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Dan Patrick
Let me get to Fernando Mendoza now. Once again, we taped the Interview on Monday. We wanted to play it, you know, here once we got to Pittsburgh and he joined us on behalf of Pfizer, the Every Breakthrough Matters campaign. Every step makes a difference, starting with your cancer screening. And the first question I asked Fernando Mendoza, if I would have told him last year he was going to win the Heisman, what would he have said?
Fernando Mendoza
I would have said, what are you on? Because that would have been out of the realm of reality. However, at the same time focusing on the present moment, you know, going to the future, there were some projections. I said, hey, this kid has some raw ability and maybe could project to this. However, you know, in reality at that point. A year ago, I just made the move from Cal to Indiana and I was getting my butt kicked by the Indiana defense in spring ball. And my amazing Brian Haynes defense has proved to be the best defense in the nation. So I would have been a little skeptical, but it's been a great blessing and those tough experience have forged me into the player and character I am today.
Dan Patrick
Okay, but you had to have doubts about yourself that you leave Cal, you go to Indiana, and all of a sudden you're getting your lunch handed to you. Did you have any second thoughts about going to Indiana?
Fernando Mendoza
Yes, yes, I did have second thoughts for going to Indiana, especially when leaving California, having lived in Miami, then leaving California, great weather cities, I mean, not cities, states, and then moving to Bloomington, Indiana, which is awesome, but 0 degree and 7 inches of snow is not, you know, is not ideal, especially for someone who comes from a warmer weather state. But I believe those experiences have also primed me for the NFL to then play in cold weather performances and cold weather games. But there was definitely a lot of wariness and maybe some, not some regrets, but maybe some double double takes. At first, however, God's plan prided true and been very blessed for this year.
Dan Patrick
You grew up a Dolphins fan.
Fernando Mendoza
I grew up. I did, but I really didn't because although I like the.
Dan Patrick
You can be honest now, it's okay.
Fernando Mendoza
I was a huge Miami Hurricanes fan, but my dad did his medical residency in Boston and so I only lived there for two years. But when I was seven years old, I watched. It was like six years old, actually. I watched New England Patriots play the Giants and I literally lost my fellow enamored with the New England Patriots. So that was my team growing up.
Dan Patrick
Have you met Tom Brady?
Fernando Mendoza
I have. I've met him in the official 30 visit at the Raiders.
Dan Patrick
And how did that go?
Fernando Mendoza
It was fantastic. It was fantastic. He gave me the message that he's going to push me and he's not going to be all lovey dovey, especially. And that if the Raiders draft me, he is going to be, you know, a mentor and wants to pour into whatever quarterback the Raiders have, whether it's me, whether they draft somebody else or, you know, or like the Raiders. They also signed Kirk Cousins.
Dan Patrick
What was your reaction when they brought in Kirk Cousins?
Fernando Mendoza
Well, if I'm lucky enough to go to the Raiders, I think it'd be a great opportunity to be able to learn from someone who's had so much success throughout the years and who I think has a very similar playing style as me. I've been able to watch his film there was two years ago where I watched all his Minnesota Vikings pass tape, every single pass where there's incomplete completion throughout the entire season, which is a lot because NFL is a lot of games. But to be able to even learn from that.
Dan Patrick
Wait, wait, wait, wait. So you went back and looked at all of his throws?
Fernando Mendoza
Yeah. This is actually funny enough. This was maybe some foreshadowing, but this was. This was a year ago when I was back in California and there were a couple comparisons on, hey, you play a little bit like Kirk Cousins, Sam Darnold, just from our NFL guys. And so at that point I was like, okay, let me watch these guys and see what they do. See they do good and see what they do, you know, they need improvement on. And so in this aspect, I. It was for my free time and I love watching NFL ball. So after I was done with my process, I'd watch 30 minutes or an hour of Kirk Cousins or Sam Darnold. And this past year, it was Matthew Stafford. Not saying I play like Matthew Stafford, but just someone great to learn from. And those experiences have helped me a lot, especially get adjusted to the college games and to see how quarterbacks process the defense.
Dan Patrick
We're talking to Fernando Mendoza and he's joining us on behalf of Pfizer every Breakthrough Matters campaign. All right, Peyton Manning is probably the best pitch man. So let me hear your pitch for Pfizer here.
Fernando Mendoza
I'll let Peyton Manning hold the reign on that and hold the throne of that. He is for sure the go of pitches. However, I believe that the partnerships that are most viable and most significant to me are the ones that have tangible application. I've been very vocal and I've had firsthand experience with health in my life and my family's life. And that's why I believe it's very important to broadcast out pfizerforall.com screens because 50% of Americans are behind on their cancer screenings. And to take that step into your health is something that I believe that I've been put on this platform to then push and to then help other families and individuals with, to get the health front.
Dan Patrick
What did you say from the national title game?
Fernando Mendoza
Excuse me?
Dan Patrick
What did I. Yeah, like uniform. Did you get the football?
Fernando Mendoza
I love Bloomington. I love my guy Mitch in the EQ room and he was lucky enough to give me a game ball after because all those balls were gone.
Dan Patrick
Yeah.
Fernando Mendoza
But my younger brother Alberto, he took a. We took one ball home from the stadium and I have my helmet. I don't know where my shoulder pads are. I think we might have my shoulder pads, but definitely helmet, jersey and towel and cleats. The cleats are at home. I almost used those cleats to work out the other day, but I was like, you know, let me just keep. I'll use some other cleats. You know, I enjoyed the cleats, but
Dan Patrick
I used some Adidas glitches for take me, take me into the huddle on that game winning touchdown. And what, were there any other options other than you creating something?
