The Dan Patrick Show – Hour 1
Episode Title: The Jury Is Still Out on Marvin Harrison Jr., Rob Manfred
Date: September 25, 2025
Podcast Network: iHeartPodcasts and Dan Patrick Podcast Network
Host: Dan Patrick
Notable Guests: Rob Manfred (Commissioner of MLB)
Danettes: Todd Fritz, Seaton, Paulie
Episode Overview
This episode kicks off with a thorough debate on Marvin Harrison Jr.’s performance so far in the NFL season, dissecting expectations versus early results for the highly touted receiver. Dan and the Danettes also dig into the complexities of NFL Hall of Fame cases, using Russell Wilson and Eli Manning as examples. The major feature of the hour is Dan’s interview with MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, focusing on new baseball technologies (‘Robo Umps’), the future of the sport, and issues like competitive balance and player marketing. Interspersed are lively exchanges between the crew on driving etiquette and lighthearted listener calls.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Marvin Harrison Jr.: Still Proving Himself
[03:26 – 11:07]
- Dan opens the show intrigued by Marvin Harrison Jr. and what he’s shown so far in the NFL:
- Acknowledges Marvin’s impressive college pedigree but points out his NFL stats have underwhelmed compared to draft classmates: Brock Bowers, Malik Nabers, Ladd McConkey, Brian Thomas, and Rome Odunze.
- Dan: “I expected him to be 100 catches, 1,000 yards, and 10 touchdowns, at least. I don’t know how much is on Kyler Murray... but there are times when I’ve watched Marvin Harrison Jr. and he is just dropping balls.” [03:56]
- The team discusses the unpredictability of transitioning from college to pro, referencing that sometimes even glowing draft grades miss important flaws (“uncharacteristic drops” were the only red flag in his draft profile).
- Dan: “Are they just a highlight guy, or somebody who moves the chains throughout a football game?” [10:28]
2. The ‘Left Lane’ Debate
[07:03 – 09:27] & [51:06 – 54:36]
- Todd Fritz brings up his driving habits, favoring the middle lane and expressing an aversion to the left lane, sparking a team debate about proper highway etiquette.
- Todd: “On the rare occasion that I’m in the left lane, I don’t appreciate someone riding my bumper. Again, something I should have addressed yesterday.” [09:11]
- The team teases Todd for occasionally moving the goalposts in this argument, leading to the creation of possible T-shirt slogans poking fun at “left lane campers.”
- Seaton: “We discussed the left lane being a passing lane for 75% of that conversation yesterday.” [52:38]
3. Russell Wilson, Eli Manning & the Hall of Fame Debate
[11:07 – 18:41]
- The Danettes weigh Russell Wilson’s Hall of Fame credentials, comparing him to Eli Manning and Matthew Stafford.
- Dan highlights how postseason performance is often weighted over regular-season excellence:
- Dan: “If Russ completes the pass or hands the ball off to Marshawn Lynch, then he’s a no-brainer. Absolute no-brainer. But it’s weird that Russ is playing his way out of the Hall of Fame. Matthew Stafford played his way into the Hall of Fame.” [12:33]
- The Super Bowl interception is re-litigated; Seaton argues Butler made a great play, rather than Wilson making a terrible one.
- Dan: “It’s what have you done for me lately?” [13:09]
4. Rob Manfred Interview: Baseball’s Present & Future
[27:08 – 38:39]
a. Automated Balls and Strikes (“Robo Umps” / ABS)
- Dan questions the branding and visibility of ‘robo umps’ technology.
- Rob Manfred: “We do prefer the term ABS to robo ... The system was designed to preserve the management role of the home plate umpire... It’s completely invisible to the fan.” [27:08]
- MLB will provide real-time renderings of close ball-strike calls on Jumbotrons:
- Manfred: “Our experience in the minor leagues ... suggests that fans are really interested in seeing that rendering.” [28:01]
- Umpire reaction: Mostly cooperative but uneasy about public corrections.
b. Human Umpires & the Strike Zone
- MLB has worked for decades to bring more uniformity to the called strike zone using tech for evaluation—even before ABS.
- Manfred: “We have dramatically increased the uniformity... By having a computer-based system ... after each game, when they miss a call, they get that pitch. They have to log in and look at it.” [30:19]
c. Rule Changes & Game Experience
- On starting extra innings with a runner on second:
- Manfred: “It came with the COVID changes ... The players really liked it, and I think the push to keep it was based on player preference ... and avoidance of putting really valuable players in positions ... that they didn’t ordinarily do.” [32:03]
- MLB’s strategy to avoid becoming just a “highlight league”—emphasizing in-stadium experience and daily play.
d. Competitive Balance & Salary Cap Discussion
- The salary cap topic comes up episodically, particularly near labor talks.
