NFL Cover Zero: Free Agency continues and Browns CB Denzel Ward

Summary

NFL Cover Zero – “Free Agency Continues and Browns CB Denzel Ward”

Podcast: NFL Cover Zero with Matt Jones and Drew Franklin (iHeartPodcasts)
Date: March 26, 2026

---

Episode Overview

This episode features Matt Jones and Drew Franklin, joined by Billy Rutledge, as they dive into key offseason NFL storylines, recent free agency moves, and an in-depth interview with Cleveland Browns Pro Bowl cornerback Denzel Ward. The hosts also touch on college football tradition controversies, emotional player retirements, and rule changes in the league—all delivered in their signature light and humorous style. The heart of the episode is a relaxed yet insightful Super Bowl week conversation with Denzel Ward, discussing the Browns locker room, Madden, and what it’s like being around superstar teammates and a passionate fanbase.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Offseason NFL News & Storylines

Joe Flacco’s Unexpected Return

• [04:10] Drew opens with the surprise news of Joe Flacco returning at age 41, playing backup to Joe Burrow in Cincinnati.
  • "Joe Flacco at age 41, wants more football…he's out there with a gray beard and winning games for the Bengals. And you know what he said? I want to run it back one more time." — Drew Franklin [04:13]
• [04:56] Billy notes Flacco's late-career magic, doubting if he can replicate last year's run but seeing him as inspiration for other older players.
  • "Last season seemed too good to be true, didn't it? Like he came in, didn't even know the playbook…so that seemed like such a magical story.” — Billy Rutledge [04:56]
• The hosts humorously debate whether Flacco is a Hall of Famer, given his Super Bowl ring.

College Football Numbers: The Matt Leinert Jersey Debate

• [06:20] Drew shares the story of USC trying (unsuccessfully) to unretire Matt Leinert's #11 jersey for a recruit.
  • "[Coach Riley] was like, hey, we got a recruit, he wants to wear number 11. Hey Matt, I think maybe we could unretire a little bit. And he basically was like, hell no you can't." — Drew Franklin [06:32]
• Billy and Drew discuss the significance of retired jerseys, with Billy jokingly saying he'd unretire his for a payout.
  • “Are you going to pay me to retire my jersey? Because you might have my attention as a failed professional athlete..." — Billy Rutledge [08:54]
• "You put it up there for a reason. We retired it. It's going to stay retired." — Drew Franklin [09:31]

Mike Tomlin’s Media Move

• [10:15] The hosts note that former Steelers coach Mike Tomlin is reportedly eyeing a gap year in the media, setting up potential competition in their podcasting space.
  • "Mike Tomlin has hired media agents. He's not going away quietly." — Drew Franklin [10:15]

Levonte David’s Emotional Retirement

• [11:37] Drew and Billy discuss Levonte David's tearful retirement and impact on the Buccaneers.
  • "He starts talking about his parents. They both passed away. I think most recent was just a few years ago...riding on his dad's handlebars on his bike to get to practice. And he is just...I'll admit I got a little emotional watching him." — Drew Franklin [11:37]
  • "You don't see a lot of players stay with one team for the entire time. So he did really mean a lot..." — Billy Rutledge [12:16]

Tush Push Stays, UFL Rule Innovations

• [13:18] The much debated “tush push” (QB sneak push) play is here to stay.
  • "They don't want to hear about it. We're not going to talk about it. We're not going to meet about it. We're not going to debate it. Y'all shut up if you don't like it. The tush push is here." — Drew Franklin [13:25]
• The UFL is trying out creative rules, including no punting past the 50-yard line, which the hosts approve of.
  • "Cowardly punting on the other side of the 50. Please. Let's, let's go for it here." — Billy Rutledge [14:33]

---

FEATURE INTERVIEW: Cleveland Browns CB Denzel Ward

([15:25]–[29:00])

Denzel Ward Joins the Show

Fashion & Star Power

• [15:25] Matt admires Denzel’s style:
  • "The whole fit here is immaculate…Even in the hair. You've got the diamond. You got detail." — Matt Jones [15:37]
• Denzel shares his girlfriend serves as his stylist.
  • "My girlfriend's my stylist, so…she helps style me." — Denzel Ward [15:48]
  • "You can't break up because then everything's going to get worse. You do that." — Matt Jones [15:56]
  • "Exactly." — Denzel Ward [16:01]

The New Era in Cleveland

• [16:18] Denzel looks forward to bringing offensive coordinator Todd Monken to Cleveland.
  • "Just looking forward to what he could bring…heard a lot of great things about him. Able to elevate Lamar Jackson's game and Derrick Henry's game and you know, looking for that to happen here in Cleveland." — Denzel Ward [16:18]
• The defensive core is strong, despite losing DC Jim Schwartz.
  • "We got a lot of great players, got a lot of great talent as a core…think we're still gonna be able to play at a high level." — Denzel Ward [16:43]

What’s It Like Sharing a Locker Room with Myles Garrett?

