NFL Cover Zero: NFL Draft Choices and Bengals OT Orlando Brown Jr.

Summary

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NFL Cover Zero with Matt Jones and Drew Franklin

Episode: NFL Draft Choices and Bengals OT Orlando Brown Jr.

Release Date: April 16, 2026
Hosts: Matt Jones and Billy (Drew Franklin is not present in this episode)
Guest: Orlando Brown Jr., Offensive Tackle, Cincinnati Bengals

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Episode Overview

This episode of NFL Cover Zero dives into the excitement and uncertainty surrounding the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, focusing on quarterback prospects and the spectacle of draft coverage. The show features a lively discussion between hosts Matt Jones and Billy about their draft preferences and viewing habits, followed by an in-depth, wide-ranging interview with Cincinnati Bengals OT Orlando Brown Jr. Brown provides candid insights on his NFL experience, team chemistry with superstar Joe Burrow, locker-room dynamics, charity work, and personal interests off the field.

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Key Discussions & Insights

1. NFL Draft Quarterback Prospects & Viewing Habits

[02:00 - 09:02]

• Draft QB Talk:
  • Francisco Mendoza is anticipated as the #1 overall pick, but there’s much debate after him.
  • Ty Simpson and Nussmeier (Alabama & LSU QBs) are discussed as possible early second-round picks.
    • “I don't think he's a first round talent.” – Billy (02:51)
    • Both hosts agree these QBs have faced much criticism and intrigue about their draft value.
• Draft Watching Rituals:
  • Matt and Billy joke about being “locked in” for draft coverage. Billy confesses to planting himself in a recliner for the entire event.
  • The hosts dissect their preferences for broadcast feeds:
    • ABC for family stories/feel-good moments (Billy's pick)
    • NFL Network for hard analysis (“for the nerds” – Matt)
    • ESPN as a “middle ground” (Matt’s pick: “a little bit rock and roll, but a little bit country.” [06:00])
  • Discuss the “reality show” feel of the ABC broadcast, emphasizing the appeal of personal stories, emotional moments, and behind-the-scenes drama.
• Mel Kiper Jr. Lore:
  • Matt shares an anecdote about Mel Kiper’s very specific routine:
    • “He eats a certain kind of cake every single day at 4:30.” (04:53)
    • The hosts debate whether Kiper is essential to the draft experience.

2. Critique on Prospects’ Persona & Decision Making

[07:00 - 09:02]

• Mendoza’s On-Camera Style:
  • Matt finds Mendoza’s TV interviews odd: “He looks directly, directly into the camera and I'm like, stop staring at me.” (07:47)
  • Both hosts agree on the importance of media training for QB prospects.
• Pavia Draft Stock:
  • Matt is outspoken that Pavia is undraftable as a distraction.
    • “You couldn't pay me to pick Pavia...same issue that Tebow had.” (08:03)

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3. Special Interview: Orlando Brown Jr.

[13:00 - 29:41]

Introduction

• Matt praises the quality and warmth of the Orlando Brown interview, saying it was “maybe the best interview we did” at the Super Bowl. (13:00)
• The interview focuses not just on football, but also Cincinnati culture, locker-room life, and personal anecdotes.

Cincinnati Culture & Skyline Chili

• Orlando’s take on Cincinnati’s famous dish:
  • “I'm not a big fan of the spaghetti necessarily with the chili...give it to me on a hot dog, we're good to go.” – Orlando Brown Jr. (14:26)
  • Pro-hot sauce, but not necessary for him.

Practice Facility & City Dynamics

• The Bengals facility is notably situated under an interstate, which both hosts and Orlando joke about.
  • “It's very strange. It's weird...but it is under the interstate. Isn't that kind of strange?” – Matt (15:10)
  • Orlando embraces the uniqueness: “I drive downtown every day for work. Like, I don't know. Something about that is just cool to me.” (15:20)

Joe Burrow: The Locker Room Leader

• Orlando confirms that QB Joe Burrow’s “Joe Cool” persona is authentic:
  • “He's the same guy every day. As intense as he is on Sundays. He's that intense in a walkthrough in April.” (16:21)
• On Burrow dyeing his hair and giving unique gifts to the O-line:
  • Burrow gave him a “crazy 80,000 year old cave bear skull” and swords last year.
    • “I think it's cool. I think it's special. Even last year with the swords...he gave us swords last year.” (17:44)
    • When asked if he’d rather have a Rolex, Orlando laughs: “I go get my own Rolex. I’ve never thought about buying myself a fossil, but this fossil is worth thousands of dollars and I’ll have it forever.” (17:59)

