The Dan Patrick Show: Covino & Rich — "System of a Jones & NFL Step Back"

Date: October 23, 2025

Podcast Network: iHeartPodcasts & Dan Patrick Podcast Network

Episode Overview

This episode of The Dan Patrick Show (Covino & Rich edition) dives deep into the role of nostalgia in sports and pop culture, the evolution of creativity in entertainment, and the ongoing NFL quarterback debates — with a heavy focus on the "system quarterback" label around Brock Purdy and the quarterback-friendly schemes of Kyle Shanahan. The hosts blend signature humor with sports insights, discussing generational differences in fandom, pop culture language trends, and key NFL storylines of the week.

1. The Pull of Nostalgia in Sports & Pop Culture

(Starts ~08:00)

• NBA's Nod to Nostalgia: The NBA's return highlights included its use of classic theme music ("Round Ball Rock"), Michael Jordan’s sit-down with Mike Tirico, and a celebration of past icons.

  • Key Point: The hosts agree that nostalgia, when balanced with promotion of new talent, keeps leagues relevant and exciting.
  • Quote:
    • "If the NBA balances it correctly, it's going to be fantastic... A little bit of nostalgia but really highlight the new stars, we'll be all good." — Rich Davis (09:30)

• Creativity vs. Familiarity in Entertainment:

  • Debate: Are people less creative now, or do studios just play it safe?
  • Rich & Covino's Argument: Studios and big platforms chase nostalgia because it's a safer investment, not because society lacks creativity.
    • Example: Most box office hits are reboots (Top Gun: Maverick, Barbie, Spider-Man, Mario Bros.).
    • Quote:
      • "I think it's just that it's safety and nostalgia... People love it." — Covino (13:20)
  • Conclusion: Modern outlets (TikTok, social media) prove creativity is thriving even if mainstream studios hesitate to embrace originality.

• Fan Call-in:

  • "The NBA back in the day was a bit more fun... but you see older players like Shaq and Charles downplaying today's NBA instead of promoting it." — Manny in El Paso (15:10)
  • Hosts compare this to baseball's approach, where veterans like Ron Darling praise modern players' skills.

2. Nostalgia’s Comfy Grip: Why We Still Love the Old Stuff

(~16:30)

• Personal Reflection: Covino admits there's something comforting about playing classic video games, even though newer ones are technically better.
  • Quote:
    • "There's just something comforting about nostalgia. It's not better... Trust me — things are better now — but the nostalgia really hits you..." — Covino (18:15)
  • Analogy drawn to pop culture's preference for revivals and reboots: It’s not always about quality, but familiarity and emotional connection.

3. Pop Culture Language Trends

(~20:55)

• The hosts joke about changing their segment names to keep up with Gen Z vernacular (e.g., "midweek major" may become "chopped," "fire," or "valid" to stay relevant).

4. Big Mike’s Wednesday Words of Wisdom

(~22:30)

• Big Mike’s Deep Thought:
  • "Real peace is choosing not to wreck things when you could. If you aren't capable of wrecking things, you're not peaceful — you're just a houseplant." — Big Mike (23:40 & 24:55)
• Host Reactions:
  • Rich: “I don’t even understand it.”
  • Covino explains: To be truly peaceful, you must first have the capacity for aggression or destruction.
  • "You will understand it on your deathbed. It's going to come to you one day." — Mike (25:30)
• Memorable Moment: Viewers are challenged to repeat the quote verbatim for a prize.

5. NFL Quarterback & System Debate

(~28:00)

• Featured Discussion: Brock Purdy’s value to the 49ers and "system quarterback" stigma.

  • The Scenario: Mac Jones fills in, possibly going 6-1 as a starter. What does this say about Purdy, Jones, and Kyle Shanahan’s system?
  • Rich: "I’m not going to say it’s a quarterback controversy... But what does it say about Kyle Shanahan?... Do you interpret it as anyone with an ounce of talent can play under Shanahan?" (29:45)

• Dan Byer’s Input:

  • Not every QB works — it’s about fitting the system, not diminishing the actual skill of Purdy or Garoppolo.
  • "We started throwing terms like 'system quarterback' around like it was a bad thing... If you're a 'system quarterback' and can play effectively, you’re winning. That’s all that matters." — Dan Byer (34:10)

• Adaptability vs. Insult:

  • Being a “system quarterback” is not necessarily an insult.
  • Analogy: It's like being typecast in TV: maybe not ideal for a craftsperson, but it means steady, successful work.

