The Dan Patrick Show – Episode: Hour 3 – Cam Newton Not Making Friends, Kevin Bacon Release Date: February 11, 2025

In this engaging episode of The Dan Patrick Show, host Dan Patrick delves into the complexities of Cam Newton’s career, explores the nuances of quarterback leadership, and features a special guest appearance by acclaimed actor Kevin Bacon. The conversation is rich with insights, humor, and candid discussions that resonate with sports enthusiasts and movie aficionados alike.

I. Cam Newton’s Career and Leadership Challenges

Dan Patrick initiates the discussion by referencing Cam Newton's tenure as the first overall pick by the Carolina Panthers. The conversation centers on the pressures and cultural adjustments Newton faced entering a team that had struggled the previous season.

• Kevin Bacon: “[14:03] Cam Newton shares his experience of being drafted first overall, expressing the challenges of joining a locker room he described as a 'locker room of losers.' He emphasizes the cultural shock and the lack of a winning mentality he had to navigate.”

Key Points:

• Impact of Being a Quarterback: Newton highlights the unique influence quarterbacks have compared to other positions. “[13:42] …you have no way of impacting the game like a quarterback does. You can lock down the number one receiver, but it’s the quarterback who shapes the team’s destiny.”

• Team Dynamics: Despite notable talents like Steve Smith and Greg Olsen on the roster, Newton describes the team’s overall culture as underperforming. “[14:22] The franchise was a losing franchise. That’s why you had the number one pick overall.”

• Legacy and Improvement: The discussion underscores Newton’s desire to transform the team’s culture and establish a winning foundation. “[14:38] I thought they really looked good. And I thought he (Jalen Hurts) looked really good.”

II. Kevin Bacon’s Acting Career and Upcoming Projects

The episode features a candid segment with Kevin Bacon, who shares insights into his acting journey, upcoming projects, and reflections on his roles.

• Upcoming Roles:

  • Bondsman: “[31:30] Kevin Bacon discusses his role in The Bondsman for Amazon Prime Video, portraying a character battling inner demons.”
  • Sirens: “[31:30] He also mentions starring in Sirens alongside Julianne Moore, highlighting the dynamic of acting with his wife in The Best You Can.”

• Reflections on Past Roles:

  • Tremors: Reflecting on the cult classic Tremors, Bacon expresses a desire to revisit the character, noting, “[35:51] It would be fun to revisit Tremors because the character was so extraordinary in an ordinary situation.”

• Career Philosophy: Bacon emphasizes the importance of embracing diverse roles and not taking opportunities for granted. “[32:10] I never take it for granted that anybody is still giving me gigs. I really do appreciate it.”

III. Sports Analysis: Eagles and Jalen Hurts

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to analyzing current NFL trends, especially focusing on the Philadelphia Eagles and quarterback Jalen Hurts.

• Jalen Hurts’ Performance:

  • Comparison with Peers: The discussion highlights Hurts’ resilience and superiority over contemporaries. “[29:22] With Jalen Hurts, he keeps proving people wrong. His performances in the Super Bowls are exceptional, outperforming other top quarterbacks like Mahomes.”

  • Leadership Qualities: Hurts is praised for his intelligence and strategic play. “[30:19] My wife came in and said, 'Why is he sliding?' I said, 'Because he’s such a smart quarterback.' He protects himself and sees the big picture.”

• Quarterback Impact:

  • Cam Newton vs. Jalen Hurts: Newton’s frustrations with team dynamics are juxtaposed with Hurts’ effective leadership. “[31:01] It’s like Jalen Hurts is a leading actor because he’s been the supporting actor, demonstrating growth and resilience.”

IV. Kevin Bacon’s Humorous Anecdotes and Movie Insights

Beyond sports, Kevin Bacon shares humorous anecdotes related to his acting career and favorite movies, adding a light-hearted element to the show.

• Favorite Movies and Roles:

  • Wild Things: Bacon discusses his involvement in Wild Things and the challenges of certain roles. “[36:11] I had a little bit of trepidation about Wild Things. It was a big swing in terms of all the stuff that was going on there.”

  • Energy Line Podcast: Bacon talks about his upcoming podcast, “Energy Line with Nate and jsb,” highlighting the blend of hockey and personal interests. “[56:42] Each week we’ll talk about hockey life and all topics are fair game.”

• Personal Stories:

  • Zero Gravity Experience: Recalling his experience with Apollo 13, Bacon shares insights into the rigorous preparations. “[37:09] We went up in a zero G airplane and did loops. I felt sick for sure.”

V. Interactive Segment: Listener Call-Ins and Trivia

The show incorporates interactive elements with listener call-ins, sports trivia, and friendly banter between hosts and guests.

• Trivia Highlights:

  • Willie Mays’ Contract: Dan Patrick poses a trivia question about Willie Mays’ 1966 contract. “[50:11] 1966, Willie Mays became the highest-paid player in baseball. He signed a two-year deal with the Giants. For blank per year. Who would like to go first?”
  • LeBron James and Bronnie: A listener bets on LeBron James playing longer than his son Bronnie in the NBA. “[50:22] LeBron James Senior outplay like plays longer than LeBron James Junior.”

• Humorous Banter:

  • Cameo in Kevin Bacon Game: The hosts play a game where they discuss movie cameos related to Kevin Bacon. “[39:35] Let’s play the Kevin Bacon game. I'm gonna let you have a cameo in one of his movies now. I'm gonna take a couple out Wild Things.”

VI. Closing Remarks and Promotions

The episode concludes with promotions for upcoming shows, podcasts, and sponsorships. Notably, Dan Patrick and Kevin Bacon promote their respective projects, encouraging listeners to engage further with their content.

• Upcoming Episodes:

  • Covino and Rich Show: “[17:20] Dan Patrick and Kevin Bacon promote Covino and Rich on Fox Sports Radio, highlighting their 20-year friendship and interactive segments.”
  • Athletes First Family Podcast: Promotion of a podcast focusing on NFL quarterback contracts and negotiations.

• Sponsorships:

  • Allstate Insurance: Advertisements interspersed throughout the episode promoting Allstate’s insurance services.

Notable Quotes:

• Kevin Bacon on Cam Newton’s Impact:

  “[13:42] You have no way of impacting the game like a quarterback does. You can lock down the number one receiver, but it’s the quarterback who shapes the team’s destiny.”

• Dan Patrick on Jalen Hurts:

  “[29:22] After that game against the Commanders, I felt pretty good about it. I thought they really looked good. And I thought he looked really good.”

• Kevin Bacon on Diverse Roles:

  “[32:10] I never take it for granted that anybody is still giving me gigs. I really do appreciate it.”

Conclusion

This episode of The Dan Patrick Show offers a compelling mix of in-depth sports analysis, celebrity insights, and entertaining interactions. From dissecting Cam Newton’s professional journey to exploring Kevin Bacon’s acting ventures, the show provides valuable content for a diverse audience. Listeners are left with thoughtful reflections on leadership in sports, the intricacies of acting careers, and the joy of interactive broadcasting.

Listen to this episode on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.