Don, Hahn & Rosenberg Podcast: Hour 2 – Mike Tannenbaum & That Guy

ESPN New York | December 11, 2025
Hosts: Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
Featured Guest: Mike Tannenbaum (Former NFL GM, ESPN Analyst)

Episode Overview

This lively hour features a deep-dive with former Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum on the swirling Joe Burrow rumors, the Jets’ quarterback future, and the murky NFL landscape entering 2026. The trio explores QB trade hypotheticals, player durability, draft philosophy, and Mike Kafka’s recent Hard Knocks, while injecting classic New York sports radio banter and a segment of “That Guy” gripes.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Joe Burrow & Jets: Exploring the Possibilities (00:43–10:49)

Rumor Mill:

Discussion opens with whether the Bengals’ star Joe Burrow could leave Cincinnati and possibly land with the New York Jets.
Don is skeptical about the likelihood (“all going to be lots of chatter”), Peter and Alan are more optimistic or at least see the need to consider it.

Tannenbaum’s Take:

“The verb here you got to use is scour...you have to look at any possibility.” (01:50, Mike Tannenbaum)
He compares the situation to past shocking NFL QB moves (Stafford, Favre) and urges an all-options-open approach for the Jets.
“Joe Burrow to me is an absolute no-brainer Hall of Famer and I would do everything I could to try to get him.” (02:16, Tannenbaum)

Trade Market Reality:

Teams would have to offer a young QB and picks, and Cincinnati would only deal Burrow if they have a viable replacement path (e.g., via the draft) (02:45–03:25).

What Should Jets’ Front Office Do Now?

Tannenbaum, roleplaying as GM Darren Muji, says you review every possible option—draft, free agents, current roster, potential trade-up for top prospects (03:39–04:26).
Echoes the sentiment: “If the Giants or Tennessee have the first pick, maybe you pay up for Mendoza. But otherwise, you need a quarterback plan and draft capital.” (04:11, paraphrased)

Tampering & Communication:

GMs explore interest after the season, not before. “You call them up at the end of the season, say, ‘Is there any way you’d conceivably consider making a trade?’” (04:43, Tannenbaum)
The only way a Burrow trade happens: “If he literally sat out a year. That would be the only way Cincinnati would change their mind.” (05:08)

Recruiting the QB:

On how to woo Burrow: “You put a full court press on...that’s what we did with Favre. Make our situation more appealing.” (05:38, Tannenbaum)
Sell the New York legacy: “Come here, get us over the hump, you win a championship in New York, that’ll pay for itself for the rest of your life. Go ask Phil Simms, Eli Manning, Lawrence Taylor.” (07:26)

QB Durability, Retirement, and the Burrow Mindset (08:27–10:49)

Player Longevity Caution:

Tannenbaum relays Bill Parcells’ lesson: “Every quarterback is put on this planet with only a certain number of hits...Some of these players have made upwards of $200 million. At some point...human nature kicks in.” (08:32)
“If we woke up in March and he said, ‘Hey, it’s over,’ I’d be surprised, but I wouldn’t be stunned.” (09:31)

Burrow’s Motivation & Team Frustration:

Durability concerns and the lack of a strong offensive line weigh heavily on Burrow’s likely thinking. (10:02, Tannenbaum)
“If I had five great offensive linemen, how good could we be?” summarizes the core of Burrow’s plausible frustration.

Jets’ Draft Capital, QB Strategy, and More Hypotheticals (10:49–15:55)

Should Picks Be for a Top Draft QB Only?

Alan wonders if accumulating first-rounders is for a #1 pick or to acquire a veteran.
Tannenbaum: “You need to do both...acquire a veteran that you have a chance to win with and draft somebody.” (11:27)
Mentions Kirk Cousins and Kyler Murray as available QBs to monitor, but acknowledges each comes with baggage.

Coach Aaron Glenn’s Future & The End of the Season:

For the Jets staff: “If the jets win three games, six games, four games, I don’t think that really matters. What matters is, are the New York Jets progressing?” (12:31)
Candid about the need for depth, referencing QB injuries across the league.

Washington Commanders’ QB Health:

Discussion spills into Commanders’ backup philosophy and durability worries with Jayden Daniels (13:34–14:57).
Tannenbaum stresses teams must have viable backups and succession planning because “you’d be kidding yourself” to assume year-over-year health.

