The Dan Patrick Show — C&R: “Boswell Blazed His Sports Niche”

Date: September 11, 2025
Network: iHeartPodcasts / Dan Patrick Podcast Network

Episode Overview

In this episode of Covino & Rich (C&R), the duo dives into the importance and power of “niche” roles—in sports, broadcasting, and life—anchored by a spotlight on Pittsburgh Steelers kicker Chris Boswell, who hit a game-winning 60-yard field goal. Using Boswell’s journey as a springboard, the show explores how unheralded positions, underdog stories, and embracing unique paths can lead to success. The hosts also riff on sports etiquette, crazy hidden talents, the saturation of “mainstream” broadcasting—and manage to keep the energy up even on a somber news day.

Main Discussion Points

Setting the Tone: Dealing with a Heavy News Day

• The show acknowledges a somber mood due to tragic news (the assassination of Charlie Kirk), but leans into sports as a force for unity and escape.
  • Rich: “I know what we’re doing. We’re trying to have fun on a really crappy day. ... The one thing that does unite us is sports.” (12:17)

Niche Sports & Unexpected Talents

• Fencing is discussed after one host reveals a college fencing background, leading to stories about people’s hidden or niche athletic backgrounds.
• The hosts joke about how you discover surprising pasts when you really get to know someone, like a dad who did college gymnastics or a friend who dove in high school.
  • Rich: “Are you surprised? You ever find out a skill about someone. This is interesting...like, I had a buddy that played water polo in college...wait, you're treading water that whole time?” (16:37)

The Power of Embracing the Niche — Sports & Broadcasting

• Launching off Iowan Sam’s fencing and Boswell’s career, the show discusses the value of specializing in roles others overlook.
• Ariel Helwani is cited as an example—starting as a baseball fan wanting to broadcast, he focused on mixed martial arts reporting while the field was empty, riding the rising MMA wave to become the defining UFC broadcaster.
  • Covino: “He saw an opportunity to be the voice of mixed martial arts in UFC because no one else was doing it. ... He took the road less traveled. Yeah, and that’s made all the difference.” (19:03)
• Major theme: “Corner the market” by picking a specialty that’s in less demand.
  • “I’m a believer in looking for those little opportunities. ... The other opportunities are oversaturated.” (20:25)
  • "It's sort of the theory of like, not everyone could be the quarterback." (21:10)

Boswell’s Story: Kicker Laughed At, Hero Now

• Chris Boswell declared he wanted to be a kicker as a high school student and was laughed at by peers and coaches—but his commitment to a less-glamorous position paid off.
  • Rich: “He had his career set and mindset on something that people don’t normally gravitate to...not an easier path, but just a more unique path. But I think that makes all the difference.” (23:15)
• Memorable moment/quote: “He was laughed at, but he was a hero this past weekend, so it’s a great story for kids.” (25:00)

Lessons for Life: Applying the Niche Mindset

• If you want to become a broadcaster, podcaster, or standout in any field, focusing tightly on a unique subject or role is the winning move in an era where everyone wants the same broad spotlight.
  • Rich: “If you were starting from scratch now ... do a podcast only on the LA Kings. Do it. ... Do a podcast only about hot dog eating. ... It has to be that to make it.” (26:54)
• Sports positions with “hidden scholarship” potential are highlighted: diving, field hockey, pole vault, shot put—any slot that most kids avoid.
• The metaphor extends: “Not everyone’s the lead singer. ... You need a tambourine man.” (29:01)

Mike’s Words of Wisdom (21:55 - 27:00)

• Regular “words of wisdom” segment from “Big Mike”:
  • Quote: “You are what you do, not what you promise you’ll do. Character is defined by deeds, not words.” (21:57)
• Call-in game where callers repeat the phrase verbatim to win a Nerf football.
• After some misfires, Ashton from Charlotte gets it right.

Modern Broadcasting and “Everyone’s a Podcaster”

• The hosts reflect on how once-unique broadcasting careers have become mainstream hobbies, noting the content flood.
  • Covino: “I always felt like when I chose this ... how unique I am to be that guy. And now everyone does it in their socks, in their basement.” (36:42)
• Mocking the emptiness of viral “inspirational” content:
  • "#Don’t love your job, job your love#" (38:05)

Fan Etiquette & Social Behavior (97:00+)

• Venting about annoying fan behavior at stadiums: vaping near kids, lack of self-awareness, booming noise, sportsmanship.
  • Dan: “There was kids in the row with me...the row in front...kept taking out their vape pen...and it was like, going right to the kids. I'm like, what are you doing? Go to the restroom and do that.” (97:54)
• Discussion: undercover cops wearing opposing team jerseys at Seahawks games to keep peace.

