The Dan Patrick Show — Hour 2: Matthew Stafford Is Dan’s MVP, Nicole Briscoe

Date: November 20, 2025
Podcast: The Dan Patrick Show (iHeartPodcasts & Dan Patrick Podcast Network)

Overview

The second hour of the show comes live from the Fontainebleau Hotel in Las Vegas, with Dan Patrick and the regular crew (Paul Pabst, Fritzi, Seton, and Marvin) mixing signature sports insights with humor and pop culture.
The episode centers on NFL MVP talk (with Dan declaring Matthew Stafford his top pick), debates around football’s most intriguing quarterback situations, and a deep dive into Formula 1 with ESPN’s Nicole Briscoe, covering the drama, strategy, and personalities ahead of the Las Vegas Grand Prix.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Live from Las Vegas & Event Rundown

• The crew sets the scene at the Fontainebleau Hotel, playfully commenting on Las Vegas, Formula 1, and the Grand Prix’s spectacle.
• They joke about how little they know about F1 while expressing enthusiasm for learning and discussing the Vegas race’s unique setup (02:19–07:00).

2. NFL MVP Debate: The Case for Matthew Stafford

• Dan Patrick: Declares Rams QB Matthew Stafford as his “MVP, not even close,” citing Stafford’s health, performance, and pivotal role.

  “Matthew Stafford. Okay, not even close...He was the one guy said if he stays healthy, the Rams can win a Super Bowl because of him.” (08:27)

• The team discusses Stafford’s injury history, Rams’ roster questions, and QB succession planning.
• Parallels are drawn to the Falcons’ confusing quarterback logjam (Kirk Cousins & Michael Penix) and NFL teams’ high-stakes gambles at QB.
• Ongoing theme: How franchise success and front office decisions hinge on unpredictable quarterback health and development.
• Memorable Quote:

  “I think we thought, you know, J.J. McCarthy had as much pressure on him this year as anybody because of who they got rid of. ...that is. That's a big miss right now.” — Dan Patrick (10:55)

3. QB Draft Misses and the Shadow of ‘What-Ifs’

• Panel reflects on how quarterback busts are magnified by proximity to stars (e.g., Ryan Leaf vs. Peyton Manning, Sam Bowie vs. Michael Jordan).
• Recent example: Bryce Young vs. C.J. Stroud.
• Insight: Organizational legacy often shaped as much by who they passed over as who they selected (12:12).

4. Poll Question & “Coolest Jobs in Sports” Debate

• Paul proposes a poll: “What’s the cooler profession?”
  • Choices: F1 racer, pro surfer, rodeo cowboy, with suggestions for rock climber.
• Animated discussion on glamor, danger, and cultural allure:
  • Bull riding’s primal test vs. the stylings and global spotlight of F1.
  • Surfing’s laid-back appeal, but less money and fame than motorsports.
  • Humorous aside on pro bull names (“Buck Nasty—four for four with buck offs!”) and the practical risks of each job (13:01–17:30).
• Notable Quote:

  “Brad Pitt did a movie on Formula 1—he’d be like the eighth best-looking F1 driver. He’d be like eighth. No offense.” — Paulie (17:41)

5. Listener Calls & Formula 1 vs. NASCAR Rain Racing

• Michael from Scottsdale calls as an F1 veteran to share tips for newbie fans and make fun suggestions (19:01).
• Jake from Colorado gives a detailed explanation of why F1 can race in the rain (history, tire tech, track safety, global TV slots) but NASCAR usually can’t (19:55).
  • Quote: "NASCAR’s never raced in the rain…and you’ve got no runoff. ...F1’s always raced in the rain, so they've always had tires developed for it.” — Jake (20:19)
• Quick NCAA hoops sidebar: Arizona fan “Shuffles” razzes Marvin about a friendly sports wager (pie to the face), sparking banter about Arizona’s March Madness shortcomings (21:57).

6. Formula 1 Deep Dive with Nicole Briscoe (ESPN)

Entry: (24:31)

Nicole Briscoe joins to preview the Las Vegas Grand Prix and discuss F1’s growth.

Highlights:

• What to Know About the Vegas Grand Prix:
  • Will be the coldest race of the season; cold track can cause “absolute havoc” with grip and car setup.
  • Vegas has become a standout event—historically great racing and lots of passing.

