C&R - Bottom of the Burrow

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Dan Patrick Show – C&R: Bottom of the Burrow

Date: December 13, 2025
Hosts: Covino & Rich (C&R), with Dan Byer
Platform: iHeartPodcasts & Dan Patrick Podcast Network

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Episode Overview

This action-packed episode centers on Joe Burrow’s surprisingly somber comments, sparking speculation about his future with the Cincinnati Bengals and whether he’s contemplating retirement. The hosts break down the mental toll of repeated injuries on NFL stars, discuss the competitive spirit of pro athletes, and take listeners' calls on “leaving early” in sports. Lively banter, sharp analysis, and some humor keep things moving as the show navigates other NFL storylines and playoff scenarios, with side notes on pop culture and personal anecdotes.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Joe Burrow’s “Is He Okay?” Moment

• Context: Joe Burrow made headlines after a recent press conference where he questioned whether football was still fun for him, triggering comparisons with Andrew Luck’s early retirement.
• Speculation: The hosts debate whether Burrow is really thinking about stepping away or just having a “terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day”.
  • Covino highlights that Burrow's tone was noticeably subdued compared to previous interviews.
  • Jamar Chase (Bengals WR) comments surfaced pushing back against the retirement narrative but acknowledging the unusual vibes.
• Key Quote (Joe Burrow, Press Conference played at [12:17], repeated at [23:40]):

  “If I want to keep doing this, I have to have fun doing it. I’ve been through a lot, and if it’s not fun, then what am I doing it for? … It’s just a reflection on a lot of things that I’ve done and been through in my career. I think I've been through more than most and certainly not easy on the brain or the body. So just trying to have fun doing it again.”

2. Comparisons to Andrew Luck

• Covino draws a strong parallel between Burrow’s tone and Andrew Luck’s emotional retirement announcement at 29:
  • “I remember being really sad by that. And I’m not an Andrew Luck fan, I’m not a Colts fan, but I’m a fan of greatness.” ([09:24] – Covino)
  • Discussion about how young players (Luck, Barry Sanders, Jim Brown, Luke Kuechly) have walked away early due to repeated injuries and mental exhaustion.

3. Bouncing Back or Breaking Down: The Mental Grinding of the NFL

• The show examines whether an NFL star, despite fame and wealth, can reach a mental and physical breaking point due to constant injuries.
  • “No matter how great your hair is… everyone’s got problems. He’s got a Victoria’s Secret supermodel girlfriend…you’d think, what could possibly bother this guy? But he does seem, like you said, like he’s going through it.” ([11:45] – Rich Eisen)
• Covino believes these are “the most competitive people on the planet” and quitting doesn’t come easy, while Rich empathizes with the logic of walking away early to protect health.
  • “It's got to be mentally frustrating. Mentally exhausting. Physically exhausting. It's always an uphill battle. And that’s exactly the reason Andrew Luck called it quits early.” ([18:04] – Covino)

4. How Teammates and Fans Perceive ‘Negative Energy’

• Discussion of the impact of a franchise QB displaying defeatist body language or public uncertainty.
  • “It’s not the type of talk you want to hear from any leader in your profession.” ([17:17] – Covino)
• Dan Byer points out possible consequences for teammates who’ve just signed long-term deals, relying on their quarterback’s commitment ([14:00]).

5. Fan Reactions: Is It Retirement, Trade Demand, or Just a Funk?

• The crew opens the phone lines, eliciting interesting takes:
  • Larry from Vegas compares Burrow’s statement to a breakup phone call: “If a chick called you … and said … ‘I’m not having fun anymore’—you guys know what that means.” ([37:07])
  • Dan Byer floats the Jets as a theoretically interested party if Burrow really wanted out ([37:39]).

6. The AFC “Window” and What’s at Stake

• A segment on how the competitive AFC landscape—with Mahomes’ Chiefs currently beatable—makes this a critical “window” for the Bengals that’s fast closing.
  • “This was another little window, as you like to say. … The Chiefs were off. Buffalo doesn’t seem to be what they were. … So when you [Burrow] are sort of giving in, that… ‘Man, the AFC’s going to be represented by Bo Nix or Drake May. This should have been our path.’” ([21:07])

7. Listener Calls: Early Retirements & NFL “What-Ifs”

• Several callers share memories of stars who retired early, including takes on Andrew Luck, Don Mattingly, Patrick Willis, Luke Kuechly, and Chris Borland ([38:52] – Daniel in VA).

8. Playoff Picture & NFL Realignment Discussion

• Pivot to the playoff race, focusing on possible NFC realignment and whether division winners deserve home games if their records are inferior ([49:07] – Rich and Dan Byer).
  • Dan Byer: “Winning your division, especially in a year like this, just to get into the playoffs is fine. … But to have a home game is just, it’s ridiculous.” ([50:32])

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Athlete’s Psychology:
  “It's winnings in their DNA. They're the most competitive people on the planet. … You think Joe Burrow is pleased with another season that got away?” – Covino ([20:14])
• On Team Loyalty vs. Personal Health:
  “If he runs it back next year and… hurts his knee or something, then I think you’ll be like ‘That’s it.’ But I think he’s got one more… what do they call it? One more college try, one more hurrah.” – Rich Eisen ([35:10])
• On Burrow’s Odd Press Conference:
  “I want to hear, ‘Back to the drawing board and get ’em next year’ … and we didn’t this time.” – Covino ([24:03])
• Listener Larry from Vegas: “If a chick called you … and said … ‘I’m not having fun anymore’ — you guys know what that means.” ([37:18])

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• Joe Burrow’s comments and analysis:
  • [12:17], [23:40] – Burrow’s quote played and analyzed
  • [11:35] – Context for Burrow’s tone; is it retirement talk?
  • [14:00] – Implications for teammates
• Parallels to Andrew Luck: [09:24]
• Listener Calls about early retirements: [35:56]–[39:28]
• Discussion of NFL Playoff Realignment: [49:07]–[51:14]
• NFC East analysis teaser: [52:07]
• Humor & banter (Side notes):
  • "He’s got a Victoria Secret supermodel girlfriend..." ([11:48])
  • “I would call up Sebastian Maniscalco and be like, ‘Hey, you got five minutes for this guy? Make him laugh or something.’” ([25:47])

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Tone & Style

• Playful, conversational, and full of sports radio energy.
• Mixes hard analysis, fan perspectives, and locker-room humor.
• Hosts riff on pop culture (e.g., The Bangles, Macaulay Culkin, positivity bunnies) to keep discussions light even on serious subjects.

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Summary for New Listeners

This episode of The Dan Patrick Show (Covino & Rich edition) is the definitive quick course on the Joe Burrow drama—breaking down his worrying press conference, examining the physical and mental grind of NFL stardom, and wondering if everyone’s overreacting or if there’s a looming early retirement story. The crew relates Burrow’s plight to big moments in sports history (Luck, Sanders, Brown, Kuechly), gets fan insight via calls, and moves nimbly through playoff debates, all with signature wit. Sports fans curious about the Bengals QB, or how grit and mental fatigue intersect in pro football, will find this essential, lively listening.

Transcript

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[Dan Byler]

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[Covino]

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[Covino]

To the Covino Enrich Podcast.

