The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
Episode: The Big Suey: Stories From An NFL Shower
Release Date: January 24, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz, hosts Dan Le Batard and Stugotz delve into a variety of engaging topics centered around sports, particularly focusing on unique behind-the-scenes aspects of the NFL. The discussion ranges from locker room etiquette to the undervalued role of offensive linemen, peppered with personal anecdotes and insightful debates.

1. The Great NFL Locker Room Shower Debate

Timestamp: [02:55] - [19:21]

The episode kicks off with a heated debate about the hygiene practices in NFL locker rooms, specifically addressing the protocol around naked showers and shared spaces.

• Izzy Gutierrez raises concerns about players entering cold plunges and hot tubs naked, labeling it a "fineable offense" and questioning the germ transmission in such environments. He states, "If a guy got in the cold tub, in the hot tub, naked, they would be banned by the rest of the players" ([03:07]).

• Andrew Hawkins shares a personal experience of being reprimanded for not showering between sauna and whirlpool use, arguing that proper hygiene was maintained beforehand. He remarks, "Everyone was in the sauna and still could see me... I showered before" ([03:55]).

• The conversation intensifies as Izzy emphasizes the impracticality of shared showers in large locker rooms, especially for visiting teams, highlighting issues like limited showerheads and lack of privacy. He comments, "These are billion-dollar organizations. We should not be showering like it's 1920 in the military" ([05:07]).

• Dan Le Batard adds a humorous twist by visualizing high-profile players like Dion Dawkins and Josh Allen sharing a single showerhead, illustrating the absurdity of the situation ([08:54]).

This segment underscores the challenges of maintaining hygiene and privacy in professional sports settings, advocating for better facilities and respect among players.

2. Advocating for an Offensive Lineman of the Year Award

Timestamp: [11:10] - [16:45]

Transitioning from locker room logistics, the hosts shift focus to the lack of recognition for offensive linemen in the NFL.

• Izzy Gutierrez passionately argues for the creation of an "Offensive Lineman of the Year" award, stating, "There's not a protector of the year award. I'm knocking at so many doors now to get this award going" ([13:52]).

• Dan Le Batard introduces Dion Dawkins, an offensive lineman, highlighting his unique personality and desire for recognition. He notes Dawkins' unconventional behavior, such as walking into games shirtless, as a means to draw attention to the importance of his role ([12:44]).

• Izzy draws an interesting analogy by comparing Nikola Jokic of the NBA to offensive linemen, emphasizing Jokic’s humble yet essential presence: "The way Jokic goes about his business life is like kind of the O line... the protectors" ([14:51]).

• Andrew Hawkins concurs, reflecting on the longstanding oversight in awards, and Izzy adds, "Everything else can be, even in college. Do they have that at the Home Depot Awards? Do they have. I think they have Outland." ([15:30]).

This segment highlights the often underappreciated role of offensive linemen and the need for greater recognition within the league.

3. Personal Anecdotes and Technique Insights

Timestamp: [33:00] - [35:19]

The conversation takes a nostalgic turn as Izzy Gutierrez shares his admiration for former NFL player Wes Welker, delving into the technical aspects that made Welker an exceptional wide receiver.

• Izzy elaborates on Welker's technique, emphasizing his quickness and deceptive route-running: "Wes Welker was extremely quick, but it's in the technique of what he does when he changes direction" ([33:18]).

• He further explains how studying Welker's film influenced his own playing style, stating, "I would make notes and literally every little piece of it. I don't think I would have made the NFL had I not had access to Wes Welker tape" ([33:14]).

• Andrew Hawkins questions the practicality of "stealing" techniques, to which Izzy clarifies, "It's not just about quickness... it's the technique and understanding of defensive rules" ([33:52]).

This segment provides valuable insights into the technicalities of football and the impact of mentorship and self-study on a player's development.

4. Navigating the College Football Transfer Portal

Timestamp: [27:03] - [30:39]

The hosts discuss the evolving landscape of college football, focusing on the experiences of players entering the transfer portal.

• Izzy Gutierrez shares his perspective on the benefits of maximizing one's college experience, advising players to "stay in college as long as you can... College is awesome" ([29:20]).

• Mike Ryan scrutinizes the transfer decisions of specific players like Tyler Van Dyke and Quinn Yours, highlighting the strategic moves and potential impacts on their careers: "Quinn Your's representation definitely knew that... The whole thing is shady because of the construct" ([27:56]).

