The Dan Patrick Show
Hour 3 – Mark Schlereth, Free Solo Climb
Date: January 26, 2026
Host: Dan Patrick
Notable Guest: Mark Schlereth (NFL on Fox analyst, 3x Super Bowl Champion)
Overview
The final hour of the show delivered classic Dan Patrick banter, highlighted by NFL playoff analysis, an insightful and humorous interview with Mark Schlereth, and playful interactions between the Danettes—especially at Todd Fritz’s (“Fritzi”) expense, as he completed his "Caller is Always Right" bet for losing a previous wager. The episode also touched on the viral Alex Honnold Netflix free solo climb, took lively calls from listeners, and explored both serious and lighthearted sports topics.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
NFL PLAYOFF RECAP & ANALYSIS
Broncos Game Decisions and Analytics
- Mark Schlereth's Critique (05:59): Schlereth recapped watching the Denver game with Broncos alumni, criticizing the decision not to kick a field goal with a backup QB early:
“All of us were in agreement at that point, just kick the field goal, just kick the field goal. And then … it was a debacle to begin with… Kick the field goal, take the points, man. 10-0 is a big score. Especially with the weather report…” – Mark Schlereth [05:59]
- On Analytics in NFL (08:13): Schlereth offered a passionate anti-analytics stance:
“Math has never made a tackle. Math has never blocked anybody… That math is faulty. You gotta understand… the feel of the game.” – Mark Schlereth [08:13]
Broncos’ Future Outlook
- Bo Nix Praise (09:52):
“When it’s not cutting time, he cuts nuts… when the pressure is on and you have to be your best, he has been his best all year.” – Mark Schlereth [09:52]
Seattle Seahawks’ & Sam Darnold's Resurgence
- Sam Darnold’s Redemption (11:34):
“I don’t think a lot of people had that on their bingo card, him going toe to toe with Stafford.” – Mark Schlereth [11:34]
- Jackson Smith-Njigba’s Impact (13:25):
“He is so smooth in and out of breaks… the kid is just amazing… it just feels different.” – Mark Schlereth [13:25]
Key Moments and Player Mistakes
- Tariq Woolen’s Taunting Penalty (14:34): Schlereth, in his trademark blunt fashion:
“None of us like genius and football, mutually exclusive events… if you’re gonna get a penalty, get your money’s worth… But the taunting thing is… one of those stupid things.” – Mark Schlereth [14:53]
QB Youth Movement
- Drake May's Readiness (16:08):
“He made a couple of scrambles that were big time… brilliant by a young quarterback.” – Mark Schlereth [16:16–17:10]
HUMOR, LOCKER ROOM STORIES & MARK SCHLERETH'S COLOR
- On Peyton Manning’s Suite (10:47):
“I turned 60 yesterday, Dan, and… I still see 30 and I act like a 15 year old. That makes me 45. I am right there in the prime spot for me.” – Mark Schlereth [10:52]
- Raucous Broncos/Seahawks Alumni Banter: Good-natured competition and jokes about Suite décor, undiminished by age.
“THE CALLER IS ALWAYS RIGHT” – Todd Fritz Takes His Lumps
For losing a bet, Fritzi must publicly agree with any caller’s take—no matter how wild—and support it on air. This led to comedic gold, as listeners challenged him on everything from the Beatles to whether he’s a national treasure.
- On the Beatles (26:19):
“The Beatles are wonderful… I think I’ve had it wrong all this time. The Beatles are actually underrated…” – Todd Fritz, forced agreement [26:19]
- National Treasure Bit (30:51):
“I am a national treasure. I feel like I’m being set up for something at the end of this…” – Todd Fritz [30:51] “You’re a national treasure who should be buried.” – Dan Patrick [31:29]
- Caller Roasts (38:47):
“You look exactly like Varys from [Game of Thrones].” – Caller [38:47] (The Danettes: Varys is a bald eunuch, not exactly flattering.)
