The Dan Patrick Show – Hour 2

Episode Title: A New Standard for Commanders, Ben DiNucci
Date: August 26, 2025
Podcast: iHeartPodcasts and Dan Patrick Podcast Network
Host: Dan Patrick, with the Danettes (Paulie, Seaton, Todd, Marvin)

Overview

In this lively episode, Dan Patrick and the Danettes discuss the recent major contract signings in the NFL—most notably with the Washington Commanders—setting a new precedent for team culture and player relationships. The show features an in-depth interview with Ben DiNucci, a quarterback freshly released for the seventh time, offering candid insight into the emotional rollercoaster of cut day in the NFL. The crew also talks Hall of Fame snubs, the importance of defensive skills in baseball, takes plenty of calls from fans covering topics from sports memories to Italian cuisine, and keeps things humorous and conversational throughout.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Commanders Reset the Standard

[02:35–06:20]

• The Commanders signed star receiver Terry McLaurin to a new contract, symbolizing a turnaround from the Daniel Snyder era to a more functional, player-first organization under new ownership and GM Adam Peters.
• Dan reflects on how critical it is for young quarterbacks to have a reliable top receiver, listing elite QB/WR pairings as examples:
  "When all else fails, you got to have that safety valve... It felt like Brady got in trouble, Edelman was there or Gronk was there. Joe Montana had Jerry Rice, Steve Young had Terrell Owens, Troy had Michael Irvin. Like you need to have that guy." (Dan Patrick, [05:09])
• The deal is projected to give rookie QB Jaden Daniels a real chance to succeed.

2. NFL Roster News and Analysis

[06:20–08:52]

• Discussion about Trey Hendrickson’s pay bump with the Bengals, Micah Parsons’ ongoing contract negotiation with the Cowboys, and the Raiders adding Kenny Pickett and Amari Cooper to their roster.
• Quick rundown on Amari Cooper's productive but somewhat under-the-radar career:
  "Didn't feel like he was ever the number one receiver, but he was just one of those guys that he was going to get catches." (Dan Patrick, [06:20])

3. Baseball: Fielding and the Hall of Fame

[08:52–10:37]

• Debate over the value of fielding ability in Hall of Fame consideration, citing Cal Raleigh’s impressive caught-stealing stats and defensive accolades as strengthening his MVP argument.
• Recalls historical examples like Frank Thomas, Joe Morgan, Johnny Bench, Bonds, McGwire, Sosa, Ortiz, and others in this discussion.
• Noted memorable quote:
  "I don't think fielding matters as much or it doesn't feel like that's part of the resume." (Marvin, [08:52])

4. Hall of Fame Snubs: The Campaign Continues

[10:37–12:25]

• Arguments surface for David Concepcion, Steve Garvey, and Omar Vizquel as deserving Hall of Famers.
• Discussion about player “baggage” affecting Hall of Fame cases:
  "I thought he [Vizquel] was the best fielding shortstop that I ever saw. His hands were unbelievable. But I think there's baggage there." (Paulie, [10:12])

5. NFLPA and the Cowboys' Contract Negotiations

[10:37–12:08]

• Callers raise concerns about NFLPA's lack of intervention in Jerry Jones negotiating directly with players—something technically not allowed.
• "The NFL should say to Jerry Jones, if you do this again, your punishment will be you cannot do any media appearances for an entire year. That'll get his attention." (Dan Patrick, [12:08])

6. Travel and Food Tangents: Italian Dining Stories

[13:19–17:55]

• Dan and the Danettes share travel anecdotes, especially about being clueless in high-end Italian restaurants (shout out to Guy Fieri's recommendation of Asunta Madre in Rome).
• Dan’s playful impressions—a running gag about Italian food:
  "My wife gets mad at me when I'm having fun because... I would call everybody Jimmy Scungeal and Tommy Calamari." (Dan Patrick, [16:50])
• Amusing debate on whether to take leftovers back to the hotel on vacation.

Featured Interview: Ben DiNucci

[26:06–35:36]

Background

• Ben DiNucci, freshly released by the Falcons, has now been cut seven times. He’s played for the Cowboys, Bills, Broncos, and Falcons, and is about to try his hand at football commentary.

