The Dan Patrick Show: Hour 3 – Memories of Atlanta and a Career, Steve Young

Release Date: March 13, 2025
Host: Dan Patrick
Guest: Steve Young, Hall of Fame Quarterback

1. Reflecting on Career and Considering Retirement

Dan Patrick opens Hour 3 by contemplating the future of his broadcasting career. He shares a heartfelt conversation with his wife during a romantic vacation in wine country, where she suggests, “[...] you've started your broadcasting career, TV career in Atlanta at CNN, why don't you end your career in Atlanta at the Super Bowl?” ([06:00]). This idea sparks Dan's consideration of wrapping up his show during Super Bowl week, envisioning it as a grand send-off that could potentially earn an Emmy:

• Dan Patrick: “I think we're going to be bringing you 40s and free agents, the only podcast you'll need this NFL draft season.” ([02:30])
• Dan Patrick: “Super Bowl week is a hell of a time to do it. We could put together like a baller week, send off, farewell kind of thing.” ([09:00])

2. Discussion with Co-Hosts on Extending the Show

Co-hosts Todd Fritz and Marvin engage in a lively debate about the feasibility and implications of extending the show to conclude at the Super Bowl. They humorously discuss the logistics and potential for memorable moments, such as getting pies to faces as part of the farewell:

• Dan Patrick: “Marvin, what about you? Pie to the face...” ([02:52])
• Todd Fritz: “...just once, for the last time, we might have a shot at winning an Emmy.” ([04:00])
• Dan Patrick: “Out of respect to you guys, the audience, to wrap it up in the proper way, I am certainly considering that.” ([09:30])

3. Reflecting on the Atlanta Journey

Dan delves into his career origins, highlighting how moving to Atlanta and joining CNN was a pivotal moment that shaped his path:

• Dan Patrick: “I was really down. I was 27 and I thought, I won't get a job in TV. I just lost out the weekend job at Channel 2 and my ex-girlfriend said, you should come down to Atlanta. CNN is hiring.” ([06:00])
• Dan Patrick: “If I don't go to Atlanta and I don't get that job or take the job at headline Sports, I'm not here today because I probably would have just stayed in radio.” ([06:30])

4. Interview with Steve Young: Career Insights and Statistics

The highlight of the episode features an in-depth conversation with Steve Young, the legendary Hall of Fame quarterback. They discuss various aspects of Young's career, including his performance metrics and the evolution of the quarterback role in the NFL.

a. Steve Young’s Career Highlights

Dan and Todd explore Steve Young’s tenure in the NFL, touching on his achievements and contributions to the game:

• Dan Patrick: “Steve Young, the Hall of Famer. He worked at a car dealership.” ([25:37])
• Todd Fritz: “In high school and college, I worked all summers with landscape company Bucky Lanzarone...”. ([26:00])

b. Pick-Sixes and Defensive Strategies

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around Steve Young's interception returns for touchdowns (pick-sixes) and how they compare to other quarterbacks like Joe Montana:

• Dan Patrick: “He threw 11 interceptions returned for touchdowns.” ([44:08])
• Todd Fritz: “Steve Young's got among the lowest of pick sixes.” ([53:09])

There is a humorous back-and-forth regarding the accuracy of these statistics:

• Dan Patrick: “Out of 139 interceptions, Todd, can you see how many Montana threw pick sixes here? We gotta go.” ([45:00])
• Todd Fritz: “He [Steve Young] worked for his father, Steve.” ([25:37])

c. Modern vs. Traditional Quarterback Dynamics

Todd provides insights into how the quarterback role has evolved, emphasizing the need for quarterbacks to be mobile and versatile in today’s game:

• Todd Fritz: “The game is now. Like, if you... the quarterback has to leave the huddle every day down with a threat to attack the line of scrimmage.” ([30:29])
• Todd Fritz: “In today's game, you have to have the ability to run around, threaten the line of scrimmage...” ([34:16])

He compares current quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson to traditional ones, discussing their adaptability and impact on the game.

5. Concluding Thoughts and Future Directions

As the episode winds down, Dan Patrick and his co-hosts reflect on the discussions and the potential for future shows:

• Dan Patrick: “I don't like death talk. I don't like talking about things ending.” ([12:34])
• Todd Fritz: “It's sad because then you have to go out and try to find another job.” ([12:39])

They contemplate the legacy of the show and consider creative ways to conclude it, maintaining humor and camaraderie throughout the conversation.

Notable Quotes

• Dan Patrick ([06:00]): “...why don't you end your career in Atlanta at the Super Bowl?”
• Todd Fritz ([10:12]): “Just. That is perfect. Yeah. That's exactly what we should be doing.”
• Dan Patrick ([12:34]): “I don't like death talk. I don't like talking about things ending.”
• Steve Young ([25:37]): “...I was 27 and I thought, I won't get a job in TV.”

Key Takeaways

• Career Reflections: Dan Patrick openly discusses his career trajectory, influenced significantly by a pivotal move to Atlanta and a chance opportunity at CNN.

• Show's Future: There's a genuine consideration of concluding the show during Super Bowl week, aiming for a memorable and impactful farewell.

• Guest Insights: Steve Young provides valuable perspectives on his career, the significance of performance metrics like pick-sixes, and the evolving role of quarterbacks in the NFL.

• Evolution of the Game: The conversation underscores the shift in quarterback responsibilities, highlighting the importance of mobility and adaptability in the modern NFL landscape.

• Humor and Camaraderie: Throughout the episode, Dan and his co-hosts maintain a light-hearted and humorous tone, even when delving into serious topics like retirement and career endings.

This episode offers listeners a blend of personal reflections, professional insights, and engaging discussions with one of the NFL's legendary figures, all wrapped in Dan Patrick's signature humorous style.