Don, Hahn & Rosenberg - Hour 1: Jets & Giants FA Moves
March 9, 2026 | ESPN New York
Hosts: Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg

Episode Overview

The first hour of Don, Hahn & Rosenberg focuses on a lively discussion of the recent free agency moves by the New York Jets and Giants, including the pursuit of new quarterbacks and the influence of John Harbaugh on the Giants' roster. The episode weaves in their trademark banter, memorable listener calls, and reflections on sports radio careers, before pivoting into a brief Knicks and Celtics playoff discussion. While Alan Hahn was absent, Don and Peter led the show with special segments, nostalgic stories, and candid talk about New York sports.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Don’s Ramapo College Homecoming

• Don La Greca broadcasts live from his alma mater, Ramapo College, reflecting on his career origins and the growth of the institution:
  • “It is amazing to come back here... sitting in the same seat area, the radio station that started it all.” (01:17)
  • Shares stories about his student radio shows, “A Pilgrimage from Hell” and “The Beast is Unleashed.” (01:40)
  • Offers advice to students: “Just work your tail off, man. Hard work beats talent every time.” (05:48)

2. Jets Free Agency: A Push to Win Now

• The Jets make moves suggesting they’re aiming for immediate competitiveness, not tanking:

  • Mika Fitzpatrick acquisition: “It’s a free agent sign. He gave up a seventh round pick... you're trying to make this defense into something...” (06:20)
  • “You don’t make these moves... to tank.” (06:46)
  • Tua Tagovailoa becomes available: “If you could get a chance at Tua, to me, he all of a sudden becomes the most appealing thing out there.” (08:22)
  • Debate on quarterback “insurance” – speculation on teaming Tua with another experienced QB, potentially Cousins or Wentz (09:07)

  Notable Quote:

  • “If you could put together a team that you’re proud of, a team that’s going out there and winning games and competing and moving in the right direction, that is going to help you get out of whatever the heck you’re in, which is nowhere.” — Don La Greca (16:34)

3. Giants Embrace Ravens Identity ("Trans Ravens")

• The Giants are seen mimicking Baltimore’s approach, with a flurry of ex-Ravens signings:
  • Jordan Stout (punter, now highest paid at the position) and Isaiah Likely (tight end): “For a team that looks like they’re going to want to run, I could see a place for having a really good tight end. I don’t hate any of these moves...” (11:02)
  • Lively analogy: “They’re becoming the Trans Ravens... they’re going to be wearing Giants uniforms, Don, but they’re becoming the Ravens.” — Peter Rosenberg (10:11)
  • Discussion of John Harbaugh’s effectiveness, context of coaches’ second acts (Holmgren, Parcells) (12:03–14:46)
  • Tremaine Edmunds, ex-Bears linebacker, also joining Giants (19:01)

4. Listener Reactions & Football Therapy

• Listeners weigh in on Giants' moves, excitement about roster upgrades, lingering concerns (e.g., O-Line depth)
  • “We are seemingly... tired of residing in a dumpster and we’re moving out because we are right, Don, you’re right. We haven’t had a reliable... tight end in... like 95 years.” — Tessa in West Caldwell (35:21)
  • Don’s take: “Sometimes it’s just having a better coach, having a better system...” (37:22)

5. Behind the Scenes: Show Dynamics & “Drop Madness”

• Recap of a previous on-air blowup between Don & Peter:
  • “Because we care too much and things like that happen when two people, A, care about the subject and B, care about each other. Because strangers don’t talk like that to each other.” — Don La Greca (21:33)
  • “That’s fighting. That’s family level fighting.” — Peter Rosenberg (21:46)
• “Drop Madness” bracket is set; any new drops after today will go to next year’s competition. (20:03)
• Banter around music drops, inside jokes about past music debates and show moments (26:35, 29:20)

6. Brief Knicks/Celtics Playoff Landscape

• Knicks finishing a tough road stretch; Celtics perceived as biggest playoff threat:
  • “It’s no longer about what the Knicks are doing. It’s the Celtics. Like, isn’t that your biggest concern...?” — Don La Greca (47:32)
  • Celtics strong with Jason Tatum’s return, but Knicks also have a relatively easy schedule ahead (50:24)
  • “I’m not saying you can’t beat them. I’m just saying it’s a problem.” — Don La Greca on Celtics (51:24)

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Jets’ Direction (Football Philosophy)
  • “Winning breeds winning, losing breeds losing. Losers are losers, winners are winners, period.” — Don La Greca (16:34)
• On Legacy & Recognition
  • “For me to have a moment like that would require Maryland to ask me to come back and have a moment like that... Maryland has never said word one about. They don’t even. I’m not sure they’re aware that I went there.” — Peter Rosenberg, on college alumni recognition (03:30)
• On Staff Chemistry
  • “It’s like a married couple. Like, I know all your secrets, you know all mine.” — Don La Greca (23:27)
• Listener Excitement
  • “I am excited... somebody that I feel confident catching that ball third and six or catching that ball with two on him in the end zone. That’s how I feel. Because when I was watching [Likely] in Baltimore I’m like, yo, this guy really could play.” — Tessa in West Caldwell (35:41)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 01:17 – 05:48
  Don La Greca's reflections at Ramapo College; advice for aspiring broadcasters
• 06:13 – 10:11
  Jets’ off-season moves, Fitzpatrick and quarterback speculation
• 10:11 – 15:05
  Giants’ “Trans Ravens” direction, new signings, Harbaugh discussion
• 16:30 – 18:50
  Jets’ rebuild philosophy, winning culture
• 19:01 – 19:40
  Giants sign Tremaine Edmunds, focus on filling long-standing gaps
• 20:03 – 23:41
  “Drop Madness” bracket finalized; recap of on-air conflict, show camaraderie
• 32:39 – 37:44
  Caller feedback, fan perspectives on roster changes
• 47:32 – 51:24
  Knicks/Celtics playoff outlook, the challenge ahead

Tone and Style

The episode blends sharp sports analysis with a conversational, often irreverent tone. Don is nostalgic and affable; Peter is wry and self-deprecating; Alan (off-air this hour) is referenced for his level-headedness. Listener calls and behind-the-scenes banter energize the discussion, making the show accessible but informed—a signature of New York sports talk done right.

This summary covers all major topics, meaningful quotes and fan angles, offering a clear, engaging recap for anyone who missed the show.