The Bobby Bones Show – "Lots to Say: A Chance Encounter and a Change of Mind!"

Date: September 17, 2025
Hosts: Bobby Bones and Matt Cassel
Producer: NFL and iHeartPodcasts

Episode Overview

This episode of "The Bobby Bones Show" is a lively blend of personal stories and NFL analysis. Bobby Bones and Matt Cassel kick things off with a candid reflection on friendship, warmth, and introversion, propelled by an unexpected encounter with singer Colbie Caillat. Their conversation pivots into football, covering backup quarterbacks, the impact of injuries, rule changes like the “tush push,” and wide receiver standouts. They wrap up with rapid-fire NFL matchups, playoff predictions, and candid takes on players and teams to watch.

Main Themes & Segments

1. Warmth, Friendship, and Self-Reflection

Timestamps: 02:40–07:43

• Chance Encounter with Colbie Caillat
  Bobby shares a personal story about running into Colbie Caillat in his neighborhood and spontaneously inviting her onto his podcast.

  • "She was like, hey. And I was like, you live right here... come over and jump on the podcast." (Bobby, 03:31)

• Reflections on Warmth and Introversion
  The exchange with Colbie leads to a discussion on whether Bobby comes across as “warm.”

  • "Colby says to me, you're not very warm. And I. I respected it... I thought I was extremely warm." (Bobby, 04:27)
  • Bobby realizes his default is to be most “normal” with people he feels closest to, which others may read as distant.

• Warmth Styles—Cassel vs Bones
  Matt acknowledges being gregarious and eager to make people feel welcomed, while Bobby calls himself “an acquired taste.”

  • "You're one of the initial friendliest people I have ever met." (Bobby, 06:25)

2. Encounters with NFL Stars and Living in Nashville

Timestamps: 07:54–14:39

• Boxing Class Story
  Bobby describes taking a boxing class in Nashville, encountering retired NFL offensive lineman Andrew Whitworth.

  • “He’s a monster. Even in that profession... he’s got a presence about him.” (Matt, 10:54)
  • Bobby strives to be warmer in their interaction, motivated by his earlier reflection.

• Validation by a Fan
  During the encounter, a fan recognizes Bobby and redeems an otherwise awkward celebrity introduction:

  • "An angel from above. A woman comes up to me... 'Hey, are you Bobby Bones? I've read both of your books.’" (Bobby, 14:08)

3. Backup Quarterbacks: The Unsung Heroes

Timestamps: 14:45–35:08

• The Importance of Backup QBs
  Matt Cassel shares firsthand insights into the unique psychology and locker room dynamics when thrust from backup to starter after an injury.

  • "Man, I've got to go prove myself there. There was a lot of mental scrutiny I put myself through of, man, am I ready for this moment?" (Matt, 31:53)
  • "If you don't take advantage of this opportunity, this might be your last opportunity." (Matt, 33:42)

• Recent NFL Quarterback Injuries
  They discuss how numerous starters—Joe Burrow, Brock Purdy, Jaden Daniels—are injured, highlighting the critical role of solid backups.

• Pressure of Opportunity
  Matt details how short the leash can be for backups:

  • "You always know... if you don't get the job done, then they're going to bring somebody else in, maybe a veteran guy." (Matt, 35:08)

4. NFL Rule Changes & Hot Takes

Timestamps: 23:21–26:38

• Kickoff Rule Appreciation
  Bobby likes the new kickoff rules, finding them meaningful and engaging again.

  • "It’s nice for that play to matter and count because for the, what, 10 years before that... it didn’t." (Bobby, 23:39)

• Turning Against the 'Tush Push'
  Bobby, who previously defended the Eagles’ 'tush push,' now finds the play frustrating due to regulatory and entertainment issues.

  • "I don’t like the tush push anymore. I’m now against it." (Bobby, 24:01)
  • "It also seems like that play has gotten even more violent." (Bobby, 26:01)

5. NFL Rapid Fire: Players, Teams & Predictions

Timestamps: 36:36–51:30

• Malik Nabers: The NFL’s Next Great Receiver?
  Matt Cassel praises LSU alum Malik Nabers, placing him in the conversation with Jefferson and Chase.

  • "If you watch pure route running ability, being able to attack the ball... in the NFL, we say one step separation. He is open wide open." (Matt, 37:01)

• Kansas City Chiefs’ Receiving Corps
  Bobby and Matt discuss the Chiefs’ urgent need for Rashee Rice’s return and a straight-line threat to fully utilize Mahomes.

• Packers vs Browns & Other Matchups

  • Packers unstoppable, Browns on the “struggle bus” (Matt, 47:16)
  • Praises edge rusher Myles Garrett: "He is an absolute savage." (Matt, 47:27)
  • Colts have a real shot at their division. "The division's there for the taking.” (Matt, 48:22)
  • Bears-Cowboys matchup: "Bears minus one and a half... Dallas's offense is high octane." (Matt, 49:46)
  • Baker Mayfield love: "Baker Mayfield is that dude." (Bobby, 51:00)
  • Lions at Ravens preview: "This is going to be one of those knockdown, drag out brawls." (Matt, 51:33)

• Playoff Scenarios: Chiefs Outlook
  Even in a worst-case scenario, Matt believes KC could still make the playoffs if they can weather early losses until their receiving corps is healthy.

6. Friendship with Randall Cobb & Episode Wrap-Up

Timestamps: 52:20–53:11

• Bobby and Matt chat about becoming friends with featured guest Randall Cobb, who appears in another episode.
  • “Obviously, we played against each other, but I didn’t get to know him until he got here to Nashville.” (Matt, 52:52)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “The less you get up and show effort, you like them more?”
  — Matt Castle teasing Bobby Bones about his paradoxical warmth (05:46)

• "You're one of the initial friendliest people I have ever met."
  — Bobby complimenting Matt’s personality (06:25)

• “Big guy, Big guy, Big guy!”
  — Bobby, relishing being recognized by a fan in front of Whitworth (14:39)

• “If you don’t take advantage of this opportunity, this might be your last opportunity and you might not even be in the league.”
  — Matt on the high stakes for backup QBs (33:42)

• “It also seems like that play has gotten even more violent than it was at the beginning because now the defense is having to meet it with extra violence.”
  — Bobby on the Tush Push (26:01)

Key Timestamps

• Colbie Caillat Warmth Discussion: 03:04–07:43
• Boxing Class & Whitworth Encounter: 07:54–14:39
• Backup Quarterback Analysis: 14:45–35:08
• Rule Changes: Kickoff & Tush Push: 23:21–26:38
• Malik Nabers & Wide Receiver Talk: 36:36–37:59
• Chiefs’ Weapon Woes: 38:02–39:44
• Matchups & Rapid Fire NFL Takeaways: 43:37–51:19
• Friendship with Randall Cobb: 52:20–53:11

Overall Tone & Takeaway

The episode mixes self-deprecation and warmth (reflecting Bobby and Matt's personalities) with insightful, insider-level NFL discussion. Both open up about friendship, vulnerability, and the unseen mental grind of being a pro athlete, while shifting seamlessly into bold football opinions, emerging player stories, and playful banter. It’s engaging, funny, personal, and loaded with practical insight for casual fans and gridiron obsessives alike.