Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 3: Mike Greenberg & Super Bowl

Release Date: February 4, 2025

Hosts:

• Don La Greca – ESPN New York and New Jersey legendary voice
• Alan Hahn – Sportswriter and New York Knicks broadcaster
• Peter Rosenberg – Highly opinionated Hip Hop vet and WWE personality

Guest:

• Mike Greenberg – ESPN personality

1. Welcome and Introduction of Mike Greenberg

The episode kicks off with Alan Hahn warmly welcoming Mike Greenberg back to the show, congratulating him on his new endeavors.

Alan Hahn [01:07]:
"Congratulations on the new show, fellas. Don, Peter, great to talk to you guys again."

Greenberg expresses his excitement about the hosts’ new chapter, hinting at future collaborations.

2. Luka Doncic Trade Analysis

A significant portion of the discussion centers around the unexpected and massive trade of Dallas Mavericks' star player, Luka Doncic. The hosts dissect the reasons behind the Mavericks' decision, the lack of prior speculation, and the implications for both the team and the player.

Alan Hahn [02:52]:
"It's not a trade, it's a divorce. It just felt a little more personal than just simply a trade."

Greenberg questions the Mavericks' motives, suggesting possible organizational misconduct and a breach of fiduciary responsibility.

Mike Greenberg [05:03]:
"It's a terrible deal by the Maverick."

The conversation delves into whether the Mavericks undervalued Doncic due to personal biases or strategic missteps, considering his impressive record and potential longevity.

3. Patrick Mahomes: The Modern Great

Transitioning to football, the hosts engage in a heated debate about Kansas City Chiefs' quarterback, Patrick Mahomes. Greenberg positions Mahomes among the all-time greats, comparing him to legends like Michael Jordan and Wayne Gretzky.

Mike Greenberg [20:03]:
"Patrick Mahomes, if he wins this game, he will have won his fourth Super Bowl before turning 30. This does not put him in the conversation with the greatest of all time."

Peter Rosenberg challenges this notion, arguing that championships alone don't cement a player's legacy, citing John Elway and others who fell short despite their talents.

Peter Rosenberg [39:05]:
"But, the guys you just mentioned… Mahomes is not even in the MVP conversation this year."

The debate emphasizes the importance of team dynamics, coaching, and the role of supporting players in evaluating a quarterback’s greatness.

4. Super Bowl Fatigue and Team Performance

The hosts express varying levels of enthusiasm for the upcoming Super Bowl, particularly fatigue with the Chiefs' repeated appearances.

Peter Rosenberg [14:27]:
"I'm done with them. Enough already."

Alan Hahn counters by highlighting Mahomes' exceptional skills and leadership under pressure, suggesting that his ability to stay calm amidst chaos is a rare and valuable trait.

Alan Hahn [23:12]:
"The ability to just process and execute in those riotous moments, you got."

This segment underscores the emotional toll and high expectations placed on perennial Super Bowl contenders.

5. Caller Interactions: Patriots and Draft Insights

Listeners call in to share their perspectives, leading to discussions about the New England Patriots' consistent performance and draft strategies.

Caller Henry [30:53]:
"I think it's really cool… Patriots won three out of five Super Bowls."

The hosts provide insights into the Patriots' draft picks, particularly their focus on defensive tackles, and speculate on future draft moves based on insider information from events like the Senior Bowl.

6. Comparing Jalen Brunson and Jason Kidd Eras

The conversation shifts to basketball, where the hosts compare Jalen Brunson’s impact on the New York Knicks to Jason Kidd's revitalization of the New Jersey Nets in the past.

Mike Greenberg [32:06]:
"I feel like they obviously are not, but they definitely make their teammates better."

Alan Hahn acknowledges the similarities in cultural and franchise impact, while Peter Rosenberg admits to renewed interest in the Knicks due to Brunson’s influence.

7. Sports Team Updates: Knicks, Islanders, and Golden Knights

The hosts briefly discuss recent performances and upcoming games for various New York sports teams, including the Knicks, New York Islanders, and the Vegas Golden Knights.

Alan Hahn [43:23]:
"Devils and Penguins at seven."

This section provides listeners with timely updates and hosts’ personal biases towards certain teams.

8. NFL Officiating and Conspiracy Theories

Towards the end of the episode, the topic of NFL officiating comes under scrutiny as Peter Rosenberg addresses conspiracy theories claiming favoritism towards the Chiefs.

Peter Rosenberg [45:52]:
"But that last sentence kind of lost me. Then you got a little too overly aggressive, a little too sensitive."

The hosts emphasize the integrity of NFL officials while acknowledging that high-profile players like Mahomes naturally attract more scrutiny and calls.

9. Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts

The episode wraps up with light-hearted banter, promotional segments, and final takes on ongoing sports narratives. The hosts reinforce their commitment to delivering engaging and nuanced sports discussions.

Alan Hahn [48:07]:
"Catch the show on demand whenever you want. Just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts."

Notable Quotes:

• Alan Hahn [02:52]:
  "It's not a trade, it's a divorce. It just felt a little more personal than just simply a trade."

• Mike Greenberg [20:03]:
  "Patrick Mahomes, if he wins this game, he will have won his fourth Super Bowl before turning 30. This does not put him in the conversation with the greatest of all time."

• Peter Rosenberg [39:05]:
  "But, the guys you just mentioned… Mahomes is not even in the MVP conversation this year."

• Mike Greenberg [24:12]:
  "Patrick Mahomes is playing with well below average offensive teammates... he is not half."

• Alan Hahn [23:12]:
  "The ability to just process and execute in those riotous moments, you got."

Conclusion

In this episode of Don, Hahn & Rosenberg, the trio along with Mike Greenberg delve deep into high-stakes sports topics, offering diverse perspectives on NBA trades, NFL quarterback legacies, Super Bowl sentiments, and more. With a blend of analytical discussion and passionate debate, the hosts provide listeners with a comprehensive overview of the current sports landscape, enriched by personal anecdotes and expert insights.

Note: Advertisements, promotional segments, and non-content sections from the transcript have been excluded to focus on the substantive discussions and key takeaways of the episode.