Manti Te’o Sounds Off On Notre Dame’s Playoff Case, Lane Kiffin Going To LSU, and Jaxson Dart

Summary

DOUBL3 COVERAGE PODCAST – Episode 9

Manti Te’o Sounds Off On Notre Dame’s Playoff Case, Lane Kiffin Going To LSU, and Jaxson Dart
Hosts: N3on & Mystic Zach
Guest: Manti Te’o
Date: December 6, 2025

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Overview

This episode features an in-depth conversation with former Heisman finalist and NFL linebacker Manti Te’o. The discussion ranges from his career transitions in football and media, to strong opinions on Notre Dame’s playoff case, Lane Kiffin’s move to LSU, and the current state of high-profile programs and players in both the NFL and college football. Te’o also offers unique perspectives on leadership, culture, coaching carousel impacts, and player development both on and off the field.

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Main Themes

• Manti Te’o’s transition from the NFL to sports media and entrepreneurship
• Notre Dame’s playoff case and the challenges of being an independent program
• The evolving value of running backs and offensive philosophies in football
• Lane Kiffin’s impact and the dynamics of his move to LSU
• Leadership in coaching, program culture, and player mentality
• NFL topics: the Steelers’ ceiling with Mike Tomlin, the importance of interior linemen, and more
• Off-the-field priorities: Youth empowerment, nutrition, and giving back
• Hot takes on recent NFL and CFB events, including tough hits and emergent stars

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Detailed Breakdown

Manti Te’o’s Post-NFL Journey & Broadcasting Career

[00:39-03:49]

• Manti discusses his current role as one of the hosts on Good Morning Football and his busy daily routine (“I’m usually down by 8:30 so that I could be up by 2:45 in the morning. We're rolling.” — Manti Te’o, 01:13)
• Transition from player to media was not pre-planned; encouraged by Steve Weiss after a Hall of Fame induction.
• Nate Burleson acts as a mentor, advising Te’o about the craft (“Simple things that he told me has really helped me elevate my game and my craft.” — Manti Te’o, 03:12)
• Reflections on how former players like Burleson and Strahan have transcended football into major broadcast figures.

The Art of Broadcasting and Relating to Fans

[04:36-05:32]

• The difficulty of translating technical football knowledge for viewers:

  • “The great ones are able to take what they know and deliver it in a very digestible form for their audience. And I think that’s what Tony Romo does, you know, better than most.” — Manti Te’o, 05:15

• Noting the NFL’s ever-growing viewership and the pressure to communicate effectively as media.

College to NFL: Scheme, Adaptation, and the Modern Game

[06:27-09:14]

• Explains the complexity jump from college to the NFL, emphasizing pre-snap learning:
  • “In the NFL, everything is done pre snap. If you are not 99% confident of what is going to happen before the ball snaps, you’re done.” — Manti Te’o, 08:02
• His skill set matched the “throwback” era, but the spread offense revolution made his position more challenging.
• “C ball, get ball is always my thing.” — Manti Te’o, 09:14

Notre Dame Football: Playoff Case & Heisman Discussion

[09:18-13:38]

• Manti strongly advocates for Notre Dame running back Jeremiah Love’s Heisman candidacy:
  • “For me, it’s going to be Jeremiah Love.” — Manti Te’o, 09:51
  • Praises Love’s patience, explosiveness, and vision (likened to Le’Veon Bell and Ezekiel Elliott).
• Debunks the analytics trend that says “running backs don’t matter.”
  • “Can you say that to the Detroit Lions?... Jameer Gibbs is now one of the best running backs in the league... So when you’re looking at a running back, if you utilize them at a high volume, go get them.” — Manti Te’o, 12:20

Ben Johnson, The Bears’ Rebuild, and Offensive Philosophy

[14:16-17:47]

• Ben Johnson’s impact with Chicago Bears: building a run-centric, balanced offense and transforming Caleb Williams’ maturity.
• “Ben Johnson is at his core, he’s a runner. He wants to run the football.” — Manti Te’o, 16:28
• The necessity of establishing the run to “set up” trick plays and play-action.

Notre Dame’s Playoff Case & Independence Challenges

[18:09-21:43]

• The head-to-head playoff debate: Notre Dame vs. Miami for the 10th spot.
  • “The playoffs is based on how you’re playing now, not how you played in week one.” — Manti Te’o, 19:15 (citing Marcus Freeman)
• The double-edged sword of independence: “When you are part of a conference, winning that conference automatically gets you in.... It’s hard to get into the playoffs as an independent.” — Manti Te’o, 19:52

Lane Kiffin’s Move to LSU – Impact and Cultural Fit

[21:43-26:11]

• Lane Kiffin’s influence on players, with Te’o empathizing about the heartbreak for Ole Miss athletes and excitement for LSU:
  • “If I was an Ole Miss player, I would be hurt... On the flip side for LSU, I’d be excited.” — Manti Te’o, 22:46
• Potential for Kiffin to rapidly elevate LSU due to in-state talent, but challenges in merging personal and local culture:
  • “If Lane Kiffin can come into this scenario, understand the culture, respect the culture, but then implement his own and find that perfect recipe for it…I think…if he’s able to do that, for sure [they’ll be contenders].” — Manti Te’o, 25:20

Leadership, Culture, and the Coaching Carousel

[27:43-31:31]

• Te’o analyzes failings of former coach Brian Kelly, focusing on the head coach’s challenge to command the room and inspire players.
• Recalls the national championship game vs. Alabama and the clear difference in program depth:
  • “I start peeking at the goal line and I’m like, them dudes look like the dudes on the 40. And that’s when I knew…this is different.” — Manti Te’o, 29:19

NFL Talk: Toughest Players, Evolution of Defense

[31:31-35:53]

• On toughest runners to tackle: “Marshawn Lynch, where he would laugh at the bottom of the pile and it was just like, okay, this guy's psycho, just like me.” — Manti Te’o, 31:48
• The growing value of elite interior linemen (Leonard Williams, Aaron Donald, Vita Vea):
  • “When you have somebody that’s in front of you…that can take up multiple blockers and you can run free, it makes my job as a linebacker a million times easier.” — Manti Te’o, 33:13
• Praise for Ray Lewis, Patrick Willis, and leadership-oriented linebackers; extensive mention of defensive stalwarts and how they shape team culture.

Troy Polamalu’s Influence & Football Instincts

[36:05-38:26]

• Polamalu is Te’o’s most important influence (“I named my son after him…He has so much wisdom, not only in the game of football, but then in life.” — Manti Te’o, 36:32)
• Polamalu’s legendary instincts: doubled reps, analyzed cadences, outworked everyone to gain timing on snaps.

Pittsburgh Steelers – Mike Tomlin’s Ceiling

[39:19-42:14]

• On Steelers fans’ impatience: “Mike Tomlin is going to get them to the playoffs…But when you have an offensive system that is unable to [produce points quickly], I think it puts you behind the eight ball already.” — Manti Te’o, 40:55
• Laments the departure of George Pickens, comparing him to Anquan Boldin and Heinz Ward.

