The Dan Patrick Show Hour 3: Aaron Rodgers Has Options? January 1, 2026

Episode Overview

In this lively New Year’s Day episode, Dan Beyer and Jonas Knox host "The Dan Patrick Show," bringing their trademark blend of sports insight and humor. The main focus circles around Aaron Rodgers' future as he approaches free agency, his time with multiple teams, and what options may lie ahead for the veteran quarterback. The show also explores college football traditions—especially the changes to the iconic Rose Bowl—and closes with a humorous look at sports media’s most awkward speech cutoffs.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Aaron Rodgers: Reflecting on the Season and His Future

• Pittsburgh’s Surprise Success: The hosts note Rodgers’ solid season with the Steelers. Coming from a disappointing stint with the Jets, competing for a division in Week 18 is seen as a win for both him and the organization.
  • “For Aaron Rodgers to go to Pittsburgh and be battling for a division title in week 18, I think is something he would have taken day one and signing on the dotted line...” — Dan Beyer (06:48)
• Rodgers on Free Agency: The hosts play and dissect a recent Rodgers interview where he candidly discusses his one-year deal, being 42, and the reality that only “one or two” options may exist if he stays in the league next year.
  • Quote: “I’m 42 years old and I’m on a one year deal... Whenever the season ends, I’ll be a free agent. So, that’ll give me a lot of options. If I still want to play. I mean, not a lot of options. But there’ll be options, I would think maybe one or two, if I decide I still want to play.” — Aaron Rodgers (07:53 & 14:59)
• Unique Honesty: The hosts discuss how Rodgers’ open approach contrasts with the typical “coach-speak” of most quarterbacks. His reflective, in-the-moment mindset and how his experiences (winning one Super Bowl; Green Bay, Jets, now Steelers) shape his present attitude.
  • “With Aaron Rodgers, he’s never held anything back. If this was any other quarterback in that situation… they’re giving coach speak answers… That’s what’s so unique about this. He’s openly talking about the different options he has.” — Dan Beyer (08:17 & 09:53)
• Possible Destinations: Minnesota and the Raiders are suggested as realistic fits, alongside Pittsburgh. They joke about the Vikings as a "Packers revenge sequel" and riff on the dysfunction in Las Vegas.
  • “Minnesota is an opportunity... He really respects Mike Tomlin... But Mike Tomlin isn’t an offensive guy and Aaron Rodgers loves to be the smartest guy in the room... How can you not respect what Kevin O’Connell has done?” — Dan Beyer (15:20)

2. College Football Traditions: California Geography, Rose Bowl, and Changing Times

• California Travel Comedy: The hosts poke fun at national misconceptions about California’s geography—especially the misguided Rose Bowl travel plans of Alabama fans.
  • “Twenty miles in California, you may as well be driving to the Sudan. Yeah, you can’t get there. It’s not happening.” — Jonas Knox (05:51)
• Rose Bowl Mystique Under Threat: The move of the Rose Bowl kickoff to an earlier time is discussed as symbolizing the end of a tradition. The emotional connection of Midwestern/B1G fans seeing the sunny San Gabriel Mountains while sitting in the winter gloom is highlighted.
  • “For people like us in the Midwest... the sun is starting to set and it’s starting to get dark while this game is in baskton sunshine… you’re sitting there and it’s June 1st in the Midwest, looking out at a snowbank outside your living room window. And it was a magical place.” — Dan Beyer (31:26)
  • “There are certain traditions you just don’t really need to mess with.” — Jonas Knox (34:06)
• Rose Bowl vs. Other Bowls: The show affectionately lampoons lesser-known or less-esteemed bowls, noting the unique branding and merch appeal of the Rose Bowl.
  • “Have you ever walked around, you know, and... cool Sun Bowl hat?... Never, never. Fiesta Bowl hat, not—never seen one.” — Dan Beyer (36:07)
  • “Nobody’s putting sugar packets in their mouth when they get to go to the Sugar Bowl... people are putting the rose in their mouth when they get to go to the Rose bowl or win the Rose Bowl.” — Dan Beyer (39:22)