• Relational Analogy:

  • Your value depends on fit with the right partner, team, or system — not universal appeal.

6. Midweek Major (Pop Culture & Sports Hot/Not)

(~42:15)

• Super Bowl Halftime Show with Bad Bunny:
  • Controversy over selection is called "weak."
  • "Do I like Bad Bunny? No. Is he American? Yes. So shut your face." — Covino (43:20)
• NFL Pro Bowl Changes:
  • Pro Bowl moves to Tuesday of Super Bowl week, at San Francisco’s Moscone Center, to coincide with FanFest and highlight flag football (2028 Olympics).
  • Both hosts call it a “major” improvement.
• Most Marketable Athlete List:
  • List led by Lewis Hamilton (F1), followed by Simone Biles (Olympian), with US athletes like Steph Curry and Caitlin Clark in the top 10.
  • Hosts call the list “mid” — Shohei Ohtani not being in the top 10 is seen as a major omission.
• Travis Kelce’s Steakhouse Order:
  • Hosts see this as an example of pop culture overkill — “so weak” that his restaurant order is news.
  • "We're such on the Kelsey hype train that we gotta talk about their stupid order? Get out of here." — Covino (~55:30)

7. NFL Update & League Notes

(55:40)

• Weekly injury updates: Commanders’ Jaden Daniels out, multiple QBs listed as limited.
• Coaching dynamics and subtext: Complimenting a new player often causes unintended shade toward their predecessor.
  • "If you talk about a football team and you're like, 'man, they're great but the secondary...,' you're pretty much saying who was there before wasn't cutting it." — Covino

8. NFL Step-Back Team of the Year

(01:07:35)

• Rich’s Take: The Washington Commanders are pointed out as the team that took a major step back this season after last year’s stellar performance.
  • They're 3-4, struggling with injuries, and face a tough schedule ahead.
  • "There's a team that took a major step back and it's only going to get worse." — Rich (01:07:36)
  • Predicts more losses upcoming due to injuries and matchups with powerful teams.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On nostalgia’s comfort:
  "Nostalgia really hit you in the cortisone." — Covino (18:15)
• On "system quarterbacks":
  "If you work within that system, to your point, it's not a... it's not necessarily a bad thing." — Rich (36:10)
• Big Mike’s wisdom:
  "If you aren't capable of wrecking things, you're not peaceful. You're just a houseplant." — Big Mike (24:55)
• On NFL pop culture crossover:
  "We're such on the Kelsey hype train that we gotta talk about their stupid order? Get out of here." — Covino (55:30)
• On shifting terms in sports talk:
  "We might have to rebrand the show because kids are using different words all the time." — Rich (20:55)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Nostalgia & Creativity in Sports/Entertainment — 08:00–16:30
• Generational Fandom Callers & Baseball vs. Basketball Vets — 15:10–16:30
• Nostalgia vs. Now in Gaming/Pop Culture — 16:30–20:55
• Pop Culture Language & Segment Renaming — 20:55–22:30
• Big Mike’s Words of Wisdom — 22:30–25:50
• NFL QB System Fit Debate (Purdy, Jones, Shanahan) — 28:00–41:45
• Midweek Major (Super Bowl, Pro Bowl, Athlete Marketing, Kelce News) — 42:15–58:00
• NFL Injury & League Notes, Compliment vs. Insult — 55:40–1:04:00
• Commanders' Struggles & NFL Step Back — 1:07:35–End

Tone & Style

Conversational, energetic, irreverent ("shut your pie holes," "get out of here," etc.), and self-referential. The hosts deftly mix sports analysis with cultural commentary and light-hearted banter, poking fun at themselves and the sports world in equal measure.

Summary

This episode tackled nostalgia in sports and entertainment, dissected the quarterback "system" debate (focusing on Brock Purdy and Kyle Shanahan’s 49ers), and lampooned over-hyped pop culture stories. Listeners are left with sharp-witted sports commentary, big personality moments (Big Mike’s “houseplant” wisdom), and pointed opinions on how both sports and society recycle old hits to comfort the masses. The episode is a strong blend of sports insight, pop culture discussion, and comedic energy perfect for casual fans and sports diehards alike.