Loading summary
Dan LeBatard
You're listening to giraffkings Network.
Stugotz
You know that sound? It's the sound of money hitting your Venmo account. A friend paying you back. Or maybe it's getting cash back from your favorite business when you pay with the Venmo debit card. Or it's realizing you can pay with Venmo at checkout at thousands of brands. Now there are so many more ways to answer the question. What's your Venmo? Download Venmo. Today, the Venmo MasterCard is issued by the Bancorp Bank N.A. pursuant to license by MasterCard International Incorporated. DOSH cashback terms apply.
Greg Cody
All set for your flight?
Dan LeBatard
Yep. I've got everything I need. Eye mask, neck pillow, T mobile. Headphones. Wait. T Mobile? You bet. Free inflight wi fi. 15% off all Hilton brands. I never go anywhere without T Mobile. Same goes from a water bottle, chewing gum, nail clippers. I'm gonna leave you to it.
Greg Cody
Find out how you can experience travel.
Dan LeBatard
Better@T mobile.com Travel qualifying plan required.
Chris Cody
Wi Fi were available on select US airlines.
Billy Gil
Deposit and Hilton honors membership required for 15% discount.
Dan LeBatard
Terms and conditions apply.
Greg Cody
Welcome to the Big Sui presented by DraftKings.
Dan LeBatard
Why are you listening to this show?
Greg Cody
The podcast that seems very similar to the other Dan LeBatard podcast? I'm sorry. I'm not going to apologize for that. In fact, the only difference seems to be this imaging.
Dan LeBatard
I have been tempted in restaurants just walking past tables to grab somebody's fries if they're just there. That hasn't happened to you guys.
Greg Cody
I've done it. And now here's the marching man to nowhere Fat face and the habitual liar.
Dan LeBatard
I just was personal witness in the.
Greg Cody
Wild.
Dan LeBatard
To one of the great love story old man connections around baseball cards and all things that bring sports purity and love to bond to men. The moment I just witnessed natural right before the cameras came on in here of Stu Gotz and Greg Cody talking the love language of men. And I'll tell you what it was. I don't have the context for it. I started listening at the end. But it was a magical moment of love story between the height of masculinity. Stu got said to Greg Cody for reasons I don't understand. Oh, Teddy ball game and Greg Cody not gay. Didn't give him one point.
Greg Cody
Yeah.
Dan LeBatard
Gave him two points.
Greg Cody
Yeah. I really felt the second one. Yeah.
Dan LeBatard
Because of a baseball player named Ted Williams. Teddy ball game in the 1950s and 60s and the glorious old sports day of when a nickname still mean.
Mike Ryan
Damn right.
Billy Gil
We thought you were talking about Teddy Bridgewater back here.
Greg Cody
No, but hat. Well, we were. It started there because Greg and I were talking about how important the backup quarterbacks are, especially this time of year. You're, you know, you're one play away from having to go to the backup. It happened with Damon Ewart a few years ago, and he took the Chiefs on a 98 yard drive. So I have ranked the remaining eight backup quarterbacks that we have left in the playoffs. One of them is Teddy Bridgewater. That morphed into a conversation of top five teddies of all time. How about that?
Mike Ryan
Wow.
Dan LeBatard
Crazy.
Mike Ryan
That's right.
Greg Cody
Yeah.
Mike Ryan
That's how genius happens. You know, Start talking about Teddy Bridgewater. Anything can happen.
Dan LeBatard
Yeah, Teddy Bridgewater. I've been asking our guest bookers to get Teddy Bridgewater for us because it's a really cool story. Like, just happened pretty quietly. You don't get in and out of football unscathed, you know, with what that game costs. As Chris Cody's arguing, yeah, I don't want to be Sam Darnold, just want his money. That is, my father's been saying that since childhood. I don't want to be Burt Reynolds. I just want his money. That's what Chris Cody just said as a sports argument for why he would or wouldn't want to be a quarterback. He just wants the money. Teddy Bridgewater got some of the money. Reliable backup comes to our city, dominates state high school football, leaves a champion, goes back to the Detroit Lions and they might need him for a drive. And, man, that's going to be a nice story.
Greg Cody
That's what I'm saying.
Dan LeBatard
Somehow injuries come and grab everybody in the sport and the Lions need a rescue because, you know, there are four other teams that are almost as good as the Lions, and, oh, might the Rams be one of them? Yeah, might the Rams be one of them? Because I'm pretty sure that st. After last night is willing to say the Rams are going to win the Super Bowl.
Greg Cody
I am willing to say the Rams are going to win the Super Bowl. You know, if you're an Eagles fan, that was the worst case scenario playing out. Last night. You wanted the Vikings, and now you're getting a Super bowl champion quarterback and a Super bowl champion coach. And that coach is 18 and three in December, January and February.
Dan LeBatard
And they're healthier. Like they're.
Chris Cody
That's the quarterback.
Dan LeBatard
They're healthier. And it's weird. That team is weird in that it is strange. We can agree on this. It's unusual to have A system that has two of these unbelievably rugged physical receivers that no one can stop though to have two of them in a quarterback who can. No, look, pass in a, in a Super bowl because he's so comfortable throwing a football. Like if you can't stop two receivers who. The only failure of that team is if their bodies don't hold up. Correct?
Greg Cody
Yes.
Dan LeBatard
Because one of them was a 2000 yard receiver and the other one comes behind him and is a 1700 yard receiver and you're like, wait a minute, how does that happen? It must be system and coach and quarterback working together rhythmically and all the detours. The thing is health. Like there is nothing. It can't. It's a grinding machine that'll win the Super Bowl. Maybe it stops at Belichick and Brady because Goff's your quarterback. But if you figured out system and quarterback and timing and you've got a durable quarterback and his skill guys are those two. Right. Because I don't know, who do you guys view as the best skilled guys in the league? We look at Cincinnati, obviously.
Greg Cody
Minnesota. But.
