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- [00:00]
Matt Jones
This is an iHeart podcast.
- [00:02]
Sponsor Voice
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- [01:10]
Matt Jones
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- [01:47]
Julian Edelman
This is Julian Edelman from Games With Names. Now let's get into the serious stuff. We're talking football food, specifically Daisy French Onion Dip. These are so delicious. They're like homemade dips made with real herb and spices. Also made with some Daisy Sour cream. Daisy Sour Cream is a long standing staple for Taco Tuesday. They also have Daisy Ranch dip. So get out there and give Daisy French Onion Dip a try. You will not regret it.
- [02:19]
Matt Jones
NFL Cover 0 with Matt Jones and Drew Franklin is a production of the NFL and iHeart podcast Foreign. It is NFL Cover 0 and we are here for our last day before the big game coming up on Sunday. Matt Jones, Drew Franklin and Billy R. Sports and we are here on Meteoro where it is starting to wind down a little bit. There are people kind of in their last legs. You're seeing the final celebrities come through and everybody's getting ready for the big parties tonight. The Shaq Diesel Funhouse party, the Sports Illustrated party, and oh yeah, then the game is on Sunday, but still one.
- [03:06]
Drew Franklin
Last ride here on Radio Row.
- [03:08]
Christian Watson
I'm getting.
- [03:08]
Drew Franklin
I'm happy, but I'm also getting a little sad that it feels like it's coming to an end. They're eventually going to make us leave and all this is going to be over.
- [03:14]
Matt Jones
I know. Like, I feel like this is. This has become my home with all of these, you know, I don't know what I'm going to do with another day where I don't see Brock Hewitt and Joe Flacco. I've run into them every day for the last three days. I feel like they're a part of my life now, Drew. And they're gone and I'm going to miss them. There are a few people that. That they seem to just enjoy being here and I appreciate that about them.
- [03:36]
Drew Franklin
It's funny you said that. I saw Brock over coffee very early this morning. He was here also. Shout out to just the crews here. Behind the scenes. It has been long days and it's starting to wind down. Some sets have been taken down, but this one right here has a little more time left.
- [03:49]
Matt Jones
I have seen two near fights, which is. Which is very exciting. I read about a fight. A doctor and another person got in a fight about whether or not someone hurt their knee. I like that. I like. You get any group of. You get any group of people together, put them this close, there's going to be the occasional fisticuff.
- [04:08]
Billy R.
If you get this many people in a room like this, there's going to be something. But today, we were rubbing shoulders with hall of Famers today.
- [04:13]
Matt Jones
So today was pretty amazing because we got here very early and there was next to the NFL Network set. They were walking the hall of Famers around. So you had Drew Brees, Larry Fitzgerald, Luke Kickley, and was that Adam Vinatieri, Terry and. And then while they were standing there together, you had. You had Bo Jackson and Barry Sanders walk over and all six of them hugged each other right in front of us. And I have to say, I felt like I was in the hall of Fame. It was like I kind of. I thought maybe they let long snappers in. I was really excited about it.
- [04:52]
Drew Franklin
Yeah, this whole trip's been a pinch me moment, but we were kind of like in their huddle. All of them have gold jackets. It felt like, hey, am I allowed to be here?
- [04:59]
Matt Jones
Should I think about it? You had Drew Brees. He's a quarterback. Had two in the backfield with Bowen. Barry, you had Larry out wide right. Luke. And Luke was kind of Scheming on defense. Adam was waiting for the extra point. You and I. What tight end?
- [05:19]
Drew Franklin
Well, I'm the punter because they're not going to need one with that offense.
- [05:22]
Matt Jones
Yeah, well, I'll be the tight end since I didn't get invited. The tight ends party after two hits still bugging you? Yeah, I wanted to go and I couldn't get anyone to do it, but still very, very cool. And now, you know, another day of big interviews. Today we got Christian McCaffrey, the dreamy San Francisco four 49ers do everything back is. Is going to be with us. Also from the Special Olympics, we have what's. What's our man's name?
- [05:49]
Billy R.
Is it Harrison Phillips? Ryan and Ryan.
- [05:51]
Matt Jones
Harrison. Harrison, Phillips and Ryan. That's exactly right. Harrison Phillips, defensive lineman and Ryan. I'm looking forward to meeting those guys. And then we will. We will finish the entire thing with Christian Watson, which is going to be tough for me. He is a Packer and I am a Bear, and so there's a chance might be fight number four.
- [06:12]
Drew Franklin
Well, Matt, I actually tried to surprise you, but security got me. I had a cheese grater in my backpack, and I was going to bring it up here and let you show off to Christian Watson, but turns out you can't bring cheese graters in the radio.
- [06:22]
Matt Jones
What do you think he would do if I just started grating cheese on top of him?
- [06:25]
Drew Franklin
I mean, that game wasn't that long ago and it ended his season. That's still fresh. So I would tread lightly with my trash.
- [06:31]
Matt Jones
I think it would be very funny if. If I was able to do that. So. So that's all going to happen. But, you know, we also need to talk about the actual game. We haven't done a lot of talk about the game. Ultimately, we were here to talk about the game, so we at least should acknowledge that it's happening. Patriots and Seahawks. I'm amazed at how much of super bowl week is not about talking about the actual game, but I'm excited about it. Sam Darnold, Drake, May. Matthew Stafford wins the MVP today. You think that gives some extra motivation for Mr. May?
- [07:05]
Drew Franklin
Maybe it tells them, hey, if we're going to win one, let's win it now because the Rams are still going to be stacked next year. Let's take advantage of this opportunity. That was some big news. I'm still leaning Seahawks, but I think Variable is going to have those guys ready. As we've talked many times, players coach, they've played well outside of Gillette Stadium. All year. Haven't lost a game on the road or anything.
- [07:24]
Matt Jones
That's an amazing statistic by the way. To have to be undefeated on the road or in a neutral, I guess a. Not really a neutral site, but to be anywhere outside of Gillette Stadium is. That's, you know, only the most special team. Even my 85 Bears didn't do that. Billy.
- [07:40]
Billy R.
Well, as much as had been made about the schedule the Patriots have played, they had to beat three of the top five defenses in the playoffs and they've proven themselves. Drake May's got that running ability, so we may see a little bit of that. And Mike Vrabel wins coach of the year in his first year.
- [07:53]
Drew Franklin
Mike. Verbal struggle with the pronunciation.
- [07:59]
Matt Jones
Oh, someone is, someone is screaming over there. Oh, that's your guy. Cam Scatterbo.
- [08:03]
Drew Franklin
Oh, Cam Scatterboo in the house.
- [08:05]
Matt Jones
Cam Scatterboo is over there.
- [08:07]
Drew Franklin
He's.
- [08:07]
Matt Jones
He won the Madden challenge, I believe for best Madden player here at Super Bowl.
- [08:13]
Drew Franklin
Of course, when we hear loud noises on the other side of the building, Cam Scatter Boo is involved of all players. Not shocking that he's part of the party over there.
- [08:19]
Matt Jones
By the way, I have a feeling tonight at the Shack party we're going to see some. There's going to be some Scatter Boo booing somewhere. That's just what I'm guessing.
