Pardon My Take - Episode Summary: "AJ Brown, NFL Preview With Kevin Clark, Hard Knocks Episode 1 + Mt Rushmore Of Skills We Wish We Learned When We Were Younger"

Release Date: August 6, 2025

1. Review of Hard Knocks Episode 1

The hosts, Big Cat and PFT Commenter, delve into the first episode of HBO's Hard Knocks, focusing on the Buffalo Bills' training camp.

• Buffalo Bills Spotlight: Unlike previous seasons, this episode features a strong showing from the Bills, highlighting their promising roster and competitive edge.

  • Big Cat (02:59): "We saw football. We saw some nice slow motion throws."

  • Zach (03:23): "We saw Dion Dawkins driving like a maniac, putting his kid in a drift seat."

• Key Players Discussed:

  • Josh Allen: Praised as an exceptional talent and a positive representation for the team.

    • Big Cat (05:27): "Josh Allen is the greatest human ever."

  • Dawson Knox: Noted for his relatable moments off the field.

    • Big Cat (06:18): "His wife's move to perfectly pack his bag was genius."

• Stadium and Environment:

  • The new Bills stadium impresses the hosts with its design and wind management, although Hank humorously debates the reality of wind affecting gameplay.

    • Hank (06:50): "Wind is real, but weather isn't real."

• Critique of Traditional Hard Knocks Format:

  • The hosts express disappointment over the lack of authentic coaching moments and motivational speeches, contrasting with their expectations based on past seasons.

    • Zach (05:56): "I was a little upset that we didn't get to see Sean McDermott's training camp speech."

2. Mount Rushmore of Skills We Wish We Learned When We Were Younger

In a humorous segment, the hosts select key skills they regret not mastering during their youth.

• Selected Skills:

  1. Money Management: Highlighted by Big Cat and Zach with playful banter about their financial savvy.

     • Big Cat (20:17): "We wish we learned money management when we were younger."

  2. Fixing Cars: Zach laments his lack of mechanical skills, especially in preparation for his upcoming drive with the El Camino.

  3. Cooking: Discussed by Hank and Zach, emphasizing the benefits of self-sufficiency and healthier eating habits.

     • Hank (67:23): "Being able to cook really nice meals for yourself."

  4. Social Skills: Memes and others joke about their struggles with small talk and interpersonal interactions.

     • Memes (70:34): "I need to have better social skills."

  5. Throwing a Knuckleball: Zach expresses interest in mastering this challenging pitching technique.

     • Zach (75:17): "Throwing a knuckleball would be awesome."

• Host Interactions:

  • The segment is filled with lighthearted teasing and personal anecdotes, showcasing the hosts' chemistry and comedic timing.

3. Interview with Kevin Clark: NFL Preview

Kevin Clark from ESPN joins the show to provide an in-depth NFL preview, discussing team dynamics, player performances, and league-wide developments.

• ESPN's Acquisition of NFL Network:

  • Kevin explains ESPN's strategic move to acquire NFL Network, securing a 10% equity stake in the league.

    • Zach (18:39): "ESPN acquired NFL Network. Now, the NFL officially owns ESPN with a 10% equity stake."

• Implications for Sports Media:

  • The acquisition may limit independent media’s access to NFL players, centralizing control and potentially increasing advertising.

    • Kevin Clark (93:35): "The league is just gonna make it even more confusing because now guys have to go in the blue tent."

• Team Analysis:

  • Dallas Cowboys: Discussed extensively, focusing on Jerry Jones' management style and his reluctance to trade key players like Micah Parsons.

    • Stephen A. Smith (98:07): "Jerry Jones wants the headlines, but he wants people to be talking about him being a smart football guy."

  • Buffalo Bills and Baltimore Ravens: Highlighted as strong contenders with robust defenses.

  • New York Giants: Viewed as a potential dark horse despite recent struggles.

    • Stephen A. Smith (111:30): "I think their defense is going to be good."

