Is Michael Jordan taking over NASCAR? + Reaction to NFL Combine FREAKS

Summary

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

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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.

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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)

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)

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

Transcript

[A]

Yo, the NFL combine was absolutely bananas. But I'm going to tell you what the combine is really about. And did the Dallas Cowboys just find the two people that they need to draft in the first round to turn around their fortunes and go win a Super bowl in 2026? I'll let you know. But that's not all. Is Michael Jordan the new face of nascar? Well, we're going to find out here. We're going to get out of pocket with you guys. Come on and join the huddle. Make sure you like and subscribe to our YouTube channel. Go follow us on social media for all the updates. We're going to keep it rolling and then go find us on Spotify and Apple podcasts and let's get this party started. What's the first one, baby?

[B]

Opening drive. NFL Combine is driving all the conversation right now. So. Because it's where NFL players strip down into the underwear and then they show the NFL scouts how fast they can run, how high they can jump, how far they can jump, and then to, you know, cherry on top, how much I weigh.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

So what if we did that with women?

[B]

No.

[A]

Absolutely. Why not? Why can't we do that? Why can't we have a woman?

[B]

Nope.

[D]

Okay.

[B]

Hard. No.

[A]

Fine.

[B]

Hard. No.

[A]

Whatever.

[B]

Who do you think had the most impressive NFL combine this year?

[A]

I'm gonna give you three people.

[D]

Okay.

[A]

Kenyon Siddiq was unbelievable at the NFL combine. I mean, you're talking about a guy that set the all time record in the 40 yard dash with a 4.39. This guy got the size, the strength, the speed to put every single defensive coordinator that faces him in a pretzel. Running a 439 at 6 3, 245 pounds. He. He brought jumps 111 and then had a vertical of 43 and a half inches. This is exactly the type of player that the Kansas City Chiefs need to draft. Why do I say that? Because they have to teach Patrick Mahomes how to live life in the NFL for without Travis Kelce. So why wouldn't you give them this guy who could come in, learn from Travis Kelce on how to play in the NFL, the route savviness and all that. But then is also just a physical freak. And Kenyan Sadiq is not a project. You see a lot of these tight ends come in. They're super tall. Whatever. This dude had 51 catches last year for over 500 yards and 8 touchdowns. Not a project. His talent is proven. He did that at Oregon. And I'll give you an example From a game I called with Kenyan Sadiq.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

They're going up against Minnesota, and now Kentucky head coach Will Stein was their offensive coordinator. And he comes in the game, they've got three receivers that are hurt. And he tells me, you know, we're a little banged up at wide receivers, so we're gonna feature Kenyon Sadiq inside and outside. We don't think there's anybody on their defense that can cover him.

[B]

Got it.

[A]

Spot. And he's running a corner. And this man, when I tell you he put this receiver or this db, this safety came down, walked on him. I saw the. The quarterback look at him, point him out like, oh, you gonna guard him? He pointed him out. He put this man in so much sauce, he didn't know what to do with it. Ran the corner wide open for a touchdown. Ended that game with 96 yards on eight catches and one touchdown. He was un guardable. So the Kansas City Chiefs need to go get Kenyan Sadiq. He's a mismatch nightmare that every offensive coordinator wants. All right, number two, number two. I'm going with Notre Dame running back Jeremiah Love was incredible at the NFL combine. Guys you're talking about. He ran a 4, 3, 6, 40 yard dash at 6 foot, 213 pounds. To put that in perspective for you,

[B]

Jeremiah Love is 6 foot, 6 foot tall. I swear he was taller when we interviewed him.

[A]

Yeah, I mean, I'm telling you, his aura.

[B]

Measure him again.

[A]

It's the aura.

[B]

No, maybe it's because he was really, like, really lanky.

[A]

Well, I don't know if he's like, lanky wouldn't be the word I would describe to say Jeremiah Love. But he just.

[B]

He seemed taller than 6 foot.

[A]

He might have been. He might have. Maybe he has some platform shoes on.

[B]

Oh, my God.

[A]

You know, we've seen Caleb Williams wear the big old platforms from like. Who makes those Louis Vuitton?

[C]

Honestly, I don't.

[B]

Sketchers.

[A]

Oh, wow, she said sketchers. Hey, hey, listen, man, sketches are great. We ain't got nothing against sketchers.

[B]

I love sketches.

[C]

How that holla at just.

[A]

You know what I'm saying? So.

[B]

Okay, go.

