The Dan Patrick Show – Hour 3
Date: September 17, 2025
Podcast by: iHeartPodcasts & Dan Patrick Podcast Network
Main Topics: Cal Raleigh’s Home Run Record, Rocky Statue & What Counts as Art, NFL Comeback Player of the Year Odds, Press Conference Etiquette, Sports Statues & Sports Culture
Episode Overview
In this lively and laid-back third hour, Dan Patrick and his Danettes blend sports hot topics, pop culture detours, and their signature witty banter. The episode flows from Major League Baseball milestones (Cal Raleigh’s home run heroics) to NFL discussions (Comeback Player of the Year candidates), with recurring debates on sports statues, Philadelphia’s Rocky pride, and plenty of hilarious tangents courtesy of listener calls and Danette conversations.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. Cal Raleigh’s Home Run Feat & Mariners History
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[10:40] Dan highlights Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh reaching 56 home runs, tying Ken Griffey Jr. for the most in franchise history.
- Dan praises Raleigh as an “underrated switch-hitting catcher” and emphasizes how this achievement is especially impressive given Seattle’s pitcher-friendly ballpark and Raleigh’s position.
- “He’s a really good catcher… and you’re doing something that no switch hitter’s ever done before.” (Dan, [11:05])
- Dan states he’d give Raleigh the MVP over favorites like Aaron Judge because of context and impact.
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Shohei Ohtani’s two-way brilliance is also discussed, with Dan marveling at his fifth no-hit inning performance and 50th home run:
- “It just sounds different coming off his bat.” (Dan, [12:29])
- “As a pitcher, when you hear that sound, you just hand the umpire a new ball.” (Dan, [12:41])
2. What Counts as "Art"? The Rocky Statue Debate
- [5:06] – [13:00] A wide-ranging and humorous conversation about the Rocky statue outside the Philadelphia Museum of Art:
- The Rocky statue’s status as "art or movie prop" is scrutinized, tracing its removal, relocation, and ultimate return to the museum steps.
- “Who’s to say what is art?” (Dan, [08:21])
- Paulie shares that the Philadelphia Art Commission once judged it just a movie prop.
- Anecdotes about Sylvester Stallone’s own backyard Rocky statue, and how Adele demanded the statue remain when buying Stallone’s mansion. “No deal without the Rocky statue!” (Paulie, [10:14])
- Hilarity about what memorabilia or eccentric home features (like a “slanty kitchen floor”) people would keep.
Notable Quote
- “If you’re Adele, do you say, hey, I want the statue of Sylvester Stallone in my backyard?” (Dan, [07:07])
3. Sports Statues—Who Deserves One?
- [35:19] – [36:36] Listeners call in with stories about local athlete statues (e.g., Terence Crawford for Omaha, Johnny Bench in Cincinnati).
- Dan is openly skeptical about the whole statues-for-athletes thing, saying: “A hundred years from now, somebody’s gonna bring up something and then, why does he got a statue? I’m good without a statue of anybody that I loved growing up.” (Dan, [35:39])
- The group discusses which moments and players merit such honors—“statue guys” vs. “jersey retirement guys”: “Steph Curry is a statue guy. Klay Thompson and Draymond Green are retired jersey guys.” (Marvin, [36:36])
- Humorous sidetrack: A caller suggests a statue of Danette Fritzy, which spins off into tongue-in-cheek debate about authenticity and nudity in statuary.
4. NFL Comeback Player of the Year Odds
- [26:33] – [28:15] Dan runs through current odds for NFL Comeback Player of the Year:
- Top candidates: Christian McCaffrey, Dak Prescott, Aidan Hutchinson, Daniel Jones, Trevor Lawrence, Nick Chubb, JJ McCarthy, Hunter Renfrow, Maxx Crosby.
- Roundtable picks:
- Todd: Daniel Jones (“I think…he’s made a significant step forward in his career.” [27:08])
- Seaton: Aidan Hutchinson
- Marvin: Also Daniel Jones (“I was talking crazy about them… Sorry, cold take!” [27:28])
- Paul: Wonders if missing games through injury is enough for eligibility (“Does Daniel Jones…is that enough to get him the award?” [27:32])
- Dan: Christian McCaffrey (“Even with Mac Jones in there…he’s going to be the offensive player of the year and the comeback player of the year for a Niner team that makes the playoffs.” [27:53])
5. Tua Tagovailoa Praises Josh Allen—Too Honest?
- [22:49] – [24:54] The group reacts to media “controversy” after Tua called Josh Allen “top tier…that dude can do literally anything he wants” and admitted he can’t match Allen’s arm strength or running skills.
