Hour 3: Monica McNutt & NFL Ratings

Summary

Don, Hahn & Rosenberg: Hour 3 – Monica McNutt & NFL Ratings

Release Date: January 28, 2025

In Episode Hour 3 of the Don, Hahn & Rosenberg podcast, hosts Don Hahn, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg engage in a dynamic and in-depth discussion with guest Monica McNutt. The episode delves into a variety of topics, including recent NFL performances, NBA insights, and the intriguing influence of pop culture on sports viewership.

---

1. Reflecting on the Recent NFL Sunday

The conversation kicks off with Monica McNutt sharing her thoughts on a recent agonizing NFL Sunday. She discusses the challenges faced by her team, highlighting critical turnovers and unmet expectations.

Monica McNutt [01:12]: "The turnovers kill you. I would never have fathomed this season in Jaden's rookie year, Dan Quinn's first year."

Monica expresses a sense of cautious optimism despite the setbacks, emphasizing that the team is building in the right direction.

Monica McNutt [01:58]: "It's cool. We're building, we're going in the right direction."

2. Super Bowl Support and Team Allegiances

Peter Rosenberg reveals his support for the Eagles in the upcoming Super Bowl, sparking a thoughtful response from Monica. She shares her nuanced stance, appreciating the players' journeys without fully committing to rooting for the team.

Monica McNutt [02:19]: "I do appreciate those guys and their journey through the league, but that's all I got."

3. Analyzing the Knicks' Offensive Prowess

Shifting focus to the NBA, Monica and Peter analyze the New York Knicks' remarkable offensive performance, citing back-to-back games with high-scoring outputs. They discuss the implications of such offensive highs juxtaposed with occasional defensive lows.

Monica McNutt [03:51]: "The offense is fantastic and the three ball is like a lifeline for this squad."

Don Hahn probes deeper into the team's defensive strategies, questioning whether recent performances hint at a stronger defensive approach for the playoffs.

Don Hahn [05:10]: "Did they show something against the league's best offense that they have another level of defense they can get to if they wanted?"

Monica counters by analyzing opposing teams' offensive strategies, suggesting that the Knicks have not yet unveiled a game-changing defensive tactic.

Monica McNutt [05:19]: "I don't feel like they snitched on themselves. I think this weekend or tomorrow, the Nuggets roll into town. That is a layered and nuanced offense."

4. The "Swifty Effect" on NFL Ratings

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the recent surge in NFL ratings, particularly the AFC Championship game attracting 55 million viewers. The hosts explore the concept of the "Swifty Effect," hypothesizing that Taylor Swift’s involvement with Travis Kelce has influenced viewership numbers.

Don Hahn [28:00]: "I think it is. I think it definitely is."

Monica contributes by examining various factors that contribute to the ratings discrepancy, including time slots and team rivalries. However, the consensus leans towards the substantial impact of Taylor Swift's fanbase on the numbers.

Peter Rosenberg [35:55]: "But I do believe this goes beyond. You said it goes beyond the football."

5. NBA Insights: Dwight Howard and De'Aaron Fox

The hosts shift gears to discuss potential NBA movements, focusing on Dwight Howard's rumored return and De'Aaron Fox's uncertain status with the Sacramento Kings. They debate the implications of these developments on their respective teams.

Monica McNutt [07:23]: "I think that in terms of the easiest way to tackle it is veterans minimum."

6. Personal Anecdotes and Listener Interactions

The episode features engaging interactions with callers, including heartfelt congratulations and personal anecdotes. Monica shares a memorable moment from a previous game where she was hit with a T-shirt, highlighting the camaraderie among the hosts.

Peter Rosenberg [19:17]: "When I got hit in the face when they launched the T-shirt."

7. Playoff Predictions and Team Strategies

As the conversation progresses, the focus returns to playoff strategies, particularly the Knicks' defensive adjustments. Don and Monica discuss the necessity of reinforcing the team's defense to compete effectively in the postseason.

Monica McNutt [43:04]: "Until Robbins is on the court, I can't say whether or not like it's."

8. The Future of NFL Viewership and Pop Culture Influence

In the closing segments, the hosts ponder the long-term effects of pop culture figures like Taylor Swift on sports viewership. They speculate on scenarios where personal milestones of celebrities could further influence audience engagement.

Don Hahn [49:14]: "Would that Swifty Twitter just implode if that happened?"

Monica adds a balanced perspective, acknowledging the overlap of personal interests with professional sports fandom.

Monica McNutt [46:04]: "I kind of like it. It's nice to see, like, the overlap of, like, two of my big interests."

---

Conclusion

This episode of Don, Hahn & Rosenberg masterfully intertwines sports analysis with contemporary cultural phenomena, offering listeners a comprehensive and engaging exploration of current sports dynamics. From dissecting NFL and NBA performances to examining the ripple effects of celebrity influence, the hosts and Monica McNutt provide valuable insights that resonate with both avid fans and casual listeners alike.

---

Notable Quotes:

• Monica McNutt [01:12]: "The turnovers kill you."
• Don Hahn [28:00]: "I think it is. I think it definitely is."
• Peter Rosenberg [35:55]: "But I do believe this goes beyond."

---

For those who missed the episode, this summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights shared by the hosts and guest Monica McNutt, ensuring you stay informed on the latest in sports and beyond.

Transcript

[Monica McNutt]

Make your next move with American Express Business Platinum. You'll get five times membership rewards points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com plus enjoy access to the American Express Global Lounge collection. And with a welcome offer of 150,000 points, your business can soar to all new heights. Terms apply. Learn [e-mail] Business Platinum AmEx Business Platinum built for business by American Express.

[Don Hahn]

This is the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That sounds like heaven to me.

[Don Hahn]

Listen live weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 8 80, ESPN, the ESPN New York app and your smart speakers. All right, into the 5 o'clock hour we go. Don Han, Rosenberg, 880 ESPN and the ESPN New York app, of course. 800-919-3776. The number we've got jam packed calls to get you and we will momentarily. But right now we welcome into the show the lovely and talented Monica McNutt. Hi. What's happening, mom?

[E]

What up?

[Monica McNutt]

You know, just reflecting over the weekend.

[F]

Reflecting you wanted to have a moment with me? Monica, how bad was Sunday for you?

[Don Hahn]

Just too soon.

[Monica McNutt]

So I think the prop, what made Sunday more agonizing is that they essentially had been the cardiac commanders all year. So you're like, it's not over. Not over. It is ending. And that was the struggle. And then like for Jaden to play well, turnovers kill you. Like, you just don't have that leeway against a really good team. But I'm actually okay, all things considered because we didn't belong there. Like, I expected us to be moving in the right direction. I would never have fathomed this season in Jaden's rookie year, Dan Quinn's first year. So I'm like, we out kicked the coverage and.

[F]

Exactly.

[Monica McNutt]

It's cool. We're building, we're going in the right direction.

