The Dan Patrick Show – "C&R: Sing the Praises of Fernando!"

Date: January 21, 2026
Hosts: Covino & Rich, with Dan Byer, Danny G, and Iowa Sam
Network: iHeartPodcasts / Dan Patrick Podcast Network

Overview

This high-energy episode dives into the wild aftermath of the College Football National Championship, celebrating "Fernando Mania" led by Indiana's Fernando Mendoza—the Heisman-winning, underdog quarterback who powered Indiana to an unbelievable title. Covino and Rich unpack why Mendoza’s story has captivated the nation, likening it to monocultural moments that rarely unite America. The cast also discusses viral moments from the game (including that Dr. Pepper TikTok commercial and the surprise Abella Danger cameo), explores the narrative power of sports, and delivers their signature humor and pop-culture savvy.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Fernando Mendoza—A New Folk Hero

• Lightning in a Bottle Storyline:

  • The hosts gush about Mendoza’s journey—from being a Miami reject, humble beginnings with a young mother, to engineering an iconic championship win against his hometown team.
  • Quote (A, 03:41): "He's a really special guy. He's really authentic, really genuine and he took the world by storm."

• Signature Moment:

  • The now-iconic quarterback sneak where Mendoza dove over the goal line to seal the win—hosts predict this will become a statue in Indiana.
  • Quote (B, 02:54): "...that still image of him diving over the goal line, mark my words, within a decade will be a statue in Indiana."

• Human Side:

  • Mendoza’s relationship with his mom, her moving letter, and their faith-filled, grateful approach touched a national chord.
  • Quote (A, 05:02): "His connection with his mom. How he praises Jesus. How he's so grateful? His likability."

• The Miami “FU Revenge” Narrative:

  • Overlooked by Miami, Mendoza returned to defeat them in their own stadium—hosts revel in the poetic, yet classy, "revenge."
  • Quote (A, 09:11): "He comes back to his hometown, his home school that he rooted for to beat them on their field... full circle fu revenge was handled so masterfully and classy."

2. Pop-Culture Parallels: Monoculture Moments

• Rare Unifying Stories:

  • The episode compares "Fernando Mania" to rare sports moments that break through America's fragmented media landscape—Johnny Manziel, Tim Tebow, Linsanity, Caitlin Clark.
  • Quote (A, 21:56): "There are stories that just... swept the nation. And everybody took note. Like Rich said, we live in a world where monoculture is no longer a thing... But everybody was tuned in last night."

• Personal Impact:

  • Even non-college football fans—and their parents—got pulled in.
  • Quote (A, 04:36): "My parents were tuned in, my daughter and all her friends are tuned in, everybody was tuned in to see if this dude came through."

3. Broader Cultural & Community Connections

• Cuban-American Angle:

  • Mendoza’s Cuban heritage and Miami’s Cuban community created deep-rooted, divided loyalties.
  • Quote (A, 10:27): "...how conflicted Miami itself must have felt when there's such a large Cuban community... rooting for Miami but also pulling for their kid..."

• Underdog to Hunted:

  • The hosts reflect on Indiana’s lack of football history and what it means to go from "punching bag" to national powerhouse.
  • Quote (C, 13:25): "Indiana has no history. They have a history of losing... So for them to go 16-0, it's like impossible."

4. Authenticity, Likability & Leadership

• Keeping Cool Under Pressure:

  • Mendoza endures a late-game dirty hit but keeps his composure, endearing him further to fans and hosts alike.
  • Quote (B, 07:12): “He kept his cool... He’s a tough SOB, this kid... you don't realize he's 6'5."

• Faith & Flaws:

  • Mendoza’s genuine faith, but also a human moment—caught on air cursing out of emotion.
  • Quote (A, 07:36): “Dude used the swear word last night. He was asked about it too."
  • Quote (B, 07:53): “He dropped a curse word there at the end... Where'd that come from?"
  • Quote (A, 07:57): "Yeah, I would say overwhelmed by emotion."

