The Dan Patrick Show (C&R Takeover)

Episode: Da Bears Home & Wicked Laugh
Date: February 21, 2026
Hosts: Covino & Rich (C&R) with Dan Beyer, Danny G, and Iowa Sam

Episode Overview

This episode of the Dan Patrick Show—helmed by Covino & Rich—focuses on the Chicago Bears’ potential move from Illinois to Indiana, a subject that's stirring emotions among fans and city officials alike. In classic C&R fashion, the crew blends sports analysis with humor, personal anecdotes, live listener calls, and a lively, irreverent tone. The hosts also touch on other sports stories, Olympic moments, and the dynamics of fan loyalty amid evolving sports team geographies.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Opening Energy & Setting the Table

• The show opens with high energy; the team celebrates the close of a busy week and previews topics:
  • Chicago Bears' stadium drama
  • Weak consolation prizes in sports
  • World Baseball Classic excitement
• The hosts riff on Southern California living, gardening, and plant envy (04:15-06:56).

Main Theme: The Chicago Bears’ Possible Move to Indiana

Segment Start: 09:07

What's Going On?

• Rumors become serious: The Bears are considering moving to Indiana because of stadium deal incentives. Indiana lawmakers are moving forward on legislation to attract the team (09:31).
• Chicago’s position: City officials want to keep the Bears, expressing frustration that negotiations are playing out in public rather than privately (09:43-10:48).

Rich: “Chicago doesn't want the team leaving—that would be ridiculous.” (10:47)

Is This Really a Big Deal?

• Geographic confusion: Some on the panel initially believe this would mean a three-hour distance; clarified to actually be right over the Illinois/Indiana border, about 30 minutes from Chicago (12:10).
• Analogy to other teams:
  • Giants/Jets in NJ; still “New York” teams
  • 49ers in Santa Clara; still “San Francisco”
  • Kansas City Chiefs potentially moving to Kansas (17:44)

Dan Beyer: “It's just more of the principle of being in Indiana that seems to be [an issue], but location-wise, it's closer [to Chicago] than, say, Santa Clara is to San Francisco.” (16:55)

The Name Game — “Chicago Bears” in Indiana?

• Would it still be appropriate to keep the "Chicago Bears" moniker?
• General consensus from hosts and many callers: Yes, it’s about branding and regional loyalty, not strict borders.

Rich: “It would be a travesty if they didn’t. That’s where I land on this.” (15:01)

• Dan Beyer calls potential move a “Nothing Burger” because the stadium would be so close:

  “If Dan Beyer's saying it's a nothing burger, it's no different than the Giants and Jets being in New Jersey...You need room for these stadiums.” (17:32)

Historical Significance & Fan Emotion

• The Bears are a cornerstone franchise in the NFL, founded in 1920.
• Hosts reflect on attachment to iconic venues and city roots.

Rich: “Even if they want to cross the border to a different state, isn’t there going to be a fight to keep the ‘Chicago Bears’ name?” (16:44)

Stadium Economics: Why Move?

• Call from Steve (Chicago): City still owes $500 million from 2003 renovations; Bears have fulfilled their obligations, but city finances are strained (20:51).
• It's about getting the best public deal, as well as modernizing the venue and developing the surrounding area (as seen in other cities).

Rich: “It really is like...Indiana’s like the new girl that’s like, ‘yeah, whatever you want to do...’” (22:03)

Callers Weigh In

• Steve (Chicago): Explains financial feud and why the city may get left behind
  • (20:51-21:38)
• AJ (Illinois): “We are devastated at the news ... The history, right? 'Chicago Bears' not in Chicago—it just doesn't sound right. It doesn't resonate the right way.” (32:48-33:28)
• Patrick (Illinois): Brings up potential third competitor—Iowa lawmakers also want to lure the Bears. Iowa Sam and hosts immediately shoot down the feasibility (33:48-34:37).