QB Prospect Chatter and the Shador Sanders Saga (15:32–19:07)

Sanders’ Mysterious Draft Slide:

Alan asks if Shador Sanders can be a flier. Tannenbaum: “He has ability, I really do...if he’s available for a sixth round pick, how can you not take a look?” (15:55)
On Cleveland’s fifth-round pick: “If we’re wrong, we’ve in all likelihood missed out on a backup linebacker. So there’s really no downside to it.” (17:11)
Banter about the Browns’ lackluster video when drafting Sanders, with Rosenberg dubbing it a “hostage video.” (17:51, Rosenberg/Tannenbaum’s comic “are you calling me a full-fledged thespian?” riff)

Memorable Quotes & Moments

Mike Tannenbaum, on GM strategy:
“The verb here you got to use is ‘scour’...You have to look at any possibility.” (01:50)
On recruiting elite QBs:
“If you win in New York, it’s unlike anything else.” (07:24)
Reality of QB health and monetary security:
“Every quarterback is put on this planet with only a certain number of hits.” (08:32)
Alan Hahn defending proactive front office work:
“I don’t think it is [a waste of time] until you’re told no, I think you should be in hot pursuit as best as you can.” (06:53)
Don La Greca on Burrow’s recent comments:
“Could we just admit...the entire statement from him is a little bit of that guy?” (26:01)
Alan Hahn, on O-line neglect:
“Joe Burrow has played 13 fewer games [than Andrew Luck] and has been sacked 203 times.” (29:18)
Peter Rosenberg, on coaching cliches:
“You come across as an ignorant ape that just can’t articulate a sentence...NFL coach talking to players, dropping F-bombs. Hire me, Mr. Mara!” (31:47)
Mike Tannenbaum, on late-round draft fatigue:
“At some point you just get so worn down and you’re tired...smiling for the cameras is not exactly...at the top of the hit list.” (18:30)

“That Guy Thursday” Segment (26:00–38:01)

The hosts air grievances:

Don La Greca: Says Joe Burrow’s remarks about not having fun as a Bengal are a bit much—“quarterback privilege.” (26:00)
Alan Hahn: Rants about someone taking two parking spots at the train station, causing him to get a ticket. (34:26)
Don La Greca and Peter Rosenberg: Blast Mike Kafka for excessive profanity on Hard Knocks. “You don’t come across as a tough guy. You come across as an ignorant ape that just can’t articulate a sentence.” (31:47)
General banter about cringeworthy coaching speeches (“cringe”, “college rah-rah”), Giants’ coaching staff, and court appearance horror stories.

College Football & Personal Stories (42:09–48:08)

Don riffs on how his college football disdain has only grown as the sport amplifies its chaos—likening it to a decades-long, increasingly justified hot take. (43:00)
The hosts swap college memories, breakups, and embarrassing moments, with Don recalling a heartbreak at the Orange Bowl and the perils of being a radio-obsessed, non-partying college kid. (44:50+)

Notable Timestamps

00:43: Football open, Devils/Islanders games, introduction of Tannenbaum
01:22–10:49: Main Burrow/Jets/Tannenbaum block
11:27–13:32: Jets’ QB/draft strategy, Aaron Glenn’s future
15:32–19:07: Shador Sanders, Cleveland’s draft, and late-round QB odds
26:00–38:01: “That Guy Thursday” segment: Burrow’s comments, parking ticket gripes, Kafka F-bomb rant
42:09–48:08: College football, Giants’ disaster takes, and hosts’ personal stories

Takeaways for Listeners

NFL QB Carousel is unpredictable: Both Jets and Bengals fans should prepare for anything, though a Burrow trade is a long shot unless he forces the issue.
Jets’ job is to follow every lead: The front office must stay aggressive and creative with top assets and options.
QB durability—plan for the worst: With injuries a constant threat, teams need starter-plus-backup succession plans.
“That Guy Thursday” delivers classic New York talk: Nothing escapes the hosts’ withering glare, from spoiled athletes to parking abusers.
Hosts blend blunt expertise and humor: Banter, sarcasm, and honesty are ever-present, making for an entertaining but insightful listen.

This episode provides a can’t-miss blend for Jets/NFL zealots and all fans of let-it-fly New York sports radio: transactional hypotheticals, real world analogies from a sharp GM mind, and the kind of relatable rants that make this trio a midday institution.

Don, Hahn & Rosenberg Podcast: Hour 2 – Mike Tannenbaum & That Guy

ESPN New York | December 11, 2025
Hosts: Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
Featured Guest: Mike Tannenbaum (Former NFL GM, ESPN Analyst)

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Joe Burrow & Jets: Exploring the Possibilities (00:43–10:49)

Rumor Mill:

Discussion opens with whether the Bengals’ star Joe Burrow could leave Cincinnati and possibly land with the New York Jets.
Don is skeptical about the likelihood (“all going to be lots of chatter”), Peter and Alan are more optimistic or at least see the need to consider it.

