The Dan Patrick Show (C&R) — "Sam Darnold Makes Hosts Cry"
Date: February 12, 2026
Hosts: Covino & Rich (C&R)
Network: iHeartPodcasts / Dan Patrick Podcast Network
Episode Overview
This episode of The Dan Patrick Show, featuring Covino & Rich (C&R) as guests hosts, dives into emotionally resonant moments in sports and pop culture—those scenes and traditions that "get you every time." Sparked by the recent "We're Going to Disneyland!" commercial with Sam Darnold after the Seattle Seahawks Super Bowl win, the hosts explore why certain moments tug at the heartstrings and encourage listeners to share their own tearjerker favorites. The tone mixes humor, nostalgia, and raw emotion, with plenty of lively debate and contributions from listeners.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. The "We're Going to Disneyland!" Super Bowl Tradition
- Jump-Off Topic: The emotional impact of the post-Super Bowl Disney commercial featuring Sam Darnold and Kenneth Walker III of the Seattle Seahawks.
- Rich: “They start showing the highlights. ‘When you wish upon a star…’ there’s no difference who you are. Anything your heart desires will come to you.” (05:43)
- Covino: “That’s every little kid’s dream, man. When it’s your team, it really means much more.”
- Fun Fact: The campaign started in 1987 with Phil Simms of the New York Giants, earning $50,000 for being the first athlete to say the phrase on camera.
- Dan Byer: “It was quarterback Phil Simms of the Giants who was the first ever. And he was paid $50,000 to utter the phrase, ‘I’m going to Disney World.’” (09:29)
- Disney World vs. Disneyland: Discussed the commercial’s destination, and how it alternates based on the winning team’s geography. (08:13/31:14)
2. Signature Emotional Moments in Sports and Pop Culture
- Traditions and Songs:
- NCAA’s “One Shining Moment”:
- “I don’t know why, but when they give their final bow … I sit there like, wonderful performance.” (16:37, Covino)
- “When they hit the final note ... a little pitter patter in the heart and I always look at my w and I’m like freaking beautiful.” (14:31, Rich)
- Championship Merchandise: The joy of collecting hats, sweatshirts, and other memorabilia when your team wins.
- Montages: Emotional slideshows at weddings or recaps of seasons always seem to bring tears.
- NCAA’s “One Shining Moment”:
- Movie Moments:
- “Hey dad, you wanna have a catch?" from Field of Dreams. (17:05)
- The end of La Bamba when Bob hears about Richie Valens. (17:30)
- Adrian waking from her coma in Rocky II: “Just win.” (18:28–18:32)
- Ripping up the contract in The Goonies. (23:34)
- The walk as champions in Hoosiers or dramatic sports upsets like Miracle (locker room speech).
- Listeners & Hosts Add: Coco (“Remember Me”), Brian’s Song, Marley & Me, Hardball (G-Baby scene), military family surprise reunions, and more.
- Listener Participation:
- Callers recounted personal moments from movies (Hardball, Avengers: Endgame), actual sporting events (18th at The Masters), and enduring pop-culture memories.
- Military surprise reunions and Special Olympics moments moving listeners to tears.
3. Why Do These Moments Hit So Hard?
- Shared Traditions: The power of collective memory and tradition.
- Nostalgia and Childhood Dreams: Connecting with our inner child, past aspirations, and lifelong fandom.
- Transcending Wins and Losses: Even blowout games mean everything if your team is involved—a reminder that context is personal.
- Seeing Loved Ones’ Achievements: Pride and joy for others—family, even strangers—can be overwhelming.
- Listener Alex (21:47): “The walk up on 18 at Augusta … Hideki Matsuyama’s caddy bowing just hit me different.”
- Covino: “You could be at a wedding of somebody you don’t even know… you see that little slideshow, you’re like, why am I getting emotional?” (32:44)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- Dan Byer: “My neighbor said, kind of a boring game, and I’m like, the bleep, it was like the best game in a decade.” (07:58)
- Covino: “You want to go to Disneyland. That was the most magical place in the world growing up, right?” (12:33)
- Rich: “One shining moment … when they hit that final note, it’s like … I always look at my w and I’m like, freakin’ beautiful.” (14:31)
- Listener Alex: “The Masters walk-up … the significance that maybe we take for granted.” (21:47)
- Listener Joel: “Super Bowl national anthems … Charlie Puth, Chris Stapleton … making grown men cry.” (21:01)
- Dan Byer: “For me, it’s when Moonlight Graham crosses over to be old again [in Field of Dreams] … that gets me.” (19:56)
- Listener James (Boise): “Brian’s Song, dude. ... It’ll get you every time.” (34:37)
- Covino: “You could get thrown right back into that mix. When I see the 1996 highlights, Yankees World Series, takes me back…” (38:00)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- 05:20 – The Sam Darnold “Going to Disneyland!” commercial sparks the topic.
- 09:12 – History of the Disney World/Disneyland Super Bowl commercial.
- 13:26 – The tradition of “One Shining Moment” and other emotional sports songs.
- 16:04 – Personal and pop-culture moments that "get you every time."
- 17:05 – Field of Dreams “have a catch” scene.
- 18:28 – Rocky II: “Just win” moment.
- 23:34 – Goonies contract-ripping scene.
- 21:00–22:58 – Listeners call in: Super Bowl anthems, The Masters, Homeward Bound.
- 26:00+ – More listeners add their own moments: Hardball, Brian’s Song, military reunions.
- 31:14 – Fun fact: How Disney chooses between Disneyland and Disney World.
- 32:40+ – Emotional reactions to montages, children meeting sports heroes, and TikTok/IG stories.
- 34:37, 35:10+ – Talking about Marley & Me and other movie moments that make grown-ups cry.
- 36:50 – Kids’ movies (Coco, Hook, Bluey) and sharing nostalgia with kids.
Additional Notes
- James Van Der Beek Tribute: Hosts pay respects to the late actor, mentioning past interview, and referencing his beloved roles (Varsity Blues’s “Mox”).
- Episode is highly interactive, blending humor, authenticity, and genuine moments of vulnerability.
- Audience encouraged to share their stories both live and via YouTube chat.
- Recurring theme: Sports (and movies about sports) create a shared emotional landscape that brings fans together, whether through joy, nostalgia, or catharsis.
Recap: Why This Episode Resonates
“Sam Darnold Makes Hosts Cry” is a celebration of the universal, emotional experiences that unite fans—by highlighting the rituals, commercials, movie scenes, and personal memories that bring unexpected tears (of joy, pride, or nostalgia). Whether centered around sports victories, hallmark movie endings, or childhood dreams, the episode underscores the powerful role of shared tradition and storytelling in our lives.
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“Makes me want to go there. Makes me want to work harder to fulfill my dreams. Good for you, Sam Darnold.” – Covino (19:00)