- [08:26]
Drew Franklin
I'm worried he and I might wear the same outfit. We're both, both in big indoor shades. Guys at parties like this, you know.
- [08:33]
Matt Jones
You know Billy, by the way, Drew and I are both breaking out Bomber jackets tonight.
- [08:37]
Billy R.
Oh yeah, I've heard. I.
- [08:39]
Drew Franklin
Bomb squad coming in.
- [08:40]
Matt Jones
Bomb squad coming in.
- [08:42]
Drew Franklin
Bombs away. That's going to be our Instagram caption.
- [08:45]
Matt Jones
You can have that one, but thank you very much. All right, so let's go back for a second with Drake. May I? It's very rare for a second year quarterback to even get a chance to be in this situation. If you look over the years when young guys have gone mixed success, Burrow was the last kind of young quarterback to end up in the situation. How do you see him playing tomorrow or Sunday?
- [09:08]
Drew Franklin
Well, in the playoffs he used his wheels a little more than he did the rest of the season. I believe there's a stat out there that only Pat Mahomes had had more rushing yards like that in the at average, something like that. But he was picking up big plays in all three of their wins with his legs more so than he did all season. So I think maybe that element in the game and I think Patriots gonna need to run a lot in general, a little ball control with how they play. But I think May using his legs could be a big factor in this.
- [09:31]
Matt Jones
He has been awful about turning the football over the entire playoffs. I mean, you do that twice. They've. They're losing, right? Two turnovers. The Seahawks offense, too powerful. You give them two turnovers, extra possessions, it's over.
- [09:44]
Drew Franklin
And I hate to downplay the Patriots and them being here, but, I mean, they survived that crazy turnover game. To play a backup quarterback in the AFC Championship like that is pretty much unheard of.
- [09:54]
Matt Jones
Yeah.
- [09:55]
Drew Franklin
So sure, they deserve it and all that, but the path wasn't exactly a murderer's row.
- [09:59]
Julian Edelman
Well, I.
- [10:00]
Drew Franklin
Some good defenses.
- [10:01]
Matt Jones
I think the Patriots stink. We've talked about that. I need them to lose. Need them. I need them to lose. Because if the Patriots win this game, what are you ever going to say to a Patriots fan? Because they're going to have Drake May for the next 15 years. Probably they will have one with the coach of the year, probably with their worst version of this team. I mean, one would assume this team will only get better over the next six or eight years. If they win this year, they're going to be insufferable. I mean, they're already insufferable. They're the least sufferable people, and now we are going to have to deal with it. So I need them to lose. I have. I went tried to buy Seahawks gear. I'll, I'll, I'm. I'm flying Seahawk fly. Because I need the Patriots to take it out.
- [10:45]
Billy R.
Well, a 2000s baby could ultimately have seen seven Super bowl championships if they're a Patriots fan.
- [10:51]
Matt Jones
See, that's not fair.
- [10:53]
Drew Franklin
There's other teams.
- [10:53]
Matt Jones
You need to be able to suffer if you are a fan. If you were born, well, 2000, they wouldn't have really been paying attention. Let's just say you were born in 1995.
- [11:03]
Billy R.
That's when I was born.
- [11:04]
Matt Jones
Okay, so you're your age. If you're a Patriots fan, you don't know any difficulties in life, like, what's gonna happen when your marriage is on the rocks?
- [11:15]
Billy R.
How can I overcome adversity if I've just.
- [11:17]
Matt Jones
No, I mean, that's exactly right. Because, like, if your marriage is on the rocks, you're gonna go, well, I had a good first marriage, but then when we lost Brady, we got Drake made. Maybe I'll have a good. I'll find a good sex second one either. That's not a good way to have.
- [11:31]
Drew Franklin
Stability up they're falling upwards.
- [11:33]
Matt Jones
Yeah, but what if you don't want your second wife to be as good as your first? That's exactly what's going to happen.
- [11:38]
Billy R.
Especially if you're a Detroit Lions fan. I mean, you've never even made the Super Bowl. These New England fans would be insufferable.
- [11:43]
Matt Jones
They're going to be insufferable. They're already insufferable. Seahawks fans feel like more salt of the earth people. People been down on their city. They always act like their city is in turmoil. We've been there. I don't think it's that bad. Give the Seahawks fans their victory.
- [11:56]
Drew Franklin
You know, there is an angle to this game we haven't discussed. Billy has watched these two teams in a Super Bowl.
- [12:01]
Billy R.
That's right.
- [12:01]
Drew Franklin
Seattle and New England.
- [12:03]
Matt Jones
You went?
- [12:03]
Billy R.
Yes, I was there. My dad.
- [12:05]
Drew Franklin
This is your second Patriots Seahawks Super Bowl.
- [12:07]
Matt Jones
That is interesting. You've been to two Super Bowls. They're both Seahawks Patriots.
- [12:11]
Julian Edelman
Yeah.
- [12:11]
Billy R.
A little odd. I was kind of hoping for two different teams, but this could be a great redemption story for Seattle after throwing the ball on the one yard line. We were in that end zone when it happened. Talk about an all time spot sports moment.
- [12:23]
Matt Jones
That's right. That is, that is very cool. So tell people who aren't regular listeners what, what the story was with your dad.
- [12:30]
Billy R.
Yeah, so my, my dad won a fan lottery. So you, you know, put your names in just like you're trying to win tickets at the Masters. And he, he won it. But when we were walking in, somebody offered us ten grand a piece for the tickets. So we looked at our, each other and we said, all right, we'll just go watch the game at a bar. And we tried to sell it, but our names were on the ticket because it was a fan lottery. So we didn't.
- [12:50]
Matt Jones
You could have had $20,000.
- [12:52]
Billy R.
Could have had 20 grand.
- [12:53]
Matt Jones
Do you have. I, I'm not trying to get in your personal life, but do you have college debt?
- [12:58]
Billy R.
I don't know.
- [12:59]
Matt Jones
Okay.
- [12:59]
Drew Franklin
He's getting married this year though.
- [13:00]
Matt Jones
That's worse. I want you to think about what a nicer wedding you could have had if you just had not gone to that game.
- [13:08]
Billy R.
Dad could have sold those tickets.
- [13:09]
Matt Jones
If dad had just sold the tickets.
- [13:11]
Drew Franklin
Those non transferable tickets.
- [13:13]
Matt Jones
You could have like, think about how much better the, the dress, the, the honeymoon.
- [13:18]
Billy R.
You would be disgusted if you knew how much like flowers are for a wedding. I mean it's like eight grand for.
- [13:25]
Matt Jones
What we're getting flowers just for the.
- [13:27]
Billy R.
Flowers, just for Flowers.
- [13:28]
Matt Jones
Getting married is.
- [13:29]
Sponsor Voice
It's a.
- [13:29]
Matt Jones
What kind of flowers do you get? Like, I, I buy Valentine. I bought Valentine's Day flowers. You can get an amazing set for 150.
- [13:36]
Julian Edelman
Yeah.
- [13:36]
Drew Franklin
It's not like, not tulips.
- [13:39]
Billy R.
Table. I'm talking about, like, I'm talking about like a hanging flower from the ceiling and like a staircase draped in flowers and things.
