The Bobby Bones Show: Lots to Say – NFL Combine, Free Agents, and SB Champion Victor Cruz

Date: February 25, 2026
Hosts: Bobby Bones & Matt Cassel
Special Guest: Victor Cruz

Episode Overview

This episode of “Lots to Say” dives into football from several angles—NFL Combine stories (both personal and topical), upcoming NFL free agency, sports documentaries, reality survival shows, and, most notably, an insightful interview with Super Bowl champion Victor Cruz of the New York Giants. Steeped in the banter and good-natured humor of Bobby and Matt, the show weaves together personal stories, NFL analysis, and pop culture reflections, functioning as both a football breakdown and a lively talk show.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Celebrating Matt Cassel’s 19th Anniversary: Nostalgia & Sports Flashbacks

(03:00 – 06:52)

• Personal Stories: Matt and Bobby trade stories about hiking disasters and the importance (or lack thereof) of knowing how to read trail maps.
  • “We were up there for about two hours and 30 minutes, and I don’t think I read the map very well because I didn’t realize there was a V on the sections that were very strenuous.” – Bobby Bones (03:10)
  • “They also gave us walkie talkies at this place. And we didn’t take the walkie talkies.” – Matt Cassel (03:41)
• 2007 Pop Culture Recap: They recall the year Matt was married—touching on Spider-Man 3, Beyoncé's “Irreplaceable,” Soulja Boy, American Idol, the iPhone debut, and sporting champions like Tom Brady and the Giants' Super Bowl win.

2. NFL Combine, Pro Day Memories, and Draft Stories

(06:53 – 16:43)

• Matt’s Combine Experience: Matt discusses not being invited to the combine, but benefiting from a stacked pro day at USC.
  • “We just happen to be absolutely loaded...every scout comes to your pro day, especially a high profile school like USC at the time.” – Matt Cassel (07:25)
• Draft Process: He details private workouts (Bengals, San Diego, Oakland) and how New England came late into the process.
  • “A lot of these teams wanted me to come out, come in as a free agent...but then they made the phone call and Belichick called and said, Hey, we’re going to take you next in the NFL draft.” – Matt Cassel (13:14)
• Pro Day Stats: Matt and Bobby compare 40-yard dash times, broad jumps, and wonder about combine drills.
  • “I thought I was going to be a 4, 4, 7 guy...I ran a 4.88.” – Bobby Bones (14:43 – 14:53)
  • Humorous banter about lineman speed and vertical leap abilities.

3. Olympic Hockey, Stuffed Animals, and the John Elway Documentary

(20:03 – 26:46)

• Olympics Hockey: A celebratory discussion of the U.S. beating Canada, the joy of the players (missing teeth and all), and the odd post-game routine.
  • “There was not a better way to celebrate the ending of the Olympics than when the U.S. hockey team won against their arch rival, Canada.” – Bobby Bones (20:13)
• Childhood “Stuffies”: Lighthearted debate on the best terminology for stuffed animals.
• John Elway Doc & Owner Antics:
  • Discussion of the new Netflix documentary, Elway’s Super Bowl heartbreak (lost three before winning two), and the chaos of Colts owner Robert Irsay.
  • “He doesn’t win the big ones.” – Matt Castle on Elway pre-titles, paralleling to James Harden (23:39)

4. Survival TV: “Alone” & Bear Grylls Adventures

(27:14 – 34:44)

• Surviving in the Wild: Bobby and Matt reflect on survival skills (or lack thereof) and the intensity of “Alone.”
  • “These people aren’t emotional. They are backcountry woodsmen. These women are just as strong as the men.” – Bobby Bones (28:24)
• Bear Grylls Story: Bobby recounts his time on a Norwegian episode with Bear Grylls—eating preserved sheep carcass and performing daredevil stunts for TV.
  • “I can clean an animal...Bear was just shocked at the fact that I knew how to clean this animal.” – Bobby Bones (30:25)

5. Accents, Quiz Bowl, and Light Banter

(34:44 – 37:17)

• Favorite Accents Draft: Bobby and Matt playfully draft favorite accents (Australian, British, French, German, Southern, Jamaican), with plenty of humorous attempts at imitation.

6. Rehab, Pickleball, and Injury Stories

(40:12 – 42:15)

• Matt’s Ankle Recovery: Matt details recovering from ankle surgery, using anti-gravity treadmills, and his emotional journey after a pickleball injury.
  • “I did it like the second game. Played the whole tournament. Finished third…It’s my proudest third place medal ever.” – Matt Cassel (41:27 & 42:01)
• Snowboarding Accident: Cautionary tale about a friend injured on a ski trip by a runaway snowboarder.