Tannenbaum’s Take:

“The verb here you got to use is scour...you have to look at any possibility.” (01:50, Mike Tannenbaum)
He compares the situation to past shocking NFL QB moves (Stafford, Favre) and urges an all-options-open approach for the Jets.
“Joe Burrow to me is an absolute no-brainer Hall of Famer and I would do everything I could to try to get him.” (02:16, Tannenbaum)

Trade Market Reality:

Teams would have to offer a young QB and picks, and Cincinnati would only deal Burrow if they have a viable replacement path (e.g., via the draft) (02:45–03:25).

What Should Jets’ Front Office Do Now?

Tannenbaum, roleplaying as GM Darren Muji, says you review every possible option—draft, free agents, current roster, potential trade-up for top prospects (03:39–04:26).
Echoes the sentiment: “If the Giants or Tennessee have the first pick, maybe you pay up for Mendoza. But otherwise, you need a quarterback plan and draft capital.” (04:11, paraphrased)

Tampering & Communication:

GMs explore interest after the season, not before. “You call them up at the end of the season, say, ‘Is there any way you’d conceivably consider making a trade?’” (04:43, Tannenbaum)
The only way a Burrow trade happens: “If he literally sat out a year. That would be the only way Cincinnati would change their mind.” (05:08)

Recruiting the QB:

On how to woo Burrow: “You put a full court press on...that’s what we did with Favre. Make our situation more appealing.” (05:38, Tannenbaum)
Sell the New York legacy: “Come here, get us over the hump, you win a championship in New York, that’ll pay for itself for the rest of your life. Go ask Phil Simms, Eli Manning, Lawrence Taylor.” (07:26)

QB Durability, Retirement, and the Burrow Mindset (08:27–10:49)

Player Longevity Caution:

Tannenbaum relays Bill Parcells’ lesson: “Every quarterback is put on this planet with only a certain number of hits...Some of these players have made upwards of $200 million. At some point...human nature kicks in.” (08:32)
“If we woke up in March and he said, ‘Hey, it’s over,’ I’d be surprised, but I wouldn’t be stunned.” (09:31)

Burrow’s Motivation & Team Frustration:

Durability concerns and the lack of a strong offensive line weigh heavily on Burrow’s likely thinking. (10:02, Tannenbaum)
“If I had five great offensive linemen, how good could we be?” summarizes the core of Burrow’s plausible frustration.

Jets’ Draft Capital, QB Strategy, and More Hypotheticals (10:49–15:55)

Should Picks Be for a Top Draft QB Only?

Alan wonders if accumulating first-rounders is for a #1 pick or to acquire a veteran.
Tannenbaum: “You need to do both...acquire a veteran that you have a chance to win with and draft somebody.” (11:27)
Mentions Kirk Cousins and Kyler Murray as available QBs to monitor, but acknowledges each comes with baggage.

Coach Aaron Glenn’s Future & The End of the Season:

For the Jets staff: “If the jets win three games, six games, four games, I don’t think that really matters. What matters is, are the New York Jets progressing?” (12:31)
Candid about the need for depth, referencing QB injuries across the league.

Washington Commanders’ QB Health:

Discussion spills into Commanders’ backup philosophy and durability worries with Jayden Daniels (13:34–14:57).
Tannenbaum stresses teams must have viable backups and succession planning because “you’d be kidding yourself” to assume year-over-year health.

QB Prospect Chatter and the Shador Sanders Saga (15:32–19:07)

Sanders’ Mysterious Draft Slide:

Alan asks if Shador Sanders can be a flier. Tannenbaum: “He has ability, I really do...if he’s available for a sixth round pick, how can you not take a look?” (15:55)
On Cleveland’s fifth-round pick: “If we’re wrong, we’ve in all likelihood missed out on a backup linebacker. So there’s really no downside to it.” (17:11)
Banter about the Browns’ lackluster video when drafting Sanders, with Rosenberg dubbing it a “hostage video.” (17:51, Rosenberg/Tannenbaum’s comic “are you calling me a full-fledged thespian?” riff)

