Club Shay Shay – Best of NFL News Part 1: Shedeur QB1, Grandpa Rivers in Indy, and Pickens SORRY?!

Host: Shannon Sharpe
Guests/Co-hosts: Ocho (Chad Johnson)
Release Date: December 13, 2025

Episode Overview

This "Best of NFL News" episode of Club Shay Shay, hosted by NFL Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe and featuring the ever-candid Ocho, dives into some of the hottest and most intriguing storylines from the NFL season. The conversation moves from the Browns' decision to start rookie Shedeur Sanders at quarterback, to the Indianapolis Colts’ desperate call to retired QB Philip Rivers, and finally to drama around George Pickens’ effort in Pittsburgh. The episode is packed with honest takes, football wisdom, playful banter, and classic storytelling in Shannon’s signature style.

Key Topics & Segment Breakdowns

1. Browns Name Shedeur Sanders as QB1 (03:21–17:12)

Browns Make a Crucial QB Move

• The Browns officially name rookie Shedeur Sanders their starting quarterback for the remainder of the season, ending week-to-week uncertainty.
• Kevin Stefanski (Browns Head Coach) is notably reluctant to directly name Shedeur, instead giving general comments about "young players" (03:47).

Notable Quote:

“I think he's constantly and consistently gotten better... He's very intentional about getting better each and every game.”
— Kevin Stefanski (03:47)

Debate: Did the Browns Wait Too Long?

• Shannon and Ocho dissect if the Browns made a mistake delaying the move.
• Ocho emphasizes the advantage of removing doubt for Shedeur.

  “There's no more confusion. You're not looking over your shoulder. ...When preparation meets opportunity, this is what you get.” (04:50)

• Both discuss the Browns’ persistent struggles identifying a franchise quarterback.

Notable Quote:

“It's OK to admit we made a mistake, right? We all have the luxury of hindsight. ...It shows maturity that when we're wrong, we’re man or woman enough to say that.”
— Shannon Sharpe (06:54)

Evaluation of Sanders' Growth & Outlook

• Shannon praises Sanders for his attention to detail and work ethic.
• Discussion on the high number of Browns starting quarterbacks over decades.
• Ocho touts the importance of Sanders taking on difficult late-season opponents as a true test.

“Shador's job is to show them they don't need a quarterback. … Show them you got the right guy. … Sometimes you gotta kiss a lot of dragons to find your princess.”
— Shannon Sharpe (16:11, 16:50)

2. Colts Call on “Grandpa” Philip Rivers (21:23–29:01)

Colts' Quarterback Crisis

• With Daniel Jones and Riley Leonard injured, the 8–5 Colts invite 44-year-old, recently made grandfather Philip Rivers for a workout, hoping the retired legend can save their season (21:23).
• Rivers’ Hall of Fame eligibility would reset if he joins an active roster (22:13).

Notable Exchange:

“I like the opportunity for him. Even though he’s 44...we need a quarterback that’s a veteran and give us a veteran presence.”
— Ocho (22:39)
“He has no mobility. … He really never had any mobility. So imagine him at 44.”
— Shannon (23:47)

Colts’ Hard Luck and Anthony Richardson’s Future

• Segues into broader Colts misfortunes: repeated injuries, trade disappointment, and lack of QB stability.
• Shannon questions Richardson’s trajectory after repeated missed opportunities.

Notable Quote:

“A man that got 10 kids, got grandkids, that’s been retired… you sitting on that bench. …What does that say about you?”
— Shannon (24:46)

3. The Bengals’ Trey Hendrickson Injury News (32:05–34:21)

Bengals Lose Key Defensive Piece

• Shannon breaks the news that DE Trey Hendrickson will have core muscle surgery and miss the season (32:05).
• Ocho downplays the impact, remarking Hendrickson has been out for weeks:

  “But hell, he ain’t been there the past few weeks anyway.” (32:36)

Athlete Health & Conditioning Banter

• Ocho jokes about injuries and his own durability during his playing days:

  “I played all them years with no injuries, man… What I was able to do, that ain’t number God.” (33:47, 33:49)

4. Titans Reporter Breaches Trust, Gets Banned from Flights (38:09–41:58)

Media Ethics & Locker Room Trust

• Shannon recounts the story of a Titans sideline reporter removed from team flights after sharing off-the-record locker room stories.
• Both emphasize unwritten rules of behind-the-scenes NFL life.