- [13:46]
Matt Jones
You have a staircase draped in flowers?
- [13:48]
Christian McCaffrey
Yes.
- [13:49]
Matt Jones
That feels a little excessive. Yeah, yeah. I mean, I. Listen, I'm not making these decision like, I'm not.
- [13:56]
Drew Franklin
This is our royal wedding. Or with those $20,000, he could have just bought different colors of quarter zips and not having to consolidate them, you.
- [14:04]
Matt Jones
Could have had half as many quarter zips as you have now. Well, so. So you're not going to this game, right?
- [14:12]
Billy R.
Not going to this one.
- [14:13]
Matt Jones
Yeah, but it would still Seahawks Patriots fans should be rooting for you to go to the. To all of them. All right, so let's just go ahead and let's make our pick here. Seahawks and Patriots. Billy, I'll let you go first.
- [14:24]
Billy R.
Well, I've got to see the redemption story. Sam Darnold, the first quarterback from the class of 2018 to make the big game. I think he gets it done. And the Seahawks cover. What is it like four and a half.
- [14:34]
Matt Jones
Four and a half.
- [14:35]
Billy R.
So I'm going to go Seattle in a game where both teams score under 30 points. So give me 28, 17.
- [14:42]
Matt Jones
By the way, Emmett Smith said today he was asked, what do you think about who do you think will be the next elite quarterback to join Mahomes, Burrow, Allen and Lamar? And he said only Mahomes is elite. Those other three are anywhere close.
- [14:56]
Drew Franklin
Oh, wow. Not anywhere close.
- [14:58]
Matt Jones
That's an Emmett old head comment, Right? The old head gets here and he's like, you know, nobody's as good as Fran Tarkin. And there was a little bit of that.
- [15:08]
Drew Franklin
Well, for my, my super bowl pick, there's another old head in this game. Mike Vrabel has been In, I think 40 Super Bowls as a player, his first as a coach. He will have them ready. But Seattle's just too much to overcome, too balanced. I think they're, they're equipped and ready to win it. They already won so many big games in their division to get here and through the play playoffs, but I'll say it's close enough. New England covers, it's 27, 23.
- [15:31]
Matt Jones
Well, you and I, if all these scores we get close, here's exactly what's going to happen. It's going to be 28, 23 minute and a half to go. Patriots get the ball, they drive down the field. They get all the way. Great, great efficient passing by May, runs in the right spots, gets into the red zone, makes a great pass to digs, get stopped on the one time for one play. They hand it off, come up six inches short for Mike Vrabel, and the Seahawks by six inches end up winning the game 28 to 23.
- [16:08]
Drew Franklin
I gotta tell you, someone who has watched his team lose on the goal line, I hope that does not happen. That is a loss that will live with you for decades, but it would.
- [16:15]
Matt Jones
Flip the script of the game that you went to many years ago. So six inch Mike will come up just a little bit short and we will give the game to the, to the, to the Seahawks.
- [16:26]
Drew Franklin
I hope we're in for a thriller and I really think it will be. We want a game to come down the end, especially the last game of the season. So whatever team it is, I just hope it's one that we're all excited for the finish.
- [16:35]
Matt Jones
Yeah, I totally agree. All right, so you know, we a team that many people thought would be here earlier in the year was the 49ers. We're going to take a little break here. We when we come back, Christian McCaffrey, CMC runs CMC in the house here on NFL cover zero. This month, iHeartRadio is celebrating the stars of the 2026 Winter Games. Douglasville, Georgia should be proud of Ilana Meyers Taylor, who is rewriting the definition of longevity. As the most decorated black Winter Olympian in history, she returns to the driver's seat for her fifth fifth Games, determined to chase one medal. She has yet to win gold. Balancing motherhood and elite competition, she navigates the icy track with veteran precision. Meyers Taylor isn't just sliding for a medal. She's sliding for a legacy. For more Winter Games gold, Search olympics on the iHeartRadio app.
- [17:28]
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- [18:25]
Julian Edelman
Tremphyaradio.Com this is Julian Edelman from Games With Names. Now let's get into the serious stuff. We're talking football, fall food, specifically Daisy French Onion Dip.
- [18:39]
Matt Jones
That is serious.
- [18:40]
Julian Edelman
Gotta try these delicious new dips from Daisy. These are so delicious. They're like homemade dips made with real herb and spices and other ingredients you'll find in your kitchen. Also made with some Daisy Sour Cream. Daisy Sour Cream is a long standing staple for Taco Tuesday.
- [19:01]
Matt Jones
What I do when I get my street burrito I get the squirt Daisy.
- [19:04]
Julian Edelman
Yeah and every bite.
- [19:06]
Christian Watson
I know you.
- [19:07]
Sponsor Voice
I know you.
- [19:08]
Julian Edelman
I'm a huge sour cream guy. I love sour cream top. So I think burritos can't live without sour cream.
- [19:15]
Matt Jones
I completely agree with that.
- [19:16]
Julian Edelman
They also have Daisy Ranch Dip. I love ranch dip.
- [19:19]
Christian Watson
That great.
- [19:19]
Julian Edelman
I love it with crackers, wings, plain potato chip, the ones with the little crinkles, maybe some bell peppers. So get out there and give Daisy French Onion Dip a try. You will not regret it.
- [19:31]
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- [21:12]
Matt Jones
All right, now joined by Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco 49ers All Pro running back, first player to ever be nominated for a finalist for offensive player of the year and comeback player of the year. Great to be with you. I know you wish you had were playing in this game, but still, awesome to see you.
- [21:29]
Christian McCaffrey
Yeah, appreciate it, man. Yeah, no, it's always a weird week when you're not playing, but, you know, the NFL makes it fun. We just got done with the Pro bowl, which was a blast being around a bunch of guys that, you know, you compete against, compete with. So it's been a good week.
- [21:40]
Matt Jones
What was that like? That pick six by Jamar was kind of impressive, wasn't it?
- [21:43]
Christian McCaffrey
It was a great play. Great play. You could probably play some safety.
- [21:46]
Matt Jones
Yeah. Now, you. You know, I had somebody say to me earlier, we were talking about you as a football player, and they go, I've never seen a guy who finds a way to be open more than him. And it finds a way. You would think there's no way that he's going to be able to break off yards here. And he does. Your success in the league has been exceptional in sometimes difficult circumstances. What's it been like now, playing on a team with a lot of success and with an off with a play caller that can get you the ball in all the right spaces?
- [22:14]
Christian McCaffrey
Oh, it's amazing, man. I think, you know, when I got traded to San Fran, it was such a, you know, rejuvenation of life for me in football and, you know, being a part of this team around so many great players with. With great play callers and a great coach. It's. It makes football fun. You know, you come in every day and you're. You're always learning, which I think is exciting, you know, so your game can always grow. You can always get better, and you feel that way each week, you know, each week brings new challenges and different ways to compete. Compete, you know, against different players, against different schemes. And, you know, when you have a guy that can make sense of everything.
- [22:46]
Matt Jones
Is Shanahan as smart as everybody acts like?
- [22:48]
Christian McCaffrey
Yeah, yeah. I mean, I think if anybody's allowed to sit in those meetings, they would.
