The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz – Episode GBF- Grades Summary

Release Date: February 28, 2025
Host: Dan Le Batard (Mike Ryan)
Guest: Mike Fuentes
Location: Elser Hotel, Downtown Miami

1. Introduction: Stugotz's Absence and Episode Focus

In this episode of "God Bless Football," host Mike Ryan and guest Mike Fuentes delve into the latest happenings in the NFL, focusing primarily on team performances and player statuses. Notably, Stugotz, a regular co-host, is absent as he takes a well-deserved break to visit family internationally. This temporary absence allows Ryan and Fuentes to steer the conversation, bringing fresh perspectives to the show's traditional topics.

2. NFL Combine and Abdul Carter’s Injury

The episode kicks off with a discussion about the ongoing NFL Combine, where the spotlight falls on Abdul Carter.

• Mike Fuentes mentions at [02:08] that "Abdul Carter maybe injured but doesn't need surgery. So maybe not that injured anymore."

• Mike Ryan adds at [02:34], "It's a stress fracture in his foot and that's the kind of thing where you're like, listen, I'm not saying he's not going to go top five. I'm hoping he doesn't. I'm hoping he goes top seven."

The hosts express cautious optimism regarding Carter's recovery, debating whether the injury will significantly impact his draft prospects. Fuentes emphasizes the need for clear communication about Carter's condition, stating at [02:34], "Just give it to me in as simple terms as possible."

3. NFL Team Grading System and the “Grades” Game

A significant portion of the episode revolves around the NFL Players Association's annual grading report for teams, where franchises receive letter grades (A through F-minus) across various categories.

• Mike Fuentes initiates the discussion at [07:26], "This is a game that I like to call Grades presented by Smirnoff... We play this game roughly every year."

They analyze the Miami Dolphins, who received A's across the board, contrasting them with the Buffalo Bills, who earned an F-minus in travel ([09:13] Fuentes). The hosts express mixed feelings about the grading system, particularly questioning the Dolphins' perfect scores by Fuentes: "I don't care about the players' comforts and them ranking A on these scales. I want more wins."

Notable Quote:

• Mike Fuentes at [10:57]: "I don't care about the players' comforts... I want more wins."

4. Nickname Confusion and Personal Anecdotes

The conversation shifts to a lighthearted exchange about the prevalence of the name Michael and the resulting nickname confusions within their professional circles.

• Mike Fuentes explains at [05:21], "I have an uncommon number of people around me with the name Michael... Fuentes... stress the uniqueness."

• Mike Ryan shares his experience at [05:27], "Nobody ever called me Mikey. And I think it was Stu Gotz's way because I was in Bristol and he was in Miami."

The hosts humorously navigate the challenge of distinguishing between multiple Mikes, eventually agreeing to refer to Ryan as "Mike" for the episode to maintain clarity.

Notable Quote:

• Mike Fuentes at [05:48]: "I will do my best to call you Mike for this episode."

5. Jacksonville Jaguars GM Position and Relationship with Tony Bacelli

A focal point of the episode is the discussion surrounding the Jacksonville Jaguars' General Manager position. The hosts recount their attempt to have Stu Gotts apply for the role, only to learn that the Jaguars filled the position promptly without affording Gotts an interview.

• Mike Fuentes expresses frustration at [16:59], "Stu Gotts... the Jaguars announced that they had a general manager. Unfortunately, Stugg never even had a shot of applying."

The conversation touches on the dynamics of professional relationships and opportunities within the NFL's administrative landscape.

6. Father’s Name Preferences and Personal Naming Stories

Venturing into personal territory, Ryan and Fuentes share anecdotes about naming their children, highlighting the challenges and unintended outcomes of their decisions.

• Mike Ryan discusses at [31:02], "We had a different name lined up, and then when he got born, my wife was like, nope, he's Christopher."

• Mike Fuentes adds elaborately at [28:51], detailing his cousin's experience with name preferences and the resulting confusion.

These stories underscore the complexities parents face in balancing personal preferences with familial expectations and societal norms.

Notable Quote:

• Mike Ryan at [31:52]: "He is a Rocco through and through. And I just want to be like, maybe we just have a middle name."

7. FOMO on NFL Combine and Event Attendance

The hosts delve into the concept of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) related to attending significant NFL events like the Combine. Fuentes admits to experiencing unexpected FOMO, especially after witnessing minor altercations that seemed trivial yet were fully covered by the media.

• Mike Fuentes shares at [37:08], "I have weird FOMO on the combine."

• Mike Ryan reflects at [40:50], "I think the combine might be the most fun of all the NFL get-togethers that there are during the year."

They debate the balance between missing out on exciting events and the responsibilities of covering professional sports.

Notable Quote:

• Mike Fuentes at [37:08]: "I have weird FOMO on the combine. I did not think I would ever feel this."

8. Specific Team Grading: Rams, Lions, 49ers, Bears

Towards the episode's conclusion, Ryan and Fuentes engage in their "Grades" game, assessing the performance and potential decline or improvement of various NFL teams.

• Mike Fuentes predicts at [47:18], "I think I'm going with the Lions on that one."

• Mike Ryan counters at [47:38], "I'm gonna say the Rams just because I don't know...".

They also touch upon the speculative acquisition of Matthew Stafford by the Jets, considering the financial and strategic implications for both the player and the franchise.

Notable Quote:

• Mike Fuentes at [48:07]: "All right, so worst to first, the Rams. What was the other team? The Lions."

9. Conclusion: Looking Ahead and Future Plans

As the episode wraps up, the hosts joke about future segments and their aspirations to attend prominent NFL events, fostering a sense of anticipation for upcoming episodes.

• Mike Fuentes at [41:50], "NFL combine 20, 26. Hopefully do it because I saw Chris Sims and Mike Florio were there too."

• Mike Ryan encourages enthusiasm at [42:34], "It really is. And the thing is, is that I wrote it on the bottom of it and like, half of the paper is nonsense."

Their banter underscores the camaraderie and dynamic interaction that listeners have come to expect from the show.

Key Takeaways:

• Abdul Carter's Injury: While concerning, there's optimism regarding his draft prospects despite a stress fracture.

• NFL Team Grades: The Miami Dolphins excel in the grading system, whereas teams like the Buffalo Bills face criticism for specific shortcomings.

• Personal Insights: The hosts share relatable personal stories about naming challenges and navigating professional relationships.

• FOMO and Event Attendance: There's a genuine desire to engage more with significant NFL events, highlighting the human aspect of sports coverage.

• Future Prospects: Plans to potentially attend the NFL Combine and other events indicate a commitment to expanding the show's reach and content diversity.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Mike Fuentes [07:26]: "This is a game that I like to call Grades presented by Smirnoff... We play this game roughly every year."

• Mike Fuentes [10:57]: "I don't care about the players' comforts... I want more wins."

• Mike Fuentes [05:48]: "I will do my best to call you Mike for this episode."

• Mike Fuentes [31:02]: "He is a Rocco through and through. And I just want to be like, maybe we just have a middle name."

• Mike Fuentes [37:08]: "I have weird FOMO on the combine. I did not think I would ever feel this."

• Mike Fuentes [48:07]: "All right, so worst to first, the Rams. What was the other team? The Lions."

This episode of "God Bless Football" offers listeners an engaging blend of sports analysis, personal storytelling, and the dynamic interplay between host and guest. By dissecting team performances and sharing intimate anecdotes, Ryan and Fuentes provide a comprehensive and entertaining overview of the current NFL landscape.