[F]

There you go. That's it. That's my attitude. Exactly. The turnovers kill you and you think back and you're like, oh, man, Terry did nothing wrong. Jaden did nothing wrong. And yet somehow we still blew this game. But it is what it is.

[Don Hahn]

Monica, did you hear that Peter said he's going to root for the Eagles though, in the Super Bowl. How do you feel?

[Monica McNutt]

I did.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I.

[Monica McNutt]

So here's I actually texted a friend this because there's a thing with Saquon, but I cannot bring myself to say that I'm rooting for the team or organization or fan base even. But like, I do appreciate and for that matter, I'd even throw in the Jalen hurts of it all right. Like, I do appreciate those guys and their journey through the league, but that's all I got.

[F]

So, yeah, mine was. Mine was a. I've gone back on it. I've changed my mind. But mine was based more on just hatred for the Chiefs at the moment they beat the Bills. I'm just so done, Monica. I. I just. Like, they're a villain. It's not even like they're a villain. I want to see killed. I don't even want to see them on the show anymore. I'm just done.

[Monica McNutt]

I totally can be touched with that. But let me tell you what happened to me in, I don't know, years ago. First get into business. Villanova, North Carolina, Georgetown girl here. And somewhere in my mind I was like, well, this is good for the conference, right? Like, this is good for everybody. The next day, after little number one child, Dale. Brett's a great guy now, but whatever. I was literally nauseous in the airport. Like, I was so upset. And I was like, I'll never, ever be able to actually root for anybody within the. In this case division on strength of, like, teamwork or some nonsense like that again. So if it's the Chiefs, it's the Chiefs. Cool. Check out history.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, and now you move to the basketball. And this is just. It's unbelievable what's happening offensively with this team. Back to back games, 143 points. You know, I've been around a long time, Monica. I can not in my lifetime have I ever seen a Knick team be this good offensively.

[Monica McNutt]

Man, Don, it is a sight to behold. And I literally. Tyler and I text after the game and I'm like, I'm not sure how to place this. Like, how do I actually feel about this? I'm looking at all these outside factors. They just had three days off. Like, this team was under arrest disadvantage. Like, I don't know what to make of this. And I think for me, it's because the offensive highs are so high, but the lows still get really nasty. And so I'm like, what is real? You know what I mean? But I would agree with you. The propensity offensively when the ball is moving. That 30 plus assist number being now 18 and 1. When they reach that number, it is a sight to see as things get a little bit deeper. And even last night, preparing for that game, like, you can look at the numbers on the three point shooting and how the percentages have now steadily declined a bit, which you chalk up to the dog days of the NBA season. But the offense is fantastic and the three ball is like a lifeline for this squad.

[Don Hahn]

Now, did they tell on themselves last night, like some of the reporters were saying post game, by that defensive effort and what we're seeing lately defensively from this team, I mean, the, what they do to turnovers, the points off turnovers is, you know, it's the best in the league right now. But did they show something against the league's best offense that they have another level of defense they can get to if they wanted to?

[Monica McNutt]

I don't think so because. And I, y'all know Memphis has a soft spot for me. They're like literally a part of my like, ascent in the industry, whatever.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So.

[Monica McNutt]

But I say this with respect, so, you know, I'm saying, like, hear me out. I don't buy that they showed anything that, you know, snitched on themselves because I actually don't think that right now Memphis's offense is particularly savvy. And I think they were exhausted because even we know and Taylor Jenkins was very straight up with it pregame. Like, they want to go 10, 11 deep, they want to come into a wave, they want to create commotion with the five guys and play forever or play to create disadvantages, right? So guy goes left, everybody cuts left. But there were at least three times vividly that come to my mind where the McGregor just threw the ball into the, into the crowd. And I'm like, y'all don't know how y'all offense works, like what's happening here? So no, I don't feel like they snitched on themselves. I think, you know, this weekend or tomorrow, right, the Nuggets roll into town. That is a layered and nuanced offense. Even the way the Lakers are playing right now, layered and nuanced offense. And Houston, we've already saw what happened. We were in Houston earlier this year. While I don't think that offense is necessarily as intricate, that is a team with athletes and that can come at you and wave. So I just think the other night was a really great game and you take away what, take away what you can from it, but I'm still trying to remain steady.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So do you address the defense at the deadline or do you just hope Mitch comes back at some point? It helps.

[Monica McNutt]

So, funny thing, guys. You know who we spotted courtside? Well, not courtside, technically, just behind that courtside. Section one, former multi time all star champion with the Los Angeles Lakers, vice enemy of Shaquille O'Neal, Dwight Howard in the building. And I was like, what is this about weird. I have no idea if that's even in the realm of possibility, but I don't know. Like, again, everybody loves to toss out these, address it at the deadline, things with who and how, what's it going to fit? You know, like, what's it going to cost you? Right? I do think that's something. And I trust Leon Rose and those guys. They've earned that trust. I do think that's something that you evaluate, but I don't know. And I'm not acting like I'm a cap expert, but I'm not sure what's out there that moves the needle more than healthy.

[Don Hahn]

Mitch, what did you make of that? The Dwight Howard thing he's been talking a lot about. Like, I saw a tweet recently from where he's like, yeah, it's really hard to find a good backup center. Like, he's just like, he's dropping these hints and I'm saying to myself, like, what is he doing? You know, he played in Asia a little bit. He's 39 years old, though. Like, he really wants to try to come back into the NBA still.

[Monica McNutt]

So. I remember when Lakers coach J.J. redick got into it with our good friend Stephen A. About the Kawhi Leonard of it all, injury stuff last year and even in my own, like semi retirement. Right. That is so personal, Han. Like, if he's still in shape and is cheap and could still use six minutes or whatever, like, sure, as long as you're not about to be problematic in the locker room. I just think that. And you guys probably could be touched to it too, in terms of your profession. When you give and give and give to something that you love and enjoy, like, it's tough when it's not taken away from you on your own terms. It's probably tough when it, when you move on because you say so.

[Don Hahn]

Right. But I'm just talking about in general, like, as a real option.

[Monica McNutt]

I just now that I don't know.

[Don Hahn]

That I don't know, like, I can't look at that seriously. But yet I think for them, like him, I'm not gonna say, you know, thirst trapping, but him being around and him kind of lingering around the idea of. Look, what I'm basically saying is this, of the things that you, when you look at the Knicks and you say, boy, they need this backup center or another, you know, quality, athletic seven footer is probably at the top of the list. They definitely need to get bigger and they can't do it. The easiest way to do it is to sign somebody to a veterans minimum, like either a somebody who is cut and waived. You know, the. That you can do after the trade deadline, but that's the easy way to do it instead of giving up assets. But you're not going to find somebody effective doing it that way. And I think he kind of knows it, and I think he's just kind of trying to get into the mentions, so to speak.

[F]

I think the craziest thing is people talk so much about Dwight Howard. This isn't even the news on Dwight Howard I saw yesterday.