- [22:52]
Julian Edelman
They would see that.
- [22:52]
Christian McCaffrey
But it's. It's. It's.
- [22:54]
Julian Edelman
It's The.
- [22:55]
Christian McCaffrey
The, you know, master class of football, our team. The way he explains offensive football by talking about defense, the way he understands every position on the field and making sense of why he's calling certain plays, I think that's a big deal. He's not just calling plays to call him. There's reasons for everything. And, you know, like. Like anybody who was born to do something, you know, he was born, you know, the same way I was born, I believe, to play football. Watching my dad play all those years, being around the game my whole life. He was around the game his whole life and got to. Got to see from a Hall of Fame caliber coach and his dad. And so the way that he's taken all of that and continued to expand it and grow, it has been really cool to just be a, you know, witness to it.
- [23:35]
Drew Franklin
Y' all like to be a game farther. But I still think it's remarkable what the 49ers did. Given the injuries you've suffered this year and last. How are you all able to. To stay strong and together when you've just got some. Some star players dropping left and right? These last couple of seasons been really unfortunate run for you guys.
- [23:52]
Matt Jones
Yeah, you know, it was.
- [23:53]
Christian McCaffrey
It was a weird year because you hate losing guys like that. You know, when you lose, you know, a guy like Bosa, a guy like Fred, you know, we lost George for a good chunk of the time. We lost Brock, you know, had Mikel Williams, our first round dn go down and all these guys who. Who, you know, got banged up. It sucks. And sometimes it can take the life out of you. I think the. The thing I was most proud about with this team is, you know, we showed up every single day with the right mentality. It wasn't some, you know, magic potion that kept us in games. It was just consistent work every single day, trying to get better every single day. And, you know, genuine love for each other, genuine love for football and guys that did it the right way. And so, you know, that was a team that in. In my nine years, I would have no problem going to battle with any day of the week.
- [24:35]
Matt Jones
So we got to get rid of that power plant next to the facility. I don't know, something's going on with that. With that Christian team.
- [24:44]
Christian McCaffrey
You know what, man? You know, I've been a part of the NFL for nine years now, and, you know, as somebody who's had injuries, you can try to make sense of things if you want. Sometimes you just have bad luck. It's bad luck, you know, and sometimes that's what it is. Fred got rolled up on really bad. You know, I mean, it is what it is. It's. Injuries happen and it's part of the game and we, you know, yeah, we were pretty unlucky with it this year. But you know, somebody that's there every day, I'd love to say this is the reason or that's the reason, but it's never one reason.
- [25:11]
Billy R.
A Christian. Is it weird to like score a touchdown and then hear a fan say, you didn't score enough points? For me in fantasy football that seems like a weird dynamic when you're such a good player.
- [25:19]
Matt Jones
Him a whole lot though. I feel like he's, he's, he's always getting massive numbers.
- [25:23]
Julian Edelman
No, I never, it never gets old, man.
- [25:26]
Christian McCaffrey
I mean the fantasy football has grown the game a lot, but you know, that's really all you hear about now. You could have a unbelievable pass protection that seals the win and you're all happy celebrating in the locker room and you know, you awesome guy's 17 bucks in his, in his fantasy game and shut up.
- [25:41]
Matt Jones
I don't care. No one cares about your fantasy team. No one.
- [25:45]
Christian McCaffrey
I know. Yeah, that is true. But no, I don't say that.
- [25:49]
Drew Franklin
What was it like practicing against a Robert solid defense? I'm a Titans guy, so I'm excited that he's moving to Nashville. It's a big hit to your team. What was it like going against one of his defenses?
- [25:57]
Christian McCaffrey
Man, I, you know, being a part, you know, being around him for a year was incredible. I think it makes sense why he's such a great coach but also so loved by his players. The energy he brings every single day. He's a guy that I'm obviously happy for him and his family, but I hate that he's gone. You know, just being around him was fun as an offensive guy, you know, always bringing competition, making, making everything competitive, but also extremely smart and detailed when it comes to defensive football. And so, you know, you guys are, you know, lucky you.
- [26:29]
Matt Jones
I never do this, but I get people that ask me all the time to do this. I always say no, but I'm going to make an exception. Drew and I have these two twins, Allie and Emily, that since they were like 10 years old have been coming to our shows for 15 years and they're grown ups and they have been your fan on like an elite level to the point that I've watched them. It's like Taylor Swift and you.
- [26:53]
Drew Franklin
Those are the company, man.
- [26:55]
Matt Jones
They've come to our shows and they Will they have Christian McCaffrey shirts? They love it. So you have to do me a favor and just thank Ali and Emily for fit for non stop fandom. It's you and Taylor Swift that are there too.
- [27:09]
Christian McCaffrey
That's big company. Ali and Emily, thank you guys so much. I'll send you guys some stuff because I appreciate you guys being die hard fans and hopefully, hopefully you continue to be my fan along with Taylor Swift.
- [27:20]
Matt Jones
Are you a Taylor Swift fan?
- [27:21]
Julian Edelman
Like, if.
- [27:22]
Matt Jones
I'm sure that would make them very happy. I like to, I love, I love her music.
- [27:25]
Christian McCaffrey
I think it's fantastic.
- [27:26]
Matt Jones
You ever been to one of the concerts?
- [27:27]
Christian McCaffrey
I still haven't been.
- [27:28]
Julian Edelman
No.
- [27:28]
Christian McCaffrey
I got to go.
- [27:29]
Matt Jones
Met her at least with Travis at some point.
- [27:31]
Christian McCaffrey
Never met her.
- [27:32]
Julian Edelman
Never met her.
- [27:33]
Matt Jones
Wow. Do you think you could handle. By the way, like, think about, because you know, you're in the league, you see what it's like. Like what Travis Kelsey, the way his life has changed the last couple years and the attention. Well, you think you could handle that in that circumstance?
- [27:47]
Christian McCaffrey
Yeah, I think I can handle it. Yeah. I think he just, I don't, I don't think he looks at it like that. I mean, I, I again, I don't.
- [27:52]
Matt Jones
He seems like an awesome dude.
- [27:53]
Christian McCaffrey
He's the best man. Yeah. Every time I've met him, he's incredible, man. He's, he's the most down to earth guy. Smiling, has the best energy, very genuine. I don't think there is anything to handle. I think he's know he's probably got the same friends he's always had and super tight with his family and you know, I think all that other stuff is for the fans. He's still, still a guy.
- [28:10]
Matt Jones
Yeah, that's right. Now you're here for Olipop. Now I'm a big soda person and I've had people say, you know, Matt, you should try Olipop, help me know what it is because I've never had it.
- [28:21]
Christian McCaffrey
It's first off, yeah, it's a soda you can feel good about drinking. That's exactly what it is. Super healthy, very low in sugar, high in fiber, and legitimately tastes like you're drinking soda. So as a guy that loves taking care of my body, loves, you know, you know, to be as healthy as possible. It's kind of my job. I never feel guilty drinking them. I do it all the time. This was the easiest partnership for me because that flavors. Oh, yeah.
- [28:43]
Matt Jones
Okay, what's the one to get?