Football Legacy, Charity, and Personal Life

• On his foundation in football:
  • “My dad didn't want me to play. It took a lot for me really to convince him to let me play.” (18:36)
• Orlando’s passion for music:
  • He’s teaching himself piano: “YouTube and iPad apps.” (19:20)
• Cincinnatian of the Year for charity work, notably for Type 1 diabetes awareness, honoring his family’s struggle:
  • “My dad passed away of ketoacidosis…for me, it’s just important to be able to let people know they’re not alone.” (24:16)

Comparing Quarterbacks and Locker Rooms

• On Joe Flacco’s brief Bengals stint:
  • “He's in the huddle...he say the formation, and he go, ‘Jamar, what do you want to run, T? What do you want?’ …that was my favorite part about having him, it was backyard football, man.” (25:29)
• On wildest fanbases:
  • Matt claims: “I think Cincinnati has the drunkest fans in the NFL on game day, and I. I still stand by that.” (26:06)
  • Orlando acknowledges Pecor Stadium’s intense energy but says Arrowhead and Seattle are also “pretty crazy.” (26:28)

The Heartbreaker: Bears vs. Bengals

• Matt and Orlando revisit Cincinnati’s epic game vs. Chicago:
  • Orlando: “That's probably my most disappointing loss as a pro.” (27:18)
  • He avoids blaming the defense, reflecting on his own key mistake: “I gave up a sack fumble…and that had an effect on the game…there’s always plays that you can point the finger at to the man in the mirror.” (28:12)

Offbeat & Personal

• Never been to Kings Island amusement park due to his size: “Too big, man, my feet hit the ground on the bottom.” (29:07)
• Met Cincinnati Reds’ phenom Elly De La Cruz and was impressed: “Oh, he's different now.” (29:37)

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• On the draft as a family spectacle:
  • “Basically you just want a reality show. Yeah, that’s what the draft is to me.” – Matt & Billy (05:32-05:36)
• On ABC’s emotional coverage:
  • “I don’t want to cry. Feels like everyone’s crying the whole time.” – Matt Jones (06:05)
• On Joe Burrow’s leadership:
  • “He's the same guy every day. As intense as he is on Sundays, he's that intense in a walkthrough in April.” – Orlando Brown Jr. (16:21)
• On unique gifts from QBs:
  • “He’s given me the fossil. This year I got a crazy 80,000 year old cave bear skull.” – Orlando Brown Jr. (17:13)
• On Cincinnati’s fan energy:
  • “Pecor Stadium gets rocking…our fan base there, they love their football.” – Orlando Brown Jr. (26:28)
• On coping with tough losses:
  • “I don't ever want to point fingers and say it was just our defense…always something you can point the finger at to the man in the mirror.” – Orlando Brown Jr. (28:12)

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Important Segment Timestamps

• [02:00] - Draft QB talk; viewing preferences
• [04:47] - Mel Kiper Jr. anecdote
• [07:00] - Critique of Mendoza’s media presence
• [08:03] - Discussion on Pavia and distractions in a locker room
• [13:00] - Orlando Brown Jr. interview begins
• [14:26] - Orlando on Skyline Chili
• [15:20] - Description of Bengals' unique practice facility
• [16:21] - Joe Burrow’s team persona described
• [17:06] - QBs giving gifts, from fossils to swords
• [18:36] - Football legacy, his father's hesitation
• [19:07] - Orlando's piano-playing journey
• [24:16] - Cincinnatian of the Year, Type 1 diabetes charity work
• [25:29] - Joe Flacco stories, “backyard football”
• [26:28] - Discussion of NFL’s rowdiest fanbases
• [27:18] - Heartbreaking loss to the Bears revisited
• [29:07] - Amusement park woes and meeting Elly De La Cruz

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Episode Tone & Style

• Casual, witty, with a mix of light-hearted banter and sincere, heartfelt moments—especially during Orlando Brown Jr.'s interview.
• Both hosts and guest embrace openness, humor, and a “football talk for the rest of us” vibe.

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Looking Ahead

• The hosts tease an official NFL Draft preview episode coming on Monday, promising an in-depth breakdown for listeners eager for draft content.