5. Community Reaction—Who Wasn't Cheering for Indiana?

• Haters and Outliers:

  • Not everyone was swept up—rival fans (Ohio State, Miami) and the small minority of resistors.
  • Quote (B, 14:44): "...there's always gonna be some people that are the outliers. Like, yeah, I'm not really about this."

• Cultural Events and Social Pull:

  • Even casual observers and non-fans found themselves invested, highlighting the power of sports narratives.

Viral and Pop Culture Moments from Championship Night

1. Dr. Pepper Girl (Romeo) Goes Mainstream

• The TikTok Jingle that Made the Airwaves:

  • Viral sensation Romeo’s “Dr. Pepper baby, it’s good and nice” jingle made the National Championship broadcast as an official commercial, blending internet culture with prime-time TV.
  • Quote (A, 28:11): “Dr. Pepper baby is good and nice.”
  • Discussion: The hosts debate how much she got paid, with estimates ranging from $25,000 to $250,000.

• Timestamp: Segment starts at [27:24]

  • Quote (A, 29:25): "...when millions were watching the championship last night, they snuck that in and everybody started trending on it again."

2. Abella Danger—Adult Star in the Stands

• Surprise Sideline Celebrity:

  • Viral buzz as cameras catch adult film star Abella Danger at the game—host reactions range from amused recognition to proud oblivion.
  • Quote (B, 34:03): "...her face is on national television last night."
  • Quote (A, 34:44): "I don't know who she is. I never heard of her ever in my life. This is not the first time she's been spotted in a call of prison (college football setting)."

• Timestamp: Segment begins at [33:04]

3. World’s Most Interesting Man Returns

• A brief but fun appearance by the iconic ad character adds nostalgic pop-culture flair to the night.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Mendoza's Impact:
  • “It’s like lightning in a bottle. Once in a while, there’s a story that sweeps the nation like Linsanity. And this is that moment.” (A, 03:41)
• The ‘Movie’ Angle:
  • “It’s a movie. You and I discussed before the show—what comes first, the Fernando movie or the statue in Indiana?” (B, 05:56)
• On Faith and Culture:
  • “How such a good religious boy is about to go to Sin City... That’s another funny-ass story.” (B, 05:16)
• Relating to Tom Brady:
  • “And then when they moved back to Miami, the one thing that Fernando took with him was his admiration of Tom Brady. And to think Tom Brady’s right there. It’s going to be his future boss.” (B, 05:25)
• On being pulled into the story:
  • “When was the last time you got pulled into something you were a casual viewer of?... Was it Tim Tebow? Was it Johnny Manziel?... Probably Caitlin Clark...” (B, 21:21)

Important Timestamps

• [00:29] Celebrating Fernando “Heisman Doza” Mendoza’s legendary championship performance
• [02:54] The hosts predict a statue for Mendoza’s goal-line dive
• [05:02] Reflecting on Mendoza’s family, faith, and Tom Brady connection
• [07:36] On Mendoza’s composure after a rough hit and the rare curse word
• [09:11] “Full circle FU revenge”—Mendoza conquers Miami
• [14:42] Comparing this to other monoculture events—everybody’s talking
• [21:21] “When was the last time you got pulled in as a casual fan?”
• [27:24] Dr. Pepper TikTok girl’s jingle goes from viral to TV ad
• [33:04] Abella Danger spotted in the crowd—pop culture meets sports TV

Tone and Style

Full of humor, rapid-fire banter, and cultural references, the episode balances earnest sports admiration with irreverent asides, making it as much about shared experience and community as analysis. The hosts revel in Mendoza's likability, the unpredictability of sports, and how viral moments (both wholesome and risqué) color the way we experience championship nights.

For Listeners Who Missed the Episode

This episode is the ultimate celebration of how one athlete and one game can sweep up even cynical or casual fans, creating national unity and endless storytelling fodder. It’s also a snapshot of how sports, memes, and mainstream TV now create cultural moments in real-time—whether that’s a Cinderella run, a viral soft drink jingle, or a celebrity cameo nobody saw coming.

Want more?

Tune in for C&R’s signature conversational style, plenty of pop-culture tangents, and a genuine appreciation for what makes sports great: the stories, the personalities, and the way the unlikeliest events turn into legends.