3. Gary Danielson’s Broadcast Farewell and Great Speech Cutoffs

• The Awkward CBS Cutoff: Longtime CBS broadcaster Gary Danielson’s retirement speech at the Sun Bowl is interrupted by an abrupt commercial, leading to a comedic bit on iconic speeches ruined by network timing.
  • Quote: “Sometimes you can say, how do you get off this guy right here. Join hosts Hardy and Kurt Kreischer...” — Gary Danielson (47:39)
  • “I knew the Titanic was sinking when he said, ‘One more thing.’” — Dan Beyer (52:20)
• Other “Network Ruins the Moment” Gags: The hosts apply similar abrupt cutoffs to famous moments, including the Osama bin Laden announcement and Lou Gehrig’s famous “Luckiest man” speech, spliced hilariously with promos.
  • “Imagine if that was on CBS. ‘Good evening. Tonight I can report... join hosts Hardy and Bert Kreischer...’” — Dan Beyer spoof (49:02)
  • “Imagine if it was on CBS. ‘For the past two weeks you’ve been reading about...’ join hosts Hardy and Kurt Crasher...” — Dan Beyer spoof (50:09)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Rodgers’ Honesty:
  • “He’s very in the moment, and I think that’s one of the things... He talked about this after he won his Super Bowl... looking around going, is this it? ... And I just think it’s a really refreshing honest approach to what could be the final game of a Hall of Fame career.” — Jonas Knox (10:19)
• Rodgers’ Self-Deprecating ‘Options’:
  • “Not a lot of options, but there’ll be options. I, you know, I would think maybe one or two if I decide I still want to play.” — Aaron Rodgers (15:20)
• California Distance Woes:
  • “Are you familiar with traffic for a 5 o’clock kickoff at the Rose Bowl from San Diego? ... Who sold you that dummy?” — Jonas Knox (04:40)
• On the Rose Bowl’s Unique Place:
  • “Rose Bowl has a right to kind of stand on their laurels to say this is the history because that’s what we all love.” — Dan Beyer (36:30)
• Celebrating Sun Bowl & CBS:
  • “The Sun Bowl... is the only bowl game CBS has. Every other bowl game’s on ESPN... so CBS top crew, even if it’s Arizona State against Duke.” — Dan Beyer (46:54)
• On Speech Cutoffs:
  • “I knew the Titanic was sinking when he said one more thing... This is not going to end well.” — Dan Beyer (52:20)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [06:40]–[08:14] — Breaking down Aaron Rodgers’ season, his current contract, and candid comments about free agency options.
• [10:19]–[11:37] — Jonas on Rodgers’ presence, reflections post-Super Bowl, parallels to Kevin Durant.
• [13:31]–[16:45] — Comparing Packers, Steelers, Jets; pondering the possible destinations and the appeal of coaches like Mike Tomlin/Kevin O’Connell.
• [29:01]–[36:30] — Deep dive into Rose Bowl history, traditions, and the emotional impact of its famous kickoff time.
• [47:39]–[52:20] — Gary Danielson’s abrupt retirement speech cutoff and the comedic extrapolation to other moments in history.
• [31:26]–[33:07] — The importance of the Rose Bowl’s timing and scenery to Midwesterners.
• [39:40]–[40:56] — Name association games with bowl games; why Rose Bowl sticks out.

Tone & Atmosphere

The episode is witty, conversational, and steeped in sports nostalgia, with hosts who aren’t afraid to poke fun at both themselves and the trappings of American sports culture. Sentimentality about tradition is balanced with dry sarcasm and playful banter about announcers, network gaffes, and the business of football.

For New Listeners

This episode is a great encapsulation of what “The Dan Patrick Show” does best—mixing serious sports talk (Rodgers’ future, college football tradition) with personality-driven comedy and meta-media moments. It’s particularly worthwhile for fans interested in NFL quarterback drama, college football legacy, or the quirks of sports broadcasting.