[Rich Eisen]

Be sure to catch us live every.

[Covino]

Weekday from 5 to 7 Eastern, 2 to 4 Pacific on Fox Sports Radio.

[Rich Eisen]

Find your local station for Kavito and [e-mail] or stream us live every day on the iHeartRadio app by searching FSR Yo Friday, that's us. Friday's Friday. Today's Friday Friday Friday and we're streaming.

[Covino]

Live at Kino and Rich FSR on YouTube Covino and Rich FSR on YouTube let's get the live stream Popping the live chat. Let's pluck some smack. People chiming in. We got Iowa Sam on the ones and twos.

[Rich Eisen]

Hi Sammy.

[Covino]

We got Dan Byer hanging out with his great insight and your updates. We got Danny G. Super producing and of course Spotty's here. We Got friends here, we got the mousers in the studio. You guys are always welcome to stop by the most interactive, most inclusive show on radio 877-99-FOX. Let the wild rumpus start. Let the weekend begin. Let's rock.

[Rich Eisen]

Doing it live from the Fox Sports Radio studio. And like you said, if you miss any of the show, catch the pod, do it live and see us do it. We're doing every day on the YouTube page. You said that as well. So hey, let's get into it. A lot of NFL today, some baseball today, mom sort of spent on baseball. I'll be honest, because I'm so upset about the Mets that I think I could take a little break and you could tell me all the great things that are happening to every team but mine.

[Covino]

Yes, exactly. Rich, the sad Mets fan, let me.

[Rich Eisen]

Ask you this before we get into football because I do want to start with Joe Burrow today. But when you see what's happening to my Mets and it's happened to any team in any sport at one point where you feel like your team sort.

[Covino]

Of falling apart, as a Yankees fan, I don't take any joy in it. You know, I think it sucks. I think it's at the seat of.

[Rich Eisen]

Do you let management see it through? Because owner Steve Cohen and David Stearns are like, hey, it's, it's like December. Wait till you see what lineup we have. April.

[Covino]

Yeah.

[Rich Eisen]

Like is everyone jumping the gun because let's say the Mets somehow deal some prospects for school bowl and they end up getting Tucker and they end up revamping, then we all going to be like, we're sorry.

[Covino]

Yeah, you still got Simeon, you still got Soto, you still got Lindor.

[Rich Eisen]

Yeah, right.

[Covino]

You still got some moves to make.

[Rich Eisen]

And they're Saying like Tatis Jr. Is a possibility.

[Covino]

So you know, you lost that you lost vibe and you lost and you can't replace that vibe in that entrance and Timmy trumpets. You can't replace the theatrics that he brought. But hey, Froy, you know, he has a weak ass season and you pick up someone good. So. And you never know who steps up. Right. So it's not all doom and gloom, but we have lots of football to talk about. Old man Rivers this weekend, what to watch this weekend not only in sports and football but in entertainment. We do it every Friday weekend hobnobbing what makes Rich's big TV game of the week and more.

[Rich Eisen]

You know what I said we're going to start with Joe Burrow. I feel like everyone's talking About Philip Rivers. When do we Dan Buyer. Is there a timeframe when we get past this Colts wait and see mode? Is there a. A press conference, a tweet sent out? Is someone on the case? Like, how do we know when they're gonna save and he's good to go?

[Dan Byler]

I think we'll find out by tomorrow on what which way they're leaning. Doesn't have to announce a starter. I have a feeling that if Rivers doesn't start that he still may be active. That could also be the case, but I think tomorrow we're going to find out word who is actually going to start for Indianapolis. I don't think it'll be them taking the field against the Seahawks and us being like.

[Rich Eisen]

I mean, in general, though, how wildly disappointed will we all be if they go at some random.

[Dan Byler]

Well, yeah, and you're right. Here's the other thing is they don't want to tell him too early because he may forget because he's so old.

[Rich Eisen]

You know what?

[Dan Byler]

That's my second old joke of the day. Philip Rivers.

[Rich Eisen]

Thank you very much, man.

[Covino]

So funny. I appreciate that. You know what, I am not seeing a lot of though. I. I've heard some rumblings and I've seen it on social media a few times. But you know, when Mike Tyson got in the ring at 58 with Jake Paul, there was a lot of concern of, man, he's 58. Should they allow that? Here's a dude who hasn't played in five years. He is 44. No one's concerned about this guy taking hits from these young ass dudes.

[Rich Eisen]

44, he hasn't.

[Covino]

44, I know, but he hasn't played in five years. I think that's a big part of it being game ready.

[Rich Eisen]

I think it's making me feel like I need like, like a cane.

[Covino]

Stop.

[Rich Eisen]

40. 44 is different.

[Covino]

24 is a young man in life. We all know that.44 is a very young man in life, but that's an old man on the field, especially when the ring rust sets in. Is there no concern for that? There hasn't been much. He seems really positive about it. I'm excited about it. We'll talk more about it for sure. Because there's a lot of sour grapes when it comes to this story, too. Cam Newton's upset about it, but let's talk about Joe Burrow because it's sort of interesting what's going on with him and his bangles because he's 29.

[Rich Eisen]

I love how you say bangles. You just a Big Susanna Hoff fan.

[Covino]

Yeah, it's my shout out. Maybe she's listening. You never know. Fulfill my childhood dreams.

[Rich Eisen]

That look she gives.

[Covino]

Yeah, the side eye.

[Rich Eisen]

Ooh, that's like an Egyptian. Or is it? Eternal flame.

[Covino]

She might be listening. You never know who's listening. Rich.

[Rich Eisen]

What a great whistler.

[Covino]

But Joe Burrow, 29 years old, he's got the world by the cojones, but it seems the one thing he doesn't have is his health. Can't stay healthy. And the buzz is. And it's obvious it's very reminiscent of another legendary quarterback. And I remember where I was when we heard Andrew Luck's retirement speech. Like he called it Dunzo. I remember being really sad by that. I was so sad. And I'm not an Andrew Luck fan, I'm not a Colts fan, but I'm a fan of greatness. And I was a fan of seeing where his career went.

[Rich Eisen]

You just said you remember where you were. Were you like Panda Express or something? Were you at the mall?

[Covino]

No. Where were you? I was. I was away and I was on a trip with my girlfriend. Yeah, I was just on a road trip in California as some weird bar.

[Rich Eisen]

Wait a minute.

[Covino]

Andrew, look. Yeah, and I'm. I'm at some weird bar and I'm watching this guy with a somber speech on tv and I felt me welling up emotional watching this dude talking about like, oh, man, all shucks. You know, football's my life and it's just not fun for me anymore. Cause he couldn't stay healthy. And he had his neck beard. I remember thinking, look at his neck beard. He's a young guy. He's retiring. He's retiring at 29. This guy has the world ahead of him.

[Rich Eisen]

Well, with that said, take a listen.

[Covino]

I felt it was very reminiscent when you hear Joe Burrow saying the same sort of thing.

[Rich Eisen]

Take a listen to Burrow. And hey, it's what we all do. Not just on sports radio and podcast. And you know, what you do on social media. We do it in day to day life, in our families. We all overanalyze what people say.