NFL Player Contracts & Motivation

[42:24-43:10]

• Te’o on whether players “let up” after getting paid: “That’s definitely a thing for some guys. I hope that he’s not, because the game of football in general is better when players like him are really humming.” — Manti Te’o, 42:29

Giving Back: Youth Development & Nutrition

[43:43-46:36]

• Te’o advocates giving kids exposure, networking, and holistic education.
• Passionate about proper nutrition and sourcing for youth (“What these animals are fed has a direct impact on me and my children.” — Manti Te’o, 46:36)

Current CFB Events: Jaxson Dart’s Big Hit

[47:49-49:32]

• On Dart’s sideline hit: “I love the hit. Number two, I am so glad the refs didn’t throw a flag... The message that that sent...was big.” — Manti Te’o, 48:04
• Respect for Dart’s toughness and not complaining; difference between clean violence and dirty play.

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Memorable Quotes & Timestamps

• “Not for the weak. Not for the weak for sure. But you know, it’s part of the sacrifices you need to make in order to do great things.” — Manti Te’o on his morning routine [01:29]

• “If you are not 99% confident of what is going to happen before the ball snaps, you’re done.” — Manti Te’o on the NFL mental game [08:02]

• “I think what Jeremiah Love has been able to do this year alone...he has every skill set to be one of the best running backs in the league.” — Manti Te’o [11:00–11:53]

• “You gotta believe in your vision. That’s the number one thing.” — Manti Te’o on building a franchise [17:14]

• “The only thing that’s going to be [Lane’s] biggest challenge is...how can he navigate the cultural aspect.” — Manti Te’o [25:20]

• “When you have somebody in front of you, that can take up multiple blockers and you can run free, it makes my job as a linebacker a million times easier.” — Manti Te’o [33:13]

• “Troy [Polamalu]...I named my son after him.” — Manti Te’o [36:32]

• “I hope he does get paid...but I just hope he keeps a level head and is able to provide for his family and be a productive football player.” — Manti Te’o on George Pickens [42:59]

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Key Segment Timestamps

• Manti Te’o broadcasting/media journey: 00:39–03:49
• College-to-NFL transition, football IQ: 06:27–09:14
• Heisman Trophy & Notre Dame playoff case: 09:18–13:38, 18:09–21:43
• Ben Johnson & Chicago Bears’ philosophy: 14:16–17:47
• Lane Kiffin to LSU & cultural impact: 21:43–26:11
• Leadership lessons, depth of program: 27:43–31:31
• Evolution of NFL defense & favorite defenders: 31:31–36:58
• Mike Tomlin, Steelers, player contracts: 39:19–43:10
• Youth advocacy & nutrition: 43:43–46:36
• Jaxson Dart’s big hit & tough mentality: 47:49–49:32

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Tone & Vibe

The tone is conversational but insightful, blending direct, sometimes blunt football analysis with behind-the-scenes maturity and plenty of stories and laugh-out-loud analogies. Te’o exudes both passion and humility, never shying away from opinions but also staying measured and solution-oriented. The hosts lean into their own experiences and use vivid comparisons, keeping the discussion dynamic, relatable, and grounded in real football perspective.

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Final Thoughts

This episode delivers a rich blend of football expertise, personal anecdotes from the highest levels of college and NFL play, and candid takes on current headline topics. Manti Te’o impresses with his football IQ, balanced perspective, and dedication to helping youth. Insights on scheme, leadership, and the importance of culture—plus memorable quotes and strong opinions—make this a must-listen for serious football fans and anyone invested in the game's next generation.

Transcript

[Host/Announcer]

Ready to bet, ready to flex. Deanna's at you see where it's at come tune in we on stream with a chat. You can Michael Parson get you a sack some of my coverage. Dion silent like a Ricky he'll be Yanna cook you a lock up, eat it for dinner. We double coverage and this is the anthem.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

Welcome back to episode nine of Double Coverage. Today I'm honored to be joined by former Heisman finalist, eight year NFL pro, the one and only Mr. Manti Teow. How are you doing man?

[Manti Te'o]

Thanks for having me, my man.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

Great to be here with you. For the people at home that don't know, maybe they're not tuned into, you know, morning programming, maybe they sleep in. What have you been up to post NFL career.

[Manti Te'o]

So I'm currently one of the hosts on Good Morning Football. It's a live show here in California from 5am to 7. So if you're up that early, come listen to your boy and the rest of the crew. We like to blend a little bit of football, a little bit of pop culture, keep it light, keep it relatable and we have a fun time. So that's what I've been doing. It's been great. Other than that, man, just I've been two beautiful children. My wife is a rock star, she has her own business, owns her own meds ball. So I'm heavy into entrepreneurial work. So yeah, just a family man and trying to do my best for my kids.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

What time do you go to bed to start a show? That early?

[Manti Te'o]

Well, I usually we get up to the room about seven, try to get our kids all bathed and in bed and I'm usually down by 8:30 so that I could be up by 2:45 in the morning. We're rolling.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

Not for the week.

[Manti Te'o]

Not for the week. Not for the week for sure. But you know, it's part of the, the sacrifices you need to make in order to do great things. So it's all, it's all, but I'm all about it.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

So the classic transition from player to media, was that something you had in mind during your playing career?

[Manti Te'o]

Not at all. So how this all came about was I got inducted into the Polynesian Football hall of Fame. Now the Polynesian Football hall of Fame has a deal with NFL Network and Steve Weiss, who's one of their head chief reporters, flew out to Utah, where we lived at that time, and did an interview with me. And after that interview he said, hey bro, you should really consider being on tv. And I was like, man, I I never thought of being on TV in any capacity, but there was an opportunity. I wasn't doing anything other than some investor work. And so I went to the. The NFL has this broadcasting boot camp that they hold over there in Inglewood. I went to the one a year later. I guess I made a great impression. Last year I had a part time job for Good Morning Football, the show I'm on currently. And again, I guess I made another great impression and they brought me on full time. So that's how that whole thing worked.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

So are you looking to expand even beyond that and do maybe even non NFL media, maybe even hosting just, you know, the average shows like a Nate Burleson or a Michael Strahan.

[Manti Te'o]

Oh, you know, Nate is actually a huge.

Guy that. And mentor of mine that I've bounced ideas off of. When I met Nate, the morning that, the day that my documentary released on Netflix, I was in New York and I made an appearance on CBS Good Mornings, which Nate is a host on. And so I met Nate there. This is a full circle moment. So Nate is one of the original hosts on Good Morning Football. So when I got this job, I reached out to Nate and asked him for some tips and a couple of things, simple things that he told me has really helped me to elevate my game and my craft. And as athletes, we're always looking on ways to improve. And Nate is one of those guys, as a former player that you look at him and he's like the Michael Strahan. You know, you're like, yeah, man. These are guys that have really transcended the game and have taken their careers probably further than their football careers have gone. And that's saying a lot for what they've accomplished on the football field. So that's kind of how this whole thing has come full circle for me.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

So funny story about Nate. He was one of the first people to support me in my journey.

[Manti Te'o]

There you go.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

So I worked at FAU Football under, I mean the main umbrella was head coach Lane Kiffin, who we're going to get into.

[Manti Te'o]

Yeah, yeah.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

But the guy in front of me, D.J. mcCarthy, wide receivers coach, actually his son is our lead production guy right where I'm pointing. And so Nate, Nate showed love. Coach D.J. introduced me to him and always super helpful. He's a big old school rap fan. I was on a show with Jadakiss at the time. He was really helpful and he's always someone that I look towards as inspiration and someone like even the little tiny, even the way he moves his Hands. When he's doing a broadcast, there's so many. Tony Romo, I think, is the classic example of player to commentator. And getting his perspective on that transition would be really cool.

[Manti Te'o]

Yeah.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

Right. Because he became a rock star immediately.