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Summary prepared for listeners seeking a thorough and engaging recap.

Transcript

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[Matt Jones]

NFL Cover 0 with Matt Jones and Drew Franklin is a production of the NFL and iHeart podcast. Welcome everybody. It is Cover Zero. We are one week away from the NFL Draft. Matt Jones and Billy are sports. The NFL draft is next Thursday night in Pittsburgh. Mendoza Francisco Mendoza looks to be the first pick. And then, you know, after that it's up in the air. Lots of excitement. Are you looking forward to the draft?

[Billy (Co-host)]

Billy I am looking to see where the quarterbacks go after Mendoza. Right. Ty Simpson. I'm looking at the SEC worrying about Ty Simpson. Yeah, I got where you think Ty

[Matt Jones]

Simpson needs to go.

[Billy (Co-host)]

Probably like early second round. I don't think he's a first round round talent. Not sure on team, but I didn't make it.

[Matt Jones]

Alabama. Ty Simpson was good.

[Billy (Co-host)]

Well, this, that's the draft. Matt, everybody.

[Matt Jones]

Same with what? Nussmeier. Nussmeier at lsu, constantly getting badgered. But it'd be interesting to see if Alabama and lsu, there are two quarterbacks who received constant criticism and turmoil. Will maybe be the second and third quarterbacks chosen.

[Billy (Co-host)]

Yeah. And I lock in for that first day of the draft. I'm kind of in and out.

[Matt Jones]

What do you do?

[Billy (Co-host)]

I sit down in front of the. If I'm not there.

[Matt Jones]

Is that locked in?

[Billy (Co-host)]

Oh yeah. Oh, I'm definitely locked in.

[Matt Jones]

It's locked in to say I sit down in front of the television.

[Billy (Co-host)]

Well, I get in the recliner.

[Matt Jones]

I think a lot of people do that.

[Billy (Co-host)]

Well, true. But I get in the recliner and don't move like it's a. I've got to see everything that's happening.

[Matt Jones]

As opposed to what?

[Billy (Co-host)]

Well, maybe you're in and out. Maybe you got a second spot.

[Matt Jones]

Now do you watch the ESPN feed? Do you watch the ABC feed or do you watch the NFL Network feed?

[Billy (Co-host)]

I'm an ABC guy. I like.

[Matt Jones]

You like the one for women? Well, I mean they make that for people's mothers.

[Billy (Co-host)]

Well, I mean then count me in that group because I like the backstories. Like seeing the family things you like

[Matt Jones]

to see, like how they're, how they're doing as a, as a family.

[Billy (Co-host)]

Yeah. I could get Steve Mariucci on the NFL Network any day of the week.

[Matt Jones]

But like the Kirk, Herb street and who else? Nick Saban.

[Billy (Co-host)]

Saban had done it in the past.

[Matt Jones]

But, but when I see that, when I feel. It's like they highlight the tragedy in everyone's life. You're very pro. Tragedy.

[Billy (Co-host)]

It's a good storylines, you know, for our Cover Zero podcast. You never know what you're going to learn. Mel Kuiper Jr. I've seen enough of him for a while.

[Matt Jones]

What are you talking about? Mel Kuiper Jr. Is an American treasure.

[Billy (Co-host)]

Yeah, well, he's great. No, he's great at analysis. There's no doubt about it in that hair he eats.

[Matt Jones]

So I've worked with him a couple times. He eats a meal at the same time of day.

[Billy (Co-host)]

Oh really? Is it the same meal?

[Matt Jones]

Well, he has. It's a certain kind of cake. I can't remember what it is, but there is some cake that he eats every single day at 4:30. Like a slice of it. And I think it's his thing. He has it every single day at the exact same time of day. He's a very like, regimented person. As you can see by the hair. He's kept the hair the same for 40 some plus years. So you don't want to see Mel Kuiper. I mean, to me, the draft is Mel Kuiper.

[Billy (Co-host)]

No, no, that's not the draft to me, Matt.

[Commercial Announcer]

It's.

[Billy (Co-host)]

I really liked the COVID year when we got a glimpse into the families and like the CD Lamb.

[Matt Jones]

So basically you just want a reality show.

[Billy (Co-host)]

Yeah, that's what the draft is to me.