[Covino]

Okay, can I just pose the question before we play the clip then? I'm sure you've seen it. Joe Burrow's all over the place today. Is this retirement talk or is he just going through it? You know, sometimes people just have bad days, bad moods, Terrible, horrible, no good, very bad days. It could very well be he woke up on the wrong side of the bed, had a bad season, sort of down, sort of Glow on himself, be.

[Rich Eisen]

Thinking, man, I came back to a team that couldn't even, like, stay afloat for me.

[Covino]

Is it even worth it? Look, we all go through little pouty moments where we feel sorry for ourselves. Could it be just that? And we're making a bigger deal about it. Like, I've never heard Joe Burrow talk this way, though. So that's why it's got people buzzing. Is this retirement, or is he just going through it?

[Rich Eisen]

And you know what? It also proves that no matter how cool, handsome, successful. Doesn't matter.

[Covino]

No matter how great your hair is.

[Rich Eisen]

I mean, the guy's got great hair. Great hair, everyone's got problems. He's got a Victoria Secret supermodel girlfriend. He's one of the highest paid athletes in all professional sports. On top of that, he's like, a handsome, cool guy. Like, you would think, what could possibly bother this guy? But he does seem, like you said, like he's going through it. If I want to keep doing this, I have to have fun doing it. You know, I've been through a lot, and if it's not fun, then what am I doing it for? I'm not sure there was a singular moment or time. It's just a reflection. Reflection on a lot of things that I've done and been through in my career. I think I've been through more than most and certainly not easy on the. The brain or the body. So just trying to have fun doing.

[Covino]

It again, you know? Even Jamar Chase was taken by surprise. He was like, oh, that's not the Joe Burrow I know and see. He always comes in with positivity and. Yeah, I don't know. So when I heard Jamar Chase talking about, like, that's not the guy that I see, I'm thinking that maybe he just had a bad day. Here's Jamar Chase.

[Rich Eisen]

He smiles every day.

[Dan Byler]

Like. Like the narrative that y' all trying.

[Rich Eisen]

To paint on him right now, I don't see it. You know what I'm saying? At the end of the day, he's the same person every day. He comes to work. He loves work. He loves the guys in the locker room. So he's pretty positive. To me, there's no narratives. We're just asking questions. Just let them for the mic, a little bit of narrative. That's okay.

[Dan Byler]

Yeah.

[Covino]

But if you show up to your workplace, right? Because it's his workplace. If I showed up on the air and we all have bad days, and I said on the air, you know, this just isn't fun for me anymore. Just don't feel the same way that I used to feel about radio. So why, why do radio if I'm not having fun doing it? You know, there's other things that I could do. And if I'm not having fun, then why this? Wouldn't people be like, hey, dude, are you kidding right now? That doesn't sound like positive talk.

[Dan Byler]

You only talk like that in our pre show meeting.

[Covino]

Yeah, they say that, like when I'm talking about Rich behind his back.

[Rich Eisen]

Dan Byer just texted me. Is he serious? No.

[Covino]

You would say, you know, what's up with Covino? So we have every right to speculate that.

[Dan Byler]

Of course, I would also think that Rich Davis and maybe Spot would be a good example of this because you guys have been together for so long. Jamar Chase and T. Higgins just signed new contracts with Cincinnati, and Joe Burrow had been a supporter of those guys getting their new deals. Now they're locked in the deals that could make them difficult to be traded. Where if Burrow is not like, I want out or I want to retire, like, I could understand why Jamar Chase would maybe be taking the tone that he did. Because I think he's probably wondering himself, like, wait a second, I know I'm the highest paid receiver in the NFL, but my guide now wants to leave when I just re upped six months ago on a new deal. Eight months ago.

[Rich Eisen]

Yeah.

[Dan Byler]

Yeah.

[Rich Eisen]

Something to be said. I mean, and keep in mind, they've. They played together at college.

[Dan Byler]

Yeah.

[Rich Eisen]

He helped him get this huge deal. Like you said, it's.

[Dan Byler]

It's interesting, the whole injury stuff that you go through from anything that we hear from athletes, like, it's not easy when you're not with the team, you're not playing and you're injured. And now he comes back into a situation where basically they have to be perfect to even make the playoffs. And if he's now saying after a couple of games back, it looked like it was fun playing against the Ravens on Thanksgiving. Right. I mean, they're kicking the, you know, kicking their butts, but very odd timing.

[Covino]

You know what I'm noticing, Dan?

[Rich Eisen]

It was that Bill. It was, it was that Bill's game in the snow. Honestly, he had a.

[Dan Byler]

At the one he threw four touchdowns in.

[Rich Eisen]

He had a rough, a rough fourth quarter. That game got away. And maybe, maybe there's frustration like you said, Camino's.

[Covino]

But a normal, like, normal response would have been, though it's been a tough year. It's been a really tough Year, like that sort of vibe. I think there was more to it. And what I noticed listening to that clip is it's not as dramatic to hear it as when you see it, because when you see him and you see his body language, he looks really defeated. And I get it, tough season, rough season. But when you see the body language mixed with what he said, it does. It feels worse than what Andrew Luck was saying. When Andrew Luck basically said he wasn't playing anymore and he's not getting past these injuries, we don't know how he feels. That's the thing, we don't know really how he feels and what a struggle it's been. We're not him, we're not in his cleats. It's just not the vibe you want to hear from your starting quarterback. And I wish Joe Burrow the best because I feel like if he were to do it and we've seen it before, these guys have plenty of money. They're able to walk away. It might not be worth putting their body through all that. Well, just to have it happen again and again. It becomes a pattern, becomes a routine. As Andrew Luck described when he talked about it, it's not only the Bengals that lose and it's us. We lose the chance to see where this guy's career goes and the greatness he's possible of.

[Rich Eisen]

I don't think he walks away, but there's always positive. There's always a possibility, though, when. And again, I don't want to make it all about money, but back in the day, when our parents were kids, athletes had off season jobs to make ends meet. Like guys like Yogi Berra, you know, worked at a car wash and you would hear stories like dry cleaners. Yeah. Like, oh, you know, guys on the Dodgers, you know, were. Yeah, like you said, I own a deli, too.

[Covino]

Now.

[Rich Eisen]

One year after one year of playing at 50 to 60 million dollars, it's like, that's like winning the mega millions or Powerball.

[Covino]

Unless you're Odell Beckham Jr. It's hard to survive.

[Rich Eisen]

Yeah, that's.

[Covino]

Yeah, it's hard to survive if you're that guy. But yeah, man, it's not the type of talk you want to hear from any leader in your profession. And whatever you do, if I was talking that way, all of you guys be like, what the hell's going on? What's up with this guy? Well, is he. Is he thinking about leaving? It's not the type of talk you want. He's the leader of the team.

[Rich Eisen]

Am I Being soft by saying, I sort of feel for him because Joe Burrow is such a. No, such a competitor. And you felt the same way about Andrew Luck. But Joe Burrow is such a competitor that when he has these freak injuries that just seem to keep derailing him, when you know he's coming into a new season, be like, this is the year. I. I got Higgins, I got, you know, I got Chase, I got my guy signed. Everything's, we're good. And then just another time this goes wrong.