[Manti Te'o]

Yeah.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

No, no warm up, nothing. Just first game.

[Manti Te'o]

Yeah. And I think what's, what's, what's difficult. Right. And somebody that like Tony Romo and you have even T.J. watts so early in his career right now as a color commentator is. It's being able to take what you know and dial it down in a version that your, your audience can understand. Yeah. You know what I mean? Because I'm sure Tony Romo can get up there and start rapping about what this coverage means and what this formation. The person at home is not going to be able to know what are you even talking about.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

Right. Yeah, of course.

[Manti Te'o]

But the great ones are able to take what they know and deliver it in a very digestible form for their audience. And I think that's what Tony Romo does, you know, better than most.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

Yeah. Imagine how hard it is for Tom Brady, the almanac. Right. Trying to talk.

[Manti Te'o]

Yeah.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

So relate to the average person.

[Manti Te'o]

Yeah.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

That's probably the hardest thing for someone like that is. Okay, how do I get this out in a relatable way for the people at home? And by the way, more people than ever are watching at home. So just the Thanksgiving numbers just came in. Smashed the all time regular season watch record twice. So first Packers, Lions, beats the record by 5 million viewers. And then Cowboys, Chiefs come along and they do 10 million more viewers.

[Mystic Zach]

So talk to me about that and.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

Working in the ever exploding National Football League and what it means for the future in the sport.

[Manti Te'o]

Well, number one, it just goes to show how great our sport is. All of those Thanksgiving numbers. I think it's, it's all credit to the push to get it worldwide.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

Yeah. For all the booze that Roger Goodell receives, you have to give him some credit. Right. For the. How well the NFL's doing. They're killing it.

[Manti Te'o]

No, Right. All the bulls. Yeah. He's still up there with a smile. He understands what the, the responsibility that he has and the title that he has and what that comes with, good and bad. And I think he handles it really well.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

We spoke about kind of the transition from playing to commentating. Talk to me about the transition for you. Going from a Heisman finalist, a college superstar to the NFL when you're drafted by the Chargers.

[Manti Te'o]

Wow, that's a great question. I think everything is case by Case. And what I mean by that is there are some.

Schemes that are easier to transition to the professional game than others. My college scheme was very, very simple, which allowed me to play fast. It allowed me to do what I needed to do while I was in college. It wasn't as.

Complex as what I had to do when I got to the league. Now, the system I came in to in San Diego was one of a lot of blitzing, a lot of pressure, and whenever you're part of a scheme that does that, there's so many moving parts. If one guy motions this way, this guy who is supposed to blitz can't blitz anymore. Now it's my job to communicate that to the guy who now has to blitz what his job is. Right. So from a college program where I could just line up, look at the offense and ball, to rookie year, I'm now on a defense where I have to adjust. And I tell kids all the time, the difference between the NFL game, the pro game, and every level below it is the levels below it. You can play the game post snap.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

Yeah.

[Manti Te'o]

In the NFL, everything is done pre snap. If you don't know, if you are not 99% confident of what is going to happen before the ball snaps, you're done.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

You had kind of a rough nose style, almost a throwback.

[Manti Te'o]

Right.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

Do you think you would have benefited more by playing in a different era where the rules weren't so tense for the defense?

[Manti Te'o]

I think I was in this trend to your point. I was in this transition phase. Right. There was this phase and transition of going from a fullback. I formation lead to spread them out, space game, try to get screens. RPOs like the college game started to. It started to leak over to the pro game. I think I was somebody that fit better with a certain scheme, man. Coverage, that ain't my thing. Yeah, I don't got the speed for that. I don't have the agility for that. But to be able to drop back in coverage, use my instincts and play ball, I think that was something that I really thrived in. And there were opportunities where I had that, and there were also opportunities where I didn't.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

Yeah, yeah. Your play recognition ability, ability to make plays, fill gaps, things like that. Yeah, definitely.

[Manti Te'o]

Yeah, that was easy, bro. C ball, get ball is always my thing.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

You're a proud Notre Dame Fighting Irish alumni. You guys have been in the news for a multitude of topics. I mean, we got a lot of ways we can go. I want to start with maybe a slight curveball here, but the heisman Trophy race. You were embroiled in a tight kind of Heisman Trophy conversation, and so is a current Notre Dame running back, Jeremiah Love. He's an absolute stud. I mean, one of the best players in the country. We got some quarterbacks on the list. We got your Fernando Mendoza, Dante Moore. Jeremiah Love getting excluded from the Love.

[Manti Te'o]

Yeah.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

Who would be your Heisman Trophy winner?

[Manti Te'o]

Jeremiah Love. Come on, now. You know, I mean, I think quarterbacks get this nod. It's like the MVP of the NFL, like, it's. It's the most valuable player. It's always going to. There's a little bit more grace when it comes to the quarterback position. And I get it. Without a quarterback, you. There's no way you can win. However, I think what Jeremiah Love has been able to do this year alone, this is excluding the past two years where he was also incredible, but this year alone, the amount of yards that he's average, averaging per carry, what he means to one of the best teams in college football, and just how dynamic he's been. And this is a guy that doesn't get all the carries right. This is a guy that splits his backfield, yet he continues to produce at a very, very high level. For me, it's going to be Jeremiah Loaf.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

No, his stat lines are funny. Like, eight carries, 130 yards.

[Mystic Zach]

Eight, 18.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

Like, what y.

[Manti Te'o]

That's. He's explosive.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

Yeah. What are some standout characteristics? Something that I see that makes him really different and a Cowboy St. Former Cowboy scout likened it to Ezekiel Elliott is his vision.

[Manti Te'o]

Yes, he's very, very patient, but he's expo. When he does. When he sees something, he goes right. And so he got that little Leon Bell to him, too, where he's patient beyond the line of scurri. But when he sees it, he has ability to. To really run through a. Run through a hole. But his vision is. Is second to none. And I do see that comparison to Ezekiel Elliott, where he can see. It takes a special running back. Right. To see certain colors. Right. For him. He knows that my teammates are blue in the home game and in the away game, it's a white jersey. Some running backs just see color.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

Yeah.

[Manti Te'o]

You know what I mean? But he's. He can see where his linemen are positioned on defenders and be able to really ride that wave. And I think the very special running backs have that. And Jermaine definitely does Jeremiah Love that one cut.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

Once he gets second level, you're not catching him.

[Manti Te'o]

You ain't catching him. And even if you try to, he's going to jump over you or he's going to juke you out. He has all this, the intangibles, and he has every skill set to be one of the best running backs in the league.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

Yeah. What are your thoughts on a lot of people who, you know, players might categorize as nerds, analytics type guys who say running backs don't matter no matter what, don't draft them the first round, don't value them. You can find a guy of similar value in the later rounds. You can rotate him, you know, just avoid them.

[Manti Te'o]

Well, I think it all depends on who you are and what your team does. Right. So, like, can you say that to the Detroit Lions? No, you can't. Right. Like without Jameer Gibbs, they received a whole lot of hate they received a whole lot of hate for drafting Jameer Gibbs. But Jameer Gibbs is now one of the best running backs in the league. Why? Because he's in a system that utilizes Jameer Gibbs the way that he's supposed to. Yeah, right, right. Christian McCaffrey. Christian McCaffrey is a guy that year in and year out, I know he was hurt last year, but the year before that he's, he's breaking records. And this year he's been probably their main constant that's helped him to get to this point in the season. So when you're looking at a running back, if you're a team that utilizes running backs in a traditional fashion, go get them. You know what I mean? Because you also could make the argument that somebody like Quinshawn Judkins, who is a phenomenal rookie running back who was picked in not in the first round, is having a great season as well. So I think it's a case by case basis what you're trying to do as a team, as a franchise in the NFL. I think if you are one who utilizes running backs at a high volume, go get them.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

Yeah, look at, you know, Kyle Manungai for the Bears going insane for Ben Johnson. Obviously they have a great run blocking system, but he's running so hard, it's hard to imagine why that guy fell in the seventh round.

