Podcast Summary: Outta Pocket with RG3
Episode: The Cleveland Browns need to start Shedeur Sanders
Date: September 30, 2025
Hosts: Robert Griffin III (RG3) & Grete Griffin
Main Theme Overview
This episode dives into a bold argument: The Cleveland Browns should start rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders, as the current options (Joe Flacco and Dylan Gabriel) are not delivering results or inspiring the locker room. Hosts RG3 and Grete analyze Sanders' potential impact, critique Browns’ coaching decisions, and discuss perceptions in media and the locker room. The show also delivers a fast-paced rundown of the weekend's biggest college football and NFL stories, viral moments in and out of sports, Heisman rankings, and hometown highlights.
Shedeur Sanders & The Browns: Why the Change Is Needed
The Browns’ Quarterback Crisis
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[01:23] RG3: “The Cleveland Browns lost to the Detroit Lions, okay? And Joe Flacco played terrible. So the bottom line is this: The Cleveland Browns need to start Shedeur Sanders.”
- Argues Sanders would bring a needed "special spark" and confidence to a deflated locker room.
- Acknowledges that Dylan Gabriel was drafted higher, but insists the team needs what Shedeur uniquely provides.
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[02:57] Grete asks what Shedeur would bring to the team right now.
- RG3 emphasizes that Shedeur’s leadership and unshakeable confidence is genuine and contagious.
- “When he steps out there and he flashes that watch, it’s perfect timing. The whole locker room goes crazy.”
- Quotes star defender Myles Garrett from preseason: “We need this guy.”
Locker Room Dynamics & Flacco Comparisons
- [03:48] Grete compares this to the Ravens’ Lamar Jackson era supplanting Joe Flacco, highlighting the city’s hunger for fresh energy.
- “[Lamar] was always what the crowd wanted, what the fans wanted, and what the city honestly needed. Because the city needed youthful, new energy.”
- RG3: “It’s a similar situation… We’re not saying that Shedeur Sanders is Lamar Jackson, but… that type of energy… That is what Shedeur Sanders brings.”
- Kevin Stefanski (Browns HC) may not want to start Sanders but might have no choice if the season continues its downward spiral.
Media Scrutiny: The Tony Grossi Critique
- [05:59] RG3 plays a Tony Grossi clip criticizing Shedeur for attention-seeking.
- RG3 calls out the “character assassination” against Shedeur, suggesting Grossi’s coverage feels “personal.”
- “[06:40] Why are you attacking this young man?... What is wrong with a young Black quarterback believing in themselves?”
Sanders vs. Other Current NFL Starters
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RG3 lists current NFL QBs that Shedeur could outperform: Trevor Lawrence, Jake Browning, Joe Flacco, Geno Smith.
- “Joe Flacco has thrown two touchdowns and six interceptions. A 60-quarterback rating. I promise you right now, if you put Shedeur Sanders out there with the number one unit, he will perform better than that.” [08:05]
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Grete: “Isn’t that what you want people to do? You want them to know their worth. That’s probably what you preach to your children, right?”
Summary Point
- RG3 closes the debate: “What their team needs right now is Shedeur Sanders… He’s the only one that can save their season, period.” [09:38]
Viral Spiral: College Football & NFL Recaps
A lightning round of the five biggest games of the weekend.
1. Oregon vs. Penn State (Double OT Classic)
- [09:56] Oregon beats Penn State 30-24 in 2OT.
- RG3 praises Oregon as "the number one team in the country" and the white-out Penn State environment.
- [11:59] “They’re the Titanic. They’re going to sink” – On Penn State’s inability to win big games under James Franklin.
2. Alabama vs. Georgia
- [14:01] Alabama ends Georgia’s 33-game home winning streak.
- Ty Thompson has a breakout game, entering the Heisman conversation.
- RG3 commends Thompson’s maturity and Kayin DeBoer’s coaching.
- “[17:26] Once [Georgia] gets discipline back, you will truly see… Kirby Smart is one hell of a football coach.”
3. Ole Miss vs. LSU
- [18:34] Ole Miss wins at home 24-19.
- Trinidad Chambliss, a former D2 player, is now QB and in Heisman contention.
- RG3 admires the “shameless” confidence: “He threw a strike over the middle on a dagger route that most quarterbacks would have peed in their pants if they tried to throw it.” [19:09]
- Grete brings up viral off-field drama: “Whit Weeks is dating Lane Kiffin’s daughter… started hard-launching their relationship the week of the game.” [22:48]
4. Chiefs vs. Ravens
- [24:06] Chiefs beat the Ravens 37-20. Ravens fall to 1-3; Lamar Jackson injured.
- RG3 laments the loss: “The Baltimore Ravens are no longer playing like a Raven… The lifeblood is Lamar Jackson’s playmaking ability.” [25:33]
- Discusses issues with team identity, injuries, and concerns about the backup QB (Cooper Rush).
