Don, Hahn & Rosenberg Podcast — “Hour 2: Nimmo Traded & The NFL Binge”
Episode Date: November 24, 2025
Hosts: Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
Producer/Contributors: Additional voices marked as D, E as guests or producers

Episode Overview

In this wide-ranging hour, Don, Hahn & Rosenberg blend their signature blend of New York sports talk, pop culture, and sharp wit. The central topics are:

• The major Mets news: trading longtime outfielder Brandon Nimmo and the broader implications for team strategy and culture.
• A critical look at the current and future states of the Mets and Yankees, focusing on lineup decisions and free agency.
• Deep-dive into recent NFL action: Giants frustrations, Shador Sanders’ NFL debut, the ever-chaotic NFC playoff picture, and unforgettable individual plays from the week.
• Lively asides on Eddie Murphy’s legacy after a new documentary, and musings on analytics and AI in sports strategy.

The trio’s authentic camaraderie and offbeat humor fuel a fun yet informed episode that swings from passionate debate to outright laughter.

1. The Eddie Murphy Doc & Legacy

[00:23-05:56]

Key Points & Insights

• Alan Hahn and the crew discuss the new Eddie Murphy documentary, finding it compelling—especially its portrayal of Murphy as a barrier-breaker in film.
• They reminisce about Murphy’s early films and reflect on his major impact on comedy and Hollywood for Black performers.
• The infamous SNL/David Spade incident is highlighted as a pivotal—almost tragic—moment in Murphy’s public perception and his relationship with the show.

Notable Quotes

• Alan Hahn [01:51]:
  "I had never thought of Eddie Murphy being such… a barrier breaker for being sort of the first brash, loud, outspoken Black lead character, like, ever in movies."
• Don La Greca [04:29]:
  "Eddie never had a problem with David [Spade]. He's like, 'But I know how it works. That joke had to go through several layers of people… You would think somebody would’ve said, ‘No, no man. He’s an alum. We love Eddie. Let’s not go there.’’"

2. Giants/Giants Pain and Dysfunction

[05:56-09:05]

Key Points & Insights

• The hosts express exasperation over the Giants' repeated late-game failures, particularly referencing a highlight-reel play in yet another loss.
• Fans are conflicted: heartbreak persists despite many having “checked out.”
• Producer Anthony advocates for a total organizational overhaul, citing persistent dysfunction across multiple seasons.

Notable Quotes

• Don La Greca [06:19]:
  "But it's funny… all these Giants fans who check out, it still hurts, it still bothers them when it happens… if you're that checked out and you don't care, then why would it bother you?"
• Anthony (guest/producer) [07:10]:
  "I don't like anything that's come out of this organization over the last seven years. So forgive me if I just would be happy if they said we're firing everybody, we're starting anew."

3. The Mets’ Franchise-Altering Nimmo Trade

[09:17–16:38]

Key Points & Insights

• The trade of Brandon Nimmo signals a shift away from sentiment and towards defensive improvement and culture change.
• Don details how adding second baseman Simeon changes the team: freeing up spending, possibly opening the door for additional moves including Pete Alonso’s future.
• Talk centers on the need to build for wins, not fan-favorite lineups.
• GM David Stearns joins in clips to explain the rationale: "what we did last year wasn’t good enough and running back the exact same group… wasn’t the right thing to do."

Notable Quotes

• Don La Greca [09:26]:
  "Because when we're talking about changing culture, that's a big move. You freed up money. You went out and got an A+ defender at second base in Simeon that now locks down that position..."
• David Stearns [12:59]:
  "I don't know if it's necessarily wanting to change the clubhouse dynamics. I think it's a recognition that what we did last year wasn't good enough and running back the exact same group… wasn't the right thing to do."
• Don La Greca [14:52]:
  "You can't worry about what fans think… do you want a popularity contest with a bunch of players that you love and not win? Or make some hard decisions and win?"

4. Yankees, Mets & the Free Agent Dominoes

[16:04–22:11]

Key Points & Insights

• Speculation on pursuits of free agents like Bellinger, the implications if the Mets or Yankees miss out, and just how poorly the Yankees have managed their budget under Brian Cashman.
• Discussion veers into possible blockbuster moves: Bellinger, Tatis Jr., and the Yankees’ inability to supplement their roster from within.

Notable Quotes

• Alan Hahn [18:31]:
  "It's not what [Hal Steinbrenner] is spending. It's how it's being spent."
• Don La Greca [18:50]:
  "So how is that gonna look optically if back to back years you lose Soto and Bellinger because you didn't want to go there financially?"