Memorable Quotes & Moments

Mike Tannenbaum, on GM strategy:
“The verb here you got to use is ‘scour’...You have to look at any possibility.” (01:50)
On recruiting elite QBs:
“If you win in New York, it’s unlike anything else.” (07:24)
Reality of QB health and monetary security:
“Every quarterback is put on this planet with only a certain number of hits.” (08:32)
Alan Hahn defending proactive front office work:
“I don’t think it is [a waste of time] until you’re told no, I think you should be in hot pursuit as best as you can.” (06:53)
Don La Greca on Burrow’s recent comments:
“Could we just admit...the entire statement from him is a little bit of that guy?” (26:01)
Alan Hahn, on O-line neglect:
“Joe Burrow has played 13 fewer games [than Andrew Luck] and has been sacked 203 times.” (29:18)
Peter Rosenberg, on coaching cliches:
“You come across as an ignorant ape that just can’t articulate a sentence...NFL coach talking to players, dropping F-bombs. Hire me, Mr. Mara!” (31:47)
Mike Tannenbaum, on late-round draft fatigue:
“At some point you just get so worn down and you’re tired...smiling for the cameras is not exactly...at the top of the hit list.” (18:30)

“That Guy Thursday” Segment (26:00–38:01)

The hosts air grievances:

Don La Greca: Says Joe Burrow’s remarks about not having fun as a Bengal are a bit much—“quarterback privilege.” (26:00)
Alan Hahn: Rants about someone taking two parking spots at the train station, causing him to get a ticket. (34:26)
Don La Greca and Peter Rosenberg: Blast Mike Kafka for excessive profanity on Hard Knocks. “You don’t come across as a tough guy. You come across as an ignorant ape that just can’t articulate a sentence.” (31:47)
General banter about cringeworthy coaching speeches (“cringe”, “college rah-rah”), Giants’ coaching staff, and court appearance horror stories.

College Football & Personal Stories (42:09–48:08)

Don riffs on how his college football disdain has only grown as the sport amplifies its chaos—likening it to a decades-long, increasingly justified hot take. (43:00)
The hosts swap college memories, breakups, and embarrassing moments, with Don recalling a heartbreak at the Orange Bowl and the perils of being a radio-obsessed, non-partying college kid. (44:50+)

Notable Timestamps

00:43: Football open, Devils/Islanders games, introduction of Tannenbaum
01:22–10:49: Main Burrow/Jets/Tannenbaum block
11:27–13:32: Jets’ QB/draft strategy, Aaron Glenn’s future
15:32–19:07: Shador Sanders, Cleveland’s draft, and late-round QB odds
26:00–38:01: “That Guy Thursday” segment: Burrow’s comments, parking ticket gripes, Kafka F-bomb rant
42:09–48:08: College football, Giants’ disaster takes, and hosts’ personal stories

Takeaways for Listeners

NFL QB Carousel is unpredictable: Both Jets and Bengals fans should prepare for anything, though a Burrow trade is a long shot unless he forces the issue.
Jets’ job is to follow every lead: The front office must stay aggressive and creative with top assets and options.
QB durability—plan for the worst: With injuries a constant threat, teams need starter-plus-backup succession plans.
“That Guy Thursday” delivers classic New York talk: Nothing escapes the hosts’ withering glare, from spoiled athletes to parking abusers.
Hosts blend blunt expertise and humor: Banter, sarcasm, and honesty are ever-present, making for an entertaining but insightful listen.

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Hour 2: Mike Tannenbaum & That Guy

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Summary

Don, Hahn & Rosenberg Podcast: Hour 2 – Mike Tannenbaum & That Guy

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Joe Burrow & Jets: Exploring the Possibilities (00:43–10:49)

QB Durability, Retirement, and the Burrow Mindset (08:27–10:49)

Jets’ Draft Capital, QB Strategy, and More Hypotheticals (10:49–15:55)

QB Prospect Chatter and the Shador Sanders Saga (15:32–19:07)

Memorable Quotes & Moments

“That Guy Thursday” Segment (26:00–38:01)

College Football & Personal Stories (42:09–48:08)

Notable Timestamps

Takeaways for Listeners

Summary

Don, Hahn & Rosenberg Podcast: Hour 2 – Mike Tannenbaum & That Guy

Episode Overview

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Joe Burrow & Jets: Exploring the Possibilities (00:43–10:49)

QB Durability, Retirement, and the Burrow Mindset (08:27–10:49)

Jets’ Draft Capital, QB Strategy, and More Hypotheticals (10:49–15:55)

QB Prospect Chatter and the Shador Sanders Saga (15:32–19:07)

Memorable Quotes & Moments

“That Guy Thursday” Segment (26:00–38:01)

College Football & Personal Stories (42:09–48:08)

Notable Timestamps

Takeaways for Listeners