Don, Hahn & Rosenberg Podcast: Hour 2 - "Thursday Rewrite" Summary

Release Date: August 14, 2025

Hosts:

• Don Hahn: ESPN New York and New Jersey legend.
• Alan Hahn: Long-time sportswriter and New York Knicks broadcaster.
• Peter Rosenberg: Highly opinionated Hip Hop veteran and WWE personality.

1. Team Performance and Legacy: Patriots & Bulls

The episode kicks off with a robust discussion on the declining status of the New England Patriots, drawing parallels to the Chicago Bulls post-Michael Jordan era.

• Peter Rosenberg expresses frustration:
  “The Patriots are becoming what the Bulls have become. Just a nothing, mediocre, crap AFC East team.” [00:50]

• Don Hahn and the unnamed guest delve into the historical significance of the Bulls during the Jordan and Pippen era, highlighting how the team has struggled to recapture that glory in recent years.

• The conversation transitions to the Golden State Warriors, with Peter noting their current downturn:
  “The warriors are on the Come Back to Reality tour.” [02:40]

Key Insight: The hosts emphasize that perennial good teams versus those that had a temporary rise due to superstar players often find themselves fluctuating in performance, struggling to maintain consistency without their marquee names.

2. Introduction of Male Cheerleaders in the NFL

A significant segment is dedicated to the controversial introduction of male cheerleaders across several NFL teams.

• Unnamed Guest Speaker remarks on the shift:
  “I didn't know this was becoming a thing.” [04:33]

• They debate the purpose and reception of male cheerleaders, with Peter maintaining his indifference:
  “I don't need it... I just, I don't need it.” [06:01]

• Don Hahn adds perspective on fan reactions and the potential impact on traditional game-day experiences.

Notable Quote:
“I have no use for cheerleaders, respectfully, in any regard.” — Unnamed Guest Speaker [06:09]

Conclusion: While some find the inclusion progressive, others view it as an unnecessary alteration to the traditional sports entertainment format.

3. Coaching Styles and Player Motivation: Insights from Daryl Strawberry

The episode features a guest appearance by Daryl Strawberry, who shares his thoughts on effective coaching in sports.

• Daryl Strawberry emphasizes the importance of a manager who can keep players motivated through the grueling 162-game MLB season:
  “You need managers and coaches to get into you that keep that fire lit.” [09:01]

• Peter Rosenberg contrasts this with modern coaching, suggesting that today's players may prefer less critical and more supportive coaching approaches.

Key Takeaway: There's a debate on finding the balance between motivating players through criticism and maintaining their morale with positive reinforcement.

4. Listener Interaction: Yankees Expectations and NFL Team Management

Caller Graham shares his long-standing support for the New York Yankees and his frustration with their recent performance.

• Peter Rosenberg responds to Graham’s concerns about lowered expectations for the Yankees:
  “We’ve had this conversation around all of the teams in New York. Who's better than the Yankees? Who?” [19:24]

• Unnamed Guest Speaker highlights the sustained challenges across various New York sports teams, noting the necessity for high expectations and consistent performance.

Discussion Points:

• The delicate balance between team legacy and current performance.
• The impact of organizational changes on team success.

5. "Quarterback Rewrite" – Hypothetical Scenario for the New York Jets

A deep dive into what might have transpired had the New York Jets drafted Trevor Lawrence instead of Zach Wilson.

• Peter Rosenberg outlines the scenario:
  “The rewrite is the Jets don't beat the Rams, finish with the first overall pick and they take Trevor Lawrence.” [24:00]

• The hosts explore potential coaching changes, discussing whether the Jets would have hired a different coach like Urban Meyer or Dan Campbell, and the implications on Lawrence's career.

Notable Quote:
“You could have hired Urban Meyer, which would have sounded like a Woody Johnson hire.” — Peter Rosenberg [25:55]

Insights:

• The complexities of team management decisions and their long-term effects on player development.
• The importance of coaching fit and organizational support in a quarterback's success.

6. Mustaches, 1969 Mets, and Memorable Moments

The conversation takes a nostalgic turn as Caller Richard Peterson reminisces about iconic mustaches in sports broadcasting and the legendary 1969 New York Mets.

• Richard Peterson recalls:
  “There has never been anything like the 1969 New York Mets... it was unbelievable.” [42:05]

• The hosts discuss memorable sports moments and broadcasting styles, including critiques of Gary Cohen’s over-the-top commentary.

Key Highlights:

• The cultural impact of the 1969 Mets on New York City.
• The evolution of sports broadcasting and fan expectations.

7. Mets Bullpen and Player Management

A segment featuring Carlos Mendoza provides updates on the New York Mets' bullpen and player performance.

• Carlos Mendoza discusses bullpen strategies:
  “We will continue to monitor it, but nothing differently.” [40:42]

• Peter Rosenberg expresses skepticism about the bullpen’s effectiveness and the team's ability to handle the rest of the season.

Takeaway: Ongoing challenges in player performance and injury management remain critical issues for the Mets' prospects.

8. Light-Hearted Banter and Closing Remarks

The episode concludes with humorous exchanges about sports personalities and light-hearted commentary on appearances.

• Unnamed Guest Speaker showcases a photo of Dave Rothenberg, prompting playful criticism:
  “Look how well put together he looks there... Problem with Dave is he's a schlub.” [44:45]

• Peter Rosenberg and Don Hahn wrap up with final thoughts, blending humor with sports insights.

Final Quote:
“Hear more of Don, Alan, and Peter weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 880 ESPN, the ESPN New York app, and your smart speakers.” — Don Hahn [45:32]

Conclusion: In "Thursday Rewrite," Don, Hahn, and Rosenberg navigate through a mix of sports nostalgia, current team performance critiques, and hypothetical scenarios that engage both seasoned fans and casual listeners. The episode balances serious analysis with humor, making it a compelling listen for those interested in the ever-evolving landscape of New York sports.