Outta Pocket with RG3: "Penn State Needs Curt Cignetti to Save Them"

Date: October 13, 2025
Hosts: Robert Griffin III (RG3) and Grete Griffin

Episode Overview

This episode of Outta Pocket with RG3 is packed with lively debate and candid analysis of the latest developments in football—both NFL and college. RG3 and Grete break down the New York Giants’ quarterback controversy, Penn State’s search for a new head coach (with a passionate argument for Curt Cignetti), viral stories from the week including epic college upsets, NFL quarterback woes, and end with reflections on family, resilience, and recent personal challenges.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. NFL Week Highlights: Giants’ QB Revolution

Timestamps: 00:52–05:07

• Jackson Dart & Cam Scatterboo’s Breakout:
  RG3 and Grete discuss the Giants’ historic 34-17 win over the Eagles, focusing on rookie duo Jackson Dart (QB) and Cam Scatterboo (RB), who combined for five touchdowns.

  • “Jackson Dart is the franchise quarterback for the New York Giants... he can make all the throws. And he's got this air of confidence about him that really sprinkles down to everybody else on the team.” – RG3 (01:26)
  • RG3 predicts Dart and Scatterboo could deliver the Giants a Super Bowl.

• The “Tush Push” Debate:
  The hosts debate the Eagles’ infamous “tush push” QB sneak:

  • “When Michael Jordan shoots his fade away, no one says, ban the fade away... But for me, I think it's time for the push in the tush to go away.” – RG3 (03:15, 05:07)

2. Viral Spiral #1: Penn State’s Coaching Crisis & Curt Cignetti’s Case

Timestamps: 06:21–10:04

• Penn State Fires James Franklin:
  After a string of losses, Franklin is out with a $49 million buyout.

  • RG3 lobbies hard for Indiana’s Curt Cignetti to take over:
    “Penn State, they should hire Kurt Signetti... He's the best coach in the country right now. And not only that, he's coaching the best team in the country.“ – RG3 (06:46)

• Indiana’s Meteoric Rise:

  • Indiana is undefeated after upsetting Oregon (#3), propelled by QB Fernando Mendoza and a stingy defense.
  • “If you want to be the man, you gotta beat the man. And Oregon was the man and Indiana did it.” – RG3 (07:44, 08:19)

• Debate: Indiana vs. Ohio State
  RG3 argues Indiana is #1, based on dominant wins, even against teams Ohio State struggled with.

  • “Winning teams score touchdowns in the red zone. Indiana went 5 for 5 and they were 8 for 11 on third downs. You win the money down, you'll win in the red zone.” – RG3 (09:00)
  • “Indiana is the team to beat in all of college football.” – RG3 (10:04)

3. Viral Spiral #2: College Football Chaos & The Problem with Preseason Rankings

Timestamps: 11:26–19:59

• Texas Beats Oklahoma in the Red River Rivalry:

  • Texas defense dominates, holding Oklahoma to field goals and forcing three interceptions.
  • “Every Texas hater out there wants them to suck... But the truth is Texas is a good football team that is finding their way.” – RG3 (12:21)

• QB John Matier’s Early Return:

  • RG3 questions if Oklahoma’s QB came back too soon from injury, suggesting it hurt the team.

• Calls for Abolishing Preseason Rankings:
  RG3 rails against the impact of preseason rankings on media narratives and playoff selection, especially with the new transfer & NIL landscape:

  • “We need to eliminate preseason rankings, period... teams get preseason rankings because they're blue blood programs... The problem in today's college football is... these teams are different every single year.” – RG3 (13:12–15:00)

• Lack of Fairness in Rankings:

  • Grete points out how big-name schools are protected in rankings over smaller programs.
  • RG3 criticizes the “patch on your jersey” effect, mainly targeting the SEC.
    • “No team should be ranked just because of the patch on their jersey... Winning matters. Period.” – RG3 (17:19)

• OP (Outta Pocket) Rankings Revealed:

  • RG3 places all undefeated “Power 4” teams above 1-loss squads, regardless of traditional power status.

4. Viral Spiral #3: NFL Lowlights—Jets’ Historic Struggles & QB Troubles

Timestamps: 19:59–23:52

• Jets & Justin Fields Slump:

  • Jets fall to 0-6, manage minus-10 net passing yards, while Justin Fields suffers nine sacks and only nine completions.
  • “They don't have an eraser. And Justin Fields... was an eraser [in college]... Justin Fields, if he doesn't start playing better, he's not going to be the quarterback for the New York jets next year.” – RG3 (20:46, 23:00)

• Garrett Wilson’s Frustration:

  • RG3 warns Fields must get his top receiver more involved or risk locker room discontent.