[Don Hahn]

Well, that. That other news is interesting. And J R Smith's involved too. How about that?

[F]

I, you know what? And I respected it. I respected.

[Don Hahn]

I do too.

[F]

Jumping in. I thought, I thought he was right on point.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah, it's true.

[Monica McNutt]

But we're going to. Wait a minute. I'm going to.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh, yeah, Cam.

[F]

Cam Newton interviewed Dwight's ex and brought up whether or not Dwight Howard is gay. And then J.R. smith basically jumped in the comments on the post and was like, cam, basically, there's nothing cool about you bringing on someone's ex to kind of try to assassinate their character publicly.

[Don Hahn]

Right.

[F]

And then Cam went back at JR Smith and here we go.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah, he said it was corny.

[Monica McNutt]

It is corny.

[F]

Yeah. Yeah, I agree with corny.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Like his hats.

[F]

I agree with Junior completely. Not cool.

[Monica McNutt]

Yeah, I agree with you. 100. Well, this is what I will say. I do think that in terms of the easiest way to tackle it on, just circle it all back, Veterans, minimum.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Sure.

[Monica McNutt]

Great. I think we've all been around the league enough to know that there is this concept of like, distraction in terms of who, what comes with what. But I would say if that is anywhere in the. In the consideration, I think this Knicks team, star power and potential is bright enough to survive such a distraction. That's all I got on that.

[Don Hahn]

Okay, how about the. The Jimmy Butler stuff? I mean, you obviously cover more than just the Knicks. You do a lot of NBA stuff as well. This story and what it's done in Miami and the showdown that's going on now. And you know what else I'm kind of hearing, Monica, is that nobody wants them. A trade for him is almost not out there.

[Monica McNutt]

Listen, that's the obvious part. Like that. That's the part that I'm like, what are we talking about, people? Because you really think Pat Riley would have gone into this season? Like what? Like, no. Okay, let me breathe. Hold on. So the other part about this that is super entertaining is Kevin Love and Jimmy Butler On Instagram, in case you're not following along, as this thing continues to evolve, how artistically they are expressing what they see from their point of view. Here's the thing on that. And again, like, I'm not gonna tell a guy who's watched, do I still believe in playoff Jimmy?

[Don Hahn]

Sure.

[Monica McNutt]

But the thing with playoff Jimmy is you have to survive regular season Jimmy to get there, right? The autonomy that you once had in terms of winning and productivity being this great elixir that is going to clear you from all of the nonsense that comes with you. Like, it's not a thing anymore. Like, when we look at the top teams in the league right now, y'all, like, their best players are not, like, are barely 30. You know what I'm saying? Like, the plates are shifting in the league, and I don't know that you get to be this demanding. And you are not necessarily. You don't have a championship to show. You got finals trips to show. But, like, Father Time is winning here. Like, as great as LeBron is, Father Time is still winning across the board. And now you're asking for a team to invest in you on a. Whatever. He's asking for the max or whatever. Like, bro, you just don't have that sort of autonomy.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Monica, is Boston sleepwalking through the dog days of the regular season, or can they be had?

[Monica McNutt]

So both. But here's the thing. I had Lakers, Celtics the other night and Joe Missoula for all the heaty catches. I really enjoy talking to Joe. He's hilarious. He has the Y so serious tattoo on his arm, y'all. It's hilarious. But we're talking. And of course, the Boston media is crushing the Celtics because they have to, right? But he is very practical about all of it, right? Like, basically, he's like, I'm not saying that my team is not above room to improve, but we're human. And that lineup with the ideal starting lineup with KP healthy, they had at that point on Thursday, they had only played, like, 12 games together. And so he's like, this still takes time, but also the human experience. And this is me talking, not him anymore. They just won. Every pro sport we can talk to, probably individual and team, I can speak for team. The year after you win is just not. It's just not the same. Like, it is so difficult to run it back, so to speak, which is why what the Chiefs are doing is so fantastic, right? But, like, the human element of Ari is January, with two weeks out from All Star, is 100% there. I still think that's one of the best teams in the league? For sure. Could Cleveland or the Knicks or somebody jump up and get them 100% because we got to play the games. Like, I don't think. I do not think anybody in the league. OKC is teetering there for me, is absolutely invincible.

[Don Hahn]

I mean, the Cavs, I kept waiting for them to cool off, but they don't seem to be cooling off.

[Monica McNutt]

But here. And here's the thing on them for me, and we know this, the postseason is a different animal, baby. And I ain't seen that. Hello.

[Don Hahn]

Mm. Tell him that's it. That's. That's gonna be. What hangs over them when the playoffs start is you haven't done it yet there now for them, they're gonna face. Right. As a one seed. They're gonna face an eighth seed, somebody that got in through the play in. And sometimes those are dangerous teams. So, again, that'll be an interesting matchup.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, because outside of Boston, when you talk about making runs, guys, you gotta go down to Miami, right? What is Indiana done? What is the Knicks done in the postseason? What is Milwaukee done recently in the postseason?

[Don Hahn]

It's only with Doc there. So in the east, it's only been two teams.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah.

[Don Hahn]

And so. Yeah, we'll see where that goes. And last but not least, I don't know if you saw the report this afternoon just recently, but De'Aaron Fox, who we just saw the other day, now apparently could be on the trade block. He hurt his thumb. He's hurt his hand. He's. He's been a mess all season. The Kings have been a mess all season. But, you know, a team. A team I'm thinking, has got to kick the tires on this would be Brooklyn.

[Monica McNutt]

Yeah, that's. I mean, I think that's the first name that you've heard mostly. And they were just here. What's today?

[Don Hahn]

Saturday.

[Monica McNutt]

They just left.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah.

[Monica McNutt]

Yeah, they were just here in Brooklyn. I was surprised by this, Han. Like, I was just in Sacramento. They obviously came here. The vibes are high. Doug Christie's high. Like, this, to me, is very much a numbers thing on the back end, because I. And I actually said to one of my buddies the other day, I wonder how long the new car smell will last when it comes to Doug Christie. But even beyond that, I think there's real connection there with that roster. There's a real vision in terms of him being a former player that has a different level of pride and approach to it. So this one really was like, wait, what like, this threw me for a loop because you just got Z'Aaron Fox out there, and Sabonis is playing so great. And, like, they really look like they had a thing. So we'll see.

[Don Hahn]

I actually think the opposite of the Kings. I think Mike Brown left. And you always get that little bump when you get a taskmaster coach who leaves, and then you get the guy who comes in and he's like, I'm gonna play you 40 minutes a night. Cause that'll make you happy. I'm gonna let your best friend start with you, and that'll make you happy. And guys will be happy for a while. And they got that. They won a 10 out of 12. And now it's like, okay, now it's catching up again. That. Wait, we still have to hold you accountable for playing defense, because my girl, they did not play a damn lick of defense. Oh, my God.

