Podcast Summary: The Dan Patrick Show – Hour 1 – Steelers All-in, This Is Luka Dončić’s Year

Release Date: July 1, 2025
Host: Dan Patrick
Network: iHeartPodcasts and Dan Patrick Podcast Network

Introduction

In this episode of The Dan Patrick Show, Dan Patrick engages in a dynamic discussion with co-host Paul Pabst and recurring guests, delving deep into current NFL and NBA developments. The conversation covers significant trades, player performances, MVP race predictions, and extends into broader topics like the evolution of defensive statistics in the NFL and the expansion of the WNBA.

NFL Focus: Steelers’ Strategic Moves

Steelers' Recent Trades and Team Dynamics

Dan Patrick and Paul Pabst kick off the discussion by analyzing the Pittsburgh Steelers' recent trades, particularly the acquisition of Jalen Ramsey.

Dan Patrick (06:07): "Best day yesterday. Pittsburgh Steelers, Houston Rockets, Atlanta Hawks. Others."

Paul Pabst (06:14): "Steelers. Rockets, Hawks, Hawks."

They debate the implications of trading key players like TJ Watt and the potential impacts on the Steelers' defense.

Paul Pabst (06:19): "How about the Bengals and Steelers make a trade? The Steelers get Trey Hendrickson and then their first-round pick, Stewart, who I think is still unsigned. So now I got two edge rushers."

The conversation highlights concerns about the Steelers' high-risk, high-reward strategy, especially regarding TJ Watt's contract and health.

Dan Patrick (26:30): "It feels like possibly the Steelers management has heard the criticism... they need to do this because Baltimore's better."

NBA Analysis: Luka Dončić and the MVP Race

Luka Dončić’s Potential MVP Year

Transitioning to the NBA, the hosts discuss Luka Dončić's impressive performance and his chances of securing the MVP title this season.

Paul Pabst (15:51): "His numbers have been incredible... I think it's Luka's year."

Dan Patrick counters with historical comparisons, questioning if Luka can surpass established players like Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Dan Patrick (15:36): "I went back and looked at the stats. Last year, Luka averaged 28 points, eight rebounds, seven and a half assists."

MVP Odds and Predictions

The hosts examine the odds of various players winning the MVP, with Luka emerging as a strong contender alongside Nikola Jokic and Giannis.

Dan Patrick (11:39): "Jake is going to have a hard time going back to back... my pick, Luka plus 800."

Paul Pabst (16:43): "He's like Wemby before Wemby. You're allowed to..."

Defensive Statistics in the NFL: The 'Hurry' Debate

Quantifying Defensive Pressure

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the concept of "hurries" in the NFL and their potential as an official statistic.

Dan Patrick (29:02): "Max Crosby did was the fourth in the league last year in hurries..."

Paul Pabst (36:25): "If you hurry the passer to an inaccurate or incomplete pass... it affects the game more."

They debate the subjectivity of defining a hurry and advocate for its official recognition to better capture defensive prowess.

Dan Patrick (30:38): "It's a very subjective thing that an official or someone keeping the books would have to come up with."

Historical Insights: Deacon Jones and the Origin of 'Sack'

Exploring the 'Sack' Terminology

Dan and Paul delve into the history of the term "sack," tracing its origins back to Deacon Jones and Merlin Olsen.

Dan Patrick (35:15): "They tried to go back and look at Deacon Jones... the term was used on the broadcast the next week."

Paul Pabst (36:08): "Merlin Olsen was on the fearsome foursome with Deacon Jones."

This segment provides fascinating historical context, highlighting how language in sports evolves alongside the game itself.

Expansion of the WNBA

Growth and Financial Sustainability

The conversation shifts to the expansion of the WNBA, addressing how the league plans to sustain new teams despite operating deficits.

Dan Patrick (39:09): "How can they afford to sustain business and do this? Are these streaming deals that good?"

Paul Pabst (40:47): "They're expanding in cities where you have NBA teams... Detroit is going to add, and I think they're trying to add WNBA teams in cities where you have NBA teams."

They discuss strategic placements and the influence of high-profile figures like Caitlin Clark in driving the league's popularity.

Paul Pabst (42:05): "It's the Caitlin Clark effect. Like, Gretzky came to LA and then..."

Barry Bonds Statue Controversy

Debating Legacy and Recognition

Dan and Paul debate the appropriateness of erecting statues for controversial sports figures like Barry Bonds.

Paul Pabst (50:16): "The Giants are going to erect a Barry Bonds statue."

Dan Patrick (53:00): "It's fair to say Barry Bonds did a lot of great things that are completely under dispute."

They examine the tension between honoring athletic achievements and addressing ethical controversies.

Dan Patrick (53:35): "Don't put a name on a building. Don't build a statue. Don't do anything for anybody."

Play of the Day: Historic Baseball Feat

Nessen Abreu's Unique Achievement

The show highlights an extraordinary baseball play where Nessen Abreu hits a grand slam and an inside-the-park home run in the same game.

Paul Pabst (48:13): "He dives in with an inside the park home run on a perfect spot out there, 8 to 4. That's courtesy of Nessen Abreu..."

Dan Patrick (49:07): "He's in good company."

This rare feat places Abreu in the same league as Roger Maris, emphasizing his exceptional athleticism.

Conclusion

Dan Patrick and his co-hosts provide a comprehensive analysis of pivotal moments in both the NFL and NBA, offering listeners insightful commentary on player performances, strategic team decisions, and broader sports industry trends. The episode effectively balances detailed statistical discussion with engaging debates, making it a must-listen for sports enthusiasts seeking in-depth coverage of current events.

Notable Quotes:

• Dan Patrick (06:07): "Best day yesterday. Pittsburgh Steelers, Houston Rockets, Atlanta Hawks. Others."

• Paul Pabst (15:51): "His numbers have been incredible... I think it's Luka's year."

• Dan Patrick (29:02): "Max Crosby did was the fourth in the league last year in hurries..."

• Dan Patrick (53:35): "Don't put a name on a building. Don't build a statue. Don't do anything for anybody."

This summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the episode, structured to provide clarity and depth for listeners and newcomers alike.