Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 3: Getting Old & Michael Lombardi

Podcast Information:

• Title: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg
• Hosts: Don La Greca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
• Episode: Hour 3: Getting Old & Michael Lombardi
• Release Date: August 5, 2025
• Description: The trio delves into New York sports, offering insights, debates, and stories from the world of sports and beyond.

1. Mets' Recent Performance and Brett Beatty's Error [00:30 - 03:01]

The episode kicks off with a discussion centered around the New York Mets' recent game, highlighting Brett Beatty's crucial throwing error that led to their downfall.

• Peter Rosenberg introduces the topic:
  "Everybody finding different ways to lose. The Mets got it done with Brett Beatty yesterday. A throwing error. That's the culprit this time." [00:30]

• Ty Butler analyzes the play:
  "It was a hard punt and he's trying to go to second base and keep the double play in order. Just didn't complete the play there." [01:21]

• Peter Rosenberg emphasizes accountability:
  "How do you feel about that, Ty? Is that taking accountability?" [02:00]

• Ty Butler critiques the Mets' key players:
  "Juan Soto is hitting a .185 in his last 38, 30 games. That's not great, Soto." [02:16]

2. Yankees and Mets Relationship in New York [03:01 - 05:37]

The conversation shifts to the intertwined dynamics between the Yankees and Mets, and how their performances impact each other.

• Ty Butler points out the Mets' reliance on Yankees:
  "The Mets better be thankful for the Yankees because if not for them, we'd be forced to talk about how Juan Soto is hitting a .185." [02:16]

• Peter Rosenberg elaborates on their connection:
  "It's such a great point you make about the Yankees helping things out because as much as these two teams are not connected when it comes to the conversation in New York, they are very connected." [03:01]

3. Jets' Struggles and Justin Fields' Performance [05:37 - 09:54]

A deep dive into the New York Jets' challenges, focusing on quarterback Justin Fields and the team's offensive strategies.

• Steve, a listener, raises concerns about the Jets' inconsistency:
  "They go on these streaks, they lose five, they win five, they lose five." [03:35]

• Ty Butler compares Justin Fields to Trent Dilfer and discusses his limitations:
  "He's going to have to make some throws like it's the NFL. If he can't make those throws, they're not getting to nine." [05:39]

• Peter Rosenberg reminisces about Aaron Rodgers' injury and its impact on the Jets:
  "When he went down, they said, he's not getting up. I was completely shaken." [09:00]

4. Personal Anecdotes and Injuries [10:04 - 19:22]

Hosts share personal stories related to sports injuries and discuss the broader implications of aging in athletics.

• Peter Rosenberg reflects on Michael Kirk's injury:
  "I'm going through my head like the... Is he a top five receiver? I don't know if he's a top five receiver, but he's certainly top ten." [40:34]

• Ty Butler shares a childhood memory related to athlete injuries:
  "I've Talked about. But he's a really good player. He can't get in the hall of fame." [09:19]

5. Guest Introduction: Michael Lombardi and His Book [22:26 - 26:31]

The hosts welcome former NFL GM Michael Lombardi, discussing his new book "Football Done Right," which examines the history and nuances of NFL coaching and player legacies.

• Peter Rosenberg introduces Lombardi:
  "Joining us now, the former NFL GM, three-time Super Bowl champ, and current GM of UNC football, Michael Lombardi." [21:54]

• Don Hahn discusses the essence of Lombardi's book:
  "The book's about really the history of football... starting with the White Oaks, coaches who established the league and the systems that we use today." [22:40]

6. Insights from Michael Lombardi’s Book [26:31 - 32:46]

Michael Lombardi elaborates on the influence of legendary coaches, the Hall of Fame criteria, and the evolution of football strategies.