• [17:12] The hosts humorously ask how many podcasters it would take to fight Myles Garrett.
  • "You're gonna need a few more people. Miles Garrett is a metahuman. He's like a different type of human being." — Denzel Ward [17:12]
  • "He is the freak of nature that we…see on TV. Just a superhuman." — Drew Franklin [17:23]
  • "For him, being as big as he is, what, he's 6'5", 2-something, but he's explosive and fast…quick twitch like a DB at the D-line position…that's what helps separates him." — Denzel Ward [17:37]

Madden Culture, Childhood Gaming, and Ratings

• [18:00] Denzel reminisces about gaming origins:
  • "Had a Nintendo…NFL 2K or something like that." — Denzel Ward [18:13]
• Hosts banter about old-school Madden, with Drew showing off his OG Madden t-shirt.
  • "I will also rep. That's a real throwback." — Denzel Ward [18:40]

2018 NFL Draft Memories

• [22:13] Reflecting on the famed draft class:
  • “We definitely had a great draft class…a lot of high powered quarterbacks…he [Sam Darnold] was the one to make it out [to the Super Bowl]." — Denzel Ward [22:25]

Defending Against Lamar Jackson

• [22:38] Denzel reveals the daunting task of facing Lamar twice a year:
  • "It's tough, honestly. That's one of the games is like, oh, okay, we Got Lamar Jackson this week. It's tough 'cuz his ability to be able to just continue the play…we hav[ing] to cover guys…just running around like backyard football pretty much. So knowing that you got to cover longer, I think that's what makes it a little bit more difficult…” — Denzel Ward [22:55]

Confidence in Coverage

• [23:37] The Deion Sanders approach, “Give me X, you worry about the rest.”
  • "I'm more so like I'm going to be on this side of the field. You could double coverage everything over there. Now I'm going be man coverage on it. So this side of the field shut down and worry about the other side of the field." — Denzel Ward [23:37]
  • "DBs, that. Y' all are the ones that do that, like dbs talk the most trash, right?" — Matt Jones [23:48]
  • "I don't really talk too much trash…" — Denzel Ward [23:54]
  • Noted trash talkers: Jalen Ramsey, Devin Witherspoon, Greg Newsome. — [23:59]

Cleveland Fan Life & Homecoming

• [24:42] Denzel’s Cleveland roots deepen Browns connection:
  • "That's my hometown. Like, I'm from Cleveland, so, you know, I grew up…watching the Browns…was with the dog pound in the city. …They just want to win, you know, but regardless if we're not winning, losing, they always there in the stand supporting us." — Denzel Ward [24:48]
  • "Imagine what it's going to be like when you do win." — Matt Jones [25:07]
  • "It's going to be crazy. The city is going to explode." — Denzel Ward [25:09]

Madden Ratings: Is 92 Enough?

• [25:34] Denzel feels underappreciated in the game.
  • "Not a good enough rating. The rating is okay, I think I'm like a 92 right now, but I need to be higher than 92." — Denzel Ward [25:40]
  • Hosts campaign on his behalf for a better rating.

Locker Room Madden & Team Needs

• [26:15] Denzel claims he’s the best Madden player on the Browns, usually runs franchise mode with his own team.
  • "I'm, I feel I'm an extreme level Madden player…Usually I do a franchise mode, though. …but I still pick the Browns." — Denzel Ward [26:15], [26:38]
• Draft priorities: more offensive weapons and line depth.
  • "I think that we need to go offense. Offense heavy in this draft…get some more o-lineman, get some receivers..." — Denzel Ward [27:34]

Style Advice for Billy’s Quarter-Zip

• [28:18] Hosts playfully get Denzel’s take on Billy’s much-mocked reversible quarter-zip and NFL logo hat:
  • "I don't think it's. It's not bad…it's you that make the clothes." — Denzel Ward [28:18]
  • "I got the ultra confidence that a DB has to have." — Billy Rutledge [28:45]

Memorable Sign-Off:

• "He looks a little bit like a DV did sound war a different db. Ward here for either NBA Sports and Madden for the Cleveland Browns. Thank you very much." — Matt Jones [28:49]

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Myles Garrett as “metahuman”:
  • "Miles Garrett is a metahuman. He's like a different type of human being." — Denzel Ward [17:12]
• On Cleveland fans:
  • "Regardless if we're not winning, losing, they always there in the stand supporting us." — Denzel Ward [24:48]
• On Madden rating:
  • "Not a good enough rating. The rating is okay, I think I'm like a 92 right now, but I need to be higher than 92." — Denzel Ward [25:40]
• Quarter-Zip Style:
  • "It's not the clothes, like, it's you that make the clothes." — Denzel Ward [28:18]

---

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [04:10] — Joe Flacco’s return to Bengals
• [06:20] — Matt Leinert USC jersey debate
• [11:37] — Levonte David retirement reaction
• [13:18] — Tush push and UFL rules
• [15:25]–[29:00] — Denzel Ward interview: Browns transition, Myles Garrett stories, Madden, Cleveland fandom, locker room culture, style, and more

---

Tone & Style

The episode is relaxed, friendly, playful, and informed—a mix of lighthearted football banter and honest insights, peppered with humor and relatable fandom. Denzel Ward brings humility and confidence, while Drew and Matt keep the proceedings fun and accessible.

---

In Summary

This episode captures the fun and passion of NFL fandom, bringing fans a unique glimpse of one of the league’s top defensive backs at ground level—his thoughts on team changes, city pride, and locker room life. The episode balances big NFL stories with the culture of the game, seen through the eyes of both fans and players. If you love stories from inside the league—with style and wit—you’ll enjoy this one.

Transcript

[Billy Rutledge]

This is an iHeart podcast.

[Sponsor Announcer]

Guaranteed Human March is here and Uber Eats is delivering deals all month long. Score big savings on all the delicious food you need to fuel your sports fandom. Whether you're ordering in or hosting the whole crew, Uber Eats is serving up deals on wings, burgers, pizza, all from your favorite restaurants, plus snacks from top stores. Perennial powerhouse Underdog however the madness unfolds, the these deals keep it going all month long. Visit the Uber Eats app for all the latest deals and start saving today.

[Matt Jones]

Lowe's knows Sundays are for football, so tackle your home improvement projects by Saturday and earn your Sunday with great deals on LG and Bosch appliances. Select Bounty and Swiffer cleaning products and more. Then once your to do list is done, get ready to kick back, relax and enjoy the game. Shop in store or online now and earn your sundae with help from Lowe's, official partner of the NFL.