Dan LeBatard
But when I ask you about this, when I ask you about what this team does with its. No, look, quarterback and two receivers impossibly built to get 2,000 yards in a way you cannot stop. It's not. I do not care what you do. I don't care how good your corners are. I don't. I don't even need totally to throw the ball of the tight end in the seam very much anymore in the super bowl at drive time when I had to beat the Cincinnati Bengals. Matthew Stafford has so much comfort in Cooper cup that even though he's the only healthy receiver left, he's making no look passes to a person we know he's going to throw it to. Because some people are so quick that you're never going to actually cover lad McConkey. Like you're just. He's just never going to be covered. Like it's not a thing that can be covered either when it's that small and quick. So that team everyone in the sport is scared of for what I just said, right? Oh, no. They've got three guys like that and those three guys are kind of indestructible. They'll beat Tom Brady on 4th and Long when you know he's got to throw it to Cooper cup in the playoffs. Everyone is terrified of that team. More than the Bengals, more than, I'd say even the 49ers. Billy's never believed in them. But I Don't think Billy would have anything bad to say about the Rams. Like, we all know if that team's healthy, it's terrifying.
Mike Ryan
They also have a good. A good tight end who got injured last night, but not seriously.
Greg Cody
Tyler Higby.
Mike Ryan
Yeah. And. And then Williams is above average running back. I mean, that is a great offense. I would still say Baltimore has more weapons and is a better offense, but that. But the Rams are great.
Greg Cody
I can't believe I'm saying this, but if we get Rams at Lions for the right to go to the super bowl, it might be a better championship game than the AFC game. Like that is great.
Mike Ryan
It's a great.
Greg Cody
That is so rich with storylines, man.
Mike Ryan
Yeah.
Dan LeBatard
If the Rams could derail the greatest season in Detroit Lions history.
Greg Cody
If Stafford could.
Dan LeBatard
In Detroit. Wait a minute, wait a minute. You want storylines like soap opera, basketball stuff? Hold on, hold on. Healthy Rams with Matthew Stafford as the quarterback. Matthew Stafford is the best Detroit Lions player ever who did not quit on the franchise early in his career because the franchise has sucked for 50 years and swallows everyone and everything. Even if it's Barry Sanders.
Greg Cody
I like that. He's the greatest guy who stuck with the franchise.
Dan LeBatard
The greatest guy to not quit for that franchise.
Billy Gil
He quit emotionally.
Dan LeBatard
No, he didn't.
Billy Gil
He asked for trade.
Dan LeBatard
No, no, he didn't.
Greg Cody
He stayed right there.
Dan LeBatard
Trade it. Look, Matthew Stafford is one of. Look, you say you don't want the expectations of quarterback money. Stafford was the highest paid quarterback. And I was like, you can't pay him like that. Detroit Lions never win anything. He's their best player. They never matter. He goes to California because McVeigh says, Goff, that's as high as I can go. I'm going to arrive at Belichick's doorstep and I'm gonna lose 13 to 3 because that's as high as I can go with you. As soon as. As soon as Todd Gurley gets hurt.
Greg Cody
Right.
Dan LeBatard
If. If you don't have your running back, I can't do it with just you. So I can't do it with 20 touchdowns in my running game. And so I'm going to send you to Detroit. And Detroit says this is a stopgap. We're rebuilding with Man Campbell. This isn't a serious thing. We're going to take this money. We all know this is bad money. In golf. We don't. Golf can't succeed like that without McVeigh. Right. I don't have any parts of the story wrong yet, do I?
Greg Cody
No.
Dan LeBatard
For him to go back to Detroit and break the the greatest season in Detroit history's heart. Because Stafford can. No look paths. When you in the super bowl, when you get him two receivers or you get him just one, it's one who won't quit. One who won't quit because of franchise dysfunction. One. One who won't quit because he's properly supported. It is crazy to say that I would take as my super bowl champion any one of the remaining teams that you give me. If I can just add those three guys and put it in the middle of my offense, I feel like I can go on the road and beat anybody on any. I will play on any team in the league and I will just drop in. I'll take out those your three skill guys and put those three skill guys out. And I think I'll take my chances with Cup, Puka and Stafford against everyone in the league.
Greg Cody
And Kyren Williams, I mean I want to see that game because all the pressure will be on Detroit. It's their year. It's their time to get to the Super Bowl. And in walks Matthew Stafford. I love a good, cagey veteran super bowl champion quarterback strolling into a stadium.
Stugotz
I did in trolls. Matthew Stafford, the guy never did shit in Detroit. It's not like this hollowed ground that he owns Ford Field and he's going to come in and dominate again. Guy was a quitter, honestly. When they brought in Dan Campbell, the new gm, he went to Chris's Point, he went to management, he requested a trade because he said that he thought another tear down was going to come. Matthew Stafford, you know why the Lions didn't win? You were their quarterback, buddy. It was on you. You should have done better. Then he goes and he has little dalliances in LA and he wins the super bowl and the city welcomes him back as a champion and they name streets after him and do all these things. We're so happy for Matthew Stafford. And you know who doesn't get his flowers? Jared Goff, the guy who came in there and he stuck with them and has elevated this team, carried them on his back to the promised land that they haven't seen because of Matthew Stafford. And now we're going to come in and we're going to say, wouldn't it be a great story if Matthew Stafford comes in and he ruins party?
Greg Cody
No.
Stugotz
It would be a nightmare. It would be an absolute nightmare. I hope that the Lions demolish the Rams and thoughts and prayers to everyone out in la. But I hope that the Lions demolish the Rams. What was that you have to say that. You say that because you can't.
Chris Cody
We weren't even thinking about it.
Stugotz
But you can't. Just in case anyone was making the connection, saying, oh, the Rams went on.
Greg Cody
The front end, though.
Stugotz
Exactly. Right. Like I want to say, I. You know, thoughts and prayers with everyone out there in la. Hope everyone, you know, downloads Heidi song and all that stuff and sends it to number one on the Apple charts because that's how we're healing now. But I'm just saying I hope that the Lions pounce on the Rams. This is not a feel good story revenge game. It's revenge game against him. Judas.
Dan LeBatard
Was that a cough laugh? What was that sound? It sounded like somebody clubbed a baby seal next to me and it could spit up. It spit up a sardine. What just happened?
Mike Ryan
I was laughing at Billy's take because while it may be accurate, it's also part of what makes this a great matchup full of story lines. And here's another storyline. Don Shula's grandson, maybe the best defensive coordinator in football nobody's talking about.
Greg Cody
Right. The Dolphins should hire him.
Mike Ryan
You know, what if they lose their defensive coordinator, which they might, because he's being sought after.
Billy Gil
I was gonna say Dolphins had a top five defense this year.
Mike Ryan
I know, but. But also.
