Club Shay Shay – NFL ’25 BEST MOMENTS Part 2: Shedeur Sanders Madness, DK Metcalf Suspended, Phillip Rivers Returns, End of the Chiefs Dynasty?

Date: January 8, 2026
Hosts: Chad Johnson & Ocho Cinco (Chad’s co-host)
Podcast Network: iHeartPodcasts and Shay Shay Media

Episode Overview

This episode dives into major storylines from the close of the NFL’s 2025 season, bringing Chad Johnson and Ocho Cinco’s trademark insight, honesty, and humor. They tackle topics ranging from social media drama around Browns QB Shedeur Sanders, the fallout from DK Metcalf’s infamous suspension, a look at Phillip Rivers’ surprising NFL return at age 44, and whether the Kansas City Chiefs’ dynasty is finally over. Detailed commentary includes breakdowns of key games, locker room dynamics, the challenges of modern athletes, and real-time reactions to the league's latest dramatic moments.

Discussion Breakdown

1. The Dylan Gabriel/Shedeur Sanders Quarterback Controversy & Social Media Fallout

Timestamps: 02:20 – 16:04

• Social Media Drama: Chad and Ocho dissect the drama ignited when Browns backup QB Dylan Gabriel’s fiancée took to social media to voice her frustrations over his lack of playing time. Both emphasize the ripple effect of family and significant other comments in the social-media era.
  • “How would she know? Everybody in the building wants him to play?” – Chad Johnson (03:16)
  • “Anything that gets said out of her mouth that relates back to football… that relates back to football is going to tie back to him. And you don't want to put that kind of stress…” – Chad Johnson (12:34)
• Locker Room Confidentiality: They reflect on how even innocent venting can backfire, leading to perceptions that the player is feeding narratives to outsiders.
  • “Back then there was no social media your significant other could go to... Now there's this platform where they can go and disseminate information all across the world—instantaneous.” – Chad Johnson (04:35)
• Advice to Young Couples: Both hosts urge family and significant others of athletes to exercise caution online. Ocho highlights that players’ partners often have to “play the background”—unsung but vital.
  • “Some understand they have to play the background…they're not the main character.” – Ocho Cinco (14:32)

2. Browns vs. Bears: Analysis & Shedeur Sanders’ Growing Pains

Timestamps: 19:37 – 34:18

• Chicago Dominance: Chicago Bears demolish the Browns 31-3, credited to swarming defense and capitalizing on Shedeur’s three interceptions.
  • “He’s not going to outrun defenses... You’re not your father, Shedeur. You don’t have that kind of athleticism.” – Chad Johnson (20:33)
• Shedeur’s Rookie Lessons: Ocho emphasizes Sanders needs to play to his strengths and avoid NFL-caliber defensive ends on the edge.
  • “You got to play within your strengths…He’s got great pocket presence, great pocket awareness. But trying to outrun the D-ends? Not gonna work.” – Ocho Cinco (21:45)
• Receiver Accountability: Chad calls out Jerry Jeudy for dropping a catchable pass resulting in an interception: “He hit Judy in the chest...it can be an incompletion, but it can’t be an interception.” (23:16)
• Contextualizing Growing Pains: The hosts cut Shedeur some slack with context—only one starting OL left from the season’s start—but warn that patience won’t last.
  • “Moving forward, next year, in the same position, we won’t know—you can’t make those mistakes.” – Chad Johnson (25:42)
• Offensive Line Importance: Chad illustrates Chicago’s transformation after investing in their offensive line and ties it to franchise quarterbacks’ success.
  • “You build your team front to back. I don’t give a damn who your quarterback is, let him not get protected and see what happens.” – Chad Johnson (27:53)

3. The Browns’ Curious Play-Calling, Wristband Fiasco

Timestamps: 29:41 – 35:57

• Wristband Drama: During the game, reports came out Browns coaches removed Sanders’ wristband due to concerns about the play script.
  • “How you remove the wristband and add plays to a wrist? ... I’ve never heard anything like this in my life.” – Chad Johnson (30:12)
• Coach-Speak: They review Coach Stefanski’s post-game response and note that questions about the wristband were dodged.
  • “A coach is always gonna be PC...they’re never going to tell us the truth.” – Ocho Cinco (32:39)
• Preparation Red Flags: Both hosts admit they’ve never seen this kind of miscommunication with NFL-level prep.
  • “If I’m Jimmy Haslam, I’m gonna need some answers.” – Chad Johnson (34:59)

4. DK Metcalf Suspended for Confronting Fan

Timestamps: 38:33 – 51:01

• Incident Recap: DK Metcalf received a two-game suspension after physically confronting a Lions fan—potentially voiding $40M in guarantees.
  • “If the suspension holds, he voids 40 million in future guaranteed money.” – Chad Johnson (38:36)
  • “No matter what they say, you should not touch a fan.” – Ocho Cinco (41:49)
• Player Accountability & Era Differences: Ocho argues earlier eras relished verbal trash talk with fans and wouldn’t let it get personal. Chad, however, highlights every player’s reaction is different and some insults cross lines.
  • “There’s really nothing you could say that'd get me angry before I tell your ugly ass, I love you anyway!” – Ocho Cinco (44:42)
  • “What is a joke to you is death to someone else.” – Chad Johnson (49:31)
• Advice for Athletes: Both hosts recommend getting security involved over personal retaliation.
  • “If a fan says something you deem inappropriate, just call NFL security and get their ass removed.” – Chad Johnson (48:42)
  • “Or fellow NFL players, get your roast game up! Go out there and exchange pleasantries…” – Ocho Cinco (48:42)
• Memorable Quote:
  • “If you give the devil a ride long enough, eventually he gonna drive the car.” – Chad Johnson (46:33)

