Outta Pocket with RG3 – Episode Summary
Episode Title: Is Michael Jordan taking over NASCAR? + Reaction to NFL Combine FREAKS
Air Date: March 2, 2026
Hosts: Robert Griffin III (RG3), Grete Griffin
Episode Overview
In this lively and free-flowing episode, RG3 and Grete deep-dive into two "outta pocket" topics lighting up the sports world: explosive performances at the 2026 NFL Combine and Michael Jordan's growing impact—and superstar status—as a NASCAR owner. The episode is packed with passionate takes, memorable analogies, and behind-the-scenes stories, capped with an insightful interview with Patriots safety Jalen Hawkins about the New England Patriots’ turnaround and his free agency future.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. NFL Combine: Athletic Freaks Steal the Show
[00:38–11:13]
- “The NFL combine was absolutely bananas.” (A, 00:00)
- RG3 and Grete discuss what really matters at the combine, joking about the “underwear Olympics” and what sets elite performances apart.
- Top Three Standout Performers:
- Kenyon Sadiq (TE, Oregon)
- Set a 40-yard dash record for tight ends: 4.39 at 6'3", 245 lbs.
- 43.5" vertical, 111" broad jump, proven production (51 catches, 500+ yards, 8 TDs).
- RG3’s Take: “Not a project. His talent is proven.” (A, 01:11)
- “Kansas City needs this guy to transition from Travis Kelce”—story from Minnesota game: “He put this man in so much sauce, he didn't know what to do with it…ungaurdable.” (A, 02:39)
- Jeremiah Love (RB, Notre Dame)
- 4.36 40-yard dash, 6'0", 213 lbs.—“taller and heavier than Jameer Gibbs, but the same speed.” (A, 04:09)
- “You just hand the ball off to Jeremiah Love...hurdle a guy, do a backflip touchdown. That is what every quarterback is asking for.” (A, 04:40)
- Tayin Green (QB, Arkansas)
- “An absolute alien.” (A, 05:51)
- 43.5" vertical, 112" broad jump, 4.36 in the 40 (second-fastest by a QB).
- “He absolutely motorboated the combine. Just had his way with it, enjoyed it.” (A, 07:05)
- Kenyon Sadiq (TE, Oregon)
Larger Combine Insights:
- The combine's purpose, according to RG3, isn’t just athletic measurement, but to make GMs feel urgency: “If you don’t come get me early, I won’t be there later.” (A, 07:34–09:00)
- Relating combine philosophy to job interviews for regular listeners: “Your job is to impress them so much that they say, damn, if we don't give this guy a callback, our competitor's gonna get him.” (A, 10:50)
Memorable Quote:
- “The combine is not an opportunity for you to go show off your athleticism like everybody thinks it is…you're trying to prove to the rest of the teams in the league that if you don't take me when you got your pick on the line, somebody else is going to come get me…” (A, 07:34)
2. Dallas Cowboys: Free Agency & Draft Needs
[11:14–12:56]
- News: Jerry Jones claims the Cowboys will spend more aggressively—host speculation on ending the Super Bowl drought.
- RG3’s draft advice for Dallas:
- Draft Texas Tech DE David Bailey at #12—“Faster than Antonio Cromartie, quicker than Davante Adams, jumps higher than AJ Green...heavier than Von Miller…that to me sounds like a beast.” (A, 11:43)
- At #20, select Alabama S Caleb Downs. Both “could turn around the Cowboys' fortunes.”
- “They have a problem with their pass rush right now. He (Bailey) instantly changes the complexion of the defense, not just because he's black, but because his intensity is so high…” (A, 12:19)
3. NASCAR: Is Michael Jordan the New Face?
[14:28–22:31]
- Context: Tyler Reddick (2311 Racing, MJ’s team) wins three consecutive Cup Series races—first driver ever to do so.
- Michael Jordan, Race Owner:
- “Michael Jordan is the new face of NASCAR, and let me tell you why…” (A, 14:53)
- MJ’s ownership with Denny Hamlin and Joe Gibbs credited with pumping life back into NASCAR, especially after his lawsuit win.
- “Michael Jordan is the single most recognizable American athlete in the world.” (A, 16:41)
- “Who’s the first person they want to interview as soon as the race is over? Michael Jordan. So I think it's the best thing to happen to NASCAR in the last 20 years.” (A, 16:54)
- First-Person Race Experience:
- Grete’s astonishment at race speed: “The cars go so much faster in person than they ever do on TV…like, can you imagine crashing at that speed?” (B, 17:49)
- RG3 and Grete praise the friendliness and openness of all drivers and team staff—even just before races.
- “NASCAR is for everybody. NASCAR is what you want it to be…NASCAR is a family sport.” (A, 20:51)
- Pit Crew Appreciation:
- RG3 impressed by athleticism of modern pit crews—many ex-football players.