[Monica McNutt]

They left that defense smoother than California and didn't even travel.

[Don Hahn]

It was. Yeah, that got. They. They lost their luggage when it comes to defense. That was embarrassing, that performance. So I think they're going to blow that thing up. But that Fox thing's interesting how. What are we halfway. More than halfway through the season. How is. How's our guy Tyler been? Tyler Murray, the new voice of the Knicks on the radio with Monica. How do we feel?

[Monica McNutt]

Tyler's been great. We. Tyler's a little into the social comment, but the prevailing comment, at least in the positive realm, has been it seems like we've worked together much longer than we have and that we have great chemistry, which I can sit for. Tyler's been great. We're really excited about his little off season or in season addition, potentially. We'll miss him when he goes away.

[Don Hahn]

Wife is due, but. Yep.

[Monica McNutt]

Yeah, but he's. It's been great. It's been a lot of fun. He's on the quest for the signature game. He literally texted me last night that Wally agreeing that Memphis was a signature game was, like, the validation he was looking for. And I'm like, dude, go to bed.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You know, it's interesting.

[Don Hahn]

Part of a champion.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's my ninth favorite Nelly song. That producer, Ray Santiago, he brought me a couple of delicious treats. What are they called? Little bow wows. You said, it's so terrible.

[Monica McNutt]

He is so terrible. I'm like, tyler, stop saying that. Yesterday I said something about cutting up. I was like, you know, when you're a kid, you get in trouble for cutting up. And he looked at me and was like, cutting up. I'm like, tyler, that's not even like really ethnic black. Like, that's just regular. You don't say. Cutting up around you.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, but you know what I took from it, guys, is that she referenced a couple of times that she has text with Tyler away from the game. And I know you. You text with her. Peter does. I know Pat O'Kee.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Don't even have her phone number. And yet when we got on the mic, bang. Instant chemistry. And then we walked away.

[Don Hahn]

Oh, I heard. I heard about when you two did a game that, that, that resonated for weeks.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, when I.

[Monica McNutt]

What was our nickname? I forget.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh, Donica McNutt.

[Monica McNutt]

There you go.

[Don Hahn]

There you go. That's it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And it was like. And listen, we. We got along fine, but it was all business. We did, but we didn't have to text earlier or later or all that stuff.

[Don Hahn]

You got the job done.

[Peter Rosenberg]

The job done. And she was. She was there when I. When I got hit in the face when they launched the T shirt.

[Don Hahn]

I remember.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Do you remember that? And it knocked. I thought it was gonna knock me out, man. It knocked my headset off. And I look over Monica, she's doubled over laughing.

[Monica McNutt]

Like that moment lives on in lore in the poop. We might not text, but you are.

[Don Hahn]

I just got hit by a T shirt.

[Peter Rosenberg]

How great is that? I'm just focused, trying to say foul line and not blue line, you know? Next thing I know, I get smacked with a T shirt.

[Don Hahn]

It is. It is.

[Peter Rosenberg]

When they wrap those things up, man, it's like a rock.

[Don Hahn]

Yes. Yeah. You know, that's a weapon. No, that's a weapon.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, force.

[Don Hahn]

Well, Monica, we love having you on. We want to make this a regular thing, so hopefully you can get Don's number and you guys can connect and then he won't feel so left out.

[F]

I'm going to connect, you guys.

[Don Hahn]

All right.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That'd be cool.

[Monica McNutt]

Love it.

[Don Hahn]

All right. Thank you, Monica. Love you.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Thank you.

[Don Hahn]

All right, Monica McNutt, you here on the call? Yeah. So, Peter, here's the thing that you and Tyler Murray now have in common. He's going to be a first time dad and it's literally in the next week. Like, she is. She's due.

[F]

Oh, wow. Him and I are real. We're right in sync.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, that's his first too, right?

[Don Hahn]

His first. Yeah. So this is exciting times here on the stage.

[F]

By the way, this. This Monica McNutt segment was my first ever segment with Maya on my lap.

[Don Hahn]

This is an. Was that what I was.

[F]

I was hearing that you heard a slight bit. So there was a moment there where she. Where she crept in.

[Don Hahn]

She was some coos. I heard a little baby.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Send us a picture of this. I want to see it.

[Don Hahn]

Is she still with you?

[F]

She is. She is sitting here right now. I'm. I'm in like, our, you know, like, chair. Like the breastfeeding chair, more or less. And I'm not breastfeeding.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, but I.

[Don Hahn]

That's too bad.

[F]

I have my knees up and she's just sort of laying against my knees and holding my thumbs and being adorable. You want to say anything on the radio?

[Don Hahn]

Let's see. No, she's quiet right now, so she understands. Like, she understands radio already.

[F]

She gets timing already. She understands.

[Don Hahn]

I'm waiting for her to say it's time for praise.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I don't know if it's maybe a little too young, but you'll start to notice. I wonder if Alan went through this, because that's great. Nothing's better. You're holding your child right. Then I would do the same thing. You know, you prop the knees up and you're looking at her or him. In my case, both.

[Don Hahn]

Yep.

[Peter Rosenberg]

With Jalen, she always, like, almost looked through me or beyond me, and I was like, what are you looking at? And I always. I came up with this, like, backstory that maybe she's looking back at, like, all my, like, family that passed on or something. Like they're looking like my dad. No, but you'll see it.

[Don Hahn]

So you think around, you are silhouettes of ghosts.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I just wonder because, like, what do you think?

[Don Hahn]

Force ghosts.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It's all around Walt.

[Don Hahn]

There's Anakin. There's Obi Wan.

[Peter Rosenberg]

There's not a TV behind me.

[Don Hahn]

Right.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You know, Well, I would lighten the mood. Just like at the end of Happy Gilmore where the alligator, like Carl Weathers grandmother. Right.

[F]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

They're just a little way. No, because you'll see it, Peter. Like, not looking at you. Do I like looking over you? It's like. And it's just a blank wall. There's no TV behind me. There's no Buddy behind me. It's like. So that's kind of the way I kind of thought about it to see if it happens to you at all.

[F]

You catch that sneeze?

[Don Hahn]

Yeah, I did. Bless you, little Sneezy.

[F]

Bless you, Maya.

[Don Hahn]

That's adorable.

[F]

I'll tell you what, she's a very connected little two week old. I. She's always staring right, like in. Right into my soul.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah. She's already, like, judging you're very judging.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You know, father's mother. Jace, this is the moment where she's deciding, all right, exactly what role are you going to play in my life?

[Don Hahn]

Yeah, this guy's a little hairier than mom.

[F]

Yeah, you're. You're the one who. I notice that every once in a while you stop paying attention to. My head falls too much to the side.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That's how I know.

[F]

Yeah. Where's Mom?

[Peter Rosenberg]

I have a question for you guys when we come back.

[Don Hahn]

You want to ask it or are you going to ask when we come back?