Fernando Mendoza
Yes, there were. And the huddle is a very special place. It's like football heaven for me. And believe for a lot of other quarterbacks, it's fourth down in the national championship. You have 10 other players. We worked all this way through an entire season creating his brothers, looking at you, seeing what's a play call, how, how much does he believe in this play call by the way he says it and does he have any other messaging? And so at that point I was able to deliver the play call with complete confidence. Our guys, not just me, but all of our guys were able to come together, give each other little pump up. Hey, saying this is what we do. We make big plays, big time games. And it was a play that depending on manner zone, the defense was a little bit discombobulated because they didn't believe we'd go for in fourth and five. I believe every analytic expert could tell you we should have kicked the field goal there. However, when the game came down to the wire, I need to trust the big boys up front, the Hoggies. And they delivered us to victory with a great, with great blocking, whether it's pass or run protection. And they had, you know, and they had a great run game there. I mean a great run game protection there. And it worked and enabled me to get the first down and then go
Dan Patrick
ahead for the store what's the plan for Thursday?
Fernando Mendoza
The plan for Thursday to stay home in Miami, Florida. I believe it's very important to have everyone who's poured a part and poured into me and been a part of that village to be there and experience this new opportunity. This is not an end. This is a beginning. And there's going to be a lot. It's a great new opportunity that there's going to be a lot of hurdles. I look forward to resting and confiding in my support system whenever those hurdles occur. My mom and my dad wanted to do it in Miami because we need to hop on the plane the next day, whatever team drafts me. And it's been a lot of travel this year. And although Pittsburgh is going to be a great event, I can't wait to be a great league partner. I believe, especially with my mom. She really wanted to do it at home and it's going to be most applicable and easiest for our family.
Dan Patrick
How old are you? 50. I mean, you, you don't sound like your age here. What would you have done if you didn't play football?
Fernando Mendoza
If I didn't do football, I'd be grinding the streaks of New York doing finance. But luckily God has blessed me. So I don't need to work 24 hour days.
Dan Patrick
Oh, no, you're going to be working 24 hour days.
Fernando Mendoza
But it's not work for me.
Bill Cowher
It's.
Fernando Mendoza
It's fun. It's fun for me. It's fun and it's, it's great. Whether it's ever I'm eating. I'm usually watching YouTube video of somebody breaking down NFL football. Every single Sunday I'm watching football. I love, actually just do love football.
Dan Patrick
Give me that address again for Pfizer.
Fernando Mendoza
It's pfizerforall.com screenings.
Dan Patrick
All right. Great to meet you. Congratulations on a wonderful season and the Raiders will be lucky to have you.
Fernando Mendoza
Great to meet you. I love your Nevada sticker there in the front or patch. Excuse me.
Dan Patrick
Yeah.
Fernando Mendoza
Been a fan of you for a long time. My dad loves listening to you. So thank you so much again for having me on. God bless. Hope we have future interaction.
Dan Patrick
Thank you, bud. Fernando Mendoza.
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This is crazy.
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This is who I'm going for.
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Bill Cowher
We're gonna get off to a good start.
Dan Patrick
I know, I know. We're not gonna argue, we're not gonna yell today, are we? Now, I didn't bring your bobblehead because that's what you look for, Right?
Bill Cowher
I was kind of wondering.
Dan Patrick
Yeah, I brought a Jerome Bettis.
Bill Cowher
Sure.
Dan Patrick
Bobblehead. So can you pull that mic? Up to you, coach?
Bill Cowher
Yes.
Dan Patrick
I didn't want anything to happen to the bobblehead you sent me, so.
Bill Cowher
That is very thoughtful when you're on your part.
Dan Patrick
Yes.
Bill Cowher
Seriously. Because you don't want to get lost and you know, and course of travel.
Dan Patrick
I don't want anything damaged other than what's damaged with our relationship here.
Bill Cowher
No, no, we're not going down that road.
Dan Patrick
No, no, I will not make you mad.
Bill Cowher
No, no. We never get mad. We just discuss things. Sometimes you take me down dark corridors of my life, but other than that, we're fine.
Dan Patrick
Did you ever change your route to get to the stadium? Going to the stadium and coming back from the stadium after a game?
Bill Cowher
No. So on game day, on home games, I would stay in a hotel the night before the game. I would drive up to Fox Chapel and pick up my family, my daughters, my three daughters and my wife. And we would come in together. And so we drive through and I'd try to get there obviously two hours before I try to get in there by 11 o' clock for one o' clock games. And so we would drive through the parking lot and it was really kind of a neat drive there. And then on the way home, usually we had to wait for the doctors to give us a report. And so we would be sitting there and certainly it was a lot better atmosphere after a win than it was after a loss. But we would kind of let the crowd go and then we would drive back up 28 back to Fox Chapel is about a 20 minute drive from the stadium.
Dan Patrick
What happens though if after a loss and you're pulling over for gas?
Bill Cowher
Well, I wouldn't get gas on game day. So I mean my gas came like during the course of the week. If I go in on a Tuesday, you know, drop the kids off, you know, if we win, I just drop the kids off, go by the gas station. But if we lost, honestly, as I got around here more often, I'd wait till Tuesday night. So on my way back, self serve around 11:45, 12:00 clock at night. Because if you go in there during the day, everyone just tells you, you know, you're, you're throwing the ball way too much. You're not playing very good defense. Why don't you try this? I got a lot of suggestions along the way and I just, very respectful of the people here. This is a very knowledgeable fan base and very passionate fan base and they kind of take things personal. As you know about Pittsburgh, as you can get around here, it's very territorial. You know, I grew up on the other side of that hill right there, about four miles from the stadium, a place called Crafton, Pennsylvania. And you learn very quickly as you look around here that it's a city with a lot of communities connected by bridges. But there's a proud element of your community that you represent. And so you understand that it does become a little territorial, becomes personal. And I kind of took that philosophy in my way of talking about games each week and trying to make every game personal because I grew up that way here.
Dan Patrick
Was there any part of you that said, I don't want to screw up up this franchise, like, I'm a local, I, I, I'm honored, but I might be the guy who doesn't do well here and let everybody down?
Bill Cowher
Oh, yeah, like, yeah, that happens a lot. You know, I got the job. I was 34 years old. And I'll never forget. I. I remember I was in Kansas City and I came in with my wife and we went back. I remember laying in bed that night, I said, wow, if I don't screw this up in three years, I can go back to my 20th high school class reunion at Carlington High School, being the head coach of my hometown team. So my first thing was, don't screw this up.
