Club Shay Shay: Best of NFL News Part 1

Date: November 22, 2025
Podcast: Club Shay Shay (iHeartPodcasts & Shay Shay Media)
Host & Guests: Shannon Sharpe ("Unc"), Chad "Ocho" Johnson, Joe

Episode Overview

This episode is a "best of" segment focusing on recent and significant NFL news. Shannon Sharpe, Ocho, and Joe dig into the Cleveland Browns' quarterback history, Shedeur Sanders making his starting debut, the Ja’Marr Chase suspension controversy, quarterback drama with Justin Fields and the Jets, and frustrations building in struggling franchises. The tone is candid, energetic, and blends deep sports analysis with storytelling and signature humor.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Cleveland Browns' Quarterback Woes

[03:31–06:58]

• Historic Losing Streak: The Browns have gone 0-17 with quarterbacks in their first NFL start since rejoining the league in 1999.
  • "That's crazy work... they've had some success, but it was short lived... Still in search of one that they can call their franchise quarterback." (Joe, 04:41)
• Organizational Instability:
  • Endless QB carousel, coaching changes, lack of offensive stability described as a cycle of "turmoil."
  • "You can't cheat chemistry and continuity, man." (Ocho, 06:34)

2. Shedeur Sanders' NFL Starting Debut with Browns

[06:58–15:04]

• Big Opportunity: Shedeur Sanders, son of Deion Sanders, is set to start. Panel sees this as a chance to end the Browns’ first-start curse.
  • "He waited a long time. What, 12 weeks to get his opportunity?" (Ocho, 12:52)
• Keys for Success:
  • Offensive line must block Raiders’ pass rush, especially Maxx Crosby ("block 98"), and provide Shedeur time.
  • Calls for a balanced offense that protects the QB, uses quick routes, and builds Sanders' confidence.
• Shedeur’s Own Words:
  • "I'm truly excited for [first team reps]... seeing how that come in and out of route... just having a feeling. I'm more of a field type of a person, so that's how I learn." (Ocho, 13:29 quoting Shedeur)
• Expectations: The group predicts a noticeable shift in offensive play-calling and hopes for a confidence-building performance.

3. The Experience of a First Start

[15:21–20:24]

• Sharpe and Ocho recount their own rookie debut stories—highlighting the nerves, surprise success, and the lasting confidence it provides.
  • "All you need, especially when you young like that, is to see those type of performances, just to let you know... I can do it right here." (Ocho & Joe, 17:01)
• Memorable stories include touchdowns on Pro Bowlers (Sharpe), rookie-year awe, and the thrill of proving yourself.
• Hilarious side stories about old-school cell phone bills and team travel add to the nostalgia.

4. Ja'Marr Chase Suspension Controversy

[40:23–45:03]

• Details: Chase suspended for one game—costing over $500,000—for allegedly spitting on Jalen Ramsey.
  • "If he was going to spit on Jalen Ramsey, he would have spit in his face and not on the jersey, the ground…But you did spit on the man and it's gonna cost you, but you'll learn from it." (Ocho & Joe, 40:56–43:04)
• Surprise and Character Evaluation:
  • "There was never any indication. He's so laid back…he's not one of these high strung guys." (Ocho, 44:04)
  • They distinguish the act from Chase’s usual quiet, hardworking demeanor.
• Takeaway: Emphasize that a bad moment shouldn’t define a player, but the "best apology is changed behavior."

5. Justin Fields Benched by the Jets

[53:15–56:21]

• Justin Fields struggles: Benched after ineffective performances despite a lucrative contract.
  • "Does this benching suggest that the Justin Fields experiment is officially over?" (Ocho, 53:46)
  • "Yes, and I hate that for young bull. It puts the Jets in the same position…in search of quarterback number one." (Joe, 53:50)
• Critique of the Jets:
  • Chronic instability at the quarterback position since Joe Namath, organizational dysfunction, and tough expectations make it a graveyard for QBs.
  • "I really was pulling for Justin Fields and hoping this would be his season...it just hasn't panned out or worked out." (Joe, 53:59)
• Tyrod Taylor steps in: Veteran will start next game.

6. NFL Team Frustrations & the Culture of Losing

[57:22–63:01]

• Franchise Dysfunction:
  • Titans’ defensive leader Jeffrey Simmons vents about lack of "complimentary football" and team underperformance.
    • "We need to be better. We can't keep sugarcoating...it's about complimentary football." (Jeffrey Simmons, 57:22)
• Historical Woes:
  • Sharpe & Ocho reminisce on teams like Bengals, Browns, Colts, and Patriots experiencing back-to-back No. 1 picks, underlining the long road for franchises to build winning cultures.
  • "And that's where you got to have real strong leadership. Because when one side is pulling their weight and the other side ain't...frustration start to bubble." (Ocho, 62:46)

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Browns’ Bad Luck:
  • "You ain't just finna keep trying quarterbacks out there year after year and think you gonna win." (Ocho, 05:41)
• On Shedeur’s Debut:
  • "If you go out there and mess it up, you know all the excuses are out the window. You had a week to prepare." (Joe, 07:35)
• On Ja’Marr Chase’s Character:
  • "He's so laid back. He's not one of these high strung guys...that's why it's so surprising." (Ocho, 44:04)
• On NFL’s Unmatched Popularity:
  • "But don't nothing move the needle in North America, like NFL football. Two reasons, fantasy and sports betting." (Ocho, 33:28)
• On the Rookie Experience:
  • "As a rookie, man, you play so hard, bro...I couldn't really sleep as a rookie. Like, I used to be so geek for the moment." (Ocho, 25:56)
• On Losing Culture:
  • "Tennessee, you gotta have some real, real, real, real strong leadership." (Ocho, 63:00)

Timestamps for Noteworthy Segments

• Browns QB failures & organizational issues: 03:31–06:58
• Shedeur Sanders' opportunity & expectations: 06:58–15:04
• Panel's personal first start tales: 15:21–20:24
• Ja'Marr Chase suspension controversy: 40:23–45:03
• Justin Fields' Jets benching & QB woes: 53:15–56:21
• Titans’ Jeffrey Simmons vents; Bad franchise cycles: 57:22–63:01

Additional Insights & Stories

• NFL games’ immense viewership, fans’ passion, and the impact of fantasy/betting.
• Laugh-out-loud cellphone nostalgia and sports travel tales:
  • Old phone bill horror stories: "My cell phone bill, probably $700...back then, they charge you by the minute." (Ocho, 28:07)
• Event culture: Kentucky Derby, Daytona 500, US Open — panel dreams of "Nightcap on the road."
• Fun side stories: buying horses for kids, the culture of rural Miami, and growing up around football and sports legends.

Overall Tone & Takeaway

High-energy, locker-room banter with plenty of laughs, real talk, and hard truths about the business and heartbreak of professional football. The show blends in-depth NFL analysis with nostalgic personal stories, letting listeners feel like part of the conversation—insightful whether you’re a diehard fan or just love sports culture.