[Manti Te'o]

Yeah, him. But I also think that he benefits from somebody like DeAndre Swift, you know what I mean? Where it's, it's a change of pace. And for a defense, when you have a running back where you have to look in the backfield be like, okay, now it's Kyle Manon guy, it's a different approach. Okay, now it's DeAndre Swift. Okay, it's A different approach that creates another hurdle as a, as a defense that you have to be aware of that. Man, when you have one, one running back right there, it's just like, okay, it's Saquon. I know what he's going to do, you know what I mean? So I think Kyle Manon guy, he is a great talent, but with that scheme with DeAndre Swift, I think they do do a good job in utilizing him.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

And obviously Ben Johnson gets that. He's recreated it twice. I mean, what a phenomenal job to build what he did in Detroit. A lot of people may be questioning his ability to move teams, new system, become the head coach, recreates the same thing. I mean, gets a one, two punch, grabs a guy in the seventh round. He's got the Chicago Bears atop the nfc, not just NFC north atop the nfc. This is a team that struggled for a lot of years and now things are looking more positively than since maybe 1985.

[Manti Te'o]

Yeah.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

So talk to me about Ben Johnson and the Chicago Bears.

[Manti Te'o]

I think Ben Johnson brings a stoic approach to him, you know, and I think what's the biggest impact that Ben Johnson has had has been on Caleb Williams and his demeanor. I think when you watch Caleb Williams this year, it's a, it's a more mature Caleb, you know what I mean? I see a Caleb Williams that isn't real flashy anymore. It's like, hey man, I'm all business now. And Kyle Brandt got the opportunity to sit down with him yesterday to have a conversation with him. And Kyle relayed to us on our show on Good Morning Football that he's just locked in, you know, and that's, that's such a dangerous thing when you have somebody like Caleb who has all the skill sets that you could want in a quarterback locked in mentally that way. And you have now that run game that they have that you could really rely on.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

Yeah, I mean, the X's and O's and also his approach to the draft, he kept adding weapons. He goes against Colson Loveland, he goes against Luther Burden. He understands that you can never have enough weapons to surround your young quarterback. Your number one pick, he trades for Joe Thuney from the Kansas City Chiefs. That's under the radar movement lot of people don't talk about. I mean, he really transformed this team, built it his way and is seeing instant success.

[Manti Te'o]

Yeah, well, it's funny because I think you look at last year, Caleb Williams was the most sacked quarterback in the NFL. So you, you brought up Joe Tunney from the Chiefs like shore up your offensive line. And I think when it comes to Ben Johnson, everybody gets caught up in the trick plays, right. This fancy formations and all of the things that he did in Detroit. But if you understand, Ben Johnson is at his core, he's a runner.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

Yeah.

[Manti Te'o]

He wants to run the football. And that is what I think has been impressive, is for him to establish a rushing attack, that now you have a quarterback like Caleb Williams who has all the abilities in the world, but you don't have to use that just yet. Right. You can keep that kind of stash and continue to cultivate that with him. And I thought he's done a phenomenal job alongside Ryan Poser prior to the season.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

Receives a lot of flack from the fan base. Yeah, right.

[Manti Te'o]

I mean, you know, I mean that's, that's the nature of the business. You know what I mean? Like, not everybody's gonna like, like who you draft, what you draft. You're gonna have some, some, some of your own fans question.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

There's never like, no one can ever follow a five year plan. No one sees the vision right away. So it's, it's a tough business.

[Manti Te'o]

You gotta believe in your vision. That's the number one thing.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

Yeah. When I'm evaluating Ben Johns, I think the trick plays are about 3% of it. Right. And it's all set up and predicated off the fact that they can run play action so effectively that linebackers like you have to crash because the run game so effective. Then you can set up the stuff deep down the field.

[Manti Te'o]

Yeah. You have to have, you have to establish something for the counter.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

Right.

[Manti Te'o]

There are, there are teams in the NFL right now that haven't established anything that are throwing counter punches. And it's not surprising anybody.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

Right.

[Manti Te'o]

When you establish something now those trick plays come into play. It's like, it's like trying to run a screen when you haven't even thrown a pass yet. It's like, that's not tricking anybody. Like, we're not even surprised you ran that. You have to establish something in order for those trick plays to work. So I think that Ben Johnson is one of those guys that's really good at it.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

I do a lot of boxes. It's like trying to throw a big right hand, but you haven't set it up off the jab.

[Manti Te'o]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. You better not throw that hook before anything, bro, because they gonna see it coming.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

Yeah, exactly. So, yeah, Ben Johnson done a phenomenal job, turned the franchise around. I want to pivot back to Notre Dame, they're just in a lot of news right now. There's a lot going on. College Football Playoff RA. This is the big story right now. This is the one that a lot of people are up in arms. I have a feeling where you're going to land on this, but I'm still going to lay it out for you. The main debate here is who deserves that 10th spot. There's a tight race. The main two teams that are coming up often are the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, the Miami Hurricanes. They played head to head earlier this season. The Hurricanes won, but after that game, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish go on a 10 game winning streak. Right. The Hurricanes have some setbacks. So on one side of the argument you have people saying, hey, Notre Dame showed remarkable consistency to win those 10 straight games. Their two losses were to two top programs and Miami didn't show as much. Consistency isn't on that type of a win streak. Their two losses were to inferior teams. And then you have people on the Hurricane side saying, hey, this team beat that team head to head. They've got to be in over them. What are your thoughts on this situation? Trying to not be biased. Obviously it's hard.

[Manti Te'o]

I'll leave it with what Marcus Freeman said. He's like, this is the playoffs is based on how you're playing now, not how you played in week one.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

Can I tell you the real shame in it all? There's multiple teams. You asked me, Oklahoma or Miami. I'd rather play Oklahoma. Ole Miss or Miami. They don't even have their coach. I'd rather play Ole Miss, you know. So the real shame in it all is Miami, Notre Dame, both probably top 10 programs. Yeah, yeah. So you know, the minutiae and at all, you know, trying to pick one or the other, you get lost in the fact that both these teams are surging and dangerous. Yeah, BYU wins. Notre Dame's out too. Yeah.

[Manti Te'o]

The thing I think with Notre Dame is there are benefits to being independent and there are disadvantages to be independent. When you are part of a conference, winning that conference automatically gets you in. Right. So there are people that look at Notre Dame and they're like, oh, you're independent. So you get this node. It's hard to get into the playoffs as an independent. Why? Because we don't have.