[Peter Rosenberg]

When we come back, I'll ask it.

[Don Hahn]

Wow. Big question coming up next along with your call. So stay with us. But in the meantime, may I introduce you to an SUV where everything for every passenger feels just right. Okay, it's the all new 2025 Infiniti QX80. It is Infiniti's most luxurious full size three row SUV that's full of customizable and advanced features. My family loves this suv. Trust me on this. The speaker system alone, just the sound system is unbelievable. 25 speakers. And by the way, when you get a call, it easily isolates the calls or even if you're getting directions from the GPs, they go right to the driver's seat. So when you have to take like a private call, you can keep your business personal. 64 customizable shades. You can set the interior to match your mood. It has two rows of heated and cooled massage seats for the ultimate in relaxation and luxury. Those heated seats these days, everybody, right? Tell me about it. And in the summertime, by the way, it has this great thing, a front console, cool box so you can get an icy cold drink or snack. And it stays nice and cold in those hot summer months. So that's just a few of the many amazing new features available on the all new Infiniti QX80. So how about you discover your just right. Visit infinityusa.com to learn more about the all new Infinity QX80. Availability of features may vary by trim level, packaging and options.

[G]

So it's a new year, 2025, and you're thinking, how am I going to make this year different? How am I going to build something for myself? The best time to start your new business is right now. And Shopify is how you're going to make it happen. Shopify makes it simple to create your brand open for business and get your first sale. Get your store up and running easily with thousands of customizable templates. No coding or design skills required. All you need to do is Drag and Drop. Their powerful social media tools let you connect all your channels and create shoppable posts and help you sell everywhere people scroll. Shopify makes it easy to manage your growing business. They help with the details like shipping taxes and payments from one single dashboard, allowing you to focus on the important stuff like growing your business. What happens if you don't act now? Will you regret it? What if someone beats you to the idea? Don't kick yourself when you hear this again in a year because you didn't do anything. Now with Shopify, your first sale is closer than you think. Established in 2025. Has a nice ring to it, doesn't it? Sign up for your $1 per month trial period at shopify.comnetwork. all lowercase go to shopify.comnetwork to start selling with Shopify today. Shopify.comNetwork TaxAct knows filing your taxes can.

[Don Hahn]

Be complicated, and that's why we have live experts to help you with any questions. They can hold your hand through the process, beginning to end, metaphorically, of course. I mean, they can't actually hold your hand in person. I suppose you could hold your computer mouse while you chat with the expert about capital gains or whatever, which is sort of like holding hands. Sorry. Point is, our tax experts can make filing easier. Tax act let's get them over with. Still getting around to that fix on your car? You got this on ebay, you'll find millions of parts guaranteed to fit. Doesn't matter if it's a major engine repair or your first time swapping your windshield wipers. Ebay has that part you need ready to click perfectly into place for changes big and small, loud or quiet. Find all the parts you need at prices you'll love. Guaranteed to fit every time. But you already know that. Ebay things people love. Eligible items only Exclusions apply. Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[F]

I didn't listen to anything you just said.

[Don Hahn]

Catch the show on demand whenever you want. Just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts. Who knew?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Not much. Not much you can play from this album. He's playing about the 30 seconds of.

[Don Hahn]

The minute, the same line over and over again.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I gotta get paid tonight.

[Don Hahn]

But who knew that? Don McGregor. I love this in his tape deck back in the day. Although that was probably a cd.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, it was definitely a cd. One of the thrills of my life was when a couple of years ago, I stumbled upon the fact that Ice T follows me on Twitter. I was like, oh my God, I can't believe it's A big deal. Yeah, I thought it was a big deal.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah, but you just.

[F]

You just misquoted him, though. Well, I feel like you just quoted New Jack Hustler while listening to Original Gangster.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, I knew that that was not the same song. I just made sure. No, I was.

[F]

I just want to hold you accountable. You know what I mean?

[Peter Rosenberg]

I was going with the.

[Don Hahn]

We could have kept that.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I'm really trying to hold back from actually going all out and using all the words you're not supposed to use. Yeah, it's got to get paid tonight, you and I can't say that.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah, yeah.

[F]

I've made a living literally off of self editing, so it's different.

[Peter Rosenberg]

No, I do know those are two different songs for sure. Now here's the question I have to ask you. The ratings came out monster ratings for the AFC championship. Monster, like 55 million. It's ridiculous. Chiefs fatigue, 13 million less people. Watch commander's Eagles. Now, obviously the time difference, because with the game being at three, so that's a noon start out in California, West Coast.

[Don Hahn]

Not buying it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I don't. I'm not surprised Sunday, but I'm not surprised that the 630 outrated the 3, but not by 13 million. So I asked the question, is that the Swifty effect? Like, if you're a football fan, why would you not watch both games? It's the only two games, as Peter said so eloquently over the last few days. It's really the last weekend of pure football because then we get all the yo yo stuff when it gets to the Super Bowl. Right, Right.

[F]

This is it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So if you're getting monster rated, like, why would you not watch both? And you could say, oh, one of them ended a blowout. But as you said, it wasn't a blowout until we got into the fourth quarter. Like, so that shouldn't have affected the ratings by 13 million people. And I get. It's the defending super bowl championship. Sorry, Bill's Chiefs is way more sexy than the Commander's Eagles. But not the 13 million. So if you want to say, all right, 3 million more because of the time of day, Chiefs, Bills, rivalry, that whole thing, then you're telling me that like 10 million more people. I'm wondering if that is the Swifty effect.

[Don Hahn]

I think it is. I think it definitely is.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And if that.

[Don Hahn]

And that's not nothing, man, that game's a 6:30 game. That game is a little closer to a prime time. Like you said, it's later in the day and I'll give you that. But I do think there is something to be said. So, so you know, they do.

[F]

There's, there's some other factors.

[Don Hahn]

Go ahead.

[F]

A couple, just a couple more things. As much as Don and I may be sick of the Chiefs and there are others who are, they're also the most dominant famous team. They're the Golden State Warriors. They're the LA Lakers. They're, they're, they are the team that has dominated the headlines for years.

[Don Hahn]

That's plus point I made last week.

[F]

Plus, this is a rivalry game. I mean this is a rematch. There are a lot of people who do not care about the Bills who really want to see the Bills win as well. So I think there's several things before you get to the swifty effect.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But 13 is pretty. Again, I'm not saying all 13 is the swifty effect.

[F]

It's a World Series game. It's an entire highly rated World Series game.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Between those games, it's not nobody. But yet again, Commander's Eagles, that's rivalry two. That's in division. I mean there's tons of Eagle fans, there's tons of Commander fans. It's not like the Carolina Panthers were playing in that game. Right. It's two old time teams. The Eagles were just in a Super bowl two years ago. Like so it's not. And the Jalen Daniel Jayden Daniels story was a tremendous story. And so I can't imagine like a football fan is going to choose one over the other. You usually watch both. So to see that significant a number, even if you cut it in half. Peter, that's. You're still talking about 6.5 million more people. They had to come from somewhere.

