Where would COLSTON LOVELAND get drafted now?

Summary

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Forward Progress - A Chicago Bears Podcast

Episode: Where Would COLSTON LOVELAND Get Drafted Now?

Date: February 4, 2026
Hosts: Dan Bernstein & Matt Abbatacola
Podcast Network: 312 Sports

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Episode Overview

This episode, airing during the lead-up to Super Bowl week, features Dan and Matt exploring offseason themes with a heavy Chicago Bears slant and a healthy dose of NFL-wide perspective. The main thrust centers on a redraft of the 2025 NFL Draft with a focus on standout Bears rookie tight end Colston Loveland—debating how highly he'd go now and what that says about positional value and hindsight in scouting. Around this, the hosts riff on Super Bowl week rituals, coaching hires, media takes, the Bears' offensive coordinator dynamics, league business politics, and the Super Bowl halftime show controversy.

The hosts' discussion is lively, opinionated, frequently humorous, and blends sharp analysis with fan perspective and banter.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Super Bowl Week & The Bears’ Absence (00:22–04:04)

• Dan and Matt bemoan the Bears missing out on a winnable playoff game, re-living frustration that the Rams weren't the better team.
  • "The Rams were not the better team in that game, and that was statistically proven." — Matt (01:43)
• Both describe a sense of "Bears withdrawal," wishing for another game.

2. Bears’ Offensive Coordinator Search & Role (04:04–10:44)

• Discussion on the open Bears OC spot following Declan Doyle's departure to the Ravens.
  • Troy Walters turned down an interview; new candidate is Connor Senger, 36, highly regarded with experience with the Cardinals.
  • They debate what the Bears’ OC actually does under presumed playcaller Ben Johnson, and how much influence the role carries.
• Matt suggests the Bears’ OC is a genuine proving ground for future head coaching prospects, not a symbolic title:
  • "I think he significantly has a role as offensive coordinator. I would love to know specifically what that is." — Matt (06:15)
  • Declan Doyle set a precedent; his press conferences showed ownership and strong, confident leadership.

3. Frank Reich to the Jets/Coach Carousel (08:53–10:06)

• Frank Reich is now Jets OC after previous head coaching stints; speculation about that staff’s shaky future.

4. Tony Dungy, Hall of Fame Voting, and Critiques (10:49–15:48)

• Dan launches a sharp critique of Tony Dungy’s public persona as moral authority, especially amid Hall of Fame voting secrecy.
  • "For some reason somehow ascended to the throne of the moral and ethical guru for the league... he happens to be a bigot, a homophobe, and he should be the last person the NFL is looking to for some of these things." — Dan (11:07)
• Frustration over Dungy’s unwillingness to be transparent: “If you didn’t vote them in, have the courage of your convictions. From what are you hiding?” — Dan (12:56)

5. 2025 NFL Redraft & Colston Loveland as a Rising Star (15:48–22:28)

• The episode’s main focus: reviewing ESPN's redraft of the first two rounds of 2025 and where Bears TE Colston Loveland would be selected now after a spectacular rookie year.
  • Orginally, Loveland was chosen by the Bears at #10—in the redraft, he still goes at 10, but Dan and Matt challenge this.
  • Dan: “If you go back and look at rookie seasons of tight ends who were eventually great, there is no reason to take great off the table for Colston Loveland.” (18:00)
  • Argue that multiple teams (notably Jacksonville at #5 and Carolina at #9) would now surely take Loveland higher if the draft were replayed with current knowledge.
• Brief notes on other breakout risers: Luther Burden III, Nick Imanwori, Ashton Genty, and the running back value devaluation trend.

6. League Business: The 18-Game Schedule Debate (22:43–27:30)

• Recap of Roger Goodell’s “no formal or informal discussions” stance on expanding the season.
• NFLPA’s opposition is noted; Kraft comments suggest owners are informally planning for 18 games and annual international games.
  • Matt: “He made it really clear they’re going to push like the dickens... serious talk from an old guy.” (25:11)
  • Dan: "There's just too much money in it [for 18 games not to be coming]." (27:32)

7. Bears Stadium, Fan Chants, and Local Anecdotes (27:36–30:38)

• Humorous back-and-forth about Bears stadium debates, potential protest chants, and Chicago area fishing shows and nature centers.

8. Super Bowl Halftime Show Debate: Bad Bunny & Football Culture (32:00–47:00)

• Discussion of the Athletic's player survey showing 41% disapproval of Bad Bunny as halftime act—responses highlighting lack of familiarity, preference for “American” or “football culture” artists.
  • Dan: “Then you’re an idiot.” — reacting to players who don't know who Bad Bunny is (34:51)
  • Matt: “What’s the issue? It’s the language, right?... But the Rolling Stones, The Who—speak English. So in that guy’s eyes, more American than a guy from America because he speaks American.” (35:40)
• Highlight hypocrisy of objecting to Puerto Rican (American citizen) artist but not British ones, and point out Bad Bunny’s massive popularity and prior Super Bowl appearance.
• Satirical proposal for an “All-American” halftime show featuring Kid Rock, Brantley Gilbert, Lee Bryce, Gabby Barrett, etc.—lampooning the idea of “real American” music.
  • Dan: “Honey, turn on Daily Wire Plus.” (45:07)

9. Absurdist Football “Culture” Parody (47:00–54:10)

• The hosts mock reductive “football culture” by listing “real American” football values: trucks, beer, guns, dirt, etc., riffing about symbolic Americana and flag code trivia.

10. Musical & Personal Tangents (54:10–58:00)

• Brief digressions on summer camp stories, musicals (Wicked, Wizard of Oz), and slapstick humor—reflecting the hosts’ comfortable, freewheeling rapport.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Draft Wisdom (18:00):
  “If you go back and look at rookie seasons of tight ends who were eventually great, there is no reason to take great off the table for Colston Loveland.”
  — Dan Bernstein

• On Tony Dungy (11:07):
  “For some reason somehow ascended to the throne of the moral and ethical guru for the league... he happens to be a bigot, a homophobe, and he should be the last person the NFL is looking to for some of these things.”
  — Dan Bernstein

• On Redrafting for Need vs. Best Player (16:17):
  “Just because you’re still going with team need and not the outcome performance of the player...”
  — Dan Bernstein

• On Football Culture Debates (34:51):
  “Then you’re an idiot.”
  — Dan Bernstein (to anonymous NFL players saying they don't know Bad Bunny)

• Satire on "Real American" Halftime Show (42:23):

  • “Honey, turn on Daily Wire Plus.”
    — Dan Bernstein

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Important Segment Timestamps

• Bears Season Frustrations & Withdrawal: 00:22–04:04
• Bears OC Vacancy & Ben Johnson’s Influence: 04:04–10:44
• Tony Dungy, HOF Vote Critique: 10:49–15:48
• 2025 NFL Redraft/Colston Loveland Debate: 15:48–22:28
• 18-Game Schedule & Business Politics: 22:43–27:30
• Super Bowl Halftime Show Debate (Bad Bunny/Football Culture): 32:00–47:00

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Style & Tone

The episode crackles with Dan and Matt’s trademark blend of blunt honesty, sardonic wit, analytical insight, and deep affection (and frustration) for the Bears and NFL culture at large. They readily shift between serious football analysis and playful, improvisational banter—never shying from social commentary nor from ribbing their own fandom.

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For the Listener

This episode is must-listen for Bears fans, draft nerds, and anyone interested in how NFL narratives—on and off the field—are built, revised, and satirized. The Colston Loveland analysis is especially sharp, but the show also doesn’t miss its opportunity to lampoon both league hypocrisy and overcooked “culture” debates, all while keeping the tone lively and accessible.

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Transcript

[Dan Bernstein]

I mean, if you're a Bears fan, you're thinking forward progress. Come on.

[Matt Abeticola]

Forward Progress, a Chicago Bears podcast with Dan Bernstein and Matt Abeticola on 312 Sports.

[Dan Bernstein]

You want forward progress? You got it right here on 312 Sports. We talk Bears, we talk NFL, and there's plenty of NFL right now. It is Wednesday of Super bowl week. Means we are turning our attention toward the game and toward everything else that is happening, as the teams themselves are now starting to take the actual probability of playing football much more seriously. So here they go. And I mentioned earlier today that I'm. I'm starting to feel it a little bit. Just everything that kind of underpins the super bowl stuff. I'm getting a little bit of Bears. I don't envy. I'm kind of over the surprising joy of the season, and now I'm feeling like, you know, sucks that the Bears aren't there.

[Matt Abeticola]

Yeah. I think what makes it really bad was the fact that the final game was a game that they gave away. That's what makes it tough. Had they won that game and then gone on to Seattle and gotten their asses handed to them or lost. Or lost in a good game where the Seahawks deserve to win, you would have said, all right, good season, tough end. It sucks, but that's the better team. Yeah.

[Dan Bernstein]

I think the time away and sort of Bears withdrawal. I'm in that stage of Bears withdrawal now where I could. I could go for another one right now.

[Matt Abeticola]

Yeah. Yeah. Because, I mean, the Bears. I mean, the Rams were not the better team in that game. They just weren't. They weren't. You could talk about the interceptions. You could talk about all you want. The Rams were not the better team in that game, and that was statistically proven by what Matthew Stafford did. And previous quarterbacks doing that in the playoffs were.09, 9 and 1. I mean, so he was the first to ever do it.