Greg Cody
But his last name is Shula.
Mike Ryan
Exactly.
Earlene Cody
Legacy.
Mike Ryan
Yeah.
Chris Cody
To Greg's point, the Rams have only allowed 10 points or fewer in four of their last five games. So their defense is actually what's really helped this late season run for them.
Mike Ryan
Absolutely.
Dan LeBatard
Let me ask you guys a question, because for about the last five years, I can stroll in with the lazy analysis of the following. And this week, because of the stakes, because we're starved for football, because we make all things that just happen. The most important thing in a sport where healthy really, really matters for the last five to 10 years, I'm always thinking that the team that looks impressive this week can go on the road and then go play a rested team that is better than them and gets the reward in the game of attrition, of being rested and playing at home, thinking that that team's chances are better than they ever are. Because what often happens in this round is the team like the Rams gets dragged because the better team had longer rest. And we're all reminded, oh, yeah, Detroit beat everyone in the sport by 225 points this year. They're better than everyone. And you always fall in love with the last team you see. I stopped doing analysis that way because of how often I was wrong. Falling in Love with the wild card team.
Greg Cody
Yeah. Rams plus six at Eagles. I mean, good. I hear what you're saying, plus six.
Dan LeBatard
But the. Okay. In this round though, the Eagles. The Eagles at least had to play. Yeah, right.
Billy Gil
You're doing the rest versus rust thing. Like couldn't a team that had a buy come out rusty?
Dan LeBatard
No. Okay. No, but this. You guys are talking about the Detroit game, right? And I was thinking of just what is coming up against Detroit and what the buy is going to mean to these teams. My more general analysis, that I've been wrong every time because of how much I fall in love with the teams that are good in this round and then when they do run up against, against teams that, that have the Chiefs buy, what ends up happening? It's. It's almost impossible to beat them on the road.
Greg Cody
Right. You see the Commanders win on the road. The Lions, they have a week off and you know, the Commanders are the last thing you saw. And so you think to yourself, yeah, the Commanders have a shot here. And then the Lions remind you just how good they are and have been during the regular season. But Dan, it does happen. Like teams from the wild card, they go on the road. It happened last year with Kansas City.
Dan LeBatard
Yes. It's just in, in times of measurements that are weird and random. Yes. Eli Manning twice has gone on the road through all his playoff games.
Greg Cody
Right.
Dan LeBatard
And won. My. And once. I, My, my larger point is what an amazing advantage it is in a sport that has so many close games that to have a week more of health is usually a pretty substantive advantage. Because playing a game every two weeks feels differently than some of the shit we were doing at the end of the season where we're playing three games in a. In 11 days and Patrick Mahomes is limping off the field.
Billy Gil
I think to your point, you see that in spreads outside of Ravens, Bills, which is basically a pick them game. Big spreads like I. A lot of people are going to be looking at these underdogs like, oh, that's a lot of points. But to dan's point, these 1 seeds and 2 seeds are just waiting.
Mike Ryan
Yeah. Philadelphia is only giving up six points though to the Rams. That's pretty, that's pretty close for a Philly home.
Billy Gil
Big spread. What do you mean?
Mike Ryan
I don't think it's that big a spread. I mean, not compared to what, eight, nine and a half I'm seeing.
Greg Cody
Right.
Mike Ryan
Lions are going to crush the Commanders. The Texans team I saw beat the Chargers has a chance to win in Kansas City if the weather's not crazy Snowy.
Dan LeBatard
See, no one thinks that.
Mike Ryan
Okay?
Greg Cody
Don't say no one.
Mike Ryan
That's a big.
Dan LeBatard
You said they were very, very, very, very, very far from being a contender. That's what you said. They were very, very, very, very, very far from being.
Mike Ryan
And they proved me right for the next month or so. The team I saw beat the Chargers with that defense.
Dan LeBatard
Be careful changing your mind. Be careful. I just did this with Sam Darnold. I got. I was good all season. You know how idiotic it is, Stugun. I'm. I am on the other side of 55 to fall into the trap of being right all season and then being wrong the day before just because I did my math wrong on how many good teams there are in the sport.
Greg Cody
Changing your mind is a very dangerous game. Just stay entrenched. Greg, are you saying they're going to pull off the upset? Because if you don't say it, I will.
Mike Ryan
I don't think they will, but I think they have a good chance if I see the safe space. Same team as I saw beat the Charger.
Dan LeBatard
Useless. That's right.
Stugotz
They showed you a lot of that game.
Chris Cody
I don't think they will, but they have a chance.
Dan LeBatard
Like what is that useless? Just fundamental. This is how your dad ages in the gambling game.
Mike Ryan
Okay. Let me tell you something about changing my mind. Sometimes it's not about changing your mind. It's about recognizing an evolution. And I'll give you another example. The Baltimore Ravens defense early in the season, up until about mid season was awful. Bottom five in the league, most points allowed. Terrible. The Ravens defense changed because of Kyle Hamilton and a couple other things and they're now a really, really good defense. That's not me changing my mind. That's me recognizing an evolution in that Kyle Hamilton.
Dan LeBatard
Not. Not since talking about Bob Sanders making the. The the Indianapolis Colts better for Peyton Manning.
Greg Cody
That guy.
Dan LeBatard
Good head because as a safety, 30th ranked run defense by himself to a Super bowl champion.
Greg Cody
He was awesome. So good. Like Steve Atwater.
Chris Cody
He was the coolest.
Dan LeBatard
Unbelievable to watch. I'm like how is there a safety being a superhero here? I'm so mad that Derwin James is out of the playoffs because I'm just. These cornerbacks who are superheroes are amazing to me. Bob sand or Sanders.
Billy Gil
He was helped by the name Bob. Right.
Greg Cody
Bob. And I think he was a strong safety. That helps as well. Yeah. But he.
Dan LeBatard
I not since then have I heard one team get more accolades for one move and it's defensive secondary than what the Ravens have become defensively since Kyle Hamilton, which is number one in the league across the board for six weeks now.
Mike Ryan
Yeah, that's right. We like Bob's in America now.
Billy Gil
That's why we like Fred Warner.
Mike Ryan
Yeah.
Greg Cody
Bob's real name is. Is Desmond.
Dan LeBatard
Yeah.
Mike Ryan
Yeah. He's better with Bob.