[Matt Jones]

All right, well, I. I do think there are levels I think you have. ABC is the most family oriented. Watch it with your girlfriend. She'll go, oh, that's sweet. NFL Network is for the nerds, right? The ones that are out there going, well, 40 time. When you match it up with a 3, 4 defense, that's not going like there. And then I think ESPN is kind of somewhere in the middle. Right. It's a little bit rock and roll, but a little bit country.

[Billy (Co-host)]

I would agree with that. Yeah. Which one are you going to?

[Matt Jones]

I tend to do espn. I need a little analysis. I need to see them. You know, it used to be all the game tape for the SEC players was against Kentucky. And I always enjoyed that. Not so much anymore, but. And then I like. I like a combination. I can't do the NFL Network because it's too serious. A lot of, you know, everybody's really like all that. And then the ABC one, I don't know. I don't want to cry. Feels like everyone's crying the whole time. I really enjoy watching the girlfriends and the mothers fight for airtime, but that's more, I think of an ESPN thing. Normally they're showing that. And then I also enjoy the suits. I think it's bad. Mendoza is not going, though.

[Billy (Co-host)]

Yeah, I like that. Number one pick.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah, I mean, you need to be there. The draft is essentially you. Especially now since you're like Mr.

[Commercial Announcer]

I don't know.

[Matt Jones]

I think he's a odd kid.

[Billy (Co-host)]

Is he?

[Matt Jones]

You didn't think he was odd in his interviews like he was. I feel like he was a little dorky. I feel like he would stare at me too much. He just looks directly into the camera. You know, when you go on television, they teach you do not look directly into the camera.

[Billy (Co-host)]

Oh, I've never heard that. That tip?

[Matt Jones]

Well, I mean, it's a little different if you're on a newscast but if, like, if you're going to be, if you're, if I'm interviewing you, they will tell you, don't look at the camera, look at me.

[Billy (Co-host)]

Okay.

[Matt Jones]

Right now when you're a news report, like when you're a news reporter, you look at the camera. But like when you're being interviewed, Mendoza doesn't follow that rule. He doesn't look at the person who's asking questions. He looks directly into the game.

[Billy (Co-host)]

Well, that would be creepy. If he's staring at him, he does this. No, I'm going to have to go back and see that.

[Matt Jones]

Look at the post games he did throughout the playoff run. He looks directly, directly into the camera and I'm like, stop staring at me. It would be. So for that reason, I can't get behind him as my quarterback.

[Billy (Co-host)]

What about Pavia? You think he finds a home?

[Matt Jones]

I. You couldn't pay me to pick Pavia. Oh, well, first of all, if you're going to pick Pavia, I mean, he's going to be your third qb. You don't want that. You don't want that distraction. It's the same thing, the same issue that, that Tebow had. Very different. I mean, Tebow was not a arrogant, but like you couldn't have him as your third quarterback because of how much attention he gets. So if you're going to have Pavi on your team, then he's going to have to be your starter and nobody wants him to be a starter.

[Billy (Co-host)]

I remember Tebow went to the jets, he was a tight end and still all the cameras were on him. And he also.

[Matt Jones]

Is it right he doesn't have an agent or whatever, he's going to do it himself.

[Billy (Co-host)]

Who is that?

[Matt Jones]

Pavia?

[Billy (Co-host)]

I'm not sure about that.

[Matt Jones]

I feel like he said something like that. Come on, dude, stop.

[Billy (Co-host)]

Lamar did the same thing, right?

[Matt Jones]

Yeah. And I think that's a mistake. But at least Lamar's really good, you know, so. No, I'm out on. I would not pick Pavi.

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[Matt Jones]

Now, we were at the Super Bowl a couple, you know, a few weeks ago, did a lot of interviews, and the one that we've kind of been holding, because Billy is selfish, is Orlando Brown Jr. This may have been the best interview we did.

[Commercial Announcer]

Right?

Yeah.

[Billy (Co-host)]

Especially on day three. That was such an interesting day.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah. Because we. He came in, he does work in Cincinnati. We talked about Skyline Chili, one of your favorites. I don't understand why everyone doesn't embrace it. I mean, don't you like the idea that a city has unique food to

[Billy (Co-host)]

the city to be known for? Yeah.

[Matt Jones]

But then for some reason with Cincinnati, everybody says, oh, that's terrible.

[Billy (Co-host)]

Well, maybe they just don't like it. Like, it is possible that it can be a part of your city and you just don't like it.