[A]

Yeah, you gotta go. Okay, so back to Jeremiah Love. Listen, the kids in a walk in sometime. This is our home environment. We don't make any if, ands or buts about that. We're parents first. So it walks in, show stops. We're just happy that you guys are here enjoying this with us. But to put this in full perspective for you, Jeremiah Love is both taller and heavier than Jameer Gibbs, the Detroit Lions running back who's electrified the NFL, but he's the same speed.

[C]

Oh, Lord.

[A]

I mean, holla. This is the quarterback's dream. You just use. You just hand the ball off to Jeremiah Love. You carry out your fake, Carry out your fake, and then you look back and you just watch him go, ha ha ha ha ha. Hurdle a guy, do a backflip touchdown. That is what every quarterback is asking for. And I know there's a number of teams.

[B]

I don't even know how to react to none of this. Nothing that's happening right now. Yeah.

[D]

Oh, no, no.

[B]

Look at yourself in the, in the video when you do that.

[A]

I'm just telling you, like, this man is unbelievable.

[B]

We can tell.

[A]

Hey, man, no wonder my dog Marcus Freeman was that. I want the same one like Maya.

[B]

Maya, get Gio the same one that you have.

[A]

Y' all already know how it be sometimes with the kids. If one kid got something, you got to make sure other kid got something.

[B]

And this time he's lucky charms.

[A]

That's just the way it be. So Jeremiah Love, Unbelievable Day, fully stamped himself as running back one. And I know there's going to be teams that might actually even move up in the draft to go get him.

[B]

Okay, so who do you have at number three? Moving on.

[A]

Yes. Number three.

[C]

I have.

[A]

Arkansas quarterback Taylor Green is an absolute alien. He dominated.

[B]

Correct placement. Correct placement. Do you think this was one of the best NFL combines of all time?

[C]

Yes.

[A]

The greatest combine of all time. Posted freak level numbers. I'm Talking about a 43 1/2 inch vertical, 112 broad jump, which are both the greatest and ever in NFL combine history for a quarterback. And then the man went out there and ran a 4, 3, 6, 42nd fastest NFL combine 40 in history. And it should be number one.

[B]

I was going to say. Is it second fastest?

[A]

It should be number one because Reggie McNeil was a wide receiver at the combine, but they got him down as a quarterback running a 4, 3, 5. And don't worry, I'm still the fastest quarterback of all time. It is what it is, like true, you know, track speed. And I'm third right now. NFL combine with a 441. Even though I ran 437. It is what it is, man. They. They autocorrected me back. But my point is this is not about me. This is about Tayin Green. Absolutely motorboated the combine. Just had his way with it, enjoyed it.

[B]

I don't know where this episode is going at all, guys.

[A]

All I know is this, when you look at the NFL combine, I'm gonna give you all the real. The NFL combine? Yes. It's the underwear Olympics.

[C]

Yes.

[A]

They would never do this to female athletes. 100% they wouldn't. You telling me they're gonna come in there, they're gonna measure the size of your legs, your arms, your hips, they gonna bend you backwards. They had dudes doing they toes over their head and then the arms back. They're not gonna do that to the ladies.

[B]

No, they're not.

[A]

Okay. But my point is this. The combine is not an opportunity for you to go show off your athleticism like everybody thinks it is. These guys certainly showed off their athleticism. But the combine is an opportunity for you to prove to a team why they cannot wait to pick you. So when everyone talks about this tree, this pre draft process, the pre draft process is truly your only opportunity outside of the film you put on tape to tell a team, if you don't come get me early, I won't be there later. Bottom line. So when you look at Taylor Green, he's a day three prospect. Yeah, I, I actually really like Taylor Green. The person and the player. I think if he gets in the right system, he has an opportunity to play in the NFL for a really, really long time. You, you just don't have those kind of genetics. But when you watch his, his tape, you see that there's room for improvement. And this is also a young man that I've had the honor to, to mentor over the years from his time at Boise State all the way through Arkansas. And he is eager to learn. But what he showed NFL teams was if you wait to come get me on day three, fifth, sixth, seventh round, I'm not going to be there. Because some team is going to see these measurables and say, I can fix them.

[B]

I ain't no day three.

