The Dan Patrick Show (C&R) – Daniel Jones Support & MLB Wide Open
Date: September 24, 2025
Hosts: Covino & Rich (Fox Sports Radio)
Podcast Network: iHeartPodcasts and Dan Patrick Podcast Network
Episode Overview
This lively episode of Covino & Rich blends classic banter with deep dives on the hottest stories in sports. The crew explores Daniel Jones’ much-discussed career transition and the meaning of professional support between former teammates, then swings to the wild, up-for-grabs race toward the MLB playoffs. Throughout, Covino & Rich bring their trademark humor, playful rivalry, and accessible relatability for fans following both NFL and MLB news.
Key Topics & Discussion Points
1. Tom Brady, Flag Football, and Athlete Payday Rumors
(03:48-06:09)
- The show opens with speculation about Tom Brady's rumored $75 million Saudi payday to play flag football, originating from Dave Portnoy.
- Rich and Dan riff on the massive paychecks attracting big names:
- Rich: “You think Saquon and McCaffrey and all these guys are quick to say yes if they weren't getting paid?” (04:10)
- Brady himself pokes fun at the hype with a snarky denial.
2. The Joy of Youth Sports and Why We Love the Game
(06:29-10:08)
- Rich shares a heartwarming story of his 8-year-old daughter’s first hit in kid-pitch Little League, reflecting on how such moments are the soul of sports.
- Rich: “That's why we love sports...When you see a little kid get their first hit...these are the moments that give a young kid confidence.” (07:06)
- Dan jokes about the lifelong confidence Covino gained from his Little League home run fame.
- Group banter and encouragement about supporting each other’s MLB teams as the playoff race heats up.
3. Daniel Jones: From Struggle to Second Chance – The Power of Support
(10:08-17:24)
- In-depth discussion about Daniel Jones’ departure from the Giants to the Indiana Colts and the career pivot's impact.
- The hosts praise Jones’ character and debate whether his lack of success in New York was circumstantial.
- Dan Byer: “Maybe you're just in a bad situation and you need to move somewhere else. That's life.” (12:17)
- Special focus on Saquon Barkley’s public support:
- Dan: “Outside of the Philadelphia Eagles and myself, I don't want anyone else to perform at a high level besides Daniel Jones.” (12:42)
- They relate this dynamic to personal experience, discussing rooting for ex-colleagues/friends in new jobs—even when not on the same team anymore.
- Banter about the broader sports and life analogy—cheering for people you started with, even if you’re now competitors.
4. Rooting for Old Friends & Ex-Teammates: How Far Does Loyalty Go?
(13:39-16:40)
- Hosts and crew candidly share whom they still root for from their previous stint at ESPN or sports radio buddies who “made it” elsewhere.
- Rich: “Even as a fan, there’s guys who were on your team...there's a part of you that's like, well...I hope that kid does good.” (14:09)
- Compare this sentiment to sports fans following beloved ex-players and rooting for their continued success.
- Notable analogy: rooting after a breakup—wanting good things for an ex, just not better than for yourself.
5. MLB Playoff Race: “It’s Up for Grabs”
(17:43-24:26)
- A caller from Texas chimes in on Jerry Jones’ unpopular moves and nostalgia for classic baseball movie moments.
- Rich and Dan analyze the wild MLB postseason picture—so many teams still in contention, upsets everywhere:
- “Seven out of the last 30 World Series...the best team won the World Series.” (19:00)
- Brewers, Dodgers, Yankees, Mets—all discussed as potential postseason threats.
- Talk about teams catching fire at the right moment, with stats revealing that the ‘best’ regular-season team rarely wins it all.
6. Wild Card Implications, Small vs. Big Markets, and the Legacy Debate
(22:53-24:55)
- Focus on which teams have clinched playoff berths and discussion of likely Wild Card matchups.
- The tension for Mets/Yankees fans as both still face must-win situations.
- “If you sneak in, do you really genuinely feel like…all is forgiven?” (21:30)
- Playoff structure could mean a Wild Card round packed with legacy, big-market franchises, likely boosting baseball ratings.
