Podcast Summary: "Lots to Say: 5x Pro Bowl DE Jared Allen"

Episode Information

• Title: The Bobby Bones Show
• Host/Author: Premiere Networks
• Episode: Lots to Say: 5x Pro Bowl DE Jared Allen
• Release Date: January 11, 2025

Introduction to "Lots to Say" Segment

The episode kicks off with hosts Bobby Bones and Matt Castle introducing the "Lots to Say" segment, a collaboration with Jared Allen, a renowned five-time Pro Bowl Defensive End (DE). Jared Allen, a respected figure in the NFL, joins the conversation to delve into his experiences both on and off the field.

Pre-Game Music and Routines

Jared Allen shares insights into his pre-game musical preferences and how they influence his mindset before stepping onto the field.

• Varied Musical Tastes: Jared explains his eclectic taste in music, stating, “Depending on the mood I was in... I was kind of all over the map” ([02:01]).

• Signature Song: He highlights "Seven Nation Army" by The White Stripes as his go-to song for pre-game motivation. “That song does just that... I need to come out with energy, but I need to be focused” ([02:23]).

• Locking In Focus: Jared emphasizes the importance of mental preparation, mentioning how he phases out music during pregame locker room routines to concentrate on the game plan. “I usually could call the first 10 plays because I had them rehearsed in my mind” ([04:08]).

High School Football Anecdotes

Jared reminisces about his high school football days, highlighting the diversity of his team and the playful competition over pre-game songs between teammates.

• Diverse Team Dynamics: “We were a diverse team... the only team that had black guys in our county” ([04:08]).

• Coin Toss Rituals: The team used a coin toss to decide between playing Tupac or AC/DC’s "Hell’s Bells," reflecting the diverse musical tastes of the players ([04:18]).

• Coach’s Reaction: Jared recounts a pivotal moment where his coach reprimanded him for being overly fired up during a game’s coin toss, leading to a narrow loss. “He grabbed me by the face mask and said, you're the smartest mother effer on this team” ([05:22]).

Hall of Fame Discussions

A significant portion of the episode revolves around Jared and host Peter Schrager discussing their perspectives on the NFL Hall of Fame, particularly focusing on Jared's ongoing efforts to secure his place.

• Frustrations with the Hall of Fame Process: Peter expresses his frustration with the subjective nature of Hall of Fame selections. “Collecting finalist ballots for the hall of Fame is not a good thing... it’s a popularity contest” ([12:22]).

• Jared’s Advocacy: Jared adamantly supports the need for a more merit-based system, stating, “I believe I deserve to be in... it's a travesty that you aren't on the hall of Fame” ([15:56]).

• Personal Stories: They share personal anecdotes about interactions with other players and their experiences with Hall of Fame finalists, highlighting the emotional and sometimes contentious nature of the selection process ([14:52]).

Transition to Competitive Spirit and Post-Retirement Activities

The conversation shifts to Jared’s life post-retirement, focusing on his venture into competitive curling and maintaining his competitive nature outside football.

• Entering Competitive Curling: Jared describes how a bet led him to form a curling team with fellow ex-NFL players, culminating in winning a silver medal at nationals. “I have a silver medal. Nationalist curler” ([37:35]).

• Challenges in Curling: He humorously recounts the cultural differences between football and curling, including tensions arising from broken equipment due to his competitive nature. “I shattered brooms in the locker room and scared the piss out of everybody” ([38:05]).

• Balancing Competition and Sportsmanship: Jared reflects on maintaining competitiveness while respecting the inherently sportsmanlike spirit of curling. “It's a weird process... but I love them to death” ([38:46]).

Injuries and Playing Through Pain

Jared and Peter delve into the topic of injuries in professional sports, discussing the pressures athletes face to conceal injuries and continue performing.

• Hiding Injuries: Jared shares personal experiences of concealing serious injuries to avoid jeopardizing his career. “I tore my pec... I just iced it for like 10 days” ([55:10]).

• Playing Through Pain: Both discuss playing through significant injuries, emphasizing the relentless nature of professional football and the fear of losing one's position. “I played through torn MCLs, AC joints, broken foot” ([58:05]).

• Consequences of Concealing Injuries: They highlight the risks associated with hiding injuries, including long-term health implications and the eventual exposure during team evaluations or games. “It's a scary thought because especially when it's going to impact you” ([58:14]).

Quarterback Evaluations and Team Dynamics

The discussion advances to evaluating quarterbacks in the NFL, specifically focusing on Sam Darnold and the Minnesota Vikings' quarterback situation.

• Sam Darnold’s Value: Peter argues for the Vikings to retain Sam Darnold at a bargain rate, considering his potential and the team's supportive environment. “If you could get him for sub 30, I would say, yeah, let JJ sit back there and soak it up” ([41:45]).

• Impact of Coaches and Management: They analyze how coaching philosophies and management decisions significantly influence a quarterback’s performance and career trajectory. “How coaches can make a huge difference on how they manage you” ([43:06]).

• Case Studies: Examples of other quarterbacks like Russell Wilson and Eli Manning are discussed to illustrate the varying impacts of team environments on player success. “Russell Wilson is a great example” ([25:01]).

Player Relationships and Respect

The hosts touch upon the camaraderie and respect among players, both on and off the field.

• Respect Despite Competition: Jared emphasizes maintaining respect for opponents, stating, “I'm not gonna know ill will” ([23:43]).

• Personal Interactions: They share light-hearted stories about sacking each other and maintaining friendships despite intense on-field competition. “I never once in my life tried to intentionally hurt anybody” ([23:43]).

Closing Thoughts and Upcoming Episodes

As the episode wraps up, Jared and Peter express mutual respect and tease upcoming topics for future episodes, including discussions about favorite players and country music stars.

• Acknowledging Achievements: Jared humbly addresses Peter’s achievements, saying, “I felt a little weird, and I don't want this to be weird” ([63:35]).

• Teasers for Future Content: They hint at upcoming episodes featuring legendary figures and celebrities, promising continued engaging discussions ([63:51]).

Notable Quotes

• Jared Allen on Music and Focus: “I need to come out with energy, but I need to be focused” ([02:27]).

• Peter Schrager on Hall of Fame: “Collecting finalist ballots for the hall of Fame is not a good thing... it’s a popularity contest” ([12:22]).

• Jared Allen on Competitive Nature: “I played through torn MCLs, AC joints, broken foot” ([58:05]).

• Peter Schrager on Quarterback Situations: “If you could get him for sub 30, I would say, yeah, let JJ sit back there and soak it up” ([41:45]).

Conclusion

This episode of "The Bobby Bones Show" offers an in-depth and candid look into Jared Allen's professional journey, his competitive spirit, and his perspectives on the NFL Hall of Fame. Through engaging discussions and personal anecdotes, listeners gain valuable insights into the life of an elite athlete navigating the challenges and triumphs of professional football.