[A]

Then you look at Jeremiah Love. Well, what was the, what was the purpose for Jeremiah Love? It wasn't. Let me come out here and show everybody that I'm the number one running back. Because you do that on the field, in my opinion, with your football tape, but what he did was he erased all doubt that he is the number one running back. Because not only does he have the tape of him hurdling guys and trucking guys and running and scoring 70 yard touchdowns, he also then put the number to it. I remember when I went to the combine, Everybody's all, he's a 4, 7 guy, he's a strider. There's no way he can run. And I went and ran 4, 3, 7. Like I said, I'm going to keep holding on to that because they autocorrected it. Not autocorrected. They adjusted it back to 4, 4, 1, which is some BS but 4, 3, 7. And everybody's like, oh, my gosh, he's not a 4, 7 guy. He actually can do all these things at a high level. And then teams realize, we can't draft this guy later. We got to draft him earlier. So then when you also look at Kenyon Sadiq, everyone knew that Kenyan Sadiq was a freak athlete. They just didn't know he was that freaky of an athlete. So now all three of these players and many more have shown NFL scouts and NFL teams that if you wait to pick me, someone behind you is going to get a generational player. Yeah. And that is what the combine is about. It is a job interview. But you're not trying to show them, hey, look how great I am. 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 because I'm too good. Not too good to be true, but I'm too good on the numbers. I'm too good on the tape. And that, to me, is what these three guys did at the combine to a T. They made it to where teams have to go draft them early. That should be every player's goal every time they go to a job interview. Just like people who are watching this at home, every time you go to a job interview, 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 and we're gonna. We're gonna just. We'll be haunted by it for the next five to 10 years. That's what those guys did.

[B]

You're so passionate. You're sweating over here.

[D]

I know.

[A]

I am sweating.

[C]

Say what?

[B]

I'm moving on to a viral. Viral. Like I said, I don't know what's happening in this episode.

[D]

It's late.

[B]

Okay, viral spiral number one. Jerry Jones saying Dallas will spend more aggressively in free agency became a major headline and inevitably gets debated through the lens of Cowboys long Super bowl drought.

[A]

No, it's long.

[B]

So Cowboys franchise tagged wide receiver George Pickens and they set up a big contractual domino and tons of league wide cap, wide receiver market talk. Who do you think the Cowboys should go after this offseason to finally end their super bowl draft.

[A]

It's very simple. It's Texas Tech defensive end David Bailey. You know, I've called a bunch of Texas Tech games. Love Jacob Rodriguez. That's my guy. Mr. Mustachio himself in the cowboy hats. But Texas Tech defensive end David Bailey is faster than Antonio Camardi based off their 40 time. He's quicker than Devonte Adams based off their 5 10, 5. He jumps higher than AJ Green based off his vertical, he's more explosive than Adrian Peterson based off his broad jump, and he's heavier than Von Miller. That to me sounds like a beast. And when you turn on the tape for David Bailey, that is exactly what he does. If the Dallas Cowboys go and draft David Bailey, they have a problem with their pass rush right now. He instantly changes the complexion of the defense, not just because he's black, but because his intensity is so high the guys around him don't have a choice but to play hard. And then after that, they got two first round picks, right? So draft David Bailey at 12 and then go get Caleb Downs at safety at number 20 if he's still there. Two first round picks that could turn around the Cowboys fortunes and allow them to actually go chase the super bowl that they've been chasing what feels like from the grave for the past 20 years.

[B]

Beautiful. You do your homework. I really like those comparisons. That's good.

[C]

Appreciate that.

[A]

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[B]

Spiral. Spiral number two. Tyler Reddick made NASCAR history by winning the Cup Series race that Duramax Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. Tyler became the first driver in NASCAR history to win the first three races of the season. And we had the privilege of seeing it in person. Is Michael Jordan the new face of nascar?

[A]

Yes, Michael Jordan is the new face of nascar, and let me tell you why.

[B]

That's right.

[A]

Tyler Redick has been having an incredible season. You mentioned it. First NASCAR driver ever to win three in a row. He, he had me so excited that I had to take off my, my Jeff Gordon vintage, one of a kind jacket that Jeff, you know, specifically gifted to me and wrote me a letter for it. Appreciate you, Jeff. Love you, dog. That I had to throw. I had to Throw on the 2311, baby. You know what I'm saying? Just so y', all, if y' all don't know my family from New Orleans, Louisiana. Orleans, you know what I'm saying?

[B]

Also, the people that don't know why we're even talking about Michael Jordan right now. We were talking about Tyler Reddick. Michael Jordan is the team 2311 owner.