- [28:45]
Christian McCaffrey
I would start with crisp. Apple crisp. It's like Drinking the freshest apple you've ever had in your life. The root beer is really good. If you're a classic. Huge root beer if you're a classic. Just regular cola flavor.
- [28:57]
Matt Jones
Okay.
- [28:57]
Christian McCaffrey
You'll enjoy that one. The ginger ale is good. They have. They have Shirley Temple. Any flavor that you could think of that's like a carbonated soda. They've created it to make it healthy, and it tastes like that.
- [29:09]
Matt Jones
The only thing bad about you, Christian, is that they didn't bring samples. Like, now we got. He drank them all.
- [29:14]
Christian McCaffrey
Don't worry.
- [29:15]
Matt Jones
We brought them.
- [29:15]
Christian McCaffrey
You guys didn't allow. Allow me to have it right here. Unbranded water. I would have put it front and center. Giving you guys.
- [29:23]
Matt Jones
Right there.
- [29:25]
Christian McCaffrey
Yeah, these guys an ollipop.
- [29:26]
Matt Jones
Okay. Yeah. Know they wouldn't let you put it up here. I would have said it was okay. Christian, thank you very much.
- [29:33]
Christian McCaffrey
Appreciate it, guys.
- [29:33]
Matt Jones
Yeah, good luck with the. With next season. We appreciate you stopping by.
- [29:36]
Christian McCaffrey
Thanks a lot, guys. Appreciate it.
- [29:40]
Matt Jones
All right, now, happy to be joined from Special Olympics. It is from the New York Jets, Harrison Phillips and Ryan Ependindio. Did I get that right? Yes, you did right. You. You are Special Olympics. Health manage. Messenger. Appreciate you guys taking the time. Start with you, Harrison. I mean, how did you end up involved with Special Olympics, and what do you think of being here in this media row? You guys have been doing interviews all day.
- [30:07]
Julian Edelman
We have been. I've been fortunate enough to come to radio a couple times. This is the most interviews I've had. I'm more of a bodyguard to Ryan today and just. Just get asked a couple lob questions. But I first got involved with Special Olympics a long time ago, back when I was even in middle school and high school. We got involved and volunteered some of the organizations. And then when I got to the NFL, I started my own foundation called Harrison's Playmakers. And we attack very similar causes that the Special Olympics does. I work with individuals with developmental differences and special needs in all the cities I've played in, in my hometown, and we've grown to work with. We've done over 70 events in the last five years. 12,000 people we've worked with. I mean, it's been really great, but in every city I've gone to that. My first phone call is to the. The Special Olympics chapter.
- [30:47]
Matt Jones
That's great.
- [30:48]
Julian Edelman
How can we poach some of your kids to come on over and be a part of what we're doing, too?
- [30:52]
Matt Jones
And I would assume New York's got a huge one, right?
- [30:55]
Julian Edelman
Oh, My God, that's actually a battle. It's New York or New Jersey. So because we're New York, the team is with New York. But New Jersey has a full chapter, too. It doesn't get as much love. So I'm trying to do stuff with New Jersey special. Look at that.
- [31:06]
Matt Jones
Standing up.
- [31:07]
Julian Edelman
Heart is unbiased. You know what I'm saying? We need, you know, the, the big city, the littler city. So anyway, been doing this for years now and just been blown away. My cup is always overflowing anytime I'm involved with Special Olympics. And Ryan's been a great friend of mine that we've been getting to know the last few weeks. Great ambassador for what we're doing and the program of fitness through sports and the playbook that we have to help athletes.
- [31:30]
Matt Jones
You've been in the league for how long?
- [31:31]
Julian Edelman
This is nine now.
- [31:32]
Matt Jones
Nine. But, but Ryan, I understand it. You've been a Special Olympics athlete for 25 plus years, am I right? Yes, that's right. And you play a lot of sports. He's not just like, all he does is football cares, like just out there tackling people. What all have you played? I play football, basketball, softball, track and field. I can relate what he's doing, but you got to put the work ethic in when you eat healthy, drink healthy, sleep healthy, just keep your mind right and keep your work ethic. Keep going. What's your best sport? My best sport? I can't pick one. I love them all. You love them all.
- [32:17]
Julian Edelman
But that medal is for which one?
- [32:19]
Matt Jones
This medal. I got it for track and field with my relay team. Oh, team guy.
- [32:25]
Drew Franklin
I like the team guy.
- [32:26]
Matt Jones
I like it, too. 4 by 100. 4 by 4. 4 by 4. Oh, wow. Good night. Well, then I listen, I'm not going to try to get you who has the bigger muscles between the two of you? You're teaching him how to work out.
- [32:38]
Julian Edelman
The last time we sat on this, they measured our biceps over here earlier and they were measuring our arms, so I won that one.
- [32:45]
Matt Jones
But now you get it next year, right? I think that's. So tell me a little bit. Harrison, you play. Playing for the jets, been a lot of transition for you since you, since you've been there. Do you see. How do you see the momentum going forward into the next couple of years?
- [33:02]
Julian Edelman
Well, you know, I have seen, you know, a lot of, lot of turnover change in the coaching staff this year. I think that when we had. The jets had a culture that was. We struggled because of the lack of success. They've had. And you have to think the human nature. I've been in an organization for five, six years. We've never won. Every single year, there's a coach leaving, there's players leaving, there's guys getting cut, there's new coaches coming, bringing their own guys. I have to protect myself. And so that you get this kind of culture of, I needed to take care of mine. And then young players come in and they say, oh, that's how we do things here. And so that can't just be, like, switched overnight. Ag's insane. He's amazing.
- [33:36]
Matt Jones
The consistency, he seems very intense. Is he an intense guy? Yes.
- [33:41]
Julian Edelman
But, like, there's still the human, there's the coach, and then there's traveling or, you know, catching up in an off season in.
- [33:47]
Christian McCaffrey
He's human.
- [33:48]
Julian Edelman
He's a great dude. Has a big heart, family man. But yeah, game. I mean, in the building, he's intense. And I think that it's a person like him. It's him that's going to have to change the culture. I'm not. I also don't say, like, oh, we're years and years away from. But it takes a little time, you know, this season was a season of growth. How much can we learn? How much of that roster proved enough to be a part of the culture moving forward, getting some new coaches. What's the scheme look like? Is it players or plays? How that whole thing evolves, I'm happy.
- [34:16]
Christian McCaffrey
To be a part of.
- [34:16]
Julian Edelman
We got a lot of cap space, we got a lot of draft picks. But again, I'm a. I've been around enough to see winning football is somehow correlated to togetherness and connectivity. If you have a team that isn't connected and is, you know, maybe not worried about their, you know, worried about themselves more than their teammates, it's not a huge recipe for success. AG has great messaging and is trying to instill a championship culture.
- [34:38]
Drew Franklin
You're a city guy now, but you started in Buffalo, then Minnesota, and obviously you're talking about how big you are getting involved in the community. What are two underrated aspects of Buffalo and Minnesota? Kind of smaller markets that some fans might.
- [34:49]
Matt Jones
We went to Buffalo for the first time.
- [34:51]
Julian Edelman
It's incredible.
- [34:52]
Drew Franklin
Yeah, they wouldn't put me through a table, though.
