House Rhules | Episode 9

Title: Coach Rhule Grills Fitz & Whit on Runzas, Hot Dog Cannons, and College Player Development
Date: October 16, 2025
Host: Matt Rhule (Nebraska Head Football Coach, referred to as Coach Scott Frost in transcript)
Co-hosts/Guests: Ryan Fitzpatrick, Andrew Whitworth, Kenneth Williams

Episode Overview

This episode is a lively, candid conversation where Coach Matt Rhule is joined by former NFL players Ryan Fitzpatrick and Andrew Whitworth. The discussion spans from Nebraska football culture (with tales of Runza sandwiches and hot dog cannons) to deeper dives into player development, leadership, embracing media, and handling pressure on and off the field. Kenneth Williams, Nebraska’s 85-yard kickoff return hero, also makes a special appearance, sharing his personal journey and the emotions behind earning a scholarship. The tone mixes serious football insight with lighthearted storytelling, showcasing the personalities behind the jerseys and headsets.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

I. Nebraska Football Culture: Food, Fun & Fan Traditions

• Special Appearances in Lincoln

  • Fitzpatrick and Whitworth talk about their recent bus tour, experiencing Lincoln on a game day, and their awe at Nebraska’s football atmosphere.
  • Notable moment: Whitworth’s first-ever visit to a stadium with 90,000+ fans, highlighting the sheer passion of Husker Nation.

• The Famous Runza Sandwich (10:05 - 11:06)

  • Fitzpatrick: "We were stuffed at this point. So we're at the game, we've had this huge breakfast and somebody's like, have you had a Runza sandwich? ... And it was unbelievable. And when something's good, when you're full, you know it's solid." (11:06)
  • Both marvel at how unique “Runza” is to Nebraska and share their surprise at loving it even after a massive meal.

• Hot Dog Cannon Caper (11:06 - 11:56)

  • Whitworth: “The guy that was manning the hot dog shooter...was wrapping up the hot dog in packing tape, like, making it really tight, and he's turning up the psi on the thing behind it...I'm worried about blasting out the windows in the press box.”
  • Fitzpatrick: “That sucker got shot out of the stadium, though.” (11:56)
  • The pair recount firing a hot dog clear out of Memorial Stadium, reveling in the wild and wacky side of college football.

II. Kenneth Williams: Walk-On to Game-Changer

• Background & Path to Nebraska (05:38 - 06:02)

  • Williams details his journey from Michigan, transferring for his senior year, and running a standout 100m—catching Coach Rhule’s eye.

• Earning a Scholarship (06:33 - 07:17)

  • Kenneth Williams: “That feeling was the best ever. Especially just being able to finally get my scholarship and then being able to celebrate it with my brothers.” (07:08)
  • He highlights perseverance, trust in teammates, and the importance of grinding through adversity.

III. Longevity, Development, & Modern Football

• Development of Offensive Linemen & Quarterbacks (19:13 - 26:44)

  • Whitworth & Fitzpatrick reflect on the shrinking pipeline for offensive linemen and how the lack of glory and changing youth football landscape discourages kids from playing the ‘big man’ positions.
  • New strategies for pass protection and more complex defensive schemes pose additional challenges for both college and NFL linemen.
  • Praise for the NFL’s new “Protector of the Year Award” as a way to inspire young athletes.
  • Fitzpatrick: “My hope is that inspires some young kid to dream about being that position…hopefully that'll grow the [number] of playing that position.” (22:31)
  • On quarterbacks, they discuss how 7-on-7 football helps develop skills early, but note the stark difference in huddling, cadence, and real “pro” systems—leaving QBs unprepared for NFL responsibilities.

• Coach Rhule's Take (24:25 - 30:22)

  • Shares personal stories of recruiting and developing raw talent—emphasizing the importance of athleticism and coachability over early specialization.
  • Advocates for patience: "Sometimes it just takes time, and I think that's an important thing that everybody's learning..."

IV. Handling Pressure and Building Resilience in Pro Football

• Navigating Expectations and Pressure (30:50 - 34:53)
  • Both Fitzpatrick and Whitworth stress the value of mentorship—leaning on veterans who “get it,” and developing daily habits that outlast raw talent.
  • Fitzpatrick: “...in the NFL, you'll survive and last built off your habits...find the least talented guy on your team that plays and say, man, what are your habits every day?” (33:01)
  • Continual self-improvement, adaptability, and finding small ways to evolve are core to a long pro career.