Dan Patrick
Wait, you went back to your high
Bill Cowher
school reunion in my 20th year? Yeah, I mean, for my 20th high school class, and that was three years in, and I do have a story about that. So it was, it was. We lost the San Diego Charger championship game that year, and so we had it that spring. And so I said, my wife, I said, listen, you know, I got to go to the 20th class reunion. And she goes, oh, all we're going to do is go there, I'm going to tell you how great you are as a coach, blah, blah, blah. I go, no, no. I go, promise. I'm just. It's gonna be just a drive by. We're gonna go in. I got a nice place for us to have dinner up on Mount Washington. I said, but we're just gonna say hi. And so we get on right here. It's like, there's the, the Gateway Clipper. So it's on here. And I said, oh, they pretty cool. They have a dinner on the water. It's just really cool. So I get on there and all of a sudden I'm talking to a bunch of guys. All of a sudden, I feel the thing moving. We just. It's a dinner cruise. I go, oh, shit. So I look over, I look over and my wife is looking at me like, wow, you just. I go, no, no, honestly, I didn't. Well, now on a dinner cruise from three hours, the first hour, everyone's very cordial. The second hour, after all my buddies had a few drinks, they're telling me how, like, why you screwed up that San Diego Charger game. Okay? Like, you made some bad calls, you know, you're too good to get us tickets now. So now by the end of the three hour cruise, I have about two people I'm talking to. I'm mad at all my friends. My wife's not talking to me. We drive home, I go, wow, that was a nice night. So that was my 20th high school class reunion.
Dan Patrick
When's the last time you bought a beer in Pittsburgh?
Bill Cowher
It's been a while. I. You Know, I don't come back that often, to be quite honest with you. My brothers do live here. I come back during the season a lot, sometimes in the off season. And you know, I, I just, I love this city. It takes me back down memory lane so many times. Going back into Crafton and just where you were raised and going by Carlington High School, going into Carnegie at haunts, Wagner Field. It was right off the street.
Dan Patrick
Did your parents get to enjoy all this?
Bill Cowher
Yeah, they did. They did. My dad, you know, he didn't come to the super bowl that we won in 2005, but he sat at home and watched it. And they did they. You know, my dad's great story is my first year was 1992 and Neil Donald was a starter. Bobby, I made him the starter. Neil Donald got hurt like week 10 or 11. I put Bobby Brister in finish out the season. Like the last three or four games, we were like two and two. But Bubby was getting better each game he hadn't played all year. And we got in a playoff game against the Buffalo Bills. I put Neil Donald back in thinking that no starter should lose. No starter should lose his job to injury. At the time I thought, okay, that's the way it should be thinking that's the proper way of doing it. We get into the game and Neil didn't. Hadn't played in over a month, didn't play well. I don't think I made the right decision at the time. I sat back and said, wow, I put a guy in who hadn't played in five weeks for the biggest playoff game of the career. Anyway, so I'm thinking that myself, I go over to the house afterwards and Sunday or like it was after all the playoffs were over and we're sitting there and we got. All the kids were there and my brothers were there and my dad was in the sitting the same, same seat. Pops an Iron City beer. He goes, how about that was damn Steelers. How dumb was that? Was it start Neil o'. Donnell. We hadn't played over a month over Bobby Bristol. I go, dad, I go, that was me, your son that made that decision. You know what he said? He goes, well, I'm sure he had a good reason, but it's still a stupid decision. I'm like, okay, you want to hear it? So, you know, my dad was a, my dad was that guy. I mean, he, he, he was a Pittsburgher through and through. I mean, he would sit in the kitchen and listen to my cope on the games. Oh yeah, you know, listen to him at night on the talk radio. He was a true sports lover. Didn't play it. He loved baseball more than anything. And yeah, it was. It was. We. We had a special family.
Dan Patrick
Is Bill Coward the Hall of Famer? We've asked this question first 90 minutes of the program. You could draft anybody, number one, start a franchise, but you don't get like, if you get Jerry Rice, you don't get Joe Montana, if you get Tom Brady, you don't get Bill Belichick, etc. So number one overall pick, no matter what era.
Bill Cowher
Well, I was in here earlier and listening to your show and gentleman from Cleveland made a statement about Jim Brown. He was a pretty special player, pretty special individual. But I think you have to start with the quarterback position. I mean, to be. Quite frankly and honestly, I think Tom Brady, to me, I mean, going against him for all the years. I'm not saying that Joe Montana wasn't a product of the system, but he had a lot of good people around him. I watched Tom Brady grow as a player and his ability to. When you try to defend him, to, you know, him and Peyton Manning were very similar. But I thought Tom was just. He had a more accurate arm, I thought at times. But I think him and Peyton Manning, to me were two guys that were the face of your franchise. No one would work harder. They knew what preparation was all about. They didn't get flustered in the highest of stress situations. They were. They led by example. And I think those two guys, to me, Brady and to Peyton Manning, I think to me are the two guys.
Dan Patrick
Yeah, I would probably say John Elway. I think he did more individually than those two did. The other ones were probably. Tom was a better quarterback. If I take away quarterback and I say any other position,
Bill Cowher
I'm gonna say Lawrence Taylor.
Dan Patrick
Okay.
Bill Cowher
I mean, he was. He was my new. I had the opportunity to coach Derrick Thomas and is around the same time frame. And Lawrence Taylor, to me, he could wreak havoc in a game. He could just. He was a disruptive dismiss one of the most disruptive players at his time in the game.
Dan Patrick
Today I would say Reggie White. Although I did get to see Lawrence Taylor when I was in New York covering the Giants. And I always tell people there's speed when you're watching on TV and then there's in the moment speed when you're standing on the sidelines and it's completely different. Like I can't imagine, you know, can. We can see everything unfold and everybody's an expert, but when you see it on the sidelines and you're going, I don't know how. It's so quick. Yeah, Lawrence Taylor got around the end. I mean, he created a position. Yeah, he was the first edge rusher that we labeled.
Bill Cowher
You know, I just. You think about the draft as we're coming up and you think about, to me, hybrid players, a guy like Caleb Downs, to me is a guy that I think is one of those types of guys that you could put him anywhere on the field. Reminds me a lot of Troy Paloma. You know, Troy Palomar was a very disruptive player.