[A]

Yes, he's the owner, along with Denny Hamlin and Joe Gibbs. Saw Joe Gibbs at NASCAR today at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin. Incredible coach. Soon as we saw each other, it's like our eyes locking. It was like, man long lost friends, like, really appreciate him and what he helped me accomplish in my NFL career through his mentorship. But back to Michael Jordan being the face of nascar. A lot of people thought NASCAR was dying. And the start of this season, along with Michael Jordan suing NASCAR and winning that lawsuit, I feel like has revitalized NASCAR in a way that the, the fans are coming back. Michael Jordan is the single most recognizable American athlete in the world. Notice I said American because, yes, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are probably the most recognized athletes in the world because of football.

[D]

Right?

[A]

But Michael Jordan himself, for him to be the face. And you see Tyler Redick winning all these, these races. And 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. And we had a chance to go there and, and experience it and see it. And NASCAR made a fan out of this one right here.

[B]

It was awesome.

[A]

I was always a fan. I came in during the Jeff Gordon Dale on her, Dylan Hurt Jr. Jimmy Johnson era and you know, have loved. Like, who doesn't love fast cars, right? We got a Nissan GTR in the garage that we absolutely love and, and bought it. We leased it three times and then bought, bought a, a rare edition of one because it's such a great car. So people love cars, but you know what they love, you know, more than cars. Cars and Michael Jordan. I don't know how else to explain it to you. I was a like Mike kid. But I want to hear what was your experience like going to your first NASCAR race and really just soaking up

[B]

the environment and it was awesome. One thing I'll say is the cars go so much faster in person than they ever do on tv. Like when, when the first they did a practice laps and then they took off, I was like, oh my God. Like, I was like, can you imagine crashing at that speed? Because that was the first thing that came to my mind because they gotta slow down so fast to go into the curves and the curves are so tight and so little, but they drive, they drive so fast. And on TV or even on the video like recording on the phone, it looks like they're going so slow and they are not at all. Shut up. Also, oh, we got to meet a bunch of the drivers beforehand and like we got to go to the driver meeting and all that. And like all the drivers were super nice and like just laid back and chill. Like a really laid back environment all the way up until the race. Like, you wouldn't even think these guys are about to go and race for three hours because like before, when I used to go compete, you, you're not gonna see me for three hours before the race because I'm somewhere, you know, throwing up.

[A]

Yeah, I was talking to Joey Logano about that and he's like. Because he was born into racing and that's always been the case. I mean, these guys are, I don't want to make it sound like any type of way, but they're like selling. They're selling, hey, come be a part of this. Come let me take you through the truck. Let me, let me show you the car. Let me, let me get the wheels and show you this and that. And they're doing that up until they get in the car and they say, go yeah. It's the craziest thing I ever seen. And I know in the NFL, like, we have pregame, and sometimes the players throw the ball to the. To their fans, and we see the family on the sideline, but for the most part, are we locked in?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Are we locked in and ready to go? We're not having to come out there and. And be that showman and shake hands and kiss babies. But I would say, as impressive as the drivers were, the pit crews were incredible.

[B]

Oh, of course.

[A]

I mean, the way they treated us. You know, it was myself, my wife, three of our four daughters, my mom, my dad, my sister, my older sister, and our niece treated us with such care.

[B]

They did.

[A]

What you laughing? I know what you're laughing at.

[B]

Nothing.

[A]

Yeah, I know what you're laughing at. I know what you're laughing at. But they treated us with such care.

[B]

They did.

[A]

And, like, taught us everything. And there's so many former football players that actually are on these pit crews because they've had to become more athletic to get those pit stop times down. And they walked us through everything. So much so that I might even think about joining a pit crew here in the off season and just, like, learning the ropes, putting tires on, carrying tires away. The tires weigh about 50 pounds.

[B]

That is news to me, and I

[A]

think it'd be pretty cool to just try it out. Or maybe that's my transition from football to deluge in the next Winter Olympics. Who knows? But my point is this. The pit crews are awesome. They took care of us.

[C]

They.

[A]

They showed us so much gratitude that when somebody says, hey, NASCAR is only for a certain type of person.

[C]

No, it's not.

[B]

It's really not.

[A]

NASCAR is for everybody. NASCAR is what you want it to be. And I know that there's been a lot of things that have happened in every sport, but NASCAR is a family sport. You should have seen the amount of kids that were off of turn one at the Circuit of the Americas just waiting for the cars to come around that tight turn. It was a joy to see. And it's my first race in 12 years. Her first race ever, and is our kids first race ever. And our kids walked away from the event saying, man, I love this. So I come away from that NASCAR experience with so much more joy in my heart knowing that we got new fans of the sport, but also knowing that the. The future of the sport is even brighter. NASCAR's been looking for that new face, and I. I think they have it in Michael Jordan and also Tyler Redick.