V. Embracing the Media: Why Go Public as a Coach?

• Breaking the Coaching Mold (37:22 - 40:32)

  • Fitzpatrick asks Coach Rhule why he opted for such authenticity and transparency with media, a rarity among coaches.
  • Coach Rhule: “What I realized was the guys I'm coaching, they've all grown up digitally. They've all grown up with content all the time. So I started to adjust a little bit… I want people to get to know the Nebraska football program. I want them to see me who I really am...” (38:51)
  • Rhule shares how his family and distant fans benefit from behind-the-scenes content and that vulnerability can connect and inspire.

• Podcasts as Family Bridges

  • Both Fitzpatrick and Whitworth share that their own kids now listen to and talk about their dads’ podcasts, showing media’s new role in families and fandom.

VI. Lighthearted Stories: Bus Tours, Showers, Marriage Proposals

• On the Bus and Marriage Advice (12:25 - 15:53)

  • Stories of the cross-country Amazon Prime bus tour—visiting jazz arenas, re-enacting Fitzpatrick’s McDonald's proposal (in a gas station booth), and practical advice for young married athletes.
  • Whitworth: “Set expectations low...then I just, I've exceeded that bar every year, you know?”

• Showering Habits (18:44 - 19:04)

  • Whitworth: “I'm a twice a week guy.”
  • Fitzpatrick: “When you're on a bus with him, it doesn't feel like a waste of time. I kind of wish he showered more, Coach.”
  • Every episode needs its quirky banter!

VII. Open Q&A: Off-Field Memories and Upcoming Games

• Coach Rhule’s Favorite Non-Football Nebraska Moment (44:53)

  • Cites attending a record-setting women’s volleyball game and one emotional story about Nash Huttmacher, a football player helping the wrestling team by dropping significant weight and eventually qualifying for nationals.
  • Rhule: “…it took so much guts. It took so much guts to say, you know, I've never lost, but I'm gonna go out there and try to help the team...” (45:07)

• Previewing Minnesota & the Broken Chair Trophy (47:23 - 48:28)

  • Reflects on the upcoming game, stresses fixing turnover issues, and highlights competitive spirit in the locker room, especially after dramatic fourth quarter comebacks.

• Breast Cancer Awareness Game (48:21 - 49:52)

  • Players will honor influential women by writing their names on their shoes.
  • Rhule: “...you’re gonna see something really special. Each one of our players is gonna have the name of the person who taught them how to fight, which woman in their life they're playing for written on their shoes. I'll have Donna on one of my shoes. I'll have Gloria on the other side...” (49:38)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

• Runza Revelation:
  “When something's good, when you're full, you know it's solid. That was really, really good. I was impressed.”
  — Ryan Fitzpatrick (11:06)

• Hot Dog Cannon:
  “That sucker got shot out of the stadium, though. It made it all the way out of the stadium.”
  — Andrew Whitworth (11:56)

• On the Value of Offensive Linemen:
  “My hope is that that inspires some young kid to dream...about being that position and living up to those expectations.”
  — Andrew Whitworth (22:31)

• On Authenticity:
  “I want people to get to know the Nebraska football program. I want them to see me who I really am, not coach Rhule at the press conference.”
  — Coach Matt Rhule (38:51)

• On Cultural Change in Football:
  “It's the only sport that has a player who plays with their back to the ball...Their sole job is to serve and protect.”
  — Andrew Whitworth (21:04)

• Resilience Lesson:
  “You might have got here by talent...but in the NFL, you'll survive and last built off your habits and who are you on a daily basis and what are you chasing?”
  — Andrew Whitworth (33:01)

Timestamps for Curated Moments

• 05:38 — Kenneth Williams’ journey and emotional scholarship moment
• 10:05 — Fitzpatrick and Whitworth's first Runza experience
• 11:06 — Hot dog cannon chaos
• 19:13 — Begin in-depth discussion: O-line/quarterback development
• 22:31 — Why linemen need heroes
• 26:44 — Impact of 7-on-7, pros and cons for QBs
• 30:50 — Handling pressure as a pro, mentorship need
• 38:51 — Coach Rhule on why coaches need to be authentic in today’s media age
• 45:07 — Coach’s moving story about Nash Huttmacher
• 47:23 — Game preview (Minnesota), turnover challenge
• 48:21 — Breast cancer awareness game details

Tone and Style

• Energetic and warm: Emphasizing connection and candidness.
• Humorous banter: Food, personal quirks, marriages.
• Serious reflection: Play development, pressures, leadership, authentic storytelling.
• Community pride: Nebraska fandom and family spirit.

Conclusion

This episode captures the heart of modern college football—mixing old-school grit, leadership, new-era openness, and the community traditions that set programs like Nebraska apart. With inside looks at both locker rooms and family dinner tables, and a willingness to laugh as well as dig deep, Coach Matt Rhule and guests showcase how sports can inspire, unite, and teach—on and off the field.

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