[Covino]

Yeah, it's got to be mentally frustrating. Mentally exhausting. Physically exhausting. It's always an uphill battle. And that's exactly the reason why Andrew Luck called it quits early. That's exactly the reason. Every time it was two step forward, five steps back. Every time he got healthy again. And that's your body trying to tell you something like, hey, man, maybe you need to dip away. And he is a young man. He's able to make that decision. All of us, or should I say none of us want to see that.

[Rich Eisen]

No. I'm reading the in show thread. It's cool when people are, like, putting names to the face. Like, first time I saw Danny G. Love seeing you guys do the live stream. That's from Leanne. William says if Joe Burrow steps down, maybe it's the right thing for a young man with money to worry about his mental health. I mean, who am I to say? But I don't think it's a mental health thing. I think it's a man, can I catch a break thing.

[Dan Byler]

Well, I'm sure.

[Covino]

I don't think starts to affect him mentally. Right. If you feel like you're not winning, and I don't mean winning on the field, just like getting ahead and like, you keep falling backwards. Everything's a struggle.

[Carolyn]

Winning.

[Covino]

I'm sure that does play a toll or weigh a toll on his mentality and his mentals.

[Rich Eisen]

He's probably a big fan. Isn't Charlie Sheen a fan of all Team Cincinnati?

[Covino]

Yeah.

[Rich Eisen]

Winning.

[Covino]

So it's sad, but I think that if he was just going through it and that's a possibility, I think the tone would have been a little different. I do. I think he really is on the fence and thinking like, you don't say things like that at a press conference when, you know, millions of people are watching and going to speculate if you don't sort of mean it. So again, the question is, and does it feel like retirement talk or is he just having a fan?

[Rich Eisen]

I think he's going through it. As you said. However, let's see.

[Covino]

I think there's a possibility, Rich, but I don't know, man, I don't like the sound of it.

[Rich Eisen]

HK Black cat hit us up and he goes, hey, listen, the guy's got options. Joe Burrow could continue to shower the bunch of 300 pound offensive linemen or go shower Victoria's Secret model at home when he has hundreds of millions of dollars in the bank.

[Covino]

So that's great and all, but guys.

[Rich Eisen]

Like that, they don't want that.

[Covino]

It's winnings in their DNA. They're the most competitive people on the planet. You think you're competitive? These guys do this for a living.

[Rich Eisen]

That's that Kavino, they want to win. That conversation is why I can never understand when people say teams are throwing games or players are not trying or like, oh, you know that team's going to, you know that this team's going to lose for a draft pick. My, my sentiment there is always if I care to win at rec Sunday softball and if you play mini golf with your girlfriend and you're trying to.

[Covino]

Win, they to be one of the great guys like Joe Burrow especially, but want to be one of the greats.

[Rich Eisen]

Think of you as a grown man or woman and how competitive you are. Think of how you even pale in comparison to the competitive level of these people. No question if Covino gets aggravated if someone beats him in bowling on a Friday night where we're just hanging. You think Joe Burrow is pleased with another season that sort of got away.

[Dan Byler]

From him.

[Covino]

But I get that.

[Rich Eisen]

And you know, there's also a subconscious. Okay, but there's also a subconscious that this is a year where the 6, 7, the 6 and 7 Chiefs have taken a step back. There's a sentiment that like, yo, here was your chance. The Chiefs are stinking like Abe Lincoln. Someone now has a path. You had a path. You lost against the Rams. Can you get back?

[Covino]

Joe?

[Rich Eisen]

We forget Burrows, the only guy that got to the super bowl out of the AFC in this little Mahomes era, right? That one off year where the Bengals beat him and then the Bengals just fell shy in the super bowl to the Rams. He's the guy that did it. This was another little window, as you like to say. I say this was a window of like, oh, all right, the Chiefs were off. Buffalo doesn't seem to be what they were. The Ravens, Lamar is not the same. So when, when you're sort of giving in that like, man, the AFC is going to be represented by like Bo Nix or Drake May. Joe Burrow thinking, are you kidding me? This was. This should have been our path.

[Covino]

I want to be clear on what I'm saying here. I haven't heard anyone else really say this, Rich, because everyone's like, man, is retirement talk. It feels that way. It does. But I do want to throw the possibility out there that he's just having a bad moment. He's just going through it. It's been a tough year. But I do want to point out again that possibility. He's just going through it. Everybody relax. Yeah. Because I'm hoping for the best. But as a fight fan, you could feel the difference when an older fighter or a fighter who, you know, just got knocked out or whatever. You could feel by what they say you could feel if they want to retire, they're on the fence or they want to move forward. Right. Because it's always like, back. We're going to get back to the drawing board, get back to my camp. We're going to, you know, we'll be back again. I'm not finished yet. Or, you know, I want to take it day by day, talk to my family. That means they're. They're on the fence. Right. Like, you could tell the difference. Are we back to the drawing board and moving forward back at camp? We're going to figure it out and come back better next time. Or I got to talk to my camp, talk to my family and see what the next move is. That's like, ho hum attitude. He had ho hum attitude here. And that makes me think that this was retirement talk. That doesn't mean it's going to happen. I'm hoping for the best. I would hate to see that happen. All right. So I hope you get what we're selling here. Joe Burrow and his. You know what, can we play it one more time? Since we're over speculating and it's what we do. However it is, Joe Burrow is a big star in the game.

[Rich Eisen]

If I want to keep doing this, I have to have fun doing it. You know, I've been through a lot, and if it's not fun, then what am I doing it for? I'm not sure there was a singular moment or time. It's just a reflection. Reflection on a lot of things that I've done and been through in my career. I think I've been through more than most and certainly not easy on the brain or the body. So just trying to have fun doing it again.

[Covino]

Yeah. I want to hear back to the drawing board and get him next year. I want to hear more of that. And we didn't this time. But your thoughts, your phone calls. 87799 on Fox.

[Rich Eisen]

And he was great. I saw him last night. He was in Home Alone. And Home Alone too. Fantastic.

[Covino]

Fantastic. Yeah.

[Rich Eisen]

Handsome Macaulay Culkin. They are two and a half point underdogs against Baltimore. Does the outcome of that game at all change his vibe, you think? Like if, like if he has.

[Covino]

Because winning's fun.

[Rich Eisen]

Like DB Said on. On Thanksgiving night, he looked pretty happy.

[Covino]

Hey, Rich, we've been at jobs where it's like, this isn't fun. Yeah, we have only one time, but we've been there. It's a weak ass feeling. And if he's not having fun, like, you really do start contemplating, like, is.

[Rich Eisen]

It worth it, your job? If you love it and it's the right job, it at times could be a really good mental escape from. From problems you're going through.

[Covino]

Rich and I had jobs before where it was supposed to be fun, and it quickly stopped being fun. We'd look at each other like, I don't know if this is worth it, man. I just don't. And that's not a good place for your quarterback to be. They better start winning. They better start having fun.

[Rich Eisen]

Well, hey, your thoughts, your feedback at 87799.

[Covino]

If I was, if I was a Bengals fan, I'd be sending like, like a, like a circus clown to the, to the locker room.

[Rich Eisen]

Sound like a magician.

[Covino]

Yeah.

[Rich Eisen]

Someone to bring the fun and like Oz the mentalist. Like, who wants to play a game?

[Covino]

Come on. Anyway, hey, I would, I would definitely send some sort of street performer to the locker room and to. Just to lighten the mood up a little bit. Yeah, exactly. Rich, send your uncle Bozo.