- “So much so that I might even think about joining a pit crew here in the offseason…” (A, 20:29)
- Representation & Community:
- “There's not very many owners that when their driver wins, the broadcast wants to go to them. That’s the power of Michael.” (A, 22:31)
- Favorite moment: MJ picking up Reddick in celebration: “My favorite moment after every race is when their height difference is so big that Michael Jordan always picks him up like a toddler.” (B, 22:31)
4. Interview: Jalen Hawkins, Safety, New England Patriots
[24:44–41:00]
Intro:
- “I'm talking about a man that I don't feel like gets the due that he truly deserves…helped lead the Patriots to the Super Bowl.” (A, 24:46)
Topics Covered:
- Patriots’ Turnaround under Mike Vrabel
- “He came in and he wanted to create an identity upon the team...we did this thing called four H’s during OTAs...really be vulnerable with each other—your hopes, your heartbreaks. That just made us all closer. It just lit a spark.” (D, 25:56)
- Handling Doubters
- “It's the league. I mean, it's the NFL. Like. Like, what are we talking about?...When you're doing well, somebody always has something to say, good or bad.” (D, 27:18)
- Drake Maye’s Emergence
- “He carries himself like he's a true leader…whenever adversity strikes or hits, you can see that he got that look…he's a vocal leader.” (D, 28:54)
- Standout games: “Bills game and the Dolphins game...when he came out...I was just like ‘okay, this kid's special.’” (D, 29:34)
- Super Bowl Loss Impact
- “That's one of the toughest losses I've taken…you don't ever know when you're gonna come back…this game changes lives.” (D, 30:40)
- Recovering: “Biggest thing is...turn it into fuel, just go harder, learn from the moment, learn from that experience.” (D, 31:06)
- Free Agency & Team Fit
- “For sure, I want to be with that group. Obviously, we can't control what's going to happen and contracts, all that extra stuff…” (D, 32:49)
- “Bag, the best fit, and winning…all three of those things, God willing, that would be special.” (D, 33:16)
- Stefon Diggs & A.J. Brown rumors
- “Steph is like one of the greatest teammates I’ve ever had…good player, a true leader. Real stand up guy. Number respect for Steph.” (D, 35:33)
- Cardi B attention: “He came...every day, ready to work, a leader, and just got after it...none of that was a distraction.” (D, 36:24)
- On A.J. Brown: “AJ Brown is a baller...if he comes, that's just another addition to the squad...” (D, 37:31)
- “I’m Him” Moment:
- “When I got my opportunity to start, and I, you know, actually did real good and everything...I was confident, like, I knew what I could do.” (D, 38:34)
- Message for Listeners:
- “Gratitude, man, to stay with God...just the opportunity to be in the NFL is always like a blessing to me. I leaned on that and leaned on Christ...But I work hard as hell, you know, but God and Christ and knowing what opportunity I had in front of me kept me ready.” (D, 39:50–40:40)
Notable Quotes & Moments
- RG3 on Combine Standouts:
- “Not too good to be true, but I'm too good on the numbers. I'm too good on the tape.” (A, 09:33)
- On the Real Purpose of the Combine:
- “If you don’t come get me early, I won’t be there later. Bottom line.” (A, 07:34)
- MJ as a Cultural Force in NASCAR:
- “Who’s the first person they want to interview as soon as the race is over? Michael Jordan.” (A, 16:54)
- Grete on NASCAR Speed:
- “The cars go so much faster in person than they ever do on TV…” (B, 17:49)
- On Mike Vrabel and Team Bonding:
- “He wanted to create an identity...we did this thing called four H’s during OTAs…that just made us all closer.” (D, 25:56)
- Jalen Hawkins’ Advice:
- “I work hard as hell, but God and Christ and knowing what opportunity I had in front of me kept me ready.” (D, 40:00)
Timestamps for Important Segments
- NFL Combine “Freak” Performances: 00:38–11:13
- Dallas Cowboys Draft Talk: 11:14–12:56
- NASCAR & Michael Jordan Discussion: 14:28–22:47
- Pit Crew/Behind-the-Scenes at NASCAR: 19:27–21:42
- Jalen Hawkins Interview Begins: 24:44
- Patriots’ Turnaround, Mike Vrabel’s Impact: 25:53–27:38
- Drake Maye’s Development: 28:54–30:10
- Super Bowl Loss & Reflections: 30:40–31:42
- Free Agency Talk: 32:40–34:59
- Stefon Diggs/Cardi B/A.J. Brown Rumors: 35:33–37:56
- Hawkins’ “I’m Him” Moment & Listener Takeaways: 38:34–40:40
Episode Tone & Style
The hosts keep the conversation lively, humorous, and emotional, moving from deep football analysis to playful banter and personal stories. They use relatable analogies to connect with listeners, frequently referencing their own family experiences and dynamic energy.
Summary for New Listeners
This episode of “Outta Pocket with RG3” is your all-access pass to the wildest headlines in sports: peek behind the curtain at NFL Combine marvels, discover how Michael Jordan is redefining the NASCAR landscape, and get an honest, inspiring look at what it truly takes to turn NFL heartbreak into motivation. The episode’s highlight is the grounded, faith-driven interview with Jalen Hawkins, filled with wisdom and real talk for anyone grinding for their big opportunity.
For Next Week:
Hosts invite listeners to comment on their NFL Combine MVP, Cowboys Super Bowl chances, NASCAR’s new era, and Jalen Hawkin’s free agency.