Evolution of Team Names & Locations

• Reference to Raiders (Oakland/LA/Las Vegas) and legendary team names that have outlasted city moves (Lakers, Jazz).
• “We’re resilient guys. It’ll be okay. I know it does suck for Chicago, though.” (37:18)

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• Rich (on Bears fans):
  “I gotta ask you first and foremost: If the Bears do move to Indiana, do the fans just roll with this? ... Are they still the, quote, Chicago Bears?” (11:03)
• Dan Beyer:
  “It’s just more of the principle of being in Indiana ... but location-wise, it’s closer than where Santa Clara is to San Francisco.” (16:55)
• AJ (Caller, IL):
  “We are devastated at the news ... The history, right? Chicago Bears not in Chicago—it just doesn't sound right.” (32:48)
• C&R (on Raiders):
  “As a Raiders fan, I’ve been through moves ... I still got my Raiders stuff. I’m still a Raiders fan.” (35:28-35:49)
• Dan Beyer (on stadium economics):
  “It’s more of what it represents—trying to get a better deal instead of taking care of their fans.” (37:28)
• Rich (on historical quirks):
  “We’re crying about these things not making sense... the Lakers are called the Lakers, and it makes no sense, but we roll with it.” (36:08)

Fun Asides & Sub-Themes

California Plant-Life & "Retirement Dreams" (04:42-09:07)

• C&R and Dan Beyer riff on the appeal of gardening, local fruit trees, and “curb appeal."
• Amusing side debate about cutting down palm trees and lawn care advice.
  • “Sam’s a freaking Lorax!” (08:21)

The "Nothing Burger" Declaration (17:28)

• Dan Beyer, after all the build-up, calls the controversy overblown due to proximity, eliciting laughter and agreement.

Team Relocation Humor

• Extended playful comparisons to other illogical team moves.
• The “Chicago Bears of Iowa?” running gag (34:52-35:04).

Notable Segments and Timestamps

- Plant/Nursery Banter & SoCal Life: 04:42-09:07

- Bears to Indiana Story Launch: 09:07

- Deep Dive—Is It a “Big Deal?”: 12:00–17:44

- The "Nothing Burger" Verdict: 17:28

- Caller Steve breaks down city vs. Bears financial conflict: 20:51

- Listener Emotions: AJ and Patrick Call: 32:48–34:37

- Legacy of Moving Teams / Name Ironies: 36:08–38:46

- Dan Beyer: Stadium Economics & Fan Impact: 37:28

Highlight: The Eileen Gu "Wicked Laugh" Segment

(50:09–51:48)

• The crew discusses Olympic skier Eileen Gu’s response to a pointed question:
  • Eileen Gu:
    “I'm the most decorated free skier, female free skier in history. I think that's an answer in and of itself...” (50:09)
  • Her condescending laugh spawns a comparison to “the Tom Brady laugh,” which the hosts jokingly associate with brushing off awkward or loaded reporter questions.

Listener Interaction & Tone

• The show is packed with sports banter, nostalgia, personal takes, and a healthy dose of self-deprecating, absurd humor.
• Regular invitations for audience calls and live chat.
• Classic C&R riffing (e.g., “Weekends are for lantanas”; running jokes about “dude wipes” and toilet paper).

Conclusion

Despite initial alarm and some fan angst, the consensus—after exploring facts, precedent, and geography—is that the potential Bears move to Indiana is more symbolically strange than genuinely disruptive. The name and fan base would likely endure, just as they have for other relocated teams. However, the hosts acknowledge the heartbreak for Chicago purists, balancing empathy with reminders of sports business realities and the elasticity of fan loyalties. The episode is a lively, quintessential Covino & Rich ride: informed, irreverent, and totally in tune with sports culture.

For Further Listening

• For more on the topic and related sports/entertainment discussion, find Covino & Rich on all podcast platforms or check out the Fox Sports Radio YouTube live stream.

Quick Reference: Notable Quotes by Topic

| Segment | Quote & Attribution | Time | |---------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------| | The Name Game | “It would be a travesty if they didn’t...” — Rich | 15:01 | | Principle or Logistics? | “It’s just more of the principle of being in Indiana...” — Dan Beyer | 16:55 | | Listener Sentiment | “We are devastated at the news…Chicago Bears not in Chicago—it just doesn't sound right.” — AJ (caller) | 32:48 | | Overblown? | “I’m going to call it a Nothing Burger. Yes, I am.” — Dan Beyer | 17:28 | | History Ironies | “The Lakers are called the Lakers and it makes no sense, but we roll with it…” — Covino | 36:08 | | Stadium Economics & City Dealings | “It’s more of what it represents—trying to get a better deal…” — Dan Beyer | 37:28 | | Eileen Gu “Wicked Laugh” | “I'm the most decorated free skier, female free skier in history...” — Eileen Gu | 50:09 |

This summary covers the meaningful, content-packed segments of the show, providing context, key exchanges, and the C&R flavor for those who missed the episode.