The Dan Patrick Show — Hour 2 (September 5, 2025) iHeartPodcasts & Dan Patrick Podcast Network

Episode Overview

This episode of The Dan Patrick Show dives deep into a busy stretch of the sports calendar, centering on the aftermath of a high-profile NFL game between the Eagles and Cowboys. Dan and the crew also break down a breaking report involving Clippers owner Steve Ballmer, who addresses allegations of salary cap circumvention via a secret endorsement deal for Kawhi Leonard. Key guest Sal Paolantonio joins to examine both the Jalen Carter disciplinary situation and broader league narratives. The episode is marked by lively debate, candid listener calls, humor, and straight-shooting analysis in Dan Patrick’s trademark style.

Main Topics & Key Discussion Points

NFL Week Preview and Quarterback Legacies

• Dan Patrick opens the show recapping NFL point spreads and highlights key matchups, notably focusing on the Chiefs vs. Chargers and Ravens vs. Bills.
  • "There are certain teams, there are certain players, the regular season is kind of a curiosity... But their final answer is in the postseason." — Dan Patrick (05:04)
• The crew debates the overemphasis on quarterbacks and playoff legacies, notably for Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, and Joe Burrow.
• Super Bowl Picks: Teased for the final hour, with brief discussion about which teams and QBs face the most pressure this year.

College Football — Schedule Critique

• Paulie notes that Week 2 in college football is typically lighter, with top teams facing weaker opponents:
  • "Week two in college football has a tradition of heavyweights playing, no offense, lightweights after usually a tough game to start out..." — Paulie (07:12)

Breaking News: Caitlin Clark Injury Timing

• Dan points out the strategic timing of Caitlin Clark's out-for-the-season news, suggesting it was released to limit media attention.
  • "It did feel like we have a news dump and we're going to hide the fact that Caitlyn Clark is done for the season." — Dan Patrick (08:02)

The Steve Ballmer & Kawhi Leonard Salary Cap Controversy

• Steve Ballmer’s Response: The show prominently features Clippers owner Ballmer's denial, via a Ramona Shelburne interview, of orchestrating an improper $28M endorsement for Kawhi Leonard in concert with team business.
  • Key Exchange:
    • Q: "You never directed anyone from aspiration to do an endorsement deal with Koi Leonard?"
    • Ballmer: "No, I didn't. And more importantly, we, the Clippers, did not. We didn't give him direction. We made an introduction as is appropriate under the rules..." (09:10)
• Dan questions the optics and plausibility of Ballmer’s denials given suspicious overlaps: Ballmer’s $50M investment in Aspiration, Kawhi’s $48M in secret deals, and past sponsor practices.
  • "It's not a big leap to go 48, 50, circumvent the salary cap." — Dan Patrick (24:52)
• Discussion of potential NBA investigation:
  • "All the owners are going to be in New York next week. ... Does it go any further than this? I don't know what Adam Silver is going to ask..."—Dan Patrick (10:30)

Jalen Carter, Dak Prescott, and NFL Discipline

• Poll Question Recap: Should Jalen Carter be suspended further after spitting at the Cowboys sideline?
  • "Jalen Carter is spitting on the shield, literally... But if you look at the context, Dak Prescott, in my opinion, helped initiate or get this started." — Dan Patrick (12:04)
• The team considers the instigator role, possible league response, and the nature of on-field baiting.
  • "That's the reason why you clap in somebody's face. You're just trying to bait them..." — Marvin (12:29)
• Tease of Sal Paolantonio’s imminent segment for more insight.

Listener Calls: Humor, Sports, Life Advice

1. "Buddha" from San Francisco: Birthday wishes, Eagles/Cowboys fan banter, tequila preferences.
   • "My passion bucket is full today, Dan. Overflowing as today is my birthday." (14:00)
   • Dan discusses tequila and safe choices after an in-studio late night. (15:04)
2. Michael in Salt Lake: Gets marriage and wedding day advice from the crew (16:17)
   • "It's her day. Just remember that, Mike, it's her day and her mom's day, not yours." — Dan Patrick (17:27)
3. Paul in Iowa: Debates NFL’s encroachment on Friday night high school football (18:13)
   • "I want them to keep Friday for high school football. … they should." — Dan Patrick (18:37)

Featured Interview: Sal Paolantonio, ESPN (26:42–37:54)