5. Fun Facts and Quick Hits

Timestamps: 23:52–29:42

• Cleveland Browns: QB Payroll Mess
  • Browns are paying eight different quarterbacks, with RG3 lampooning their mismanagement:
    “This is what happens when you have terrible quarterback play and your organization is run like boo boo.” – RG3 (24:36)
• LeBron James Set to Miss First Opener:
  • Longest active streak will end due to a nerve injury.
    • “It means it's the beginning of the end. And it's weird to say that because LeBron's been playing for like, 77 years.” – RG3 (26:07)
    • Appreciates LeBron’s legacy: “...he is the second greatest basketball player of all time, and he needs to be treated as such. Enjoy it while we still have it.” (27:02)
• Carolina Panthers’ Rico Dowdle Gets Revenge:
  • Runs for 183 yards vs. former team, the Cowboys. RG3 calls out Cowboys’ management for OK’ing the trade meant to “stop the run” (27:42–27:59)

6. Heisman Top 5 & College Football Standouts

Timestamps: 28:29–29:51

• RG3’s Heisman Leaders:
  1. Julian Sayin (Ohio State)
  2. Ty Simpson (Alabama)
  3. Trinidad Chambliss
  4. Fernando Mendoza (Indiana)
  5. Sawyer Robinson (Baylor)

7. Hometown Highlights & Personal Reflections

Timestamps: 29:51–36:24

• Texas Tech Homecoming Atmosphere:

  • RG3 praises Tech’s defense and wild traditions (tortilla throwing!).
  • Controversy over fans throwing a pocket knife; RG3 and Grete denounce the act but defend the tortilla tradition.

• Shaboozi Concert Experience:

  • The couple shares their joy attending the country artist’s show, lauding his authenticity and predicting future stardom.

• Personal: Recent Car Accident

  • RG3 and Grete recount surviving a harrowing crash en route to a Fox game; Robert suffered two broken vertebrae, Grete a concussion, but their children were unharmed.
    • “Our kids were fine. And I think for me, that was the biggest thing… That means everything to me.” – RG3 (34:41)
    • “...the kids are okay. That's honestly all I care about.” – Grete (35:08)
  • The segment closes with grateful shoutouts to Fox Sports and their fans for support.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• RG3 on Curt Cignetti for Penn State:
  “Penn State, they should hire Kurt Signetti... He's the best coach in the country right now.” (06:46)
• On Preseason Rankings:
  “We need to eliminate preseason rankings, period.” – RG3 (13:12)
• On LeBron’s Legacy:
  “...he is the second greatest basketball player of all time, and he needs to be treated as such. Enjoy it while we still have it.” – RG3 (27:02)
• On Car Accident Survival:
  “Our kids were fine. And...that means everything to me.” – RG3 (34:41) “The kids are okay. That's honestly all I care about.” – Grete (35:08)
• On the SEC & Rankings:
  “No team should be ranked just because of the patch on their jersey... Winning matters. Period.” – RG3 (17:19)

Important Timestamps by Segment

• Giants take down Eagles & QB talk: 00:52–02:40
• Eagles’ “tush push” controversy: 02:40–05:07
• Penn State fires Franklin, Cignetti for coach: 06:21–08:17
• Indiana’s claim as college football’s best: 08:17–10:04
• Texas vs. Oklahoma, preseason rankings rant: 11:26–16:32
• Fairness in college football polling: 16:56–19:59
• Jets, Justin Fields woes: 19:59–23:52
• Cleveland Browns QB payroll disaster: 23:52–25:22
• LeBron’s first missed NBA opener: 25:50–27:31
• Panthers’ Rico Dowdle revenge game: 27:31–28:29
• Top 5 Heisman Watch: 28:29–29:51
• Texas Tech homecoming & tortilla toss: 29:51–32:23
• Shaboozi concert reflections: 32:25–33:11
• Personal: Surviving a car accident: 33:12–36:24

Tone & Takeaways

Throughout, RG3 injects humor (“LeBron’s been playing for like, 77 years”), candor, and heartfelt appreciation for sports and family. Grete complements with sharp observations, especially on fairness and tradition in sports. Both are unafraid to take direct shots at sacred cows (the SEC, preseason rankings, NFL franchises).

For newcomers:
This episode distills recent, impactful football stories with lively banter, clear opinions, behind-the-scenes insight, and relatable life moments, making it a can’t-miss listen for fans who crave authenticity and substance.