• Michael Lombardi critiques Hall of Fame selections:
  "Marty Schottenheimer is one of nine head coaches in the NFL with 200 wins, yet he can't come up for a vote to get in the Hall of Fame." [26:31]

• Discussion on Football Rule Changes:
  "The past protection rules have changed... Dick Night Train Lane could probably not play today." [26:42]

7. Current NFL Issues: Contracts and Player Valuation [32:46 - 38:44]

The conversation navigates through contemporary NFL contract disputes, focusing on Micah Parsons and Terry McLaurin, and how teams evaluate player worth.

• Ty Butler brings up Micah Parsons' contract situation:
  "How would you handle that if you were the GM of the Cowboys?" [32:47]

• Michael Lombardi discusses negotiation strategies:
  "They run to the media and complain about your contract to cause enough uproar to get a raise." [34:00]

• Peter Rosenberg debates the value of Terry McLaurin:
  "Is he better than Jamar Chase? He probably wants more money than Chase. Should he get paid that?" [35:31]

8. Future Games and Predictions [38:44 - 44:40]

The hosts look ahead to upcoming games, making predictions and discussing potential outcomes based on current team dynamics.

• Peter Rosenberg talks about the Giants' upcoming game:
  "Giants first home game is week three against the Chiefs. Yeah. Sunday night." [44:40]

9. Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts [44:40 - 39:54]

The episode wraps up with light-hearted banter, promoting listener engagement, and teasing future discussions.

• Peter Rosenberg encourages listeners to subscribe:
  "Just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts." [38:54]

• Ty Butler and Peter Rosenberg engage in playful conversation about the episode’s content and future topics:
  "Jacob's dude. If right now for the culture, I do my homework." [39:53]

Notable Quotes:

• Ty Butler on Justin Fields' Limitations:
  “In the end, he's going to have to make some throws like it's the NFL. If he can't make those throws, they're not getting to nine.” [05:39]

• Peter Rosenberg on Marty Schottenheimer's Hall of Fame:
  “Marty Schottenheimer is one of nine head coaches in the NFL with 200 wins, yet he can't come up for a vote to get in the Hall of Fame.” [26:31]

• Michael Lombardi on Coaching Criteria:
  “There's no coaching criteria that really allows the coaches to get their due process.” [26:31]

• Don Hahn on Football's Evolution:
  “The past protection rules have changed... Dick Night Train Lane could probably not play today.” [26:42]

• Ty Butler on Player Contracts:
  “He wants to be traded. So what team's going to pay you 38 million and then trade two number one picks to Washington?” [34:57]

Key Discussions:

1. Mets' Performance: Analysis of recent game losses due to defensive errors and the Mets' reliance on key players like Juan Soto and their current batting struggles.

2. Yankees-Mets Dynamics: Exploration of how the performances of the Yankees and Mets influence each other within the New York sports landscape.

3. Jets and Justin Fields: Detailed critique of Justin Fields' performance, comparing him to past quarterbacks, and discussing the team's offensive strategies and potential.

4. Aging in Sports: Personal anecdotes from hosts highlighting the impact of aging on player performance and injury susceptibility.

5. Michael Lombardi's Perspectives: Insights from Lombardi's book on football history, coaching legacies, and the criteria for Hall of Fame inductions.

6. NFL Contract Negotiations: Examination of current contract disputes, player valuation, and the strategies teams employ to manage salaries and trades.

7. Future Game Predictions: Hosts share their expectations for upcoming games, specifically highlighting matchups like the Giants vs. Chiefs.

Conclusion: In this episode, Don, Hahn, and Rosenberg provided a comprehensive analysis of current New York sports, delved into the intricacies of NFL coaching and player valuations with guest Michael Lombardi, and shared personal stories that highlight the challenges of aging in professional sports. Their engaging discussions, combined with expert insights and relatable anecdotes, offer listeners a deep dive into the world of sports from multiple perspectives.

Subscribe & Stay Updated: To catch more insightful discussions and stay updated with the latest in New York sports, subscribe to the Don, Hahn & Rosenberg podcast on your preferred platform.