[B]

No the kids had such a great day and it was, that's all I care about. GA was like, you're yelling so hard for the yellow car. And the yellow car didn't end up winning, but the yellow car did have a great day.

[C]

So, yeah, it was a lot of fun.

[A]

It was a lot of fun. And the other stuff, some people out there who are trying to say like, hey, is any of this have to do with the fact that Michael Jordan is the team owner that, that Redick is, is getting these opportunities to win these races. It's like, well guys, there's, there's cars that crash out every race and they're not making these cars crash out just so Tyler Reddick can win. So at the end of the day, if you want to beat Tyler Reddick, who is the best right now? If you want to be the best, you have to beat the best. But I will say this. There's not very many owners that when their driver wins, the broadcast wants to go to them. Yeah, that's the power of Michael.

[B]

My favorite moment after every race is when their height difference is so big that Michael Jordan always picks him up like a toddler. Like, that ain't the grown man. He's just picking up. He just, that's like. Remember when Mike Tyson met the little, the little guy.

[A]

Exactly.

[B]

And he thought he was like a 5 year old. Didn't understand he's a grown man.

[A]

Hey, Mike T went to Tyler and said, come here boy. Good job. I said, oh. He grabbed him by the back of the head. Oh no, no sir. But oh my God. At the end of the day, their relationship is really cool to watch in person and can't say enough great things about everybody at the Duramax Grand Prix at the Circuit of the Americas. Treated us well, great hospitality. Our host James, thank you for taking care of us, taking care of our parents and yeah, man, unbelievable opportunity for us. Really enjoyed it. Small businesses are the backbone of the American economy. But getting funding from traditional banks is an uphill battle. Of the 36 million small businesses in the US over 70% report needing additional capital every year. While revenue is at an all time high. Big banks are tightening standards and approving fewer loans than ever, leaving owners stuck with mountains of paperwork. But if you want bank rates without the bank delays, check out Cardiff Co RG3 for up to $500,000 in same day funding. Cardiff is the largest privately held small business lender in the US having funded over $12 billion since 2004. Their application takes less than five minutes has no impact on personal credit. And approvals happen in minutes. With same day funding, banks try to lock out small businesses. Cardiff has the key. Big banks may not want to approve your business loans, but Cardiff does. If you've been in business for at least a year and are pulling in $20,000 a month in revenue, apply now for up to $500,000 in same day business funding at Cardiff Co RG3. Again, that's Cardiff Co RG3. Real growth fast funding. Cardiff borrow better. And now we got a special treat for you guys. We have an interview with New England Patriots safety Jalen Hawkins, who just helped get his team to the Super Bowl. Make sure you guys check this out.

[C]

Here you go.

[A]

Well, now people, we got a really

[C]

special guest for you.

[A]

I'm talking about a man that I

[C]

don't feel like gets the dude that he truly deserves. He's going to be a free agent this year, but he just helped lead the New England Patriots to the Super Bowl. He played in 15 games, completing the fifth most tackles on the team with 71. He led him in interceptions with four, had the fourth most pass deflections with six, and the seventh most quarterback hits with five. This man finished 2025 with the best completion percentage, the most quarterback knockdowns, the most pressures, and the least amount of yards given up. And also he had the lowest QBR rating when he was a defensive back. This year. If you don't know what I'm talking about, it's the one and the only Patriot safety Jalen Hawkins. Welcome to the show, brother.

[D]

Thank you, man. I appreciate you, man. That was crazy intro, man.

[A]

Listen, we, we do our research around

[C]

here and we make sure the guests get. They do. So I just wanted you to know that you're appreciated and the work that you put in is certainly showing up on tape. But speaking to that, you know, you guys went from worst to first and you were part of the team that didn't have such a great year in 2024.

[A]

So what, what was it about Mike

[C]

Vrabel that helped change that so quickly?

[D]

Man, I think it was just the culture that I was. Infrastructure. I think that was like the main thing. He came in and he wanted to create an identity upon the team, man, I think that big. And so he did that. We did this thing called four H's during OTAs. Okay. Allowed us to like really be vulnerable with each other. You're like sharing life story in front of the team and your hopes, your heartbreaks and stuff like that. And I feel like that just Made us all closer. And so it created that brotherhood and that bond, you know. So I think once we started doing that, we all got close, and then, you know, with how he, you know, is hard and coaches hard and all about hard work, you know, two of those things matched up, and it just lit a spark.

[C]

Now, you've been in the league long enough that you. You probably remember the times, you know, before when people used to fear the New England Patriots. Did you feel, like, that fear like Mike Vrabel and you guys were bringing that fear back that people are, like, scared to play all again?