5. Cowboys vs. Packers (A Tie!)
- [32:25] Game ends 40–40 in OT; RG3 rails against tie games: “Tie games suck. Come on, man.” [32:57]
- RG3 blames Packers’ coach Matt LaFleur’s lack of aggression at the end of regulation.
Two-Minute Drill with Grete (Pop Culture & Sports)
Cardi B & Stefon Diggs Baby News
- [34:35] Grete defends Cardi B: “Cardi B is a grown woman… criticizing a grown woman for her decisions is kind of childish.” [35:50]
Ayesha Curry & Killer Mike Social Media Drama
- [36:48] RG3 plays Bookie Woods’ viral video criticizing Ayesha Curry.
- Killer Mike’s comment ("Steph doesn't deserve the embarrassment") draws a response from Steph Curry: “Not you, Mike… Stay in your lane. We are good over here.” [38:25]
- Grete: “If you’re acting like we’re cool, but then behind closed doors, you’re telling me that my wife is an embarrassment… Killer Mike all the way wrong.” [38:52]
Heisman Top 10 Breakdown
[39:50] RG3 lists and analyzes the top Heisman contenders after the wild weekend:
- #1 Dante Moore (Oregon): “If he is not at the top of your Heisman list, your Heisman list is wrong.”
- #2 Ahmad Hardy (Missouri): RB, on a hot streak.
- #3 Julian Sayin (Ohio State)
- #4 Trinidad Chambliss (Ole Miss): “He was shameless.”
- #5 Fernando Mendoza (Indiana)
- #6 Marcel Reed (Texas A&M)
- #7 Diego Pavia (Vanderbilt): “He is the first Vanderbilt quarterback since 1996 to account for six touchdowns in a single game.” [43:04]
- #8 Joey Aguilar (Tennessee)
- #9 Ty Simpson (Alabama)
- #10 Sawyer Robertson (Baylor): “Let me tell you why Sawyer Robertson is the best quarterback in the country right now…” [44:48]
Hometown Highlights & Lowlights
RG3’s Work Trip to West Virginia
- [47:23] RG3 describes his trip to Morgantown for Utah at West Virginia (including gigantic biscuits and calling the game in pouring rain).
- Praises Utah’s QB Devin Dampier for a four TD rebound performance.
Grete’s Story: Daughter's Airport Homecoming
- [51:17] A heartwarming family anecdote about their youngest daughter Gia practicing a big hug for her dad’s homecoming but falling asleep—showing the lighter side of the hosts’ lives.
Florida State vs. Virginia (Seminoles’ Hometown Lowlight)
- [55:15] FSU loses to Virginia in OT.
- Grete: “We lost, but we played well. We lost 46 to 38 to Virginia in overtime. Like, you can’t be mad at that.”
- RG3 breaks down a controversial coaching/clock management sequence in overtime and criticizes the officiating.
Washington Commanders Struggles
- [59:34] The Commanders lose to the Falcons.
- RG3 points out injuries and poor defensive performance. “The Commanders have been too up and down so far this year and their defense has to improve if they want to have any chance…”
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
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On Shedeur Sanders:
- “There’s a reason the media is following Shedeur Sanders like he’s Cardi B—because he is a superstar.” [01:40] – RG3
- “Why is it personal? Let this young man go out there and let his fans say whatever they want to say.” [06:40] – RG3
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On the Browns’ locker room:
- “The only person who can save Kevin Stefanski’s job feels like Shedeur Sanders.” [04:27] – RG3
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On Penn State’s big game woes:
- “They’re the Titanic… every time they play a top 10 opponent, they're going to sink.” [11:59] – RG3
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On ties in NFL:
- “Tie games suck. Come on, man.” [32:57] – RG3
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On Ravens’ struggles:
- “The Baltimore Ravens are no longer playing like a Raven… If Lamar Jackson is out for an extended period of time, the Baltimore Ravens season is over. Bottom line, it’s over.” [25:33] – RG3
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On discipline in football programs:
- “Kirby Smart has to find a way to get the discipline back in his program.” [17:27] – RG3
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Opening Browns/Shedeur Sanders Debate: 01:01–09:56
- Tony Grossi Critique & NFL QB Comparisons: 05:59–08:48
- Viral Spiral: Top 5 Games: 09:56–34:19
- Two-Minute Drill (Pop Culture): 34:19–39:44
- Heisman Top 10: 39:50–47:02
- Hometown Highlights (WV trip, FSU loss, Commanders): 47:02–end
Overall Tone & Style
The episode is fast-paced, opinionated, and filled with playful back-and-forth between RG3 and Grete. The discussion fluidly moves from hard football analysis to heartfelt stories and cultural commentary, retaining authenticity and warmth.
For New Listeners
This episode covers hot takes on NFL and college football, candid locker room insights, viral moments, and personal stories—making it accessible and engaging for both sports diehards and casual fans. Notably, the idea of Shedeur Sanders as the Browns' savior is dissected with real locker room knowledge, making this episode a must-listen for fans of football culture and quarterback debates.