    “Just like, buckle up. It’s going to be a good weekend. We just need the rain to stay away.” — Briscoe (26:30)

• F1 vs. NASCAR: Passing and Competition
  • Dan: Wonders why F1 isn’t as “pass-happy” as NASCAR.
  • Briscoe: F1 battles happen within tiers—front runners, midfield, backmarkers.
    • Passing is common within these groups, but seldom does a “mid-pack” car beat a top team.

    “A Ferrari, a Mercedes…they could easily be on the move against a Red Bull this weekend…There is passing. It just may not look like it.” (27:56)

• Driver versus Car: What Matters More?
  • “You cannot have it all without having the best of both worlds."
    • Uses Max Verstappen as example of extraordinary talent making a bad car competitive.

    “Max can drive a shoebox…he was still making things happen with it. …You have to have that." (28:11)

• GOAT Debate: Is Hamilton the Greatest?
  • Briscoe: Acknowledges it’s generational, like the NBA; says Hamilton, Schumacher, Verstappen, and Vettel are all in the conversation.

    “It’s a little bit like in the NBA…I personally say…all greatest of all time conversations start and end with Michael Jordan...You have to include Schumacher…yes, Lewis Hamilton. But I think you make a case already for Max Verstappen...” (29:36)

• How Do You Grow Up to Be an F1 Driver?
  • The financial barrier is immense; most start at age four in karts, relying on family or sponsors.

    “This is an incredibly expensive sport. ...Unless you are good at it, you cannot advance.” (30:34)

• F1 Money & Salary Caps
  • F1 earnings are massive; Verstappen could make ~$80 million annually (sponsorships + team salary).
  • There is a budget “cost cap” for teams, but drivers’ salaries are likely not included (31:33).
• Personal Career Reflections
  • Briscoe shares her first SportsCenter story: “So freaking nervous because McQuade called me.”
  • Conversation about work-life balance, maternity leave, and the always-competitive media environment.

    “You stop trying to impress everybody…you know your own worth.” (35:25)

  • Advice for would-be journalists: Get real-world experience early, since the business is not what most imagine (38:21).

7. Wrap-up, Humor, and Teasers

• Brief, light-hearted discussion on Dan’s illness and the hazards of road life (shots administered in a Vegas hotel room).
• More riffing on “coolest professions” with listeners chiming in; suggestion of professional rock climber (44:15).
• Anticipation builds for Frank Caliendo’s upcoming appearance and the beloved “Rhyme Time” segment.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Stafford’s MVP Candidacy:

  “Matthew Stafford...if he stays healthy, the Rams can win a Super Bowl because of him.” — Dan Patrick (08:27)

• On F1’s Unique Vegas Race:

  “This will likely be the coldest race of the season, which could wreck its absolute havoc in terms of grip and the way the cars handle…” — Nicole Briscoe (26:30)

• On What Makes a Great F1 Driver:

  “Max can drive a shoebox…he was still making things happen with it.” — Nicole Briscoe (28:11)

• On Life in Sports Media:

  “You stop trying to impress everybody...you know your own worth. ...You're there for a reason.” — Nicole Briscoe (35:25)

• On Bull Riding Glory:

  “You don’t want to be on Buck Nasty this year. He’s four for four with buck offs. He’s leading the league. That’s a real name.” — Paulie (13:01)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• NFL MVP/Rams QB Discussion: 08:15–12:30
• Quarterbacks, Draft Busts & Comparison: 12:30–13:45
• Coolest Profession Poll Debates: 13:45–20:00
• F1/NASCAR Rain Racing Explanation: 19:55–20:55
• Nicole Briscoe F1 Deep Dive: 24:31–39:13

Tone and Style

• Mix of playful sports banter, deep-dive sports analysis, and behind-the-scenes commentary.
• Authentic and conversational, but sharp when breaking down technical topics (like racing tires or salary cap intricacies).
• Inviting and humorous, especially when polling the crew or fielding listener calls.

For New Listeners/Non-Listeners

This hour gives both serious NFL and motorsports fans something to chew on—from why Dan’s convinced Matthew Stafford is MVP, to why F1 is such a unique and exclusive athletic dream. Nicole Briscoe’s candid, illuminating look at F1’s world draws in even racing rookies, while the crew’s signature mix of irreverent humor and honest sports insights makes this a lively and enjoyable listen—especially with big events looming in Las Vegas.

Next Up: Frank Caliendo joins for impressions and more sports fun in Hour 3!