[Matt Jones]

Yeah. Well, they're wrong. Because since Skyline's very good and it's good to hear Orlando talk about it. And so this was like one of the most pleasant guys, does a lot of charity work. And for Bengals fans, I know specifically you've been asking for it. So we decided right here before the draft we would, we would play Orlando Brown Jr. All right, happy to be joined now from the Cincinnati beach, just up the road from us, it's like the Cincinnati beagles. Orlando Brown Jr. All right, I could. I'm sure you get a lot of football questions since you're in Cincinnati. I'm gonna give you some Cincinnati questions. I like that. Let's start with do you like Skyline?

[Orlando Brown Jr.]

I do, I do. You know, I, I'm not a big fan of the spaghetti necessarily with the chili, though. I do like the chili. I could eat the chili with some crackers and some cheese, but just Go give it to me on a hot dog. We're good to go.

[Matt Jones]

So you do the hot dog with the stringy cheese. 100 hot sauce is good. Are you pro hot sauce?

[Orlando Brown Jr.]

I'm pro hot sauce, but I don't really need it. I'm not. Yeah, I just. Just give me the Skyline chili, some onions, mustard, some cheese on that hot dog. I'm good to go.

[Matt Jones]

I'm feeling endorsement. Skyline. I can. It can work now. I don't know how to say this nicely, but we've had this conversation. You drive into Cincinnati for people elsewhere. You cross the bridge from Northern Kentucky and the Bengals practice facility is under the interstate.

[Billy (Co-host)]

Yes, it is.

[Matt Jones]

It's very strange. It's weird that the practice facility is like, under a bridge now. It's very nice, but it is under the interstate. Isn't that kind of strange?

[Orlando Brown Jr.]

I love it, though. It's like, I've been. I've played in Baltimore where our facility and Stadium was 30 minutes apart. You practice in the suburbs and then in Kansas City. The stadium and the facility are pretty much in the same property. So you're right there, but you're not around much. The thing about Cincinnati that's so cool is I drive in. I drive downtown every day for work. Like, I don't know. Something about that is just cool to me.

[Matt Jones]

No, it is very cool, but you do. Like, I've often wondered, if I was driving down the interstate and just threw a cup out my window, would I take Ja' Marr Chase out for the year?

[Orlando Brown Jr.]

Yeah, you might. You might. I mean, you'd be surprised. Everything I. You hear all kind of stuff. People driving by, yelling stuff, honking their horns. It's pretty cool.

[Commercial Announcer]

Yeah.

[Matt Jones]

We all work with someone that's just really cool and hard to be around. Like Billy, like, he has an aura that's hard. You can see it's tough.

[Commercial Announcer]

Is. Is.

[Matt Jones]

Is Burrow.

[Billy (Co-host)]

Yeah, let's go, man.

[Matt Jones]

Is Burrow like that. But like, what we see on social media, what we get of his fans, is that like that all the time. Is he really just Joe Cool?

[Orlando Brown Jr.]

Yeah, he is, man. He is. And. And to me, that's what makes a great player greatest. He's the same guy every day. As intense as he is on Sundays. He's that intense in a walkthrough in April. And you know that breeds success, man. He's always chasing perfection.

[Matt Jones]

When you. You weren't on the team when he dyed his hair blonde, I was.

[Orlando Brown Jr.]

I was. That was you.

[Matt Jones]

So I would have looked at him and Gone. Hey, man, you all right?

[Orlando Brown Jr.]

Well, he talked about it, you know, he talked about it that off season when I was over at his home. And honestly, I didn't really even know what he meant. I. Was it frosted tips or something? I can't remember what he was trying to say.

[Matt Jones]

It was.

[Orlando Brown Jr.]

Yeah, yeah, but he went full slim shady. I mean, to each his own, man. It was a good look. He wore well. He swagged it out well for a while there. Will it happen again? Probably. Knowing him, what did you do with the.

[Matt Jones]

With the fossil he gave you? Wasn't that the thing he like gave the line fossils?

[Orlando Brown Jr.]

Yeah, he's given me two incredible gifts, man. He's given me the fossil. This year I got a crazy 80,000 year old cave bear skull.

[Commercial Announcer]

Normal.

[Matt Jones]

Hang on just a second. I thought you meant fossil like that. Maybe that was a brand of luxury watch. I didn't know, like it was actually experience.

[Commercial Announcer]

Yeah.

[Matt Jones]

He gave them rocks.