[Sponsor Announcer]

You know how it's never really about where you're going. It's about who you're going with. The right people can turn any drive into a great memory. That's something Toyota really believes. They design vehicles around real life and real people, the ones who make plans, happen and bring everyone together inside. Everything's built with passengers in mind. Comfortable seating, smart layouts, and space that actually works so everyone can relax and enjoy the ride. There's room for the people, room for the stuff, and room for the moments that happen along the way. Because when people are the destination, your ride is important. Learn [e-mail] and find the vehicle that fits your people.

[Denzel Ward]

Hey, what's up?

[Drew Franklin]

It's Wanda Sykes.

[Billy Rutledge]

I'm here to remind you about something super important. Getting your breast green.

[Sponsor Announcer]

Because trust me, your breast health should be a priority.

[Billy Rutledge]

Early detection for breast cancer can change

[Drew Franklin]

the game, which is why you should

[Sponsor Announcer]

visit YourAttentionPlease.com to learn more.

[Billy Rutledge]

And do me a favor, if you've

[Drew Franklin]

already had a breast cancer screening, remind

[Billy Rutledge]

your friends and family to visit YourAttentionPlease.com too.

[Sponsor Announcer]

We gotta look out for our girls.

[Matt Jones]

NFL cover zero with Matt Jones and Drew Franklin is a production of the NFL and iHeart podcast.

[Drew Franklin]

Welcome in to a new edition of NFL Cover 0. Drew Franklin here with Billy Rutledge as we keep bringing you more from our trip to San Francisco for the Super Bowl. We did a ton of interviews out there. We are just trickling out releases of each one as the offseason goes on. Billy and today we're excited about another one. Denzel Ward from the Cleveland Browns. Cornerback we got A chance to talk with him on our last day out there in San Francisco. I can't remember, is he one of the people that were picking on your quarter zip, or was he one that played it pretty cool?

[Billy Rutledge]

He was the one that was a little bit nicer than most. He was the one that had diamonds in his hair. So he was very fashionable, but, you know, didn't throw me under the bus like Green Bay packers wide receivers did that week. I do like how we're just continuing to live through that super bowl week and get as much content in as possible. But Denzel was, I mean, a high rated draft pick and a really good class in 2018 with all those quarterbacks. And he's been pretty good for the Browns lately.

[Drew Franklin]

And it was a great interview. We're excited to bring that for you. Coming up, it is almost April and we're still bringing you things from that trip. That's how awesome the trip was. But we're not done there. We'll have more with Erik Kendricks on down the road. We got other interviews coming, but for today, today we're setting up the one with Denzel Ward. I loved hearing about just behind the scenes of the Cleveland Browns. You know, they've gone through a few coaches, they've gone through a few quarterbacks. And what I found most fascinating in the interview is what it's like sharing a locker room with a monster named Miles Garrett.

[Billy Rutledge]

They have broke the sack record this year. I mean, the guy is just a beast of a human being when it comes to how big he is. Drew, I mean, can you imagine standing next to somebody like that? You look like a dwarf.

[Drew Franklin]

Absolutely. We had fun hearing from him about what it's like playing with Miles Garrett on the same side of the ball. Lots of good conversations with Denzel Ward. But before we throw to that, Billy, there's. It has been a busy offseason. I mean, we had a bunch of free agency signings we talked about last week. I haven't checked in on the latest on Donna Kelce's renovation. Maybe we're putting a new sconce in the bathroom. I don't know where we are on that, but that's been a big topic. A few news points that I wrote down that we could run through and maybe you could add to them. But you know, there's been some. Been some wild stuff going on, including. I think we need to start with a name that we all kind of fell in love with last year coming back. Joe flacco at age 41, wants more football. I thought last year was going to be Flacco's last ride. It was already crazy. He's out there with a gray beard and winning games for the Bengals. And you know what he said? I want to run it back one more time. At least one more time. We'll see. But Cincinnati, you're getting more. Flacco behind Burrow.

[Billy Rutledge]

Last season seemed too good to be true, didn't it? Like he came in, didn't even know the playbook. He's telling receivers to just go straight and then left and he's going to throw it to him. And then he was really good. Like Cincinnati did pretty well with them. So that seemed like such a magical story. I don't know if there's enough magic to repeat that for old man Flacco, but I guess he's given all the older guys hope coming back, right?

[Drew Franklin]

Yeah. And it's a good look for Cincinnati. That's an organization that's been criticized a little bit for maybe some things behind the scenes, how they run it. Maybe not the top of the line in luxury behind the scenes, but Flacco, the reason he's coming back, he said, I love the building, I love the franchise. He wants to be a part of it another year. So good for the Bengals. That says a lot about them. And you know, sitting behind Joe Burrow and throwing a jamar chase if you're. If you're called upon is probably a fun gig as you're winding down your career.

[Billy Rutledge]

Yeah, that'd be a fun quarterback room, wouldn't it? I mean, Joe. And Joe, you got to think that a Hall of Famer, a future hall of Famer, you put Joe Flacco in the hall of Fame, right, Drew? I mean, he's a Super bowl winning quarterback.

[Drew Franklin]

Got to guy. Heck, he might be playing another 10 years too. We don't know what's next for him. Or maybe he just. He's into fossils and swords like Burrow and they've got a little buddy system going on in the QB room, but that's.

[Denzel Ward]

That's.

[Drew Franklin]

Of all the things that have come out from the NFL that maybe surprised me the most. I didn't even consider a Joe Flacco comeback.

