The Best of The Dan Patrick Show Release Date: May 21, 2025

Overview In this standout episode of The Dan Patrick Show, host Dan Patrick engages in in-depth discussions with notable guests, delves into current NFL rule changes, interacts with dedicated callers, and features a special interview with hockey legend Wayne Gretzky. The episode offers a blend of sports analysis, humor, and insightful commentary, making it a must-listen for fans who seek comprehensive coverage of both NFL and NHL topics.

1. NFL Rule Changes: The Tush Push Ban

Guests: Jeremy Fowler, ESPN Senior NFL Reporter
Duration: 03:05 - 28:43

Dan Patrick opens a significant segment discussing the potential ban of the "Tush Push" play in the NFL. Joined by Jeremy Fowler, the conversation centers on the ongoing vote among NFL team owners to prohibit this play, which has been both a strategic advantage and a point of controversy.

Key Points:

• Current Proposal: The Packers' proposal to ban the Tush Push is under a tight vote, requiring a 3/4 majority (24 votes) to pass. (04:19)

• Language and Implications: The proposed rule change aims to broaden the language to prevent offensive players from pushing or pulling, moving away from the previous, more team-specific regulations. (05:17)

• Health and Safety Concerns: While some argue the ban is purely for player safety, there's skepticism about the actual injury data supporting this change. (05:17)

• NFL's Motives: Dan speculates that the NFL may be motivated by a desire to reduce predictability in gameplay, enhancing entertainment value. (06:17)

• Eagles' Unique Position: The Philadelphia Eagles, led by quarterback Jalen Hurts and offensive lineman Jason Kelce, are highlighted as a team that would remain effective despite the ban, thanks to their exceptional execution of the Tush Push. (07:46)

Notable Quotes:

• Dan Patrick at (06:17):
  "The NFL is in an entertainment business and it's a predictable play. It's like the extra point. We don't want predictability."

• Jeremy Fowler at (07:17):
  "Some people in the league say that they think it could cause some sort of catastrophic injury. We just don't know yet."

2. Playoff Restructuring and Onside Kicks

Duration: 28:43 - 60:30

Continuing the NFL discourse, Dan and Jeremy transition to discuss other rule changes and proposals affecting the league's playoff structure and onside kicks.

Key Points:

• Playoff Seeding Proposal: The Detroit Lions' suggestion to reseed playoffs based on wild card records was shelved for the current term, though discussions may resume as the NFL considers expanding the regular season to 18 games. (09:36)

• Onside Kick Innovations: New rules allow for onside kicks at any point in the game, not just the fourth quarter, with adjustments to kickoff distances to improve success rates and maintain game excitement. (10:00 - 11:13)

• Callers' Perspective: Caller John expresses frustration with the onside kick's low success rate and suggests alternatives like a 4th and 15 play to increase ball recovery opportunities. (13:45 - 15:06)

Notable Quotes:

• Caller John at (13:46):
  "Why don't they vote to have like a 4th and 15 play, something more likely that a team can get the ball back?"

• Dan Patrick at (11:07):
  "But you have to declare that we're going to have an onside kick. You have to tell that right?"

3. Special Interview: Wayne Gretzky

Duration: 35:22 - 58:57

In a highly anticipated segment, Dan Patrick interviews hockey icon Wayne Gretzky, delving into his illustrious career, personal anecdotes, and reflections on the evolution of hockey.

Key Points:

• Career Highlights: Wayne shares stories from his playing days, including memorable moments and the significance of trophies in his life. (46:10 - 49:59)

• Evolution of the Game: Discussion on how hockey has become more skilled and faster over the years, with today's athletes surpassing past legends in both physicality and technique. (41:21 - 43:29)

• Personal Reflections: Gretzky talks about his retirement decision, balancing family life, and his ongoing passion for the sport through broadcasting roles. (53:35 - 55:58)

• Respect and Sportsmanship: Emphasis on the respect among players, highlighting how adversaries on the ice maintain camaraderie off it. (44:19 - 45:29)

Notable Quotes:

• Wayne Gretzky at (46:10):
  "I have one trophy here, that Rocket Richard gave me—the only hockey trophy I have here."

• Caller John at (44:20):
  "There's one common thing that we all have as professional athletes. One day we're going to be alumni. We're all going to be retired, right?"

• Wayne Gretzky at (49:30):
  "I always said that Gordie Howe and Bobby Orr were the two greatest hockey players that ever lived."

4. Listener Calls and Engagement

Duration: 60:30 - 59:17

Throughout the episode, Dan Patrick interacts with callers who share their perspectives, frustrations, and insights on various sports-related topics.

Key Points:

• Emmy Awards Discussion: Caller John, a cast member of ESPN's NFL Live, expresses disappointment at not winning a Sports Emmy, sparking a humorous and heartfelt conversation about handling public recognition and personal achievements. (12:55 - 24:57)

• Mental Health Awareness: Promoted through sponsored segments encouraging listeners to prioritize mental health, aligning with May's Mental Health Awareness Month. (Various timestamps)

• Probiotics Segment: Brief interactions highlight discussions on the impact of probiotics on health, blending sports talk with wellness topics. (36:53 - 37:55)

Notable Quotes:

• Caller John at (22:17):
  "I think we deserved it as well. But you're a good man. The people you work with are good people."

• Dan Patrick at (23:03):
  "Can you help us understand, like, how do we come back from such an embarrassing loss that we didn't win the Sports Emmy last night?"

5. Advertisements and Promotions

Duration: Skipped per user instructions

All advertisements, including promotions for Ferris State University, T-Mobile, Talkspace, and other sponsored content, were excluded from this summary to focus solely on the episode's content.

Conclusion This episode of The Dan Patrick Show encapsulates the essence of sports radio—blending in-depth analysis with personal anecdotes and listener engagement. From critical discussions on NFL rule changes to heartfelt conversations with sports legends like Wayne Gretzky, Dan Patrick delivers content that is both informative and entertaining. The inclusion of caller interactions adds a relatable dimension, making this episode a comprehensive and engaging listen for sports enthusiasts.

Notable Moments Recap:

• Mandate against the Tush Push discussed with Jeremy Fowler.
• Insightful interview with Wayne Gretzky on his legacy and the evolution of hockey.
• Emotional and humorous exchange with ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler about the Sports Emmy.
• Engaging interactions with listeners on topics ranging from rule changes to personal sports experiences.

For those who haven't tuned into The Dan Patrick Show, this episode serves as an excellent encapsulation of the show's dynamic mix of sports commentary, expert interviews, and interactive segments.