Dan LeBatard
Trying to figure out where Bob is.
Mike Ryan
Fantastic.
Greg Cody
From there to Bob.
Dan LeBatard
You know what? You saw me hiccup on Bob Sanders and temporarily forget his name. It's because I don't associate athletic excellence with anyone named Bob.
Mike Ryan
That's exactly right.
Dan LeBatard
It stopped me where I'm like, do I have. I. I wanted to change his name to Mike Big shot Bob.
Greg Cody
Hello.
Stugotz
Yeah, Clemente.
Dan LeBatard
He was Robert, though. He was Robert.
Mike Ryan
There's no S in Bob's first name is Demond. D E, M O, N D. Important note.
Greg Cody
How we get to Bob, though?
Mike Ryan
Don't know.
Greg Cody
Huh?
Mike Ryan
Looking into it.
Greg Cody
All right, thanks.
Mike Ryan
Get on that, Roy.
Greg Cody
Bob's.
Mike Ryan
Too few. Bob's too few. Ruth's Nellies. Wow. What's up?
Dan LeBatard
I just bought and financed a car through Carvana in minutes. You, the person who agonized four weeks over whether to paint your walls eggshell or off white bought and financed a car in minutes. They made it easy. Transparent terms, customizable, down and monthly. Didn't even have to do any paperwork.
Mike Ryan
Wow.
Dan LeBatard
Mm.
Chris Cody
Hey, have you checked out that spreadsheet.
Dan LeBatard
I sent you for our dinner? Options finance your car with Carvana and.
Chris Cody
Experience total control financing subject to credit approval.
Earlene Cody
From fireside conversations to football Sundays, winter means more moments with the coolest people in your life. Make these moments even better. With Miller Lite. I know I do. The great tasting light beer. For people who love beer, a new year is a perfect time for friends, family, and great tasting like beer. Tastes like Miller time. Recently, I had family over. And while everyone's palate is different, I knew they all like beer. And they all look like people who want to drink beer that actually tastes like beer. So I brought out a nice little silver platter of Miller Lite. That beautiful white can was an instant winner. Trust me. Learn from my experience. Set that bad boy out and you will be making people happy left and right. Because Miller Lite is brewed for taste, it hits different than other light beers. The original light beer since 1975 and still the very best one. Miller Lite great taste. 96 calories. Go to millerlight.com dan to find delivery options near you. Or you can pick up some Miller Lite pretty much anywhere they sell. Beer tastes like Miller Time. Celebrate responsibly. Miller Brewing Co. Milwaukee, Wisconsin 96 calories and 3.2 carbs per 12 ounces.
Chris Cody
Hey, Happy New Year, friends. It's 2025, and a new year can mean new opportunities for a lot of you out there. I imagine you spent the last couple of weeks sitting and thinking how to make your 2025 special different and set yourself in the right direction. One way that you can do so is actually by following my boss Dan LeBatard's path and starting your own business. You might have a lot of questions. How do I get started? How do I come up with a brand? How do I sell stuff to people? What am I even going to sell? Just take a deep breath. Shopify has got you. Shopify makes it simple to create your brand, open for business and get your first sale. Get your store up running easily with thousands of customizable templates. No coding or design skills required. All you need to do is drag and drop. But I know you're thinking, what happens if I don't act now? Will I regret it? What if someone beats me to the idea? Don't kick yourself when you hear this again in a year because you didn't do anything. Now with Shopify, your first sale is closer than you think. Established in 2025. Has a nice ring to it, doesn't it? Sign up for your $1 per month trial period at shopify.com batard all lowercase go to shopify.com batard to start selling with Shopify today. Shopify.com.
Dan LeBatard
Don Levatard.
Mike Ryan
It's all about me Stugats.
Stugotz
This is the Dan Levatar show with the stugats.
Billy Gil
Weren't you complaining about Patrick Mahomes, the kid's name?
Mike Ryan
Oh, you know, that wasn't meant for air. But because Golden Ray is a beautiful.
Billy Gil
Image, that's the name.
Mike Ryan
I don't know if it's a great name.
Billy Gil
Mahomes just.
Dan LeBatard
That's a nice name.
Billy Gil
They had their third child and they named it Golden Ray.
Mike Ryan
Is it a name at all?
Greg Cody
Golden Ray.
Dan LeBatard
What's wrong with that name?
Mike Ryan
It's a made up name. I. I think when parents make up names, they're not thinking of the child. Okay, when that child is going into middle school with the name Golden Ray, I think you got to think about that. Quick example, I wanted to name Christopher Bamboo Reed. Earlene stepped in and went, let's give him a normal name.
Stugotz
Bamboo Reed Cody.
Mike Ryan
Yeah. And she used the phrase normal name. Okay, so call her up and ask her.
Greg Cody
That kid's Gonna stroll into school as Pat Mahomes son.
Stugotz
That's the thing. I think Mahomes at the end of it kind of trumps the beginning.
Mike Ryan
Yeah, but it's a woman. It's a girl. Golden Ray.
Dan LeBatard
Sorry, I need to stop everyone here because I'm now finding our own show problematic. Greg Cody has now demanded that his wife package his things better after taking care of him. And now he is serving as ombudsman for how people name their kids.
Mike Ryan
Yeah, I don't demand anything. I just suggest.
Chris Cody
Apparently the common nickname for Demond is Bob Apparent.
Mike Ryan
Wow. Wow, that's interesting.
Stugotz
That's a great fact, Bob Greasy.
Chris Cody
It's according to the weird AI Google Internet.
Mike Ryan
So really, I don't know. AI knows everything. Yeah. Huh. Demond nickname is Bob.
Dan LeBatard
Why?
Chris Cody
Okay, I'll find out.
Mike Ryan
Demi. Like Demi Moore or something.
Dan LeBatard
Dem would work.
Mike Ryan
Dem would. Dem. It doesn't sound like a nickname. It's like, you know, demonstration.
Greg Cody
Who?
Mike Ryan
Them. Who that you know?
Stugotz
Do you think Bucher?
Greg Cody
Bob Newhart.
Mike Ryan
Yeah.
Dan LeBatard
Yeah.
Mike Ryan
Bob Newhart. Yes.
Dan LeBatard
Excellent. Not athleticism. Not helpful. Bob.
Stugotz
Bob Newhart could sling the pill.
Mike Ryan
Bob Cousy the couser.
