Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg - Hour 2: Who Do You Root For?

Episode Information:

• Title: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg
• Host/Authors: Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
• Episode: Hour 2: Who Do You Root For?
• Release Date: January 24, 2025
• Description: Featuring New York and New Jersey sports legends Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg, this episode delves into team loyalties, rivalries, and the essence of being a fan in the bustling sports landscape of New York.

Introduction to Team Loyalties and Rivalries

The episode kicks off with a lively discussion about team preferences and the intense rivalries that define sports fandom in New York and beyond. Don, Alan, and Peter share their personal biases and the reasons behind supporting or opposing certain teams.

Key Topics:

• Philadelphia Eagles vs. New York Teams: Don expresses his disdain for the Philadelphia Eagles, primarily due to their fan base rather than the team itself.

  • Don (04:20): “I'm going to root against Philly because they're pretty… the Philly fans, the Philadelphia fans, some of them can be pretty crazy.”

• Cowboys’ Fanbase: Don elaborates on his dislike for the Cowboys, again focusing on the obnoxious nature of the fanbase rather than the players from earlier decades.

  • Don (05:09): “I hate it because the fans. The obnoxious fans that all of a sudden came out of the woodwork because of the cheerleaders and they won all the time.”

Greatness in Sports: Individual vs. Team Achievements

The hosts delve into what defines greatness in sports, comparing legendary figures across different sports and the impact of individual achievements versus team success.

Notable Discussions:

• Patrick Mahomes vs. Josh Allen: Alan highlights Mahomes' rising status and MVP potential, likening him to all-time greats like Tom Brady and Peyton Manning.

  • Alan (02:01): “Alan Mahomes is up there, right? I don't think it's Brady, Manning close.”

• Basketball Equivalents: Peter draws parallels between football quarterbacks and basketball stars, discussing rivalries like LeBron James vs. Stephen Curry.

  • Peter (02:23): “What would LeBron's. I mean, who was… I guess Curry. Curry. LeBron.”

• Historical Comparisons in Hockey: The conversation touches on Alexander Ovechkin finally winning the Stanley Cup in 2018 after numerous attempts, comparing it to basketball legends overcoming rivals.

  • Don (03:02): “Ovechkin couldn't beat Crosby and then he did.”

Quotes:

• Peter (03:22): “If he wins the MVP this year, I mean, it certainly does start to climb into that spectrum.”
• Alan (03:39): “I think it's... to a lot of people if he wins a younger generation. This is it. Alan and Mahomes.”

Fan Fatigue and Overexposure of Dominant Teams

A significant portion of the episode addresses the concept of fan fatigue, particularly regarding teams that dominate the landscape year after year, leading to diminished excitement and engagement.

Key Points:

• Chiefs Fatigue: Don expresses his exhaustion with the Kansas City Chiefs’ repeated successes, longing for a more diverse set of winners.

  • Don (10:34): “I just can't. I've got Chiefs fatigue. That's all. Like, even when the Patriots are winning all the time.”

• Impact on Rivalries: Peter and Don discuss how dominant teams can overshadow other competitors, making the league less exciting.

  • Peter (19:35): “They couldn’t get it done in a big spot. You know, they just weren’t winners.”

• Comparisons to Other Sports: The hosts compare this phenomenon to other sports, such as hockey and basketball, where dominant teams eventually face fatigue from fans.

  • Alan (20:36): “Game seven. I’m just sick of them. It's time for somebody else to win.”

Quotes:

• Don (08:21): “I'm tired and tired and tired of the Chiefs. And it's because I dared of seeing the same team win over and over and over again.”

Evaluating Player Accomplishments vs. Team Success

The conversation shifts to evaluating players based on their individual accomplishments rather than merely team success, highlighting the complexities of measuring a player's impact.

Key Discussions:

• Josh Allen's Career: Ray, a guest caller, critiques Josh Allen’s hype compared to other quarterbacks like Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson, emphasizing the lack of individual accolades.

  • Ray (14:13): “Josh Allen doesn't have a Heisman, Rookie of the Year, Offensive Player of the Year, first team All-Pro, Super Bowl appearance.”

• Lamar Jackson's Potential: The hosts discuss Lamar Jackson’s career trajectory, suggesting that he is destined to achieve significant milestones similar to Peyton Manning.

  • Don (15:38): “Lamar is going to have his day. Did you see that stat that his first seven years are almost identical to Peyton's?”

Quotes:

• Ray (14:32): “Efficiency deserves it. Yeah. So, you know, nothing compared to Allen. He’s got himself in MVP conversations every year. That's why I think he's really excellent.”
• Alan (16:02): “But this could be the year.”

The Significance of Championships and Playoff Performances

The hosts explore the importance placed on championships in American sports, debating whether reaching the finals repeatedly without securing a title diminishes a team's legacy.

Key Points:

• Super Bowl Success: Peter argues that consistently reaching the Super Bowl, even without winning, should be seen as a testament to a team's excellence.

  • Peter (16:40): “It's like, yeah, but you didn't win it, so none of that matters.”

• Comparisons to Other Sports Championships: Don and Alan debate the disparity between regular-season success and playoff outcomes, highlighting iconic moments where teams fell short despite strong performances.

  • Don (17:53): “That's a dynasty in itself.”

• The Pressure of Final Games: The hosts reflect on how the high-stakes nature of final games can sometimes overshadow the achievements leading up to them.

  • Alan (19:56): “You get all the way there, which takes everything you've got in your body to get that far. And then you get to that game and it's like, yeah, but you can't win the big one.”

Quotes:

• Alan (17:07): “It's not like they were blown out. They were embarrassed. Like they lost on a miraculous play.”
• Don (19:35): “They couldn't get it done in a big spot. You know, they just weren’t winners.”

Final Thoughts: The Essence of Being a True Fan

Wrapping up the discussions, the hosts emphasize the essence of true fandom—appreciating both the triumphs and the trials of supporting a team, understanding that sports are as much about passion as they are about outcomes.

Key Insights:

• Appreciation of Effort: Despite frustrations with dominant teams or recurring losses, the hosts acknowledge the dedication and effort of teams and players.
• Balancing Critique with Support: While expressing fatigue or criticism, there's an underlying support and respect for the sport and its athletes.

Quotes:

• Peter (22:11): “But again, when you need, you need a power play, you find a guy that can and you find him for cheap.”
• Don (21:53): “He deserved. I have no problem with him being back in the league.”

Conclusion: In "Who Do You Root For?", Don, Hahn, and Rosenberg engage in a candid and spirited exploration of sports fandom, rivalries, and the nuanced definitions of greatness. Through personal anecdotes, critical analysis, and passionate debates, the trio offers listeners a comprehensive look into what it truly means to support a team amidst the ever-evolving landscape of New York sports.