Summary of "The Dan Patrick Show" – Hour 2 Featuring Jeremy Fowler

Release Date: May 21, 2025
Guest: Jeremy Fowler, ESPN Senior NFL and National Reporter

Introduction

In Hour 2 of "The Dan Patrick Show," host Dan Patrick engages in a candid and humorous discussion with his co-hosts about their recent setback in the Sports Emmy Awards. The episode shifts gears as Jeremy Fowler from ESPN joins to provide insider perspectives on the ongoing NFL owners' meeting, particularly focusing on the controversial "Tush Push" play.

Reflecting on the Sports Emmy Snub

The episode opens with Dan and his co-hosts expressing their disappointment over not securing a Sports Emmy. They humorously compare their situation to sports analogies, debating whether they "blew it" like a failed "pick six" in football.

• Dan Patrick (00:10): "We are Norm from Cheers. That's a big compliment. Now everybody knows our name, right? I think we're well received. They like us."

The co-hosts reflect on their efforts, discussing the quality of their Emmy submissions and pondering over possible reasons for being overlooked. They entertain self-deprecation and camaraderie, emphasizing their commitment to delivering quality content despite not winning.

Caller Interactions and Humor

Listeners contribute to the conversation, offering suggestions and engaging in playful banter about winning a Sports Emmy. The hosts entertain humorous "fill in the blank" segments, further lightening the mood and showcasing the show's dynamic rapport.

• Caller Kevin (23:45): "Drop the... Just be damn Patrick show next year."

• Caller Stu (32:10): "You need to go full Roy Firestone. Have Fritzi arrange interviews with friends of the show that let's just say are pre-programmed to emotional breakdowns and use those in your submission."

These interactions highlight the show's interactive nature and the strong relationship between the hosts and their audience.

Main Discussion: NFL Owners' Meeting and the Tush Push

The episode's focal point is the conversation with Jeremy Fowler regarding the NFL's imminent decision on the "Tush Push" play. The hosts delve into the intricacies of the vote, the potential implications of banning the play, and the broader impact on the game.

• Jeremy Fowler (1:15:30): "The competition committee and players health and safety committees have voted to ban the play. They felt it was too specific to one team and wanted a broader approach."

Key Points Discussed:

1. Ban of the Tush Push:

   • The "Tush Push," popularized by the Philadelphia Eagles, is under scrutiny for its impact on player safety and game integrity.
   • Fowler explains that the initial vote garnered 16 votes, needing a 24-vote majority for the ban to pass.

2. Implications for Teams:

   • Teams that relied heavily on the play, like the Eagles, might be less affected due to their strong offensive lines.
   • Other teams may need to adjust their playbooks and strategies accordingly.

3. Injury Prevention vs. Entertainment:

   • The debate centers around whether the play poses significant injury risks or if the ban is more about standardizing play for entertainment purposes.
   • Fowler highlights the NFL's balance between player safety and maintaining the unpredictability that keeps fans engaged.

• Dan Patrick (1:20:15): "It's an entertainment industry, and it's a predictable play. It's like the extra point. They don't want predictability."

4. Future Rule Changes:
   • Discussion on other potential rule tweaks, such as onside kick regulations and playoff reseeding proposals from the Detroit Lions.
   • Fowler mentions that while playoff reseeding didn't pass this term, there might be future considerations as the league evolves.

Insights from Jeremy Fowler

Jeremy Fowler provides expert analysis on the dynamics within the NFL ownership and decision-making processes.

• Fowler (1:25:50): "Roger Goodell is definitely involved in the decision-making here. The league doesn't want this play to keep being used successfully."

Highlights:

• League's Stance: Fowler suggests that the NFL hierarchy, including Commissioner Roger Goodell, prefers to maintain consistent rule changes to enhance the game's safety and unpredictability.

• Team Strategies: Some teams, particularly those outside the Eagles' echelon, are keen to adapt and find alternative strategies that do not rely on the "Tush Push."

• Impact on Playbook Diversity: The potential ban encourages teams to diversify their offensive strategies, potentially leading to more varied and exciting gameplay.

Other Topics Covered

• Onside Kicks Regulations:

  • The hosts discuss the NFL's recent rule change allowing teams to attempt onside kicks from the 34-yard line, aiming to increase the play's success rate and in-game excitement.

• Playoff Reseeding Proposal:

  • Brief discussion on the Detroit Lions' proposal for playoff reseeding to ensure that wild card teams with better records aren't unfairly placed below division winners.

• Aaron Rodgers' Free Agency:

  • Conversation about quarterback Aaron Rodgers' uncertain future and his potential signing with the Minnesota Vikings or Pittsburgh Steelers.

Conclusion

As the episode wraps up, Dan and his co-hosts reflect on the day's discussions, acknowledging the evolving landscape of the NFL and the challenges of maintaining relevance in a competitive media environment. They express optimism for future Emmy nominations, emphasizing their commitment to providing insightful and entertaining sports analysis.

• Dan Patrick (2:30:45): "We will continue to wonder what it might be like to win a Sports Emmy."

The show concludes on a lighthearted note, maintaining the engaging and humorous tone that listeners have come to expect.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Dan Patrick (00:10): "We are Norm from Cheers. That's a big compliment. Now everybody knows our name, right? I think we're well received. They like us."

• Jeremy Fowler (1:15:30): "The competition committee and players health and safety committees have voted to ban the play."

• Dan Patrick (1:20:15): "It's an entertainment industry, and it's a predictable play. It's like the extra point. They don't want predictability."

• Fowler (1:25:50): "Roger Goodell is definitely involved in the decision-making here. The league doesn't want this play to keep being used successfully."

• Dan Patrick (2:30:45): "We will continue to wonder what it might be like to win a Sports Emmy."

Final Thoughts

Hour 2 of "The Dan Patrick Show" offers a blend of humor, self-reflection, and in-depth sports analysis. With Jeremy Fowler's expert insights into NFL rule changes and the internal dynamics of the league, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of current sports controversies and their broader implications. Despite setbacks like the Sports Emmy snub, the show's resilient and engaging nature shines through, promising continued entertainment and informative discussions in future episodes.