[Rich Eisen]

Hey, we're here to see Mr. Burrow.

[Covino]

Rich, you should go there, make him some balloon animals, man.

[Dan Byler]

Mike Brown better order pizza for the whole team.

[Covino]

I would, I would call up Sebastian Maniscalco and be like, hey, you got five minutes for this guy. Make him laugh or something.

[Rich Eisen]

Why would your offensive line do that?

[Covino]

Aren't you embarrassed?

[Rich Eisen]

Get something going. All right. So your thoughts on Burrow? We're talk about, of course, Philip Rivers. People are hyped about this. If it doesn't happen, what a letdown.

[Covino]

By the way, speaking of bad vibes, Rich, he needs to lighten his vibe up. The Bengals need to lighten their vibe up. He needs to have fun. Let's keep him there. Let's get that going. Right. Everyone needs to start Kissing his ass a little bit. Tell him how great he is. Same thing's going on in Philadelphia. Vibe is bad. So talk about that.

[Rich Eisen]

We're going to talk about what's going on in Philly. We're going to talk a little NBA today. OKC's on the mind and we'll get to all that and more. Your feedback. Having fun today Friday in Fox Sports Radio.

[Covino]

All right, quick timeout, timeout.

[Rich Eisen]

Don't tell me what to do.

[Covino]

Holiday upgrade, check. Sock check too. You a down ass fool.

[Rich Eisen]

Okay, sock check.

[Covino]

Holiday upgrade, check.

[Rich Eisen]

Gold toast.

[Covino]

All right, well, Daniel's fools better. Better know about tcl. Are you still watching on a small tv? An old small tv? If you are, you're seeing about half the game and people are talking about you behind your back.

[Rich Eisen]

Yeah, and everyone's saying, yo, we're not going to his house.

[Covino]

What's up with John's weak ass tv?

[Rich Eisen]

Your TV shouldn't tap out in the red zone. You shouldn't have to squint to see the scores. And how much time is left in the round of the quarter? TCL's QM8K, the QD mini LED. The real MVP. Ultimate brightness, ultimate black levels for the ultimate experience. Picture so clear you could taste the turf.

[Covino]

And it's not just football. Movies look cinematic. Are you watching some Christmas classics on it this weekend? You know I games feel smoother. We'll be watching Philip Rivers on the tcl.

[Rich Eisen]

Everybody has wrinkles in their glory and.

[Covino]

High def, but everybody notices. Everyone's like damn that TV.

[Rich Eisen]

Here's the play. Holiday savings off TCL. TVs go premium with the QM8K. Like we said, brilliant picture, huge sound. The ultimate choice. Or grab the versatile QM6K for an elevated game day experience.

[Covino]

Don't overthink it. Lock in the ultimate experiences with epic savings. Undeniable bragging rights all season long while supplies last.

[Rich Eisen]

Tcl, official TV partner of the NFL. Find TCL at all the major retailers. Tcl. Bigger, Brighter, better holidays. Select models, limited time. See all major retailers for details.

[Covino]

Fox Sports Radio is taking over YouTube.

[Rich Eisen]

And you can be a part of it.

[Covino]

Pay attention. Just go to YouTube and search Fox Sports Radio. Hit that subscribe button and smash that notification bell and catch all the videos.

[Rich Eisen]

From your favorite show. Pros, two pros and a cup of Joe.

[Covino]

Dan Patrick, Colin Cowherd, Doug Gottlieb, Covino.

[Rich Eisen]

And Rich The Odd Couple with Rob Parker and Kelvin Washington. The Jason Smith show with Mike Harmon.

[Covino]

And the Ben Maller Show. Fox sports radio on YouTube. Subscribe hit that thumbs up icon and comment away.

[Rich Eisen]

What a matchup we got, y'.

[Covino]

All.

[Rich Eisen]

This is that classic hbcuva non stop at action.

[Dan Byler]

The band is rocking and the crowd lit.

[Rich Eisen]

Chance echo drum beat. Everybody showing that school pride Game like this. Yeah, it calls for an ice cold Coca Cola. Ah, crisp and refreshing. That's a game changer right there. Yeah, that taste always hits the right note. Just like the band at halftime. And just like that, we're back at it. Ash kitchen and fans.

[Dan Byler]

School colors everywhere.

[Rich Eisen]

And in ice cold Coca Cola, that's a winning combo. No matter the sport, no matter the yard. Everybody knows fan work is thirsty work. So grab a Coca Cola and keep that HBCU pride going.

[Carolyn]

10 athletes will face the toughest job interview in fitness that will push past physical and mental breaking points. You are the fittest of the fit. Only one of you will leave here with an IFIT contract for $250,000.

[Rich Eisen]

This is where mindset comes in.

[Carolyn]

Someone will be eliminated. Pressure is coming down. This is trainer games.

[Covino]

Watch it on prime video starting January 8th.

[Rich Eisen]

Bring incredible sound into every corner of your home this holiday with the new Whim Sound smart speaker. Get high resolution Audio with a 1.8-inch touchscreen, smart control and modern design in one powerful speaker for just $2.99. From Quiet Mornings to lively holiday gatherings, Whim Sound makes every moment sound better and feel better too. Get the gift of the season for the music enthusiast in your life or for yourself. Whim Sound Beautifully designed, effortlessly connected. Shop now at Amazon and search Whim Sound. That's W I I m S o u n d.

[Covino]

And Doug, there's nowhere.

[Rich Eisen]

I wouldn't go to help someone customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual. Even if it means playing in a football game.

[Covino]

Boom.

[Rich Eisen]

42. You're going down, Doug.

[Dan Byler]

Oh yeah.

[Rich Eisen]

Your price on car insurance when you customize and save is going down. Hey.

[Covino]

Limu.

[Carolyn]

What are you doing on their team?

[Rich Eisen]

Only pay for what you [e-mail] Liberty. Liberty.

[Covino]

Liberty.

[Rich Eisen]

Liberty.

[Carolyn]

This week on a very special episode of Health discovered we take a closer look at Ms. I'm 30 years old, I'm a toddler mom expecting twins and I was diagnosed with Ms. In 2020. Every week in the U.S. approximately 200 people are diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, or Ms. Four times as many women have Ms. As men and more and more women are developing it. Well, first I will say the doctor that diagnosed me told me on a voicemail and then when I saw her. She still kind of dismissed all the symptoms that I had. We'll also address the deeper challenges patients face, like health disparities that delay diagnosis in underserved communities, the stigmas that may prevent women from seeking care, and the very real barriers that many patients deal with. Listen to health discovered on America's number one podcast network, iHeart. Open your free iHeart app. Search health discovered and start listening.

[Covino]

CNR on a Friday. It's Friday. Friday.

[Rich Eisen]

Today's Friday.

[Covino]

Today's Friday. We got Iowa Sam on the ones and twos. Our resident cotton headed ninny Muggins. Iowa Sam, we got to get you a green elf hat, man. I think it look great on you. What are you saying?

[Rich Eisen]

I'm in an elf?

[Covino]

Yeah, you're like Hermey the elf.

[Rich Eisen]

So be it.

[Covino]

And we got Danny G. Yeah, yike. With Santa's sack. Danny G. Our resident Raiders fan.

