Podcast Summary: The Dan Patrick Show – Hour 3 with Mike Florio and Michael McCarthy

Release Date: August 6, 2025
Host: iHeartPodcasts and Dan Patrick Podcast Network
Guests: Mike Florio, Michael McCarthy

1. Introduction to the Episode

The episode begins with Dan Patrick welcoming listeners to the final hour of the show, highlighting that more phone calls and poll results will be discussed. The primary focus centers around significant developments in the NFL media landscape, particularly the merger between NFL Network and ESPN.

2. ESPN and NFL Network Merger

Discussion Highlights:

• Deal Overview: The merger involves NFL Network partnering with ESPN, granting the NFL a 10% equity stake in ESPN. This strategic alliance is expected to enhance distribution channels globally and fortify both entities against emerging streaming competitors like Apple.

  [02:37] Dan Patrick: "If approved, it likely won't take effect until at least 2026."

• Consumer Impact: Mike Florio emphasizes that while the merger primarily benefits the networks, consumers might face indirect effects, such as changes in how content is packaged or potential increases in subscription costs.

  [04:41] Mike Florio: "I don't know that the consumer was at the front of the mind for either of the parties involved in this, frankly."

• Future Broadcasting Prospects: The merger opens avenues for ESPN to potentially expand the "Red Zone" brand to other leagues, including the NBA and NHL, leveraging their newly acquired broadcasting rights.

  [30:21] Dan Patrick: "They would be able to create a red zone for the NBA, a red zone for the NHL... and ESPN would own those new rights going forward."

Notable Quotes:

• [02:35] Dan Patrick: "We're talking about the merger between the mothership, NFL Network and the NFL, 10% stake in ESPN."

• [26:08] Dan Patrick: "Only ESPN came up and stepped up to the table."

3. Negotiations and Contracting Issues in the NFL

Key Topics:

• Direct Negotiations Between Owners and Players: The conversation delves into the contentious issue of team owners, like Jerry Jones of the Dallas Cowboys, negotiating directly with players without agent representation, which violates the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

  [07:50] Noah: "What's the rule of an owner talking directly to a player about a contract?"

  [08:13] Devin: "Under the CBA, you can't negotiate directly with the players. The agent is the exclusive representative..."

• Deshaun Watson's Contract Situation: The discussion speculates on the Dallas Cowboys' strategy to pressure quarterback Deshaun Watson into accepting a reduced contract by either enforcing previous handshake agreements or deferring to the next season.

  [15:46] Dan Patrick: "What is desHaun Watson do every day?"

  [15:50] Devin: "He's working his way back to full health... They have a decision to make."

• Player Welfare and Equity Concerns: Devin raises concerns about how the merger's equity stake might bypass direct financial benefits to players, potentially disadvantaging them in future negotiations.

  [07:32] Devin: "Under the CBA, that equity may be exclusive to ownership. And until equity turns into money, players don't get a penny."

Notable Quotes:

• [09:29] Noah: "Why doesn't somebody say to Jerry Jones, you know, Jerry, you can't negotiate a contract with a player?"

• [10:43] Noah: "Why doesn't somebody say to Jerry Jones…"

4. NFL Policy Changes: Smelling Salts Ban

Discussion Points:

• Introduction of the Ban: The NFL announces a ban on supplying smelling salts to players, citing concerns over their potential to mask concussion symptoms.

  [11:39] Devin: "It's been 16 years since they had their concussion epiphany."

• Implications for Teams and Players: While teams are no longer providing smelling salts, players can still bring their own, shifting the liability away from the NFL and onto the individual.

  [12:48] Devin: "We're not supplying them. Now they'd have to negotiate with the union."

Notable Quotes:

• [13:25] Noah: "If I'm a Rams fan, and I'm listening, watching, concerned about Matthew Stafford, what would you tell the Rams fan today about this situation?"

5. Updates on Key NFL Players

Matthew Stafford:

• Injury Recovery: Matthew Stafford is expected to return to the field later in the week after addressing a chronic back issue. The team is cautiously optimistic about his readiness for the upcoming season.

