The Dan Patrick Show (Covino & Rich) - "Town Love, Rodgers Radar, Cube's Blimp"
Date: August 27, 2025 | Network: iHeartPodcasts & Dan Patrick Podcast Network
Episode Overview
On this lively and wide-ranging episode of Covino & Rich (C&R), the hosts delve into the enduring phenomenon of "local celebrity" in sports—why some players capture the hearts of their hometown fans and struggle to replicate that love elsewhere. They dissect Aaron Rodgers' approach to expectations with the Steelers, review NFL Super Bowl "tiers," and riff on the best sports promotions—highlighting Ice Cube’s blimp stunt for the Big 3. True to form, the show seamlessly mixes humor, strong sports opinions, and pop-culture commentary, weaving in a spirited trivia game, playful banter, and memorable quotes throughout.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Local Legends and the Home-Town Hero Vibe (04:15–22:40)
- Premise: The unique bond between certain players and their city—why do some athletes become icons in a specific locale, but barely register elsewhere?
- Case Study: Tommy DeVito, aka “Tommy Cutlets,” backup QB for the New York Giants:
- His "Italian guy, East Coast" persona clicked perfectly with the New York/New Jersey fanbase.
- Statistically had a solid preseason, but hosts debate if his local legend would translate elsewhere.
- Covino: "If Tommy Cutlets was the backup quarterback for the Seahawks or the Raiders, would anyone even care?" (09:50)
- Related Examples:
- Lee Mazzilli (Mets), Jose Iglesias (Mets), Yasiel Puig (Dodgers)—each referenced as fan favorites in certain markets but not universally embraced.
- Danny G: "I couldn’t imagine Puig being as big anywhere else. Once he left L.A., he was irrelevant." (17:25)
- Rich: “The vibe has to match the moment, the team, the market. That’s the magic.”
2. NFL Teams Poised to Surprise (22:40–30:40)
- Call-In Guest (Doug, Maryland): Argues that the Raiders and Giants are being underestimated.
- Doug: "I think the Raiders are going to be okay and much better than last year." (24:15)
- Hosts clarify: both teams projected to finish near the league’s bottom, but could surprise, especially with improved offense.
3. "Under-Hype and Over-Deliver": Aaron Rodgers, Expectations & Pressure (30:40–42:24)
- Aaron Rodgers’ quote: "Life and sports are a little easier when expectations are low and he's liking it." (34:10)
- Comparison of high- and low-expectation teams/QBs (ex: Cam Ward & Titans vs. the hype around Caleb Williams).
- Life lesson: It’s best to under-promise and over-perform—applies everywhere from sports to relationships.
- Notable Exchange:
- Covino: “The number one rule is to never set expectations so high that you can’t meet them.” (38:10)
- Rich: “You tell your boss you’ll double sales... all you do is set yourself up to let people down!”
4. NFL Super Bowl Tiers – Ralph Vacchiano’s List (42:24–59:05)
- Segment: Hosts attempt to predict and react to NFL on Fox’s Super Bowl "tiers."
- Top Contenders: Chiefs, Eagles, Bills, Ravens, Lions
- One Break Away: Bengals, Packers, Texans, Commanders, Bucs, Steelers
- Up and Comers: Broncos, Chargers, Vikings
- On the Fringe: 49ers, Rams, Cowboys
- Potential Cinderellas: Bears, Patriots, Cardinals
- Disagreements & laughter ensue (“He put the Vikings as an up-and-comer? What, are you on drugs?”).
- Covino: “Who has the Cardinals as a Cinderella? They’re going to be 5 and 12!”
5. Pop-Culture & Sports Crossovers (59:05–72:00)
- Discussion of Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce’s engagement making headlines everywhere—Trump even comments with well wishes (68:15).
- Rich: "They're not hateable people. You can be sick of them, but they're solid." (69:00)
- Brief segment around best sports promotions, like Ice Cube’s Big 3 blimp ("Ice Cube is a pimp") and Detroit’s popular 'Magnum PI Day' with Tom Selleck.
6. Showtime Mahomes Trivia (72:00–90:00)
- A spirited NFL-themed trivia game co-hosted “in character” by a Mahomes impression—mixing laughs, sports history, and show in-jokes.
- Contestant Darren from Tulsa wins after nailing a question about Calvin Johnson.
- Patrick Mahomes (impression): "I always say, never change who you are, be the best you can be, and don’t sign the prenup!" (81:10)
7. Sports News & Lighthearted Wrap-Up (90:00–End)
- Quick sports headlines (Saints name Spencer Rattler starting QB; MLB suspends Wilson Contreras).
- Commentary on the civility of Trump’s remarks about Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, despite political differences:
- Rich: “You don’t need to agree with someone politically to wish them well. That’s important.” (101:00)
- Outro: Recap of upcoming segments, YouTube/live stream promotion, and the running gag about Mrs. Roper/Magnum PI Day.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- On local stars:
- "Sometimes there’s just a guy in your city that everyone loves and no one else cares about, and that’s part of being a die-hard fan.” – Rich (13:25)
- On expectations:
- “Life and sports are a little easier when expectations are low—and Rodgers is liking it.” – Covino (34:10)
- “Always under hype, over deliver. That rule applies everywhere.” – Covino (38:18)
- On fandom:
- “I want to give props to my kids. They gave out Rams shirts at school and my kids said, ‘No thanks, I’m a Niners fan.’ Way to go—way to brainwash them!” – Covino (105:30)
- On Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce:
- “Does anyone really hate them? They’re not that hateable. She writes good pop music, he’s a great player, their family’s likable.” – Rich (69:00)
- Trump (audio clip): “Well, I wish 'em a lot of luck. I think he’s a great player and a great guy, she’s terrific, so I wish them a lot of luck.” (68:15)
- On sports promotions:
- “Even saw the lights of the Goodyear Blimp, and what’d it say? ‘Ice Cube is a pimp’—that’s a great promo.” – Covino (111:20)
Important Segment Timestamps
- Local heroes/fan favorites: 04:15–22:40
- Call-in (Raiders/Giants discussion): 22:40–30:40
- Expectations & Rodgers discussion: 30:40–42:24
- NFL Super Bowl tiers/trivia: 42:24–59:05
- Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce engagement/Trump quote: 68:15–72:00
- Mahomes Trivia Game: 72:00–90:00
- Sports news wrap-up: 90:00–104:00
- Promotions & pop-culture (Big 3 blimp, Magnum PI Day): 104:00–115:00
Show Tone & Style
vThis episode is a prime blend of quick-witted sports analysis and laid-back, relatable humor. Hosts bounce effortlessly from NFL shop talk to pop-culture nods, call-in debates, lively impersonations (notably Mahomes), and from-life anecdotes—delivering a fan-friendly, banter-driven show rich in nostalgia, opinions, and fun.