7. NFL Free Agency: Big Names, Tough Decisions

(43:10 – 51:28)

• Previewing Big Names:
  • George Pickens: Highly valued; likely franchise tag.
  • Kenneth Walker III: Speculation on Seattle keeping/risking him after a Super Bowl MVP performance but with questions about passing game value.
    • “He just was Super Bowl MVP and also the fabric of who they are offensively.” – Bobby Bones (43:58)
  • Mike Evans: Will Tampa pay or let the veteran walk?
  • Deebo Samuel: Noting his hybrid value but possible red flags due to age and body type.
    • “He looks like James Harden when he wanted to get traded. But he’s a hell of a football player.” – Matt Cassel (45:24)
  • Tyreek Hill: Debate over talent vs. distraction vs. injury.
    • “You can bring in as many guys that are skilled...but if it doesn’t match the culture that you’re trying to create...it can be more of a distraction than a help.” – Bobby Bones (44:47-50:19)
• Dallas Cowboys: Discussion about leadership in the locker room, franchise tags, and recent signings.

Highlight: Victor Cruz Interview

(53:37 – 59:57)

Early Struggles & Proving Himself

• Came in undrafted and recalls his first real moment of “I can do this” in the NFL.
  • “That was my biggest test early on...seeing if I can win on routes, seeing if my quickness and my ability was able to win on certain route combos…” – Victor Cruz (54:22)

Chemistry with Eli Manning & 2011 Breakout Year

• Unique story of being the only receiver able to work with Eli in the lockout offseason:
  • “I was the only guy that was local that Eli could throw with…We were in the dog park in front of his Hoboken establishment playing catch...” – Victor Cruz (55:28)

Coaching Under Tom Coughlin

• Praises Coughlin’s straightforward approach and his care for players’ personal well-being.
  • “He never hid who he was. He always wanted the best for all of us...How are you emotionally doing? How are you at home? How’s your family dealing with your injury?” – Victor Cruz (57:20)

First Pro Bowl & Puerto Rican Roots

• Reflects on the thrill of his first Pro Bowl in Hawaii and the special energy of Puerto Rico.
  • “To be one of the guys to say I was a Pro Bowler was a special moment.” – Victor Cruz (58:33)
  • On Puerto Rico: “There’s so much energy, so much vibes. The food is incredible. The beaches are stunning...You’ll be in a T shirt—the whole, or T shirts are optional.” – Victor Cruz (59:17)

Notable Quotes

• Perspective on Career Paths:

  • “Would you have rather been a backup and won a championship?”—Matt Cassel
  • “No...I’m proud of you too. For the man you’ve become and the man you were and the man you are.” (06:41–06:48)

• On the NFL Draft Process & Combine:

  • “You hope you spark enough interest. But it’s also not just coaches, GMs…there’s scouts. So those scouts primarily are there to look at everything holistically and give their evaluations.” – Bobby Bones (10:28–10:34)

• On the NFL Free Agent Market:

  • “He (Tyreek Hill) could come back and be that dude again.” – Bobby Bones (49:28)

• On Traffic Etiquette (The Zipper):

  • “Respect the zipper. One in, then you go. One in, then you go. That’s all.” – Matt Cassel (62:06)

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Segment | Topics | Timestamps | | ---------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------- | --------------- | | Opening / Anniv. Stories | Hiking, 2007 nostalgia, sports flashbacks | 03:00–06:52 | | Combine & Pro Day | USC pro day, draft, private workouts, Patriots drafting Cassel | 06:53–16:43 | | Olympics & Pop Culture | USA vs. Canada hockey, John Elway doc, stuffed animals | 20:03–26:46 | | Survival TV + Bear Grylls | Alone, Bear Grylls show anecdotes | 27:14–34:44 | | Light Banter | Accents, school days, quiz bowl | 34:44–37:17 | | Rehab & Injuries | Pickleball, snowboarding accident | 40:12–42:15 | | NFL Free Agency | Pickens, Walker, Evans, Deebo, Tyreek Hill, Cowboys roster moves | 43:10–51:28 | | Victor Cruz Interview | NFL journey, Eli Manning, Coughlin, Pro Bowl, Puerto Rico | 53:37–59:57 | | PSA: The Zipper | Traffic merging etiquette | 60:02–62:08 |

Memorable Moments

• The running joke about hiking mishaps and being “Bear Gryll-ready” without walkie talkies.
• The authentic and warm Victor Cruz interview, revealing his gratitude for Eli Manning's trust and Tom Coughlin’s mentorship.
• Lively, nostalgic look back at 2007—the year of Matt's marriage, historic sports moments, and pop culture milestones.
• Fun, friendly debate about which accents are best, with both hosts gamely trying impressions.
• The “respect the zipper” traffic PSA to close the episode.

Tone & Style

The episode is friendly, self-deprecating, often humorous, and laced with the candid, empathetic storytelling that’s a hallmark of Bobby and Matt’s dynamic. Football analysis is accessible and engaging, blending personal anecdotes with knowledgeable commentary and plenty of light-hearted diversions.

For New Listeners

This episode offers a full menu: behind-the-scenes NFL stories, candid player interviews, free agency analysis, pop culture nostalgia, and a steady stream of laughs—all served up in the laid-back, inclusive way that has made “Lots to Say” a fan favorite. Even if you’re not deep into NFL draft mechanics, there’s plenty here for the sports-curious and pop-culture lovers alike.