Dan LeBatard
Chris, I would like to speak to both my father today and your mother because I want to ask her some questions, including whether or not he was going to name you Bamboo Reed, Because I do. I think your father is a liar.
Greg Cody
Hopefully she's not cheating and I want.
Dan LeBatard
To be the day. I want some answers to that question as well. Because I really do think Greg Cody disrespected his union with. With a woman who is like. I'm not kidding when I say she is 1000 times the Titan that he is. At his 70th birthday, I will say that the most moved Greg Cody was, as he considered everything from love to mortal, is thinking about the ways that he loves his wife, who has raised a 70 year old toddler. A man who cannot do anything other than brag about making podcasts and his clicks and looking out at his downloads.
Greg Cody
I'm assuming. I'm assuming that's what Arlene loves most about Greg, his unwillingness to mature and grow up. He's a kid. He's a kid at heart. He's lovable. He's great.
Dan LeBatard
We will ask her. We will ask her that in a second.
Mike Ryan
Having been given a name that was difficult for many to pronounce correctly, Sanders asked his mother if his name could be changed. His mother suggested Bob as a nickname and a name stuck.
Chris Cody
So the AI Internet was wrong, huh?
Dan LeBatard
I can't keep up. There anymore. I will just tell you. I can't. I have now lost much of my ability to tell what is real and what is not. I don't know if the rest of you are feeling this.
Chris Cody
It's on purpose, Dan.
Dan LeBatard
They don't want us to know. And just as we. As we live in the time of disinformation and dangerous times in general And I asked the public to please placate me on. What do you think the apocalypse looks like? Would it look like some of what's happening in California like before it started? Would it like whatever. Whatever it is the end looks like whatever you imagine it to look like. Do you expect it to just be here within 50 years with an explosion? Or are they going to just be occasional hurricane forced winds during a fire that we weren't aware of.
Greg Cody
Bob Saget.
Stugotz
RIP.
Greg Cody
Bob Marley.
Mike Ryan
Yeah, Bobby. Rest in power. A lot of great Bobs.
Greg Cody
Bob Dylan. Not so great. Overrated.
Mike Ryan
Nah. Bob Dylan. Come on. He's alive.
Unknown
That's so good.
Mike Ryan
Whoa.
Dan LeBatard
Fifty dollar fine.
Greg Cody
What happened?
Dan LeBatard
Fifty? Did you just kill Bob Dylan? You just killed Bob Dylan.
Greg Cody
I didn't kill Bob.
Mike Ryan
He didn't mention it. I just wanted to make sure I got in front of it.
Stugotz
He is.
Chris Cody
Someone said RIP in response to another Bob.
Greg Cody
Yes. Yes.
Dan LeBatard
There are no great Bob Saget. Look, you guys keep saying great Bob's. You're not giving me very many athletic Bobs. I'm not getting in a big shot.
Greg Cody
Bob.
Dan LeBatard
Yeah, but that's Robert.
Greg Cody
Bobby Hebert, Bob Koozie. Bob Clemente.
Chris Cody
Robert.
Dan LeBatard
No, that's not. That's Robert. That doesn't get to be Bob.
Stugotz
Well, they're all Robert.
Dan LeBatard
No, but. Yeah, yes, but Bob Sapp, mma. I know who Bob Sapp. I don't know Bob Sapp. Bob. Well, I don't. There's no way. Louis, do me the favor. Just so that Greg Cody can enjoy the visual reveal of me showing him what Bob Sapp looks like. Because Bob Sapp is an international superstar for just being a giant physical specimen beast of a man in here and Japan who could not fight a lick even though he was 350 pounds of bloated muscle and a bit of a superhero. And everyone would kick his ass in whatever it is the fighting sport was. But my God, he was terrifying walking to the ring. Famous only for being giant. Bob Sapp was not a great athlete. He was just someone named Bob.
Mike Ryan
Okay.
Greg Cody
Bobby Fischer.
Stugotz
Bobby Bonds.
Mike Ryan
Bob Boom.
Billy Gil
Ricky Bobby.
Stugotz
Bobby Abreu.
Chris Cody
SB Nation dove into this in 2012, guys.
Greg Cody
Really?
Chris Cody
Apparently as of 2012. There had only been 1,884 athletes across the NFL, NBA, NHL and NCAA ever that had gone primarily by the name Bob. Not Robert or Bobby or Bob. But at the time in 2012, the only Bob in those sports was Bob Sanders.
Greg Cody
Huh.
Mike Ryan
Wow.
Dan LeBatard
So something has been done already on the deep dive. Think piece on Ken. Bob's be great athletes. No. Is the answer you. If you're named Bob. You can't.
Chris Cody
That's 13 years ago.
Greg Cody
Bob Gibson. Let's go to Bob. Surreal.
Mike Ryan
How about Bob Gibson?
Dan LeBatard
Oh my God. He had to face Teddy ball game. Yes. Did he?
Mike Ryan
No, that came after Teddy ball game.
Greg Cody
How about Bob Feller?
Mike Ryan
I mean, another hall of Famer, the Indian back when we called them Indians.
Stugotz
Whoa, careful.
Greg Cody
Yeah.
Mike Ryan
Oh boy.
Dan LeBatard
All right, hold on a second, hold on.
Greg Cody
Different time back when we wrapped presents.
Stugotz
And to say merry Christmas, we've got a penalty. Five minutes.
Greg Cody
Major five minutes.
Mike Ryan
Wow.
Greg Cody
Wow. Major ass. Oh, major wow.
Mike Ryan
Let's not rewrite history by Bob Feller played for the Cleveland Indians. I'm sorry, don't repeat yourself.
Dan LeBatard
You're right on Bob Feller. We will look up whether I've crossed cross contaminated generations here between Bob Gibson and Teddy Ballgame. You're going to have to leave though. You're going to have to leave because what you did is deeply offensive to me and you cannot. You can. I will tell you stugats that in these modern times, I think the funniest moment since we left left ESPN for me that I was not able to make fun of is we had a moment on our show where I said that somebody was sitting Indian style.
Stugotz
Chris.
Dan LeBatard
And then. Yeah, well, this is what happened back then. Yes, I said someone was sitting Indian style. And then to correct myself because I got scared of it immediately, then I corrected it to something you'd write in fiction if you were trying to mock my ego soaked ass Native American style. And none of you noticed it and no one corrected me and we sped through the stop sign and I was like, that's mortifying. What just happened to me there? I was supposed to say crisscross applesauce, which. I'm sorry, I feel ridiculous saying we noticed.