- [34:54]
Matt Jones
I was trying.
- [34:55]
Drew Franklin
Couldn't find one anywhere.
- [34:56]
Julian Edelman
Yeah, they're cracking down on the table stuff.
- [34:58]
Drew Franklin
I noticed.
- [34:59]
Julian Edelman
Look, my time in Western New York was such a great chapter in my life. And if you go click on an Instagram post that I posted any day last week, scroll through the comments you will see two dozen come to Buffalo. We miss you in Buffalo. Why do you not in Buffalo? They're just the best fans. I think what's unique about Buffalo is because it's such a smaller market, the Bills is everything they have, it's their lifeblood. And so when our backup practice squad, long snapper, goes to the grocery store, he's taking photos with everybody, he's signed an autograph, they know our ins and outs of us. They know it's just really cool. And when I left Buffalo and went to Minneapolis, which is a little bigger city, I was like, man, we used to get so many perks in Buffalo. You know, you go to your spot, they get you a free appetizer, free.
- [35:39]
Christian Watson
Bottle.
- [35:42]
Drew Franklin
Extra blue cheese.
- [35:43]
Julian Edelman
Yeah. So I was like, wow, I'm going to go to Minneapolis and like, holy cow, we're going to have tons of free stuff. Wasn't quite like Jersey's not quite like that. The fans are still super cool. But when it's larger markets, it's. You got all these sports teams that they all have bumped into a professional athlete in the grocery store at the movie theater. So it's just not of a rarity.
- [36:02]
Drew Franklin
Now your alma mater, what's the most Stanford thing? You've done this since you've been in Tampa?
- [36:06]
Julian Edelman
At Stanford, I went back to Stanford.
- [36:08]
Drew Franklin
So you've already been this trip?
- [36:09]
Julian Edelman
I mean specifically we, we flew in two days early. My wife and my nine month old son, they're somewhere around here eating or napping or something. Brought him to Stanford, drove them to my dorms, talked to the team, had some good conversations with DaVita, the new head coach and Andrew Luck. So. And then on the plane ride here to past time, I solved a Rubik's cube. That's a little Stanfordish.
- [36:30]
Matt Jones
Yeah, just a little Stanford. Ish. You solved a Rubik's cue. Well, while I was here I did Wordle, so take that mic drop. All right. So now Ryan, I need your help with Harrison because he, you know, they had a tough season with the jets this year. He needs to get motivated for next year. If you were telling he Harrison and the jets, what would your message be to them to get them on track for next year? Hmm. I can't say anything because everybody is just different. Human.
- [37:00]
Julian Edelman
That's a great answer. But I mean, think of just the questions that guys asked us earlier today, like what makes you good at what you do? You talked about the sleep, you talked about. Would you maybe just motivate me to do some of the things that you. You do.
- [37:11]
Matt Jones
Yeah. You're a good sleeper. How many hours? I get about 8 hours and 9 hours of sleep now. That's what you could teach me. I. I can't get more than six. What should I do to get better sleep? Go to bed earlier. Boom.
- [37:24]
Drew Franklin
Go to bed earlier, Matt.
- [37:25]
Matt Jones
Exactly. If I went to bed two hours earlier.
- [37:28]
Christian Watson
That's.
- [37:29]
Matt Jones
That's exactly right. Two hours earlier. We would get it.
- [37:32]
Julian Edelman
We also. He. He let us know about the alcohol use. How much alcohol is okay.
- [37:38]
Matt Jones
Zero. Zero. Guess what? I don't drink now, Drew.
- [37:42]
Drew Franklin
No comment.
- [37:44]
Matt Jones
So you might.
- [37:45]
Christian Watson
Not about me.
- [37:45]
Drew Franklin
It's not about me to work on.
- [37:46]
Julian Edelman
Him, but remember how many beers the last guy told us he had last night? He said he had 12 beers last night. He's Ryan, so that's not cutting it.
- [37:53]
Matt Jones
That's not. You're not going to get eight hours of sleep doing that. It'd be butt. But Special Olympics.org@special Olympics on social. When's your next event? I'm doing special Olympic basketball right now. We got practices on Sundays for like two hours.
- [38:11]
Christian McCaffrey
Oh, dang.
- [38:12]
Matt Jones
Okay. And I love doing it. I want you to. To give them a crossover knock some. Like, get a crossover. Get somebody's ankles and take it to the basket for us. Will you do that? I'll try.
- [38:24]
Christian McCaffrey
Yeah.
- [38:25]
Drew Franklin
There it is.
- [38:25]
Matt Jones
I'll try.
- [38:26]
Julian Edelman
I love it, but I'm better on my left side.
- [38:29]
Matt Jones
Okay. Oh, you go left.
- [38:30]
Christian McCaffrey
Yeah.
- [38:31]
Matt Jones
Well, I bounce the ball with my left and shoot with my right.
- [38:35]
Christian McCaffrey
Amadext.
- [38:36]
Matt Jones
So you're kind of. You're a moderate in today's difficult times. I appreciate that, Harrison. Thank you very much. Ryan. We appreciate your time.
- [38:44]
Julian Edelman
Thank you guys so much.
- [38:45]
Matt Jones
You're welcome. Thank you. Thank you.
- [38:54]
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Matt Jones
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Patriots playing away from home are undefeated this year. I think it'll come down to the end.
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- [43:56]
Christian Watson
Appreciate you coming. I might boo you, honestly.
- [43:58]
Drew Franklin
There we go.
- [43:59]
Matt Jones
There we go. I mean, we did kind of own you this year, so it might have to be, you know, it might be what we have to talk about. What were those games like? I mean, those were amazing games this year. I know you came out on the losing end of the last one, but had to be exciting.
- [44:12]
Christian Watson
Oh, yeah, they were exciting games for sure. I mean, honestly. Well, I mean, they would have been more exciting if you would. If we would have came out on top. But, you know, I mean, I feel like it's always, you know, cranked up a notch when it's the Bears versus.
- [44:25]
Matt Jones
Can you feel that when you play them? It's just another level?
- [44:28]
Christian Watson
Yeah, 100%, I think. I think, you know, you feel it from both sides for sure. They're just like a little bit more.
- [44:33]
Matt Jones
A little.
- [44:33]
Christian Watson
A little bit more energy, a little bit, you know, different of a vibe when they're playing. Um, I mean, shoot. Cause, you know, both teams want to. Both teams want to, you know, they gotta get it. Yeah. Both teams want to come out on top.
- [44:45]
Matt Jones
You had owned us for years, so you got it. Had to give us one year back.
- [44:50]
Christian Watson
Yeah, I get. I will give you that one, but it's not going to happen again.
- [44:53]
Matt Jones
All right, fair enough.
- [44:54]
Drew Franklin
Christian, I like talking to packers because there's really nothing better in football than a snow game in Lambeau. We got to go to one a couple years ago, even though he was a Bears fan. It's like one of the best things you can do in football. But I have to ask you as a player, are you one of those tough guys that goes out there, like shirt off or no sleeves, or do you bundle up? How do you treat the cold weather games? As a Packer? Because some guys are out there, I feel like they're toughening it out, but I know they're. They're freezing on the inside.