5. Phillip Rivers’ Comeback at 44

Timestamps: 51:01 – 55:43

• Seahawks Outlast Rivers’ Colts: 44-year-old Rivers’ surprise return is discussed; he manages a solid outing but falls to Seattle’s six field goals.
  • “I thought Philip Rivers didn’t play bad…considering Ocho, the man ain’t really had no fear.” – Chad Johnson (52:41)
• Medical Insurance Jokes: Chad jokes that Rivers’ return resets his benefits—a crucial move with 11 kids.
  • “When you got 11 kids...you get five more years [of medical insurance].” – Chad Johnson (52:27)
• JSN’s Rise: Jackson Smith-Njigba praised for a standout season—“That joker is smooth, man.” (54:16)

6. End of the Kansas City Chiefs Dynasty? Mahomes’ Injury

Timestamps: 55:43 – 64:13

• Mahomes Out, Chiefs Eliminated: Patrick Mahomes’ torn ACL injury dooms the Chiefs, who had already been struggling.
  • “A lot of changes need to be made…I think they stuck with this roster far too long.” – Chad Johnson (57:12)
• Offensive Weaknesses: Both hosts agree offensive line and running back are glaring issues.
• Wide Receiver Blues: JuJu and Rasheed Rice called out; Chad laments KC’s lack of a true #1 receiver.
• Comparisons to Brady: Ocho draws historical parallels between Brady’s and Mahomes’ knee injuries, both coming after their third Super Bowl win in Year 9.
• Buffalo’s Window Opens: Discussion turns to whether this could finally be Buffalo’s year, given changes at the top of the AFC.
  • “I wouldn’t be surprised if this is Buffalo’s year.” – Ocho Cinco (60:43)

7. NFL Playoff Clutch Genes, the Ravens, Steelers, and Kicking Pressure

Timestamps: 69:26 – 74:19

• Steelers win the North: Pittsburgh seizes the division after a rookie kicker’s clutch miss thwarts the Ravens.
  • “When you go to practice, they do one thing since training camp. They kick the ball. That’s it.” – Ocho Cinco (70:24)
• Importance of Elite Kickers: Extended discussion of how Adam Vinatieri helped define clutch—drilling Super Bowl and playoff winners.
  • “That’s why Adam Venateri is going to the Hall—can you get more clutch than that?” – Chad Johnson (73:29)
• Ravens Defensive Issues: Debate on whether Baltimore’s defense or corners are to blame; consensus is they need pass rush help.
  • “You need a guy that can win one-on-one, Ocho.” – Chad Johnson (75:45)
• Lamar’s Limitations: Both observe Lamar seemed less explosive, likely impacted by injury.
  • “Lamar Jackson looked like he had a piano on his back.” – Chad Johnson (80:23)

8. Rapid-fire: Draft Classes, NFL Culture, Monday Night Playoff Games

Timestamps: 82:46 – 86:44

• Best NFL Draft Debates: Playful banter about which draft class was the best—2011 with Cam Newton, Julio, Sherman, Von Miller, etc., or 2001 with “Chad Javon Johnson, the greatest entertainer.”
• Monday Night Playoff Novelty: Chad and Ocho hype up an upcoming Monday night playoff and their plans to “make their presence felt.”
• Style Talk: Ocho is excited about dressing up for upcoming events, poking fun at Chad’s advance knowledge.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Social Media Impact:
  “Everything you say that's related to football is going to be tied back to him—it's not fair to him.” – Chad Johnson (12:34)
• On embracing the trash talk:
  “Go out there and exchange pleasantries with these fans at away games. Have some fun with it.” – Ocho Cinco (48:42)
• On Phil Rivers’ longevity:
  “You can play a position that doesn’t require athleticism. You not playing that at corner, at receiver, at safety… only quarterback!” – Chad Johnson (55:48)

Key Timestamps

• 02:20 – Shedeur Sanders vs. Dylan Gabriel: Social Media Fallout
• 20:00 – Browns/Bears Breakdown, Rookie QB Growing Pains
• 29:41 – Browns’ Play-Calling/Wristband Snafu
• 38:33 – DK Metcalf Suspension, Fan/Player Boundaries
• 51:01 – Phillip Rivers’ Return & Seahawks/Colts Recap
• 55:43 – Chiefs Elimination, Mahomes Injury, End of Dynasty?
• 69:26 – Ravens/Steelers, Clutch Kickers, Pressure Situations
• 82:46 – Draft Class Debates, Monday Night Playoff Firsts

Tone & Language

The hosts’ conversation is lively, candid, and direct—often humorous, sometimes irreverent, but always insightful. They don’t shy from calling out players, coaches, or even themselves, and fuse technical football breakdowns with stories and broader perspective on NFL culture. The interplay offers fans both entertainment and education.

This summary covers the key segments, insights, and takeaways from the episode—ideal for NFL fans looking for straight talk, player perspective, and the latest dramatic headlines as the postseason approaches.