Greg Cody
We just kept it moving.
Dan LeBatard
Well, you kept it moving well enough to avoid the problem we presently have, which is Greg Cody, who's feeling full of himself today and should be, by the way, that first hour was a Greg Cody hour for all time. And furthermore, he came in today with a shocking announcement that he's got a back in my day. A fresh back in my day. Out of nowhere, unannounced, hasn't done one of those. And I don't know how long it's been, unless it's for profit through one of his books.
Greg Cody
Well, it's Tuesday.
Stugotz
I mean, he's right about that.
Greg Cody
Jack.
Dan LeBatard
We'Re in a dangerous place with your old man Chris, in that he ages poorly in terms of saying that his wife, the lawyer or partner should do his bags better.
Billy Gil
My mom is joining right now, by the way, so she should be here any second.
Dan LeBatard
He's not. She's not going to like what. What's about to be said here.
Greg Cody
Bob Gibson has faced five TEDs. None of them were Ted Williams, but.
Chris Cody
They did overlap by years. They just never faced each other.
Greg Cody
Two years of over.
Dan LeBatard
All right, thank you. I am held clinging to my own ignorance. That is how the sportsman ages. Right there. You just cross crisscross generation, 60s, 80s, what was it? 90s, 70s? I don't know. Teddy Ball Game. And then you pointed your friend rent. That's how it happened. That's how the knowledge base have. I used to collect baseball cards disintegrates occasionally.
Greg Cody
You get two points from Greg.
Dan LeBatard
Three of those years.
Mike Ryan
By the way, he was in the military.
Dan LeBatard
Okay, thank you. Yeah. It's an amazing story. For those of you who want to know the legend of Teddy Ball Game. He in his prime, went off to be a fighter pilot. It's kind of amazing. And then at the end, they cut his head off and put it in some sort of cyberbaric chamber. And it lives in ice. Yeah.
Greg Cody
Bob McAdoo.
Mike Ryan
Ah, Bob Hairdo. Oh, no, my mother. Back in my mother's day, women, it was called a Bob hairstyle.
Dan LeBatard
Yeah, yeah.
Mike Ryan
I can't explain.
Stugotz
It still exists.
Mike Ryan
Back me up on that.
Dan LeBatard
No, we'll get to her in a second. Hold on a second. Cody, let's introduce first your wife, who's very busy at a law firm. And she. She doesn't have time for this nonsense. She really does not. Okay. And. And, and she's always available, though. She's not always available. No, she is not always available. That's not. That is not in any way true. I ask for her all the time, and she graces us with her presence two or three times, and it's always to the eternal embarrassment of Greg Cody. So I have a number of different questions to ask you, Earlene. But when he goes Bob haircut there.
Mike Ryan
With the joke, that's a fine because.
Stugotz
It'S off of Bob McAdoo.
Greg Cody
Right.
Dan LeBatard
I just, I. I want to know okay. Why? She loves this man, a man she's had to take care of for 70 years. And the argument before you got here is, well, he's forever a kid, and she likes that. He's immature and he's always a kid, and he makes her laugh.
Greg Cody
Yes. I was saying that's probably what Arlene loves most about Greg Cody.
Dan LeBatard
You did say Arlene. You got her name wrong there. I let it slide. And I said New York accent the last time.
Greg Cody
What's your name?
Billy Gil
It's an odd name.
Dan LeBatard
Erlene is her name. Yeah, guys, it's okay. We'll let it slide for now. Don't mean a man too early. It's not Arlene.
Greg Cody
Sorry.
Mike Ryan
It's Sty.
Unknown
It's Stu. What the hell, right?
Dan LeBatard
It's his longtime love and a man who takes care of this old man. And the question I want to pose to you among many is how is his sense of humor aging at home? Because I found that his Bob joke is lazy even by his standards, that he is getting lazier and lazier on funny with age at home.
Unknown
Yeah. I think he goes to the. You know, the one that he can just, like, pull out of it. You know, that he's always said over and over again, like, but don't bump kind of jokes. Yeah, agreed.
Billy Gil
Like, he'll put something. He'll just put the name Al in front of something that doesn't.
Unknown
Yeah, yeah. Just. Just to make us all go, here we go again. You know, I mean, I would like a little fret. I would like a little fresher humor.
Billy Gil
I agree.
Mike Ryan
A. A quick parenthesis here. I just googled the phrase Bob hairdo.
Stugotz
Right.
Mike Ryan
And photos come up of a Bob hairdo.
Dan LeBatard
That's right.
Mike Ryan
That wasn't lazy. I wasn't making that up.
Dan LeBatard
No, there is a Bob Hairdo. That is correct.
Mike Ryan
Okay, so why is that lazy?
Dan LeBatard
There used to be a.
Mike Ryan
It's Bob hairdo.
Greg Cody
The Bob.
Mike Ryan
It's not a name. It's a thing.
Dan LeBatard
Erlene, when you came on. The reason I started there is when you came on, you made a face like you. Like you smelled something bad. Like, there's my husband out in public making one of those stinker jokes of his not trying heart. And I saw something, if not shame, it was not love on your face.
Unknown
Oh, it's. There's always love there. But honestly, I mean, it's like, here we. You know, whatever. Like I said, here we go. Like, can you do better than that? But, yeah, sometimes you can't. Like, you know, well, what would you guys do you wouldn't be able to make fun of him if he didn't say stupid, right?
Greg Cody
Yes. You don't want them to change.
Dan LeBatard
That is correct. Well, she loves him. I don't know of two more important ingredients.
Greg Cody
Let's ask her.
Dan LeBatard
Understanding and acceptance.
Greg Cody
Do you love him?
Dan LeBatard
Yes, of course she loves it.
Stugotz
Of course.
Dan LeBatard
Okay.
Greg Cody
Just making sure.
Billy Gil
She went kind of high with her voice there.
Dan LeBatard
Yeah.
Stugotz
That was a lie.
Unknown
I have a head cold. Give me.
Stugotz
It's going around this time of year.
Mike Ryan
It really is.
Dan LeBatard
I haven't. I have a number of questions. Is what you love most about him that he's a kid at heart?