[D]

I mean, kind of. But then again, you know, you got people on the outside, like, saying all type of stuff. You know, like the schedule you had all type of stuff from week to week. Like, there was a lot of non believers, obviously, because last year was a. The best. So going into this year, you know, that everybody kind of was, like, shocked. But I mean, we knew, like, you know, because we put in the work, you know, like, a lot of. A lot of it wasn't a surprise to us.

[A]

But how did y' all feel about people doubting y' all because of the. The. The record of the guys that y' all were going against week in and week out?

[D]

I mean, it's the league. I mean, it's the NFL. Like. Like, what are we talking about? You know, I kind of just felt like people were just trying to create that narrative, and I feel like when you're doing well, somebody always has something to say, good or bad. So it's kind of like we just blocked out the outside noise, and we were just like, you know what? We're going to stay focused on what's in house and take care of that. And we did that.

[C]

Yeah. You know, I had put out a tweet talking about the schedule that y' all had to go through in the playoffs and how Drake May essentially had to go up against really the toughest defensive slate in NFL history just to get to the Super Bowl. And that tweet got hit with a lot of what you're talking about, people saying, well, they didn't do any. They didn't have any people playing in the regular season. It's like, I know if I was in that locker room, it would be like, well, I ain't gonna never apologize for winning.

[A]

Right.

[C]

So for you, just what was the team's reaction to that when it was all going on?

[D]

I think, like, the team, it just made us more hungry. I felt like it was just more like throughout the playoff run, like you know, after the first week it was, oh, they didn't have this. They got away with that. And you know, obviously weeks and weeks and it went on. I think that just made everybody like want to go get it. Like, we were like, nah, like, like it just turned everybody up.

[C]

And you've been a guy that, that's been doubted, you know, throughout your career at times. And Drake May, obviously the year that he had as a rookie, it wasn't anything to like phone home about. But this year he really got a chance to show his talent. Like, what does Drake May do that makes grown men in the locker room believe in him?

[D]

Just the way he carries himself, I feel like on a day to day, just the way he goes about his business, he carries himself like he's a true leader. You can see it. You know, he walks in with the attitude, real confident and then he just goes out there and just balls, you know what I'm saying? Just plays and plays his game. You know, I feel like he's not really worried about what everybody else thinks of him. He's real comfortable. Thing is like whenever adversity strikes or hits, like you can see like him persevering, like you can see that he got that look and then obviously he's a vocal leader. So, you know, all around, man, he a great player, man, and it's cool to see him out there doing his thing. Especially this year.

[C]

What was the moment that you felt like he really stepped into his own this year and became that guy that, that you know, is the franchise quarterback.

[D]

I feel like two, there's two moments, I would say the Bills game, that game. Just seeing how he came out there, you know, obviously the start wasn't the brightest for us. I feel like, you know, we're all figuring out things. But you know, like when he came out, that Bills game and the Dolphins game, actually the way he bounced back, I was just like, okay, this kid's special. Like, I always knew he was special, but just to see him, you know, coming off a week one loss, we go to Miami, they got a good team, you know, and he's just doing his thing. I'm like, oh yeah, he liked that. He liked that for sure. And you know, it just kept showing throughout the season.

[C]

Yeah. And you know, it took you guys all the way to the super bowl. And like, like I try to tell people winning the super bowl, let alone getting to the super bowl is one of the hardest things to do. You know, I, I in my career not never had an opportunity to play at the pinnacle of NFL football, which is the Super Bowl. But I also feel like people don't talk to enough of the guys that, you know, end up on the losing side about, like, what. What's the truth about losing a Super bowl that fans never see?

[D]

It's a tough loss. Honestly, I feel like that's one of the toughest losses I've taken. Only because it's like. Like you said, it's so hard to get to that moment. And you'll know. You don't ever know when you're gonna come back. Like, nothing is guaranteed. So it's like, when you're there, it's like, man, like, I want to do whatever it takes to win this game. Like, this is the game to win. You know, this game changes lives. So it's. It's tough, man.

[A]

How do you.

[C]

How do you.

[D]

For sure.

[C]

How do you take that. Take that L and turn it into a W next year?

[D]

I think the biggest thing is, like, anything, you know, you turn it in the field, man, and just go harder and then learn from, you know, the mistakes, obviously, learn from the moment. Learn from that experience. You know, like, God willing, you go back into the experience you have, equipped with tools and stuff like that that you learned from last year. You know, you know how to go about the week, and you know how to go about the game, what to expect. You know, you have more awareness.

