The Dan Patrick Show - Hour 2 (September 16, 2025)
Main Theme:
This episode focuses on the ongoing NFL season, with deep dives into quarterback performances, playoff prospects, and—most notably—a wide-ranging interview with Gary Myers, author of the new book “Brady vs. Belichick: The Dynasty Debate.” The discussion features the conflict of interest surrounding Tom Brady’s dual role as a broadcaster and Raiders minority owner, the dynamics of the Patriots’ dynasty, and the intricacies of the Brady-Belichick relationship. As always, Dan and the Danettes add perspective, humor, and lively audience interactions.
Key Topics & Discussion Breakdown
NFL Playoff Prospects and Quarterback Clutch
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Poll Question Discussion (05:05–06:25)
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Who’s more “Super Bowlish”: Buccaneers (led by Baker Mayfield) or Chargers?
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Chargers carry 67% of the vote, to Dan’s surprise. Dan notes Tampa’s easier path and consistency.
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Tampa opens season 2-0 for a fifth straight year, longest current streak (06:10):
“Fifth consecutive year Tampa’s opened up the season two and oh — longest active streak in the NFL.”
— Dan Patrick [06:10]
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AFC Playoff Teams Poll (06:25–06:39)
- Bills, Chargers, Bengals, Colts—who won’t make it? Dan leans Bengals, calls Colts sneaky playoff material.
Tom Brady as Broadcaster & Owner: Conflict of Interest Debate
- Brady’s Booth Controversy (09:20–10:33; 26:05–27:58)
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Discussion on Tom Brady sitting in the coach’s booth for the Raiders despite broadcasting for Fox.
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Dan worries about competitive advantage and teams’ willingness to share info in production meetings:
"I just can't imagine if I'm Ben Johnson and I'm the Bears head coach ... Tom is going to be calling our game this week. How forthcoming am I going to be?"
— Dan Patrick [09:35] -
Guest Gary Myers strongly criticizes this arrangement:
“This is just a horrible, horrible look for the NFL, and they need to do something about it.”
— Gary Myers [26:05]
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Audience Interactions
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Caller: Baker Mayfield as Clutch QB (12:46–13:18)
- Question: Is anyone more clutch than Baker Mayfield?
- Dan: Still gives edge to Patrick Mahomes, but praises Baker’s perseverance and grit.
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Kicker Salary Game (14:39–15:57)
- Paulie quizzes the room on highest-paid NFL kickers.
- Harrison Butker is tops at $6.4 million.
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NFL Schedule / All-Star Break Idea (16:11–17:18)
- Caller suggests NFL All-Star week for player rest and TV content. Dan doubts owners would give up a Sunday.
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Lions Game Recap and Player Antics (18:04–18:59)
- Caller recounts Lions WR Isaac Tesla’s “fake hamstring” celebration and clutch catches; Dan jokes about being too old for fake injuries.
Interview Segment: Gary Myers on "Brady vs. Belichick"
[26:05–39:36]
Brady as Owner and Fox Broadcaster
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Myers: Brady’s in-booth presence is a clear conflict. Appearing publically in the coach's booth with headphones was “bad judgment.”
“Tom should have known better than to be so public last night to be sitting in the booth with the headphones on … What a horrible conflict of interest.”
— Gary Myers [26:42]
Patriots Dynasty: Who Was More Important?
- Myers divides dynasty into phases:
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Early: Belichick’s defense/running game led; first Super Bowl win was “all Belichick.”
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Turning Point: 2007 season, Brady’s 50 TDs marked a shift—he became the dynasty’s engine.
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Conclusion: First half: Belichick’s imprint; second half: “almost entirely Brady.” Gap is less because of Bill’s early role, but he gives the edge to Brady in the later years.
“The turning point of it was in the ‘07 season … I think the second half of the dynasty … was almost entirely Brady.”
— Gary Myers [28:36]
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Why Did Free Agents Choose New England?