This card. We can throw up there and be like, oh, but we're conference champs or Big 12 champs or Big 10 champs. We're SEC champs. We don't have that. So it's not only in who you beat, it's how you beat them, you know what I mean? So that's something that on our resume that we always have to keep in mind. Now, we did lose to Miami and Texas A and M in close games, you know, so it wasn't like a blowout. Now, I think if it was a blowout, that's another conversation to be had. But again, the way we've been able to play the past few weeks, I think says a lot.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

Yeah. And I think also on the committee's mind has to be the year previous. You guys have a real tough loss in Northern Illinois, bounce all the way back, go to the national championship. Right. So I think that's replaying in the committee's mind as well, was what coach Marcus Freeman was able to bring to Notre Dame last year. Jeremiah Love some similar guys in mind. Yeah, I think that's an excellent point that a lot of people miss when talking about Notre Dame being independent is if it was up to coach Marcus Freeman and maybe the former alumni, maybe the players, they would probably love to have a conference championship game opportunity to kind of.

Put a finishing stamp on the season.

[Manti Te'o]

If you have one loss, it's still like, man, I don't know if we're going to make it. And there's a lot of teams in the playoff picture right now that have multiple losses, but because they won that conference, they're going to get in, you know what I mean? So that's, again, there's, there's pros and cons to being independent.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

I mean, what a wild playoff race I touched on a little bit ago. We have one team that doesn't have their head coach. So I have some hands on experience. I mentioned this earlier. I worked FA football 16 years old. Lane Kiffin was the head coach. He later obviously went to Ole Miss, had tremendous success. I got a chance to kind of study the playbook, go over it. The most brilliant mind I've ever been around in terms of football, Lane Kiffin, I mean, his ex, the, the brilliance of his playbook and play calling ability can't go unnoticed. And that's why LSU goes out and offers him seven years, $100 million. I thought hearing his explanation about his father's words ringing in his mind was really interesting because he was also on that staff and I got to meet him as well. He was obviously the architect. Tampa 2 defense. So legendary coach Monte Kiffin, he said the kind of guys, his mentors, who he looks to after his father passed, Pete Carroll, Nick Saban told him, go ahead, take that job. Yeah, right Nick Saban COACH, lsu. He understands that job. What are your thoughts on it and how would you feel as a player?

[Manti Te'o]

As a. How would I. Let me. Let me ask you. Let me answer as a player first. If I was an Ole Miss player, I would be hurt. I would. Especially where they are right now, having been so successful. Obviously, a lot of those guys that bought in.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

Right.

[Manti Te'o]

It's not like Lane was there for one or two years. Right? He's been there. Yeah. And so he's brought it. Yeah. So he's brought in a whole full class. So if I'm one of those guys that. Where I had a coach sit in my living room with my parents and told me, like, hey, I got your son, and then to believe in that and for him to leave, I would be hurt regardless what anybody says. Right. Like, we had a special thing going on and then he left. On the flip side for lsu, I'd be excited.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

Yeah.

[Manti Te'o]

You know, I mean, now I'm getting a chance, a new start with. With a coach that he was in our conference. He had a lot of success. I would be really excited. From where I am sitting today, it is a complicated situation with the whole transfer portal. And coach has been doing this for a long time. Right. Coach has been getting up and leaving like we had our own Brian. Brian Kelly was the coach before that, he was my coach at Notre Dame. Right. So this has been happening at the call, at the coaching rank for. For a long time.

I'm excited for Elaine Kiffin for what I know.

The state of Louisiana can do. Me being a former New Orleans Saint, I know what football means in Louisiana. I'm sure it means the same in Mississippi and at Ole Miss, but I can only speak onto what it means in Louisiana. Now, Louisiana State, they got a thing about producing some really good football players, man, especially at skilled position. And they're all in state.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

Yeah.

[Manti Te'o]

So what that possibly could look like. I'm not saying Lane Kiffin going to LSU is all of a sudden, oh, they're going to national championship. I am saying that the talent that is in Louisiana, when put together correctly and utilized the right way. Look into the NFL and tell me what LSU guy you would not want to have on your team.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

Right.

[Manti Te'o]

It's special what they have over there in that state. And I think somebody like Lane Kiffin, to your point, with the offensive mind that he has, has the potential to do a lot of great things for that school.

[Mystic Zach]

I'm going to say it.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

I would be shocked if they're not a national Championship contention sooner rather than later.

[Manti Te'o]

Yeah, no, it's all the only thing that's going to be his. His biggest challenge, him being Lane Kiffin, is how can he navigate the cultural aspect. Right. Because me, I always preach about culture and how important that is in football. Louisiana has a certain culture, Right. When the mayor and the governor of Louisiana is part of this whole scenario of replacing a coach, that's how big football is over there. If Lane Kiffin can come into this scenario, understand the culture, respect the culture, but then implement his own and find that perfect recipe for it, I think when he's able to do that, if he's able to do that soon for sure. If he isn't, I think it's going to take some time. But it's all about trying to find how do I establish this culture while still respecting the culture that's already here.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

How do you think the off the field pressure for the LSU players could affect the team with all this outside drama with Lane Kiffin? You were a college player who experienced a lot of off the field drama. A lot of people mentioning your name. These players, all of a sudden, now they're going to be top of conversation. Whether you like it or not, Lane Kiffin has dominated the news cycle. It's going to continue. All eyes are going to be on the LSU team. How do you think the players are going to respond to that? Do you think that could maybe make them play better? Knowing that spotlight is on them? Do you think it could negatively affect them?

[Manti Te'o]

I think it would be different if we're talking about a smaller college, but I think a university like lsu, they're used to that limelight, you know what I mean? Like, when you go to lsu, you're not somebody that goes there thinking that I'm the small town college program that maybe will be on TV some weeks. Like LSU is going to be on tv, right? Everybody is going to be at that game. When you go to lsu, you see all the celebrities on the sideline, right? So I think that with Lane Kiffin and all of this attention and this coverage that is coming from this move, I think that it plays well with what they're trying to do over there in LSU for all the. For all the players. I mean, they dance to everything, you know what I mean? There's just a certain vibe down there in Louisiana that I think it's. It's something that isn't going to be fought off. Like it isn't going to be something. Like it doesn't vibe well for them. I think the players down there in Louisiana will really, really embrace that attention that's coming their way.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

Why do you think things didn't work out for your former head coach, Brian Kelly?

[Manti Te'o]

I think Brian is. He's a really good offensive mind from a leadership standpoint. Okay. And this is the same thing that you alluded to with Ben Johnson. From a leadership standpoint. There's a question. When you go from a coordinator to a head coach, a coordinator doesn't have to stand in front of a room and really command the respect of, in the NFL's case, men.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

Yeah.

[Manti Te'o]

In college it's young men. You don't have to do that as a coordinator. For Brian Kelly, he was always a head coach. However, he was mainly offense.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

Was that leadership ability a factor at all going into the national championship game against Alabama?

So you're going against perhaps the greatest leader in the history of college football, Nick Saban.

[Manti Te'o]

I also think that when I and I've talked about this a few times, there was a major difference with the talent at Alabama from the top down compared to what we had at. That's a great point. There was a huge difference. I still remember to this day. And you would appreciate this as a player. We would come out for stretch lines, right? And you know, you come out to our 40, the team comes out to their 40 and you know like the main dogs are on the 40, right? So like I'm over there on the 40, I'm looking at Alabama, their dudes are in the Ford and you're talking about like guys like Eddie Lacey. You, you got.

You got a whole bunch of first round draft picks. Amari Cooper, you had, haha, Clinton Dix over there. Like you had like dudes. Yeah, but you know, like the guys that are on the go line, that, that's usually like the walk ons regularly. So I start peeking at the goal line and I'm like, them dudes look like the dudes on the 40. And that's when I knew I was like, it wasn't any type of fear or any type of anxiety or anything like that. It was just like an acknowledgement like, okay, this is, this is different.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

Yeah.

