The Dan Patrick Show

Hour 1 – Michael Jordan’s NBC Debut, Sean Payton Takes a Shot at Russell Wilson
Date: October 22, 2025
Podcast: The Dan Patrick Show
Host: Dan Patrick (and the Danettes)

Episode Overview

This episode centers on the return of the NBA to NBC, headlined by Michael Jordan’s highly anticipated debut as an NBC analyst with a sit-down interview alongside Mike Tirico. Dan and the Danettes discuss the nostalgia of NBC basketball broadcasts, the impact and intrigue surrounding Jordan’s new media role, early NBA season takeaways (including performances from Luka Doncic, the Warriors, and OKC), and dive into NFL drama, with a focus on Jets owner Woody Johnson’s comments and the ongoing Sean Payton–Russell Wilson saga.

1. Michael Jordan’s NBC Debut – A New Era Meets Nostalgia

Discussion Highlights

• Excitement for NBA on NBC Return (06:40–08:50):
  • The show opens with Dan and crew reveling in nostalgia as NBA on NBC returns, complete with the iconic “Round Ball Rock” theme.
  • “It was always Bob Costas bringing you in to watch the NBA on NBC. Now it's Mike Tirico… This is music to Todd's ear.” — Dan [07:40]
• Jordan’s Interview with Tirico (08:10–13:00):
  • Michael Jordan makes his broadcast debut, choosing NBC as a way to “pay it forward.”
    • Jordan: “I have an obligation to the game of basketball…to pass on messages of success and dedication.” [09:45]
  • The conversation was brief but tantalizing, and Dan hopes for future, more in-depth explorations (“Details with Kobe Bryant” is referenced as a model).
  • Jordan on missing the game:
    • Jordan: “I wish I could take a magic pill, put on shorts and go out and play…the type of competitiveness is what I live for. And I miss it.” [11:10]
  • Dan analyzes what makes Jordan special and what this presence means for NBC’s coverage and NBA fandom.

Notable Moments & Quotes

• On the power of nostalgia and era comparison:
  • “It felt bigger…network TV, and that's the way it used to be in the 90s. You had Marv Albert, Bill Walton, Bob Costas, the music.” — Dan [13:20]
• Upcoming Guest:
  • John Tesh (composer of Round Ball Rock) will appear later in the week and may perform live on air. [13:55]
• Dan’s hope for the Jordan segments:
  • “I want to see how accessible…are we talking about things happening right now, or is it a broader spectrum? That's my biggest concern.” [38:35]

2. NBA Season Early Reactions

Key Points

• Thunder vs. Rockets / Warriors vs. Lakers (17:10–21:45):
  • Thunder beat the Rockets in double OT; Warriors take down the Lakers.
  • Luka Doncic posts 43; the Lakers continue their poor season opener record.
    • “Luca went for 43, but the Lakers…one in eight in their last nine openers.” — Dan [17:45]
  • Deandre Ayton’s fit is questioned as a viable pick-and-roll partner for Luka.
    • “I'm not quite so sure about Deandre Ayton. I think I penciled him in as a 16/10 guy…” [18:40]
• Golden State Warriors Adjustments:
  • Jimmy Butler joins the Warriors.
  • Draymond Green gets a quick technical, but Dan notes that Butler’s style doesn’t quite fit the traditional Warriors flow.
    • “It's still just weird…Jimmy Butler in a Warriors uniform. It's like, 'Oh yeah, that's right. He's there now.'” — Dan [52:25 & 55:45]
• Oklahoma City’s Youth Movement:
  • OKC looks deep and balanced; Chet Holmgren impresses; SGA lauded as “clutch.”
    • “OKC, you know, SGA is just…he has that innate ability.” — Dan [24:20]
  • The competitive Western Conference is discussed; Dan bets we’ll see a new champ again this year.
• Other NBA Notes:
  • Discussion on the Knicks’ rumored pursuit of Giannis, Warriors’ depth, and Steph Curry’s longevity and evolving role.
    • “How many years do you think Steph has left? …He created his own position.” [57:36]

3. NFL Drama – Owners and Quarterbacks Under Fire

Jets Owner Woody Johnson Critiques His QB (1:13:00–1:17:35)

• Woody Johnson goes on record critiquing his quarterback ("something's not jiving") and, by omission, supports his coach.

