The Dan Patrick Show: Hour 3 with CC Sabathia and Philip Rivers

Release Date: July 31, 2025
Guests: CC Sabathia, Philip Rivers
Host: Dan Patrick
Podcast Network: iHeartPodcasts and Dan Patrick Podcast Network

Introduction

In the third hour of "The Dan Patrick Show," host Dan Patrick welcomes two esteemed guests from the world of sports: CC Sabathia, the recently inducted Baseball Hall of Famer, and Philip Rivers, the NFL quarterback announcing his retirement. The episode delves deep into their illustrious careers, personal anecdotes, and their perspectives on the current sports landscape.

CC Sabathia’s Hall of Fame Induction

[03:17] Dan Patrick:
Dan opens the conversation by congratulating CC Sabathia on his induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame, prompting Sabathia to share his feelings about this significant milestone.

[03:59] CC Sabathia:
"Feels good. I mean, it's real now, you know, I mean, I gave the speech and had a chance to get up there and see all the guys. So it feels, it feels good."

Sabathia reflects on the honor, expressing genuine happiness and pride in his accomplishment. He reminisces about the moment he realized the significance of the induction while pitching in the World Series.

[04:28] CC Sabathia:
"I was pretty nervous. I mean, knowing, you know, from the time that you get elected that, you know, you have six months to kind of give this speech and talk about, you know, your life and this life achievement and who you want to thank and, you know, all these different people."

He shares a humorous and heartfelt story from the 2009 World Series, where a seemingly innocuous moment triggered his nerves, showcasing his relatable and down-to-earth personality.

[07:02] CC Sabathia:
"No, I mean, that's the perfect time to bring it up, right?"
This exchange highlights Sabathia’s ability to embrace and laugh about past moments, even those that might have been embarrassing at the time.

Memorable Career Moments

Sabathia delves into various memorable moments from his career, including his experiences with different teams and legendary players.

[08:16] CC Sabathia:
"I've seen this thing move like it's nasty. So he comes up again. First pitch, I throw it to him. First pitch of that bat, he hits it out again. But they ended up becoming like my out pitch."

He discusses his development of pitches, particularly his slider, and how interactions with players like Ichiro Suzuki influenced his pitching style.

[09:15] CC Sabathia:
"They were actually specially made from Jordan. They were kind of. I made a bunch of shoes my. My last year in 2019, during players weekend..."
Sabathia shares his personal connection with the Jordan brand, illustrating his thoughtful approach to personal branding and legacy.

Passion for Sports Beyond Baseball

Beyond baseball, Sabathia expresses his enthusiasm for other sports, particularly football and basketball, highlighting his diverse interests and deep-rooted fan loyalty.

[14:21] CC Sabathia:
"I'm just a fan of everything. I'm a huge, huge, huge sports fan. But the Raiders are, I'm die hard Raiders. Like I, I don't waver at all."

He discusses his support for the Oakland Raiders, sharing anecdotes about his memorabilia and unwavering fandom.

Current Sports Landscape and Team Dynamics

Sabathia offers his insights into the current NFL season, discussing team performances, player health, and coaching dynamics.

[15:35] CC Sabathia:
"I would want Tom Brady to come out of retirement to like run the organization. I need, I need somebody young, young with fresh legs."

Expressing his preference for leadership, Sabathia discusses the potential impact of veterans like Tom Brady on team operations and performance.

Personal Anecdotes and Life Outside Sports

Sabathia opens up about personal stories, including a car breakdown incident that turned into a memorable family story.

[12:00] CC Sabathia:
"We had the kids with us and we pull up on the side of the road...it made for a good time."

These stories humanize Sabathia, showcasing his ability to find humor and joy in everyday situations.

Transition to Philip Rivers’ Retirement

As the conversation with CC Sabathia winds down, Dan Patrick introduces Philip Rivers, who joins to discuss his retirement from the NFL.

[16:49] Dan Patrick:
"Philip Rivers, he better be telling stories. Fritzi, he's ready. Oh, he is? Okay."

Rivers shares his thoughts on his long and storied career, reflecting on his decision to retire and the challenges he faced towards the end of his tenure.

Philip Rivers’ Reflections on His Career

Rivers delves into his unique playing style, his approach to the quarterback position, and his experiences with various teams.

[28:02] Dan Patrick:
"But take me back to when you came out of college. I remember the knock on you was your arm."

[28:20] Freddy (Philip Rivers):
"I Think it gradually got less and less awkward, you know, as even as my career went."
Rivers discusses the evolution of his throwing motion and how it became a distinctive trademark throughout his career.

[32:19] Freddy:
"I love watching Joe and pulling for Joe when he was in that situation."
Rivers touches on his respect for fellow quarterbacks and the dynamics of leadership on the field.

Insights on Modern Quarterbacks and Playing Style

Rivers offers his perspective on the changing nature of the quarterback position, emphasizing the importance of decision-making and adaptability.

[34:09] Freddy:
"I still think... you got to be able to stand in the pocket and make quick decisions and be accurate with the football."
He underscores the foundational skills required for a successful quarterback, while also acknowledging the added value of mobility and versatility in today’s game.

Closing Remarks

The episode wraps up with humorous exchanges between Dan Patrick, CC Sabathia, and Philip Rivers, highlighting the camaraderie and rapport between the guests and the host.

[51:58] Freddy:
"Then you hit him with the 1316 record."
A playful jab at Sabathia’s earlier comments, showcasing the lighthearted nature of the conversation.

[55:30] Freddy:
"We’re breaking down SummerSlam, the biggest party of the summer on Wrestling With Freddy..."
Though not directly related to the main discussion, this highlights the show's breadth in covering various sports topics.

Conclusion

Hour 3 of "The Dan Patrick Show" offers listeners an engaging and insightful look into the careers and personal lives of CC Sabathia and Philip Rivers. From Hall of Fame inductions and retirement reflections to personal anecdotes and sports analysis, the episode provides a comprehensive and entertaining experience for both avid fans and casual listeners alike.

Notable Quotes:

• CC Sabathia [03:59]: "Feels good. I mean, it's real now, you know, I mean, I gave the speech and had a chance to get up there and see all the guys. So it feels, it feels good."

• CC Sabathia [04:28]: "I was pretty nervous... that, that gave me a lot, a lot of anxiety."

• Philip Rivers [34:09]: "I still think... you got to be able to stand in the pocket and make quick decisions and be accurate with the football."

• Philip Rivers [32:19]: "I love watching Joe and pulling for Joe when he was in that situation."

This episode masterfully balances in-depth sports analysis with personal storytelling, making it a must-listen for enthusiasts eager to gain a deeper understanding of their favorite sports figures.