• Dan Le Batard questions the timing and motivations behind transfers, adding layers to the discussion about player agency and organizational strategies ([28:54]).

This discussion sheds light on the complexities athletes face within the collegiate system, emphasizing the importance of informed decision-making and the influence of external factors like agent negotiations.

5. Coaching Regrets and Leadership Dynamics

Timestamp: [38:04] - [41:42]

A reflective segment where legendary coach Nick Saban shares his greatest professional regret, sparking a broader conversation about leadership and ego in coaching.

• Dan Le Batard introduces Nick Saban's regret: "When I left LSU, that was probably professionally the biggest mistake that I ever made" ([38:14]).

• Izzy Gutierrez agrees, adding that Saban prefers the developmental aspects of college coaching over the high-pressure environment of the NFL: "I like coaching in college better" ([38:42]).

• The conversation pivots to Dan Hurley's confrontational interaction with a referee, leading to discussions about the role of ego in high-stakes environments: "If that exists inside of Dan Hurley and gets spit out loud, can you explain to me these authority figures, the size of their egos" ([39:09]).

• Izzy defends Hurley's behavior as part of being "locked in" during competitive moments, comparing it to an actor embodying a character: "He's locked in. It's like an actor who is method acting" ([40:47]).

This segment explores the balance between confidence and humility in leadership roles, illustrating how personal regrets and behavioral traits shape coaching careers.

6. Latest NFL News and Coaching Speculations

Timestamp: [41:42] - [44:27]

The hosts delve into recent NFL developments, speculating on coaching moves and their implications for the league.

• Mike Ryan announces potential changes in the Raiders' coaching staff, mentioning that Adam Schefter might be replaced and that Pete Carroll is aiming for the head coach position: "Adam Schefter is replaced that the Raiders and Pete Carroll are aiming to work on an agreement to make him their new head coach" ([41:42]).

• The discussion turns to Pete Carroll, with Dan expressing skepticism about Carroll’s legacy and coaching decisions, such as losing a Super Bowl single-handedly: "He lost a Super Bowl single-handedly... when do you have those with a coaching decision that's just like, yep. I'll remember forever that that coach made that decision" ([43:30]).

• Andrew Hawkins provides a counterpoint, acknowledging the complexities of coaching decisions and the contributions of players like Malcolm Butler: "It's as if I started watching Patrick Mahomes this year... he has a mid-round grade on the guy" ([43:57]).

• Izzy Gutierrez praises Pete Carroll’s contributions to college football and his strategic decisions in the NFL, despite criticisms: "I think Pete Carroll... what he's done with USC... Seattle even the decision to have Russell Wilson as your quarterback was a tough decision to make" ([43:57]).

This segment highlights the ongoing debates about coaching effectiveness, legacy management, and the intricate dynamics that influence team performance and leadership roles in the NFL.

Conclusion

Throughout this episode, Dan Le Batard and his co-hosts provide a multifaceted exploration of NFL culture, shedding light on often overlooked aspects such as locker room etiquette and the critical yet unheralded role of offensive linemen. Their candid discussions, enriched with personal experiences and expert insights, offer listeners a deeper understanding of the complexities within professional sports environments. From advocating for greater recognition of foundational players to dissecting coaching dynamics and recent NFL news, the episode encapsulates the essence of what makes The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz a compelling listen for sports enthusiasts.

Notable Quotes:

• "If a guy got in the cold tub, in the hot tub, naked, they would be banned by the rest of the players." — Izzy Gutierrez ([03:07])

• "There's not a protector of the year award. I'm knocking at so many doors now to get this award going." — Izzy Gutierrez ([13:52])

• "I'm knocking at so many doors now to get this award going, and I'm gonna head spirit and make sure that this gets done before I'm done playing." — Izzy Gutierrez ([15:15])

• "Wes Welker was extremely quick, but it's in the technique of what he does when he changes direction." — Izzy Gutierrez ([33:18])

• "When I left LSU, that was probably professionally the biggest mistake that I ever made." — Nick Saban as cited by Dan Le Batard ([38:14])

• "He's locked in. It's like an actor who is method acting." — Izzy Gutierrez ([40:47])

• "Pete Carroll, the bigger news there and Tom Brady returning to be his quarterback player. No, I'm just speculating." — Dan Le Batard ([42:15])

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting key discussions, notable insights, and memorable quotes to provide a clear overview for listeners and those who may not tune in.