[Billy Rutledge]

Well, you know, Todd Monken with former offensive coordinator for the Ravens. Maybe there was a history there when Joe was back with Baltimore. Who knows? But should be interesting in that division this year with all the new head

[Drew Franklin]

coach that and one more quarterback news I wanted to get. It's more college, but it is an NFL name. Did you see Matt Leinert in usc, what they were going through this week.

[Billy Rutledge]

Oh, I did see this.

[Drew Franklin]

It's another one I wanted to make sure we talk about. Matt Leinert's number 11 is retired in LA. You know, great career obviously. Reggie Bush, probably the best they've ever been. Pete Carroll, we all know the story, but his Jerseys retired number 11 as it should be. And I guess this week Coach Raleigh was like, hey, we got a recruit, he wants to wear number 11. Hey Matt, I think maybe we could unretire a little bit. And he basically was like, hell no you can't. We're leaving that up there forever. I'm not just going to give it away to some kid I don't know and who could transfer a year from now. So I thought it was more on how firm he was in saying he wasn't giving it up, but I thought that was interesting. Of the alum that could maybe throw the university a bone in recruiting by letting somebody wear a number 11, Leonard said, no, nay, my 11 is staying sacred and won't be worn again.

[Billy Rutledge]

Well, yeah, I mean if you're just going to unretire the greats numbers because every five star wants to wear it, it loses its significance. That number 11 jersey for USC should be remembered as Matt Liners, the lefty quarterback winning national championships. So I mean I would understand like the Yankees where they don't have a single single digit available because they've retired so many. But I mean, come on, you gotta, you gotta keep the history there, right?

[Drew Franklin]

He said, that kid probably chance of him staying at USC after two years is slim anyway. So it ain't happening, bro. I'm keeping mine up there forever. You can call me selfish, I don't give a bleep.

[Billy Rutledge]

Oh, I didn't know it was that strong. A quick Google search tells me that our one hundred and sixty three players have had their jerseys numbers retired and the Bears and giants both have 14 numbers each.

[Drew Franklin]

I understand you get to a point where it's like, hey man, we've had a lot of greats, but we do need some available numbers for our future. I get that. Clearly Matt Leinert's staying firm and leaving his retired at usc. Let's say Billy Rutledge was just a football sensation. Western Kentucky, we'll say you're you're alma mater. Let's say you're their all time leading pass and you led them to back to back Music City bowls. And your number, what number would you have been?

[Billy Rutledge]

Oh man, back in the day, I Think I was seven, Drew. I was lucky number seven.

[Drew Franklin]

Billy's number seven is up there in the stadium. And they come to you 20 years later. Hey, Billy, we got this recruit. We need him bad. And it seems like not being able to wear the number seven is a deal breaker in the recruitment. Can you, can you throw us a bone and let us pull that down from the, from the, from the hall of Fame and let him wear it? Are you, Are you budging or are you more Matt Leiner?

[Billy Rutledge]

Well, the Music City Bowls didn't. Weren't very profitable for me before NIL existed, and I didn't really turn it into an NFL career. So I need the money. So are you going to pay me to retire my jersey? Because you might have my attention as a failed professional athlete, but Matt Leinert, who's on TV and things like that, I mean, he's got a legacy to live up to. So I think I'm taking the money, Drew. But at the same time, I could see why Matt's standing strong.

[Drew Franklin]

You know, the story says Carson Palmer gave up his number three for Jordan Addison, who went to usc. So there's been precedent there, but Matt Leinert's not not giving it up. I would probably selfish like Matt Leiner.

[Billy Rutledge]

You would. Listen, that's my number. Yeah.

[Drew Franklin]

You put it up there for a reason. We retired it. It's going to stay retired.

[Billy Rutledge]

And what's to say the kid's not going to transfer one year later in

[Drew Franklin]

today's climate, or if he plays and he's just awful, then you sully the jersey. Yes. You stained my jersey. So I thought he was a little too firm in saying, I don't give a blank, but I get what he was going for.

[Billy Rutledge]

Yeah, well, hopefully, maybe Matt Leinert's son will come up and maybe he'll unretire it for him.

[Drew Franklin]

We do have some concerns before we get to the Denzel Ward interview.

[Billy Rutledge]

What?

[Drew Franklin]

Worried? You know, we're excited to keep this cover zero thing going. Our first year was so great. I mean, we're still, as I said, we're still talking about the Super Bowl. It's been. It's been over. It's been almost two months, and we're still riding high. But I think we might have competition next year.

[Billy Rutledge]

Oh, we do another podcast.

[Drew Franklin]

Mike Tomlin has hired media agents. He's not going away quietly. I didn't have Mike Tomlin as a guy we'd see on the set before any of these games. But it looks like things are lining up for the and it's, you know, he doesn't even want to be retired at all. He wants to get right back to work. It's looking like Mike Tomlin might be trying to do our job.

[Billy Rutledge]

Maybe a little gap year for him as he waits one year before he probably takes another coaching job, as many would expect. You think he's going to be making the circuit soon doing the pre game shows and things like that?

[Drew Franklin]

You know, I don't know that he's going to just push us out of the way and take over Cover 0. But it is looking like things are lining up or Mike Tomlin will be part of all the big the experience, the conversations before and after. I mean there's a million networks that cover the NFL now. I don't know which direction he's leaning, but for a guy that that kind of had that stoic look on the sideline all the time, doesn't seem that outgoing. Well, surprising. Might be dipping a toe in the media right away.

[Billy Rutledge]

Well, if he becomes a part of the NFL family, I will reach out. We'll have him on the show. I mean we already had Brown Spider and first lady on the show after their parking lot wedding at the Browns tailgate earlier this year. So why not have Mike Tomlin on And you know, he's a former Buck. He was on Those teams back in 02 and the good defenses, Jon Gruden winning Super Bowls. So I'd have a lot to talk to him about. But he's going to take a year off and do the media thing.

