The Dan Patrick Show – Covino & Rich: “First Fernando Misstep? & Last One Standing!”

Date: April 8, 2026
Main Theme:
This episode of Covino & Rich on The Dan Patrick Podcast Network centers around the breaking story of NFL prospect Fernando Mendoza skipping the NFL draft to stay with his family in Miami, exploring the debate about tradition, family, and sports spectacle. The second half features an energetic round of the “Last One Standing” sports trivia game.

Main Discussion - Fernando Mendoza’s Draft Day Decision

Overview

The heart of the episode (05:00–19:45, 44:49–45:46) revolves around Fernando Mendoza, a top Cuban-American NFL prospect, choosing not to attend the NFL draft in Pittsburgh. Instead, he’s opting to stay home with his large, close-knit family in Miami, which sparks a lively debate on whether his decision is a mistake (“misstep”) or a heartwarming sign of personal values.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Evolution of the NFL Draft Experience

• Back in the Day vs. Now (06:02–06:35):
  The guys recall early NFL drafts as smoky, low-key events (“VFW halls” with “wood paneling and landlines”)—now transformed into massive, city-shutting, billion-dollar spectacles.
  • “It has went from that…to a city shutting down…It’s big. It’s huge. It’s really an opportunity for a city to make a ton of money and showcase what they’re all about.” — Steve Covino [06:18]

2. Mendoza’s Choice: Family Over Fame

• Mendoza’s Family Ties (07:12–08:27):
  Mendoza’s decision is framed by his roots in a huge, proud Cuban family in Miami, where family support runs deep.
  • “Not only is he close with his intimate family...this guy has 800 extended Mendozas…you don’t think there’s a nice side to the story?” — Rich Davis [07:12]
• Emphasis on Values:
  Both hosts (Rich especially) defend Mendoza’s prioritizing family, calling him “a good kid” and “my guy.”
  • “Who’s more important, his family or the random Mustache Tavern fans of Pittsburgh?” — Rich [08:10]

3. The Debate: Bold Statement or Alex Offense to Tradition?

• Covino’s Position (08:58–09:42):
  Covino sees a missed opportunity—for Mendoza’s career “shine” and for the league:
  • “Not going to Pittsburgh to be the number one pick…That’s a lot of shine for people that are really looking for it.” — Steve Covino [08:58]
  • “It’s a terrible decision…And you know what the NFL’s thinking…this is awful. You boneheaded kid.” — Steve Covino [09:42]
• Rich's Counter:
  Rich sees family as paramount, referencing his own upbringing humorously (and what his mother did for him) as a sign of family importance [07:51–08:10].
  • “Fine. You know, and I love and respect and honor her every day.” — Rich [07:55]

4. Nuance: Health Factors and League Accommodation (10:08–11:20)

• Mendoza’s mother reportedly has MS, possibly making travel difficult.
  • “It is difficult for Mendoza’s mom to travel.” — Producer [10:08]
  • The hosts acknowledge the NFL would likely “accommodate” any special requests (“lounge with butlers,” etc.), minimizing that as a logistical barrier [11:12].

5. Broader Impact: Ratings, Perception, and Precedent (11:38–13:49)

• Dan Beyer Weighs In:
  • “They hate it because he’s the only story of this draft…it's become way too big. I have actually no problem with him staying home.” — Dan Beyer [11:38]
• Ratings:
  • Covino fears ratings will drop; Beyer and Rich think the cameras at home could make for a more emotional TV moment [12:21–12:34].
  • “Way more heart tugging to see his name called…crying with all his Cuban relatives.” — Rich [12:34]

6. Callers’ Perspectives (14:31–18:29)

• Mark (Caller):
  Sides with family, using “Dumb and Dumber” analogy to mock the owners/Goodell’s disappointment [14:32].
  • “Don’t ever take sides against the family…That’s the owners in Goodall, the poor, poor owners.”
• Rich Keeps Emphasizing Culture:
  • “Old school Cuban family…makes all the sense. I’m not even surprised.” [15:01]
• Multiple call-ins underscore a theme: Latin/Hispanic/Italian-American family values vs. national sports spectacle.

7. Reflections & Final Takes (44:49–45:46)

• Rich’s Bottom Line:
  • “The unpopular decision is the right decision…he’s staying home with his family.” [44:49]
• Covino’s Suggestion:
  The NFL, Mendoza, or media should “bring more pizzazz” to the home event—have features, interviews, so the TV moment isn’t lost, even if he skips the live spectacle [45:23–45:33].

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On family:
  • “Act like he knows them…they have family reunions…I swear to you.” — Steve Covino [07:12]
• Jokes and tone:
  • “Your mom did your laundry until you were almost 30.” — Steve Covino [07:52]
  • “It was her pleasure, bro.” — Rich [08:03]
• Summing up the debate:
  • “Do it for the cameras, do it for the moment, go hug the commissioner!” — Covino [17:44]
  • “Who gives a diddly squat?!” — Rich [17:39]
• On spectacle:
  • “It’s a movie…a concert. You’re missing the star.” — Covino [12:57]
• On potential heartwarming TV:
  • “Way more heart-tugging to see his name called…crying with all his Cuban relatives.” — Rich [12:34]

Segment: “Last One Standing” Sports Trivia (25:24–44:49)

Game Overview

• Four contestants (Covino, Rich, Dan Beyer, Listener Brian) compete in sports trivia—MLB batting leaders, NBA playoff wins, current MLB struggles, and NBA scoring leaders.
• Playful, high-energy banter:
  • “Thirteen-time winner Steve Covino right over there!”
  • “Brian, you’re halfway to a prize pack!”
• The tiebreaker: Lou Brock’s World Series batting average; Dan Beyer wins with the closest guess (43rd win).
  • “391.” — Producer/Fact Checker, revealing Lou Brock’s stat [41:52]
  • “I quit this game. I hate this game.” — Rich [41:57]

Memorable Trivia Moments

• “Who’s more important, his family, or the random Mustache Tavern fans of Pittsburgh?” — Rich [08:10]
• “If you get one of them…D. Putting Dan on the spot. Come on.” — Producer, as the competition heats up [32:41]
• Guest shout-outs, stories of meeting legends (Lou Brock’s “steal a base, steal a taco” promo [43:02–43:32]), and general good sportsmanship.

Segments of Note / Timestamps

• 01:19 – Show opening, bracket challenge banter
• 05:00 – Fernando Mendoza’s decision introduced
• 06:02–06:35 – How the NFL Draft has changed
• 07:12–08:27 – Mendoza’s massive family, Cuban roots
• 09:42 – Covino: “Terrible decision” for the NFL
• 10:08–11:20 – Discussion on Mendoza’s mother’s health and NFL accommodations
• 11:38–13:49 – Dan Beyer: The only story of the draft
• 14:31–18:29 – Listener call-ins on family vs. tradition
• 25:24–44:49 – “Last One Standing” trivia contest
• 44:49–45:46 – Final wrap-up on Mendoza's choice and how the NFL may respond

Final Thoughts

Covino and Rich deliver a balance of humor, personal stories, and genuine debate, creating an episode that’s both entertaining and relatable. They unpack a culturally relevant sports story that transcends the NFL draft, sparking conversations about family, tradition, and the future of athlete media moments. Even in trivia, their playful ribbing and enthusiasm make the episode lively for all listeners.

For those who missed it: This episode showcases how one athlete’s family-first decision can ripple through sports culture and media tradition, while also serving up the usual Covino & Rich blend of jokes, jabs, and sports passion.