[Dan Bernstein]

It was highly unlikely.

[Matt Abeticola]

Yes.

[Dan Bernstein]

For a quarterback to win that game.

[Matt Abeticola]

Highly unlikely isn't even close to what it was.

[Dan Bernstein]

It had been impossible.

[Matt Abeticola]

That's why it was really frustrating. That's why, you know.

[Dan Bernstein]

Oh, I know. Why. I'm just, like, coming around and recognizing the feeling and acknowledging the feeling.

[Matt Abeticola]

Yeah.

[Dan Bernstein]

Is something I'm understanding a little bit better and saying, oh, why do I. Oh, that's why I feel this way.

[Matt Abeticola]

So you'll watch Sunday for the Super bowl, for the halftime show. You'll watch. I mean, you'll watch for the commercials, the halftime show, the food you're going to eat and enjoy Your Italian sausage. Garlic bread, maybe.

[Dan Bernstein]

I haven't decided necessarily. I'm going to make hard plugs.

[Matt Abeticola]

I. I'm.

[Dan Bernstein]

I'll figure it out.

[Matt Abeticola]

Oh, yeah, you should. You should make cannibal sandwiches where they eat the raw ground beef like they do in Wisconsin. You've seen those?

[Dan Bernstein]

What?

[Matt Abeticola]

You've never seen a cannibal sandwich?

[Dan Bernstein]

I like raw ground beef.

[Matt Abeticola]

Google it.

[Dan Bernstein]

Are you. Is this a bit.

[Matt Abeticola]

No, it's not a bit. You've never heard of cannibal sandwiches?

[Dan Bernstein]

No.

[Matt Abeticola]

Yeah, you know, you get that, that little rye bread, those little appetizer rye bread sandwiches.

[Dan Bernstein]

Tiger meat or raw beef sandwiches. A Wisconsin holiday tradition. Raw, high quality ground bee. Raw onions. Oh, hell yeah.

[Matt Abeticola]

Yeah. Make those for yourself.

[Dan Bernstein]

Are you kidding? Yeah, I'd add a little really good mustard on there.

[Matt Abeticola]

I'm surprised you've never had those before. Even heard of it.

[Dan Bernstein]

Oh, it's hot. It's hoch. Peter. Yeah. German Hochpeter.

[Matt Abeticola]

Yeah, get after it.

[Dan Bernstein]

It's just steak tartare.

[Matt Abeticola]

Do that.

[Dan Bernstein]

I. If it's. If steak tartare is on a menu somewhere, I almost always get it.

[Matt Abeticola]

But I don't think people in Wisconsin are doing a whole steak tartare preparation. They're taking like raw ground beef out of the package, putting it on like the sliced rye bread and eating it.

[Dan Bernstein]

If it's. If it's good ground beef, it's reputable Ground beef you can trust. Hell yeah.

[Matt Abeticola]

Get after it. You should do that along with your butt plugs.

[Dan Bernstein]

You'll be good plugs.

[Matt Abeticola]

Heart plugs.

[Dan Bernstein]

Heart plugs.

[Matt Abeticola]

Heart plugs. Yeah, there's.

[Dan Bernstein]

Later. Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Matt Abeticola]

All right.

[Dan Bernstein]

Don't worry.

[Matt Abeticola]

Speaking of the Bears, though, the one one area that's not a concern, but, but still a question mark for the Bears is the offensive coordinator position. Now we know that Declan Doyle, he left. He took his unorthodox training methods to the Ravens. Troy Walters, who is the wide receivers coach for the Bengals, declined the interview. Wants to stay where he's at.

[Dan Bernstein]

Stay with coaching Jamar Chase and T. Higgins.

[Matt Abeticola]

Yeah. Yeah. Not a terrible idea, but a new name has emerged. Connor Sanger. S E N G E R. Spent the last three years with Arizona offensive quality control coach, assistant QB coach, and then last year the passing game coordinator.

[Dan Bernstein]

Oh, he's a baby.

[Matt Abeticola]

But a really highly regarded.

[Dan Bernstein]

How old is this young guy?

[Matt Abeticola]

36 maybe.

[Dan Bernstein]

Oh, he doesn't look at.

[Matt Abeticola]

Okay.

[Dan Bernstein]

All right.

[Matt Abeticola]

A highly regarded younger coach in the NFL. Cool. And having read a couple articles about him, Dan, that this would be a good move for him to propel himself into head coaching opportunities.

[Dan Bernstein]

I would just like to know first and foremost, what does the job really entail? It's a great title. Chicago Bears offensive coordinator is a great title, but you're not really doing much on game day. And what your relationship with Ben Johnson is going to be critical. Is he hiring? Is this an apprenticeship? Is it a valet? Like, is it less than an apprentice? Is it, is it a, is it a full fledged opinion? Are you speaking up in meetings? Are you saying Ben. No, no, no, no.

[Matt Abeticola]

Okay.

[Dan Bernstein]

You're wrong about this, that we shouldn't run it to this side of the field. We should only run this out of this personnel. Like how much are you being listened to? I would love to know the inner workings or what or how Ben publicly would describe the role of offensive coordinator.

[Matt Abeticola]

It's a very good question you ask and I think it's the right avenue to travel down. But given the fact that Declan Doyle got a job after one year in this role with the Bears.

[Dan Bernstein]

Declan Doyle got a job, dude.

[Matt Abeticola]

So he's the offensive quarter now for, you know, the two time MVP Lamar Jackson, okay. As Derek Henry the runner. So it's not like some bottom of the barrel team is like just throwing a bone at a guy or giving a guy a chance. This is a team that has a legitimate chance to win their division and go to the playoffs next year. Right. He's the OC and the fact that Ben Johnson puts him out there every Thursday to answer questions as the offensive coordinator while you ask the right question, and I would love to know in great detail, I think he does a lot more on game days than you might think. Ben Johnson calls the place. We know that. But I think he significantly has a role as offensive coordinator. I would love to know specifically what that is, but given the things I've just mentioned, he certainly is more than just a guy there with a title.

[Dan Bernstein]

I think that's true. And like I say, his press conferences were appointment listening.

[Matt Abeticola]

They're very good. Yes.

[Dan Bernstein]

I really thought Declan Doyle, when it.

[Matt Abeticola]

Comes to some coordinators, that's one of the best you could hear from.

[Dan Bernstein]

He certainly presented himself as someone who knows what he's doing and does have strong opinions about players and plays.

[Matt Abeticola]

Because if you notice when we listen to him too, it was all about me or I. It wasn't like, oh, this is what they wanted or Ben wanted or it was, he was talking as a person of leadership in that authority.

[Dan Bernstein]

But again, we never know the way he presents it at the lectern. Isn't necessarily the way that it's possible that he gave all this information to Ben Johnson, but it's like. Yeah, thanks. More cream and sugar? Thank you. So, yeah, you're right.

[Matt Abeticola]

But I'm exaggerating on purpose 100%. Yes.

[Dan Bernstein]

Yeah, I'm exaggerating on purpose because I like to think, ideally that this is a full fledged member of the Bears intelligentsia who is there to agree to disagree, to inject himself into these strategic discussions in a way that doesn't necessarily carry the full weight of authority, but is taken into full consideration without knowing.

[Matt Abeticola]

For sure how it works. That's what I'm leaning towards, yes.

[Dan Bernstein]

Good. Well, that would be a healthy organization.

[Matt Abeticola]

Right. And that seems like a very healthy leader in Ben Johnson.

[Dan Bernstein]

And I think that we should give Ben Johnson the benefit of the doubt when it comes to that stuff. But maybe this job is different from Declan Doyle's job. Maybe it depends on the strength of the candidate. Maybe he would say that there are certain candidates who would need a little more seasoning or have a different role and work into a larger role. I think all these things are possible and all on the table if he just wants the best person for the job, whatever the job may be now.

[Matt Abeticola]

Well, we do know for sure that there is a. A new offensive coordinator for the New York Jets. Frank Reich, back in the NFL one time. Wait, Colts and Panthers head coach. Yeah, Colts. Am I. Am I making the.

[Dan Bernstein]

No, I think that's right. I will check immediately. But yeah, Frank, he's 64 already.

[Matt Abeticola]

Is he really?

[Dan Bernstein]

Yeah, he was the head coach of the Panthers in 2023 after being with the Colts as their head coach from 2018 to 2022. Interim head coach at Stanford and now offensive coordinator of the Jets.

[Matt Abeticola]

Okay. And no, I think no previous relationship with Aaron Glenn. And, you know, he gets to go in and run the whole offense and, you know, add this to his resume for next off season when the whole staff is let go by brick and.

[Dan Bernstein]

Stick the kids, the boys. Grandpa, fire everybody or what? Okay.

[Matt Abeticola]

We played a Madden season and then you guys won one game. Fire them all.

[Dan Bernstein]

All right.

[Matt Abeticola]

Sounds good to me.

[Dan Bernstein]

I know you're kidding, but it's kind of like that.

[Matt Abeticola]

It's not too far off.

[Dan Bernstein]

It is not, sadly, not too far off. No.

[Matt Abeticola]

So, yeah, I'm interested to see how this all plays out for the Bears with Connor Sanger. You know, again, highly regarded guy, young guy. I mean, if you're talking about coming into the Bears for a season or two to then propel himself into head coaching opportunities, then. Yeah, that's. Well, I mean, he looks. He looks the part to get a head coaching job, so, yeah, I'm not.