Dan Patrick
Was he allowed to do whatever he wanted to?
Bill Cowher
He wasn't. He earned the right to do that. So. So, you know, you know, one thing, he made a lot of mistakes his first year. And I remember a couple times, like, you know, I, I would go into the. Go into the facility over here, and he was always in there. He was the first one in there and the last one to leave watching tape. And the only other person that was much as with him was Rod Woodson. These guys watched more tape. They were looking for any competitive edge they could get, whether it be a stance, whether it be a split, whether it be a formational thing that they saw on the road at home, certain ways that people did it. So it got to a point where, you know, I just remember telling Chris Hope and actually told Ryan Clark I met saw him last night. I said, you know, when the first thing I told Ryan Clark, I said, listen, you're coming in here. I said, I just got to tell you one thing. You know, Troy Palomalu is going to do some things that are unorthodox and at times he will not play the defense, and I need you to be able to cover up for him. He goes, what do you mean cover up for him? I says, because he's not going to follow the defense. He goes, you don't have to follow the defense around here. I go, no, no, no, no. He doesn't have to follow the defense, but you need to be able to cover up for him. He goes, what do you mean cover up for him? I said, well, if it's too deep and he sees something, he may blitz. I goes, I said, well, how do I cover up for him? I said, well, you, you start talking to the two corners and tell them to back up. You know, we're playing a three deep defense suddenly. And I said, and we'll just go from there. And he goes, can anybody do it? I go, no, no, no. He goes, how often is he wrong? I go, not Often, not often. I go. I said, you know, the one thing I don't want to do is harness him. Because when he had a feel for something, he could play very free and do things that were disruptive. You don't harness greatness. I think the biggest thing you do, and I learned that a little bit with Ben is like, let him do his thing. Yes, there's structure. Yes, there's guidelines. Yes, there's an approach we have to it. But these are players that, in the heat of the moment, they can acclimate to the situation. They get a feel for the game. I have a feel from the sideline, but you're on that field, and if you have that feel for the game, Riot can allow you to play free, play fast and be aggressive. I like that. And I'll live with the periodic mistakes.
Dan Patrick
Give me the player you wanted to draft and you weren't allowed to.
Bill Cowher
Javon Curse, 1999. We took Troy Edwards.
Dan Patrick
You were overruled.
Bill Cowher
I don't want to go into it. No, you know, I knew it. I see. I knew you were doing this. I knew it. You did this. I was just thinking about this this morning. I go, like, think of all the drafts I had. Who was like, your worst pick? And you had to go, I didn't. You did. You said, like, was I overruled?
Todd
Now?
Bill Cowher
Do you want me go into that discussion?
Dan Patrick
Do you want to open the bottle of wine and start drinking now?
Bill Cowher
No, it was. That was. I. That was a very quick answer to that question. Because Javon Curse at the time would have been a perfect outside linebacker in a 3, 4 defense. And Troy was a receiver. Run after the catch guy. Yeah. It was not. It was that we had. I wish I could say that there was an overrule. There was just no communication. And so it led to some change of all.
Dan Patrick
Okay, I'll leave you with this.
Todd
If.
Dan Patrick
If you were coaching the Steelers.
Bill Cowher
Yes.
Dan Patrick
How would you feel about your quarterbacking situation?
Bill Cowher
We got to give Will Howard a chance. I think Aaron will come back at some point. I really do. You know, I. I go back to the same thing then. I think the Steelers can't chase the quarterback. The quarterback is going to come build it around them. You know, kind of like what we did. You know, we had Tommy Maddox. We won a game with him. Tom, Zach Cordell, Neil o'. Donnell. You know, when Ben came along, that. That team was built. Okay. And I think this right now from the Pittsburgh Steel, build this thing. I think an offensive lineman tonight is going to be the pick they have to make. I said, you know, put that offensive line there. You got a couple receivers, whether it's Will Howard or Aaron Rodgers. Maybe the next guy is not here yet. I don't know. But when that next guy comes, it's plug, insert, and win. And that's why I say, to me, it's like, build everything else around him, you know, don't keep chasing something that you're trying to manufacture. It will happen.
Dan Patrick
The one piece of advice you gave to Mike Tomlin for TV was what?
Bill Cowher
Just be yourself. Honestly, I think that. Think that's the biggest thing for Mike. And, you know, and I think a lot of guys who have left have come back. I did not go back. My situation is a little bit differently, though, than those guys. You know, they.
Dan Patrick
You think Mike's going to do this as a career?
Bill Cowher
I don't think so. I think he's got. I think he loves the sideline. I think he loves the competition. I think he loves that arena. He's an arena guy. And I think when I left, I left for my wife's reasons. It didn't work out, and I got remarried, and I didn't want to take someone back into that world again. I said, you know, it's just. It's a. I would. I didn't want to do that again. And quite frankly, I left on my own. And I could never envision myself being in another uniform except black and gold.
Dan Patrick
Thanks for taking time. I know you got a busy schedule.
Todd
Yeah.
Dan Patrick
I know you're going to be on Pat McAfee, his draft show. Would you like to hit somebody before you leave?
Bill Cowher
Well, I. The fact that you don't have my bobblehead up there, and you blame it on the fact that transportation was an issue, because I can see how much that really takes up a lot of space right there, because you don't want anything to happen. See how big that is? And then the fact you had to go down, ask me about my worst draft pick. So I appreciate the fact that we're back to normal.
Dan Patrick
Would you like to tackle me?
Bill Cowher
No. No, No. I mean, no. No. I would just like to let you keep thinking I'm going to tackle. You can walk on eggshells the rest of your life, but I will always be following you. I told you, if I came to Pittsburgh, I'm coming. The only show, and I. I'm a man.
Dan Patrick
My head is always on a swivel.