[C]

Is there anything that you would change in your routine or anything like that? You know, now that you have that experience of playing that extensive season, getting to the super bowl, is there anything that you've identified in your own approach that you would change?

[D]

I would say, like, man, knowing, like, if I go into a season that long and stuff like that, just, like, knowing, like, the workload, because I usually do a lot of extra work after practice during the week, stuff like that. Knowing going into such a long season, like, knowing how to manage that, maintain that, especially as I'm getting older and stuff like that. And then, you know, also, like, going into these games, like, you're most situationally aware, you know, of football, like, what goes on, and you're aware of the times, you know, where you have long TV timeouts, the long national anthem, the long halftime in between. How do I keep my body activated through that throughout the week? You're staying in the hotel. That's. You know what I'm saying? Not your crib. Like, you got to get a whole new routine. You know, you got to figure things out. All the stuff like that, man, I feel like you. You You, I would think about that even more and just be like, okay, how can I make it feel closest to what I do back in New England or wherever I'm at? You know what I'm saying?

[C]

So, you know, the elephant in the room is you're, you're free agent. So I'm gonna just, I'm gonna just rip the band aid off and ask you, do you want to go back to New England?

[D]

I mean, for sure. What we built, the team, the coaches, man, the guys on, you know, in the DB room, those are like my brothers, man. We got close. And 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, but. Yeah.

[C]

So for you is, you know, when you approach free agency, what, what is the, the most important thing for you? Is it chasing the bag the best fit or the best chance to win?

[D]

I mean, overall, the best. I feel like, overall, bag the best fit, obviously contract the best fit and winning. You know what I'm saying? When is important, man. Like, losing is not fun. Like, losing is terrible. Like, I do not want to, you know what I'm saying? Lose. So I feel like having all three of those things, if I get all three of those things, God willing, that would be special. So.

[C]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. And you've earned it. You know, I feel like you have earned it. You know, played for three teams, you know, really had to go through the gauntlet to prove yourself and prove that you could be what you were this year, which is a, a starting caliber, Pro bowl potential all pro level player at the safety position. So from, from that sense, I heard you talking recently about Dan Quinn and I believe you. You had Dan Quinn when you were in Atlanta, correct?

[D]

Yeah, I did. I did.

[A]

So I swoop. Yeah. I want things to work out for you how you want them to work out for you. Right.

[C]

So I'm just saying, I am a Washington commander.

[D]

I'm sorry, I just, I just put two and two together.

[A]

Would that be something that you would enjoy?

[C]

Maybe a reunion with Dan Quinn in, in Washington?

[D]

I mean, you know, at the end of the day, it's God's will. So whatever, you know, God decides, you know, that's what I go with. You know, I pray about it and I just let him do it, do his work.

[C]

Is he the closest thing that you've experienced in the NFL to Mike Vrable?

[D]

I would say yeah, for sure. I mean, he's a good coach, man. And like I said, he's also a Good player's coach, real, you know, hands on and really cares about us, like I said earlier in other interviews. And the brotherhood is really important to him and he really cares about you as a person, so.

[C]

Right.

[D]

He's a good coach, man. I. Nothing but respect for him.

[C]

Yeah, nothing but respect for him. I think he's done a great job. I know it was a tough year this past year with all the injuries that they had, but I think he's doing a phenomenal job in Washington, you know, for you. Let's say you do end up going back to New England. You know, there's a lot of rumors swirling right now about Stefon Diggs and potentially him getting cut, cap, you know, charges and all this other stuff. Right. That happens in the off season. But as a leader in that locker room and a leader of the Patriots, like, do you want Stefon Diggs back in New England?

[D]

For sure, for sure. Without a doubt. What? Steph is like one of the greatest teammates I've ever had. Good player, a true leader. Real stand up guy. Number respect for stuff. For.

[C]

Yeah, yeah.

[D]

Of course. I must start. Like, what? Yeah, and he. And he's earned it and he showed it. So, you know, obviously, like, all those decisions are above my pay grade, so I can't, you know what I'm saying? We can't control, you know what I'm saying, all that. But just speaking on Steph, man. Yeah, that's my dog, man. Number respect and love for me.

[C]

Yeah. And when you talk about Diggs, you know, coming off the injury, I thought he had a heck of a comeback, you know, potentially could have been up there for comeback player of the year with the way that he played. But with him came the spotlight of Cardi B this past season. Does that. Is that a distraction in the locker room or is. Is that level of attention? How did y' all handle that with everything that was going on this year?

