The Dan Patrick Show – Hour 3

Date: September 16, 2025
Host: Dan Patrick
Featured Guest: Dean Blandino (Fox Sports, former NFL VP of Officiating)
Special Segment: Remembering Robert Redford

Episode Overview

This episode of The Dan Patrick Show features a blend of sports and pop culture conversation, with a primary focus on insider football talk and officiating. Notably, former NFL VP of Officiating Dean Blandino joins Dan to discuss the controversial "tush push" play and other rules topics, providing listeners with an expert's eye on what works (and doesn’t) in today’s game. The latter part of the hour shifts to a tribute to the late film legend Robert Redford, reflecting on his career and legacy. Listener calls further spice up the mix, touching on NFL nuances and quarterback debates with Dan and the Danettes.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. NFL Recap & Poll Questions (00:55–05:16)

• Dan and the Danettes recap last night’s NFL action, pondering which team looks more "Super Bowlish": Chargers or Buccaneers.
• Current injury updates: Joe Burrow out for three months, JJ McCarthy out two weeks, Justin Fields and Jaden Daniels questionable.
• College football rankings rundown.
• Poll Questions:
  • "Who looks more Super Bowlish?" – Chargers lead.
  • "Which 2–0 AFC team won't make the playoffs?" – Bengals are runaway favorites.

2. Dean Blandino on NFL Officiating & The "Tush Push" Controversy (05:16–16:22)

The Problem with the "Tush Push"

• Dean Blandino candidly expresses frustration over the "tush push" QB sneak, especially how the Eagles have popularized it.

  • “It was a visceral reaction...it's impressive what they do, but just in that game...you couldn’t see the football, all these bodies, and it’s really tough to review.” (05:43)
  • “I just don’t think it’s a great play to watch.” (05:43)

• Discusses how the play is hard to officiate—too many moving bodies, missed false start penalties, and difficulty spotting the ball.

  • “It was illegal to push runners forever...until 2005, and in hindsight, that was a mistake.” (05:43)

Should It Be Banned?

• Dan questions why officials haven’t pushed the league to ban the play: “If I can’t spot the ball and do my job, then that factors in something else.” (08:42)
• Blandino's take: “Officiating consistency is key. If you can’t consistently officiate this, it’s a problem...they were two votes short of getting it out.” (09:30)
• Both agree Eagles would still be successful even without backfield push due to Jalen Hurts’ strength.

On Penalties and Taunting

• Taunting is a new point of emphasis—league claims a 50% rise in such incidents (11:21).
  • “They said taunting was up like 50%. Violent gestures, sexually suggestive…in bad taste were up...so they want to emphasize it.” (11:26)
• Player safety, especially QBs, explained: Despite some complaints, rules are unlikely to loosen. “We've gone a little too far with some of these hits...that's not going away." (12:23)

Behind-the-Scenes Replay Transparency

• Dan floats idea of fans listening to replay reviews, especially with gambling and transparency needs.
• Blandino shares an anecdote: The infamous Dez Bryant play (“Get ready, the shit is about to hit the fan.” 13:55) and the pros and cons of transparency.
  • “Might go from conspiracy to incompetence. You don’t want that.” (14:34)

Other League Insights

• On officials’ fitness: “The physical test...was walk a mile. Not even timed. Just not die.” (15:59)
• Now, there’s a combine with strength and conditioning standards.

3. Listener Calls & NFL Debates (16:50–41:26)

• Questions about enforcement of defensive/pass interference penalties and why the Eagles dominate with the tush push.
  • Dan: “They have a great offensive line and a quarterback who is stronger than any other quarterback with his legs.” (17:47)
• More discussion on banning the tush push post-Eagles Super Bowl run:
  • “If the Eagles don't win a Super Bowl this year, maybe that would open the door to get rid of the tush push.” (17:47)

Quarterback Draft Class & Career Resurgence

• Caller asks about the best QB draft class—Dan points to 1984, but acknowledges 2018’s impact.
• Lively debate over which 30+ year old QB panel would choose for next two years: consensus narrows to Baker Mayfield or Jared Goff.
  • Seaton: "I'm thinking Jared Goff there, too. Just because he's made it to the Super Bowl." (36:05)
  • Paulie: "I'd go Baker. Just a touch clutchness over Jared Goff." (36:20)

Fun Listener Moments

• Listeners bring up career resurgence candidates (e.g., Jim Plunkett, Kurt Warner), quirky sports history trivia, and Redford facts.
• Todd's joke: "Guys in their 40s looked like they were 70 back then" (28:06)

4. Remembering Robert Redford (21:46–29:30)

• Dan and the crew reflect on Robert Redford’s death at age 89—his legendary run as actor, director, activist.

• Highlights his history: from Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Sting, All the President’s Men to The Natural ("He played himself at 18 years old...when he was about 45!" (27:23))

• Discussion veers into 1984’s The Natural, Indecent Proposal, and pondering why 1970s stars “looked old” in mid-life.

• Amusing banter about Redford’s "curse" of always being cast as a good-looking leading man.

  “Imagine having that as your main problem in life, being too good looking.” – Paulie (25:15)

Notable Quotes & Moments with Timestamps

• Dean Blandino, on the "tush push":

  • “It’s just not a fair play. The defense can’t push the runner back...but we let the offense do it.” (06:57)
  • “In the history of the tush push, not once have I ever seen it on SportsCenter’s Top 10 plays.” (06:50)
  • “If you can’t consistently officiate this, it’s a problem.” (09:30)
  • “The physical test [for officials] was walk a mile. Not even timed. Just not die.” (15:59)
  • “Get ready, the shit is about to hit the fan.” (13:55, re: Dez Bryant catch controversy and behind-the-scenes calls)

• Dan Patrick, on officiating difficulties:

  • “If I can’t spot the ball and do my job, then that factors in something else...If the play can’t be called consistently, it shouldn’t be in the game.” (08:42–09:30)

• On Robert Redford:

  • “There was a point where he was the one seed for good-looking guys in America.” – Paulie (25:19)
  • “When Robert Redford’s the second hottest person in the movie, you know it's good.” – Paulie (29:23)
  • Banter about Wilford Brimley: “He looked the same...He always looked old. Always.” – Dan (27:55)

Useful Timestamps for Key Segments

• NFL/CFB recap & poll question setup: 00:55–05:16
• Dean Blandino’s segment (rules, officiating, NFL insights): 05:16–16:22
• Listener calls & sports debates: 16:50–41:26
• Robert Redford tribute & film banter: 21:46–29:30

Takeaways for New Listeners

• Football fans: This episode is a treat for those curious about the nitty-gritty of NFL officiating and controversial plays, with unique insight only a former Head of Officiating can provide.
• Pop culture buffs: The Redford tribute and banter showcase the show’s ability to weave sports and Hollywood seamlessly.
• Humor/value: The Danettes’ quick wit provides plenty of laughs, whether recapping the "manliness" of 1970s celebs or officiating’s evolution.
• Interactive: Listener calls drive several discussions, highlighting NFL nostalgia, QB rankings, and rule controversies.

Final Thoughts

This episode stands out for its deep-dive into the current officiating debate in pro football, especially surrounding the “tush push,” as well as its heartfelt and humorous look back at Robert Redford’s legacy. Whether you're after sharp sports insight, entertaining cultural reminiscence, or lighthearted radio banter, Hour 3 delivers a dynamic mix with the trademark Dan Patrick Show flair.