  • Los Angeles Chargers and Pittsburgh Steelers: Both teams receive analysis on quarterback performances and offensive strategies.

• Ownership and Coaching Dynamics:

  • The conversation touches on how different ownership styles impact team performance, emphasizing the importance of trusting coaching staff.

    • Stephen A. Smith (123:00): "Dan Campbell is such a unique coach...he understands...the best culture change I've ever seen in football."

4. Interview with A.J. Brown: From MLB to NFL and Beyond

A.J. Brown, Super Bowl champion and two-time All-Pro with the Philadelphia Eagles, shares his journey from being drafted in Major League Baseball to excelling in the NFL.

• Dual-Sport Drafting:

  • Brown was drafted by both MLB's San Diego Padres and the NFL, ultimately choosing to pursue a career in football.

    • A.J. Brown (56:42): "I miss baseball at times...but football just took over."

• Transition to the Philadelphia Eagles:

  • His move to Philadelphia is portrayed as a pivotal moment, aligning with his career aspirations and market opportunities.

    • A.J. Brown (146:54): "I feel like I was meant to shine here because we needed a big team with a big market."

• Personal Challenges and Resilience:

  • Brown recounts facing hostility during his high school recruitment, including death threats from fans of rival schools.

    • A.J. Brown (147:40): "I was getting death threats...but I was just a kid and my dad took it seriously."

• Literacy Foundation and Mentorship:

  • Highlighting his commitment to giving back, Brown discusses his literacy foundation aimed at mentoring and supporting youth.

    • A.J. Brown (152:22): "My foundation is based on mentorship and giving back."

• Advice to His Younger Self:

  • Brown emphasizes the importance of being present and enjoying the journey rather than solely focusing on end goals.

    • A.J. Brown (165:05): "I would tell the younger me to not be hard on myself and enjoy each day."

• Memorable Moments and Highlights:

  • From his standout high school performances to his current successes in the NFL, Brown reflects on pivotal games and personal growth.

    • A.J. Brown (145:30): "Nick Saban came after a game where I scored four touchdowns, and that's when it became real for me."

5. Additional Segments and Banter

Throughout the episode, the hosts engage in playful interactions, off-topic humor, and light-hearted discussions about personal anecdotes and hypothetical scenarios.

• Smelling Salts Banter:

  • The hosts debate the NFL's ban on smelling salts, proposing creative (and humorous) ways players might circumvent the regulation.

    • Big Cat (15:21): "Shout out Redbird Rizzy, he had a good idea about pocket smelling salts."

• Fantasy Draft and Personal Plans:

  • Plans for upcoming fantasy drafts are discussed with humorous takes on preparations and potential mishaps.

    • Hank (55:34): "I'm going to grind all week on the course and make a trip to Harborside Golf Course this afternoon."

• Technical Difficulties and On-Air Humor:

  • Occasional technical glitches and muted microphones lead to spontaneous comedy among the hosts.

    • Hank (33:36): "I was reading more about it yesterday and I really wanted to emphasize how bad of an event it was."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Big Cat (02:59): "We saw football. We saw some nice slow motion throws."
• Big Cat (05:27): "Josh Allen is the greatest human ever."
• A.J. Brown (152:22): "My foundation is based on mentorship and giving back."
• A.J. Brown (165:05): "I would tell the younger me to not be hard on myself and enjoy each day."
• Stephen A. Smith (98:07): "Jerry Jones wants the headlines, but he wants people to be talking about him being a smart football guy."
• Zach (18:39): "ESPN acquired NFL Network. Now, the NFL officially owns ESPN with a 10% equity stake."

Conclusion

This episode of Pardon My Take offers a blend of insightful sports analysis, engaging interviews, and the hosts' signature humor. From dissecting Hard Knocks and selecting playful skills regrets to providing an in-depth NFL preview with Kevin Clark and hearing A.J. Brown's inspiring journey, listeners are treated to a comprehensive and entertaining sports discourse.