The Dan Patrick Show / Covino & Rich: "Caleb Williams Debate & Pitt Turns 62"

Date: December 19, 2025
Podcast Feed: The Dan Patrick Show (iHeartPodcasts / Dan Patrick Podcast Network)
Hosts: Steve Covino & Rich Davis (“Covino & Rich”), with Sam, Danny G, and Mike

Episode Overview

This lively episode centers on a spirited debate about Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams' relationship with the media—specifically, his reported refusal to attend pre-game interviews with the Monday Night Football team. The discussion pivots into hot takes on the modern athlete’s obligations, the evolving “face of the franchise” expectations, and how image matters in sports today. Also featured: fun banter, listener calls, and an “Old School” celebration of Brad Pitt’s 62nd birthday.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Setting the Tone: Weekend Excitement & Quick Hits

• NFL Week 16, holiday festivities, and big fight weekend hype (04:00–05:00)
• Friendly banter about party etiquette: “Just don’t be the drunkest person at the holiday party.” —Rich Davis (03:54)

2. Germaphobe Banter & Team Dynamics

• Covino and Rich riff on their cleanliness habits in public and studio settings.
  • Covino admits to being overly cautious: “Radio stations are germ infested dirt deposits of grime.” (07:21)
  • Rich downplays the need for over-the-top hygiene.

3. The Caleb Williams Debate: Obligations Beyond the Field

Context & Catalysts (09:00–12:00)

• The Chicago Bears' historic lack of a true superstar quarterback—Caleb Williams is “the best thing to happen to Chicago since Michael Jordan.” —Rich (09:16)
• Recent reports (Joe Buck) that Caleb Williams “snubbed” not one, but two Monday Night Football pre-production meetings, possibly in response to past criticism by Troy Aikman. (10:26–11:04)
  • “Isn’t it part of the gig to be there regardless of your personal feelings?” —Covino (11:54)
  • Rich: “You have to present yourself in these ways. If I was a general manager...that would be on my checklist.” (13:43)

The Big Question

• Should a franchise QB be required to engage with the media, even when it’s uncomfortable or personal grievances exist?

Dueling Perspectives (14:45–19:12)

• Mike’s Counterpoint (Station Producer, often storms into the studio):
  • “They don’t owe you a damn thing...They got drafted because they can play football, not because they can talk to the media.” (14:48)
  • “...not everybody is comfortable in these interview situations. We talk about Marshawn Lynch...He didn’t feel comfortable in front of the microphone.” (15:47)
• Rich & Covino Retort:
  • “If you’re the face of the franchise, you owe it to the team and the sport.” —Rich (17:12)
  • “What kind of leader are you if you can’t conduct yourself in a professional way?” —Covino (15:19)
• On Modern Athlete’s Media Readiness:
  • Covino, skeptical: “These younger dudes came up so comfortable in front of the camera...They grew up with this.” (19:37)
  • Sam: “You can’t gritty into the end zone and then go, ‘Oh, can’t talk.’” (20:14)

The PR Angle & Blame Game

• Danny G notes: “These were both Zoom meetings where Caleb didn’t show up...It was Williams who made this public, not Aikman.” (20:24–20:49)
• Joe Buck’s confusion: “We sat there and had it happen twice in the first six weeks.” (paraphrased, 20:58)

Cultural Expectations

• Rich: “You’re one social media funny video away from changing the narrative on something.” Suggests Williams and Aikman patch things up with a trending video. (21:41)

4. Real Talk on Career Expectations in Sports and Beyond (22:31–24:26)

• Covino draws analogy to all jobs today: "There’s an extra layer to almost everybody’s job, and that’s to get in front of the camera, promote, and just answer the questions." (26:13)
• Mike: “That’s not what Caleb Williams is doing. Caleb Williams signed up to play football.” (23:46)
• Sam chimes in that successful but media-awkward coaches (Belichick) and players exist, but Williams "doesn’t strike me as an introverted guy." (24:09–24:20)

5. Listener Feedback: Calls & Perspectives

Caller Q (Arizona):

Questions comparing Williams to Michael Jordan, emphasizing the need to first "take the city by storm." (34:36)