[Drew Franklin]

It sounds like completely forgot about the Bucks connection. And this wasn't on my list, but I saw. Is it Levante David that retired?

[Billy Rutledge]

Oh yeah.

[Drew Franklin]

My goodness, he did. For everyone that hasn't seen it, his retirement press conference, he starts talking about his parents. They both passed away. I think most most recent was just a few years ago and he's going on about all the sacrifices they made for him. I believe he's from Miami. Growing up to the point they had one family car and mom would take it to work and he rode on his dad's handlebars on his bike to get to practice. And he is just. And I completely understand and I'll admit I got a little emotional watching him. So as a Bucks guy, tell me more about Levante David and clearly that that's a dude that's highly respected. The response to that was big. But a big emotional moment for him as he retires after several years in

[Billy Rutledge]

Tampa for Mike Evans to leave for San Francisco and then Levante David to retire. I mean, the team will be a shell of itself than what it has been over the last 10, 14 years that Levante has been a buck. You don't see a lot of players stay with one team for the entire time. So he did really mean a lot. And he talked about the paper bags in the stands when the lost decade of the Bucks, when they were pretty bad, like Greg Shiano years and things like that, and that's what motivated him to get them back to the top. And you know, he was able to win a Super bowl with Tom Brady. That's a guy that embodies his community and has been a. A really good player. I mean, I think he's a first ballot hall of Famer. Drew, I'm a little biased, but this is a guy that is compared to Luke Keakley with the modern linebacker, one of the best. And, and you're right, man, that story about both of his parents have passed. But like, talking about riding on the

[Drew Franklin]

handlebar, just the sacrifices his family made for him to go on and have the career he did, and then just. Just watching him be emotional, I think touched a lot of people. I wanted to ask you about that. I'm not as ingrained in the Bucks as you are, but thank you for

[Billy Rutledge]

my Lavon Day David moment.

[Drew Franklin]

Yes, of course he's going away, but one thing that's not going away. Did you see the tush push will be coming back?

[Billy Rutledge]

Yes.

[Drew Franklin]

They don't want to hear about it. We're not going to talk about it. We're not going to meet about it. We're not going to debate it. Y' all shut up if you don't like it. The tush push is here to.

[Billy Rutledge]

Yeah, and it feels like that's kind of the natural thing that was going to happen after a year of complaining about it. And it kind of got stopped, though, a few times. It wasn't as effective, but it's just. It's not pleasing to the eye.

[Drew Franklin]

Right.

[Billy Rutledge]

It feels like a different sport. It's like we're playing rugby for one play and it kind of takes away from the goal line moments. But, you know, I think it has a lot to do with the owners and I guess they didn't want to vote on it here.

[Drew Franklin]

And last year we saw some teams get creative and trying to stop it. We'll probably just see more of that next year. Worked a little bit, as you said. The. The percentage of success went down quite a bit, but it's not going anywhere and they don't want to hear about it. Not even going to. Not even debate it in the league offices.

[Billy Rutledge]

Well, you know, the UFL is starting soon and I guess they have a lot of rules that they're trying to implement that maybe you could see in the NFL in the future. And so they don't have tush pushes and you can't punt after the 50 yard line. I kind of like that one, Drew.

[Drew Franklin]

Yeah, I kind of like that too. That almost seems like some video game stuff. They're going to work in. Maybe. Well, I'm sure we'll get to talk about that more as they get more into it, but that's been rumored as something that could be popping up soon.

[Billy Rutledge]

Yeah, I mean, cowardly punting on the other side of the 50. Please. Let's, let's go for it here.

[Drew Franklin]

We're just going to have NFL blitz rules soon. Go for it on 4th and 20. You know, they're going to make it as wild as possible. Start doing things like that.

[Billy Rutledge]

I would love it. Yeah.

[Drew Franklin]

And I know the league. I mentioned the league offices that they didn't talk about the tush pushing. I know they're listening to Cover zero right now. Sure. So to everyone in the league offices, we love you and we want to let you know that. Coming up, Denzel Ward from the Cleveland Browns. Next, an Ohio State legend. Great conversation about the changes that have happened in Cleveland. Even better conversation about what it's like just even playing near Miles Garrett, the most superhuman person in the NFL. So we've got that coming up for you now. Check it out. Denzel Ward. And we'll be back next week with more from our trip to San Francisco. I know it feels like forever ago, but to us, that will live in our brains forever.

[Matt Jones]

All right. Of all the players we've had here, I'm not sure we got one with more sort of star power. The Denzel Ward I. The whole fit here is immaculate.

[Denzel Ward]

Appreciate it.

[Matt Jones]

Even in the hair. You've got the diamond. You got detail.

[Denzel Ward]

I got a few details.

[Matt Jones]

I mean, that is detail. How long does it take to put. You didn't just throw that on. So all this whole, this whole look.

[Denzel Ward]

No, it, you know, it takes a little time. But, you know, I get some help from, from my style. My girlfriend's my stylist, so. So she helps style me. So it's not just easy problem though.

[Matt Jones]

You can't break up because then everything's going to get worse. You do that.

[Denzel Ward]

Exactly.

[Matt Jones]

Defense back for the Browns. Five time Pro Bowler here for ea Sports and Madden. I want to talk to you about Madden in a second, but let's talk about the Browns going to be new era in Cleveland. You got. Are you looking forward to the changes and what's ahead?