[Don Hahn]

Right?

[Peter Rosenberg]

So I think you can't rule out the fact that there were probably a lot of teenagers that were watching that game. I don't get it. And again, I'm not criticizing the music. I'm not criticizing her. I just don't understand it because I'm a music fan. I like music more than sports. And if you're telling me that like Ozzy Osbourne is going to be at the game, I'm not.

[Don Hahn]

You're missing it. It's not about the music. It's fame.

[Peter Rosenberg]

All right.

[Don Hahn]

But this is somebody. Again, we are in a society that is we. I can't use the term on the air that you call sometimes people that are star.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Oh yeah.

[Don Hahn]

Fans of stars. Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Big fans.

[Don Hahn]

And they don't care. They just like whatever you're about. They want to consume everything about you in your Life. It's why everybody has their own reality show for a long time. When you become famous, then you get a reality show because people want to know what your life is.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Like you said it.

[Don Hahn]

She is somebody that is obsessive. Obsessive, fan base, obsessive. It's the same as Beyonce. You say anything negative, the whole world comes at you. And anything positive is reflective of anybody around her. Here's a great example. Travis Kelce won, you know, like they do the Walter Payton man of the year, right. So everybody's nominated 32. Each team has a nominee, but they also do a Twitter vote for somebody who gets like they do a charity challenge. And, and he won it in the vote, which is not surprising because if you do a vote and Travis Kelce's on it, he's going to win because of the popularity he has connected to her. But here's the other thing. So Kelsey won it this year. Mahomes won it in 22. Tyron Matthew was to play for the Chiefs. He won in 21. Eric Berry. Like this, the Chiefs win this thing like every year now because they're the, they're the popular, famous. Everybody loves this team.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But here's where I double back to the Swifty Effect. Tell me I'm wrong, but during the warriors run, during the Patriots run, during.

[Don Hahn]

Like any dynasty run, that we're good for business, Don.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But I'll walk in the Willowbrook Mall and I'll see warriors gear, I'll see Packer gear, I will see Bulls gear.

[Don Hahn]

I get it.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I saw Laker gear. I don't see Chief gear. Because I don't think this is translated to football fans.

[Don Hahn]

It's not football fans.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Right. Yeah.

[Don Hahn]

Beyond that. Which is why your point is right. And why I said, and Peter, I said this last week and when I was pushing back on the idea of the Chiefs fatigue and I said, I'm telling you, this is what the people want to see. This is what they want. And when I say people, I don't mean the average football fan who loves football. And I'm consuming it because I'm a football fan. This is the people that don't normally watch football, but this time of year they start to get interested and the one team they know and the names they recognize and the faces they. Oh, that's the guy from the State Farm commercial. Right. And so I like him. So now I'm rooting for that team. That happens along with the Swifty Effect. This is a popularity thing. This is not about the die hard fans. This is not a football popularity. This is a American popularity. And that starts to kick in this time of year. And that's why that game will always get the number it got last year when the Chiefs win the AFC championship game. That. That game got a 55 million viewership. Right. Wasn't that number like 55 last year? This year, 57. Like they're going to continue to break records because dynasties are good for business. Because people either hate them or they love them because they're famous. There's no in between. There's no apathy towards dynasties.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But I do believe this goes beyond. You said it goes beyond the football. So it can't just be about how good they are. I think it has to be.

[Don Hahn]

Well, dynasty, meaning you're back every year.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Right. But I also think you have a. Because the one thing I will say, everybody loves football. You usually don't get a lot of teenage girls watching football.

[Don Hahn]

No. But they have all of a sudden dazzled Kelsey.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And I think 6.5 million watch that with their dad.

[Don Hahn]

Probably.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That probably wouldn't watch it otherwise.

[Don Hahn]

Probably. Yeah.

[F]

I just. I just find it crazy that it could be such a big number, though, like that the difference is that big. I guess that surprises me.

[Peter Rosenberg]

And I don't want to get into conspiracy theories, but when people start wanting, you know, the refs in the league wants. When you get those kind of numbers ahead of anybody else like you, I thought.

[Don Hahn]

But I thought the NFL didn't need that.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Well, no, but I didn't think so either. But you know what? I didn't think there'd be something beyond football that could affect the numbers to that extent where you might get. Now we'll see what the super bowl ends up being compared to the Super Bowls that the Chiefs have been in before. But if you're getting nearly 7 more million people than the other football game and actually a grand total of 13 more. 13 more million people watch Chiefs, Bills over Eagles Commanders. It wasn't, you know, the Panthers versus, you know, the Seahawks or the Panthers versus the Cardinals in the championship game. Eagles Commanders. Now, listen, what would have been interesting, Peter, had it been Cowboys, Eagles. Ooh, I don't know if 13 million more people would have watched it.

[F]

13 feels like a. I still think.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Chiefs, Bills beat it, but I'm sorry. Cowboys, Cowboys, Eagles. That's right there. From a four football standpoint.

[F]

Right.

[Don Hahn]

His team, would they have got.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Would they have even the number?

[Don Hahn]

What a test that would be.

[Peter Rosenberg]

God, that'd be something that, like ask like a television guy or Whatever. Because certainly the Cowboys always get the.

[Don Hahn]

Biggest somebody text Martian he would know.

[F]

How about, how about this question too though? How different would this have been if you'd reverse the time slots?

[Don Hahn]

I was thinking that too, Peter. That's a great point. Did the end now the NFL made the like we already knew the AFC game was at 6:30 no matter who was in it. Right. Like that. All that's already preset. So it's not as if you know now that we know who's in it now we'll put this one at the prime time slot. They already set that up and maybe they did it because if you think about it, the AFC right now has the more compelling teams. It does. You have the compelling quarterback stories, whether it was Lamar, whether it was Josh, whether it was Mahomes. You know, like you had the better stories. So I think that's probably why. And I mean when I say stories, I mean the popular stories. So I think that's probably why the AFC goes second here. But you're right if you flip it, are there less people watching because of what you said earlier? It's 3:00 in the East coast, it's 1:00 or 12:00 on the west coast. And are less people tuning in because of the time of day? That's something.

[Peter Rosenberg]

The majority of that game is being played in prime time. So it had to affect the number for sure. But 13 million people, didn't that blow.

[Don Hahn]

You away if it was Lions, what if it was Lions Eagles? Because Lions actually were a hu. They. They were a big rating straw. But if it was Lions Eagles, if the Lions didn't, I probably would have blow that game.

[Peter Rosenberg]

But, but not that. Not, not to that extent.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah.

[Peter Rosenberg]

So whatever the number, whatever percentage is of Swifties, it's got to be in the 50 percentile.

