The Bobby Bones Show – “Lots to Say: Super Bowl Matchup, Surviving the Storm and Rodrigo Blankenship”
Date: January 29, 2026
Host: Bobby Bones
Co-hosts: Matt Cassel, Kevin
Special Guest: Rodrigo Blankenship
Episode Overview
This lively episode dives into several big topics: the current Super Bowl matchup and the ongoing debate over Bill Belichick's Hall of Fame snub, the Patriots dynasty and fandom, Pro Bowl controversies, the Titans’ coaching prospects, memorable Super Bowl moments, and the massive Nashville ice storm. It wraps up with a fun and in-depth feature on NFL kicker Rodrigo Blankenship, exploring his career, mental approach, social media, and hobbies.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. Bill Belichick and the Hall of Fame Snub
(01:47–07:24)
- Debate: How can the winningest NFL coach, with eight Super Bowl rings, not be a first-ballot Hall of Famer?
- Scandal Shadows: The crew acknowledges Belichick’s greatness but discusses how “Spygate” and “Deflategate” scandals likely cost him the first-ballot honor.
- Patriots Insider: Matt Cassel, who played during Spygate, shares that most players were unaware and shocked by the revelations.
- Voting Process Critique: The panel critiques ambiguity in the Hall’s process and speculates Bill Polian and old rivalries played a role.
Quote:
“How do you sit there and say this guy is not a first ballot hall of Famer? Shame on those people. I mean, it is absurd.” – Matt Cassel (02:06)
2. Patriots Fandom, Dynasty, and the Super Bowl
(07:24–09:54)
- Bobby ribs his co-hosts for "winning too quickly" as fans, contrasting it with his own "lifetime of losing."
- Kevin, a lifelong Pats fan, jokes about his unbreakable loyalty (even through tough years).
- Matt Cassel pokes fun at Kevin’s “Brady tattoo.”
Quote:
“It is unfair that you, as Patriots players and fans and lovers of the organization get to experience wins again this quickly. I'm on a lifetime of losing." – Bobby Bones (07:24)
3. Super Bowl Experience, Prep, and Coaching Impact
(08:51–11:46)
- Discussion on whether experience as a player in Super Bowls helps as a coach (using Mike Vrabel as an example).
- Matt Cassel explains the unique mental and physical challenge of Super Bowl week and how it differs from regular-season games.
- Night games (Monday/Sunday/Thursday) are discussed for their unique energy compared to regular midday contests.
Quote:
“The Super Bowl is unlike any event that or game that you play in... This is a unique experience when you come out... millions of people, and this is for all the marbles.” – Matt Cassel (08:57)
4. Pro Bowl Controversies & Shador Sanders Debate
(11:53–15:27)
- Matt shares that Shador Sanders (rookie QB) made the Pro Bowl despite modest stats.
- Panel laments the decline in Pro Bowl prestige, now more a “television show” than real honor.
- Discussion of how so many declines/vacancies lead to less qualified selections.
Quote:
“If you don't have more touchdowns than interceptions, you can't make the Pro Bowl. Like, that should just be the rule.” – Bobby Bones (15:23)
5. The Tennessee Titans: From Dysfunction to Hope?
(16:44–19:37)
- Host, not a Titans fan, surprisingly optimistic about new coaching hires—Robert Salah and Matt’s buddy at OC.
- Team has cornerstone pieces and promising coaching, but there are still “a lot of holes.”
- The ousting of Mike Vrabel, now a Super Bowl head coach, is called out as a stinging organizational misstep.
Quote:
“If they just don't get worse, that's massive for us... It's been downhill for the last 4 or 5 years.” – Bobby Bones (19:41)
6. Most Memorable Super Bowl Plays
(20:34–24:48)
- Panel ranks legendary plays: Tyree’s helmet catch, Holmes’ toe-tap, the "Philly Special," Elway’s helicopter spin, Edelman’s bobble.
- Both Bobby and Matt pick Tyree’s catch as the Super Bowl’s most iconic single play; Matt shares his personal pain at witnessing it live.
Quote:
“You could show me a still shot of that exact moment and I think everyone would know... And you were there.” – Bobby Bones (23:32)
“It's so near and dear to my heart, I go with that one.” – Matt Cassel (24:30)
7. Surviving the Nashville Ice Storm
(24:50–35:16)
- Both hosts recount days without power, downed trees, odd survival tactics, and the city shutdown—including a Chick-fil-A closing (“never closes unless it’s Sunday!”).
- Bobby’s rescue tales: helping a driver in Louis Vuitton sneakers, eating “dry” chicken strips, and misadventures in winter footwear.
- Lighthearted banter ensues about fast food, handwashing, and household repairs (with some ChatGPT tips!).
Notable Moment:
Bobby’s “minor breakdown” after receiving no honey mustard with his Chick-fil-A drive-through order (27:47)
8. Rodrigo Blankenship: In-Depth Interview
(37:37–67:50)
Rodrigo’s Early Sporting Life & Georgia Story
- Started out with soccer (“first love since age 3”), which provided a strong kicking foundation.
