The Dan Patrick Show: Hour 2

Episode Title: Curt Cignetti Back-to-Back Coach of the Year, Robert Griffin III
Air Date: December 17, 2025
Host: Dan Patrick
Guests: Robert Griffin III (RG3), Tony Gonzalez, Reggie Miller
Producer Team/Co-hosts: Fritzi, Seaton, Marv, Paulie

Overview

This episode of The Dan Patrick Show dives into major storylines around college football coaching accolades, debates about poll questions, NFL injuries, and includes an insightful interview with Robert Griffin III (RG3) on league safety and player health. Listener phone calls touch on sports traditions and the challenges of tournament parity. The show maintains its signature humor, insider perspective, and a relaxed, conversational tone amongst Dan and the team.

Key Discussion Points

1. Show Banter & Poll Questions (03:14 – 10:52)

• The team jokes about Heartland Steak Co. meats and their holiday meal plans, setting a lively studio atmosphere.
• Discussion about potential NBA expansion cities: Seattle and Las Vegas are front-runners, with nostalgia for the Seattle SuperSonics.
• The value and legitimacy of the Knicks' recent in-season cup championship is questioned, sparking a conversation about what banners teams should celebrate.
  • Dan Patrick: "They got Atlantic Division banners up at the Garden. They act like they're the Celtics." (06:41)
  • Marvin: "The Knicks should take any championship they can get." (06:38)
• Snarky morning poll: "How long should a contrived tournament championship be celebrated?" (day, week, month, eternity).

2. NBA Expansion Possibilities (07:04 – 10:52)

• Potential cities for a new NBA team are discussed, with Dan favoring Seattle and Vegas for expansion.
• Reflection on Seattle's heartbreak losing the SuperSonics, who became the Oklahoma City Thunder, and the quick rise with draft picks like Durant, Westbrook, and Harden.

3. Star Athletes and Franchise Ownership (08:33 – 09:40)

• Dan speculates how the NBA might involve LeBron James or Steph Curry in future franchise ownership—possibly in Vegas.

  • Dan Patrick: "If I'm the commissioner, how do I get LeBron into ownership and–or Steph Curry into ownership?"

• Lessons from Michael Jordan’s ownership struggles with the Charlotte Hornets highlight that great players aren't always great executives.

4. NFL Hot Topics and Coaching Accolades (10:52 – 13:20)

• Curt Cignetti’s unprecedented back-to-back College Football Coach of the Year award and the rarity of such feats across sports.

  • Dan Patrick: "It's hard to be back-to-back Coach of the Year...but this is what happens. They were a great story last year...now this year, greater story. Number one, team Heisman Trophy winner..."

• Brief overview of previous coaches with multiple Coach of the Year awards but never consecutively.

5. Listener Phone Calls – Inspirational and Heartfelt Moments (13:20 – 16:33)

• June from Virginia Beach calls annually to celebrate her son Marty's ongoing battle with ALS and his James Madison fandom, highlighting the human connection in sports and the community built by the show.
  • June: "He’s celebrating eight years of fighting...in our family, we believe in miracles."
• Brenda from Los Angeles shares how the show has been important to her family, especially her husband, Jeremy, for 17 years.
  • Brenda: "...No matter how rough of a time we might be going through, you guys allow us the ability to disconnect from the world for a few hours and just listen and laugh…"

6. NFL Draft & Running Backs (16:33 – 18:54)

• Dan breaks down the draft stock of Jeremiah Love, projected as a top-15 pick running back (current o/u at 11.5), analyzing trends for running backs drafted high in recent years.
  • Notable recent picks discussed: Bijan Robinson (8th overall), Saquon Barkley (2nd), Zeke Elliott (4th), and others.

7. In-Depth Interview: Robert Griffin III (RG3) [24:53 – 39:43]

a. NFL Playing Surfaces & Injury Epidemic (24:53 – 27:30)

• RG3 explains why players want all teams to switch to grass to limit injuries, noting older players especially dislike turf.
  • RG3: "When you’re 28, 29, you’re like, 'Oh, my knees, my ankles.' Then you want to get away from that turf."
• He suggests shoe technology and the increased size/strength/speed of modern players, combined with high-traction shoes and fields, are major contributors to serious injuries.
• Dan Patrick: "Sometimes, guys who are great athletes...may not be that good at assessing others who are trying to be great." (09:40)

b. Personal Experience with Injuries & League Accountability (27:30 – 28:59)

