Dan Bernstein Unfiltered — Friday Feedback Friday: Your Memories of Terry Boers & Top 10 HOF Members
Podcast: Dan Bernstein Unfiltered | Host: Dan Bernstein with Matt Abbatacola | Date: January 30, 2026
Episode Overview
This special episode of "Friday Feedback Friday" serves as both a heartfelt tribute to the late Terry Boers and a spirited debate on the hosts’ favorite NFL Hall of Fame members. Dan Bernstein and longtime producer Matt Abbatacola candidly share listener stories and personal memories about Terry, illustrating his deep impact on Chicago sports fans. They close the episode by unveiling their individualized “Top 10” Pro Football Hall of Fame lists, sparking nostalgic reflection and genuine sports debate.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Remembering Terry Boers (01:01–24:23)
The Outpouring of Community Grief & Support
- The hosts reflect on the “emotional, sharing, sadness and grief” experienced throughout the week following Terry's death (01:01). Bernstein thanks listeners for their feedback and stories, which provided comfort and a sense of community.
- Quote: “This was a time for whatever we've built here over five months…the 312 sports community really showed out.” — Dan Bernstein (02:01)
Listener Stories: Joy, Silliness & Impact
- Dan and Matt read several listener-submitted memories, showcasing both the heartfelt and humorous sides of Terry’s legacy:
- Brent (“Glass Case of Emotion”) recounts meeting Terry at Bandido Barney’s in West Dundee—a wild live show, matching Tommy Bahamas shirts, heavy drinking, and a limo ride mistaken for a country band (07:14–08:31).
- Chris shares how he and friends gathered at Blarney Stone in Oak Forest, recalling Score remotes and the legendary “Chevy guy” (08:31–09:56).
Terry’s On-Air Quirks Become Family Traditions
- John writes about how Terry’s mispronunciation (“cohefi”) became a household meme, with family members still referencing it when making coffee (09:56–10:45).
The Larger Meaning of BnB (Boers & Bernstein)
- Kevin expresses how the show’s “wit and the silly noises” helped him through major life changes, and how Terry’s integrity and decency stood out (11:44–14:13).
- Quote: “What really mattered wasn’t sports...what was clear...was that integrity mattered to Terry. Being a good and decent human being mattered.” — Listener Kevin (11:44)
- Matt Abbatacola reflects on significant loss in his own life, drawing a parallel between his brother's passing and the impact of losing Terry (14:13–15:17).
Legendary Remotes & Listener Connection
- Multiple listeners recall memorable remote broadcasts: in Ottawa, IL (“everyone’s here but the mayor!”), and Oswego with Minnie Minoso, all highlighting the strong community bonds from these live shows (15:27–23:26).
Running Jokes & Inside Bits
- Matt and Dan reminisce about bits like “Who Ya Crappin” and the devotion of fans who’d rush to their cars or stay parked just to hear the show finish (19:49–22:01).
- Quote: “A person has two deaths: their body ceasing to be and the last time their name is spoken. I believe this explains why Terry feels more alive than ever.” — Dave in Brookfield (19:50)
2. Feedback Segment Addressing Sports Takes (26:12–32:05)
Listener Pushback: The “Football In The Elements” Debate
- Dan receives critical feedback from Zach regarding his recent football opinions. Zach pens an impassioned defense of playing NFL games outdoors, celebrating the sport’s historical connection to the elements (29:09–30:48).
- Dan theatrically reads the response with NFL Films music, both hosts have fun with voices and acknowledge the thoughtful writing but stick to their stance against watching “guys slip and fall” on bad fields.
Quick Bits: Musical Recommendations
- Quick exchanges on Tyler Ballgame (Dan's music tip), drawing both praise (“reminds me of McCartney”) and criticism (“like the latter years Beatles but worse…”), show the variety of tastes among their audience (36:14–38:11).
3. Top 10 Pro Football Hall of Fame Members (38:49–65:24)
The Rules & Approach
- Both hosts choose 10 HOF members each, narrowed to players/coaches/contributors they personally witnessed (with a single exception for sentimental reasons). There’s overlap but also unique, heartfelt rationales.