[Dan Bernstein]

Going to spend too much time worrying about it. I don't think it's going to make a material difference for the Bears in their record next year, nor the development of Caleb Williams, but I'd rather have a smart guy than a dumb guy.

[Matt Abeticola]

That would help, right? That would help. I'd like that. In every important position here in this.

[Dan Bernstein]

Country, can we get to one thing. But before we get into the. Some other things, because I know it's not on our list. Did you hear what Tony Duny said yesterday?

[Matt Abeticola]

I forgot to put it down there.

[Dan Bernstein]

Did you hear what he said yesterday?

[Matt Abeticola]

I did.

[Dan Bernstein]

I am.

[Matt Abeticola]

I'm sorry. I know you wanted to get to.

[Dan Bernstein]

This, and now let me just get. Get this out of my system.

[Matt Abeticola]

Yes, sir.

[Dan Bernstein]

Because, you know, I am so over Tony Dungy, who for some reason somehow ascended to the throne of the moral and ethical guru for the league. Well, what should happen now that something bad has happened? Let's ask Tony Dungy, who happens to be a bigot, a homophobe, and he should be the last person the NFL is looking to for some of these things. You talk about a sanctimonious clown. And now he was asked directly, did you vote for Bill Belichick or Robert Kraft for the hall of Fame? His answer was, well, first of all, we don't know that they didn't get inducted in the hall of Fame. Yeah, we do.

[Matt Abeticola]

We do know. They've already said they have not.

[Dan Bernstein]

We know the presumption. We don't know. Yeah, we do. Don't pretend we don't know. And to start off that way. So in that haughty. Well, first of all, we don't know that they didn't get inducted. I'm a voter. I have not heard who's in or who's out. I'm not gonna make a comment on it and speculate. We'll find out, I think, on Thursday who's in and who's out. The hell are you talking about?

[Matt Abeticola]

News flash, bro.

[Dan Bernstein]

They're out. Yeah, they're out. Okay. So, hey, so I can show you all this stuff.

[Matt Abeticola]

Let's pretend it's Thursday.

[Dan Bernstein]

Yeah, let's pretend it's Thursday right now. Did you.

[Matt Abeticola]

I'm not going.

[Dan Bernstein]

And then he got mad. So did you vote for them or not? I said I wasn't going to comment because we don't know. What are you so afraid of what are you? I always say this. Just own it. Whatever you think, don't hide from it. Own it. Support it.

[Matt Abeticola]

Because he's had other thoughts. He wasn't afraid.

[Dan Bernstein]

Exactly. Sharing. Exactly. Be proud of what you think and what you say. If you didn't vote them in, have the courage of your convictions. From what are you hiding? I don't get it. You're the. You're the great Tony Dungy. You're the person of such high standing that everyone has to come to you for things that matter. Because we the go to the Oracle at Delphi with this guy, I would.

[Matt Abeticola]

Go back after Thursday and ask him.

[Dan Bernstein]

Again, the hell is this? Oh, absolutely. I'd be there every day.

[Matt Abeticola]

Yeah.

[Dan Bernstein]

When.

[Matt Abeticola]

When we finally do learn that they're not in hall of Fame, I would.

[Dan Bernstein]

Go back and ask, we know they're not in. Right? We know they're not in. And. Well, I don't have to tell you because we don't know. I'm a voter. I have not heard. Well, the rest of us have.

[Matt Abeticola]

The NFL commissioner said that Bill Belichick will get in. It's inevitable. So we know that he's not in.

[Dan Bernstein]

We know he's not in. We know he's going to get in. Everyone knows what's going on. From what is Tony Dungy hiding? Of what is he afraid? You're not entitled to know, Dan.

[Matt Abeticola]

The process is sacrosanct. Yes.

[Dan Bernstein]

Come on, man. I am not gonna turn sick of Tony Dungy. I don't know how he got to the. How did he elevate to this point by writing a bunch of religious books about how much he hates gays. And now all of a sudden, this is, well, we gotta go to Tony Dungy. It's enough. Yeah, move on. Find better. Find people who have earned a right for us to care about what they think. Come on, man, that's enough. I'm not gonna tell you. We don't know. How did everybody at that table not be like, yeah, yeah, we do. What are you talking about?

[Matt Abeticola]

We do know. We know the commissioner said already that he's going to get in one day. We know that.

[Dan Bernstein]

It's like every time somebody indicating that.

[Matt Abeticola]

He'S not getting in right now, Tony. So did you vote for him or not?

[Dan Bernstein]

It's like when you. When you go to Mike Johnson. Did what do you.

[Matt Abeticola]

I didn't hear it. I didn't read it.

[Dan Bernstein]

I didn't hear it. I didn't read. I don't know. I don't know anything. I don't Watch it. I don't know anything. Why are you asking me? Well, here's. Here's what was said. Read it. Here you go. Right here. We'll. Wait.

[Matt Abeticola]

I forgot my glasses.

[Dan Bernstein]

Oh, I don't know. I can't read. I never learned how to read. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. I don't know. What is. What are you doing? What's so hard? No, I didn't vote for him. Why not? Here's why not. Yes, I voted for him. Why? Here's. Why. Is that so hard?

[Matt Abeticola]

Yeah. Thursday, I'm back to him. Hey, so we know now that they didn't get in. Did you vote for them or not?

[Dan Bernstein]

He's already had his media availability. He'll disappear. He won't be available. This was the media availability. And he punted because he's a coward. It just clowned college. What are you doing?

[Matt Abeticola]

So espn, Dan, they went back through and they redrafted the first two rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft.

[Dan Bernstein]

Okay.

[Matt Abeticola]

So they went through the first two, and you saw who the original pick was and then who you'd pick now after the 2025 season. So we go through Tennessee Titans, original pick, Cam Ward. They still have Cam Ward as the number one pick.

[Dan Bernstein]

Now, I kind of object to the way this is being done.

[Matt Abeticola]

Okay. Why?

[Dan Bernstein]

Just because you're still going with team.

[Matt Abeticola]

Need and not the outcome performance of the player.

[Dan Bernstein]

Right. And these are all. All of these are written by the beat reporter that covers that team. So everybody's sort of predisposed to team biases based on already having that player. I don't know. It's a weird way to do it. I would like it better if somebody puts their name on it and says, here's my opinion of if everybody knew what they know now, here's how everybody would do it. This just seems a little bit overcooked.

[Matt Abeticola]

Okay, Well, I mean, it's interesting, though, because you look at the Cleveland Browns who picked Travis Hunter, and then the new pick would have been Tyler Shuck. Tyler Shuck, yes. At QB. So you're talking wide receivers.

[Dan Bernstein]

They don't even love QBs.

[Matt Abeticola]

So they said Tyler Shuck at number two. The original pick for the Giants at three was Abdul Carter. New pick, Jackson Dart Patriots picked Will Campbell. They still have Will Campbell going for Jacksonville Jaguars. Mason Graham was the original pick at 5. The new pick would have been Travis Hunter. The Vegas Raiders picked Ashton Genty.

[Dan Bernstein]

He dropped way down.

[Matt Abeticola]

He would have dropped way down. The jets new Pick would have been Abdul, Carter, Carolina, the Saints. Now let's get down to the Bears. Okay, so the Bears original pick was Colson Loveland. The new pick, Colson Loveland. So now based on what you just.

[Dan Bernstein]

Said, this is my objection. This is where I'm taking this done.

[Matt Abeticola]

Right?

[Dan Bernstein]

Because Colston Loveland had a rare level of rookie performance at that position. And I don't think I'm being a fanboy here when I say he has established himself. If you go back and look at rookie seasons of tight ends who were eventually great, there is no reason to take great off the table for Colston Loveland. So especially the quality of his catches, the significance of his catches, the arc of his development. I think it is that you're. You're being willfully ignorant if you don't think right now, in a vacuum that if you told these other nine teams that however much you like your guy in this NFL, that you could have a legitimately, potentially great perennial Pro bowl tight end, that that guy wouldn't go higher. Of course he would.

[Matt Abeticola]

Well, I can tell you right now, there are. There are two teams in the top nine that would have taken Colson Loveland 100% would have. I mean, now the Raiders, maybe not.

[Dan Bernstein]

No.

[Matt Abeticola]

So here are the two teams. The two teams are number eight, Carolina Panthers. And then definitely at number, number five. He would have gone at five to the Jacksonville Jaguars had that team seen what Colson Loveland did in his first year. Having a new head coach who is in the running for. Was in the running for coach of.

[Dan Bernstein]

The year and coming off an injury that he didn't even really rehabilitate until close to the season, was ready to go.

[Matt Abeticola]

And having a quarterback that they had who led his team to the playoffs. So you have an established quarterback at both 5 and 9 with Carolina and Bryce Young, they would have taken. He would have gone at five to Jacksonville. So maybe the first four don't take him either way.

[Dan Bernstein]

I think it's an easy argument to make. Now, the first say that he gave every indication of potential greatness, position, and he would still go where he went. No.

[Matt Abeticola]

Yeah. I think, you know, Titans still take a qb. The Browns would take a qb. The Giants take a qb. The Patriots, I think, you know, they're settled on Will Campbell at tackle. He would have gone at 5 without a question.