[Manti Te'o]

You know what I mean? Like they have dudes top to bottom that I'm sure that those dudes on a goal line could be starting at any other school in, in the country. So it wasn't our loss to Alabama. Was our program having a special year, a spectacular year, going against a juggernaut that's been there, done that, and had the resume to back it up? And had the dudes to back that up as well. So that's. Yeah, that was a long night for us.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

Yeah. They had three NFL running backs in.

[Manti Te'o]

The location, so Eddie Lacy and TJ Yelden. And imagine like, I had to go.

We ran a traditional 3, 4 defense. Traditional 3, 4 defense is you have a zero technique, nose guard, head up on the center. And then we had two fours d tackles, head up on the tackles. The issue was that worked for everybody we played. Now we didn't play no slumps. We played Oklahoma. We always played lsu. We played Miami that year. We played. We. We played dogs.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

Yeah.

[Manti Te'o]

When the guard that's uncovered is Chance Warmack and the tackle next to him is DJ Fluker. And then you had Eddie Lacy running the ball behind him. And then when Eddie Lacy got tired, TJ Yeldin went back there. And then when you finally stopped him two times in a row, they would run a play action bomb to Amari Cooper. You were just like, it was an Oklahoma drill where they would decide when they wanted to. To not hand the ball off an Oklahoma drill and throw it to a guy that's open. And so that was. That's what all of us had to go through for that game. And it was definitely a humbling experience.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

What running back was toughest for you to tackle in the backfield? Because you get different opinions from linebackers. Some guys say they struggle with the elusive guys. Some guys say, hey, I didn't mind those guys, but the Marshawn Lynch's of the world, they really gave me a hard time. Who was toughest for you to tackle? The.

[Manti Te'o]

Toughest would be Marshawn lynch, where he would laugh at the bottom of the pile and it was just like, okay, this guy's psycho, just like me.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

That's got to be a little bit debilitating. You make a good tackle, you think you got him good, and he's laughing at you. Oh, man, what a legend Beast Mode is. And yeah, he was a part of a team that helped lead the way as far as the transition with the Legion of Boom. The Seattle Seahawks, they're back.

[Manti Te'o]

Yeah.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

I mean, the Seahawks are back. Being an offensive team, it's great to see. They had those Russell Wilson years where he's an MVP candidate and he was kind of leading the way. But now they found their identity. They have head coach Mike McDonald and they have studs all over this defense. It starts with the acquisition of Leonard Williams. A lot of people talked about they gave up too much, they got a steal and Leonard Williams.

[Manti Te'o]

Yeah.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

And what. The identity that he's brought to that team and what he does up front and against both the run and as a pass rusher is similar. Also analogous to what Quinn Williams brought to the Dallas Cowboys.

[Manti Te'o]

That's a great analogy, bro.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

We're seeing this kind of transition into really valuing the interior defensive lineman, who I know made your job easier as a linebacker.

[Manti Te'o]

Yeah. I think it always goes back to. I mean, talking about the Seattle Seahawks, right. You got someone like Quinn, and.

First guy that comes to mind is Aaron Donald. You know, when you have. I mean, you got Nandambakin, sue, like.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

Nandambakin was another defensive Heisman candidate.

[Manti Te'o]

Yeah. You got somebody like Vita Vea, who's over there in Tampa. So when you have somebody that's in front of you, right, that can take up multiple blockers and you can run free, it makes my job as a linebacker a million times easier. And I think it just creates.

A mentality, right, that for our defense, like, it's set by the interior guys, by the. By the interior D lineman, by the linebacker and by the safety. At least that's how it was when we grew up. You know what I mean? Like the Ray Lewis, the Ed Reed, and the Halotinata. Like, those guys was in the middle.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

Yeah.

[Manti Te'o]

Right. Now, the outside guys are going to get paid. They gave. They get the DNS, the rushers, the corners. They get most of money. But you're only as strong as the guys in the middle. And I think that's. I love the defenses that have that.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

What a poll. That is hello to nada with Ray Lewis. Nada's the unsung hero. No, no. I mean, this Samoan mammoth of a man is eating up these double teams and freeing up gaps for the most feared, you know, tackler in the history of the league.

[Mystic Zach]

Obviously, Ray Lewis, for a guy that.

[Manti Te'o]

Didn'T need him to take up blocks.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

No Ray Lewis, you know, 1 on 11 would be a pretty good match for Ray Lewis. That would be a good game that I would watch. It might be 50. 50. You know, they say, like, you know, if you see me in the jungle with the bear, help the bear.

[Manti Te'o]

The bear.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

That's how I feel about Ray Lewis.

[Manti Te'o]

Yes.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

And I'm assuming I. I'm assuming when you're watching film and you're looking up to guys, Ray Lewis is jumping off the page.

[Manti Te'o]

Oh, Ray Lewis was probably one of the main guys that I watched growing up. Another guy is probably Patrick Willis that I watched his. I loved not only guys who could play this Game at a high level. But I loved the generals. I love the. The leaders. Like the guy that. He was the top dog, right? Ray was that way. I like Brian Urlacher. His athleticism, his ability to run sideline to sideline. I love Navarro Bowman. Even though he was a weak side linebacker, his patience and how he played the game of football, he reminded me a lot of my. One of my best friends. I call him my little brother, Denzel Perryman.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

Shout out to Denzel Paramount. Yeah.

[Manti Te'o]

His ability to just be patient. But when he saw something, he would just go. And when he would go, he would hit some food. So when they had Patrick Willis and Navarro Bowman in there for The San Francisco 49ers, that was unfair.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

Yeah, absolutely. And then Alden Smith, Justin Smith, all those guys. Oh, man.

[Manti Te'o]

Dogs. And then you had brutal. You had. You had. What's his name in ss Safety.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

Dante Whitner.

[Manti Te'o]

Dante Whitner. I was thinking of his nickname when he turned it to Hitner.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

Hitner, yeah. Hitner. Yeah.

[Manti Te'o]

Yeah. Dante was that dude.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

They were definitely put in fear. Besides Marshawn Lynch. Yes, he did okay. But everyone else was getting clattered for sure. I love that point. What about Troy Polamalu?

[Manti Te'o]

So Troy, I mentioned all the linebackers, right. When it comes to the singular person that has had the most impact on my career and me as a human being would have to be Troy Polemalo. So Troy I trained with for the last year of my career, he's become like a big brother of mine. I'm a huge mentor. He and I have been. Have become so close that I named my son after him.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

Oh, wow.

[Manti Te'o]

Yeah. So he's. He's somebody who's very special. He's a special individual. And when you get to know him on a personal level, he's funny, man, he's hilarious. But he has so much wisdom, not only in the game of football, but then in game of life. He's so humble. And so if there's somebody who I would love to mimic my life.

Like both on and off the football field, it would have to be Troy.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

I've said this before, but the only guy I think that could stop the Philly special.

[Manti Te'o]

Yeah, Troy Palomali. His. His instincts, bro.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

It was just, you can't teach that.

