Podcast Episode Summary: GBF- Clunker
Release Date: January 17, 2025
Podcast: The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
Hosts: Dan Le Batard, Stugotz, Mike Ryan
Guest: Austin Eckler

Overview

In the episode titled "GBF- Clunker," hosts Dan Le Batard, Stugotz, and Mike Ryan delve into the excitement of the NFL playoff weekend from the Elser Hotel in Downtown Miami. The discussion spans a wide array of topics, including hypothetical quarterback trades in the playoffs, in-depth analysis of upcoming playoff games, personal insights from NFL player Austin Eckler, and engaging fantasy football anecdotes. The episode is punctuated with humor and lively banter, making it both informative and entertaining for listeners.

NFL Playoffs and Hypothetical Quarterback Trades

Hypothetical Scenario Introduction
At [04:01], Stugotz poses a unique hypothetical scenario:
"In a weird, weird world where the better team in the NFL playoffs could trade their quarterback for the opposing team's quarterback for just a game, do you think Dan Campbell would trade Jared Goff for Jaden Daniels?"

Discussion Points:

• Trade Rules:
  By [04:05], the hosts explore potential rules, such as limiting trades to once per playoff year and prioritizing higher-seeded teams for trading opportunities.

  Stugotz: "You can't do it during wild card weekend. It has to start in the second round."

• Incentives and Fairness:
  At [09:11], Stugotz emphasizes the need for incentives to prevent teams from intentionally losing to retain trading privileges.

  Stugotz: "I think he would [trade Jared Goff for Jaden Daniels]."

• Strategic Implications:
  The conversation touches on how such trades could impact team dynamics and playoff outcomes, including potential quarterback swaps like Patrick Mahomes for Josh Allen or Lamar Jackson.

Interview with Austin Eckler

Personal and Professional Updates
At [21:06], Austin Eckler joins the show to share significant life updates:

• Marriage and Family Life:

  Austin: "Got married, which has been amazing. Definitely the most impactful decision of my life so far."

• Health and Concussions:
  Discussing his experiences with concussions, Austin emphasizes the importance of education and medical guidance in his decision to continue playing.

  Austin: "If you're progressing, coming back at a normal rate and there's nothing permanent, you're in a position where you're not any more risk than anyone else."

• Career Decisions:
  Austin reflects on his move to the Washington Commanders and how playing alongside rookie quarterback Jaden Daniels has revitalized his career.

  Austin: "He's dynamic, running, sprinting for his life out there. I think it was just him being in his first game. He's extremely fast and making all the plays."

Impact of Marriage on Lifestyle
Austin shares how marriage has positively influenced his habits and relationships:

Austin: "She's helped me get closer with my family, learned to put the toilet seat down, clean up my side of the sink."

Fantasy Football Insights

Hosts Share Experiences
The hosts discuss their triumphs and challenges in fantasy football:

• Draft Strategies and Player Performance:

  Mikey A: "The competition gets a lot tougher because there's so many fewer teams that have exact same player combinations just with one small tweak or adjustment."

• Unexpected Outcomes:

  Chris Simms: "Kyron Williams was something I thought was going to pop this year like a few years ago... Sometimes I'm a year early."

Audience Engagement
The conversation encourages listeners to engage in fantasy contests, with humorous reflections on their own performance:

Mike Ryan: "I have to get that funk."

Coaching News and Adam Schefter Interview

Deion Sanders and the Cowboys
Adam Schefter discusses the potential of Deion Sanders joining the Dallas Cowboys:

Schefter: "There are people who think that that's the logical choice. Teams change their minds regularly, so it's still possible."

Jets Coaching Rumors
Schefter provides insights into the Jets' coaching search, hinting at candidates like Aaron Glenn and Ben Johnson:

Schefter: "I think Aaron Glenn is going to get a job in either New York or New Orleans. They have a lot of qualified NFL people."

College to NFL Coaching Transitions
The discussion highlights the improbability of college coaches moving to the NFL due to the abundance of qualified candidates:

Schefter: "I don't see a college coach making the jump... These are moving targets that are fluid."

Predictions and Game Picks

Chiefs vs. Texans [07:07-08:14]

• Share Bear (Billy Gill): Picks Chiefs to win.
• Mikey A: Chooses Chiefs to win but doubts they cover the spread.
• Stugotz: Goes with Houston.
• Gordy and Carl: Both select the Chiefs.
• K. Funk: Picks Houston, citing the team's recent performance.