Bill Cowher
Yes. No, you're good. You're good. I. I enjoy our talks through the course of the season. Because the one thing I do get to talk about with you is, is more the philosophical approach to some of the things that are taking place. I love the National Football League. I feel like my platform at CBS being kind of a guardian of the game. I like to call bullshit if I have to do it periodically. And sometimes I think that we get caught up in the what we perceive, what we want it to look like as opposed to just doing the right thing. And Mr. Rooney used to always say this. I'll leave you one last story. Dan Rooney, at times I would take talk to him on a Friday afternoon. Everybody's out of the building. I'm in there just preparing my last little bit for my meeting the next day, that next night. And I say, Danny, listen, I'm just let you know, like I may pull the quarterback this week. I don't like the way he's practiced. I don't like the way he's been playing. I'm not sure he's into this. And I says what I want you to know beforehand so that you're not blindsided by this. He would just say like, okay, like where you going to dinner? And I said, well, like we're going to dinner at the club. He goes, the girls got anything this week? I go, the girls are fine. I just want to make sure you know about this quarterback thing. He turned, he'd walk around, walk away. I'm like, did I say something to offend him? Like he would stop at the door, he would look back, he said, coach, just do the right thing. And he would walk away. Well, that didn't help. But you know what though? You know what it was. Understand the consequences of the choices you make. Are you doing it for one person or are you doing it for the team? Are you worried about hurting someone's feelings? Or do you think sometimes that has to happen? In course of having personal growth which will give us substantially team growth. So just doing the right thing, sometimes it's not the easiest thing to do. And sometimes the easiest thing to do isn't always the right thing to do.
Dan Patrick
I'm ready to run through a wall for you. Bill Cower, everybody.
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Todd
Okay, so rhyme time. There's two clues and then the two. The answer to those two clues actually rhyme with one another. Okay, rhyme time.
Dan Patrick
Okay.
Todd
Like an example would be particular pigskin head. Particular pigskin head. Or coach to try to make it a little easier. If someone is particular, they would be choosy. And that pigskin head locally at a university. So real time. I can't make them easy. I can't just hand you the answers. So choosy Narduzzi.
Ferguson Home Ad Voice
That's a tough one.
Todd
Particular pig skin.
Dan Patrick
Okay, give me a better one so the audience will care.
Todd
That's fine. That's fair.
Dan Patrick
Like you don't lead with a real tough one. Like Jeopardy doesn't give you the toughest questions.
Bill Cowher
Right?
Todd
You gotta go to 1200. Okay, how about paddle boat dandruff fighting stealer. Paddle boat dandruff fighting stealer.
Dan Patrick
So something Palomalo, right?
Todd
Like a paddle boat. What's like a little boat? You're a big boat. Main person. Name a type of little boat that you can get in and paddle.
Ferguson Home Ad Voice
Paul Pontoon.
Todd
What rhymes with Palomalu? That would be a rowboat. You've never been in a canoe. Canoe. Palomalu. You're gonna help me out here.
Dan Patrick
We're off to a slow start.
Todd
What is that really a bad clue? A paddleboat being a canoe?
Dan Patrick
We're trying to attract an audience. Todd.
Todd
I think you guys are purposely playing dumb to make this like just ruin this for me.
Dan Patrick
No, no, I'm not playing dumb.
Todd
Canoe Palomalu. Now I gotta give you a third one.
Dan Patrick
Do they even rhyme?
Fox Sports Radio Announcer
Blaze.
Todd
Rocky. Think local. Flavor local. Think Pittsburgh.
Fox Sports Radio Announcer
Blaze.
Todd
Rocky.
Dan Patrick
Fire.
Todd
Fire. Blyer. There you go. You're not helping me sell this at all. And now, hold on.
Dan Patrick
Let me. Let me let the audience. More of that coming up a little bit later on.
Todd
Canoe, you guys got to work with
Dan Patrick
me a little, all right? Dylan is here. Got a Ravens hat on. Nobody's taking a shot at you this week, have they?
Dylan
There you go. Just. Or orally, Verbally.
Dan Patrick
Okay. Okay. Thank you for clarifying that. You're welcome. Pittsburgh. They're really nice people. They're not that nice.
Dylan
They're not quite that nice.
Dan Patrick
Paulie is here. Marvin's here. Yours truly, and of course, the back room guys as well. A lot to kind of decipher here. We'll talk to Lewis Riddick, who was on the draft coverage last night. He played his football at Pitt. He'll join us coming up. Tom Pelissero, NFL Network. Matt Miller, the draft expert from the mothership, as well, some of the highlights. It's weird to. I felt bad for Jeremiah Love, and it's weird to feel bad for him. He's going to make more guaranteed money than any other running back in history at over $50 million. But he's going to Arizona. And I thought it was maybe malpractice because once again, you're getting a guy who is great. He's my favorite player in the draft. But you're going to a team that doesn't have a quarterback. I don't know if they have much of an offensive line. McBride is good. You got Marvin Harrison Jr. III. And now you get Jeremiah Love. Now you got building blocks there. But I thought that Jeremiah Love, somebody was going to go get him. He's expensive for a running back, but he goes third to the Cardinals. The Ty Simpson situation. I want to take you back to yesterday morning. This was probably 12 minutes before the show. Paulie goes, oh, do you see? Glazer was on barstool. And Glaser said, hey, there might be something happening in the draft. A big surprise. And I'm paraphrasing. He said, why don't you reach out to him? I said, okay. So I text Jay and I said, are you up? Because it was West Coast. I said, are you up? He said, yeah. And I said, hey, what's going on with the possibility in the first round? Can you give me any kind of breadcrumbs here? And he said, it, you know, it's blown out of proportion. It's not going to be like Travis Hunter the year before where there's a big trade between Jacksonville and Cleveland. So then at the very end, I go, hey, what are the Rams doing? And he said, oh, the Jeremiah love thing is his smoke screen. And I go, I wasn't asking about Jeremiah love. I said, I think they're taking Ty Simpson at the end of the first round. So there's a pause, and he goes, I don't know. What do you think? And I'm thinking, you're the insider. Why are you asking me this? So I said, I just think they're. They're going to get somebody, and then they'll get somebody at the end of the first round. So you get somebody now. You get somebody maybe who's going to be in the on deck circle for Matthew Stafford. We see the Rams. They take Ty Simpson, 13th pick. And all of a sudden I get this text from Glazer. He goes, I was so. And then he put s o o o o o o o Worried that you heard something about the Rams taking Ty Simpson? I hadn't heard anything. I just thought they're probably going to come up and get him. And it turns out that that was his big scoopage, that Simpson was going 13th overall. He might be the right guy. It was just the wrong time. My thought was, if you get him in the end of the first round. Now, I've. I've tried to find this out this morning, and I haven't gotten. And maybe Tom Pedicero or Lewis Riddick can help me, but it felt like they knew somebody was going to take Ty Simpson a whole lot earlier than anybody else thought. I don't know if it was Pittsburgh. I don't know if the jets would have come back up. The Cardinals, somebody, from what I'm trying to glean some information is they had to go up and get him at 13. But until you know, we have our insiders on there, I don't know that for a fact. Yes, Paulie.