[Don Hahn]

At least 800 now 19377. So we got calls we got to get to. Let's get to those coming up next. But Don's got some Mazda for us now.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You want to get the most for your money. That's why buy more Mazda buyers choose Ramsey Mazda lease a new 2025 Mazda CX90 PHEV Hybrid, all wheel drive, only 319amonth or buy with 0.9% APR financing for 36 months. Start shopping now at Ramsey Mazda dot com. Choose wisely. Choose Ramsey Mazda. Call 833-853-2970 for details. Excludes tax, title, registration, zero security deposit VIN S 1193311 MSRP51004 ends 13125. This episode is brought to you by Love Hurts. Ki Hui Kwan has had quite a career, from childhood roles in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom and the Goonies to a recent Academy Award win for Everything Everywhere all at Once. But now Kee finally stars as a leading man in the film Love Hurts. Love Hurts is the perfect date night movie with its mix of over the top action comedy and a ton of heart. Love Hurts. Only at theaters February 7th.

[F]

This episode is brought to you by Allstate.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Some people just know they could save hundreds on car insurance by checking Allstate First. Like you know, to check the date of the big game first before you accidentally buy tickets on your 20th wedding anniversary and have to spend the next 20 years of your marriage making up for it. Yeah, checking first is smart. So check Allstate first for a quote that could save you hundreds. You're in good hands with Allstate Savings. Vary terms apply. Allstate Fire and Casualty Insurance Company and Affiliates, Northbrook, Illinois.

[Don Hahn]

Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast.

[F]

I didn't listen to anything you just said.

[Don Hahn]

Catch the show on demand whenever you want. Just subscribe to us wherever you get your podcasts. All right, Superbox Bonanza 6. Each qualifier will take home an ESPN prize pack and have a chance at one of 10 Super Box prizes, including a Ninja, Air Force fryer, Solo stove, Ray Ban, Meta, Wayfarers, and more. So be caller number and again, this is the Knicks point total of the last two games, 143 right now at 888-987 ESPN. 888987 ESPN. And you get a chance to select the box for the big game with a chance to win $250 in the first and third quarters, $500 at halftime, and a final score payout of $1,000. It's all brought to you by Tullamore Dew, Irish Whiskey and Sloman's security. 800-919-3776. Let's go to Stephen Fairlawn. What's up, Steve? Hey, guys.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Love the show.

[Monica McNutt]

First time caller.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Thanks, Steve.

[Monica McNutt]

So for the ratings, I was wondering and I'm not sure how the ratings are compiled, but does streaming platforms.

[Don Hahn]

Great question.

[Monica McNutt]

Do the numbers right? So I have some people may not have Fox Sports, NFL Network or even.

[Don Hahn]

Cable, but who do you know that doesn't have Amazon Prime, Right? So I'm not sure if maybe that.

[Monica McNutt]

May have something to do with it.

[Don Hahn]

Now say that on the air, Anthony, what you just revealed. I'm 90% sure that they give a combined number when they put out those numbers. So the millions of people watching includes not just the rating they get from cable, but also from streaming numbers, especially when it comes to millions of. I think they usually combine it. Yeah. That's how they figure out the. The amount of audience that is available on the specific broadcast. Let's go to Earl in Brooklyn. Earl. Hey, what's up, guys?

[Monica McNutt]

I was just calling to say, Peter.

[Don Hahn]

I'm glad you changed your mind, because.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I'm a Dallas Cowboy fan, Die Hard from night from 74.

[Monica McNutt]

And there's no way that you can root for the Eagles. No way.

[Don Hahn]

Let Kansas City do what they got.

[Monica McNutt]

To do, but the Eagles, no way.

[F]

Listen, I maintain that people can have their own rules. Whatever strikes you, strikes you. It doesn't make you less of a fan. But I certainly understand what you mean. And yeah, listen, I was emotional.

[Monica McNutt]

I'm not.

[F]

I'm rooting for the game, honestly. I'm rooting that maybe before the game they'll announce the game's canceled and it's just a Kendrick concert.

[Don Hahn]

Right. That's what you'd rather. You want to have. What was the movie? When the blimp crashes into the stadium, like, that's what you want.

[F]

That's that ball.

[Don Hahn]

As long as everyone's Black Sunday, that's what you want to have happen. Although you don't want anybody to get hurt, but you just want the game to be canceled. There's no super bowl this year. Yeah, Ex.

[F]

That's. I'm good with it.

[Don Hahn]

Gill in Brooklyn. What's up, Gil?

[Monica McNutt]

What's going on, guys? Peter, congratulations as well. Question, Alan. The thing that I need to know is this defense that these guys are playing, the Knicks, I think is about to be turned up when it gets to the playoffs. For the simple fact that this is the second game in a row where I looked at Bridges and OG Just take whoever they were guarding out of the game because they pressure up on them. When they were talking about the Knicks were physical with them last game, they're talking about how hard they press up on them. They put pressure 94ft, regardless of who has the ball. And I think Tibbs probably is holding back on the defense just for the playoffs. What do you think?

[Don Hahn]

I think if you ask them to play that way, 82 games, they'd be exhausted. Right. For the amount that they're going to have to play. Gill. So you see it here and there, and you see it. That's why I said I think a lot of People watched last night and afterwards talking to the players and talking to Tibbs, it's like, okay, so you, you know, there's a little hint of what it could look like now in the playoffs. You're going 100 like every night, so you're not holding back. But they. I still. Yeah.

[Monica McNutt]

And you're playing every third day or.

[Don Hahn]

Every second game and you're playing the same team. Yeah. You don't have to game plan anymore because you know who you're playing against is the seven game series. So I do think there's something to that. But I still think Gil, for them to really reach a level of being a top defense, Mitchell Robinson or an athletic seven footer that they find somewhere has to be around for certain matchups where they play a lot of pick and roll and you don't want to get Carl Anthony Townsend in a pick and roll situation. Like you need help. You need somebody that can cover ground like that. Because they do. That's the thing they do Ms. Robinson and Hartenstein who were very good in pick and roll defense last year in Towns. It's. He struggles with it and so that's something that, you know, I'll see. But until Robbins is on the court, I can't say whether or not like it's.

[Peter Rosenberg]

When's that going to be?

[Don Hahn]

That's, that's the biggest, that's the question nobody can answer. But it might be the most critical one about how far can this team go Is his availability or not?

[F]

I think I'm sort of at the point now where I never expect him to be like regularly available.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah. You know what, Peter? I'm almost ready to say, and I'm rooting for it because I think he's great. I love his personality and I think, you know, he's, I'm rooting for, but I am almost like I won't be surprised either way. Like I'm no longer like looking for like the anticipation's gone now it's like, oh, if it happens, I'll be like, oh, okay.

[F]

But if it doesn't play in 21, 22, he played 72 games. Besides that, you know, last year was 59, 20, 21, it was 31. And then in 1920 he played 61 games.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah.

[F]

But yeah, over the last four years, there's really one year in which you can say he wasn't really hurt at all. He only missed 10 games.

