The Dan Patrick Show - Episode: Hour 3 – Best and Worst, Gary Danielson

Release Date: December 16, 2024
Host: Dan Patrick
Guest: Gary Danielson, Former NFL Quarterback and CBS Sports Lead College Football Analyst

Introduction

In this engaging episode of The Dan Patrick Show, host Dan Patrick welcomes Gary Danielson, a seasoned former NFL quarterback and CBS Sports lead college football analyst. The primary focus of their conversation revolves around the escalating complexities of the college football transfer portal, its impact on team dynamics, and broader implications for the sport.

The College Football Transfer Portal: Challenges and Impacts

Unstructured Environment and Player Movement
Dan Patrick initiates the discussion by highlighting the current turmoil within the college football transfer portal. He references specific instances, such as the backup quarterback from Penn State opting to transfer rather than play in high-stakes playoff games. This trend is attributed to enticing NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals from other institutions, prompting players to switch affiliations for financial and career advantages.

Dan Patrick [05:30]: "The transfer portal that there is a player at Penn State, backup quarterback who is not going to play in the playoff game with Penn State versus SMU. He's going to be transferring."

Gary Danielson on Portal Dynamics
Gary Danielson delves deeper into the systemic issues, pointing out that the influx of players from various divisions complicates the scenario. He emphasizes that not every player entering the portal garners interest from other schools, leading to abrupt ends to many collegiate careers.

Gary Danielson [07:20]: "Just because you get in the transfer portal doesn't mean somebody's going to take you. Well, a lot of these kids will leave school and they won't be able to go back."

Coordination and Structural Fixes
Both hosts agree that the lack of a structured approach within college football exacerbates the challenges posed by the transfer portal. They stress the necessity for unified policies to manage player transfers effectively, especially during critical playoff periods.

Gary Danielson [07:45]: "The biggest thing is let's fix it. Getting everybody thinking about the same thing on this topic, then it's fixed."

Insights from the Army-Navy Game

Respect and Sportsmanship
Shifting focus, Gary shares his experiences covering the storied Army-Navy rivalry. He underscores the profound respect both teams hold for each other, which transcends typical competitive fervor. This mutual respect discourages unsportsmanlike acts, such as flag planting after victories, preserving the game's honorable spirit.

Gary Danielson [22:59]: "Army, Navy, they're not worried about at the end of the game, planning flags of their school because they respect the other side too much."

Broadcasting Challenges
Gary also discusses the logistical and emotional pressures of broadcasting such a high-stakes, standalone game. He reflects on past instances, including interviewing notable figures like President Obama and President-Elect Trump, highlighting the unique demands of covering this event.

Gary Danielson [25:15]: "You've got president coming in. I interviewed President Obama, and I have in the past interviewed President Elect Trump."

Listener Interactions: Best and Worst of the Weekend

Best Moments
Listeners contribute by sharing their standout moments from the weekend's sports events. Highlights include Travis Hunter's exceptional performance and heartwarming experiences at family gatherings during games.

Listener (Marvin) [15:53]: "Finally took your advice over the years. Took my retired naval dad over 60 years to an Army Navy game this weekend. That is something special."

Worst Moments
Conversely, listeners also discuss disappointing outcomes, such as the Detroit Lions' underwhelming performance and unexpected losses by traditionally strong teams like the Steelers.

Dan Patrick [19:01]: "Worst of the weekend is the Bengals winning a very ugly game against the Titans."

Historical Player Highlights and Analysis

Dominant College Players
Gary reminisces about legendary college players, specifically highlighting Calvin Johnson and Larry Fitzgerald. He praises their extraordinary abilities and lasting impacts on the game, noting their unique skill sets that set them apart from their contemporaries.

Gary Danielson [35:08]: "Calvin Johnson was the greatest college player I ever saw. I couldn't believe how anybody could stop him."

Iconic NFL Figures
The conversation broadens to include iconic NFL figures like O.J. Simpson and Jim Brown. Gary analyzes their distinctive playing styles and enduring legacies, emphasizing their contributions to the evolution of the sport.

Gary Danielson [38:09]: "Those were the first two guys that really hit me back in the late 60s, two great ones."

Personal Anecdotes and Growth
Gary shares personal reflections on his own career trajectory, discussing how discipline and dedication in the NFL contrasted with his collegiate experiences at Purdue. This introspection underscores the personal growth athletes undergo transitioning into professional sports.

Gary Danielson [30:38]: "I never really caught it, you know, I wasn't as disciplined as I was when I got in the NFL."

Current Football Season Analysis

Upcoming Playoff Implications
Dan and Gary analyze the current college football season, focusing on upcoming playoff games and the implications of player transfers. They discuss potential matchups, team strategies, and the overall competitiveness of the season.

Gary Danielson [31:17]: "Most must win game of the weekend is Notre Dame vs. Indiana. If I'm a Notre Dame fan, I hate this game."

MVP Contenders and Consistency
They express concerns over the consistency of top players like Jalen Hurts and Josh Allen. While acknowledging their exceptional performances, they caution against potential vulnerabilities that could derail MVP aspirations.

Dan Patrick [19:01]: "He has played unbelievable and he's going to be your MVP. It's just you don't want to have one of those MVP seasons like Lamar Jackson."

Concluding Remarks

Summary and Future Outlook
Dan and Gary wrap up the episode by summarizing key discussion points, reiterating the need for structural reforms in the transfer portal system. They emphasize the evolving landscape of college football and the critical role of coordinated policies in ensuring the sport's integrity and competitiveness.

Appreciation and Teasers
Gary thanks Dan for the insightful conversation, and Dan teases upcoming episodes, encouraging listeners to stay tuned for more in-depth analyses and engaging discussions.

Gary Danielson [39:52]: "Dan, thanks for having me on. It's been great."

Notable Quotes

• Gary Danielson [07:20]: "Just because you get in the transfer portal doesn't mean somebody's going to take you… their college careers are over."

• Dan Patrick [05:30]: "The transfer portal that there is a player at Penn State, backup quarterback who is not going to play in the playoff game with Penn State versus SMU. He's going to be transferring."

• Gary Danielson [35:08]: "Calvin Johnson was the greatest college player I ever saw. I couldn't believe how anybody could stop him."

• Dan Patrick [24:34]: "It's like trying to play a perfect game."

• Gary Danielson [38:09]: "Those were the first two guys that really hit me back in the late 60s, two great ones."

Conclusion

This episode of The Dan Patrick Show offers a comprehensive exploration of the current challenges within college football’s transfer portal, enriched by Gary Danielson's expert insights and personal experiences. Combining listener interactions with deep-dive discussions on historical and contemporary players, Dan and Gary provide a multifaceted perspective that appeals to both avid sports fans and casual listeners alike.