are some of your favorite bands? 

Probably too many to name but here goes. My favorite band is Breaking Benjamin followed by Halestorm. Grew up a big Green Day fan and still think American Idiot is the best album I’ve ever heard. My dad only listened to ‘70s and ‘80s rock so I have a great appreciation for Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, AC/DC, Boston, Def Leopard and Styx among others.