[Dan Bernstein]

I also, especially given the way they redrafted.

[Matt Abeticola]

So first he went Mason Graham, and then with the redraft order, they had Travis Hunter going at wide receiver. No, you're taking. If you're watching that season. You're taking colson lovin at 5.

[Dan Bernstein]

Agreed. Also we should note that Luther Burden III moved up from 39. He jumped all the way to 35. The Tennessee Titans, that's, that's low too.

[Matt Abeticola]

He would have gone higher. I think. So if you watch the season, what he did, statistically speaking, his, his, his output, he goes higher than 35.

[Dan Bernstein]

And the other guy is Nick Iman worry that is. Nobody saw him being that good.

[Matt Abeticola]

Yeah. Because what do they have? So Ashton Genti was selected six. What do they, they drop him down, I think still in the first round.

[Dan Bernstein]

Yes. But down and again. It happens every year. And what happened was it was backlash to a devaluation of running backs where everyone's like, well, I know you don't take running backs but this guy's worth it. It'll probably happen again this year. They had pick a running back and it'll happen.

[Matt Abeticola]

They moved him to 22nd for the Chargers. The original pick was Amari and Hampton. And then the new pick in the redraft would have been Ashton Genti.

[Dan Bernstein]

It's probably going to be the Notre Dame guy. It'll be Jeremiah Love. Right. Isn't that going to be that Matt Miller said he might be and somebody was going to overdraft him too.

[Matt Abeticola]

Yes. Yeah. Then look at the packers at 23. Original pick Matthew Golden. They have a new pick of Josh Simmons, the tackle from Ohio State. Okay.

[Dan Bernstein]

Yeah.

[Matt Abeticola]

Yeah. But I think, yeah, there's, there's no way with what he did. He sits, he's, he goes down to 10 and again looking at the teams, he doesn't, he doesn't go below Jacksonville Jaguars. And if he were for some reason to fall down, the Panthers would have taken him. Yeah.

[Dan Bernstein]

If you think that somebody who showed what he showed isn't going significantly higher than that, you're not paying attention. Yeah. There point mate. That's all. I just, I don't want to be like you're underrating the Bears and the Bears.

[Matt Abeticola]

No, you're not.

[Dan Bernstein]

That doesn't.

[Matt Abeticola]

Yeah. Okay. You're not. Okay. You're not.

[Dan Bernstein]

I'm just very high on Loveland.

[Matt Abeticola]

You should be. And you're very high on love.

[Dan Bernstein]

Always.

[Matt Abeticola]

Even if it's an old fashioned love song.

[Dan Bernstein]

Down long and three part harmony.

[Matt Abeticola]

Yesterday we talked about Roger Goodell, his press conference, super bowl week, state of the league, blah, blah, blah. The 18 game schedule came up and you heard his answer.

[Roger Goodell]

Well, we're fortunate. We have quite a long CBA in front of us. But I Think we have not had any formal discussions about it, and frankly, very little if any informal conversations I've heard.

[Dan Bernstein]

So.

[Matt Abeticola]

No formal conversations. No informal conversations. That's the commissioner of the NFL. Okay. Well, that, of course, got the ears of the nflpa, and interim executive director David White had this to say. Our members have no appetite for a regular season 18th game. The 18th game is not casual for us. It's a very serious issue. It's something that comes out of negotiations, and nothing will move forward until the players have the opportunity to account for all those factors and take that into consideration and then through negotiations, agree or not to the 18th game. But as it stands right now, players have been very clear they don't have an appetite for it. You thought, all right, well, that makes sense because it is about negotiations. Roger Goodell, you heard what he. The way he said it, it sounded pretty clear. Right.

[Roger Goodell]

Well, we're fortunate. We have quite a long CBA in front of us, but I think we have not had any formal discussions about it and frankly, very little, if any informal conversations.

[Matt Abeticola]

Okay, Pretty clear. Right. Well, enter Robert Kraft into the mix.

[Dan Bernstein]

Okay.

[Matt Abeticola]

I want to tell you guys that we're going to push like the dickens now to make international games more important to us. Every team will go 18 regular season games to preseason games and eliminate one of the preseason games, and every team every year will play one game overseas. Welp, does that sound like there have been no formal conversations or informal conversations? Maybe those that the NFLPA or Roger Goodell have not been part of.

[Dan Bernstein]

Or he's just playing fast and loose with what informal means.

[Matt Abeticola]

That, to me sounds like a guy who's talked to other owners.

[Dan Bernstein]

Sure, sure.

[Matt Abeticola]

And he wasn't talking about, hey, we can't wait to sit down at the table. And.

[Dan Bernstein]

And maybe that's why the union came back and say, well, I don't care what you talked about among yourselves. That's a huge bargaining chip and you're not getting that without some concessions.

[Matt Abeticola]

But, I mean, he made it really clear that they're going to push like the dickens. Oh, so he's serious, man, that's serious talk from an old guy.

[Dan Bernstein]

Well, he might just be giving away their strategy, might be speaking out of turn and that the negotiations, if both are correct, that the discussions haven't been told, they haven't started yet, and Kraft doesn't care, and that's just what their, their behind the scenes planning is going to be for whenever they have an opportunity to push for something, or whenever the players come asking for something, they can hold that over their head and be like, yeah, well, if they're just letting us know what they're prioritizing, well.

[Matt Abeticola]

Every team will go 18 and two and eliminate one of the preseason games, and every team every year will play one game overseas.

[Dan Bernstein]

I think it's probably true. I think. I think everybody's right. I think it is probably the position of the union that they don't want to do it. It is probably the position of the league and the owners that they absolutely want to do it. But this has not been broached yet under the auspices of official bargaining or the run up to anything like that.

[Matt Abeticola]

Yeah, I just thought it was great. You hear Goodell, we haven't talked anything formal, informal. You know, we had. There's a long ways to go. NFLPA is like, hey, we're not. We're not looking at 18 games. That's a strong negotiation. We have to get through. Why would Kraft comes out and is like, hey, oh.

[Dan Bernstein]

But yeah, he's wrong.

[Matt Abeticola]

We're absolutely doing. We're doing it 18 and 2. And then everyone's playing overseas, too.

[Dan Bernstein]

I just wonder why Goodell would want it publicly pushed out there. That just slow your roll on it. How does that benefit other owners to not be seen as wanting that?

[Matt Abeticola]

Well, unless there are a group of owners that Goodell is talking with or have talked to Goodell that, hey, we're not interested in doing this or pushing this right now. Like, right now is not the time.

[Dan Bernstein]

Yeah, keep the powder dry on this one. Yeah, we'll get it.

[Matt Abeticola]

But not because there's something else that they have an agenda for. Because every owner has their own agenda.

[Dan Bernstein]

Of course.

[Matt Abeticola]

Of course. And then there are pockets that come together with their own agendas to push them. And this, whoever is in Goodell's ear, heavier on this is not pushing for 18 games at this time.

[Dan Bernstein]

There's.

[Matt Abeticola]

There's other things that they want.

[Dan Bernstein]

I would bet that it's coming. Yeah, because there's. There's just too much money in it.

[Matt Abeticola]

Right, right. And hopefully the Bears have a new stadium by then because that's an extra game that you might be able to earn money on.

[Dan Bernstein]

Well, we're going to see how you're the lowest. We'll see how much you care about that.

[Matt Abeticola]

Well, I'll see you Wednesday.

[Dan Bernstein]

Yeah, the double tree. Got to go out there and we should get rooms, make our voices heard.

[Matt Abeticola]

Do a show out there maybe before. Maybe do like a post rally show.

[Dan Bernstein]

Run around like live wireless mics and interview.

[Matt Abeticola]

Do it live. A Live show during the rally.

[Dan Bernstein]

Oh, wow. It's just gonna be that. That's gonna be the center of everything.

[Matt Abeticola]

What's the. What's the chant? Keep the bears in Illinois. It just doesn't flow good. Hell no, they won't go. Hell no, they can't go right there. Hell no, they can't go. Over my dead body. All right, we'll bring in ice.

[Dan Bernstein]

We won't bend, we won't break. Bears stay near the lake.

[Matt Abeticola]

Oh, that's really. You did on your own.

[Dan Bernstein]

Yeah. That's really good because that's Arlington Heights.

[Matt Abeticola]

Oh, yeah.

[Dan Bernstein]

Oh, it is just. It is, right? Bears will stay in Arlington Heights.

[Matt Abeticola]

That's good. But they're not there though, so they can't stay.

[Dan Bernstein]

Right? Bears will be in Arlington Heights.

[Matt Abeticola]

Yeah.

[Dan Bernstein]

I don't know. We'll figure it out by then.

[Matt Abeticola]

I mean, so one way or another, the bears are leaving somewhere.

[Dan Bernstein]

That's true. As far as we know.

[Matt Abeticola]

Yeah.

[Dan Bernstein]

Maybe they can combine it. When. When's the fishing show that they usually do in Schaumburg? I think it's. Is that the Renaissance?

[Matt Abeticola]

Is that the All Canada Show?

[Dan Bernstein]

The All Canada show is that one? No, it's a different one. Oh, no, it was the fishing show. That's where I saw. What was his name? Ish Monroe was showing how to work a tube jig.

[Matt Abeticola]

Well, who's Ish Monroe?

[Dan Bernstein]

Professional fisherman. Oh, Schomburg Convention Center.