Unknown
Sure.
Mike Ryan
What's she supposed to say to that?
Dan LeBatard
Is there something that she loves more about you? You are fiercely protective and speaking poems about how much you love her? I don't know.
Unknown
No, I mean, he's extremely. I got a 44 year old, you know, anniversary banner in my house.
Mike Ryan
Right.
Stugotz
Wow, banner.
Greg Cody
What a great gift.
Mike Ryan
Yes, thank you. Six by four.
Unknown
Amazon is amazing, right?
Mike Ryan
It really is. 12.99. Did you wrap it? Banner for 10 bucks.
Greg Cody
Did you wrap it?
Mike Ryan
No, I displayed it for her. I put banner like banner style.
Unknown
Well, what I'm trying to figure out is what's the over under of when we can take it down.
Dan LeBatard
But it's a great question.
Mike Ryan
March.
Dan LeBatard
It is a great question. How long is too long for the thoughtful gift that is a testament to Greg Cody's love. All 1299 of it.
Mike Ryan
Yeah.
Dan LeBatard
Wants to be celebrated like Cleopatra around his house because he got a banner for 12.99.
Mike Ryan
That's correct.
Stugotz
When was the anniversary?
Mike Ryan
January 10th.
Unknown
Friday.
Stugotz
Oh, I mean, we've been celebrating our 20th for like six months already, so.
Dan LeBatard
I feel like.
Stugotz
44. That's a big one.
Mike Ryan
It is a big one.
Greg Cody
Yeah.
Mike Ryan
Do it to yourself.
Unknown
I wasn't looking for that kind of support. I was like hoping that it was that the deadline. I think the deadline is one week. That's my thing.
Mike Ryan
Okay.
Billy Gil
Mom, dad was saying earlier that you're going too much to the gift bag around holiday time. Not wrapping enough gifts like old, like in the old days.
Unknown
Okay. That's because he wrapped wraps 10 gifts and I wrap 200 gifts.
Mike Ryan
Okay, you don't wrap. You put them in bags. I mean, honestly, you're not perfect about that. I'm revealing a minor imperfection in your demeanor.
Greg Cody
If Greg gave you the opportunity to cheat on him once a month in exchange for wrapping all the gifts perfectly, would you take that?
Stugotz
Well, hold on a second. There's context here. That Was presented poorly, Earlene.
Dan LeBatard
That was the part that was presented poorly, yes. Can you guys please stop disrespecting the.
Greg Cody
We're not asking questions.
Stugotz
Yeah, we're just exactly some loose ends here. So, Arlene, this is what happened. Someone likened the way that you wrap kiss by putting it in bags to cheating and potential infidelity. So then we naturally asked Greg. Well, if you had to choose Orlean.
Dan LeBatard
Wraps everything, didn't we? Didn't someone.
Chris Cody
Everyone but Dan.
Stugotz
So what we did was we asked him if you. If you could choose one form of infidelity versus the other, either cheating in the rapping gifts or cheating once a year, which would you prefer?
Unknown
And what did he pick?
Stugotz
Well, it's up to you.
Billy Gil
He said it was a good question.
Stugotz
Yeah, he said it was a good question.
Mike Ryan
I want nothing to do with this. I didn't pick any.
Unknown
I can't. I can't give up the gift bag. I'm sorry.
Stugotz
See, Loyal marriage. I love it.
Mike Ryan
It. It's a good wife shortcut. It's okay.
Stugotz
So you'd rather her cheat on you?
Mike Ryan
She's not cheating. And by the way, I wrap more than 10 gifts, thank you very much.
Unknown
All right, 12.
Mike Ryan
Yeah. And I bow them as well.
Unknown
Nobody cares about the bow.
Mike Ryan
I care about the bow. Stick on the bow. Bow in it. David. What?
Dan LeBatard
Hey.
Mike Ryan
Thank you. What?
Unknown
Anything else?
Dan LeBatard
Yes, I've got one more question and only one. But I really do just want to understand because I don't understand how we've gotten so comfortable with Greg Cody in general that we're just doing the show and at some point he just shouts across the room in some way that no one notices. Do it till you're satisfied.
Mike Ryan
Exactly.
Dan LeBatard
And I'm like, no one's going to comment on that. Why did he just shout into the din? Do it till you're satisfied. Do what till you're satisfied?
Mike Ryan
It's an all purpose.
Dan LeBatard
Here comes the cough.
Mike Ryan
It's that kind of thing.
Chris Cody
What do you mean?
Dan LeBatard
Do it?
Unknown
Because you can't think of anything else to say. It's one of the top 10.
Dan LeBatard
This is where you've got lazy as your humor though. Do it till you're satisfied had nothing to do with what we were talking about.
Mike Ryan
It has everything to do with what we're talking about.
Dan LeBatard
The last question I want to ask you, Arlene.
Mike Ryan
Yeah.
Dan LeBatard
Is were you ever considering or what? Is was it ever brought to you.
Mike Ryan
That time on out? It's early and it should be an open ended question. You shouldn't say this. It Was the name you should say to her. What was the name that Greg wanted to name?
Dan LeBatard
You know what that is? That is an excellent. Thank you.
Mike Ryan
She may not remember. It's been a while.
Dan LeBatard
Okay. No, but I. You know what, Greg? I'm going to allow you because I'd be stunned if you were telling the truth on this. Please get it right, like an old timey game show. Please get your wife to answer correctly without. Without you telling her. Ask the question you like to get the response that will make you correct.
Mike Ryan
Okay. If. If she remembers it. When you were pregnant with Christopher and we were dreaming up possible names, I came up with, you know, we were going through the usual suspect of names. I came up with a rather unusual name that you vetoed. Do you remember what that name was?
Unknown
Is. Is that when you were on the lsd? Is that when that was happening?
Mike Ryan
Yeah, please, come on now. That was. Well, after that. You don't remember.
Unknown
Oh, you mean. You mean the bamboo reed thing?
Dan LeBatard
Oh, my God. No way. Upset. Upset. Yes, yes. Bamboo reed. Oh, my God.