• RG3 reflects on his 2013 playoff injury, jokes about suing over the dangerous field, and says it's hard for a player to sue a team/league and remain in the NFL.

c. Advice to Mahomes, Parsons, and Players on Recovery (29:14 – 31:17)

• RG3 bluntly advises that Micah Parsons and Patrick Mahomes (both with serious knee injuries) should not play next season due to timing of their injuries, citing his own failed example of returning too quickly.
  • RG3: "You don’t really feel like yourself until about 15 months after the injury. And some guys will even tell you, hey, it took me 24 months…"
  • RG3: "80% of Micah Parsons is better than...most pass rushers...but I would advise them to not play next year..."

d. Knee Specifics for Mahomes (31:17 – 32:03)

• RG3 notes Mahomes’ injury to his left knee ("plant" leg) is less catastrophic for QBs than a "push-off" (right) knee, but wearing a brace and risk remains high.

e. AFC Playoff Picture & Pressure on Josh Allen (32:03 – 34:31)

• With Mahomes and Burrow out, the window for Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills appears wide open, but Dan and RG3 both point out Matt Stafford as a playoff-tested wild card.
  • RG3 names Broncos, Seahawks, and Patriots as teams "people don't want to believe in" due to quarterbacks' lack of playoff reputation.

f. Joe Burrow’s Future & Mental Health (34:31 – 37:18)

• RG3 and Dan discuss concern over Joe Burrow's mental state, comparing his burnout to Andrew Luck, rather than Carson Palmer, in terms of injuries sapping career longevity.
  • Dan Patrick: "The psychological damage is... hard to rehab...those scars stay a lot longer."

g. Miami Dolphins Quarterback Controversy (37:18 – 39:43)

• The Dolphins shock benching of Tua Tagovailoa for Quinn Ewers is analyzed. RG3 wonders if Coach Mike McDaniel is risking his job on an unproven QB.
  • RG3: "When you bench a guy who's healthy and a big contract...are the Dolphins moving on from Tua by making this decision?"
  • Warns the move is high-risk and could force a coaching change.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Dan Patrick (on expansion banners): "They got Atlantic Division banners up at the Garden. They act like they're the Celtics." (06:41)
• RG3 (on NFL artificial turf): "When you’re like 28, 29, you’re like, 'Oh, my knees, my ankles.' Then you want to get away from that turf." (24:53)
• RG3 (on recovering from torn ACL): "You don’t really feel like yourself until about 15 months after the injury." (29:14)
• Brenda (caller): "No matter how rough of a time we might be going through, you guys allow us the ability to disconnect from the world for a few hours and just listen and laugh..." (15:31)

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Timestamp | Segment | Details/Topic | |-------------|----------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------| | 03:14 | Show opens, poll questions, NBA expansion | Seattle/Vegas, Knicks' legitimacy | | 08:33 | Star players as owners | LeBron/Steph, Michael Jordan's shortcomings | | 10:52 | Curt Cignetti back-to-back awards | Coach of the Year history and context | | 13:20 | Heartwarming caller: June in Virginia Beach | ALS story, JMU support | | 16:33 | NFL Draft trends | Running backs draft position, Jeremiah Love | | 24:53 | Interview: RG3 | Playing surfaces, injuries, recovery and career advice | | 29:14 | RG3 on torn ACL recovery | Why Mahomes/Parsons shouldn't rush back | | 32:03 | NFL Playoff landscape | Josh Allen, Bills, Stafford, Broncos as contenders | | 34:31 | Joe Burrow and psychological toll | Comparisons to Andrew Luck's retirement | | 37:18 | Dolphins' QB switch: Tua benched for Ewers | High-risk move, McDaniel coaching future |

Listener Engagement & Fun

• Ongoing jokes about food (Heartland Steak Co.), in-studio antics, and the recurring "pie to the face" segment keep the mood light.
• Multiple birthdays celebrated via live calls, fostering community among listeners.
• Playful “Travis Kelce next year” poll game and team banter on future scenarios for star players.

Overall Tone

The episode carries Dan Patrick's trademark mix of knowledgeable sports insight, irreverent wit, and warmth for sports fandom. The interview with RG3 stands out for its candor and practical advice, while the show’s segments balance hot takes with affectionate, often humorous commentary from Dan and the crew.

Summary prepared for those who haven’t listened: You’ll get the latest on NFL injuries, what really matters in NBA expansion debates, and true stories about perseverance from fans, all in the signature Dan Patrick Show spirit—equal parts sports expertise, laughter, and community.