Highlights & Memorable Moments

• What Cut Day Feels Like
  "I’d say at this point I’m used to it. I’m kind of numb to it. Not necessarily that it’s a bad thing. You just kind of get used to it." (Ben DiNucci, [26:49])
• How It Happens "My phone rang from a New York number that I didn’t have in my phone and that’s normally a number you don’t ever want to see pop up." ([28:04])
• Next Steps & Staying Ready "The tough part for guys is staying in it, right? Waking up every morning, still doing what you’ve been doing... to make sure that if the phone rings, you’re doing what you’re supposed to do and ready to roll." ([28:45])
• Best NFL Memory
  "It’d be hard not to say my rookie year when I got to start that game on Sunday Night Football against the Cowboys. That was kind of my, hey, welcome to the NFL moment." ([31:52])
• Jersey Souvenirs
  "Well, you steal, but they still deduct it from your paycheck... That might have been my last parting gift from the Falcons." ([33:27]) — $400 per jersey.
• Gratitude and Resilience
  "At this point in my career... I’m filled with a lot of gratitude... To be able to be cut that many times, teams got to like you enough to sign you in the first place." ([34:22])

Notable Quotes

• On Starting for the Cowboys:
  "Some guys it happens year 10, some it happens year 5. And mine just happened to be rookie year. So to be able to do that and say I started a game for the Dallas Cowboys... that was pretty cool." ([31:52])
• Reflecting on His Journey:
  "I’ve cried a couple of times... it’s been really cool for me. Yeah. There’s no reason to hang my head. I’m excited about the next chapter, and it’s been a heck of a ride." ([34:22])

Listener Calls and Interactive Moments

[36:51 onward]

• Listeners bring humor and heartfelt questions, including advice on overcoming tough times, and ideas for a special episode featuring the Danettes' spouses.
• Dan shares personally about going through a dark period, crediting his family with providing support: "You don’t know what that feels like until you’re in that moment when it’s... You’re depressed and not even sure if I was going to continue... My family because those are the important people in my life and I needed them to understand what I was going through." ([37:25])

Fill-in-the-Blank Game Segment

[45:00–48:02]

• The Danettes amuse listeners with rapid-fire sports trivia and opinion prompts, keeping things light and teasing each other throughout.
  • Example:
    "The guy who tells NFL players that they are cut is..."
    • Todd: "The bad guy"
    • Seaton: "That person is a bleep"
    • Marvin: "Better than me"
    • Paul: "Emotionless"

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• On Hall of Fame Candidacy:
  "You can’t make nine straight All-Star games and not be in the Hall of Fame. It should be almost a rule." (Dan Patrick, [09:31])

• On the Realities Beyond Sports Stardom:
  "We see you’re making $50 million a year, but then there’s the guy who played at two different places. You get drafted by the Cowboys, you start a game for the Cowboys, then all of a sudden you start to bounce around... and then at some point, you have to say, all right, now I have to move on and that's a difficult..." (Dan Patrick, [35:37])

• Advice About Mental Health:
  "There is no shame, no shame in talking to somebody. If it’s a therapist or... please do, because all you want somebody to do is just listen and kind of set, you know, my compass. I had no idea where I was going." (Dan Patrick, [37:25])

Noteworthy Timestamps

• [02:35] – Commanders set a new standard with McLaurin deal
• [06:20] – Amari Cooper’s career trajectory
• [10:12] – Omar Vizquel’s Hall of Fame chances with “baggage”
• [12:08] – Dan’s suggestion to punish Jerry Jones
• [13:19] – Travel stories: Asunta Madre restaurant in Rome
• [26:06] – Ben DiNucci interview begins
• [31:52] – Ben on his NFL “moment” starting for Cowboys
• [35:36] – Interview with Ben DiNucci ends
• [37:25] – Dan Patrick on coping with dark times
• [45:00] – Fill-in-the-blank segment with the Danettes

Episode Tone & Style

The episode offers a familiar blend of light-hearted banter, insightful sports analysis, and authentic personal storytelling. Dan and the crew keep things approachable, peppering thoughtful commentary with running gags, gentle ribbing, and openness about the ups and downs of sports—and life.

For fans seeking understanding of the business and emotional realities of NFL life, the importance of front office culture, and the lighter side of sports media personalities, this episode is both enlightening and highly entertaining.