The Dan Patrick Show (Covino & Rich)

Episode: C&R – Jags Reporter Debate, Last One Standing

Date: January 13, 2026
Podcast Network: iHeartPodcasts & Dan Patrick Podcast Network

Main Theme

This episode of Covino and Rich (C&R) is driven by a spirited debate about the evolving role of sports media and reporting—centered on a viral, feel-good moment involving Jacksonville Jaguars reporter Lynn Jones and rookie head coach Liam Cohen. The hosts analyze whether kindness and humanity belong in press conferences or if journalists should stick to “hard questions.” The show also ranges into NFL playoff storylines, including Tom Brady’s public image and trivia-driven segments—all while balancing humor and hot-take sports discourse.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Golden Globes, NFL Playoff Recap, and “Game Balls”

(03:00 – 04:59)

• The hosts joke about not actually watching the Golden Globes, though Covino shouts out Nikki Glaser as an underdog success story.
• College Football Bracket Challenge has only 8 perfect entries left, and hosts joke about their own poor picks.
• Game Ball Awards: Covino celebrates standout figures from recent NFL action:
  • Kyle Juszczyk (Fullback, 49ers): “The guy does everything you could possibly want.” (04:15)
  • Tom Brady (in the broadcast booth): “He’s growing on us all… I like his reactions to big plays.” (04:32)
  • Lynn Jones (Jags Reporter): For her unique, emotional encouragement to the Jaguars head coach after their season-ending loss.

2. Lynn Jones’ Viral Moment: Kindness vs. Traditional Journalism

(05:36 – 14:48)

Background:
After the Jaguars’ tough playoff loss, local reporter Lynn Jones told rookie head coach Liam Cohen to “hold your head up… you guys have had a most magnificent season.” Her words, heartfelt and maternal, went viral—sparking debate about professionalism, bias, and the changing nature of sports reporting.

The Audio (Direct Quote):

Lynn Jones: “I just want to tell you congratulations on your success, young man. Hold your head up. All right. You guys have had a most magnificent season. You did a great job out there… and ladies and gentlemen, Duvall, you the one. We got another season. Okay?”
(07:00 – 07:16)

Panel’s Take:

• Covino:
  Sees nothing wrong with kindness:

  "In a world where...there’ll be one guy that’s like, 'Well, you know, I don’t really like that.' Like, there’s someone that'll be a contrarian for everything. I heard this, and my first thought was, this is beautiful. How could anyone have a problem with it?" (07:26 – 07:32)

• Sam:
  Feels the moment may have “gone on too long” and wasn’t “her job to console the coach.” (08:05 – 08:17)
• Covino and Team:
  Argue that sports media has evolved—audiences crave relatable content (“fun and kindness”), not just the “mustache, notepad” old-school journalist archetype.

  "Why do you think shows like ours are growing? Why do you think Pat McAfee is as big as he is? ...Because people like their sports information in a different way." (08:21 – 08:34)

• Danny G:
  Brings balance, emphasizing it isn’t mutually exclusive:

  "Professionalism, credibility, and fun and humor don’t have to be mutually exclusive. You can be professional and credible and still have fun at the same time." (10:54 – 11:09)

Underlying Debate:

• Should journalists be “objective” and emotionally distant, or is there room for empathy—especially after historic seasons or crushing losses?
• Social media response is polarized, which the panel sees as both a cultural and generational divide.

3. Reflection on Sports Media’s Generational Change

(12:00 – 15:47)

• Covino laments the “territorial” vibe of old newspaper journalists, suggesting their time is passing. He recounts his early TV career and being “mean-mugged” by old-school guys in a “dying model.”
• Isaac:
  Offers the inclusive take:

  "...There’s room for both guys. You could have your credible mustache reporters with their little notepads and typewriters… But you know what? Sports is fun and there’s a place for us and there’s a place for fun and kindness that Lyn Jones expressed this weekend. I have no issues with it at all." (14:19 – 14:48)

4. NFL Playoff Storylines & Speculation

(17:20 – 19:42)

• Upcoming matchups: Should fans root for stories (Aaron Rodgers) or teams (Texans, Patriots)?
• Hosts consider which games “America wants to see,” voting for Rodgers’ late-career heroics as the more engaging narrative.

5. Reframing the Reporter Debate: Notable Quotes

(20:22 – 22:04)

• Danny G:

  “You can be credible, professional, formal, but that doesn’t mean you can’t at the same time be funny, loosen your tie and have a great time. I don’t know why it has to be either or… You can do both at the same time.” (20:38 – 21:03)

• Isaac Lowen Cron:

  “Sports and real life are complex and nuanced in a way that often doesn’t fit into 280 characters.” (21:55 – 22:04)

6. Last One Standing – Sports Trivia Segment

(29:32 – 42:47)

• A recurring game show segment with trivia on:
  • NFL teams with 14+ wins,
  • NBA All-Star selection leaders,
  • This season’s NFL rushing leaders.
• Playful trash talk, with callbacks to game ball honorees and reporter debates woven in.
• Rich ultimately wins the contest with a Baker Mayfield career TDs tiebreaker.

  “I’m the best.” (52:23)
  “No one’s happy when you win.” (52:24)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Lynn Jones’ viral kindness:

  "His face lit up, you know, because you can see how sad and defeated he looks." – Isaac (07:19)

• On fandom and media:

  “The sports fan is a beer-drinking, fun-loving, hanging with their buddies, busting balls...yet it’s like you need a guy with a mustache and a tie to tell you like the injury report? …It’s such an old school way to think…” – Covino (15:14)

• On binary thinking:

  "So many things are not mutually exclusive, but people insist that they are." – Covino (20:22)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Golden Globes/NFL Recap & Game Balls: 03:00 – 05:36
• Lynn Jones Jags Reporter Segment: 05:36 – 07:16 (quote: 07:00 – 07:16)
• Debate on Reporter Kindness vs. Objectivity: 07:17 – 14:48
• Changing Sports Media & Old School Reporters: 12:00 – 15:47
• NFL Playoff Talk & Storylines: 17:20 – 19:42
• On Emotional Nuance in Sports: 20:22 – 22:04
• Last One Standing (Sports Trivia Game): 29:32 – 42:47
• Baker Mayfield Tiebreaker & Show Close: 50:00 – end

Summary for New Listeners

This episode epitomizes the modern sports radio ethos: hot takes, heart, humor, and meta-debate about how fans and media consume sports. At its core, the show defends human connection—even within press rooms—and openly opines that sports coverage should be both credible and fun. If you follow sports for the stories, personalities, or just to laugh with friends, Covino & Rich delivers all that with a side of playful rivalry and, occasionally, armpit noises.