[Rich Eisen]

I think you nailed it the other day when you said, I picture Iowa Sam as if he lives at like a renaissance fair.

[Covino]

Yes, yes. He's our resident about him.

[Rich Eisen]

He just feels like a guy that's.

[Covino]

Like, he's the best. I was saying Danny G. Our producer spot on the videos. Covino and Rich, fsr. We're the greatest team and we're glad you're part of it. Guys, Dan Byers got your update in just a few minutes, but we're live from the Fox Sports radio studio. Have you heard about trainer games? Add this to your binge list. 10 athletes go head to head for the chance to win an IFIT trainer contract worth $250,000.

[Rich Eisen]

Wow.

[Covino]

Streaming on Prime Video starting January 8th. So make note of that. All right, so I'm Kavino and that is Rich. And I don't want to be the person, as my mom would say, making a mountain out of molehills. I don't even know what that means. I don't want to make a bigger deal about this Joe Burrow thing, but I do think that it's worth speculating. I think he was, he was saying too much, like, hey, dude, maybe, maybe just he should have stayed home today.

[Rich Eisen]

We've seen it with Barry Sanders. We've seen it with Andrew Luck. Not for the same reason.

[Covino]

Barry Sanders was 31. I think luck was 29. Burrows 29. It's not impossible.

[Rich Eisen]

We've seen good players walk away early because it just injuries or they weren't feeling it.

[Dan Byler]

One thing that surprises me of the timing of this, I was looking at pff. And they have an elite 93.1 team. Pass blocking grade for the Bengals since Burrow returned from injury, leading the NFL.

[Rich Eisen]

By a wide margin.

[Dan Byler]

So, yeah, it's only a couple of weeks, but the O line actually came together since he returned.

[Covino]

And for the record, this is 66th season, and he's just dealt with injury after injury after injury.

[Rich Eisen]

I have a question for you.

[Covino]

Yeah.

[Rich Eisen]

Is there a player that comes to mind off the top of the dome, maybe that played for your team, that you enjoyed that called it a day early, and you're like, what are we doing? Why? I, you know, I saw Patrick just.

[Covino]

Because, I mean, for me, that would be Don Mattingly.

[Rich Eisen]

Yeah, Don Mattingly for injury. But Jim Brown.

[Dan Byler]

Jim Brown retired at 29 years old.

[Rich Eisen]

I had to look up the age because I'm a big, you know, Niners guy. As you can see if you're watching on the YouTube chat, my NFL jam, Brock Purdy shirt McCaffrey. What's up? Patrick Willis, 30 years old. I didn't think he was that young. With Patrick Willis, who was one of the best to said, you know, couple injuries got him caught up and he called it a day at 30. So, hey, we see it happen. I just think it's. I think he's just feeling down. I really do. I think Burrow.

[Covino]

It could very well be that. No, it was pretty noticeable, though.

[Rich Eisen]

I'll say this.

[Covino]

But this is. Most of the time, it's like, yeah, you know, it's been a tough year kind of thing. This isn't really about having fun. And why do things when you're not having fun anymore?

[Rich Eisen]

This isn't really going out on a limb because I think everyone would agree with me if it happens one more time, then I think you might be like, effort. This is just not meant to be or something. But I think it would. It would be crazy if Joe Burrow, as talented and as young as he is and he's able to play now. I think if, if, if he runs it back next year and God forbid, like in week three, you know, hurts his knee or something, then I think you'll be like, that's it. But I think he's got one more. What does they call it back? A college try.

[Covino]

Hurrah.

[Rich Eisen]

One more hurrah. Let's go to your phone calls and feedback. Danny G. Is answering your calls and saying what's up at 8:77, Danny G.

[Covino]

What do you want to talk about?

[Rich Eisen]

99 on Fox, Washington State. Chris, you're on. What's up, buddy? Yeah, hey, just chiming in about the Burroughs situation. Covino had asked if you remembered where you were when it happened with Luck. And it was just before the season, and I actually had drafted him in the sixth round of my fantasy draft. And now this is a live draft with all my buddies. And then in the eighth round is when we take our break. And in the eighth round, at our break, he announced his retirement. So everybody's busting my chops the rest of the draft. I end up naming my team s Out of Luck for the rest of the year.

[Covino]

Nice.

[Rich Eisen]

You got a great name. You got a great name out of it.

[Dan Byler]

Yeah.

[Covino]

And truthfully, it was sad, though.

[Rich Eisen]

Truthfully, I feel like you're not the only one. I remember that being, like a bottom layer of the whole thing, though, because.

[Covino]

It was a surprise. Oh, he's retiring.

[Rich Eisen]

Because I remember there were people I knew that were, you know, higher end, fantasy things. Like, would you believe that I drafted Luck because he was a good fantasy player? So that's. That's w. All right. Larry in Vegas. What's up, man? Hey, what's going on? I want to comment on that. Joe Burrows. I'm disappointed. I'm disappointed in you guys. You guys up there pondering what he meant. That's like, if a chick called you and she say, this relationship was this and that, but I'm not having fun anymore. You guys know what that means when the chick call you and tell you.

[Covino]

She'S not having fun?

[Rich Eisen]

She's got.

[Covino]

She's.

[Rich Eisen]

She's already swinging from some other. Yeah. So you're thinking. So you're saying.

[Dan Byler]

I am.

[Rich Eisen]

Damn right. We've been there. We've all been there. Yeah, that's so.

[Covino]

Larry, we don't want to hear that.

[Rich Eisen]

So what Lar insinuating is, like, he might not be done. He might be done with the Bengals, that he just wants out. So that. That's. Yo, Larry, good call.

[Dan Byler]

Yeah, no, that. Absolutely with that. Because there's been talk with the jets and the deals that they did in trading Sauce Gardner and in trading Quinn and Williams that they would have the ammunition with their number one picks if someone like Burrow was available. This has kind of been swirling in the jets world for about the last month or so.

[Rich Eisen]

Imagine that.

[Covino]

Feels the need to see other teams.

[Rich Eisen]

Imagine having bad luck to begin with.

[Covino]

Is he saying, it's not you, it's me?

[Rich Eisen]

No, he's saying, it's not me, it's you.

[Dan Byler]

Yes, that's exactly what he's saying.

[Rich Eisen]

But imagine being like, yeah, I've really been down on my luck. I'm going to change that by going to the Jets. Yeah, that doesn't make sense. And DB do you think because he got his boys paid and he helped him get that bag that maybe he doesn't feel as guilty if he leaves yet?

[Dan Byler]

He should feel more guilty because you're going to get paid regardless and it's to stay in Cincinnati for something. That's why I brought it up earlier. Yeah, I'm sure they're kind of like, wait a second, why did I sign the long term deal in Cincinnati, Dad?

[Rich Eisen]

But they got good chili there.

[Dan Byler]

Do they?

[Rich Eisen]

Oh, that Skyline.

[Covino]

Yeah. Sam, man.

[Rich Eisen]

Sam.

[Covino]

I hear more jokes about Skyline Chili than actual compliments.

[Rich Eisen]

I think that's really weak.

[Covino]

I really do.