[Orlando Brown Jr.]

Yes. He gave us like prehistoric fossils and I got a huge cave bear skull. It's really cool.

[Matt Jones]

But I mean, I've seen other ones like Dak Prescott's getting guys motorcycles and Pat Mahomes had everything you could think of.

[Orlando Brown Jr.]

I think he even gave him refrigerators.

[Matt Jones]

And then you're like, well, here's my.

[Orlando Brown Jr.]

My rock, man. I like it. I don't know. I think it's cool. I think it's special. Even last year with the swords, man. He gave us swords last year.

[Matt Jones]

I need you to look me in the eye here.

[Orlando Brown Jr.]

Yeah, I got swords.

[Matt Jones]

Are you telling me you wanted to have that old rock over like a new Rolex?

[Orlando Brown Jr.]

I'm gonna be honest, man. Like I like from. It's like, that's the benefit of having rich friends. You get cool stuff, you know what I mean?

[Commercial Announcer]

Like.

[Orlando Brown Jr.]

Like I've never thought about buying myself a fossil. But this fossil is worth thousands of dollars and I'll have it forever, so I'll not. I think it's cool. Yeah, I'm good, man. I go get my own Rolex.

[Matt Jones]

You don't have your own fossil now.

[Billy (Co-host)]

You do now.

[Orlando Brown Jr.]

I do because of Joey B, man.

[Matt Jones]

That's exactly right. All right, fair enough.

[Billy (Co-host)]

I know legacy is important to you and your. And your father and everything that he did.

[Orlando Brown Jr.]

Yeah.

[Billy (Co-host)]

But was it always football for you or was it. Was there anything else that you, Orlando Brown Jr. Would have been doing?

[Orlando Brown Jr.]

Football, man, it was always football for me. You know, I would tell you I probably made the commitment to the sport at the age of 13. You know, my dad didn't want me to play. It took a lot for me really, to convince him to let me play. But yeah, man, I love football, man. I love it. It's always been there and it's something I enjoy, but I got a real passion and love for it. But you.

[Matt Jones]

Well, you say your dad didn't want you to play. There wasn't a part of you that was like, yeah, dad played. I want to be. Well, you're a pianist, right? Did you want to do that when you were young?

[Orlando Brown Jr.]

Yeah, well, you know, I started learning to play the piano when I bought my home in Cincy. And I mean, I'm not great, like. And there isn't any songs that I could tell you if you put me in front of a crowd, I feel comfortable playing.

[Matt Jones]

Yet I'm just someone giving you piano

[Orlando Brown Jr.]

lessons, YouTube and iPad apps. But. But yeah.

[Matt Jones]

Disappointed. I thought you would have like, some like me, a little old lady in

[Orlando Brown Jr.]

town who, you know, how cool that would be. No, no, I haven't gone that far. But, you know, I think the next instrument I do want to learn is the guitar, so I definitely probably need somebody for that.

[Matt Jones]

I think you should get Mrs. Hopkins taught me and I feel like she could teach you. She's still alive.

[Orlando Brown Jr.]

Ms. Gwinnett taught my sister. I could get Ms. Gwinnett.

[Matt Jones]

If Ms. Hopkins is not available.

[Orlando Brown Jr.]

Give me either of their numbers, man.

[Matt Jones]

Kentucky.

[Commercial Announcer]

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[Matt Jones]

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[Commercial Announcer]

Are you looking for support in your weight management journey? Zepbound Tirzepatide may be able to help. Zepbound is a prescription medicine used with a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity to help adults with obesity or some adults with overweight who also have weight related medical problems to lose excess body weight and keep the weight off. Zepbound is Approved as a 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5 or 15mg injection. Zepbound contains Tirzepatide and should not be used with other Tirzepatide containing products or any GLP1 receptor agonist medicines. It is not known if Zepbound is safe and effective for use in children. Don't share needles or pens or reuse needles. Don't take if allergic to it or if you or someone in your family had medullary thyroid cancer or if you've had multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2. Tell your doctor if you get a lump or swelling in your neck. Stop Zepbound and call your doctor if you have severe stomach pain or a serious allergic reaction. Severe side effects may include inflamed pancreas or gallbladder problems. Tell your doctor if you experience vision changes before scheduled procedures with anesthesia. If you're nursing pregnant, plan to be or taking birth control pills. Taking Zepbound with a sulfonylurea or insulin may cause low blood sugar. Side effects include nausea, diarrhea and vomiting, which can cause dehydration and worsen kidney problems. Talk to your doctor, call 1-800-545-5979 or

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[Matt Jones]

Now, you were the 2026 Cincinnati Cincinnatonian. How do you say it?