[Denzel Ward]

Yeah, I'm definitely looking forward to it. You know, we just got offensive minded coach and Todd Monkin and just looking forward to what he could bring bringing to our offense and to our team. You know, I heard a lot of great things about him. Able to elevate Lamar Jackson's game and Derrick Henry's game and you know, looking for that to happen here in Cleveland

[Matt Jones]

because y' all in the defense are like, we're good, just don't screw it up. Now you lost your, you lost your coordinator there, but you think you'll be able to keep it up even in, in this new era?

[Denzel Ward]

Yeah, I believe so. You know, we got a lot of great players, got a lot of great talent as a core on the team, so definitely looking forward to seeing who our new DC will be. You know, I'm heard that we lost Coach Schwartz, but yeah, I think we're still gonna be able to play at a high level.

[Drew Franklin]

How many podcasters do you think it would take to beat up Miles Garrett? Just we're like the average podcast. How many of us would it say

[Matt Jones]

there's three of us and then there's another version of each of us. So it's six of us. Could we take out Miles Garrett?

[Denzel Ward]

I think you're gonna need a few more people. You're gonna need a few more people. Miles Garrett is, is a, is a metahuman. He's like a different type of human being. I don't know. I think you guys will need a couple more people though.

[Drew Franklin]

So he is the freak of nature that we, we all see on tv. Just a superhuman.

[Denzel Ward]

Just a superhuman. Exactly.

[Matt Jones]

What makes him so. I mean obviously he's massive. I've stood next to him. But what makes him so effective? Why is he, he's now the all time single season sack like leader?

[Denzel Ward]

Yeah, I think for him being as big as he is, what he's six five two something but, but he's explosive and fast. Like he has quick twitch like a DV at the D line position. So I think that's what helps separates him and I mean just the, the moves he's able to do to get around a defender or offensive player and his speed I think kind of separates him from other guys.

[Billy Rutledge]

Man, I grew up on Madden. I developed my love of the sport playing the game and so I mean, I still play it today sometimes. What were you playing on initially, like as a kid? Like, how did you grow?

[Matt Jones]

What did you grow?

[Billy Rutledge]

You grow up gaming? Like, what was your first system and what were you playing back then?

[Denzel Ward]

Question. That's a great question. So I think my first system, I was playing a game. I had a Nintendo. Had a Nintendo and then end up.

[Matt Jones]

I had the original Nintendo. All right. I had the little eight bit.

[Drew Franklin]

Was.

[Matt Jones]

Yes.

[Denzel Ward]

So I end up. I think I started. That was it. It was like NFL 2K or something like that. What was that?

[Billy Rutledge]

It was 2K5.

[Drew Franklin]

My OG Madden T shirt.

[Matt Jones]

Here y'.

[Drew Franklin]

All.

[Denzel Ward]

We're doing. Oh, look at this.

[Matt Jones]

I was wondering. Drew just started T taking his clothes off in the middle.

[Drew Franklin]

Talk about the goat.

[Denzel Ward]

I will also rep. That's a real throwback. That's a real throwback. But yeah, started out on there and man, loved it ever since.

[Drew Franklin]

Love that.

[Denzel Ward]

Ever since.

[Matt Jones]

I was wondering what you were doing.

[Drew Franklin]

He was just talking. I'm like, let me just take my shirt off.

[Matt Jones]

No, I'm wearing Happy Mad.

[Denzel Ward]

I need that shirt. That's the next shirt.

[Drew Franklin]

94.

[Denzel Ward]

That's crazy.

[Drew Franklin]

One of my favorites. If we're going to talk Mad and I just wanted to be dressed for the occasion, I like it.

[Erin Andrews]

For adults with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis symptoms, every choice matters. Tremphya offers self injection or intravenous infusion. From the start, Tremphya is administered as injections under the skin or infusions through a vein every four weeks, followed by injections under the skin every four or eight weeks. If your doctor decides that you can self inject Trimfire, proper training is required. Tremphya is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with moderately to severely active Crohn's disease and adults with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis. Serious allergic reactions and increased risk of infections and liver problems may occur. Before treatment, your doctor should check you for infections and tuberculosis. Tell your doctor if you have an infection, flu like symptoms or if you need a vaccine. Explore what's possible.

[Billy Rutledge]

Possible.

[Erin Andrews]

Ask your doctor about tremphia today. Call 1-800-526-7736 to learn more or visit

[Drew Franklin]

trimfire radio.com Lowe's knows Sundays are for football, so tackle your home improvement projects by Saturday and earn your Sunday with great deals on LG and Bosch appliances. Select Bounty and Swiffer cleaning products and more. Then once your to do list is done, get ready to kick back, relax and enjoy the game game shop in store or Online now and earn your Sunday with help from Lowe's, official partner of the NFL.

[Sponsor Announcer]

March is here and Uber Eats is delivering deals all month long. Score big savings on all the delicious food you need to fuel your sports fandom. Whether you're ordering in or hosting the whole crew. UberEats is serving up deals on wings, burgers, pizza, all from your favorite restaurants, plus snacks from top stores. Perennial powerhouse Underdog. However the madness unfolds, these deals keep it going all month long. Visit the Uber Eats app for all the latest deals and start saving today. You know how it's never really about where you're going, it's about who you're going with. Like, the destination could be totally average, but if the right people are there, it becomes a great memory. Toyota really gets that. Toyota designs vehicles around real life and real people. The ones who bring everyone together and somehow make the drive part of the fun.

[Billy Rutledge]

Fun.

[Sponsor Announcer]

There's room for all the stuff that comes with togetherness. Luggage, golf clubs, camping gear, plus comfortable seating, smart layouts and space that lets everyone relax. And Toyota's lineup makes it easy to find your match. The RAV4 is perfect for everyday adventures. The Grand Highlander brings serious space for up to 8. With generous legroom and expansive cargo space. The Highlander also has space for up to eight. It's ready for big moments and spontaneous ones. Balancing style and flexibility. And the Sienna is built for everyday life. Carpools, road trips, snacks, spills, and it even has a built in vacuum for when things get a little too messy. Because when people are the destination, your ride is important. Learn [e-mail] and find the vehicle that fits your people.

