Club Shay Shay — Deebo & Joe (Part 2): Steelers Waiting on Aaron Rodgers Decision + Jim Schwartz Resigns

Date: February 10, 2026
Host: Shannon Sharpe (absent in this segment); Co-hosts: Deebo & Joe

Episode Overview

This episode centers on the offseason uncertainties in the NFL, with detailed discussion of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ quarterback situation involving Aaron Rodgers, prospects of a rebuild, coaching challenges, and commentary on the Cleveland Browns’ defensive coordinator resignation, Jim Schwartz. Later, Deebo and Joe break down the financial hit of the "jock tax" on Super Bowl players, future draft strategy, NFL coaching realities, and field questions from listeners. The relaxed, sometimes comedic tone includes candid takes and inside stories as only ex-players can provide.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Steelers’ Quarterback Conundrum: Aaron Rodgers or Rebuild?

(02:38 – 07:42)

• Joe expresses exhaustion over “middle of the pack” seasons with Aaron Rodgers, advocating a true rebuild:

  • “I'm ready for the ship to sink or swim. We're going to get Will Howard and we're going to see.” (03:18)
  • Frustrated by sticking with quick fixes: “Putting band aids on it … that's as best we gonna get. We gonna get a rod back again, and then we'll lose in the first round and ... be in the same position.” (03:29)

• Deebo agrees, highlighting new coaching hires (Angelico, former Vikings passing game coordinator) and their developmental potential:

  • “I'm with you ... let's see what we have with Will Howard and run it from there … I need to have something else that either. I don't know what I'm gonna get with, and I'm gonna take a chance.” (05:04-06:11)
  • Skeptical of backup Mason Rudolph: “You know what you're going to get with him. I don't like what I'm going to get with him.” (05:50)

• Both want fresh energy and direction — not another season waiting on Rodgers’ 42-year-old decision.

  • “We can't just be sitting there waiting on A-Rod. … We gotta move forward.” (06:11)

2. Steelers Roster Breakdown: O-Line, Receivers, and Defensive Needs

(07:42 – 10:17)

• Joe’s verdict on the offensive line: “They weren't trash. … It's consistency. Another year, rookies that they had … look like they had good spurts and bad spurts.” (07:53-08:35)
• On receivers: Steelers lack a legitimate number one:
  • “I love DK. I wouldn't have signed him back … I need a real live X … go over there, run a slant … you're going to be open.” (09:11)
• Deebo & Joe agree linebacker group needs both physicality and coverage skills:
  • “We need … some people that are gonna come knock some shit backwards.” (09:41)
  • “When you say Harrison, I don't want to hear that … Can you do both?” (09:59)

3. Coaching, Player Mentality, and Locker Room Culture

(10:27 – 14:19)

• They riff on coaching challenges, lack of a linebackers coach in Pittsburgh, and the demands—both Deebo and Joe ultimately say it’s not just about skill but about mindset and motivation.

• Deebo on coaching at lower pay: “My love for the game … isn't enough. … I can't. … My love for the game or coaching it and being able to deal with … people that aren't going to be the same mindset as me. Dude, that will drive you crazy.” (11:47-13:04)

• The importance of drafting the “right kind of guys” with genuine drive, not just talent.

  • “You need to be able to see that, read that, understand that … the player that I can get to do what I need to have done … Not the player that just got the talent and don't want to do nothing but be like, I'm talented.” (13:25-13:49)

4. Realities of Being Undrafted vs. High Draft Picks

(17:20 – 21:14)

• Joe and Deebo compare early career experiences:
  • Deebo: “Big difference between what you get as far as attention and what I get as … an undrafted dude … just a roster spot.” (19:28)
  • Joe: “You want to go ask a vet. … Some vets like ‘get outta here’, not trying to help. Or you got a vet that's comfortable … give you some game.” (20:32)

5. Cleveland Browns’ Turmoil: David Njoku's Exit & Jim Schwartz Resignation

(21:14 – 29:39)

• Njoku announces departure from Browns (“unrestricted free agent”):

  • “It's kind of how the game goes … I think this is more to the city.” – Joe (22:00)
  • “He was like, yo, I ain’t returning.” – Deebo (23:13)

• Jim Schwartz Resigns as Defensive Coordinator:

  • Both hosts blast the move, doubting his head coaching prospects.
    • “That ain't love, bro … [he] said, oh, they ain't giving me the job, … I'm gone.” – Deebo (26:29)
    • “You was a trash head coach.” (27:05)
    • “You ain't gonna never get another ... my ego gonna talk ... you ain’t getting a job in the NFL again.” (28:20-29:04)
  • Discussion on coaching contracts, “trading” coaches, and the implications of resigning while under contract.
    • “Do the coaches get fined?” (30:55)
    • “He resigned … that's like retiring. They can ask for money back.” (31:08-31:11)

6. Money Talk: The ‘Jock Tax’ Hits Super Bowl Players

(34:12 – 41:16)

• Deebo and Joe decry California’s “jock tax,” which substantially reduces or even eliminates players’ Super Bowl earnings:
  • “NFLPA need to shoot it down. Never play another super bowl in California until you kill this jock tax.” – Deebo (34:42-34:56)
  • “You get taxed on your whole base ... You coming out the gym after that $178,000, you might see 80 of it ... then you gotta pay $250,000 because you went out there to prepare to play in the Super Bowl. That is one of the craziest things I've ever heard.” – Joe (36:53-37:29)
  • “He lost money going out there, bro … even if he won the Super Bowl.” (37:29, Deebo)
  • “That's why it's a jock tax. You play a sport out there, you getting it. … How many percentage of people are professional athletes? They got the money, let's get it.” (39:23-39:42, Deebo)

7. NFL Draft, Coaching with Coach Prime, and Listener Q&A

(41:16 – End)

• Steelers may have 12 draft picks for next season; both agree: focus on quality over quantity.
  • “A good eight is better than just 12 … let's make it make sense. Let's get the best player. Let's get what we need.” – Joe (43:09-43:41)
• Would Deebo ever coach in college or for Deion (Coach Prime)?
  • “It ain’t who, it’s how much for me. I ain't got that much love for the game, to be honest. … Only way … is if my sons wanted me to coach them.” (43:46-44:55, Deebo)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Rodgers and Rebuilding:
  • “I'm tired of the Steelers just being medium of the pack. … That's as best we gonna get.” (Joe, 03:29)
  • “We can't just be sitting there waiting on A-Rod … Like, that's just still gonna put us in the past.” (Joe, 06:11)
• On Steelers Culture:
  • “I need to have something else that either I don't know what I'm gonna get with, and I'm gonna take a chance.” (Deebo, 06:11)
• On Coaching & Player Mentality:
  • “My love for the game … isn’t enough … I gotta deal with and manage people that aren't going to be the same mindset as me. Dude, that will drive you crazy.” (Deebo, 13:04)
• On Njoku & Cleveland:
  • “He was like, yo, I ain’t returning. Like, your approach, reasoning it out, me sitting back instead of … making like everybody wanna get out of Cleveland. Which … they do.” (Deebo, 23:13)
• On Jim Schwartz:
  • “You was a trash head coach. … One of the worst to ever do it.” (Deebo, 27:05)
  • “That's the craziest move … gotta think about when a player sit out … don't count till you get that year.” (Deebo, 30:44)
• On the Jock Tax:
  • “NFLPA needs to be on the NFL’s neck and let them know we ain’t playing in California … till y’all get rid of that jock tax.” (Deebo, 39:10)
  • “You win the Super Bowl, Sam ... you lost money going out there.” (Joe, 37:29)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 02:38 – Steelers’ Aaron Rodgers Dilemma & QB Situation
• 07:42 – Steelers’ Offensive Line, Receivers, Defense Needs
• 10:27 – Coaching Culture, Mindset, Roster Building
• 17:20 – Being Undrafted vs. Drafted (Locker Room Experience)
• 21:14 – Cleveland Browns: Njoku’s Exit & Schwartz Resignation
• 34:12 – California “Jock Tax” and Super Bowl Money Losses
• 41:16 – Steelers Draft, Coaching with Deion, Listener Questions

Final Thoughts

This candid, player-driven conversation gives listeners rare insight into NFL team-building, the pressures and politics behind coaching and roster decisions, and the surprisingly cutthroat world of pro football finances. Deebo and Joe's relaxed chemistry, humor, and willingness to “keep it real” make even technical or business-side topics accessible and engaging for fans missing the episode.