Eagles-Cowboys Breakdown & Jalen Hurts’ IQ

• "That Jalen Hurts can get you out of anything... It's sort of a pick your poison thing with the Eagles offense..." — Sal Paolantonio (26:55)
• Sal points out Hurts’ smarts in processing defenses, countering Tom Brady’s earlier criticism about modern QBs lacking cerebral qualities:
  • "Brady said...quarterbacks are not as cerebral as they once were... but it’s certainly not true for Patrick Mahomes and Jalen Hurts." — Sal Paolantonio (28:36)
• Dan upgrades Hurts’ reputation: “He’s a winner, and that might be the ultimate compliment that you give any athlete.” (29:06)

Jalen Carter Spitting Incident

• Sal offers context: Carter deserves credit for time served and shouldn’t be suspended further.
  • "He already really served the full game suspension, in my view, by getting ejected before the ball was snapped. I think it's time served." (32:54)
• Suggests both Carter and Prescott will likely be fined.

Carter’s Impact & On-Field Behavior

• Sal details Carter’s dominance: most double-teamed DT in the league, on pace for Defensive Player of the Year-level status.
  • "He's Jerome Brown 2.0 because of the way he occupies the middle of the field." (32:56)
• Emphasizes the need for Eagles leadership to guide Carter’s competitive passion appropriately.

Micah Parsons Hypothetical & NFC East Picture

• If Parsons had played, Sal argues, Eagles might not have won: “Micah Parsons is just so athletic and so smart. You can line him up anywhere...” (35:57)
• Light banter and nostalgia about Sal & Dan working together, Sal’s Navy background, and near-bar altercation stories.

Super Bowl & MVP Picks (47:16–53:50)

• Odds Recap: Bills, Ravens, Eagles, Chiefs, Packers, Lions lead the favorites.
• Crew Picks:
  • Todd: Ravens 27, Lions 19
  • Marvin: Ravens over Eagles 27-23
  • Seaton: Lions over Bengals
  • Paulie: Lions over Bills
  • Dan: Lions over Chiefs
  • “That's 16 teams that could conceivably make the Super Bowl or the title game. …that's half the league.” — Dan Patrick (49:01)
• MVP Choices:
  • Todd & Marvin: Lamar Jackson
  • Seaton: Joe Burrow
  • Paulie: Jordan Love
  • Dan: Jalen Hurts

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Ballmer on Kawhi/aspiration: "We made the introduction that was that. Kawhi's business is Kawhi's business, but we've always done the right thing." (09:10)
• Paolantonio on Hurts: "He’s got great athletic skill, but he's really great at deciphering what defenses are doing pre and post." (28:33)
• Dan on the league: "There's no other sport where a championship will be attached to one player like football, and that's your quarterback." (05:04)
• Sal on Carter: "He's the most double team defensive tackle in the NFL last year... He’s Jerome Brown 2.0." (32:56)
• Listener banter: "It’s her day and her mom’s day, not yours." — Dan, giving wedding advice (17:27)

Key Timestamps

• 03:15–05:04 — NFL Points Spreads & Quarterback Playoff Commentary
• 07:12 — Paulie on College Football Week 2 Scheduling
• 08:02 — Caitlin Clark injury news timing
• 09:04–10:30 — Steve Ballmer audio & instant analysis
• 12:04–12:46 — Jalen Carter poll, discipline debate
• 14:00 — “Buddha” birthday listener call
• 17:12 — Michael’s wedding call & crew advice
• 18:13 — High school football/NFL Friday debate
• 26:42–37:54 — Sal Paolantonio interview (Eagles, Hurts, Carter, NFL discipline)
• 47:16–53:50 — Super Bowl and MVP picks

Tone & Style

The show is energetic, sports-savvy, and peppered with humor and camaraderie. Dan balances straight talk and fan banter, with listeners engaged as part of the discussion. Sal Paolantonio’s appearance keeps the tone fact-based and insightful, drilling into both game strategy and league politics, while Dan and his crew maintain a conversational, accessible style throughout.

Closing

This episode offers in-depth football insights, roster and off-field controversy breakdowns, and honest debate about player discipline, all while keeping things light with audience interaction and off-topic fun. If you want a smart, entertaining sports podcast with insider analysis and personality, this episode won’t disappoint.