Game Over with Max Kellerman & Rich Paul

Episode: NFL Wild-Card Weekend, CFP Reaction, and “Nothing Makes Me Nervous”

Date: January 9, 2026 | Host: The Ringer

Overview

In this episode, Max Kellerman and Rich Paul blend sports analysis and candid conversation, diving into the NFL Wild-Card Weekend, the College Football Playoff, and big-name trade rumors in the NBA. Interweaving nostalgia for hip-hop and culture with sharp sports takes, the duo offers both serious insights and uproarious banter. Rich Paul’s industry perspective as a super-agent and Max’s decades of media experience result in a dynamic episode full of memorable stories, spirited debates, and insider knowledge.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Hip-Hop Debates & Musical Favorites

[00:05–11:32]

• Top 3 Albums from the ’90s: Rich and Max lightheartedly rehash their previous debate about the best hip-hop albums of the 1990s, with Rich playfully boasting, “I crushed you,” and Max defending his “exquisite” taste.
• Personal Stories: Rich shares memories of Eazy-E shooting a music video in his Cleveland neighborhood and listening to iconic tracks like “Thuggish Ruggish Bone” and “Brothers for the Struggle.”

  “Eazy E came to my neighborhood and shot that video... I was going to Chambers Elementary... wanted to go past the video shoot so bad, but by the time I was gonna go past there, it was a shooting.” (Rich, 02:01)

• Sentimentality & R&B: The conversation transitions to organizing family memorabilia and favorite R&B artists, debating Anita Baker vs. Sade, and the impact of Mary J. Blige and Jodeci.

  “When you talk about...desert island, you had to take 10 records with you. My life is coming.” (Max, 07:32)

• Car Culture & Music: Rich describes the Midwest tradition of “Coming Down”—customizing cars for optimal sound systems where clarity of vocals, not just bass, is paramount.

2. Sports & Athlete Persona

[11:32–24:49]

• College Football Playoff Reaction: The hosts analyze the recent Miami vs. Ole Miss game and controversial officiating in the final moments.

  “The defensive back has two hands on the receiver, pulling him, holding him... That is defensive pass interference.” (Max, 15:21)

• Player Leadership & Authenticity: Extended discussion on quarterback Mendoza, authenticity at the podium, and the importance of genuine leadership in sports.

  “There are guys who...say everything you want to hear...and you know that they believe it. They have...drank the Kool Aid.” (Max, 21:31) “I always say it’s fit over pick...Are you sure you want to be the number one pick?” (Rich, 26:05)

3. Inside the Business: Agents, NIL, and Transfers

[29:13–33:16]

• Damond Williams Jr. Agent Fallout: Rich provides an honest, behind-the-scenes perspective on why player agents sometimes part ways with clients—often because of other business interests with coaches and schools:

  “If that player was gonna be the number one pick...or if that player's name was Arch Manning, he wouldn't have done that.” (Rich, 30:19) “Most agents are team friendly. Why? Because they're gonna have more bites of the apple. The team isn't going nowhere.” (Rich, 33:16)

• NIL and the dark side of college football business come to light, with Paul highlighting conflicting agent interests and optics when news leaks to media.

4. NBA Trade Analysis: Trae Young Blockbuster

[34:23–45:46]

• The Trade: Trae Young is moved for CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert, with no draft picks involved. Rich and Max break down why the deal works for both Atlanta and Washington, focusing on culture fit, asset management, and future flexibility.
• Narrative Control & Player Conduct: Rich stresses the importance of professionalism in how players and organizations handle trades:

  “I think it’s classy for organization not to s*** on a player, and I think it’s classy for a player not to do the same...” (Rich, 39:06)

• Contract Strategies: Deep dive into options for Young’s contract, representation changes, and the “spitefulness” that can inform opt-ins and restructures:

  “His new representation is probably going to want to do is have him opt out and get a new deal to be spiteful towards his old representation.” (Rich, 43:34)

5. Star Big Men Rumors: AD, Giannis & Atlanta

[45:46–56:06]

• Atlanta’s Flexibility & Superstar Trade Market: The duo explores why Atlanta is now ideally positioned to pursue Anthony Davis or Giannis, discussing salary cap constraints, trade assets, and how players/teams weigh options.

  “If you are looking at the Atlanta Hawks, they don’t need Giannis, they got Jalen Johnson. So you got to go by the best fit.” (Rich, 47:35)

• Agent's Mentality: Rich underscores his composure as a top agent when big moves are at stake:

  “Nothing makes me nervous. Do you know, where I'm from, can't get nervous. There's nothing in this industry that can make me nervous.” (Rich, 51:37)

6. NFL Wild-Card Weekend: Picks and Banter

[56:42–69:18]

• Matchups Previewed:
  • Rams at Panthers: Both favor the Rams but note the challenge of repeating wins on the road [58:00–58:51].
  • Packers at Bears: Rich picks the Bears, emphasizing the recent QB advantage [59:24–60:22].
  • Bills at Jags: Lively debate on Josh Allen’s high-stakes playoff moment vs. Trevor Lawrence [60:37–63:52].

    “Josh Allen has more to lose in this scenario.” (Rich, 62:43)

  • 49ers at Eagles: Both pick Eagles, flagging Lane Johnson’s impact and Philly’s defense [64:00–65:02].
  • Patriots at Chargers: Discussion about “soft schedules” and MVP candidates; Rich ultimately picks Chargers but jokes about changing to the Patriots for in-person game potential [65:16–68:17].
  • Steelers at Texans: Saved for next episode [69:09].
• Meta-Banter: The hosts poke fun at each other’s broadcast styles, with Rich accusing Max of “adding minutes” by going on rants [58:56].

7. Coaching Carousel & Final Thoughts

[69:19–71:37]

• Harbaugh to Miami?: Rumors swirl about Jim Harbaugh heading to Miami, with Max and Rich reflecting on franchise needs and leadership.

  “What losing franchises need is...like what Sean Payton did in the Broncos. You need to turn the whole thing around.” (Max, 71:20)

• Rich’s Cleveland Connections: Rich’s Browns fandom and frustration with perennial tough schedules.

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• “The perfect is the enemy of the good ending.” – Max Kellerman [17:18]
• “I don't want Max Kellerman at my house. Watch the game. If you.” – Rich Paul [17:38]
• “If that player's name was Arch Manning, he wouldn't have done that.” – Rich Paul on Fairness in Agent Decisions [30:19]
• “I always say it’s fit over pick.” – Rich Paul [26:05]
• “Nothing makes me nervous...there's nothing in this industry that can make me nervous.” – Rich Paul [51:37]

Timestamps for Highlights

• Hip-Hop & R&B Debates: 00:05–11:32
• CFP Officiating & Leadership: 12:58–24:49
• Agent/Player Separation & NIL: 29:13–33:16
• Trae Young Trade Breakdowns: 34:23–45:46
• AD/Giannis Rumors & Agent Life: 45:46–56:06
• NFL Wild-Card Weekend Picks: 56:42–69:18
• Coaching Rumors & Closing: 69:19–71:37

Tone & Style

• Conversational, sharp, humorous, and insider-driven—mixing nostalgia, light roasting, and deep sports analysis with honest behind-the-scenes commentary.

Useful for Listeners Who Missed the Episode:

This summary offers a thorough walkthrough of the episode's main arcs, pulling quotes and moments that highlight not just what happened in sports this week, but how deals, reputations, and legacies are shaped behind the scenes. Fans of candid, industry-insider conversation, as well as those interested in the intersection of sports, culture, and business, will find value in this rich, freewheeling episode.