[Orlando Brown Jr.]

Cincinnatian.

[Matt Jones]

Cincinnatian of the year. I don't know who else has won that award, but I've met many people from Cincinnati that ain't gonna win that award, so that had to be a good honor.

[Orlando Brown Jr.]

Yeah, no, it's special, man. You know, I do a lot of work with type 1 diabetes, and not to get extremely sentimental, but my brother was diagnosed with type 1 at 8 years old. I was 9 years old when we found out. Both of my grandparents struggled from it. My dad passed away of ketoacidosis, which is a form of a diabetic coma. And so one of my best friends, Mark Andrews, is a type 1 diabetic that I got to know him in college early, and so I spent a lot of time around it. And I know the impact that it has on. On people and families. And so for me, it gives me the opportunity to be able to present a positive light centered around it. It's an autoimmune disease, so it can always be confusing for a lot of families, man. And for me, it's just important to be able to let people know they're not alone.

[Matt Jones]

You, You've protected Joe Burrow. You also protected Joe Flacco over the course of the year. What was it. What was like, that change to have, like, an elderly man come and join the league? It was great.

[Orlando Brown Jr.]

It was great. You know, my first three starts in this league were with Joe Flacco. And so in Baltimore, which is. Which is crazy to say, come full circle. His call. Come full circle. And so it was really cool, man, having him come in. I think my favorite part about Flack coming in was he obviously came in that Tuesday or Wednesday, had to play on a Sunday.

[Matt Jones]

Yes.

[Orlando Brown Jr.]

And the funny part is, obviously, he can't know the whole system by game day. So he's in the huddle. And, you know, some quarterbacks have their microphones in their helmet louder. Some have it lower, like Joey B's help. Mike isn't too loud in his ear. Like, he likes it lower. That's why you always see him covering his ears. Flack, I feel like, has it pretty loud. And so I could hear Zach talking to him, and the play call would be coming in in a huddle, and he just. He say the formation, and he go, jamar, what do you want to run, T? What do you want? All right, we're calling that on one. On one. Run that on one. And that was my favorite part about having him was it was backyard football, man.

[Matt Jones]

It had to be simple, right?

[Orlando Brown Jr.]

Yeah, exactly.

[Matt Jones]

Now, I also have the opinion, and I've said it many times on this show, I think Cincinnati has the drunkest fans in the NFL on game day, and I. I still stand by that. You've been in Baltimore.

[Orlando Brown Jr.]

Yeah.

[Matt Jones]

Drunk fans. Kansas City. Drunk, drunk fans. How do you think Cincinnati. How do you think 16 Cincinnati competes?

[Orlando Brown Jr.]

I love our energy. I've played in our stadium as a fan, as a fan, as a. As an opposing player. I've played in Kansas City as an opposing player. I've played in Baltimore as an opposing player. And, you know, obviously, Arrowhead is. Is a different beast. Like Arrowhead. I think it's Lumen Field in Seattle. Is that. Is that their name of their field? I think it's pretty. That's. Those are pretty crazy. But Cincinnati, man, Pecor Stadium gets rocking. Like, I mean, when we played there and when I was in Kansas City my last year in 22, it was rocking. It was so loud. I mean, it was crazy. I mean, the fan. Our fan base there, they love their football.

[Matt Jones]

I remember a game this year where it was rocking and then it wasn't rocking, which was the Bears against the Bengals. Oh, my God. I'm a Bears fan. That might have been the craziest game I've ever, ever seen in my life. Was it like that for you?

[Orlando Brown Jr.]

That's probably my most disappointing loss as a pro.

[Matt Jones]

Is that right?

[Commercial Announcer]

Yeah.

[Orlando Brown Jr.]

I mean, man, I've. I've been playing football, what you say, eight years in the NFL, four years in college, four in high school, one year in middle school. I've never recovered an onside kick. I've never recovered an onside kick and scored. You know what I mean? We score in two minutes. It was. It was. It was mapped out for us to go out there and win that game and. And, you know, unfortunately, man, for. For whatever reason, we lost it, but that was. That was the hardest loss I think I've had to do it as a pro.