[Matt Abeticola]

Why can't you say his first name?

[Dan Bernstein]

We missed it.

[Matt Abeticola]

Oh, we did.

[Dan Bernstein]

Oh, no, wait, that's 20, 27. No, we missed it. It was January. Yeah. We missed the Chicago Fishing Expo. Rats. I went there once in between hockey games. We just hit. We had time to kill out. And so I was like, hey, let's go.

[Matt Abeticola]

Oh, I went to the fishing show. I've never been.

[Dan Bernstein]

You know, you walk around a bunch of like minded people. There was a really cool exhibit. There were a bunch of people with. They were falconers there. Oh, there's a falcon from Atlanta. No falconers. Okay. And they had. They had like red tail hawks and peregrine falcons and they trained them to go hunt for them.

[Matt Abeticola]

We saw a bird sanctuary in. In Italy. Went and did a little tour. And they had birds of prey that were injured and, you know, nursed back to health, but they stayed there. And that was really, really cool.

[Dan Bernstein]

There's one in Glenview.

[Matt Abeticola]

Really cool. Oh, really?

[Dan Bernstein]

Yeah, right up on Milwaukee Avenue. The River Trail Nature Center. I used to go there as a little kid and it's still there. And they've the Same thing. They've got injured birds of prey that hang out there. They've got a coyote that always tries to escape, tries to dig its way out.

[Matt Abeticola]

Yeah.

[Dan Bernstein]

So, yeah, there's like a one eyed eagle and a hawk that lost its flying feathers.

[Matt Abeticola]

I knew a guy named One Eyed Eagle.

[Dan Bernstein]

Yeah?

[Matt Abeticola]

Yeah. Back in school. Wait, there's a coyote there that tries to dig his way out? Yeah. Why don't they just let him out then? He's a fucking wild animal.

[Dan Bernstein]

It's got some injury or something. It can't be in the wild. But it's got toys, Teeth? I think so. But I don't know exactly why they have to keep it there. They're only keeping things there for educational purposes. Because these animals, animals cannot be in the wild.

[Matt Abeticola]

And that's in Glenview?

[Dan Bernstein]

I think so. Yeah. Look up.

[Matt Abeticola]

All right. We should get the rally after Wednesdays, after we're done with the bears, to move it on there to get that wolf back in the Freedom.

[Dan Bernstein]

I used to go there as a kid. My mom would take me, you think he's hungry? River Trail Nature Center. And we would stop.

[Matt Abeticola]

You think he's hungry?

[Dan Bernstein]

There used to be a Wonder Bread outlet, like a Hostess and Wonder Outlet.

[Matt Abeticola]

Seen those before.

[Dan Bernstein]

And we'd go. We'd get cheap bread or the free day old bread. We'd go and feed the adults.

[Matt Abeticola]

That's where it started for you and the geese.

[Dan Bernstein]

Oh, that's for the day old baked goods.

[Matt Abeticola]

All right.

[Dan Bernstein]

Yeah.

[Matt Abeticola]

That's where it all started. Now it all makes sense. See, I'm learning so much about you.

[Dan Bernstein]

I have River Trail Nature Center. Yeah, there it is. Field trips, hybrid learning trails, events, nature notes.

[Matt Abeticola]

Well, I want to get a petition going to get that wolf release to the wild.

[Dan Bernstein]

It's not a wolf. It's a coyote.

[Matt Abeticola]

Coyote.

[Dan Bernstein]

They're very different.

[Matt Abeticola]

They are very different.

[Dan Bernstein]

They're having a superb owl party on Sunday.

[Matt Abeticola]

Did you. Did you watch the dog show at all last couple of days? The Westminster?

[Dan Bernstein]

No. You were watching the dog show?

[Matt Abeticola]

Yeah. Okay. You know who won best in show?

[Dan Bernstein]

If it were all pit bulls and staffies, I would watch.

[Matt Abeticola]

Well, the. The best in show this year, 2026, was the Doberman Pincher.

[Dan Bernstein]

Okay.

[Matt Abeticola]

And her name was Penny.

[Dan Bernstein]

Penny the Doberman.

[Matt Abeticola]

Cool. But no, the headline kept reading, penny Pinchers. Isn't that cute? Do you get it? Yeah. Okay.

[Dan Bernstein]

You sure? Yeah, I get it.

[Matt Abeticola]

You should get a. I expected a better reaction from that.

[Dan Bernstein]

Sorry.

[Matt Abeticola]

You.

[Dan Bernstein]

Sorry? You know, cornball, it's fine. I'm just. I don't know there's a. My. He's a crack in his ass.

[Matt Abeticola]

You can't laugh at Penny pincher. Whatever.

[Dan Bernstein]

It's still the best joke.

[Matt Abeticola]

You're a joke.

[Dan Bernstein]

No, it still isn't the best joke randomly. Oh, my God. What? I have a huge crack in my ass. I used to get the kids with that all the time. You scare them while you're, like, driving. And I hit the brake weird. And like, oh, my God, Dad. What? What?

[Matt Abeticola]

What?

[Dan Bernstein]

I've got a huge crack in my ass. And I mean. Would you stop it?

[Matt Abeticola]

Yeah, it's funny.

[Dan Bernstein]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Matt Abeticola]

Hey, so there's a.

[Dan Bernstein]

Use it on your kids.

[Matt Abeticola]

There's a problem with this year's halftime show. I don't know if you're aware of this problem.

[Dan Bernstein]

What is it?

[Matt Abeticola]

Well, prom is like, when there's an issue of concern or something, but that's.

[Dan Bernstein]

Not important right now.

[Matt Abeticola]

Yeah. So you know who's up performing as Bad Bunny? And apparently the Athletic has. They put out a survey of NFL players.

[Dan Bernstein]

Okay.

[Matt Abeticola]

And this was an anonymous survey, always the safest and easiest way to go.

[Dan Bernstein]

For Tony Dungey.

[Matt Abeticola]

Yes. That 41% of the players that were polled do not approve of Bad Bunny performing at the halftime show.

[Dan Bernstein]

Do not approve. I do not approve. What do you mean?

[Matt Abeticola]

The Athletic noted two main reasons fueling the majority of players who didn't like Bad Bunny as a halftime show performer. One, a lack of familiarity with his music.

[Dan Bernstein]

Well, listen to it. It's not like it's hard to find.

[Matt Abeticola]

Not allowed.

[Dan Bernstein]

You're not allowed to listen.

[Matt Abeticola]

Not allowed to listen to it. I don't know this music.

[Dan Bernstein]

I don't know this music has been kept for me. I don. The arrangement of notes.

[Matt Abeticola]

Because, Dan, a reasonable person would say, well, then listen to it. Hey, I'm not familiar with this. I'm going to get familiar with it.

[Dan Bernstein]

How can you have it listening to it? How can you have an opinion of him performing at halftime if you don't know the music?

[Matt Abeticola]

Correct.

[Dan Bernstein]

What?

[Matt Abeticola]

The other main reason they said a preference for a different artist.

[Dan Bernstein]

Who? Hang on, Kid Rock.

[Matt Abeticola]

I'll get there. So here are some of the Nugent anonymous quotes from the players. And this is one NFC offensive player. I don't even know who Bad Bunny is.

[Dan Bernstein]

Then you're an idiot.

[Matt Abeticola]

I always think it should be an American.

[Dan Bernstein]

He is an American.

[Matt Abeticola]

I think they're trying too hard with this international stuff.

[Dan Bernstein]

He is American. He's from Puerto Rico.

[Matt Abeticola]

Can you, off the top of your head, Daniel, think of any performers who are not Americans? That performed at the halftime show. You think of any?

[Dan Bernstein]

Yes.

[Matt Abeticola]

Like who didn't?

[Dan Bernstein]

Shakira.

[Matt Abeticola]

Shakira did.

[Dan Bernstein]

Yes.

[Matt Abeticola]

What about any rock bands? I was gonna say the who cross the pond. The who Maybe. Did Rolling Stones perform the. Heavily. Were they from England? Okay. Yeah. It's not American, right?

[Dan Bernstein]

No. Okay. No. It's way less American than somebody from Puerto Rico.

[Matt Abeticola]

Correct.

[Dan Bernstein]

Who's American?

[Matt Abeticola]

So let's get down to the bottom of this. What's the issue? It's the language, right?

[Dan Bernstein]

Spanish. Right.

[Matt Abeticola]

But the Rolling Stones. The who speak English.

[Dan Bernstein]

Correct.

[Matt Abeticola]

So in that guy's eyes, more American than a guy from America because he speaks American.

[Dan Bernstein]

Okay, okay. I'm trying to understand. I'm doing my best here.

[Matt Abeticola]

All right. Here's a different NFC offensive player. I do not like it. I prefer anyone who's synonymous with football and football culture. I feel like there's a ton of artists out there that are fans of the game.

[Dan Bernstein]

How do you know Bad Bunny's not a fan of the game?

[Matt Abeticola]

You're asking all the right questions, Dan.

[Dan Bernstein]

Why do you presume Bad Bunny doesn't.

[Matt Abeticola]

Know or like the NFL? Because he's not American, Dan.

[Dan Bernstein]

I don't understand the concept. What downside? His music is great. He's a terrific entertainer by all accounts. What he's done for his homeland of Puerto Rico has been above and beyond, financially and otherwise. And.

[Matt Abeticola]

What'S the.