• Rich: “If he plays his cards right, he could be the best thing since Michael Jordan...Tell me a Chicago athlete since Michael Jordan that has taken the city by storm?” (35:14)

Vegas Larry:

Firmly on the side of media obligations:
- “Those networks pay the bills...Anyone that’s sitting here talking about he shouldn’t talk to the media, you guys are grade A fools.” (36:26)

Gill (Virginia):

Defends Williams’ focus:
- “Troy Aikman when he was a second-year quarterback didn’t care about doing pre-game interviews. All he wanted to do was go out and win football games.” (37:03)

Danny G (Producer):

Adds context: These meetings are often just to provide background for broadcasters—not full public interviews. (38:04)

Jason (San Antonio):

Sarcastic MVP:
- “Caleb Williams, the face of the Bears, about to be the face of Morton Salt, acting so salty...This is what comes with [the job].” (41:36)

6. Old School When 50 Hits: Brad Pitt’s 62nd Birthday

• Celebrating Brad Pitt and discussing “the greatest leading men” in movie history (47:10–50:05)
• Brad Pitt compared to Robert Redford as a generational sex symbol and “the answer for handsome” for men and women alike.
  • “Brad Pitt became the answer for ‘handsome’ for the last 20 something years in our life.” —Covino (48:20)
  • “Who actually gets you to watch a movie? ... I’m watching because they’re in it.” —Rich (49:40)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On franchise leadership & obligations:

  • “If you’re the quarterback of the team, you gotta protect your teammates.” —Covino (34:02)

• On the role of a modern athlete:

  • “You can’t be a one-dimensional quarterback in today’s world. ... [Almost] every job, you need to do social media, promo.” —Covino (21:48)

• On media gripes:

  • “They don’t owe you a damn thing.” —Mike (14:48)

• On energetic support staff:

  • “I go to Sephora... The sassiest, most charismatic gay dude that helps me... but he didn’t have social media! In today’s world, that’s odd.” —Rich (24:52)

• On cultural shifts:

  • “Not everyone is one of the 32 men lucky enough to be a starting quarterback in the NFL.” —Rich (34:02)

• Sarcastic caller hot take:

  • “Caleb Williams, the face of the Bears, about to be the face of Morton Salt, acting so salty.” —Jason, San Antonio (41:36)

Important Timestamps

• [04:00] – NFL week, party/fight weekend excitement
• [09:00] – Bears historic QB woes; Williams hype
• [10:26] – Joe Buck claims Williams snubbed MNF meetings
• [14:45] – Mike storms in with anti-media-obligation argument
• [20:25] – Caleb Williams blames PR, Joe Buck’s perspective
• [22:31] – “Progression of the job” across fields
• [34:36] – First listener calls: is Williams the city's next Michael Jordan?
• [47:10] – Old School segment: Brad Pitt’s iconic status
• [50:05] – “Who pulls you to the theater?” Greatest leading men discussion

Tone & Style

• Conversational, high-energy, sports radio banter
• Mix of humor, sarcasm, and real talk; authentic language with playful jabs
• Inclusive—actively encourages listener input and debate

Summary Takeaways

• Caleb Williams Debate: The core of the episode wrestles with whether today’s marquee athletes, and especially franchise quarterbacks, owe extra engagement to media and fans. The consensus: on-field excellence is paramount—but as the “face” of a team and city, leadership involves more than just play.
• Perspective Gap: Self-identified “old school” fans and hosts expect more public-facing responsibility, while others contend performance should trump PR efforts.
• Listener Engagement: The show is highly interactive, using listener calls to challenge and expand the hot takes.
• Pop Culture Crossover: In trademark fashion, the show weaves sports with cultural references—in this case celebrating Brad Pitt as the ultimate leading man, tying in discussions of celebrity, charisma, and star power both in sports and entertainment.

For those who missed the episode: Expect a lively, insightful dive into what it means to be a star athlete in today's hyper-connected world, why media relations matter (or don’t), and some laughs along the way—plus a detour into Brad Pitt’s lasting legend on his 62nd birthday.