The Dan Patrick Show — "C&R: Colts Go AARP, Edwin Diaz Packs Trumpet"

Podcast: The Dan Patrick Show (C&R: Covino & Rich segment)
Date: December 10, 2025
Key Voices: Steve Covino, Rich Davis, Dan Byer
Theme: The comeback of Philip Rivers at age 44 to the NFL’s Colts and the emotional fallout of MLB star Edwin Diaz's move from the Mets to the Dodgers, with a lively and humorous take on aging athletes, sports desperation, and fandom.

EPISODE OVERVIEW

This episode focuses on two headline stories from the sports world:

1. The shocking decision by the Indianapolis Colts to sign 44-year-old quarterback Philip Rivers out of retirement, sparking debates on age, athletic longevity, and NFL desperation.
2. Relief pitcher Edwin Diaz's high-profile move from the New York Mets to the Los Angeles Dodgers, and its profound sting for Mets fans.

Covino and Rich deliver their signature brand of humor, sharp sports analysis, and relatable personal stories, making the big stories accessible and engaging to fans everywhere.

KEY DISCUSSION POINTS & INSIGHTS

1. Philip Rivers’ Comeback: Colts Go “AARP”

[03:28 - 24:31]

• The News: Philip Rivers, age 44 and a grandfather, returns to the NFL with the Colts. “What does that say about the league if this guy who hasn’t played professionally in over five years could just jump right back in there?” (Covino, 05:06).
• NFL Quarterback “Desperation Mode”: The guys break down a league ravaged by injuries: with starters and backups hurt, teams are forced to turn to unlikely options. “When you are so deep into injury...you really have to then find someone.” (Rich, 06:58)
• Rationalizing the Choice:
  • Football IQ vs. Rust: Rivers’ legendary smarts and leadership are undeniable, but is that enough? Can he battle “ring rust”?
  • Physical Readiness: Friends and insiders claim Rivers is in great shape, coaching and throwing at a high school level, but “...he just hasn't got hit in five years” (Dan Byer, 13:47).
• Age & the NFL: References to old legends (Tom Brady, Jerry Rice, George Blanda), but highlight the unique challenge of coming back after years away, not just being old.
• The Human Factor:
  • Emotional undertone and rooting interest for Rivers, as a “feel-good” story for “old guys everywhere.”
  • “My only concern is the time off. Dude, the time off I think is the difference maker.” (Covino, 12:47)
  • “I think Philip Rivers gives old guy hope.” (Rich, 09:52)

Notable Quotes:

• On the Challenge:
  • “I think we're downplaying Father Time and how young and strong and how fast moving the NFL is, especially when you haven’t been in it in five years. It’s not about being 44, it’s about him not playing professionally for five years.” (Covino, 17:29)
• On Rivers Returning:
  • “If you want to win, you need to go with a guy that knows the system, that’s been there before.” (Dan Byer, 23:03)
• On the Movie-Worthy Scenario:
  • “This is a movie script...something you would see in a movie played by Dennis Quaid.” (Covino, 22:30)

Timestamps for Key Segments:

• [04:30] — Initial reaction to Rivers' comeback
• [06:55] — NFL’s desperation and backup QBs explained
• [10:50] — Practice vs. game speed: can Rivers keep up?
• [12:01] — Athletes who played well into their 40s
• [13:19] — Source claims Rivers in "great shape"
• [17:29] — Covino questions if "Father Time" is just too strong
• [22:03] — Chat feedback, “This is a movie script” moment

2. Edwin Diaz Packs Trumpet, Mets' Heartbreak

[34:46 - 38:56]

• The News: Edwin Diaz, known for his dramatic Citi Field entrances set to “Narco” by Timmy Trumpet, leaves the Mets for a $69 million deal with the Dodgers.
• Emotional Fallout:
  • Rich, lifelong diehard Mets fan, contemplates what this move means for his fandom, especially with his kids leaning toward the LA Dodgers.
  • “They stole all the fun and the trumpets and the theatrics. They stole it all, bro. They stole the vibe from the Mets.” (Covino, 35:22)
• A Fan’s Dilemma: Rich jokes about the allure of switching teams: “I can't say it didn't cross my mind.” (Rich, 36:16)
• The Reality of Modern Free Agency: Acceptance that today’s stars are drawn to championship franchises—and LA living.

Notable Quotes:

• On Mets’ Pain:
  • “It feels like someone said, why don’t they just do it today? Why doesn’t Pete Alonso go to the Red Sox today so I could get kicked in the nuts all in one day?” (Rich, 37:22)
• On Switching Allegiances:
  • “If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em. Watch. It’s gonna happen.” (Covino, 36:08)
  • “I would lose a lot of respect if you did that, Rich.” (Dan Byer, 36:53)
• On Dodgers’ Power Move:
  • “You don’t want to play with the best? He gets to tell his grandkids that he played with Shohei and Freddie Freeman and Mookie Betts!” (Covino, 48:55)

Timestamps for Key Segments:

• [34:46] — “Timmy Trumpets” and Diaz joining Dodgers
• [36:08] — Rich jokes about abandoning the Mets
• [36:53] — Dan Byer’s reaction to potential fandom switch
• [37:22] — Mets fan misery, Pete Alonso as next domino
• [38:56/48:55] — The reality of modern sports free agency

3. Camaraderie, Feedback, and Listener Connection

[31:34 - 32:41; 47:43 - 48:35]

• Regulars and listeners call in and contribute, adding to the accountability and personality of the show.
• Covino shares a story about his grandmother’s real-life athleticism (47:43), reinforcing the “old folks can still ball” theme.

MEMORABLE MOMENTS & QUOTES

• Comparisons to Movie Scripts & Aging:
  • “This is Papa Roach style. This is Last Resort... like a movie script, can’t wait to see how it pans out.” (Covino, 22:30)
• Nostalgic Football Lore:
  • “When you hit 40, little things are ailments...you don't know if it's going to go away or if it's the start of something for the rest of your life.” (Rich, 16:25)
• Fan Loyalty Under Test:
  • “I'm not leaving for one reason and one reason only: The minute I became a Dodgers fan... all of a sudden, the Mets would win one in the next five years, and I couldn't claim it.” (Rich, 38:01)

ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

• Humor & Sarcasm:
  • Jokes about “AARP” signings, “Papa Roach style” desperation, and the details of Philip Rivers’ family and grandpa status.
• Listener Engagement:
  • Active YouTube chat and call-ins, contributing to the show’s energy.
• Sports Heartbreak:
  • Rich’s story as a fan with kids in LA, wrestling with the bittersweet reality of modern sports loyalty.

STRUCTURED TIMESTAMP GUIDE

• [03:28–24:31] Philip Rivers’ comeback analyzed from all angles: athletic readiness, NFL context, historical precedent, personal inspiration.
• [34:46–38:56 / 48:55] Edwin Diaz’s Dodgers move, the emotional and cultural effect on Mets fans, and the lure of fandom migration.
• [31:34; 47:43] Relatable asides about aging, family, and sports’ generational impact.
• [22:03–23:03] Philosophical take: “Movie script” moments, why sports fans love these stories.
• [36:16–38:01] Real talk on team loyalty, parental influence, and why Rich (probably) can’t jump ship.

CONCLUSION

This episode beautifully weaves together sports analysis, fan perspective, midlife humor, and the ever-shifting landscape of modern sports. Whether you’re an “old guy” finding hope in Philip Rivers or a heartbroken Mets fan, Covino & Rich keep it fun, relevant, and real.