[Rich Eisen]

Well, great insight, Larry. One last time from Daniel in Virginia, then we'll go to Dan by for an update. Daniel, what's going on, man? Hey, what's up, guys? I was just calling in to talk about a player that retired early. He was my favorite player, Luke Keakley. I mean, he's only 34 years old right now. He could still be dominating as defensive linebacker. Luke Keakley was such a force, you know? Oh, man. You know what? There's a sense that you can name a handful of linebackers that were really good that I just. I guess when you're so dominant at that position, one little tweak or injury just takes you off your game and you're like, yeah, I'm just not doing it anymore, man.

[Covino]

Rich, I texted you something.

[Rich Eisen]

A former San Francisco 49er who retired after one season. Is it Chris Borland?

[Covino]

Chris Borland.

[Rich Eisen]

I remember that because he was. He was like a young force former Badger and was worried about cte. So, man, I mean, listen, it's your health and you do what you want with it. When you lose, when you're a dominant defender like that, like he said, like a Keakley, and you lose a step. Have you guys seen, like, I know he was part of your defense in Seattle that dominated, but have you seen Wagner, like, lately he just lost a step when on.

[Dan Byler]

Yeah, he's probably. Yeah, probably lost a couple years ago.

[Rich Eisen]

Yeah, but it's like they even commented, like, well, when he was with Seattle, you know, it's a different story. Legion of boom defense. Such a. Such a position where I think it goes quick. All right, Dan Beyer, what's going on with you, man? What's. What's the updates?

[Dan Byler]

A lot going on today. Former Michigan head football coach Jerome Moore attended his court session via video as he faces a third degree felony charge of home invasion, a misdemeanor charge of stalking and a misdemeanor charge of breaking and entering stemming from the incidents that occurred Wednesday in Ann Arbor. His bond was set at $25,000. He's due back in court in January. He'll be required to wear a GPS device and cannot leave the state of Michigan. Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham stepping down from his position after the Las Vegas bowl against Nebraska. He's done with the Utes after 21 seasons. The athletic reports, though, that Whittingham may not be done coaching, but is done at Utah. Every Olympic dream starts with a first glide through. Learn to Skate USA kids build confidence, strength and joy on the ice. Learn to Skate USA offers programs for skaters of all ages and abilities. Find a program near you@ learntosateusa.com TJ Wan underwent a surgical procedure to repair a collapsed lung suffered on Wednesday. It's not he's not likely to play against the Dolphins on Monday night, but right now Watt has not been ruled out for the season. Raiders are going to start Kenny Pickett at quarterback against the Eagles. Jets will start rookie Brady Cook against the Jaguars. He'll become the seventh rookie to start a game at quarterback this season. Coates coach Shane Steichen still has not made a decision publicly on who will start for Indy against the Seahawks in Week 15, while the Chiefs will be down three offensive lineman and wide receiver Hollywood Brown when they face the Chargers coming up on Sunday. Bengals have the Ravens, but they won't have T. Higgins. He's out because of his concussion. Cowboys wide receiver CD Lamb cleared concussion protocol and will play against the Vikings. Packers running back Josh Jacobs was on the practice field today after missing the first two workouts of the week, while Bears wide receiver Roma Dunes a questionable to face the Browns and Victor Webanyama likely back for the spurs tomorrow against the Thunder in the NBA cup semis. Guys, back to you.

[Rich Eisen]

It's so funny you would say that. DB I was going to say, I know we're in an NFL state of mind, but I just wrote down ask DB About Wemby because he's probable to be back. That's a real interesting test because we keep talking about this unbeatable 24 and 1 Thunder team. I know the cup in the NBA hasn't had the pizzazz they wanted, but who doesn't want to watch that if Wemby's back for the Spurs? A Wemby Spur team healthy? Everyone's healthy against the OKC Thunder. That's probably the most legit test they've gotten so far.

[Dan Byler]

Yeah, I think you're absolutely right. If, if you're not watching a game like that in your in season high mark, when are you going to watch?

[Covino]

Exactly.

[Rich Eisen]

That's, that's one to, to jot down. Thank you Dan Buyer. Now we got a lot more coming up. I want to talk about the NFC east later if that's cool with you. Because if you lay out the Cowboys versus the Eagles final four games, there's a way for the Cowboys to still sort of find their way in, but they're going to need the Eagles to really collapse and I think you think it's possible based on the vibe they got going on.

[Covino]

Well, the positivity bunny isn't working the way they had hoped real thing. So yeah, we'll talk about that and more. Your big TV game of the week.

[Rich Eisen]

Perfect. All next. So a lot of NFL get you pumped up for week 15 right here on Fox Sports Radio. What a matchup we got, y'.

[Dan Byler]

All.

[Rich Eisen]

This is that classic HBCU vibe. Non stop action.

[Dan Byler]

The band is rocking and the crowd lit.

[Rich Eisen]

Chance echo drum beat everybody showing that school pride. Game like this. Yeah, it calls for an ice cold Coca Cola. Ah, crisp and refreshing. That's a game changer right there. Yeah, that taste always hits the right note. Just like the band at halftime. And just like that, we're back at passionate fans, school colors everywhere and in ice cold Coca Cola. That's a winning combo no matter the sport, no matter the yard. Everybody knows fan work is thirsty work. So grab a Coca Cola and keep that HBCU pride going.

[Carolyn]

10 athletes will face the toughest job interview in fitness that will push past physical and mental breaking points. You are the fittest of the fit. Only one of you will leave here with an IFIT contract for $250,000.

[Rich Eisen]

This is where mindset comes in.

[Carolyn]

Someone will be eliminated. Pressure is coming down. This is trainer games.

[Covino]

Watch it on prime video starting January 8th.

[Rich Eisen]

Bring incredible sound into every corner of your home this holiday with the new Whimsound smart speaker. Get high resolution audio with a 1.8 inch touchscreen. Smart control and modern design in one powerful speaker for just $299. From Quiet Mornings to lively holiday gatherings, Winsound makes every moment sound better and feel better too. Get the gift of the season for the music enthusiast in your life or for yourself. Whim sound beautifully designed, effortlessly connected. Shop now at Amazon and search Whimsound. That's W I I M S O U N D.

[Dan Byler]

And D. What a horrible call.

[Rich Eisen]

Hey, ref, open your eyes.

[Carolyn]

Ref.

[Rich Eisen]

You're really not gonna call that ref. Why don't you customize your car insurance with Liberty Mutual and save money?

[Covino]

I don't think you get what we're doing. Sure I do.

[Rich Eisen]

We're all just giving him advice. You guys on sports, me on saving money.

[Dan Byler]

Nope, that's not it.

[Rich Eisen]

Only pay for what you [e-mail] Liberty. Liberty.

[Covino]

Liberty.

[Rich Eisen]

Liberty.

[Carolyn]

This week on a very special episode of Health discovered, we take a closer look at Ms. Ms. I'm 30 years old, I'm a toddler mom expecting twins, and I was diagnosed with Ms. In 2020. Every week in the U.S. approximately 200 people are diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, or Ms. Four times as many women have Ms. As men, and more and more women are developing it. Well, first I will say the doctor that diagnosed me told me on a voicemail and then when I saw her, she still kind of dismissed all the symptoms that I had. We'll also address the deeper challenges patients face like health disparities that delay diagnosis in underserved communities, the stigmas that may prevent women from seeking care, and the very real barriers that many patients deal with. Listen to health discovered on America's number one podcast network, iHeart. Open your free iHeart app search health discovered and start listening.