Commanders vs. Lions [08:14-09:55]

• Share Bear: Selects the Lions.
• Mikey A: Chooses Lions.
• Stugotz: Picks the Lions.
• Gordy and Carl: Both choose the Lions.
• K. Funk: Picks the Lions, emphasizing Jaden Daniels' impact.

Rams vs. Eagles [09:55-11:29]

• Share Bear: Picks Rams.
• Mikey A: Chooses Rams.
• Stugotz: Picks Rams.
• Gordy and Carl: Both select the Rams.
• K. Funk: Picks Rams, expressing confidence in their Super Bowl potential.

Bills vs. Ravens [11:29-12:35]

• Share Bear: Picks Bills.
• Mikey A: Chooses Bills.
• Stugotz: Picks Bills.
• Gordy and Carl: Both choose the Bills.
• K. Funk: Picks Josh Allen (Bills), highlighting the quarterback's strengths.

National Championship Game [12:35-16:11]

• Hosts Discuss: Ohio State vs. Notre Dame, with K. Funk expressing reluctance due to dislike for both teams.
• Final Pick:

  K. Funk: "I'm picking Notre Dame plus eight and a half."

Humor and Banter

Lighthearted Interactions [13:34-16:11]
The hosts engage in playful humor, including teasing about missed appearances, technical glitches, and humorous takes on fantasy football picks:

Billy Gill: "He spiked your jersey." ([54:17])

Mock Negotiations and Jokes [16:11-27:52]

• Spiking Jerseys:
  Stugotz and Billy Gill joke about spiking each other's jerseys due to missed appearances.

  Billy Gill: "He spiked my jersey. It's done."

• Garage Code Freeze:
  A humorous exchange about a frozen garage keypad causing a delay.

  Stugotz: "The garage code froze the keypad." ([56:23])

• Cheating on Spouses for Money:
  The hosts create a fictional scenario involving cheating on spouses for financial gain, leading to laughter and teasing.

  Mikey A: "How much does it pay? Do you know?"

Closing Remarks and Upcoming Content

Final Game Picks [27:52-31:07]
The hosts conclude their game picks with final predictions:

• Chiefs vs Texans: Majority pick Chiefs, with some opting for Houston.
• Commanders vs Lions: Majority select Lions.
• Rams vs Eagles: Majority choose Rams.
• Bills vs Ravens: Majority pick Bills, with some hesitating.

Teasers for Future Episodes [31:07-35:23]
The episode wraps up with teasers for upcoming segments and interviews, including ongoing fantasy football strategies and more guest appearances.

Notable Quotes

• Stugotz: "I think he [Dan Campbell] would [trade Jared Goff for Jaden Daniels]." ([09:11])
• Austin Eckler: "Life is lifeing. That is 100%, you know, a thing... trying to find the good in all this stuff." ([32:52])
• Mike Ryan: "He threw the jersey off." ([53:58])
• Stugotz: "You can't do it during wild card weekend. It has to start in the second round." ([06:41])
• Austin Eckler: "If you control the airwaves... create your own image..." ([43:39-43:45])
• Chris Simms: "Fantasy is very important. Very important in the grand pantheon of things. It means way more than it should." ([25:44])
• K. Funk: "I'm picking Notre Dame plus eight and a half." ([105:45])

Timestamped Highlights

• [04:01] Stugotz introduces the hypothetical quarterback trade scenario.
• [09:11] Stugotz states belief in Dan Campbell's willingness to trade.
• [21:06] Introduction of Austin Eckler.
• [32:52] Austin discusses life changes post-marriage.
• [37:18] Austin elaborates on Jaden Daniels' impact.
• [39:59] Discussion on concussions and health.
• [49:28] Austin wraps up his interview.
• [53:58] Humorous exchange about "spiking jerseys."
• [56:23] Joke about the frozen garage keypad.
• [105:45] K. Funk makes his final game pick.

Conclusion

"GBF- Clunker" delivers a comprehensive and engaging episode that blends serious sports analysis with personal insights and entertaining banter. The hosts effectively balance in-depth discussions on NFL playoffs and fantasy football strategies with lighthearted humor, ensuring a captivating listening experience for both regular fans and newcomers. Austin Eckler’s candid interview adds a personal dimension, offering listeners a glimpse into the life of an NFL player navigating professional challenges and personal growth.