Earlene Cody
From fireside conversations to football Sundays, winter means more moments with the coolest people in your life. Make these moments even better with Miller Light. I know I do. The great tasting light beer. For people who love beer, a new year is a perfect time for friends, family. And great tasting light beer tastes like Miller Time. Recently, I had family over. And while everyone's palate is different, I knew they all like beer and they all look like people who want to drink beer that actually tastes like beer. So I brought out a nice little silver platter of Miller Lite. That beautiful white can was an instant winner. Trust me. Me. Learn from my experience. Set that bad boy out and you will be making people happy left and right. Because Miller Lite is brewed for taste, it hits different than other light beers. The original light beer since 1975 and still the very best one. Miller Lite great taste. 96 calories. Go to millerlight.com dan to find delivery options near you. Or you can pick up some Miller Lite pretty much anywhere where they sell beer. Tastes like Miller Time. Celebrate responsibly. Miller Brewing Co. Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 96 calories and 3.2 carbs per 12 ounces.
Billy Gil
Okay, guys, it says here I'm supposed to tell you about the refreshing tropical lime flavor of Mountain Dew Baja Blast. But what does refreshing tropical lime mean exactly? Allow me to describe it in a way that my fellow DraftKings players will understand. Mountain Dew Baja Blast tastes like. Like a buzzer beating three pointer to cover the spread, nailing a multi leg parlay, setting the perfect daily fantasy lineup. It's like hitting an underdog money line. And I want you to know that feeling too. So make your picks and then grab some tropical lime flavored Mountain Dew Baja Blast for you and your buds. Available wherever refreshing beverages are sold.
Podcast Summary: The Big Suey: Bamboo Reed (feat. Earlene Cote)
Release Date: January 14, 2025
Host: Dan LeBatard, Stugotz
Guest: Earlene Cote
The episode kicks off with the hosts, Dan LeBatard and Stugotz, engaging in their characteristic banter, setting a light-hearted tone. As they transition into the main segment, "The Big Suey," they introduce Earlene Cote, who brings a fresh perspective to the discussions.
Dan LeBatard initiates the conversation by reflecting on his personal experiences with sports, particularly baseball cards, leading into a discussion about the importance of backup quarterbacks in the NFL. The focal point is Teddy Bridgewater, whose career trajectory serves as a case study for reliability and resilience in the sport.
Dan LeBatard (01:28): "Teddy Bridgewater got some of the money. Reliable backup comes to our city, dominates state high school football, leaves a champion, goes back to the Detroit Lions and they might need him for a drive. And, man, that's going to be a nice story."
Stugotz and Greg Cody delve into Bridgewater's impact, comparing him to legendary figures and analyzing his potential to influence team dynamics positively.
The conversation shifts to the NFL playoffs, with a particular focus on the Los Angeles Rams and their prospects against the Detroit Lions. Greg Cody expresses confidence in the Rams' ability to clinch the Super Bowl, citing their robust offense and defensive strategies.
Greg Cody (04:42): "I am willing to say the Rams are going to win the Super Bowl. You know, if you're an Eagles fan, that was the worst case scenario playing out."
Dan LeBatard counters by highlighting the Lions' potential to disrupt the Rams' journey, emphasizing the importance of health and team synergy.
Dan LeBatard (07:25): "They have a durable quarterback and his skill guys are those two. Right. Because I don't know, who do you guys view as the best skilled guys in the league?"
The hosts engage in a spirited debate, weighing the strengths and vulnerabilities of both teams, while Earlene Cote offers insightful commentary on team dynamics and player performances.
A humorous yet analytical segment unfolds as the hosts explore the rarity of the name "Bob" among professional athletes. Dan LeBatard notes the scarcity, sparking a lively discussion about its implications.
Greg Cody (28:26): "Really?"
Dan LeBatard (28:46): "So something has been done already on the deep dive. Think piece on Ken. Bob's be great athletes. No."
The conversation touches upon historical figures like Bob Sanders and Bob Feller, examining their legacies and the cultural significance of their names in sports.
A lighter yet personal topic arises when the hosts discuss unconventional child names, particularly "Bamboo Reed." Greg Cody shares insights into his own family's experiences, highlighting the challenges and humor associated with unique names.
Greg Cody (41:15): "Oh, you mean the bamboo reed thing?"
Earlene Cote (36:00): "We've been celebrating our 20th for like six months already."
The dialogue underscores the balance between individuality and societal perceptions, with Earlene Cote providing anecdotes that resonate with listeners navigating similar situations.
The episode takes a turn towards personal relationships as the hosts, particularly Dan LeBatard and Greg Cody, discuss the dynamics of marriage and humor. Dan playfully critiques Greg's approach to gift-giving, leading to a heartfelt conversation about understanding and acceptance in long-term relationships.
Dan LeBatard (33:12): "You got her name wrong there. I let it slide."
Greg Cody (35:38): "Yes, of course she loves it."
Earlene Cote joins the conversation, offering her perspective on the interplay between humor and affection, ultimately emphasizing the strength that comes from mutual respect and support.
As the episode wraps up, the hosts reflect on the day's discussions, tying together the threads of sports analysis with personal anecdotes. Stugotz and Billy Gil contribute to the closing remarks, ensuring the episode ends on a cohesive and engaging note.
Dan LeBatard (39:59): "We will ask her. We will ask her that in a second."
The hosts express gratitude towards Earlene Cote for her participation, setting the stage for future episodes filled with insightful sports commentary and relatable life discussions.
Backup Quarterbacks' Significance: The conversation underscores the pivotal role that reliable backup quarterbacks like Teddy Bridgewater play in a team's success, highlighting their influence during critical moments.
Super Bowl Predictions: Analyzing the strengths of the Rams and Lions, the hosts debate potential outcomes, considering factors such as team health, player synergy, and historical performance.
Cultural Impact of Names in Sports: Exploring the rarity of the name "Bob" among athletes, the discussion delves into cultural and historical contexts, questioning the impact of names on athletic legacies.
Personal Relationships and Humor: The interplay between humor and affection in long-term relationships is examined, emphasizing the importance of understanding and supporting one's partner.
Unconventional Naming Practices: Addressing unique child names like "Bamboo Reed," the conversation balances individuality with societal perceptions, offering relatable insights for listeners.
This episode of The Dan LeBatard Show with Stugotz masterfully blends in-depth sports analysis with personal anecdotes, creating a multifaceted narrative that appeals to a broad audience. Through lively debates and heartfelt discussions, the hosts provide listeners with both entertainment and meaningful insights, reinforcing the show's reputation as a hub for original and engaging content.
End of Summary