[Dan Bernstein]

And if you've never heard his music.

[Matt Abeticola]

Before, listen to it.

[Dan Bernstein]

Here's an opportunity to listen to it.

[Matt Abeticola]

Here's another offensive player from the afc. I think there are better examples of character and morality than Bad Bunny.

[Dan Bernstein]

What? What has he done that is of low character or is immoral or amoral? Where does that come from?

[Matt Abeticola]

I don't know. I think the problem is he's speaking no English.

[Dan Bernstein]

So. Wait, so not speaking English means you lack some.

[Matt Abeticola]

What's the other reason, Dan? He's from Puerto Rico, which is part of America. They want an American.

[Dan Bernstein]

Right.

[Matt Abeticola]

They got no problem when English speaking people from other countries perform at the halftime show.

[Dan Bernstein]

He said when he was a kid, I wasn't the kid who got involved in the streets. I liked to be home with my family. He attended church weekly with his devoutly Catholic mother and sang in the church choir until age 13.

[Matt Abeticola]

So, you know, Sunday night he just. He took home the Grammy for the album of the year award.

[Dan Bernstein]

Yeah.

[Matt Abeticola]

So he had a big night on Sunday at the Grammys. Dan. In a separate survey, NFL players were asked who their dream super bowl halftime.

[Dan Bernstein]

Performer would be unless it's Weird Al Yankovic. The answer is wrong.

[Matt Abeticola]

Here are the top choices.

[Dan Bernstein]

If Weird Al isn't on there, we got a problem.

[Matt Abeticola]

Number one, and I would love to see this halftime show.

[Dan Bernstein]

Yes.

[Matt Abeticola]

Michael Jackson.

[Dan Bernstein]

That'd be a Get dead.

[Matt Abeticola]

Drake. Beyonce. Drake. Chris Brown.

[Dan Bernstein]

Rich Brown, Travis Scott. Wait, you want Chris Brown and Michael Jackson?

[Matt Abeticola]

Good.

[Dan Bernstein]

Bad bunnies. Got a. You got a problem with his morals or his ethics? The hell are you talking about?

[Matt Abeticola]

Listen to this one. This is a good one. And tell me this is a domestic abuser. Here we go, our next couple answers. For the next four artists I name, I want you to say whether it was a white guy or black guy who requested these.

[Dan Bernstein]

I don't want to get involved in this.

[Matt Abeticola]

Creed.

[Dan Bernstein]

Oh, white guy.

[Matt Abeticola]

Justin Bieber.

[Dan Bernstein]

White guy.

[Matt Abeticola]

Chris Stapleton.

[Dan Bernstein]

White guy.

[Matt Abeticola]

Morgan Wallen. What?

[Dan Bernstein]

You made that one up?

[Matt Abeticola]

No, it's on the list.

[Dan Bernstein]

You know what I think happened?

[Matt Abeticola]

Dude, it's on the list.

[Dan Bernstein]

No, I think they were interviewing baseball players and they thought they were football players.

[Matt Abeticola]

It's on the list.

[Dan Bernstein]

Morgan Wall, man.

[Matt Abeticola]

I mean, he's been arrested how many times in the last two years?

[Dan Bernstein]

A piece of shit. I mean, come on, just.

[Matt Abeticola]

So, by the way, Bad Bunny performed at the 2020 Super bowl show. Did you know that? With Jennifer Lopez and Shakira. He was, he was, they were the headliners. He was one of the artists that performed. I don't remember any issues. Then do you remember any, any issues from NFL players about JLo and Shakira performing? Because you know, they sing in Spanish as well. And the whole, actually the whole theme, the setup was dedicated to Puerto Rico.

[Dan Bernstein]

Yeah. And Shakira also did. Because of her Middle Eastern roots. She did like the middle eastern little ugulation in there.

[Matt Abeticola]

And now There were complaints. 1500 people complained to the FCC because it was too sexually suggestive the halftime show that year, but no one complained about those two pretty ladies of Hispanic descent. Did you know that last year, 2025, that the number one streamed artist on Spotify was Bad Bunny? Bad Bunny.

[Dan Bernstein]

Yes, that I did know.

[Matt Abeticola]

Did you know that streaming all time ever in the history of streaming music, Bad Bunny is second all time behind Taylor Swift. Did you know that?

[Dan Bernstein]

I do now.

[Matt Abeticola]

And you know the super bowl is a global show. Did you know that?

[Dan Bernstein]

I did. That I did. Okay. I don't know. I don't know. It also could be cherry picked quotes from people just to make something more sensational than it otherwise is.

[Matt Abeticola]

Okay, but even if those, if those three guys said those three things and Those are the only three that were said and then cherry picked.

[Dan Bernstein]

More. More representative of football culture. What does that mean? How do they define that?

[Matt Abeticola]

I don't know. I know they want Hank Williams.

[Dan Bernstein]

All his rowdy friends are coming over. I think his rowdy friends are all dead.

[Matt Abeticola]

The Rowdy family. There was an actual last name. His friends were the Rowdies. They lived down the street.

[Dan Bernstein]

Yeah, Larry and Diane Rowdy.

[Matt Abeticola]

God damn it. The Rowdies are over again.

[Dan Bernstein]

The Rowdy's coming over.

[Matt Abeticola]

Yeah, it's like Hank calls you up. Hey, Dan, you want to come over tonight? Who's coming? Well, the Rowdies will be there. Yeah, No, I got something to do. I'm not showing up the Rowdies.

[Dan Bernstein]

I just saw the Rowdies. Yeah, we just. We were at dinner the other night. I saw them.

[Matt Abeticola]

All my rowdy friends are coming over tonight.

[Dan Bernstein]

You. That's representative. Get him out there.

[Matt Abeticola]

Yeah, I prefer anyone who's synonymous with football and football culture, because when I. When I. Oh, man. I'll go to the. I'll go to my room where I keep all my albums. Turntable in there. Not as quite as nice as this turntable, but I have one, and I take, like, a Rolling Stone album off the shelf.

[Dan Bernstein]

You think that's not American?

[Matt Abeticola]

No, I think it's football. Like, if I'm feeling the mood for football, Dan, Shakira, I put on the.

[Dan Bernstein]

Who because that just screams American football. So I also. If the good thing is there's another place for you to go. Turning point. USA's All American halftime show.

[Matt Abeticola]

Yeah, those players can watch that because those represent America. Because, Dan, they're Americans.

[Dan Bernstein]

I don't know exactly how you're gonna see it. It's on social channels celebrating faith, family, and freedom. Real America's voice and Oan. So if you. If you object to Bad Bunny and you want to support America and football culture. They've got a hell of a lineup here, man. This is. This.

[Matt Abeticola]

Wait, so faith, family, and freedom. So fff.

[Dan Bernstein]

Yeah. This is all you need.

[Matt Abeticola]

They like a lot of things with the same three letters, don't they?

[Dan Bernstein]

It helps them remember. Yeah, it'll feature Kid Rock.

[Matt Abeticola]

Wait, hang on. Kid Rock. Okay, I'm thinking football now, Dan.

[Dan Bernstein]

Brantley. Gilbert.

[Matt Abeticola]

Brantley. Gilbert speaks English. I'm thinking America.

[Dan Bernstein]

Lee Bryce.

[Matt Abeticola]

Lee. Is he really. He's performing.

[Dan Bernstein]

Lee Bryce.

[Matt Abeticola]

Is he really performing?

[Dan Bernstein]

You know who he is?

[Matt Abeticola]

I do.

[Dan Bernstein]

I don't.

[Matt Abeticola]

All right, well, he's off my list now.

[Dan Bernstein]

Okay.

[Matt Abeticola]

More of that music. All right, who else? Kid Rock, Brantley, Gilbert Lee. Bryce. Oh, isn't. Isn't our guy singing? Our guy's got to sing the. And I'm proud to be Greenwood. Yeah. Isn't Lee Greenwood there?

[Dan Bernstein]

Is he alive?

[Matt Abeticola]

You can't have a patriotic show without Lee Greenwood.

[Dan Bernstein]

Is that in his deal? That apparently he at least has to show up? Oh, Gabby Barrett. Oh, is she really?

[Matt Abeticola]

She's a new country star. Interesting.

[Dan Bernstein]

Is it Barnett? Gabby Barrett. Oh, it's also going to be on the Trinity Broadcasting Network.

[Matt Abeticola]

Yeah, they believe in faith, family and freedom.

[Dan Bernstein]

The Daily Wire, plus the National News Desk Charge. And it'll stream on Rumble for the Charlie Kirk Show Channel. Wow.

[Matt Abeticola]

Rumble Or Bumble. Isn't Bumble a dating site? Is it the right thing? Maybe they're streaming it there on the dating site.

[Dan Bernstein]

Stream it on Grindr.

[Matt Abeticola]

Well, well, well, Dan.

[Dan Bernstein]

You know, but.

[Matt Abeticola]

I'll be a lot easier to find.

[Dan Bernstein]

Brantley. Brantley Barrett. Bryce Gilbert.

[Matt Abeticola]

No. Brantley Gilbert. Kid Rock. Lee Bryce. Gabby Barrett. And now. You sure Lee Greenwood's not there? I.

[Dan Bernstein]

It doesn't say. I'm not sure. He's. I'm sure he's allowed to be.

[Matt Abeticola]

All American halftime show without band. Proud to be an American. Damn it.