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Players tolerated Belichick to chase rings and bigger contracts, but most were drawn specifically to play with Brady.
“They wanted to play with Brady because Brady was going to take them to the playoffs. You get extra paychecks and you may win a Super Bowl.”
— Dan Patrick [29:53]
Brady and Montana: A Fractured Relationship
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Myers reveals Tom Brady and Joe Montana’s friendship soured when Brady would only reach out after breaking one of Montana’s records. Montana felt “disrespected,” stating Tom never contacted him for any other reason.
“Joe said he could have dealt with that if … Tom was texting him every now and then … But that didn’t happen.”
— Gary Myers [31:46]
Brady and Belichick: Minimal Personal Bond
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Both Myers and Dan recount that Brady and Belichick never “walked down memory lane” together—no sentimental retrospectives even after championships:
“Do you think you and Belichick will ever sit down and kind of open up the scrapbook and, you know, walk down memory lane?
He goes, no, because that's, that's not our relationship.”
— Dan Patrick [33:29]
Belichick’s Influence on Brady’s Early Growth
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Myers highlights how Belichick’s defensive insights shaped rookie Brady, especially after QB coach Dick Rehbein’s death in 2001.
“Belichick became the de facto quarterback coach … gave Brady the perspective as an offensive coach on how to attack a defense.”
— Gary Myers [36:19]
Belichick’s Coaching Future
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Myers doubts Belichick will get another NFL head job after New England, suggesting his rumored interest in Carolina (or North Carolina—possibly a misstatement) is his last:
“No owner wants a part of that … I think Carolina is his last job. Whether he's going to be successful there or not is just a question of whether he can master the NIL and the transfer portal …”
— Gary Myers [37:41]
Further Listener Call-ins and Studio Debates
Conflict of Interest: Fox’s Dilemma
- Dan and the crew agree: If the Bears or any team refuse a production meeting with Brady, they’re justified.
- Dan: “I'm not sharing information, just not going to do that.” [45:52]
- Todd: All teams should withhold information “until the NFL wakes up and figures out this is in fact a conflict of interest.” [45:45]
Instant Replay Booth Transparency
- Fan praises ACC for live replay booth audio. Dan’s long called for this in the NFL: “I want that official’s microphone on. I want to know what you’re seeing … there’s got to be transparency here.” [48:01]
Josh McDaniels' Role in the Dynasty
- Caller asks where McDaniels fits in the Brady/Belichick debate; Dan notes the book is focused on the major two, though McDaniels’ influence is acknowledged, especially later in Brady’s career.
Notable Quotes & Moments
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Dan Patrick (on Brady in production meetings):
“Now you have to adjust what you’re doing for Tom … I just don't like the look of it.” [10:14]
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Gary Myers (on NFL ignoring the conflict):
“They [the NFL] approved him as an owner knowing he was working for Fox … but Tom should have known better.” [26:10]
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Dan Patrick (on Brady and Belichick’s lack of sentimentality):
“He goes, no, because that’s not our relationship.” [33:29]
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Gary Myers (on Belichick’s last NFL stop):
“I don't think he'll get hired in the NFL again.” [37:29]
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Playoff Polls/Quarterback talk: 05:05–06:25
- Brady’s owner-broadcaster controversy starts: 09:20–10:33
- Gary Myers extended interview: 26:05–39:36
- On-field transparency and replay booths: 48:01–48:37
- Production meeting strategy after Brady controversy: 44:12–45:52
Conclusion
This episode digs into the tension between legacy and loyalty in the NFL, spotlighting how personal dynamics, business interests, and rule gray areas collide at the game’s highest level. Through the lens of Brady, Belichick, broadcasting, and ownership, Dan and Gary Myers illuminate what shaped the Patriots dynasty and what still shapes league perception and policy today.
For further context and behind-the-scenes stories, check out Gary Myers’ “Brady vs. Belichick: The Dynasty Debate.”
