The Dan Patrick Show – Hour 3: LeBron vs. Stephen A., Jason Garrett
Release Date: March 12, 2025

In the third hour of The Dan Patrick Show, host Dan Patrick delves into a heated discussion surrounding LeBron James and ESPN's Stephen A. Smith, alongside insights from former Cowboys coach Jason Garrett. This episode navigates through the controversies of sports influence, player evaluations, and strategic decisions within the NFL.

Stephen A. Smith's Critique of LeBron James

The conversation kicks off with a robust debate sparked by Stephen A. Smith's recent commentary on LeBron James. Stephen A. openly criticized LeBron for leveraging his influence to secure a spot for his son, Bronny James, on the Los Angeles Lakers' roster. This move has ignited discussions about nepotism and the implications of high-profile athletes using their status to benefit family members in professional sports.

At 10:46, Stephen A. remarks:

"I'm pleading with LeBron James as a father, stop this. Stop this."
— Stephen A. Smith

Greg Rosenthal expresses skepticism about Smith's approach, questioning the necessity of intertwining personal parental roles with professional sports decisions. He challenges the conflation of sports strategy with parenting by stating:

"When you say it in that dramatic flair, then all of a sudden, this is such a big deal."
— Greg Rosenthal at 17:44

Daniel Jeremiah adds depth to the discussion by highlighting Bronny's current standing:

"LeBron's son is on the Lakers acting like he's the 55th player drafted. He's doing what the 55th pick does."
— Daniel Jeremiah at 17:21

The debate underscores the tension between leveraging personal relationships and maintaining meritocratic standards within professional sports teams.

Jason Garrett on NFL Strategies and Player Evaluations

Bringing a fresh perspective to the show, former Cowboys coach Jason Garrett joins the panel to discuss several pressing NFL topics, including the potential acquisition of Aaron Rodgers by the Pittsburgh Steelers and the evolving value of the running back position.

Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers

Garrett offers his expert opinion on whether the Steelers should pursue Aaron Rodgers to fill their quarterback needs, especially in light of J.J. McCarthy's recent injury. At 27:05, Garrett advises against bringing in a high-profile quarterback like Rodgers, emphasizing the importance of fostering an environment where the current quarterback can develop without overshadowing.

"I think you probably want to have a more traditional veteran backup who can go in and play for short periods of time."
— Jason Garrett at 27:26

He contrasts this approach with the successful partnership seen between Matt LaFleur and Rodgers in Green Bay, suggesting that any potential move should respect the team's strategic direction rather than disrupt it with a superstar quarterback.

The Running Back Position's Resurgence

Garrett also champions the significance of the running back role in modern football, countering trends that have diminished its perceived value. He references his tenure with the Cowboys, where robust running strategies led to multiple Super Bowl victories. At 28:07, he states:

"The running back never left my mind, and I want to be one of those guys."
— Jason Garrett at 28:07

Garrett criticizes the New England Patriots' influence on the position's valuation, asserting the enduring impact a strong running game has on overall team performance.

Draft Decisions: Dak Prescott vs. Connor Cook

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around Garrett's drafting decisions, particularly the selection of Dak Prescott over Connor Cook. At 33:23, Garrett reflects:

"What you got to be careful of is talking about reminds me of one of the greatest players ever to play in the NFL."
— Jason Garrett at 33:36

He narrates the rigorous evaluation process that led to Prescott's selection, highlighting Prescott's mental fortitude and accountability following a DUI incident before the draft. This anecdote underscores Garrett's emphasis on character and resilience in player assessments.

"He was phenomenal. I can't tell you how good he is. Mentally, he's just off the charts."
— Jason Garrett at 43:39

Garrett's decision to prioritize Prescott ultimately paid off, as Prescott delivered an outstanding rookie season, reinforcing the importance of thorough vetting and believing in a player's potential beyond initial setbacks.

Conclusion

Hour 3 of The Dan Patrick Show presents a dynamic exploration of the intersections between personal relationships and professional decisions in sports. Through intense discussions on Stephen A. Smith's critique of LeBron James and Jason Garrett's strategic insights into the NFL, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of the complexities that shape today's sports landscape. The episode effectively balances controversy with expert analysis, providing valuable perspectives for sports enthusiasts and casual listeners alike.

Notable Quotes:

• Stephen A. Smith at 10:46: "I'm pleading with LeBron James as a father, stop this. Stop this."

• Greg Rosenthal at 17:44: "When you say it in that dramatic flair, then all of a sudden, this is such a big deal."

• Daniel Jeremiah at 17:21: "LeBron's son is on the Lakers acting like he's the 55th player drafted. He's doing what the 55th pick does."

• Jason Garrett at 27:26: "I think you probably want to have a more traditional veteran backup who can go in and play for short periods of time."

• Jason Garrett at 28:07: "The running back never left my mind, and I want to be one of those guys."

• Jason Garrett at 43:39: "He was phenomenal. I can't tell you how good he is. Mentally, he's just off the charts."

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the main themes and discussions of the episode, providing listeners with a clear and engaging overview of the key points addressed during the show.