Ferguson Home Ad Voice
So the big debate here is the Rams are our current super bowl contender.
Dan Patrick
I got the best. They have the best odds this morning from draftkings.
Fernando Mendoza
Right.
Dan Patrick
To win the Super Bowl.
Ferguson Home Ad Voice
And with the 13th pick, Sean McVay obviously wants another weapon for next year. Last year, the 13th pick was Tyler Warren, the tight end out of Penn State. He had like 80 catches and 800 yards. There's impact players available at 13.
Dan Patrick
I got DraftKings. The Rams are the favorite to win the super bowl, followed by the Seahawks. Then it's the Bills and Ravens, Chiefs, Niners, Patriots, Chargers, packers, and the Lions. I don't know what impact these draft picks had yesterday. I do like what Seattle did. They got Jadarian Price. He was the other running back at Notre Dame. Can you find out, has there ever been a first round pick who never started a game in his college career? Because I don't think this running back started a game for Notre Dame, but I think they got a great pick because Kenneth Walker goes to Kansas City. You pick him up, and I think that's a great pick for him because he was a he. That'd be one of those, you know, when you have love go out of the game and Price come in and there was no let up there for Notre Dame. But I don't think he started a game. But I can't remember a first round draft pick who didn't start a game. All right, Dylan, what's the poll question for the first hour of the program?
Dylan
We got a couple options, Dan. I have one from Todd. Per usual, I will read it without any changes. The most awkward moment of the NFL draft was an increasingly sweaty Roger Goodell. Extended commissioner hugs of selected players. You don't know me like that. Fernando Mendoza accidentally leaving his little brother Max hanging for a handshake.
Todd
Okay.
Dan Patrick
I thought that that was like a corporate off site meeting. When I saw Fernando Mendoza and his family, a lot of blazers, awkward white guys shaking hands. And you know, you'd have. And his little brother kept. He had his hand out for his brother and his brother totally blew him off. And you're just like, hey, high five. And then it'd be like, dad, but somebody's trying to shake your hand. And I was like. And you know, you get up and you start hugging each other. You're in the same room for the last hour. You don't need to introduce yourself to the people you've been sitting there with for an hour now. Just like. Okay. Yeah. Yes, Paulie.
Ferguson Home Ad Voice
I thought the Mendoza family did a good job acting like they were surprised that their. Their brother went number one in the draft. They're all jumping around and then they're pulling Raiders hats from the cushions to the couch. Not a big surprise.
Dan Patrick
Yeah.
Dylan
With like a news crew there.
Dan Patrick
Yes, Marvin.
Amazon Host
Roger Goodell, he's been perfecting his dap with the players because it's an easy slap hug. Now, there could be a cultural divide sometimes with an older white man and younger black people, but now it was slap hug. There's no. He's been working on that.
Dan Patrick
Yeah.
Amazon Host
So good for him. I mean, but he was sweating like
Dan Patrick
Brother love in the wwe, our handshakes over crisp handshakes. Because yesterday we had a member of
Ferguson Home Ad Voice
the audience got a picture afterwards.
Dan Patrick
African American gentleman who came up and he gave me a handshake.
Amazon Host
Give you a job interview.
Dan Patrick
Handshake. Handshake came to you. Marvin. Man, he started.
Amazon Host
Yeah.
Dan Patrick
Like he was all over you. Like it was a honeymoon.
Amazon Host
It was like the key and Peele speech.
Dan Patrick
Yes.
Amazon Host
The skit.
Dan Patrick
Yes.
Amazon Host
Where everyone, you know, handshake, handshake. How are you? Good to meet you, Marv. Happy Black History Month, brother.
Dan Patrick
Yeah.
Amazon Host
James of Virginia.
Dan Patrick
Yeah. Yes, Dylan.
Dylan
I guess we could do the poll question. If you go in for a handshake, are you doing the classic handshake, a quick dap a fan fist bump, the dap hug. Cuz I get this wrong about 90% of the time.
Dan Patrick
I think you just got to be committed right away. Whatever it is. Like I put the hand out, but I'm more of a dap guy now. I'm. I'm like, all right, let's. We don't need to bring it in and any of that stuff. The commissioner does seem a little overly commissionerly. Like it's just like buddy, you know, he gets excited there. Yes. Todd.
Todd
I think it also depends on the age of the person. Like a handshake is universally accepted, even if it's starting to die out like the dinosaurs. But if like some 75 year old woman comes over to you, like if we're meeting someone here for a meet and greet, you know, daps would seem like a kind of a weird thing that someone that might be someone's grandmother. You're gonna dap them up.
Dan Patrick
Well, thank you, Todd.
Todd
That seems.
Dan Patrick
Alan, you. You're the king of.
Todd
I know. Hugging and awkwardness.
Dan Patrick
Hug. Hugging.
Todd
Yeah.
Bill Cowher
Yeah.
Todd
I. I will meet someone for the first time and I'll bring it in. That's. I was brought up that way. Not. They don't. You don't want to get arrested or anything.
Bill Cowher
But not.
Todd
Not to the point where they're calling 91 1, but just, you know, I just like to show people affection and sometimes it comes across as inappropriate, which is not the intention.
Dan Patrick
Yes, Paul.
Ferguson Home Ad Voice
I don't know if it's on Fritz's poll of awkward moments, but Kaden Proctor, the offensive tackle of Alabama when he got drafted by Miami, nobody said anything nice about the guy. They didn't say like he's a great player. Mel Kuiper said career underachiever. Still waiting for him to pan out. Nick Saban. This guy used to play Underneath him, and he was less than complimentary.