- Paul argues it’s “a lot of detail” for standard pregame flattery, but Dan pushes back: “I don’t know why they’re critical…coaches gush about coaches and teams all the time.” (Dan, [23:54])
- Todd thinks Tua may have gone too far: “You respect the opponent but that’s like, ‘I wish I was Josh. I’ll still try my best anyway.’” (Todd, [24:02])
- Dan notes it can be a smart move—build up the opponent, look even better if you win.
6. The Culture of Sports Statues, Tradition & Personal Memories
- [31:26] – [34:23] Beyond athletes: Listeners suggest commemorating the Danettes, share personal academic stories (“C's get degrees!”). There’s mutual ribbing about whether statuary ought to remember “back in the day” bodies or present-day ones.
Notable Exchange
- “If Fritzy decides to do it and he’s nude, then I will pay for the statue. Would you like a statue like—you would be our David!” (Dan, [32:02])
- “From a David statue standpoint, I think I’m doing pretty well on the bottom half. I don’t like to brag…” (Todd, [32:11])
7. College Football Calls & Listener Engagement
- [15:37] – [16:34] Listeners challenge Dan and the Danettes to a “Pie in the Face” (and/or spray tan) bet for the upcoming Oregon Ducks vs. Penn State Nittany Lions football game. (Seaton agrees to take Penn State and risk a spray tan, [48:06])
- [28:22] – [30:59] Coaching hot seat talk: Listeners (and Dan) discuss what teams and ownership expect with midseason firings, and the challenges of midseason turnarounds.
8. Miscellaneous & Memorable Moments
- [04:37] – [05:38] Dan describes listening to Sabrina Carpenter with his daughter—trying to “evolve” musically: “Just trying to evolve here with my music…You should try it, Marvin. Evolve a little bit.” (Dan, [04:47])
- [37:27] – [41:13] Callers share 20th anniversary plans, best restaurants in San Antonio, and Dan recounts a dinner with Mark Jackson, John Barry, and Patrick Ewing—uncovering Ewing’s warmth and down-to-earth character.
- [53:04] – [53:09] Unexpected turn as Laura calls in to declare Paulie a “sex symbol” for his sweater choices; the Danettes run with the comedy about fashion faux pas and fan requests.
Notable Quotes & Timestamps
- Dan on Cal Raleigh’s Record:
“You’re playing catcher and doing something no switch hitter’s ever done before. If he gets to 60, there’s no doubt in my mind…he’s the MVP.” ([11:05]) - Dan on Shohei Ohtani:
“It just sounds different coming off his bat…As a pitcher, you just hand the umpire a new ball.” ([12:29], [12:41]) - On What is Art:
“Who’s to say what is art?” (Dan, [08:21]) - On Statue Authenticity:
“If Fritzy decides to do it and he’s nude, then I will pay for the statue. You would be our David.” (Dan, [32:02]) - On Tua’s Josh Allen Comments:
“I don’t know why they’re critical of him…If you happen to beat him, it makes you look even better.” (Dan, [23:54]) - On Sports Statues:
“Statues are for iconic players, not…They were really good. Steph Curry is a statue guy. Klay Thompson and Draymond Green are retired jersey guys.” (Marvin, [36:36])
Timestamps of Important Segments
- [10:40] – Cal Raleigh ties Griffey; Mariners home run significance
- [12:29] – Shohei Ohtani’s 50th home run, two-way dominance
- [05:06] – Rocky statue, is it art?
- [08:21] – Art or movie prop debate
- [10:14] – Adele demands Rocky statue as part of house deal
- [26:33] – NFL Comeback Player of the Year odds and picks
- [22:49] – Tua’s “too honest” praise of Josh Allen
- [35:19] – Caller suggests Terence Crawford statue; statue culture explored
- [32:02] – Statue of the Danettes (Fritzy) gag
- [37:27] – Listener asks for San Antonio recommendations; Dan’s Patrick Ewing story
- [48:06] – Pie/spray tan bet set up for Oregon vs Penn State
Tone & Style
The hour is classic Dan Patrick Show: wide-ranging, self-deprecating, full of side quests and audience interaction. Dan’s approach is curious and skeptical, never pretentious. The Danettes fuel the humor, keep polls lively, and are always ready with a quip (“You’re equating a slanty kitchen floor [to a Rocky statue]?”). Listener calls keep the show rooted in fan culture and often lead to the episode’s best punchlines.
Conclusion
This episode puts a spotlight on baseball milestones, the quirks of sports fandom, and debates about legacy—whether in statues or awards—delivered with the Dan Patrick Show’s signature blend of humor, thorough sports knowledge, and listener-driven energy. From Cal Raleigh's record chase to shohei Ohtani's marvels, the Rocky statue’s odd journey, NFL futures, and the classic debates about what really matters in sports culture, Dan and the Danettes cover a rich tapestry, making it engaging for casual fans and diehards alike.