The bit is lauded as one of the funniest, most popular running segments of the past three years.
ALEX HONNOLD’S FREE SOLO CLIMB
- Dan & Crew React to Alex Honnold (23:15–25:14):
- Discussion of Honnold’s Netflix special where he climbs Taipei 101 for a mid six-figure sum.
- Vivid, anxiety-inducing descriptions:
“Him standing on top of the building and taking selfies like that wigged me out. I’m like, you know, you start to have that pit in your stomach.” – Dan Patrick [24:21]
- Crew jokes about getting paid up front, and imagining “high-fiving” him out a window.
LISTENER CALLS AND COMMUNITY BANER
- Best and Worst of the Weekend: Callers share triumphs and grievances, ranging from Patriots winning to the football season almost ending, snow days in Texas, and more.
- Charity & Bets: Listener “Becky” discusses her pie-in-the-face Special Olympics fundraiser, prompting Todd & Dan to promise matching donations (29:17–29:45).
- Playful Self-Deprecation: Fritz laments his inability to “rhyme words” or influence the Broncos’ fate with his superstitions (47:01).
- Pop Culture Roasting: Multiple jokes at Fritzi’s expense, from Riverdance auditions to Game of Thrones comparisons.
POP CULTURE, COMMERCIALS & BROADCAST CHATTER
- Super Bowl Ad Jokes:
- The Danettes poke fun at Tom Brady endorsing brands at odds with his TB12 brand (35:08).
- Commentary on Playoff Viewership:
- Dan predicts massive ratings because of winter storms keeping much of America indoors (34:39).
- Broadcasting Notes: Praise for Fox’s NFL broadcast team (34:11).
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
On analytics:
“Math has never made a tackle. Math has never blocked anybody. Math has never done any of that stuff.” – Mark Schlereth [08:13]
On Bo Nix:
“When it’s not cutting time, he cuts nuts.” – Mark Schlereth [09:52]
On Alex Honnold’s climb:
“Him standing on top of the building and taking selfies like that wigged me out. I’m like, you know, you start to have that pit in your stomach.” – Dan Patrick [24:21]
On being a “national treasure”:
“You’re a national treasure who should be buried.” – Dan Patrick [31:29]
On Fritzi’s luck with Broncos paraphernalia:
“My wife told me that always goes badly for you. The more stuff you put out, it doesn’t work out, especially in the playoffs or Super Bowl.” – Todd Fritz [47:01]
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Start of Hour/Caller is Always Right Recap: [02:13]
- Broncos Field Goal & Fourth Down Discussion: [05:59–09:39]
- Broncos 2025 Outlook & Manning Suite Antics: [09:52–11:29]
- Sam Darnold & Jackson Smith-Njigba Analysis: [11:34–14:34]
- Drake May & Young QBs in the Super Bowl: [16:08–18:12]
- Alex Honnold Free Solo Climb Segment: [23:15–25:14]
- Fritzi & Beatles, National Treasure Calls: [26:19–31:29]
- Best & Worst Crowd Calls, Roast of Fritzi: [27:18–38:47]
- Field Goal Post Debate: [48:02]
Tone & Atmosphere
Dan Patrick maintains his dry wit, balancing real football analysis with radio show hijinks. Mark Schlereth delivers strong NFL takes, direct humor, and occasional gruff wisdom. The Danettes (Seaton, Paulie, Marvin, Todd) provide playful antagonism, community spirit, and self-deprecating laughter. Listener calls drive the unpredictable, inclusive energy the show is known for.
For Those Who Missed It
Hour 3 of The Dan Patrick Show is not just a sports recap—it’s a blend of sharp NFL insight (especially around the role of analytics and the pressure of big-game moments), genuine locker room stories, and unfiltered radio comedy. Even if you’re not caught up on every game, the show’s mix of analysis, personality-driven fun, and the unique “Caller is Always Right” bit provides both substance and entertainment for any sports or pop culture fan.