[Matt Jones]

You were in the 2018 draft class, which of course had all those quarterbacks. Lamar, Josh, Allen. But Sam Darnold's the first one to go to the Super Bowl. What do you think about that?

[Denzel Ward]

That's crazy. I didn't expect it, honestly. But I mean, like I said, we definitely had a great draft class. A lot of high powered quarterbacks. And yeah, he was the one to make it out. You know, he's looking forward to seeing what he does in the Super Bowl.

[Matt Jones]

One thing about playing in your division though, you see Burrow and Lamar twice a year. Yeah, we're, we're Kentucky guys, so we watch Lamar in college. Yeah, it has to be. I mean, he's just a different freak of nature, right? How do you, how do you adjust to playing him twice a year?

[Denzel Ward]

Yeah, it's tough, honestly. That's one of the games is like, oh, okay, we Got Lamar Jackson this week. It's tough cuz his ability to be able to just continue the play. So, like, usually a play lasts four to six seconds, but he's still running back there. So we having to cover guys like eight flowers just across the field, just cutting and running. So it's like, it's not your traditional just route. Like they just running around like backyard football pretty much. And we just chasing guys around. So knowing that you got to cover longer, I think that's what makes it a little bit more difficult going against that.

[Matt Jones]

There's a story that Deion Sanders apparently used to say to his coaches, you give me so and so and then you worry about the other 10. Are you. You give me so and so and then you can worry about the other 10.

[Denzel Ward]

So I'm more so like I'm going to be on this side of the field. You could double coverage, everything over there. Now I'm going be man. I'm going be man coverage on it. So this side of the field shut down and worry about the other side of the field.

[Matt Jones]

See, I love that confidence. But dbs, that. Y' all are the ones that do that, like dbs talk the most trash, right?

[Denzel Ward]

I don't really talk too much trash,

[Matt Jones]

but give me the top three trash talkers in the NFL.

[Denzel Ward]

In the NFL, it might be offense

[Matt Jones]

because you're the one receiving theirs, whereas you don't get to see the defensive ones.

[Denzel Ward]

Yeah, just from the outside looking in. I mean, I think it used to be Jalen Ramsey, like the biggest trap, one of the biggest trash talkers. I think Devin Witherspoon, he's a guy that kind of, I think, talking trash. I'm gonna go, Greg. Noon. Greg. No, he's a.

[Matt Jones]

He's a big news. So there's a. Well, I tell you, next time somebody talks trash to you, just show them that. The. The braids with the day. Like, nobody's gonna be able to handle that. Do you? Cleveland.

[Denzel Ward]

Okay.

[Matt Jones]

Takes a lot of. Takes a lot of crap as a city. Fans love it. We, we. We. We interviewed two people today, two people this year who got married in the parking lot of a tailgate.

[Billy Rutledge]

Brown spider.

[Matt Jones]

It's a brown spider at the game. What is it like playing in Cleveland and with those fans that have been long suffering?

[Denzel Ward]

Yeah, I love it, man. That's my hometown. Like, I'm from Cleveland, so, you know, I grew up, Grew up watching the Browns, went to Browns games. Growing up was with the dog pound in the city. So, I mean, it's a great Fan base, great city, and they just want to win, you know, but regardless if we're not winning, losing, they always there in the stand supporting us.

[Matt Jones]

Imagine what it's going to be like when you do win.

[Denzel Ward]

Definitely, definitely. It's going to be crazy. The city is going to explode.

[Drew Franklin]

It's going to be crazy being from there in a place with not as much tradition as a lot of other teams. Like, does it just make you want it to be a part of it that much more when they do figure it out, having those roots and being as a fan, lifelong fan as you said?

[Denzel Ward]

Yeah, definitely. I mean, I just know, know the, the moment that we make it to the playoffs, make it to the super bowl, the city's gonna be on fire. So wait on the moment. It's coming, you know it's coming, so just wait for it.

[Matt Jones]

Now tell me about Madden. I hear you got a pretty good rating. Am I correct about that?

[Denzel Ward]

Not a good enough rating. The rating is okay, I think I'm like a 92 right now, but I

[Matt Jones]

need to be higher than 92.

[Denzel Ward]

I'm glad y' all said that's all, that's all I'm saying. I feel I've been disrespected in Madden. I don't even think I have an X factor in mad.

[Matt Jones]

But you're wearing the mask.

[Denzel Ward]

Oh yeah. I'm a hot, great supporter of Madden. I love Madden.

[Matt Jones]

I'm gonna guess this is just a guess. I'm gonna guess your rating tire next year.

[Denzel Ward]

So I hope so. You know, coming up, I got five Pro Bowls, you know, coming up.

[Billy Rutledge]

What else are you supposed to do?

[Denzel Ward]

I don't, I don't know what else I got to do. So I'm good to get on call with Madden, put you guys on the phone and you know, hopefully you guys

[Matt Jones]

can tell who is the, who is the best Madden player in on your team.

[Denzel Ward]

All right, see, I'm gonna have to go myself. I'm, I feel I'm an extreme level Madden player.

[Drew Franklin]

Player.

[Matt Jones]

You know, I saw Cam scatter boo over there just a minute ago. Pretty good. He was, well, I don't know, he was celebrating. They were giving him some award. I think the two of you should go at it.

[Denzel Ward]

That'd be a good matchup. That'd be a good matchup. We gonna set that up. I gotta set that up.