Dan Patrick
It was weird that you're trying to say something. It's almost like it feels like a must lie situation where you want to say something, and then when your compliment is, he's huge. Okay. What else? He's huge. And I go, okay. And then all of a sudden you're hearing Mel say something, Nick Saban saying something, and they're saying, you know, he's really got to apply himself and, you know, keep his weight down. I think was another comment. Yes, Todd.
Todd
It's tough when they show offensive lineman highlights in general and they put, like, the little arrow or the little light on that person, and I know they're doing something significant, but for someone that doesn't play football or it's certainly not offensive line. It doesn't look like anything that exciting. You're that big. You should be able to push them backwards for a couple of seconds so the running back can go through.
Dan Patrick
Thank you, Todd. The Cowboys got Caleb Downs. He seemed pretty excited. Felt like that was. Do you want to talk about an intelligent football player? A great football player. Played at Alabama, played at Ohio State, and Dallas went to get him. And I think that was a great pick. As much as we bang on the Cowboys, and there's a lot of reason to do that. They've drafted pretty well. They've had some pretty good draft picks here, but, you know, the big headliner was Simpson going to the Rams. All righty. Any other poll questions there for the first hour?
Dylan
Paulie sent me one, which is just.
Dan Patrick
You seem like you got roughed up last night.
Fernando Mendoza
Okay.
Dylan
I was actually. I was going to address this. So we were here watching the draft, and it was pretty loud in here, so I was. It was either talking over people or the three cigars that I smoked.
Dan Patrick
You didn't look like you were banged up last night.
Dylan
I wasn't.
Dan Patrick
But you look banged up today.
Dylan
I wasn't drinking this morning.
Ferguson Home Ad Voice
Baby steps.
Dan Patrick
Okay. All right. But. But you're okay?
Dylan
No, I feel good. It's just my voice is a little hoarse.
Dan Patrick
Okay.
Dylan
I only smoke three cigars.
Dan Patrick
Yes. Time.
Todd
I don't want to get too personal, but I kind of like the raspy to me more thing. We're getting a little close.
Dan Patrick
What did you do last night?
Todd
I went to Hamburger Harry's or whatever
Ferguson Home Ad Voice
the place is called.
Todd
Touchdown. Touchdown. Jesus.
Ferguson Home Ad Voice
What was it called?
Todd
Home Run Harry's. And I got a turkey club and a side of Chicken Tenderness. It's a good thing. I got two things.
Ferguson Home Ad Voice
It's not A side. It's a separate. It's a separate entree.
Todd
Some people get french fries. I got like. And chicken tender. But there was. The order was. It was. Was fine. It was serviceable. But I was expecting, like, you know, when I go, like, to New York to get a big corned beef sandwich.
Dan Patrick
Where did you watch the draft?
Todd
I watched the draft in the comfort of room seven, now that I checked out.
Dan Patrick
Okay,
Amazon Host
no one's going there.
Dan Patrick
Nobody's going to your room.
Todd
Well, now that I've checked out, just in case.
Dylan
Only I knew that yesterday.
Todd
There's no stalkers, but 7:17 in the Sheraton right there. The Sheraton Square station.
Dan Patrick
You were there by yourself?
Todd
I was. And I really enjoyed. I enjoyed my time.
Dylan
Whoever's in that room next is in
Dan Patrick
for a rude treatment.
Todd
I had my broncos little Zubazi pants on and a little softball shirt. I put the TV on. I had my. My hot. My honey mustard for the tenders, a little mayo for the turkey club, and I was good to go. I was fine.
Dan Patrick
Nobody embraces the city of Pittsburgh quite like you do.
Todd
I went for a long walk on Tuesday after our rehearsal and everything. And then the other days, I just. We went out for dinner. I was sociable, right? We went into dinner Tuesday night and Wednesday night. But at the last night, I wasn't in the mood for anybody. Honesty.
Dan Patrick
We had a draft party last night.
Todd
I heard that you guys may be coming here for something, but I'm not a cigar smoker. And it gets in my face and my eyes stop burning. I'm like, you know what? I'm going to just watch it under the covers. I was in bed there, like at 8:17 under the covers. I think definitely by 8:30. By pick six. Whoever had the six pick. I was definitely under the covers there. I got hot and I took the
Dan Patrick
COVID There are children here. So you.
Todd
You were under the COVID I was very comfortable.
Dan Patrick
Okay.
Todd
I had my bronco onesie on.
Dan Patrick
All right, here we go. You are so, by the way, the Todd cast. If you ever want to know more about Todd and why Todd is Todd the toddcastanpatrick.com.
Todd
that's my mother's fault.
Bill Cowher
We know that.
Dan Patrick
It is your mother's fault.
Todd
And at 56, I said, some point, you got to take responsibility for your own behavior. It's crazy.
Bill Cowher
A lot of people do that.
Todd
My mom screwed me up. A lot of people do that when they talk to their psychiatrist. But at some point you're like, you know what? I'm an adult and whatever I do, that's on me.
Bill Cowher
Now.
Dan Patrick
This is Friday. Fritzi, I'm going to put you on a word count today. Okay?
Bill Cowher
That's fair.
Dan Patrick
I'm going to have to do that.
Dylan
All right.
Dan Patrick
So we're going to have to have a word count for each hour.
Todd
Are you saying I tend to ramble a little bit? I don't get to the point. What do we say?
Dan Patrick
Land the plane, Todd. Land the plane. Back to you on draft day. Every team has to have a plan, but some things are in their control and some things are A supply chain shouldn't feel that way With Penske Logistics, businesses perform at their peak. More accuracy, reliable delivery and the confidence in technology to make stronger decisions when the unexpected happens. Penske Adjust in football, a team can't control every snap in the supply chain. Businesses can control everything that matters with Penske Logistics. Learn more Penske Logistics.com struggling to see up close?
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Todd
This is an iHeart podcast.
Dan Patrick
Guaranteed Human.