Midweek Major Segment (53:57+)

Headlines and takes on sports/pop culture stories—host Spot moderates.

1. Angel Reese, WNBA Drama (54:48)

• Chicago Sky’s Angel Reese criticized for public team comments; Sophie Cunningham says drama should stay in the locker room.
  • Rich: “Angel Reese calling out the team is not a good look...I think there should be a fine involved. So I’m team Sophie Cunningham on this one.”
  • Both hosts agree: drama isn’t good for locker rooms, but it keeps the WNBA in the spotlight.

2. Morgan Wallen Bat Flip Incident (57:23)

• Musician Morgan Wallen and Jose Bautista do a bat flip; Batista’s wife gets hit while filming.
  • Rich: “What did he think was gonna happen? ... You don’t expect anybody to be back there backstage. ... Hit his wife of all people.”

3. Travis Kelce Addresses Team Play (58:51)

• Kelce takes the blame for colliding with teammate Xavier Worthy and causing an injury; he vows to be better.
  • Covino: “We’re seeing that maturity ... you still could learn a few things and want to improve 13 years into the league...”

4. Mike Tyson’s Vulnerable Side (1:01:19)

• Tyson reveals use of fentanyl in his boxing career, and also, the Notebook is his favorite movie.
  • Covino: “That whole story encapsulates why we love Mike Tyson ... he’s a very flawed man, but also has this weird vulnerable side where you love him.”

5. Peyton Manning Invites the Pope (1:03:12)

• Peyton Manning wrote handwritten letters to Pope Leo XIV in hopes of landing him as a “Manning Cast” guest.
  • Rich: “A handwritten letter goes a long way ... that would be wild.”
  • Covino: “If Kelsey got Taylor Swift just from shooting his shot, they could do it too with the Pope.”

Notable Quotes

• On specializing and seizing niche opportunities:

  • “You have a better chance of saying early on ‘I want to be a catcher’ and then making it because there’s less options with catchers.” (22:37 — Covino)

• On the value of overlooked roles:

  • “Not everyone’s the quarterback. ... You need a place kicker. You need a tambourine man.” (29:01 — Covino/Rich)

• On modern media saturation:

  • “Everyone thinks they deserve to be on a microphone. ... Now everyone does it in their socks, in their basement. ... Not everyone deserves a microphone.” (36:42, 38:14 — Covino)

• On teaching kids to find the path less traveled:

  • “If you’re brave enough to put on the gear and catch, you might find yourself on the all star team.” (23:01—Rich)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Themed Discussion Launch (“crappy day” & sports as unity): 12:17
• Fencing/Niche talents riff: 13:40 - 17:00
• Ariel Helwani niche-broadcasting example: 19:03 - 20:14
• Boswell’s kicker origin story: 21:04 - 24:15
• Mike’s Words of Wisdom: 21:55 - 27:00
• Broader advice: Mainstream vs. Niche (podcasts, sports): 25:00 - 29:40
• Midweek Major segment: 53:57 - 1:09:00
• Fan etiquette / stadium behavior: 97:00+
• Closing thoughts (“not everyone’s a quarterback/lead singer”): 29:01
• On modern media saturation/‘everyone’s a podcaster’: 36:42-39:00

Tone & Style

• Language: Conversational, witty, and irreverent, rich with pop culture references, inside jokes, and the regulars’ chemistry.
• Energy: Upbeat and bantering—even on heavy news days, with a throughline of “sports as a positive force.”

Quick Takeaways

• Underrated paths pay off: Whether in sports positions like kicking/catching, or media niches, going against the crowd often yields big rewards.
• Respect the power of deeds: Words (and promises) are outweighed by actions—a philosophy echoed in both the “words of wisdom” and the Boswell narrative.
• Modern media is saturated: To succeed in today’s landscape, you must find your distinctive edge or specialty.
• Locker room > public trash talk: Internal drama should stay within teams, but controversy still drives viewership, especially in leagues like the WNBA.
• Personal quirks matter: Even sports legends (like Mike Tyson) and media titans (like Peyton Manning) are made more relatable—and successful—by showing personality and taking surprising risks.

For New Listeners

If you didn’t catch this episode, you’ll walk away with:

• Insightful stories about underdogs creating their own success by embracing “niche” opportunities—using examples from football, broadcasting, and beyond.
• Real talk on the culture of sports, what separates successful specialists from the crowd, and why kids (and adults) shouldn’t always chase the “main” roles.
• The usual rapid-fire, fun banter and relatable moments that make Covino & Rich a comforting listen—even on tough news days.

[End of Summary]