[Don Hahn]

Yeah. That's why he's had two ankle surgeries. That's the issue. And for a big man to have ankle surgery on the same ankle.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah.

[Don Hahn]

That's when you start to worry, and that's why they really taking their time bringing him back. Melissa is in Manhattan. Hey, Melissa.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Hello.

[E]

Hey. So I don't want to hearken back to more Taylor Swift discussion, but I do kind of have a unique perspective. I've been a Jets fan since 2003, but I'm also a massive Swiftie, so I kind of get to see both perspectives. I'm on both sides of Twitter, and I have to agree with Don on the point that it might not be all 13 million, but Swifties have become huge football fans and are, like, genuinely following the team.

[Don Hahn]

And so it's. And it's strictly Chiefs, right? It's all just about Kelsey. Right?

[E]

I mean, it's. I wouldn't say it's all about Kelsey at this point. They're also, like, actual Chiefs fans, like, have learned the rules. Like, if you go on, you know, if you end up in the algorithm of Taylor Swift, Twitter, like, it's actual, like, oh, my gosh. I'm, you know, having a heart attack over this game. I never thought that, you know, I was listening to this album in my room in 2007, and now I'm having a heart attack about whether, you know, my stupid favorite artist boyfriend is going to make it to the Super Bowl.

[Don Hahn]

It's. Is it. How do you feel about it as a football fan? First? Like, what, do you look at them with disdain, or do you welcome this?

[E]

I kind of welcome it. It's kind of nice to see, like, a little bit of the overlap. I mean, obviously, the, you know, whatever, one minute per game that she ends up on screen bothers me less than it does a lot of other football fans in general. But I don't know. I kind of. I kind of like it. It's nice to see, like, the overlap of, like, two of my big interests.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yeah, but do you find yourself getting caught up in. In Kelsey and rooting for him because of the relationship or just watching to see if they pop her on? Like, what do you think the motivation is for the Swifty the three times they show her in the. In the suite, or are you now all in on Travis?

[E]

Kelsey, I genuinely. I mean, I think that the Swifties absolutely live for the photos that you get of Taylor entering the stadium of, like, Taylor and Travis on the field afterwards. But when the game is on, like, yeah, they'll enjoy and be like, oh, my gosh, like, there she is. But it's a genuine interest in football, and I Know, it's hard to believe, but, like, people are not just. Everyone's not just, like, tuning in on the off chance that they see her. Like, they're actually interested in. Like, they have a vested interest in wanting to see Kelsey with.

[Don Hahn]

In the game.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Football is a really great sport. So if you're exposed to it through, you know, Travis Kelsey and Taylor Swift's involvement, then you always say, hey, this is actually pretty compelling. Because I would think a lot of kids that age are like, I'm not gonna watch football. That's something my dad does. That's something what the guys do. I'm not interested in that. And then they start to watch it because of this and realize, hey, this is actually fun. And then you get emotionally invested. And the interesting thing would be, it's like, let's say God forbid something happened that Taylor Swift couldn't go to the super bowl and Travis Kelce wasn't playing. Would you see the numbers drop or are they still all in to want to see the Chiefs win because of the relationship? I don't know. I guess I'm gonna have to find this out.

[Don Hahn]

I want to ask Melissa one more question.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Yes, please.

[Don Hahn]

Because I. Here's my theory. My theory is this. This is what I think. I'm picturing this happening. The Chiefs win the Super Bowl, Travis is going to retire and on the field, gets down on one knee and proposes. Would that. Would Swifty Twitter just implode if that happened? Isn't that, like, the happy ending that they're all waiting for?

[E]

Oh, I mean, 1,000%, yes. That is, without a doubt, like the dream that you would get photos from every possible angle.

[Peter Rosenberg]

I gotta tell you, if that. That would be the absolute worst thing Travis Kelsey could do, honestly.

[F]

In what way, Don?

[Peter Rosenberg]

Because your team just won the super bowl, and all of a sudden half the nation wouldn't care. Like, how do you do that to your teammates? How could you possibly walk into the room and stare your teammates in the face and say, I just took your moment and stole it from you? You can't do that.

[Don Hahn]

You are now second. You're page two now. You're not page one anymore.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You see your little. Your little fun Super Bowl. That was nice. That's cute as a little party over there.

[Don Hahn]

Chiefs win Super Bowl, Page two. Page one.

[Peter Rosenberg]

That would be as bad as Taylor Swift engaged. That would be as bad, Peter, as at a. As. As. As the. As. As the. They're given the vows. Your best friend. You're the best man at a wedding, and your friends getting Ballard's getting married and you're single and you decide as they're giving the vows, you drop to one knee and propose to your girl fiance, your girlfriend. Like you would people would think you're an animal.

[Don Hahn]

Stole the scene.

[Peter Rosenberg]

You can't do that. So I'm not against them getting married. Have at it.

[Don Hahn]

But if he did that, what a moment.

[Peter Rosenberg]

It one I would say piece of garbage. You can't do that to your teammates. And then I would say, all right, now I'm all in on this. All just being glorified bachelor.

[Don Hahn]

I love it. I think that's the ending we're all waiting for. I you know what? We still have an ending we're all waiting for. That is, of course, for this show. We have the Rangers at the end of this show with Don Le Greck on the pregame show, the Rangers and the King. So that is coming up. We'll talk some hockey, Roger. And also something that we miss, guys. Coming up. Woody Johnson had an epiphany. You got to hear it. You will next. So stay with us. Don Han, Rosenberg880 ESPN Peter, well, I'm.

[F]

Glad you brought this up because I have to tell you guys something very, very important. Fanduel's kick of destiny is back. And this time it's every Manning for himself. All right, this Super Bowl 2 legends will take the field in a sudden death field goal showdown. It's Peyton versus Eli live from New Orleans. One kick to claim ultimate family bragging rights. Who will rise to the moment? Pick your winner now in the FanDuel app. And if you back the right brother, you'll earn a share of $10 million in bonus bets. All right, it's the FanDuel Kick of Destiny 3. Make your free pick and don't forget to tune in to watch. All right, it's going down live during the Super Bowl 59 pregame show on Fox at 3pm Eastern. May the best Manning win download the app or head to FanDuel.com Peter and bet with FanDuel official partner of Super Bowl 59, 21 and over in physically present New York. No purchase necessary. Bonus issue does not withdrawal bonus bets that expire seven days after a seat restrictions apply.

[Peter Rosenberg]

Void.

[F]

We're prohibited. See [e-mail] for up with the gambling problem, call 877-8-Open Wire text open wide 467-369.

[Don Hahn]

Thanks for listening to the Don Hahn and Rosenberg podcast. I don't want to know how the sausage is made, man. I just want to know. It's good. Hear more of Don, Alan and Peter weekday afternoon starting at 3 on 8 80, ESPN, the ESPN New York app, and your smart speakers.