[Dan Bernstein]

I wouldn't even know. Even if I wanted to watch, I wouldn't know how to get any of these things.

[Matt Abeticola]

Oh, nobody will. Nobody of who wants to watch.

[Dan Bernstein]

Honey, turn on Daily Wire Plus.

[Matt Abeticola]

God damn it, where's the Bumble Channel?

[Dan Bernstein]

Put on the Charge Network so we can watch real Americans do real American things. Okay.

[Matt Abeticola]

Yeah, because they're going to sing in English because otherwise none of this Spanish stuff with these foreigners.

[Dan Bernstein]

No puerto comprenderlo en espanol. Un cancion en espanol. Ay, ay, ay.

[Matt Abeticola]

You know, when you go to Puerto Rico, you don't need a passport.

[Dan Bernstein]

You know why?

[Matt Abeticola]

Why?

[Dan Bernstein]

It's part of America.

[Matt Abeticola]

Interesting.

[Dan Bernstein]

I've been to Puerto Rico.

[Matt Abeticola]

Weird how that works.

[Dan Bernstein]

And I didn't need a passport because why? I arrived and I said, wait a second here. I don't have to change currencies or anything.

[Matt Abeticola]

Why is that?

[Dan Bernstein]

Because their currency is the American dollar.

[Matt Abeticola]

Why is that, Dan?

[Dan Bernstein]

Because they're part of America. I also, when I was there, I also was a little under the weather. But good news. You know what else they had there? A Walgreens.

[Matt Abeticola]

Wait in that far off forest.

[Dan Bernstein]

Amazingly, a Walgreens that all they had to do was click a couple things and it was no different than the Walgreens that I would usually go to, where all of my pharmacists look like Craig Calcatera. Wow. Wait, is Walgreens and all my exes live in Texas?

[Matt Abeticola]

Yeah. I don't know. Walgreens was such an international customer.

[Dan Bernstein]

It's amazing. I know. In an exotic locale, they actually had all my information right there in front of me. Like, oh, yeah, sure, we can get in that store. In that same store in Puerto Rico. I know. Amazing.

[Matt Abeticola]

Damn, you're lucky. I know. Aren't I? What kind of health insurance do you have?

[Dan Bernstein]

I pay through the nose for it just so I can. I can get.

[Matt Abeticola]

Oh, that's right. You're from America.

[Dan Bernstein]

That's right. Yeah. Well. Yeah, well, we'll have fun with it. Mm. I don't like bad. Bad Bunny's not representative of football culture.

[Matt Abeticola]

Yeah. I want someone more synonymous with football. What do you.

[Dan Bernstein]

What do you want?

[Matt Abeticola]

What artist is synonymous with football?

[Dan Bernstein]

I think it's. I think it's the kid from Deliverance playing the banjo on the porch.

[Matt Abeticola]

Well, that fits, too.

[Dan Bernstein]

You should have him there playing dueling banjos with Ronnie Cox on guitar. People don't realize that in Deliverance, the guy who's playing guitar against the weird kid on the porch swing is Ronnie Cox, who played Bogumill. Played Cohaagen.

[Matt Abeticola]

Oh, Bogan. Yeah, for sure.

[Dan Bernstein]

He played Dick Jones in Robocop.

[Matt Abeticola]

Add him to the list. Who? Dick Jones. Dick Jones, Dick Warlock, Dick Hammer.

[Dan Bernstein]

Terry's guy.

[Matt Abeticola]

Dick Trickle, Sergey Sergey Baconov. I don't even know who Bad Bunny is. I always think it should be an American. I think they're trying too hard with this international stuff.

[Dan Bernstein]

Trying too hard. How dare they?

[Matt Abeticola]

It's really. It's a good thing that this kind of thought wasn't prevalent when all of our ancestors came from Europe. And they weren't stopped and turned back because, like, hey, some people here in this country are trying to have the international stuff. You all, you Europeans, you go back. We don't need you here.

[Dan Bernstein]

A lot of people did say that.

[Matt Abeticola]

We don't need you.

[Dan Bernstein]

There were a lot of boats that were turned around.

[Matt Abeticola]

We don't need you here.

[Dan Bernstein]

Remember that time when the Irish and the Italians were coming?

[Matt Abeticola]

Oh, we don't want the Italians.

[Dan Bernstein]

Nobody wanted this. But.

[Matt Abeticola]

But that was. That was different, though, Dan, because those immigrants that came from Europe, those were the. Those were the good immigrants.

[Dan Bernstein]

Not then.

[Matt Abeticola]

They were. Those were the good. The people. Those were. See, the Europeans were sending. The Europe was sending all of their.

[Dan Bernstein]

Their best. Oh, I see.

[Matt Abeticola]

To America. That's what it was. It's not like. Now. Got it when it's nothing but criminals and gangsters. That was the best of the best from Italy. Yeah, obviously. My ancestors. Obviously. Best of the best. Yep. They were winning. They were winning in life. That's why they said, you know what? Come on, let's pack up and just try to make it across the ocean to this other place and start over again, because we're doing so good here.

[Dan Bernstein]

Everybody coming from Ireland, too. They just. The.

[Matt Abeticola]

The.

[Dan Bernstein]

It's not that they were hungry.

[Matt Abeticola]

No, they had plenty of food.

[Dan Bernstein]

They. They just wanted to bless America with their presence.

[Matt Abeticola]

Well, I don't know. I think maybe. Maybe we should. Maybe we should just FaceTime at halftime and watch the Charge Network together.

[Dan Bernstein]

I kind of want to.

[Matt Abeticola]

I would like to see it, but I don't want to miss Bad Bunny, though, either, because I think it's gonna be a very entertaining halftime show. That's all I want is entertain me. Entertain me. So I think they should make the halftime show like a residency show for Bruno Mars. That's it. I'm down with that. But I'm looking for Brad Bunny. Yeah.

[Dan Bernstein]

Why do you want Brad Bunny?

[Matt Abeticola]

Yeah.

[Dan Bernstein]

His friend Brad Biggs.

[Matt Abeticola]

No, Brad Bunny.

[Dan Bernstein]

Bad Bunny.

[Matt Abeticola]

And Brad Bigs Br is performing at the Turning Point show.

[Dan Bernstein]

Brad Bunny, right?

[Matt Abeticola]

Yep.

[Dan Bernstein]

Hey, Brad. Hey. How are you?

[Matt Abeticola]

Singing. Nothing about farming, right?

[Dan Bernstein]

It's bu.

[Matt Abeticola]

Beer.

[Dan Bernstein]

Yeah. Cars.

[Matt Abeticola]

Brad Bunny.

[Dan Bernstein]

Brad Bunny. Yep. He doesn't sing in.

[Matt Abeticola]

Bunny. I know that song. Stole that. That was my original. I'm Brad Bunny.

[Dan Bernstein]

Brad Bunny sings the My Bunny theme.

[Matt Abeticola]

Brad Bunny.

[Dan Bernstein]

Wherever I go, I don't go Wherever.

[Matt Abeticola]

I go, I go with my truck Because I'm Brad Bunny. Yep, that's it. Oh, machine guns.

[Dan Bernstein]

And I got my truck and a Punisher logo on my shirt.

[Matt Abeticola]

Yeah, you gotta have a sticker of the guy peeing on something.

[Dan Bernstein]

Calvin being.

[Matt Abeticola]

Yes. Yep. Is that Calvin Peeing? That's his name.

[Dan Bernstein]

I didn't know that. Well, no, it's not. Coincidentally, his name.

[Matt Abeticola]

His name is Calvin Peeing.

[Dan Bernstein]

He's also playing.

[Matt Abeticola]

That is coincidence. Yep. So the guy in the sticker was always peeing on stuff. His last name is Peeing.

[Dan Bernstein]

I know. It was like Thomas Crapper inventing the toilet.

[Matt Abeticola]

Did he really?

[Dan Bernstein]

I think so. That's what people always said.

[Matt Abeticola]

Hmm.

[Dan Bernstein]

I think that's where the term came from. But that's how to use the Crapper, because that was the guy's name. At least. I read that when I was a kid in the Book of Lists or something. Of aptronyms.

[Matt Abeticola]

I like lists.

[Dan Bernstein]

I love the Book of Lists.

[Matt Abeticola]

I like lists a lot.

[Dan Bernstein]

It was foundational for me.

[Matt Abeticola]

I'm always making lists.

[Dan Bernstein]

The Book of Lists, Guinness Book of World Records. Like, these were the reference books we had. And there's such cool stuff in there.

[Matt Abeticola]

The Book of Death.

[Dan Bernstein]

Oh, is there one?

[Matt Abeticola]

Well, we had one. It was our second show ever.

[Dan Bernstein]

Oh, that's right.

[Matt Abeticola]

We opened the Book of Death.

[Dan Bernstein]

And we have to invoke the words. Of course.

[Matt Abeticola]

All right.

[Dan Bernstein]

Okay.

[Matt Abeticola]

I think we're done.

[Dan Bernstein]

We're good. We're good.

[Matt Abeticola]

I think so. I think we've done enough to make people angry. I hope they're happy. At the same time, I hope it.

[Dan Bernstein]

Was enough aligned with the culture of football. That's important. Well, we have to be symbolic.

[Matt Abeticola]

This show is synonymous with football.