[Manti Te'o]

You can't teach that. And, you know, I'll tell you something about Troy that he shared with me. Remember when Troy would just jump over the line and he would just time up snaps and he had blitz B in A gaps and he'd get There, right. When so gracefully. Yeah. So I asked him, I was like, hey, big bro, how did you manage to do all of that? And he told me, he was like, I would not only take the snaps when the one defense went out there, he was like. But I also took the show team snaps, the scout team. He's like. And the reason why I did that was two part one for him. He wanted to have that confidence, to know that he had double the work that anybody in the entire league had. And because he did double the work, he was more prepared than anybody. Number two, instinctually, hearing the cadence all the time helped him to know when they were actually snapping the ball, when they were going on sound, by the little nuances of the O line, how they would rush to the line of scrimmage. Okay, they're going on for a sound while they're going on one, when they're going on two. And because he saw so many reps of that, that gave him that sixth sense of when he knew the ball was going to be snapped. And just. So just those little things that I've learned from, from Troy just helped me to just appreciate his greatness and what he was able to do.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

No, it's great to hear. And Obviously I was born 02, but when I'm getting.

[Manti Te'o]

You're young, bro.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

I'm young. But Troy Palomalu is that guy. Yeah, he's on the Madden cover. I mean, he's, you know, he's in the super bowl and the commercials. I mean, the whole nine yards. Troy Polamalu, Ed Reed are the two guys. I mean, two of the greatest safeties ever played the game, obviously, and the rivals. So they always went hand in hand for me. So when you mentioned Ed Reed, I'm like, I got to bring up Troy, because I know you're going to have some thoughts on that. The Pittsburgh Steelers, their fans are growing tired, and they have what sounds like a good problem. You know, they got a lot of Super Bowls. They've had more success than, you know, maybe any other franchise. I mean, New England page number one, but they're right under there have had three head coaches in their history, but the fans are growing tired because even though Mike Tomlin consistently outperforms expectations, it seems like they have a limited ceiling. Nobody's really giving them a shot to maybe go deep into the playoffs.

[Manti Te'o]

Right.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

We understand offensively they're limited. I mean, they have DK Metcalf as the number one, but they don't really have a number two. They're not as explosive as these other AFC teams. Talk to me about Mike Tomlin, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and are the fans overreacting by trying to get him out of town? Is it justified?

It's.

[Manti Te'o]

I, I see where the frustrations come from from this fans. Right. It's. I think one thing about Mike Tomlin that I think we've, we all know for sure or we've gotten accustomed to is that Mike Tomlin is going to get him to the playoffs. And I think when you're, when you're dealing with a franchise and a fan base like the Steelers, who've traditionally been. They've won so many times. Yeah, there's this expectation, right. Like, man, this is what we're gonna. Like we need to do more than that. Like there, there are some teams in the NFL and I won't mention them, but we all know that just getting to the playoffs is like, oh, we're good, we're good. Like, we're gonna be fine. Right? So I think when it comes to Pittsburgh, people want to see more. And you mentioned it has a ceiling. I think when you watch the offense, that offense has a ceiling. Yeah, right. Arthur Smith's offense doesn't have the firepower that other offenses had. And I did this, I did this research on his offense for our show. Arthur Smith's offense has not come back from more than 8 point deficit with less than 5 minutes in the game. How many games have we seen lead changes within the last three minutes of the game? Yeah, right.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

Absolutely.

[Manti Te'o]

So in a space in a game now where there's offenses that can put so, so many points on, on the board in such a short amount of time, when you have an offensive system that is unable to do that, I think it puts you behind the eight ball already. And not to mention DK Metcalf being possibly their only wide receiver that they utilize. Their other three pass catchers are tight ends. You know what I mean? And so it's just like this is.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

The biggest thing and this is the.

The ultimate pitfall is the guy they got out of town.

[Manti Te'o]

Yeah.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

I mean, the Steelers fans are seeing George Pickens dominate and saying, what did we do?

[Manti Te'o]

You know, he reminds me of, Remember Anquan Bowden?

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

Absolutely. It's my guy.

[Manti Te'o]

Anquan Bowden with the ball in his hand was a monster, bro. You know, Anquan Bowden, he was so ridiculously strong.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

Heinz Ward, another one.

[Manti Te'o]

He reminds me of those guys that, okay, it's one thing to guard them and then it's another thing to tackle them when they get the ball.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

Yeah.

[Manti Te'o]

So when I. When you reference all of those. Brandon. Oh, yeah. Shout out to Brandon Marshall. He will be on. He and I will be working the studio for the Christmas game for Netflix. So I'm excited to work with him. So shout out to Brandon Marshall.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

Shout out to B. Marshall.

[Manti Te'o]

Guy's a dog, is a monster.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

Yeah. You know, I feel all those guys and they wear defenses down. Obviously he's in a contract year. A lot of people are bringing that up as well. Do you think that he could maybe.

[Mystic Zach]

Regress once he gets paid?

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

Maybe, but. Or is that really not a thing for an NFL player?

[Manti Te'o]

No, that's a thing. That's definitely a thing for some guys. I don't know George Pickens enough personally been around him enough to say that he's one of those guys. I hope that he's not because the game of football in general is better when players like him are really humming the way he's been doing number one. I hope he does get paid because this has been a dream of his since he was a little boy, I assume. I'm sure there's a lot of people that depend on him.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

He's gonna get paid.

[Manti Te'o]

But in the event that something happens, I just, I just again, I hope that he just keeps a level head and he's able to be able. He's able to provide for his family and be a productive football player.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

That's a very mature, reasonable take. Something we don't see a lot in the NFL media. So that's good.

[Manti Te'o]

That's what usually I always try to bring to the table.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

Yeah, usually, you know, you get a lot of the opposite. You know, you check your TikTok, your Instagram, you know, there's that one guy that's, you know, going off right now, but no, that's a very mature, level headed take and that's one that you can only acquire from years of experience being an eight year NFL vet. Right. And going through all things you did off the field to kind of give you that ability to evaluate and Perspective. Yeah, perspective. Can you talk about your passions kind of off the field and what you're trying to do to impact the world?

[Manti Te'o]

Yeah. So I was born and raised in Hawaii. Right. And being born and raised in Hawaii comes with a lot of, a lot of perks. It's a beautiful place to live a beautiful life. However, there is a lack of resources there, at least exposure to. Right. We live in California. I can drive down the street, be at ucla. I can go to usc. I can even go down to Irvine and visit down there. Right. There's so many different places that I can get different experiences in, whereas in a place like Hawaii, that isn't the case. However, I got the great experience of going to a private school. My parents sent me there, and that private school took me to different colleges while I was in high school. And for me to be able to have those experiences and actually see and grab and smell a college campus, I said my dreams became a goal at that point. And so I know the power of being able to see and experience something throughout my life. I also know the power of surrounding yourself with people that are trying to achieve the same goal. Also to have education. Now, the education that I'm referring to isn't necessarily restricted to that in a classroom. I think being able to talk to the CEO of a financial firm in some cases is better education than you'll get in a finance class. Right? And so being able to have the network that I have, I want to be able to give back to the youth by providing them with those type of opportunities to learn.

In a traditional.

Way, but then being able to bring in people that I know from different professional landscapes to be able to help these kids, but then to have the best training, learning what I know about nutrition now, you know what I mean? Sourcing, all of that stuff, I want to be able to bring to the forefront for these, for these kids. And fortunately for me, there are a few individuals that have done it before and are currently doing it that I can just, I, I plan on meeting with them and say, okay, how did you do this and how can I implement, implement that on my own?

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

You mentioned nutrition. Is that how you're staying in such good shape?