- Walked on at University of Georgia, choosing them over smaller scholarship offers because of the school’s journalism program.
- Won the starting kicker job midway through his second season, despite a rough start and viral negative headlines.
Quote:
“The first one sailed through the uprights with no instruction prior to that day... There was some potential there.” – Rodrigo Blankenship (39:36)
Scholarship & Signature Moments
- Shares the emotional story of being awarded a scholarship by Coach Kirby Smart right before a big Notre Dame game—and getting to announce it to the team after sealing the win with a key field goal.
Quote:
“I want to put you on scholarship. But you can't tell anyone yet because I’ve got something planned for you.” – Rodrigo recalling Coach Smart's words (46:18)
Journey to the NFL and the Colts
- Signed as an undrafted rookie, edged out current Bucs kicker Chase McLaughlin in camp.
- Highlights: meeting Philip Rivers (“I know who you are... I've grown up watching SEC football”), hitting a walk-off winner against the Packers.
Quote:
“Every day I felt like this is another day of my job interview... you have to provide value immediately.” – Rodrigo Blankenship (48:46)
The Nature of Kicking in the NFL: Pressure, Process, Mental Side
- Kicker’s “short leash”—one bad game can lose your job.
- Mental resilience: trusts his preparation and process, avoids dwelling on negative outcomes.
Quote:
“For specialists... you really don't want anyone saying your name, because that probably means you did something wrong.” – Rodrigo Blankenship (53:32)
Kicking Evolution and the "Bombs"
- Talks about new NFL rules allowing kickers more time to break in footballs—leading to more 60+ yard successes league-wide.
- Analyzes why coaches are now more willing to attempt long field goals.
Quote:
“This year there were more 60-plus yard field goals attempted and made than any season in NFL history.” – Rodrigo Blankenship (58:39)
Life Off the Field: Social Media & Collecting
- Rodrigo details his TikTok/Instagram series: recreating the best NFL weekly kicking performances in real time (to demonstrate readiness and leg power).
- Shares his passion for LEGO, Star Wars, Marvel, Transformers, and sneakers: “Professional kicker by day, nerd collector at night.”
Rodrigo’s Favorite Kick Ever
(65:03)
- 55-yard field goal in the 2017 Rose Bowl right before halftime vs. Oklahoma—a playoff game, still the longest Rose Bowl FG ever, and a pivotal moment in Georgia’s comeback win.
Quote:
“Still to this day, that is the longest field goal made in Rose bowl history.” – Rodrigo Blankenship (65:12)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
| Time | Speaker | Quote | |---------|-------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 02:06 | Matt Cassel | “How do you sit there and say this guy is not a first ballot hall of Famer?... Absurd.” | | 07:24 | Bobby Bones | “It is unfair...as Patriots fans...get to experience wins again this quickly...” | | 08:57 | Matt Cassel | “The Super Bowl is unlike any event...You know you're the only football game left...” | | 15:23 | Bobby Bones | “If you don't have more touchdowns...you can't make the Pro Bowl. That should just be rule.”| | 19:41 | Bobby Bones | “If they just don't get worse, that’s massive for us... been downhill for 4-5 years.” | | 23:32 | Bobby Bones | “You could show me a still shot of that exact moment...everyone would know exactly...” | | 24:30 | Matt Cassel | “It's so near and dear... I go with that one.” | | 53:32 | Rodrigo Blankenship | “For specialists...you really don't want anyone saying your name... you did something wrong.”| | 58:39 | Rodrigo Blankenship | “This year there were more 60-plus yard field goals attempted and made than any season in NFL history.”|
Timestamps for Important Segments
- Bill Belichick HOF Debate: 01:47–07:24
- Pats Fandom & Dynasty: 07:24–09:54
- Super Bowl Coaching/Player Prep: 08:51–11:46
- Pro Bowl/Quarterback Controversy: 11:53–15:27
- Titans’ New Era: 16:44–19:37
- Super Bowl Memorable Plays: 20:34–24:48
- Ice Storm Survival/Local Life: 24:50–35:16
- Rodrigo Blankenship Interview: 37:37–67:50
Episode Tone & Style
The episode blends genuine sports analysis and debate with lighthearted banter, insider stories, and comedy. The main discussion is fast-paced and relatable, while the interview with Rodrigo Blankenship is thoughtful and inspiring but also fun and accessible.
Summary for Non-Listeners
This episode touches on several major NFL storylines, balancing inside access with a fan’s perspective. If you're looking for a mix of sports debate, personal stories (including fast food and ice storm escapades), and an inspiring athlete interview, this is a must-listen. Rodrigo Blankenship not only debunks stereotypes about kickers but also offers motivation about perseverance, education, and being yourself—glasses, LEGO, and all.