Matt Abbatacola’s Top 10 (40:53)
- 10. Randy Moss – “One of the best WRs I ever saw play.”
- 9. Jerome Bettis
- 8. John Randle – “Hated watching him play against the Bears.”
- 7. Chris Carter
- 6. Richard Dent
- 5. Peyton Manning – “Wished the Bears had a QB like him.”
- 4. Devin Hester – “Most exciting player I’ve ever seen.”
- 3. John Madden – “Influenced me through his video games and broadcasts.”
- 2. Barry Sanders
- 1. Walter Payton – “Best football player I've ever seen.”
Dan Bernstein’s Top 10 (43:16)
- 10. Barry Sanders – “There were so many ‘oh, my God’ moments covering him.”
- 9. Randy Moss
- 8. Alan Page – Not just for football: a Supreme Court justice, children’s book author, Medal of Freedom recipient.
- 7. Marv Levy – “Proof that someone like me could be in the NFL.”
- 6. Gale Sayers – Family connection; dad attended high school with Sayers.
- 5. Mike Singletary – His only Bears replica jersey was #50.
- 4. Richard Dent
- 3. Steve McMichael – “He enjoyed the carnage as a player, reflected the fans.”
- 2. Dan Hampton – “Greatest player on the greatest defense.” Critical of Hall for his late induction.
- 1. Walter Payton – “My favorite athlete of all time; bigger than life.”
Notable Quotes & Insights
- “Dan Hampton…on the greatest defense of all time—he was the greatest player. That says a lot.” — Bernstein (61:09)
- Matt confesses surprise at Dan’s “meatball” list, expecting himself to pick more Bears, but both embrace nostalgia and personal connection (63:01).
Honorable Mentions
- Alex Karras, Dan Dierdorf, Earl Campbell, Warren Moon, and more discussed as beloved but left just outside their top 10.
Memorable Moments & Quotes
| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote/Description | |-----------|--------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 02:01 | Dan Bernstein | “The 312 sports community really showed out…” | | 07:14 | Brent & Hosts | Wild tale from Bandido Barney’s — “Are you in a country western band? Are you brothers?” | | 11:44 | Kevin (listener) | “Integrity mattered to Terry… being a good and decent human being mattered.” | | 19:50 | Dave in Brookfield | “A person has two deaths: their body ceasing to be and the last time their name is spoken…” | | 29:09 | Zach (listener) | “From their very beginning, NFL games were shaped by the outdoors…” | | 45:35 | Dan Bernstein | “Barry Sanders was one of the most astonishing athletes I've seen…every time he touched the ball…” | | 62:41 | Dan Bernstein | “Walter Payton was just bigger than life and just an absolute giant of a guy…” |
Timestamps for Key Segments
- 01:01–24:23: Terry Boers Tribute & Listener Memories
- 24:23–26:12: [Ad Breaks Omitted]
- 26:12–32:05: Listener Pushback/Feedback Segment
- 32:05–38:11: Quick Feedback (Music discussion, interspersed banter)
- 38:49–65:24: Top 10 NFL Hall of Fame Members
- 65:24–End: Light banter/adulting PSA, DBU picks, code wrap-up
Tone & Language
- The tone is heartfelt, nostalgic, and honest, mixing laughter, sentimentality, and classic Chicago-style ribbing.
- The hosts’ banter freely melds sports analysis, personal history, and listener interaction. Quotes are often direct, carrying the in-the-moment, sometimes sardonic style both are known for.
Conclusion
This episode encapsulates what makes Dan Bernstein Unfiltered essential for Chicago sports fans: candid community connection, sharp and funny debate, and reverence for both sports legends and the local legacy built by shows like Boers & Bernstein. Through laughter, personal loss, and debate, Dan and Matt pay tribute to Terry Boers—proving that sports radio is about much more than scores, and that impact echoes long after the mics go silent.