Notable Quotes:

“You keep your mouth shut. …You don’t get to go on the team plane [and] just take everything you see and try to use it to your advantage.”
— Shannon & Ocho (39:07–39:46)

Legendary Access Stories

• Shannon and Ocho reminisce about unrestricted access with their former teams—and the importance of not abusing that privilege.

“Even though I had the access I had, I didn’t go back and take advantage of it.”
— Shannon (42:37)
“The warmth and the welcome and the grace that they’ve shown me…when I am no longer of any value to you, and they still treat me like that.”
— Ocho (43:22)

5. George Pickens Effort & Apology Controversy (53:18–59:10)

Coaches, Accountability, and Player Image

• Shannon reports Head Coach Brian Schottenheimer talked with WR George Pickens about his lack of effort, with Pickens owning up privately (53:18).
• Ocho is adamant Pickens won’t apologize publicly to Richard Sherman:

  “That ain’t coming.” (53:59)

Contract Implications & Professionalism

• Extended debate on how moments like these factor into negotiating contracts and organization trust.
• Ocho and Shannon stress effort, consistency, and perception matter.

“When people start putting stuff in your contract, what are they trying to tell you? We don’t trust you.”
— Shannon (58:10)

6. Chiefs Facing End of an Era (64:48–70:33)

Travis Kelce’s Honest Reflection

• With the Chiefs (6–7) on the brink of missing the playoffs, Travis Kelce admits,

  “I feel like I’ve always had answers in years past, and this year I just can’t find them.” (64:48–65:35)

The Athlete’s Inevitable Decline

• Shannon and Ocho reflect on the pain of facing “the end.”
• Shannon draws on his own late-career experience, highlighting the gradual realization of declining performance.

Memorable Moment:

“It’s hard for a great player to give it up. That’s all you know. …One thing about it…that film won’t lie to you, that let you know. You might think you great, but the eye in the sky does not lie.”
— Ocho (71:35)

Best Quotes

• On Admitting Mistakes:
  “It’s OK to admit we made a mistake, right? …It shows maturity…” (Shannon, 06:54)
• On Quarterback Turmoil:
  “They had damn near as many quarterbacks as we’ve had U.S. Presidents. But Shador says it stops with me.” (Shannon, 16:53)
• On NFL Trust:
  “You done messed up a good opportunity just to have a story.” (Ocho, 39:56)
• On Contracts and Trust:
  “When people start putting stuff in your contract…We don’t trust you.” (Shannon, 58:10)
• On Aging in the NFL:
  “The eye in the sky does not lie. …Watch how easy they go down.” (Ocho, 71:35, 74:12)

Additional Playful Banter & Memorable Moments

• Ocho’s joke: “His wife left him. Now he’s a solo Cup.” (17:42)
• Shannon and Ocho teasing each other about growing beards (62:10).
• Behind-the-scenes stories about team flights, movies, and locker room protocols (49:14–52:37).

Useful Timestamps

• Browns Name Shedeur QB1: 03:21–17:12
• Colts Call on Rivers: 21:23–29:01
• Bengals & Hendrickson Injury: 32:05–34:21
• Reporters on Team Planes Drama: 38:09–41:58
• Pickens Effort/Apology Segment: 53:18–59:10
• Chiefs, Kelce & Athlete Decline: 64:48–74:12

Conclusion

Club Shay Shay’s NFL News special is equal parts football insight, locker room reality, and the real talk you only get from pros who have lived it. Shedeur Sanders finally gets his chance, the Colts throw a Hail Mary to Grandpa Rivers, Pickens gets called out for effort, and the Chiefs stare down the end of an era. Through it all, Shannon and Ocho keep it honest, funny, and uniquely their own—a must-listen for NFL fans who want the stories behind the headlines.