5. NFL Binge: The Week in Review

[24:19–35:48]

Key Points & Insights

• Shador Sanders’ Debut: Browns rookie earns his first start and win, with a feisty postgame interview. The trio debates his need for humility, noting he was buoyed by a dominant defense.
• Chiefs, Cowboys, Rams, Eagles: Conversation hits on epic comebacks, letdowns, and injuries, especially in the NFC. The NFC is wild, with the Rams considered the new favorite.
• Giants/Playoffs: A lament—again—about the importance of those squeaked-out wins (or losses) and how much better the Giants' spot could be with one or two more victories.

Notable Quotes

• Shador Sanders (clip) [26:43]:
  "A lot of people want to see me fail, and it ain’t gonna happen."
• Peter Rosenberg [27:15]:
  "The one thing I would like him to do is just a little touch of humility. A little bit."
• Don La Greca [34:56]:
  "Must be nice to have your football team still playing at this time of year, don't you think?"

Timestamped Highlights

• [28:19] – Chiefs walk-off win and Mahomes’ “Kermit” voice gets ribbed
• [30:18] – Cowboys’ comeback over the Eagles: “24 unanswered for the Cowboys… Who cares about that stat?”
• [31:45] – Rams as NFC favorite: “How are the Rams not the favorite in this conference?”

6. AI & Analytics in Sports

[37:34–39:32]

Key Points & Insights

• The conversation shifts to how analytics—and soon, AI—will continue revolutionizing game strategy.
• Alan playfully runs a scenario in ChatGPT for Fourth Down decision-making, using real game context to get AI advice.

Notable Quotes

• Alan Hahn [38:00]:
  "You guys tell me a scenario and I put it here in ChatGPT, it will 100% tell us what to do."
• Peter Rosenberg [39:05]:
  "Kick the field goal. Go up six… I feel like anybody would have agreed with this."

7. Football Grit: Notable Plays & Player Effort

[41:44–45:16]

Key Points & Insights

• The crew marvels at the difficulty of holding onto the football under duress, giving props to Breece Hall despite his costly fumble.
• Discussion of an extraordinary special teams play in Cowboys-Eagles, holding up as the ultimate “never quit” example for young athletes.

Memorable Exchange

• Don La Greca [43:05]:
  "They're not mortal."
• Alan Hahn [45:23]:
  "If you were to show this to kids and go, this is what playing this game is all about. This is how hard you have to play."

8. Closing Thoughts: Thanksgiving, Champions & Week 12

[46:05–46:16]

Highlights

• Positive anticipation for a great Thanksgiving football lineup.
• Shoutout to Gotham FC for their latest championship, a bright spot in New York’s overall sports drought.
• Closing affirmation that Week 12 finally delivered some great, entertaining NFL games.

Notable Quote

• Alan Hahn [46:05]:
  "Fantastic. Relative to a lot of years, it's a fantastic lineup."
• Don La Greca [40:07] (on Gotham FC):
  "So we complain about no championships in New York. Well, we have another championship, guys."

Summary Table: Key Segments

| Timestamp | Segment/Topic | Notable Quote/Speaker | |------------|----------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:23-05:56| Eddie Murphy & Documentary | “I had never thought of Eddie Murphy... a barrier breaker.” — Alan Hahn | | 05:56–09:05| Giants Pain & Dysfunction | “If I just would be happy if they said we're firing everybody, we're starting anew.” — Anthony | | 09:17–16:38| Mets Trade Nimmo | “Freed up money… sent a message to Alonso.” — Don La Greca | | 16:04–22:11| Mets, Yankees, Free Agency | “It's not what [Hal] is spending. It's how it's being spent.” — Alan Hahn | | 24:19–35:48| NFL Binge of the Week | “The one thing I would like him to do is just a little touch of humility.” — Peter Rosenberg (on Shador Sanders)| | 37:34–39:32| AI in Sports Analytics | “It will 100% tell us what to do.” — Alan Hahn | | 41:44–45:16| Football Grit & Player Effort | “They're not mortal.” — Don La Greca | | 46:05–46:16| Week 12 Wrap, Thanksgiving | “Fantastic. Relative to a lot of years, it's a fantastic lineup.” — Alan Hahn |

Conclusion

This episode of Don, Hahn & Rosenberg balances hard-nosed sports analysis with a unique personality-driven warmth. Whether breaking down the wisdom behind a controversial trade, reliving Eddie Murphy’s Hollywood impact, or poking fun at Patrick Mahomes’ “Muppet” voice, the trio keep sports talk passionate, unfiltered, and rich with insight for New York fans and beyond.

Perfect for listeners seeking sharp perspective mixed with humor—you’ll come away with a fresh take on the week in sports and a chuckle or two.