- Manfred: “One way to ... enhance the perception of competition ... is reduce and regulate the disparity in payrolls.” [34:44]
- Minimum spending is as important as a cap:
- Manfred: “The minimum in some ways may be more important than the cap.” [35:17]
e. Player Promotion & Gambling
- MLB is expanding player-centric content on social media and will feature lesser-known stars like Cal Raleigh in postseason advertising.
- Legalized gambling: MLB benefits mostly from data and sponsorships, but spends more effort on maintaining integrity.
f. Memorable Exchange
- Dan Patrick: “Are you allowed to have a man cave at home?”
- Rob Manfred: “I do have a room that my wife has ... reluctantly seated to me ... but you can’t quite have a cave in an apartment in New York.” [37:46]
5. Listener Calls and Life Advice
[39:00 – 42:21]
- Calls cover reactions to robo umps, support for the left-lane debate, and requests for Dan’s marriage advice.
- Dan: “You fall in love, but you’ll stay married because you like each other... It just comes back to always thinking of the other person.” [42:21]
6. Stat of the Day & Play of the Day
[47:43 – 49:55]
- Cal Raleigh’s 60th home run and the Mariners clinching the division is celebrated.
- Dan: “If Cal Raleigh got to 60 home runs and they won the division, he was going to win the MVP. And I still feel that way.” [47:53]
- Highlights Paul Skenes’ incredible rookie pitcher stats—youngest to finish with a sub-2.00 ERA since Dwight Gooden.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- Dan Patrick: “Are they just a highlight guy, or somebody who moves the chains throughout a football game?” — on evaluating wide receivers [10:28]
- Seaton: “Russell Wilson threw that ball perfectly. Malcolm Butler just made a better play, and that happens. That shouldn’t be a negative on Russell Wilson’s career necessarily.” [16:56]
- Rob Manfred: “We do prefer the term ABS to robo ... The system was designed to preserve... the home plate umpire. It’s completely invisible to the fan.” [27:08]
- Rob Manfred: “The minimum in some ways may be more important than the cap.” [35:17]
- Dan Patrick (marriage advice): “You fall in love, but you’ll stay married because you like each other… Can you sit at a table, just you two, and have enough things to talk about?” [42:21]
- Fan (Nick in Virginia): “I got a unique nickname for [robot umpires] called Rumps, because I thought they may be ass.” [39:00]
Important Timestamps
- 03:26 – Opening take on Marvin Harrison Jr.
- 05:00 – Harrison’s NFL stats vs. peers.
- 07:03 – Todd’s ‘left lane’ philosophy sparks team debate.
- 11:07 – Russell Wilson & Hall of Fame argument.
- 12:33 – Dan: How postseason and regular season matter to Hall cases.
- 16:56 – Seaton: “Malcolm Butler made a better play.”
- 27:08 – Rob Manfred on “Robo Umps” (start of interview).
- 30:19 – How tech improved umpire strike zone standard.
- 32:03 – Runner on second in extra innings logic.
- 34:44 – Manfred on salary cap and minimum spend.
- 39:00 – Nick in Virginia: “Rumps” and robo ump banter.
- 42:21 – Andreas asks Dan for marriage advice.
- 47:43 – Play of the Day (Cal Raleigh’s 60th HR).
- 52:38 – Closing left lane argument and poll question for merch.
Overall Tone and Takeaways
The show balances serious, in-depth sports analysis (particularly around football HOF debates and MLB innovation) with humor, frequent on-air ribbing, and authentic engagement with both sports figures and fans. Dan’s relatable, sometimes self-deprecating tone keeps the energy light even when serious sports business topics (automation, salary caps, player marketing) come up, and the listener call-in segment adds a personal touch.
For Listeners Who Missed the Episode:
- You’ll come away with new insights into how elite receiver prospects are judged (and can falter), how Hall of Fame worthiness is constantly debated, and a first-hand look at MLB’s plans for game technology and parity.
- Don’t miss Rob Manfred’s clarifications on “robo umps” and his candid remarks on revenue, competitive balance, and the evolution of the strike zone.
- Expect the same Dan Patrick Show blend of lively camaraderie, sports debate, and humorous asides—plus a few new T-shirt ideas if you’re passionate about the left lane!