[Matt Jones]

And along those lines, I mean, I. I know. I know. You know, they're given full effort.

[Orlando Brown Jr.]

Oh, yeah.

[Matt Jones]

But it has to be tough for your. For your offense with the struggles that the defense has had.

[Orlando Brown Jr.]

Yeah.

[Matt Jones]

How do you keep the team camaraderie without getting frustrated at the fact you Guys just keep putting up points and then they'll give them up.

[Orlando Brown Jr.]

Yeah, well, to me, you know, I think it comes down to a few different plays during that situation. Like, even in that game, I gave up a sack fumble, and that had an effect on the game. You know what I mean? Just imagine if we get that first down and we still had the ball in that possession. Maybe we got another three points and we're not having to score another touchdown there in two minutes and we can run the clock out and kick a field goal and win the game. So it comes down to a bunch of different things, man. I don't ever want to point fingers and say, you know, it was just our defense need to show up. You know, there's always plays that when you look back on the course of a game, it's always something you can point the finger at to the man in the mirror and say, I could have did that better.

[Matt Jones]

Well, Orlando, I have had a good time with you. Last thing, favorite ride at Kings Island.

[Orlando Brown Jr.]

Man, I've never even been. You're not getting on a ride. Oh, look at this, man.

[Matt Jones]

You think he's getting on a ride? I can't.

[Orlando Brown Jr.]

I wish I could. The last ride I got on, I think, was Batman or Superman and Six Flags in Atlanta. I was in high school, I think 11th grade.

[Commercial Announcer]

So then.

[Matt Jones]

Are you too big for.

[Orlando Brown Jr.]

Too big, man, my feet hit the ground on the bottom. That's the last roller coaster. We're going 5 miles per hour.

[Matt Jones]

The beast would go 5 miles per hour. That is true. Legitimately.

[Orlando Brown Jr.]

Yeah, we're legitimately.

[Matt Jones]

You might slow the beast down a little bit. Have you met Ellie De La Cruz? I have.

[Orlando Brown Jr.]

I have. His first. It was bro crazy. His first game that he was. That he played as a red when they brought him up was the. They had us at the batting practice at the Bengals. So it was. It was crazy. I'm like, who is this 6 foot 7, skinny guy? They're like, hey, this dude's next, but

[Matt Jones]

got a lot of swag.

[Orlando Brown Jr.]

Oh, he's different now.

[Matt Jones]

He is. He is different. Orlando Brown, thank you very much.

[Orlando Brown Jr.]

Yeah, thank you.

[Matt Jones]

Appreciate it.

[Orlando Brown Jr.]

Appreciate you guys.

[Matt Jones]

We will be back on Monday with our official Cover 0 draft preview. Are you excited about that?

[Billy (Co-host)]

I am. It's. It'll be fun to get everybody together to do a full show again.

[Matt Jones]

Yes. So be. Be looking for that on Monday. Enjoy your week. This has been NFL Cover 0.

[Orlando Brown Jr.]

Foreign.

[Matt Jones]

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.

[Commercial Announcer]

Are you looking for support in your weight management journey? Zepbound Tirzepatide may be able to help. Zepbound is a prescription medicine used with a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity to help adults with obesity or some adults with overweight who alt also have weight related medical problems to lose excess body weight and keep the weight off. Zepbound is Approved as a 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5 or 15mg injection. Zepbound contains Tirzepatide and should not be used with other Tirzepatide containing products or any GLP1 receptor agonist medicines. It is not known if Zepound is safe and effective for use in children. Don't share needles or pens or reuse needles. Don't take if allergic to it or if you or someone in your family had medullary thyroid cancer or if you've had multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2. Tell your doctor if you get a lump or swelling in your neck. Stop Zepbound and call your doctor if you have severe stomach pain or a serious allergic reaction. Severe side effects may include inflamed pancreas or gallbladder problems. Tell your doctor if you experience vision changes before scheduled procedures with anesthesia. If you're nursing pregnant, plan to be or taking birth control pills. Taking Zepbound with a sulfonylurea or insulin may cause low blood sugar. Side effects include nausea, diarrhea and vomiting, which can cause dehydration and worsen kidney problems. Talk to your doctor. Call 1-800-545-5979 or visit zepbound.lily.com did you

[Matt Jones]

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[Billy (Co-host)]

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[Commercial Announcer]

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