[Manti Te'o]

I'm. I was in better shape. I think with our job, being up at 2:45 in the morning and going, it's almost impossible for me to be able to adhere to a certain strict regimen. But I am definitely, when it comes to nutrition, I'm a big advocate for proper sourcing of food. I, I'm very, very aware of where I buy my stuff at. I try to buy them at farms.

I rarely, rarely buy things at the grocery store, just because I think how these animals are treated, what they're fed, has a direct impact on me and my children and how our bodies receive it. And so that is what I want to be able to give to the youth. Because growing up, it was just like, here's some ramen, you know what I mean?

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

No, it's.

[Manti Te'o]

You're good, you know what I mean?

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

I did some podcasts with Lamar Odom.

[Manti Te'o]

Okay.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

And his love of candy and Roscoe's chicken and the things he eats was so funny to me. And he told me he was even worse during his playing career. How is that possible? To be that gifted, to be able to eat like that and treat your body like that and still go out there and perform that level? And then you hear DK Metcalf, he's.

[Mystic Zach]

Like, I have a Starbucks coffee.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

I eat a lot of nerds, and then I have a dinner and then I'm good. And he's like, 230 fibers and body fat. So it's also good to hear that you look like that and you actually really try.

[Manti Te'o]

Yeah, it's. It's about the effort. It's also about.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

I would have been a little disheartened if you were like, ah, I just wake up and eat whatever.

[Manti Te'o]

Oh, no, ain't no way, bro. I don't have the genetic code for that, you know?

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

Okay, good.

[Manti Te'o]

I gotta work.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

Makes me feel a little bit better. Good. I can work up.

[Manti Te'o]

There you go.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

I can get big. There you go. I like that. One last thing. It's a very current thing and we mentioned it, we briefed on it, but not on camera. Jackson dart gets hit on the sideline. New England Patriots. There was a big time fight that broke out. Thoughts on that hit?

[Manti Te'o]

Number one. I am. I love the hit. Number two. I am so glad the refs didn't throw a flag.

That I. I don't think people understand how big that was. The message that. That sent when the. The refs didn't throw a penalty flag. Number three. I have a newfound respect for Jackson Dart because he didn't complain about it. He didn't flop. He just said, hey, man, this is what I do. You know what I mean? Like, I know that I'm going to get hit now. Jackson dart.

Let's slide a little bit. Why? Because I want you to have a long career. The Giants want you to have a long career. He's been phenomenal his rookie year, especially when Cam Scatterboo is in there. But unless you're out on the field, you can't impact your team in a positive way. So I was so happy that that happened. As I would say, a traditionalist in this. In this game of seeing actually a big hit that isn't flagged. And I hope that guys continue to play this game at a very fast level, at a very violent level that is within the rules of the game, that isn't dirty. I Think the dirty stuff. I think there's a clear.

Difference between a clean, violent play and a dirty one.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

Yeah.

[Manti Te'o]

And I think the refs in that, in, in that instant demonstrated like, oh, we know that was a clean play. We're not going to throw it. So I was really happy about it.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

And I love that you touched on the point of Jackson Dart not complaining, getting back up. If I'm a prospective head coach and I'm looking at the tandem of Jackson Dart and Cam Scatterbow, I'm thinking I'm in. Right. These two are dogs.

[Manti Te'o]

Yeah.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

They're rookies.

[Mystic Zach]

They have the right mentality.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

They are lovers of the pigskin. They're not going to complain. They're going to show up, they're going.

[Mystic Zach]

To get to work.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

I want to lead these young men. Yeah.

[Manti Te'o]

And you haven't even mentioned your boy's favorite guy, Malik Nabors. You know what I mean?

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

Shout out to Aviv.

[Manti Te'o]

Yeah, yeah. With Malik coming back, he is also an exceptional talent from Louisiana State. And I think to be able to have that with those two young quarterback and that running back, good things could happen for them.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

Maybe Link Kiffin will do a lot. Odell Beckham, Malik Nabors, Justin Jefferson, Jamar Chase.

[Manti Te'o]

Yeah, you got some dogs.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

Pretty lengthy list.

[Manti Te'o]

Yeah, it's a bit Brian Thomas Jr.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

It's like kind of surreal. And you say all the names.

[Mystic Zach]

Oh, wow. Watch out.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

I want to thank you for coming on.

[Manti Te'o]

Appreciate it, my man.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

It's deeply appreciated. It was amazing to speak with you, man.

[Manti Te'o]

Yes, sir. Likewise.

[Mystic Zach]

What's up, guys? Mystic Zach here to give you a stone cold lock of the week. Me and Manti got to break down the ins and outs, the X's and O's, the off the field drama for both college football and the NFL. And now it's time to do my job. Give you one stone cold lock of the week. One thing you can place your hard earned money on. I'm going to go with the six point teaser. The game that I'm going to start with is the Seahawks against the Atlanta Falcons. The Seahawks are minus 7 in this game, so we're going to get them down to minus one. And the reason why I love this is all the reasons that I've illustrated on this show in the past weeks. The Seattle Seahawks are dangerous.

[Interviewer/Podcast Host]

They're for real.

[Mystic Zach]

They're contenders and they can be an absolute danger to anyone, especially an aging Kirk Cousins. He's a statue in the pocket. Drake London, banged up. I don't see a way that Kirk Cousins can stop the Seattle Seahawks defense from absolutely motor racing this offensive line. They've got Leonard Williams, they've got DeMarcus Lawrence, they've got a back end that you cannot get separation on. I think the Seattle Seahawks are going to make Kirk Cousins life a living hell this Sunday. I like them minus one and my second pick of the week comes in an NFC north showdown between the Chicago Bears and the Green Bay Packers. The Green bay packers are minus 6.5. This is a six point teaser so we're going to get them to minus 0.5. I love this pick because the Green Bay packers are at home at Lambeau Field and we're in December. This is where the going gets tough. This is the toughest environment to play in when it hits winter and every single year we see a hot start NFL team, we see a hot shot, maybe second or third year quarterback waltz into Lambeau Field expecting to have that continued success they had in the previous weeks and it never quite works out that way. There's something about that field that's sobering, humbling and I think that's going to happen to Caleb Williams and the Chicago Bears offense this coming Sunday. Micah Parsons the Green Bay packers have been putting a lot of pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Rashaun Garry as well and I think they're going to have that welcome to the NFL moment for head coach Ben Johnson and second year quarterback Caleb Williams. Chicago Bears obviously coming off a great win over the Philadelphia Eagles, but the Green Bay packers at home at Lambeau Field with Jordan Love playing the way that he's been playing last week against the Detroit Lions. One of the best Jordan Love performances I've seen across the NFL. He's always been one of the league's most talented guys. He has the arm strength, he has the ability to make any throw on the field. But the way that he saw the field against the Detroit Lions and was able to pick apart both zone and man coverage was something special to see. They obviously have Josh Jacobs in the run game to also help expand upon the packers continued offensive success. Christian Watson comes back from a torn acl. He's been a massive help to this offense as well as dontavion Wicks. I mean, how about dontavian Wicks coming down with those two impressive catches against the Detroit Lions? Green Bay packers are hot. They're rolling. We're in December. It's at Lambeau Field. I think this is the exact time you take them in. A six point teaser with the Seattle Seahawks. That's my stone cold Lock of the Week on the Double Coverage podcast. Appreciate you for watching. It was an honor to have Manti Teo on, former Heisman Trophy finalist, and it was great to speak with someone who could kind of rap with me about every single topic. Hope you enjoyed it. Please come back for episode 10. We got a big one coming.

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