[D]

I mean, that was cool. I mean, you know what I'm saying? Obviously that brought attention to the team. Obviously it's Cardi B. But it was cool. Nobody had no problems with that. Like, nah, Steph, you know what I'm saying, is a grown man and obviously he's professional and he handles his business like a professional. So, like, that's his business and his relationship. But he came, like I said, every day, ready to work, a leader and just got after it, you know, I feel like none of that was a distraction, man. That was, if anything, cool benefit to

[C]

our team, to be honest, 100%, you know, it's kind of like Taylor Swift and the Chiefs again, Cardi B and the Patriots, you know what I mean?

[D]

So, yeah, you know,

[A]

but speaking of respect,

[C]

speaking of receivers, a lot of people have said that the Patriots need. Need some. Some more outside dynamic help. And there is a guy that has kind of been hitting that, wanting to get back and have a reunion with. With Mike Vrabel and A.J. brown.

[A]

Do you want A.J.

[C]

brown in New England if you go back?

[D]

Like, the question before you ask me, that's above my pay grade, you know what I'm saying? But A.J. brown is a baller, you know what I'm saying? But we have a real good group of receivers, though. Like, you know, don't get it twisted. We got some ballers, man. I feel like all the receivers are good and they all compliment each other well, you know, and if he comes, you know, that's just another addition to the squad, and obviously, like, we'll embrace them and try to run it back. So that's like, you know, I feel like that's nothing but even more firepower.

[C]

You know, on this show, we also love to just figure out, like, the origin story. So this would be the last question I got for you, but as you were going through your journey in the NFL, like, what was the moment that you knew, like, all right, I'm him now. I know I can get this done. I know how to do it from managing the change in the gameplay from college to the pros to how good and how it's not how fast the gameplay is necessarily, but, you know, how precise the gameplay is and attention to detail. When was that moment for you that you knew, all right, I'm him?

[D]

I feel like when I was younger, coming in, when I got my opportunity to start, and I, you know, actually did real good and everything like that. Like, I felt like I can come in and, like, you know what I'm saying? Like, I was confident. Like, I knew, like, what I could do, you know what I'm saying? And when I got my opportunities and stuff like that, like, I felt real confident and knew I was him. But then obviously, you know, situations happen and, you know, you go through different things in NFL to where you possibly can't show that you're him. So you just grinding and working and working yourself. Like, obviously, like this year, man, last year and this year, really, you know, when I got my ops again to show, you know, what I can do. So, like, that's when I was like, okay, I was real confident and. But, yeah, I'll take that. That's my answer. That's my answer for sure.

[C]

And there's a lot of people at home that are, that are listening to this or watching this who have the same experience that you do, right? They're working their job, got their nine to five. They know they're him or her. They're just not getting the opportunity. So how did you stay ready for your opportunity in spite of knowing, hey, there was a couple years there where I really wasn't getting the looks that I thought I should get. But you maximized it when you did. What did you do to stay ready?

[D]

I'll say first and foremost, gratitude, man, to stay with God. Those things are important to me. Just the opportunity to be in the NFL is always like a blessing to me. And I always like leaned on that and always leaned on Christ and still lean on him every day. True believer. But through those things, I held my expectations and stuff with an open hand and just allowed him to work his way and he's never failed me. So when I got those opportunities, man, I always seen him as blessings and I try to maximize them as much as I can and I feel like that's what always kept me ready. And obviously I work hard, I work hard as hell, you know, but I feel like God and Christ and just knowing what opportunity I had in front of me of being in the NFL, you know, is special. And whatever I got, you know, I'm going to take advantage of it.

[C]

Amen. It's always the right time to give all the glory to God and I think that's the perfect balancing to end this thing. I appreciate you, brother. Everybody, this is Patriot safety, hopefully still Patriot safety Jalen Hawkins, if he has it his way. We appreciate you coming on our pocket, man.

[D]

Appreciate you having me.

[A]

And that's a wrap for out of pocket with RG3, hosted by your boy and 112 time all American, Greta Griffin. We appreciate you guys. Make sure you leave a, you know, a comment, let us know what you think about who has the best combine and whether or not the Dallas Cowboys can win the super bowl this year. And also let us know your thoughts on NASCAR and whether Jaylen Hawkins stays or goes in free agency this year. We appreciate you guys. We love you. Make sure you follow and like and subscribe to our podcast and we will see you guys next week with all the juicy details so we can get out of pocket again. Peace. God bless.