[Drew Franklin]

I gotta ask him. We won't make it weird for Browns fans, but do you play with the Browns or do you play with another team? See, you gotta tell on yourself here.

[Denzel Ward]

No Actually, I do. Usually I do a franchise mode, though. So you could pick different teams, but I still pick the Browns. And then you could draft any players that you want in the.

[Matt Jones]

The league. You don't want to be. You don't want to be stuck with your. What was it like, the Shador experience. I mean, obviously, you know, I had some ups and downs as a player, but there's. There's just so much else that came along with that. Did the team get used to it or is it like, you know, you just. It's just one of those things.

[Denzel Ward]

No, it was good. I don't think it was as bad as people might have made it seem from outside in, like Shador. He comes in and it locks in, works hard, and just tries to get better each day. So, I mean, it wasn't nothing out the ordinary that he was doing when he came to work.

[Matt Jones]

I mean, practicing against you every day probably helps him a little bit, right?

[Denzel Ward]

Yeah, I believe so. Like I said before, I picked him off a few times in practice, so, you know, trying to help him learn and grow and know he's helping me as well. Making good throws.

[Matt Jones]

Going in the draft this year, what do you think the team needs to. To add.

[Denzel Ward]

I would say, personally, I think that we need to go offense. Offense heavy in this draft. You know, get some more old lineman, get some receivers, get a lot of just offensive positions and help grow there in that.

[Matt Jones]

All right, well, Denzel, before you go, you obviously have the. The fashion sense as well as anybody. I want you to look at the guy next to you.

[Denzel Ward]

Okay.

[Matt Jones]

This is Bill.

[Denzel Ward]

Yeah.

[Matt Jones]

All right. Billy has these quarter zips. He is big on the reversible quarter zip. He can wear it. He can reverse it on the other side. I like Christian Watson. Said it was a terrible look, and it was like five in one head and shoulders shampoo. Right. I like Christian Watson. I think you're dressed even better than Christian Watson. What do you think of the reversible quarter zip is?

[Denzel Ward]

I don't think it's. It's not bad, I think. And also, it's not the clothes, like, it's you that make the clothes. So it's like, if you comfortable in that and that's what you like to wear, that like, that's what gives off the aura, gives off the. The vibe. So I like it. That's your style. That's good. You know, I see you got the watch, got the timepiece, like, I like it.

[Matt Jones]

What about the NFL logo hat?

[Billy Rutledge]

NFL logo.

[Denzel Ward]

I'm not mad at it. I'm, I'm not mad at it. You know, we at the super bowl, like it's a great moment to wear the hat.

[Billy Rutledge]

I got the ultra confidence that a DB has to have.

[Sponsor Announcer]

Right.

[Billy Rutledge]

You got to have that short term memory.

[Denzel Ward]

Exactly.

[Matt Jones]

He looks a little bit like a DV did sound war a different db. Ward here for either NBA Sports and Madden for the Cleveland Browns. Thank you very much.

[Denzel Ward]

Appreciate it.

[Matt Jones]

Appreciate it.

[Drew Franklin]

All right, that was NFL Cover zero's interview with Cleveland Brown Denzel Ward. We enjoyed talking to him. We'll have more for you coming up. Soon. We'll hit the latest news in the NFL news we don't know yet, but it's a busy off season with the draft approaching. And we'll have our interview with 49ers linebacker Eric Kendricks, who made a huge play for the 49ers in the postseason. He was part of that team they had to throw together when they battled so many injuries. Guy whose career looked like it have been over and he stepped up for them in a big way. So it was great talking to him, learning what it was like being on a team that was just riddled with injuries. And we'll have that coming up soon. For now, thank you for listening to NFL Cover Zero. Billy, thank you for doing another one with me. And we'll be back next week.

[Billy Rutledge]

Let's do it.

[Matt Jones]

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 app, Apple podcasts or wherever you get your podcast.

[Sponsor Announcer]

March is here and Uber Eats is delivering deals all month long. Score big savings on all the delicious food you need to fuel your sports fandom. Whether you're ordering in or hosting the whole crew. Uber Eats is serving up deals on wings, burgers, pizza, all from your favorite restaurants, plus snacks from top stores. Perennial powerhouse underdog. However the madness unfolds, these deals keep it going all month long long. Visit the Uber Eats app for all the latest deals and start saving today. You know how it's never really about where you're going. It's about who you're going with. The right people can turn any drive into a great memory. That's something Toyota really believes. They design vehicles around real life and real people. The ones who make plans happen and bring everyone together inside. Everything's built with passengers in mind. Comfortable seating, smart layouts and space that that actually works so everyone can relax and enjoy the ride. There's room for the people, room for the stuff and room for the moments that happen along the way. Because when people are the destination, your ride is important. Learn [e-mail] and find the vehicle that fits your people.

[Erin Andrews]

Hey guys, it's Erin Andrews. Breasts get so much attention, but they're still so ignored when it matters most. Everything these days is fighting for your attention. We've got work, family, social media, making it tough to figure out what to prioritize. I got something that should always be at the very top of the list. Your breast health. If you're 40 and over, you should be getting screened once a year. And if you're under 40, it's never too soon to visit YourAttentionPlease.com to learn about breast cancer risk. Trust me, your future self will thank you.

[Billy Rutledge]

Every Lenovo is built to let them move. Let them put a chicken on a skateboard, please Let them scale, copy and change it up. Let them make a purple sky with raining soccer balls incoming. Let them launch their vision to the world. Let them make Powered by Intel Core Ultra processors, Lenovo gives creatives everything they need. Lenovo.com let creatives create Lenovo.

[Denzel Ward]

Lenovo

[Erin Andrews]

this is an iHeart podcast.

[Drew Franklin]

Guaranteed human.