[Covino]

Happy Holland Days. Happy holidays, everybody. Inside joke man. Hey, Covino and Rich on Fox Sports Radio. Hey, and by the way, if you love our show here, we're uncensored and unleashed Monday through Friday. Monday through Thursday, actually on Patreon. A lot of our clips are on our social media pages at Covino Enrich and of course we're at Fox Sports Radio and we're streaming live right now.

[Rich Eisen]

Right now.

[Covino]

You could watch what you hear or check it out later.

[Rich Eisen]

Kovino Enrich FSR While you're watching, let me tell you about the Fox Sports Radio tyrack play of the day. The Falcons. Oh my God. Yo, they made your dude Baker. They made Mike Evans. They made everyone very upset last night.

[Covino]

Snap spot kick by Gonzalez.

[Rich Eisen]

It is good.

[Covino]

Fly home safely.

[Rich Eisen]

Atlanta wins. This is the end of the game.

[Covino]

29.

[Rich Eisen]

28. 92.9 the game. You got game Falcons radio network. That was the tyrek play of the day. For over 40 years, Tire act have been helping people find the right tires for how, what and where they drive ship fast and free backed by that free road hazard protection, convenient installation options like mobile tire installation. Tirerack.com the way tire buying should be.

[Covino]

I watched at the bar last night.

[Rich Eisen]

That was rough.

[Covino]

I was just trying to lip read. Mike Evans, looking mad, yelling, the bar? Yeah.

[Rich Eisen]

By yourself at the bar?

[Covino]

I was at the bar. You know, just me. Boulevard of Broken Dreams, Sam. Just me and my brewski. Either you eat the bar, the bar eats you.

[Rich Eisen]

Yeah. I so badly want to get into a lot of the, I guess you would say a lot of the playoff scenarios over the final four games of the season. But I got to ask Dan Buyer, because he's alluded to this and he's a man of knowledge, man of honor.

[Covino]

He's just a man.

[Rich Eisen]

Maybe. Do you think when you see a team like the Bucks and they still have two games against the Panthers, so last night, not that it was irrelevant, but if they sweep the Panthers, it doesn't matter. They win the division.

[Dan Byler]

Right.

[Rich Eisen]

Two of the final three games they have are against the Panthers. Someone's going to win that division, like nine and eight. Meanwhile, my Niners, your Seahawks, the packers, the Bears, someone's going to have to play a road game with possibly 12 or 13 wins at Tampa or at Carolina with nine wins. Is that just the way the cookie crumbles, or do you think realignment in the playoffs is a thing?

[Dan Byler]

No, it needs to be. I harp on this on my Sunday show.

[Rich Eisen]

I know it's the thing that you've. Yeah. That's why I ask you, are you.

[Covino]

Think it should be realigned?

[Rich Eisen]

Yeah.

[Dan Byler]

Yeah. Well, I don't think that if you win your division, you should get a home game. What were the Vikings last year? They were 14 and 3. Now, ultimately, the Rams game was displaced because of the wildfires out here. They had to go and play in Arizona and it's a neutral field, but like Minnesota. And I know they lost that game, but that's not reason to be like, see, they shouldn't. There's no way that Tampa or Carolina should have an advantage. Winning your division, especially in a year like this, just to get into the playoffs is fine. Automatic birth of the playoffs, you win your division, you're in. But to say that you hold your seed of a four seed so you'll have a higher seed than any of the wild cards if you advance as far as you need. That's ridiculous. And then just to think of a team like the Lions right now on the outside looking in, they've got a better record than Tampa and Carolina.

[Rich Eisen]

There'll be a team in the NFC that doesn't make the playoffs that is worse than the Panthers or Bucks.

[Dan Byler]

Yes.

[Covino]

Fact.

[Dan Byler]

Yes. So I hate it when the owners say, like, they want to win the. They want to put value on the division. And winning the division, the value is getting into the playoffs when you shouldn't have been. And that's what the bonus would have been this year. I don't think that we would have argued with that. But to have a home game is just, it's ridiculous. I'm not a fan of it at all.

[Rich Eisen]

The 9 and 4 bears, the 9 and 4 niners, your Seahawks. There's a team that are, by the way, 10, three. There's a team that's going to win 12 or 13 games, that's going to have to pack their bags and go across the country down to either Tampa or Carolina to play a team that is barely over.500. But you could argue that that's tape. That's.

[Covino]

Yeah, it was leaning towards the name of the game. That's how the cookie crumbles. But, you know, when I hear Dan Byer so passionately say, yeah, that's, that's bunk. Shouldn't be that way. It makes me think a little more about it.

[Rich Eisen]

Care about if Your Yankees won 98 games but then had to go, you know, play a road series against the team that won 84 games. And it's just a different.

[Covino]

I'm one of those guys like, oh, those are the rules. Okay, I guess those are the rules, you know, but that's sort of how my mind works with that stuff. But, yeah, now I'll double, double guess it now. Think about it more.

[Rich Eisen]

Well, hey, listen, we're going to talk some Cowboys and Eagles because there's a. There's more, more possibilities in the NFC east than you think. And Cavito's really getting a kick out of this whole Eagles positivity bunny. We're going to get to that in my big games of the week. Let's go. Next.

[Carolyn]

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[Rich Eisen]

Everybody knows Shaq, but off camera, he's just a regular guy.

[Dan Byler]

People never believe me when I say I'm just like them. I take out the trash, do dishes, and I struggle with moderate obstructive sleep apnea. Or osa and a lot of adults with obesity. Obesity also struggle with moderate to severe osa. You know, those scary breathing interruptions during sleep, the loud snoring, choking and daytime fatigue. I knew I had to talk to my doctor. Don't sleep on the symptoms. Learn more@don'tsleeponosa.com this information is provided by.

[Rich Eisen]

Lilly, A Medicine company. Para los grandes para los chicos parlos bajos y los altos los pacifistas los valientes paralos octimistas il los pecimistas los que valor loyaventro para los que est?

[Dan Byler]

Lejos los que no vende lejos ilos.

[Rich Eisen]

Que no vendeca paralos introvertidos y los extrovertidos para los que bienzan y los que hacen para los que nos monstraro el camino Coca Cola paratodos.

[Carolyn]

Ten athletes will face the toughest job interview in fitness that will push past physical and and mental breaking points. You are the fittest of the fit. Only one of you will leave here with an IFIT contract for $250,000.

[Rich Eisen]

This is where mindset comes in.

[Carolyn]

Someone will be eliminated. Pressure is coming down. This is Trainer Games.

[Rich Eisen]

Watch it on prime video starting January 8th at CVS.

[Carolyn]

It matters that we're not just in your community, but that we're part of it. It matters that we're here for you when you need us day, night. And we want everyone to feel welcomed and rewarded. It matters that CVS is here to fill your prescriptions and here to fill your craving for a tasty and, yeah, healthy snack. At cvs, we're proud to serve your community because we believe where you get your medicine matters. So Visit [e-mail] or just come by our store. We can't wait to meet you. Store hours vary by location. This is an I Heart podcast. Guaranteed human.