[Dan Bernstein]

Of the culture of football. Absolutely.

[Matt Abeticola]

I'm going to find. Yeah, I want to find that out. But, Ash, you know what? If there's something you're not aware of or you don't know about.

[Dan Bernstein]

I don't like it.

[Matt Abeticola]

That's right. I'm not going to learn.

[Dan Bernstein]

It's foreign to me. I don't like it. If it's a food I haven't tried, forget it.

[Matt Abeticola]

I don't even know who Bad Bunny is.

[Dan Bernstein]

If it's a. If it's a word I've never heard, I don't even look it up. I don't like your fancy words.

[Matt Abeticola]

I think they're.

[Dan Bernstein]

I got my own words.

[Matt Abeticola]

I think they're better examples of character and morality, like, than Bad Bunny.

[Dan Bernstein]

Morality. He was a literal.

[Matt Abeticola]

Like Morgan Wallen and like.

[Dan Bernstein]

Yeah.

[Matt Abeticola]

Kid Rock. Damn it.

[Dan Bernstein]

Yep.

[Matt Abeticola]

That screams football in America.

[Dan Bernstein]

And morality.

[Matt Abeticola]

Beer. Mm.

[Dan Bernstein]

Truck trucks.

[Matt Abeticola]

Fish.

[Dan Bernstein]

Trucks.

[Matt Abeticola]

Saying words now. Yep.

[Dan Bernstein]

Dirt. Dirt's good.

[Matt Abeticola]

All right, you go. Let's see, we'll go back and forth.

[Dan Bernstein]

Violence.

[Matt Abeticola]

That's good. Guns.

[Dan Bernstein]

Beard. Fire. Fire. Yeah.

[Matt Abeticola]

Oh, like with your gun. Yeah.

[Dan Bernstein]

No, just things that are on fire.

[Matt Abeticola]

Oh, that's good.

[Dan Bernstein]

What else?

[Matt Abeticola]

White robes.

[Dan Bernstein]

Well, that's a little much.

[Matt Abeticola]

Oh, no, like a terry coat.

[Dan Bernstein]

Oh, you mentioned like a bathroom.

[Matt Abeticola]

Like a bathroom. Yeah.

[Dan Bernstein]

Like you're at the spa.

[Matt Abeticola]

Yeah. Because that's when you gotta put something on. You gotta shower. Yeah.

[Dan Bernstein]

And you got the flip flops. Yeah. You take home with you.

[Matt Abeticola]

Cause you can't do like a. Like an American flag printed bathrobe. That's.

[Dan Bernstein]

That's against flag code.

[Matt Abeticola]

Right. You can't do things like that. No, you can't do that.

[Dan Bernstein]

Well, it's against the I don't violate flag code. Right.

[Matt Abeticola]

You can't wear a shirt.

[Dan Bernstein]

Although I might.

[Matt Abeticola]

That looks like the American flag.

[Dan Bernstein]

Does this violate the Chicago flag?

[Matt Abeticola]

I don't think that's the same code.

[Dan Bernstein]

Flag code.

[Matt Abeticola]

Yeah.

[Dan Bernstein]

No, I actually know. I know how to fold. I was. I was taught how to fold. Like how to properly do the triangles and. Yeah, how'd you learn.

[Matt Abeticola]

Where'd you learn that from camp.

[Dan Bernstein]

Because we did a raising and lowering of the flag every day.

[Matt Abeticola]

We did, too, at camp. We didn't have to fold it, though. The. The adults would fold it. We. But they would. They would pick a boy and a girl to go up and do the flag raising. Our camp, we did. It was. It was a progressive camp.

[Dan Bernstein]

We didn't need girls in our camp.

[Matt Abeticola]

No, you just had pornos and men in the cigarettes.

[Dan Bernstein]

Men in the woods. Right?

[Matt Abeticola]

Just learning each other's curves.

[Dan Bernstein]

In the city, you are boys in the woods, you are men. That's right. Damn it. And. And we did terrific.

[Matt Abeticola]

Now they're starting the halftime show.

[Dan Bernstein]

We did terrific musicals. We did fantastic musicals with. With.

[Matt Abeticola]

What about the female parts?

[Dan Bernstein]

We played them. You stick some tennis balls in your shirt and you get out there and sing. You do that. I never.

[Matt Abeticola]

Why were they in your shirt? Wouldn't you put them in your pants?

[Dan Bernstein]

Do that, too?

[Matt Abeticola]

That's a different role.

[Dan Bernstein]

No, I never. I never got to play. I always played male characters. Although the scarecrow, I guess, was a man.

[Matt Abeticola]

Yeah, well, yeah, of course he was a man.

[Dan Bernstein]

Yeah. Well, I mean, it's a scarecrow. It's really kind of sexless.

[Matt Abeticola]

Well, no, it's a scarecrow, but no, he fell in love with the wicked witch. They ran off together.

[Dan Bernstein]

What?

[Matt Abeticola]

Lived a happy life together.

[Dan Bernstein]

I haven't seen any of this. Is this Hidden Wicked?

[Matt Abeticola]

Yeah.

[Dan Bernstein]

No, it's not. Is it? I would have heard about this. Yes. If I only had a bone. No, I don't think so.

[Matt Abeticola]

Well, he must have, he Wicked witch. Yeah, he did. At the end. At the end of Wicked for Good. He did.

[Dan Bernstein]

He did, Yes. I didn't think he was in it.

[Matt Abeticola]

No, he was in it. You need to see it.

[Dan Bernstein]

I don't want to see it.

[Matt Abeticola]

I'm surprised you haven't seen. You. Did you see either movie?

[Dan Bernstein]

Never saw Wicked. Never saw Wicked for good. That's just. Didn't interest me. That was.

[Matt Abeticola]

I'm close to not working with you anymore. Miracle.

[Dan Bernstein]

I'll see. No, not the miracle. I'll see the documentaries.

[Matt Abeticola]

You need to watch it.

[Dan Bernstein]

I'm not going to watch the movie Miracle, but I will watch the documentary. Yeah, I can't tonight. Because I'm going curling.

[Matt Abeticola]

Oh, God. Yeah. In Wicked for good, the Lion. The lion, the Scarecrow, and the Tin man are all in Wicked for good.

[Dan Bernstein]

And they all run away with gang Bang or something.

[Matt Abeticola]

No, I mean within. No, no, no. Just the Scarecrow and the Wicked Witch.

[Dan Bernstein]

Well, who's the Lion End up with the Tin Man. That's okay.

[Matt Abeticola]

Then they go to the Turning Point halftime show.

[Dan Bernstein]

Well, they can't.

[Matt Abeticola]

Well, they met on Grindr.

[Dan Bernstein]

That's why they're not representative of football culture.

[Matt Abeticola]

Everyone would swipe on the Tin man to the Lion. Saw him. I like that. Nice speed.

[Dan Bernstein]

No, no. Oh, hell, yes.

[Matt Abeticola]

He messaged him. What are you doing for the halftime show? No plans, nothing.

[Dan Bernstein]

Got a can of oil? You bet.

[Matt Abeticola]

TPA in?

[Dan Bernstein]

Yeah. Let's go.

[Matt Abeticola]

I'll see you there. Let's do this.

[Dan Bernstein]

Let's go get it.

[Matt Abeticola]

You. You really should. You would enjoy. I'm surprised you haven't seen Wicked. You're. You're a pretty cultured man.

[Dan Bernstein]

I don't have any interest in Wicked. I didn't. I didn't like wizard of Oz that much.

[Matt Abeticola]

I didn't like. I hated wizard of Oz.

[Dan Bernstein]

I thought it was stupid, and I gave myself a concussion while playing the Scarecrow.

[Matt Abeticola]

What were you playing him in, like, football? Did he tackle you? What happened?

[Dan Bernstein]

No, I portrayed the Scarecrow.

[Matt Abeticola]

Oh. I think he said, oh, I thought he tackled you hard.

[Dan Bernstein]

In the dress rehearsal for the play when I was doing if I Only had a Brain, I have to do the part where he kind of kicks his legs out when he goes. And then I'd sit and think some more. And I did it, and it was a concrete floor, and I hit my head. So the scarecrow was down for a moment. Wow. Down goes the Scarecrow again.

[Matt Abeticola]

More explanation. There we go.

[Dan Bernstein]

Yeah, it was undiagnosed, but I was.

[Matt Abeticola]

Kind of dizzy and so concussed at young age.

[Dan Bernstein]

For the rest of the day. Oh, multiple times.

[Matt Abeticola]

I think mom would take you to.

[Dan Bernstein]

Get expired baked goods to feed the ducks. Whoa. Look out, ducks. Shouldn't we have been done talking a while ago?

[Matt Abeticola]

I stopped recording, like, 20 minutes ago.

[Dan Bernstein]

Okay, good. I'm glad.

[Matt Abeticola]

Yeah. No one had to hear this. Good.

[Dan Bernstein]

Because I don't really have anywhere to be. Oh, no, we do. We're doing organizations with championships today, right?

[Matt Abeticola]

Yes.

[Dan Bernstein]

Okay.

[Matt Abeticola]

Yeah.

[Dan Bernstein]

Then I do have somewhere to be.

[Matt Abeticola]

Yeah, me too. I got a train to catch, so.

[Dan Bernstein]

Okay.

[Matt Abeticola]

Say bye.

[Dan Bernstein]

Bye.