Episode Date: April 25, 2026
Podcast Network: iHeartPodcasts and Dan Patrick Podcast Network
This “Best of the Week” episode of The Dan Patrick Show centers on insider interviews, humorous team banter, and thoughtful NFL Draft analysis. Dan brings his trademark pop culture and sports perspective through engaging conversations with A-list guests, including Heisman-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza and Hall of Fame coach Bill Cowher. The episode spotlights Mendoza’s rapid rise and personal journey, Cowher’s coaching insights and hilarious stories, and the show crew’s lively draft banter, all delivered in DP’s signature candid, irreverent, and insightful style.
[02:35 – 12:17]
Mendoza’s Meteoric Rise
“If I would have told him last year he was going to win the Heisman, what would he have said?” (03:02)
“I would have said, what are you on?... I just made the move from Cal to Indiana and I was getting my butt kicked by the Indiana defense.” (03:03)
Adapting to Change & Adversity
“Moving to Bloomington, Indiana, which is awesome, but 0 degree and 7 inches of snow is not ideal…” (03:53)
NFL Role Models & Preparation
“I watched New England Patriots play the Giants and...fell enamored with the New England Patriots.” (04:52)
“I watched all his Minnesota Vikings pass tape, every single pass… 30 minutes or an hour of Kirk Cousins… and [this year], Matthew Stafford.” (06:21)
Philanthropy & Partnership with Pfizer
“50% of Americans are behind on their cancer screenings. To take that step into your health is something I believe in…” (07:26)
Championship Touchdown Memory
“The huddle is a very special place. It’s like football heaven for me... I was able to deliver the play call with complete confidence…” (09:10)
Draft Night Plans and Personal Reflections
“It’s very important to have everyone who’s poured into me be there… My mom really wanted to do it at home.” (10:27)
“If I didn’t do football, I’d be grinding the streets of New York doing finance. But luckily God blessed me.” (11:25)
Memorable Farewell
“I’ve been a fan of you for a long time. My dad loves listening to you…God bless. Hope we have future interaction.” (12:10)
[17:23 – 35:58]
Homegrown Pressure Coaching in Pittsburgh
“You learn quickly...it’s a city with a lot of communities connected by bridges. But there’s a proud element… it does become territorial, becomes personal.” (19:03)
Impostor Syndrome and Early Coaching Fears
“If I don’t screw this up in three years, I can go back to my 20th high school class reunion at Carlington High School…” (20:40)
Humor & Hometown Critique
“First hour, everyone’s cordial. Second hour… after a few drinks, they’re telling me how I screwed up the San Diego Charger game…” (21:06)
“‘How dumb was that, was it start Neil O’Donnell… over Bobby Brister?’ I go, Dad, that was me… ‘Well, I’m sure he had a good reason, but it’s still a stupid decision.’” (23:05)
Draft & Team-Building Philosophy
“I think Tom Brady, to me… him and Peyton Manning… they knew what preparation was all about, didn’t get flustered… They led by example.” (25:26)
“I’m gonna say Lawrence Taylor. He was one of the most disruptive players at his time in the game.” (26:44)
Managing Player Creativity and Greatness
“He wasn’t [always allowed to freelance]; he earned the right… I don’t want to harness him because when he had a feel for something, he could play very free and do things that were disruptive. You don’t harness greatness.” (28:00–29:30)
Draft Regrets
“Do you want me to go into that?… There was just no communication…” (30:23–31:23)
Steelers Quarterback Situation
“We gotta give Will Howard a chance… build this thing. I think an offensive lineman tonight is going to be the pick…” (31:31)
On Transitioning to Broadcasting
“Just be yourself. Honestly, I think that’s the biggest thing for Mike.” (32:31)
“I left for my wife’s reasons. It didn’t work out, I got remarried, and I didn’t want to take someone back into that world again…” (32:46)
Classic Rooney Family Wisdom
“Just do the right thing.” (34:11)
[42:14 – 54:41]
Draft Night Surprises
“My thought was, if you get him in the end of the first round… they knew somebody was going to take Ty Simpson a whole lot earlier than anybody else thought…” (44:41)
Jeremiah Love’s Selection
“He’s going to make more guaranteed money... but you’re going to a team that doesn’t have a quarterback.” (43:56)
Draft Poll Questions
“Fernando Mendoza accidentally leaving his little brother Max hanging for a handshake...” (47:04)
Draft Coverage & Player Highlights
“If you want to talk about an intelligent football player… a great football player.” (51:24)
Classic Dan Patrick Humor
“You’re in the same room for the last hour. You don’t need to introduce yourself to the people you’ve been sitting there with for an hour...” (47:27)
Cultural Gap in Daps and Hugs
[40:04 – 42:14 & 52:29 – 54:41]
Todd’s “Rhyme Time” Puzzle Game
“Particular pigskin head...” … “Choosy Narduzzi.” (40:11)
“Do they even rhyme?” – Dan (41:32)
Personal Banter
Fernando Mendoza on facing doubt:
“There was definitely a lot of wariness and maybe some...double double takes. At first, however, God’s plan prided true.” (04:14)
Bill Cowher on Troy Polamalu’s freedom:
“You don’t harness greatness...if you have that feel for the game...I like that. And I’ll live with the periodic mistakes.” (29:04)
Dan, on live sports analysis:
“There’s speed when you’re watching on TV, and then there’s in the moment speed when you’re standing on the sidelines and it’s completely different.” (27:03)
Cowher on Dan Rooney’s guidance:
“Just do the right thing.” (34:11)
Show banter/parody of Roger Goodell’s ‘dap’:
“There could be a cultural divide sometimes with an older white man and younger black people, but now it was slap hug. He’s been working on that.” (48:17)
| Time | Content | |--------------|------------------------------------------------------| | 02:35-12:17 | Fernando Mendoza Interview | | 17:23-35:58 | Bill Cowher Interview | | 40:04-42:14 | Rhyme Time/Personal Antics | | 42:14-54:41 | Draft analysis, crew banter, prominent NFL stories |
Whether you’re a sports junkie, casual NFL watcher, or just want a good laugh, this “Best of the Week” episode is worth the listen—no huddle, just high-level radio fun.