The Dan Patrick Show – C&R: Ben RICE, Shaq Diesel, Trading Cards

Date: March 25, 2026
Hosts: Steve Covino & Rich Davis (Covino & Rich)
Guest: Shaquille O’Neal (“Shaq Diesel”)

Episode Overview

This lively episode of Covino & Rich (C&R) on The Dan Patrick Show blends humor, sports talk, and pop culture with a deep dive into one of the week's most viral and entertaining topics: athletes whose names are perfectly suited for specific endorsements. The show features Shaquille O’Neal (“Shaq Diesel”) for a round of trivia, takes witty calls from listeners pitching their best athlete-endorsement matches, and closes with a discussion on a resurgent trend: collectible trading cards and Target’s major expansion into the market.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Ben Rice Story and “Perfect” Endorsements

(03:59–10:32)

• Kicker Topic: Yankees prospect Ben Rice becomes the new face of Ben’s Original Rice, inspiring a flood of ideas for similarly “perfect” athlete endorsements.
• Hosts’ Playful Tone: The discussion becomes an open brainstorm session—part stand-up, part sports radio, part informal pitch meeting.
• Memorable Quotes:
  • “What are some other endorsements that just seem so perfect they gotta happen? Let’s make them happen.” – Steve Covino (04:32)
• Examples from Hosts and Guest:
  • Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson for Bluechew (“Johnson” jokes) (05:12)
  • Troy Polamalu for Head & Shoulders (already done) (06:04)
  • Jameis Winston for The Boiling Crab (06:12)
  • Cal “Big Dumper” Raleigh for Toto Toilets (06:27)
  • George Brett for Dude Wipes (referencing infamous story) (06:39)
  • Mike Tyson for Tyson Chicken (listener suggestion) (10:37–10:54)
  • Jerry Rice for Rice-A-Roni (listener suggestion) (11:07–11:41)
• Meta-joke: There’s “no wrong answer” as long as the name or reputation links to the brand, even if the pitch is ridiculous.

2. Audience Engagement: Callers Pitch Endorsements

(10:32–16:57 and 26:21–30:02)

• Massive Response: Phone lines are overwhelmed as the public brings their most creative, silliest ideas.
• Memorable Calls:
  • Dick Trickle (NASCAR driver): Ought to have done Depends (“as you get up there in age…”) (12:46, 13:00)
  • Aaron Rodgers for Shrooms (Giorgio Mushrooms): References Rodgers’ ayahuasca trips (13:54)
  • Dairy Queen endorsement for rookie Queen on the Pelicans (14:42)
  • Howie Long for ExtenZe: “How has that not happened?” (28:44)
  • Peyton Manning for Omaha Steaks (“Omaha!”) (27:59)
  • Cam Newton for Fig Newtons: “Why do I wear a hat all the time? To hide my Fig Newtons.” (17:18–17:43)
• Running Joke: Ryan is positioned as the “Simon Cowell” of endorsement pitches, giving approval or “buzzing” ideas.
• Hosts’ Touch: Covino & Rich keep energy high, riffing on ideas, approving even the dumbest ones for entertainment value.
• Quote: “Some are gonna stick, some are gonna stink.” – Steve Covino (12:39)

3. Shaq Diesel Joins — Endorsement Jokes & Basketball Trivia

(38:56–44:13)

• Shaquille O'Neal’s Endorsement History: Shaq recalls his own real-life endorsement, Radio Shack, and pitches Barkley (“Bark Bites”)—keeping up the segment’s theme.
  • “How about my guy Barkley? Charles Barkley for Bark Bite Dog Treats. Get it? Barkley.” – Shaq (39:42)
• Segment: Shaq Diesel Trivia
  • Listeners compete in trivia, with Shaq reading questions and lobbing a few jokes.
  • Shaq’s Pick: “OKC” (Oklahoma City Thunder) as NBA title favorite (39:59–40:05)
  • Trivia highlights include questions about the Detroit Pistons’ win streak and the Minnesota Timberwolves’ mascot (“Crunch”).
• Memorable Moment: Shaq references one of his own famous quotes: “I don’t know how it is for you earthlings, but where I’m from, strength is mental.” (43:31)

4. Trading Cards Come Back in a Big Way

(45:05–51:19)

• Topic: Trading cards are surging again, with Target announcing a major expansion of their card/collectibles department, aiming for a $1 billion annual market (45:46)
  • “Target Corporation is doubling down on the hobby of collecting cards because it’s back.” – Steve Covino (45:56)
• Nostalgia & Culture:
  • Hosts reminisce about their own card-collecting days before “discovering women” (45:08)
    • “Before I discovered boobs, all I cared about was video games and baseball cards.” – Steve Covino (45:12)
  • References to Beckett magazine and “mom-and-pop” card shops.
• Current Experience:
  • “The only downside is… the rare coins and card shop in your hometown that’s hanging on might be like, really, Target? You’re gonna do the card?” – Rich Davis (49:36)
• Hosts’ Take: The move is heralded as a win for collectors, families, and nostalgia, albeit with a nod to what it could mean for small businesses.

Notable Quotes & Moments with Timestamps

• “How about George Brett for Dude Wipes?” – Steve Covino (06:39)
• “If you don’t know the George Brett story, look it up on YouTube and thank us later.” – Show Producer (06:50)
• “Mike Tyson with Tyson chicken… Don’t confuse me with Tyson’s chicken, but I still love it.” – Steve Covino, riffing on caller’s endorsement (10:46)
• “Some are gonna stick, some are gonna stink.” – Steve Covino (12:39)
• “I always thought it’d have been good if Evander Holyfield would have signed up with, like, Bell Tone…after getting his ear bitten off.” – Kevin in Wisconsin (15:51)
• “I don’t know how it is for you earthlings, but where I’m from, strength is mental.” – Shaquille O’Neal (43:31)
• “Before I discovered boobs, all I cared about was video games and baseball cards.” – Steve Covino (45:12)

Important Segments & Timestamps

• Ben Rice/Endorsements Introduction: (03:59–10:32)
• Best Endorsement Brainstorm (Callers): (10:32–16:57; 26:21–30:02)
• Shaq Joins/Trivia: (38:56–44:13)
• Trading Card Comeback Discussion: (45:05–51:19)

Episode Tone & Flavor

• Playful & inclusive: The hosts bounce jokes off each other and embrace even the silliest audience suggestions, never taking themselves too seriously.
• Nostalgic: The trading card conversation is loaded with references to childhood, cultural touchstones, and a playful lament for old-school hobbies.
• Celebrity-Driven: Shaq’s appearance adds star power and keeps the playful ethos going.
• Community-Oriented: Heavy call-in participation, making listeners part of the show.

Final Thoughts

This episode is a freewheeling, interactive crowd-pleaser—a perfect snapshot of why C&R’s blend of sports, humor, and nostalgia resonates. Whether you’re a card collector, Shaq fan, or just love a silly sports radio riff, this one’s for you.

To hear more elevator-pitch endorsements or relive your childhood collecting cards, skip to the marked segments. For trivia fun with Shaq, jump to 38:56!