  [13:25] Noah: "I think they'll give him extra time... I think he'll be good to go."

Deshaun Watson:

• Health and Performance: Deshaun Watson is actively working towards full health to secure his position with the Cleveland Browns. The ongoing negotiations remain tense, with potential implications for his career longevity.

  [16:48] Noah: "Does Deshaun Watson want to play football again?"

  [16:51] Devin: "I think he fully intends to get healthy and come back..."

Justin Tucker:

• Possible Return: Justin Tucker faces a 10-game suspension but remains a valuable kicker. His potential return is debated based on performance consistency and PR considerations.

  [17:50] Noah: "Does Justin Tucker play again?"

  [17:50] Devin: "How much better is he going to make us? Are we better off just getting a guy no one knows..."

Notable Quotes:

• [14:39] Noah: "Michael McCarthy, front office sports senior media reporter and tuned-in columnist joining us on the program."

• [16:48] Noah: "Does Deshaun Watson want to play football again?"

6. Future of Broadcast Rights and ESPN's Strategy

Insights:

• Red Zone Expansion: With ESPN acquiring the Red Zone brand, the network plans to expand this concept to other sports leagues, leveraging their established talent and broadcasting expertise.

  [30:21] Dan Patrick: "ESPN would own those new rights going forward."

• Super Bowl Integration: ESPN is set to extend veteran broadcaster Boomer through his 50th year, ensuring his continued presence during key events like the Super Bowl.

  [27:35] Dan Patrick: "ESPN extending Boomer through his 50th year at the Mothership and making sure he's part of the Super Bowl."

Notable Quotes:

• [25:14] Noah: "What did ESPN buy from NFL Network?"

• [26:04] Dan Patrick: "They talk to a lot of people and only ESPN came up and stepped up to the table."

7. Listener Interactions and Fun Segments

Throughout the episode, Dan Patrick engages with listeners through phone calls, addressing various topics ranging from favorite NFL throwback uniforms to personal anecdotes and light-hearted banter about movies and music.

Highlights:

• Best Throwback Uniforms: Listeners discuss iconic but historically underperforming team uniforms, highlighting the Tampa Bay Creamsicle uniforms as a case study.

  [35:30] Caller Corey: "Tampa Bay just revealed their awesome 1976 throwback, that white with the Creamsicle accent."

• Music and Movies: Casual discussions about Adam Sandler's latest movie and the classic film "Collateral" featuring Tom Cruise and Jamie Foxx.

  [37:08] Caller Craig: "The second Adam Sandler movie, the golf movie, is awesome."

• Anniversary Shout-Out: A heartfelt moment as a caller requests a shout-out for his wedding anniversary, adding a personal touch to the broadcast.

  [37:40] Noah: "Keep up the great job."

Notable Quotes:

• [33:04] Noah: "Ladies and gentlemen, the lead singer of Ornery Colon. Say hello to Todd Fritz."

• [43:29] Noah: "Devonte Adams of the Rams right now. Travis Hunter, listed as a backup cornerback, but a starting wide receiver..."

8. Closing Remarks and Future Teasers

As the episode wraps up, Dan Patrick promotes upcoming shows and teases future content, including interviews with DeVonta Adams and discussions on trending NFL topics. The hosts also highlight additional podcasts and promotional content available through the iHeartRadio app.

[42:32] Dan Patrick: "Live edition of the Dan Patrick show."

[43:29] Noah: "Devonte Adams of the Rams right now. Travis Hunter..."

Conclusion

This episode of The Dan Patrick Show delved deep into the evolving landscape of NFL media partnerships, player negotiations, and policy changes affecting the league. Through insightful discussions with industry experts Mike Florio and Michael McCarthy, listeners gained a comprehensive understanding of the implications of ESPN's stake in NFL Network, the intricacies of player contracts, and future broadcasting strategies. Additionally, engaging listener interactions provided a well-rounded and entertaining experience, making this one of the most informative and enjoyable episodes to date.