7. NFL/MLB Current Events & Injuries
(31:36-48:58)
- Recap via Dan Byer:
- Giants starting first-round pick Jackson Dart at QB, with Russell Wilson as backup.
- Major NFL injuries discussed:
- Joe Burrow’s prognosis for the Bengals seen as season-defining.
- Nick Bosa’s injury seen as devastating for the 49ers.
- Rich: “Does the Bosa one take the Niners from 'maybe they could contend' to ‘well, they ain't gonna contend’?" (46:46)
- Parallels drawn to Andrew Luck’s career—will Burrow be this generation’s Luck?
- Dan: “He can't avoid injuries at this point.” (48:23)
8. Mahomes Trivia and Lighter Moments
(30:51-36:33)
- Regular “Showtime Mahomes Trivia” segment featuring a Patrick Mahomes parody (with voice actor and hosts participating).
- NFL and pop culture banter, including:
- Joking about halftime preferences: Metallica vs. Adele vs. Taylor Swift.
- Mahomes character: “I'll take anybody over Adele...are we trying to put people to sleep or have a good time?” (36:03)
9. Random Fun & Banter
(44:43-50:16)
- Comic riffs on watching Pirates-Reds with an eye patch and singing sea shanties.
- Goofy speculation: which stories fizzled faster, “torpedo bats” cheating scandal or Jimmy Kimmel’s briefly-suspended TV show?
Notable Quotes
-
Rich Davis (on youth sports):
“That’s why we love sports...When you see a little kid get their first hit...these are the moments that give a young kid confidence.” (07:06) -
Dan Byer (on career moves):
“Maybe you’re just in a bad situation and you need to move somewhere else. That’s life. That’s what the people say.” (12:17) -
Saquon Barkley (via Dan):
“Outside of the Philadelphia Eagles and myself, I don’t want anyone else to perform at a high level besides Daniel Jones.” (12:42) -
Rich Davis (about old friends):
“Even as a fan, there's guys that were on your team...there’s a part of you that’s like, well, you know what? As long as they’re not playing my team, I’m always going to...I hope that kid does good.” (14:09) -
Dan Byer (on MLB postseason):
“This postseason especially, I really feel it’s up for grabs...whoever catches fire at just the right time.” (21:22) -
Mahomes parody (on halftime acts):
“I’ll take anybody over Adele...are we trying to put people to sleep or have a good time?” (36:03) -
Dan Byer (on Joe Burrow):
“He can’t avoid injuries at this point.” (48:23)
Timestamps for Important Segments
- Tom Brady/Flag Football payday rumors: 03:48–06:09
- Rich’s daughter’s Little League moment + Why we love sports: 06:29–10:08
- Daniel Jones discussion (NFL support, second chances): 10:08–17:24
- Rooting for ex-teammates/coworkers in life/sports: 13:39–16:40
- MLB playoff race & parity debate: 17:43–24:26
- Wild Card and playoff structure/ratings talk: 22:53–24:55
- Showtime Mahomes Trivia and halftime show banter: 30:51–36:33
- NFL/MLB injuries & season outlook: 31:36–48:58
- Pirates-Reds, sea shanties, and light fun: 44:43–50:16
Episode Tone & Style
The tone remains upbeat, conversational, and humorous—full of friendly rivalry and approachable sports analysis. The hosts inject personal anecdotes, pop culture riffs, and a dose of authentic fandom. There’s a strong thread of empathy, friendship, and nostalgia, as the hosts relate player struggles to broader life lessons.
Summary for Those Who Missed It
If you didn’t tune in, this episode is a must for NFL and MLB fans wanting context on high-profile athlete transitions, the meaning of sports loyalty, and the manic finish to baseball’s regular season. Covino & Rich serve up a mix of expert insight, heartfelt stories, and light-hearted comedy that captures what it means to be a fan—whether you’re still carrying Little League memories or just living for October baseball.