- [45:17]
Christian Watson
Yeah, no, I mean, I, I have in the past, but, you know, been one of the guys that, you know, goes out with. With their shirt off in it and everything, but.
- [45:23]
Drew Franklin
And you were freezing, weren't you?
- [45:24]
Christian Watson
Yeah. 100.
- [45:25]
Christian McCaffrey
Yeah.
- [45:26]
Matt Jones
No, I mean, you went to school in North Dakota. You're kind of used to it, right?
- [45:29]
Christian Watson
At the end of the day, I mean, you can be, you know, around it as much as you want, but, you know, cold is still cold. So, I mean, honestly, when you, when you go out there and you watch those cold games, everybody out there is cold. It's just, you know, you just got to get past that. You know, you just got to get past that little mental blocking, but it's.
- [45:46]
Matt Jones
A home field advantage. I mean, like, there's been a lot of teams. I know Kansas City is going to. Going to put in a dome. My Bears are, unfortunately, to me, considering doing it. I would think that's a home field advantage if you're used to it, isn't it?
- [46:00]
Christian Watson
Yeah, no, I mean, I mean, the more you're around it, you know, the obviously the more comfortable you get, you know, being uncomfortable in those elements. So, I mean, it's definitely an advantage to the guys who are, who are around it more. 100%.
- [46:12]
Billy R.
Christian, you go from the FCS level to playing with Aaron Rodgers in your first year in the NFL. Now our Bears guy's a little bit of a hater.
- [46:19]
Matt Jones
We'll talk.
- [46:20]
Billy R.
But tell me about playing with one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time.
- [46:24]
Christian Watson
Yeah, no, I mean, it was. It was definitely an experience that I'm super grateful for. You know, I think I got to learn a lot, you know, in that, you know, in that one year that I got to play with him, you know, I think that he definitely, you know, kind of just, you know, jump started, you know, my career in terms of, you know, the confidence, you know, that I play with out there. I think that he was a big part in building that confidence, you know, in myself and, you know, in the, you know, on that team. So, you know, I'm super grateful for him. You know, obviously, you know, he's one of a kind. He's one of the best to ever do it, so. Yeah, no, I mean, it's just. It's just a blessing to be able to say that I. That, you know, I was playing with him for sure.
- [47:02]
Matt Jones
So. I also will acknowledge Aaron Rodgers hater, but it's. It's not even so much the packers, it's just the whole thing. Did you ever, like, with. With Aaron Rodgers. Did I always hear, though, even though I find him annoying, that he is a good teammate to be around? Did you find that?
- [47:21]
Christian Watson
100%. 100%?
- [47:23]
Sponsor Voice
Yeah.
- [47:23]
Christian Watson
Nah, he was a. He was a great teammate to be around. You know, I think that he. He definitely pushed everybody to, you know, to, you know, chase that level that he. That he was playing in, that playing at. You know, I think that, you know, where the misconception comes from is just, you know, when you're playing at that high of a level for that, you know, long of a time, I mean, you have a different, you know, approach when it comes to a game. You have a different expectation, a different standard, and a different, you know, level of passion. So, you know, when he's out there and he's, you know, being mad at this or mad that, I mean, he's really just, you know, he's just passionate about what he's doing and he. And, you know, he's trying to bring everybody else along with him and, you know, he has a expectation of the guys who, you know, he is going out there with to. To be the best, you know, that they can possibly be. So, you know, I don't think that, you know, anybody. I can only speak for myself, but I don't think that anybody who went out, was out there and playing with them ever, you know, took that for granted.
- [48:16]
Matt Jones
Did you ever get to know Randall Cobb, our guy out there? You know, he's a Kentucky guy. We're. We're big Randall Cobb, guys. Did you ever get like, distracted by how pretty his eyes are, because they are. Like, they're. They're ridiculous.
- [48:28]
Christian Watson
Yeah, no, that wasn't something I looked into too much.
- [48:31]
Matt Jones
You can't look directly at him now.
- [48:32]
Christian Watson
That wasn't something. That wasn't something I was worried about. But, yeah, rental. Rental. Rental is my guy. You know, I got to play one year with him in Green Bay. I learned a lot from him as well. It was great being around him. Yeah, that's my guy.
- [48:45]
Matt Jones
Yeah, he's. He's a. He's an awesome, awesome dude. All right. So when people look at the NFL, you know, it looks like such a glamorous life. Like, you're. You're. You're getting to play a sport that you played your entire life, you know, for free. Now you're getting paid for it. But, like, what is the worst part of being an NFL player? Like, what's the part where you go. People don't see that this comes with it. What is that?
- [49:10]
Christian Watson
I mean, I don't even necessarily think that it's something that people don't know comes with it because, I mean, obviously, you know, the injuries and, you know.
- [49:18]
Matt Jones
The toll and strain hurt, right?
- [49:20]
Christian Watson
Yeah, the toll and the strain on your body that. That you, you know, go through playing at this level. I mean, everybody knows is there, but I don't think that they realize the impact that it actually has on, you know, players, you know, mentally and physically. Obviously. I mean, it's a. It's a lot.
- [49:34]
Matt Jones
I mean, what's the worst injury you've taken in terms of pain?
- [49:37]
Christian Watson
In terms of pain? Probably the acl. Yeah, I mean, shoot, it was probably. I mean, obviously the pain right away, but, shoot, the first two months was probably two months in a row of straight pain. So. So, yeah, I was definitely tough being. I mean, I just say the. The physical and mental toll that, you know, it takes on, you know, on guys is overlooked, I think. You know, not necessarily unknown, but overlooked. For sure.
- [50:06]
Matt Jones
I'm fascinated by the whole North Dakota State, North Dakota, South Dakota State, South Dakota. I get all four of those schools confused. I feel like I. Even though. And they all have a really good culture in terms of being good at football. North Dakota State, probably the best one historically. But all. All have been good, even in recent years. Why is that? Why is there so much good football in the two states that I find the most forgettable, usually?
- [50:36]
Christian Watson
I mean, you're asking a North Dakota State guy, so, you know, I wouldn't necessarily say that North Dakota, South Dakota or South Dakota State Is, you know, playing good football or, you know, well.
- [50:45]
Matt Jones
They'Ve been good in the last few years or.
- [50:47]
Christian Watson
I. I wouldn't say that they're on the level that, you know, North Dakota State is on, but, you know, I mean, I think that just comes from, you know, the type of players that have gone through those programs and, you know, just the standard that's been set over the years. I mean, it's really a kind of a get it out the mud, you know, mindset, you know, where, you know, you got guys who, you know, were probably overlooked at some point in their, you know, careers playing football or, you know, just, you know, missed the cut. So, you know, you got a lot of hungry guys who are just trying to make a name for themselves. So you kind of get that.
- [51:18]
Matt Jones
Were you there that year? They had game day there, and they had all that thing. Were you. Were you part of that?
- [51:22]
Christian Watson
I was in. I was in there when there was game day at South Dakota State.
- [51:26]
Matt Jones
It's South Dakota State. Yeah. See, again, I screw up with the. I screw up with the thing. It is fascinating. And the culture of those programs, how does that translate to the NFL?
