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
2. Pop-Culture Parallels: Monoculture Moments
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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."
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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
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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..."
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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
5. Community Reaction—Who Wasn't Cheering for Indiana?
Viral and Pop Culture Moments from Championship Night
1. Dr. Pepper Girl (Romeo) Goes Mainstream
2. Abella Danger—Adult Star in the Stands
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.