  • Quote:

    “It's hard when you have a quarterback with the rating we’ve got…something just is not jiving.” — Woody Johnson [1:14:00]

• Dan is bewildered: “Why are you talking? …Just don’t say anything.” [1:16:40]

• Concern that Johnson places blame on the QB rather than taking responsibility for franchise-wide dysfunction.

Sean Payton–Russell Wilson Feud (1:18:00–1:21:30)

• Sean Payton (Broncos HC) makes a dig about hoping the Giants would start Russell Wilson.
  • Quote:

    “We were hoping that that change [quarterback switch] would’ve happened long, long after our game.” — Payton [1:18:55]

• Russell Wilson fires back on social media:
  • Quote:

    “Classless, but not surprised. Didn’t realize you’re still bounty hunting 15+ years later through the media.” — Russell Wilson [1:19:30]

• Dan views Sean’s shot as unnecessary, especially after getting the win and moving on to Bo Nix: “I was disappointed in Sean. You’ve got Bo Nix, you got the win. Move on. Why are you taking a shot?” [1:20:15]

4. Audience Interaction & Quick Hits

Call-ins & Danette Riffs

• Jordan Would He Trade Wealth for Youth? (43:45)
  • The panel debates if Michael Jordan would pay $1B to be 30 again for just a year.
    • “He’d write a check for half his net worth to be 30 again for one year.” — Paulie [44:50]
  • Dan disagrees: “Mike loves his money. …He isn’t giving any up.” [45:20]
• Comparisons with Past Superstars:
  • Discussions on accessibility post-retirement (Bird, Magic, Joe Montana).
• Fans Call in about Lakers’ future, LeBron’s health, Jordan’s competitiveness, and team-building in the NBA (incl. thoughts on Knicks/Giannis, Spurs and load management).
• T-shirt Gag: Ongoing fun about merchandising (Dan: “We’ve been down the road before with Tom Brady…”).

5. Notable Quotes & Moments

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote | |-----------|-------------|-------| | 09:45 | Michael Jordan | “I have an obligation to the game of basketball…to pass on messages of success and dedication.” | | 11:10 | Michael Jordan | “I wish I could take a magic pill, put on shorts and go out and play…the type of competitiveness is what I live for. And I miss it.” | | 13:20 | Dan Patrick | “It felt bigger…network TV, and that's the way it used to be in the 90s. You had…that music.” | | 38:35 | Dan Patrick | “I want to see how accessible…are we talking about things happening right now, or is it a broader spectrum? That's my biggest concern.” | | 1:14:00 | Woody Johnson | “It's hard when you have a quarterback with the rating we’ve got…something just is not jiving.” | | 1:19:30 | Russell Wilson | “Classless, but not surprised. Didn’t realize you’re still bounty hunting 15+ years later through the media.” |

6. Tone & Style

• Light, irreverent, and nostalgic: Plenty of humor, gentle ribbing among the Danettes, and frequent callbacks to 90s sports culture.
• Insider Sports Critique: Dan’s take is always informed, candid, and a touch old-school, with lots of respect for history and the way “things were.”
• Listener engagement: Call-ins and panel banter create an inviting, conversational vibe.

Recommended Listening

• 13:20 – 15:00: For full nostalgia on NBA on NBC and John Tesh
• 38:35 – 41:00: Dan’s exploration of Jordan’s NBC role and lasting impact
• 1:14:00 – 1:17:35: Woody Johnson’s QB comments dissected
• 1:19:30 – 1:21:30: The Sean Payton/Russell Wilson feud explained

TL;DR:

This episode celebrates the NBA’s return to NBC, with Michael Jordan stepping into the analyst spotlight—a move lauded for both sentimentality and sports wisdom. Dan Patrick mixes sharp, humorous takes on early NBA drama, examines the business and psychology behind player retirements, and digs into fresh NFL controversies with his trademark blend of reverence and wit. The Jordan interview and the ongoing NFL feud provide compelling reasons to tune in, as always, for Dan and the Danettes’ unique locker-room camaraderie.