- [51:37]
Christian Watson
You know, I mean, I think you can bring that mindset, you know, right over. I mean, I think that, you know, guys just, you know, obviously, you know, just North Dakota State and South Dakota State, obviously, you know, me, Tucker Crafts, you got guys like Dallas Goddard, I mean, who are, you know, just play, you know, are, you know, really successful in the league. So I think that we just kind of carry that mindset, you know, straight into the league. I don't think there. I don't think I know anybody in the league who's as gritty as, you know, Tucker Kraft is. So, you know, I mean, yeah, I think that. I think that it just kind of translates straight to the league. I mean, you're back on a kind of like an even playing field in terms of, you know, everybody in the league is, you know, really good at, you know, football. That's obviously, you know, why. Why we're there. So, you know, got to try to find a way to separate yourself.
- [52:20]
Matt Jones
All right, last thing. This is Billy right here. All right. Billy is our producer.
- [52:24]
Billy R.
Nice to meet you.
- [52:25]
Matt Jones
Nice to meet you. We brought him out here.
- [52:27]
Drew Franklin
Not a Bears fan, by the way. He's by himself on that.
- [52:30]
Matt Jones
Considered not bringing him so he wouldn't embarrass us, but we brought him. He didn't have a lot of packing space, so he went quarter zip. All right. He brought three quarter zips. That Were reversible to save packing space. Now you're looking at them right here, Christian, that you feel like a fashionable guy. I want you to grade. We have been kind of anti. The whole flippable quarter zip. Are you pro or con reversible Quarter. Quarter zip.
- [53:00]
Billy R.
We can flip it to blue anytime today.
- [53:02]
Christian Watson
Yeah, anytime.
- [53:03]
Drew Franklin
Can you do it right now?
- [53:04]
Matt Jones
I mean.
- [53:04]
Julian Edelman
Well, yeah, but if I'm.
- [53:06]
Christian Watson
If I'm being honest, I mean, I'll just start by saying that I definitely would. I definitely wouldn't put it on personally, but I don't. I don't have. I don't have anything against it. I think if you were to ask me, is a quarter. Is a quarter zip acceptable? I'll be like, yeah, quarter zip's good. Like, it's. It's fashionable. It's. It's solid. It's a good choice.
- [53:24]
Matt Jones
Prep. Is it.
- [53:26]
Christian Watson
The reversible is. Is a little bit crazy. I'm not gonna lie. I feel like. I feel like that's kind of like. I don't want to say that you're a lazy guy, but, like, lazy. That's. I feel like that's kind of just lazy. Like, you could, like, just put a little bit more effort into the quarter. Like, you couldn't just get, like, six different.
- [53:42]
Julian Edelman
Well, it's a good. It's, like, good quality.
- [53:44]
Matt Jones
So, like, is it.
- [53:45]
Drew Franklin
It's home and away. It's reverse.
- [53:46]
Matt Jones
Yeah. Like, you can pick it, like, anything.
- [53:48]
Christian Watson
That'S like a two in one or like a five in one. Like, those are always not, like, your body washing. I feel like you got the, like, five in one body wash on. Like, if you would have just went.
- [53:59]
Julian Edelman
If you would have just went with.
- [54:00]
Christian Watson
Like, you're killing me.
- [54:02]
Matt Jones
That's exactly right.
- [54:03]
Julian Edelman
They've been giving me hell all week.
- [54:04]
Matt Jones
You know, it's shampoo, head and shoulders. Yeah. Yeah.
- [54:08]
Christian Watson
Now you got to go with just a, you know, a one of one. I feel like that's to go. Too bad. I. I don't mind the quarter zip. All right.
- [54:14]
Matt Jones
I'm not going to boo the Green Bay packers next year solely because Christian Watson backed us up on the quarter zip. Hey, great stuff. Thank you very much for the time.
- [54:24]
Christian Watson
Yeah.
- [54:24]
Drew Franklin
I appreciate you.
- [54:25]
Julian Edelman
Thank you.
- [54:28]
Matt Jones
All right, that's a wrap from our first ever super bowl. Super Bowl 60 here in San Francisco. It was an absolutely awesome experience on Meteoro. I met one of the most fun things I've done in my media career. How about you?
- [54:44]
Drew Franklin
I'm not going to say it's one of the most fun things I've ever done in my media career. It's literally one of the most fun things I've done in my life. I mean, I'm. This has been so much fun. Just being here alone was fun in itself. But we've had so many of these random interactions. We've told stories of. We couldn't have scripted some of the stuff that has happened to us. It has truly been a perfect time. And they think I'm leaving, but I'm just gonna go hide in the corner.
- [55:06]
Matt Jones
Billy, you told us before we went that you had a childhood dream to get to come to Meteoro. Did it make meet your expectations?
- [55:14]
Billy R.
It blew them out of the water. Matt, just how kind everybody was. The awesome sets that the NFL and iHeartRadio have supplied us with, it is a surreal experience and I cannot wait to come back if they invite us back.
- [55:25]
Matt Jones
Yeah, well, hopefully they do. I want to thank all of you that listen all season. But we're, I mean, we're gonna do a Super bowl wrap up show. We'll have some bonus interviews that we did this week coming up. But just in general, you guys have been huge supporters of this show from Moment Moment one. Whether it was the people that knew us before or the people since, we cannot appreciate, say we can't appreciate it enough. And thank you all and thanks to you guys, this has been a blast. And Mario, our social media friend and colleague as well, thanks the NFL and iHeartRadio. We will see you back in Kentucky for our super bowl wrap up. That is, we are now out from Super Bowl 60. This is NFL Cover Zero. NFL Cover 0 with Matt Jones and Drew Franklin is a production of the NFL and iHeart Podcast. For more podcasts from iHeartRadio, visit the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcast.
- [56:33]
Julian Edelman
Yes, this is Rob Gronkowski and Julian.
- [56:35]
Matt Jones
Edelman from Dudes on Dudes with Gronk and Jules.
- [56:39]
Julian Edelman
Rob, I've never asked, are you a dips guy?
- [56:41]
Matt Jones
Like the workout? You can't tell.
- [56:43]
Julian Edelman
No, I mean for your chips.
- [56:46]
Matt Jones
Oh, I knew that. Yeah, of course.
- [56:49]
Julian Edelman
You gotta try this new Daisy's French onion dip. Goes great on Sundays.
- [56:54]
Matt Jones
I like the sound of that. Everyone knows you need a good dip for game day. Personally, I like to dip everything I can.
- [57:02]
Julian Edelman
Veggies, crackers, chips.
- [57:05]
Matt Jones
Heck, I might even dip a buffalo wing in there.
- [57:08]
Julian Edelman
That reminds me, they also have Daisy's ranch dip. Now you're speaking my language.
- [57:14]
Matt Jones
Yup.
- [57:14]
Julian Edelman
Seems like a no brainer on game day. So get out there and give the French onion dip a try. You won't regret it.
- [57:22]
Sponsor Voice
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- [58:28]
Billy R.
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- [58:43]
Matt Jones
Keep your business on the right track.
- [58:46]
Billy R.
Business goes probably with Lenovo Pro. Sign up for free@lenovo.com Pro.
- [58:58]
Matt Jones
This is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed Human.