The Dan Patrick Show: The Best of The Dan Patrick Show Release Date: July 22, 2025

Overview

In this featured episode of The Dan Patrick Show, host Dan Patrick engages in an in-depth discussion with Mike Tannenbaum, a former NFL General Manager, and JC Tretter, the former President and Chief Strategy Officer of the NFL Players Association (NFLPA). The conversation delves into the complexities of NFL player contracts, the current turmoil within the NFLPA, and the dynamics between team owners and players.

Current State of NFL Players Association

The episode opens with Dan Patrick addressing the ongoing struggles within the NFLPA, particularly focusing on the negotiations and contract disputes that have plagued the association.

Dan Patrick [02:25]:

"It's not that people don't know that exercise is healthy, it's just that people... And we're struggling to try to help people help themselves and each other."

This statement sets the stage for a broader conversation about the challenges faced by the NFLPA in advocating for player rights and ensuring fair compensation.

Contract Negotiations and Player Comparisons

A significant portion of the discussion centers around the contractual negotiations of key NFL players, notably Micah Parsons of the Dallas Cowboys and Trey Hendrickson of the Cincinnati Bengals. Patrick and Tannenbaum dissect the strategies employed by team owners, particularly Jerry Jones (Cowboys) and Mike Brown (Bengals), in handling these high-stakes negotiations.

Dan Patrick [02:38]:

"You are listening to the Dan Patrick show on FOX Sports Radio."

Mike Tannenbaum [02:42]:

"Welcome to the program, Hour one on this Tuesday, Dan and the Danettes. Dan Patrick Show Got a poll question. Play the day STAT OF the day."

Discussion Highlight:

• Micah Parsons' Contract:

  Tannenbaum criticizes Jerry Jones for his inconsistent statements regarding Parsons' contract.

  Dan Patrick [04:57]:

  "I remember signing a player for the highest paid at the position in the league and he got knocked out two-thirds of the year. Dak Prescott."

  JC Tretter [08:26]:

  "I was actually more bothered by the Bengals owner Mike Brown calling Trey Hendrick emotional about his contract situation. This guy's 30 years old."

• Trey Hendrickson's Negotiations:

  The discussion highlights Mike Brown's portrayal of Hendrickson as overly emotional during contract talks, which JC Tretter finds unjustified and detrimental.

  Dan Patrick [11:57]:

  "So this is a game of chicken."

  JC Tretter [13:20]:

  "Micah Parsons is exactly the case of giving the contract as fast as you can."

Ownership Approaches and Transparency Issues

The conversation shifts to the contrasting approaches of NFL team owners. Jerry Jones is portrayed as someone who thrives on publicity, sometimes at the expense of player relationships, while Mike Brown is seen as more reserved but critical in his communication.

Dan Patrick [16:22]:

"Radio every day, 5 to 7pm Eastern. But here's the thing. We never have enough time to get to everything we want to get to."

JC Tretter [22:21]:

"The Eagles gave us the blueprint for building a team that Howie Roseman done a wonderful job and Jeffrey Laurie and getting these contracts done."

Departure of JC Tretter from NFLPA

A pivotal moment in the episode is JC Tretter's announcement of his resignation from the NFLPA, citing personal sacrifices and frustrations over internal matters.

JC Tretter [23:07]:

"I felt like I had nothing left to give the organization. I felt like as a player, I sacrificed the back end of my career and I sacrificed time with my family..."

He addresses allegations and internal conflicts within the NFLPA, emphasizing his commitment to player welfare over organizational politics.

Dan Patrick [25:46]:

"But that's the problem with this. It just feels like it's unwanted attention."

JC Tretter [30:15]:

"This is not where we wanted to be when we launched the search years ago. We were looking for an executive director that was going to be here for two plus terms."

Collusion and Legal Challenges

The discussion delves into the controversial topic of collusion within the NFL, referencing legal findings and ongoing investigations.

Dan Patrick [27:07]:

"If you knew the league was colluding against Russell, I would apologize because I would know there was factors outside his control that were illegal."

JC Tretter [32:33]:

"If we wanted lifetime healthcare and we could afford it, it would come out of whether the salary cap or other benefits."

The panel scrutinizes the NFL's stance on guaranteed contracts and the broader implications for player trust and union negotiations.

Future of the NFL and Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA)

Looking ahead, Patrick and his guests discuss the potential changes to the NFL's structure, including the proposal for an 18-game season and the implications of the current CBA, which is set until 2031.

Dan Patrick [35:19]:

"I don't know. That's a CBA issue."

JC Tretter [36:34]:

"We have a CBA until 2031. There is no need to rush into those negotiations."

Healthcare for Retired Players

Addressing the long-term welfare of players, the episode touches on the challenges of providing lifetime healthcare benefits.

Dan Patrick [37:32]:

"So we have disability benefits, we have health, we have HRA accounts, we have post-career health care."

JC Tretter [38:50]:

"All of these things that if you stack up the right way, you can have coverage for a long time, but it's not as clean as just like a single plan that lasts forever."

Conclusion

The episode wraps up with reflections on the need for transparency, effective leadership within the NFLPA, and the importance of prioritizing player interests over organizational or ownership agendas.

Dan Patrick [37:32]:

"With over 37 million downloads, we continue to be moved and inspired by our guests and their courageously told stories."

JC Tretter [35:15]:

"I'm confident they will."

Notable Quotes

• JC Tretter on Trey Hendrickson:

  "It's stunning and totally unnecessary. It's the cost of doing business." [45:12]

• Dan Patrick on Player Contracts:

  "Have done the discipline thing and not paid him." [15:54]

• Mike Tannenbaum on Ownership Speaking Out:

  "Let the public dive in and get to know these candidates and share what they found out about them." [32:33]

Key Takeaways

• Contract Negotiations: The NFLPA is navigating complex negotiations with team owners, particularly concerning high-profile players like Micah Parsons and Trey Hendrickson.

• Ownership Dynamics: Owners like Jerry Jones and Mike Brown have differing communication styles and strategies, impacting player relations and public perceptions.

• Leadership and Transparency: The departure of JC Tretter underscores the need for transparent and trustworthy leadership within the NFLPA to advocate effectively for players.

• Legal and Ethical Challenges: Ongoing investigations into collusion and financial dealings pose significant challenges for the NFLPA and the integrity of player negotiations.

• Future Prospects: Discussions around extending the season, revising the CBA, and enhancing healthcare benefits highlight the evolving landscape of professional football and the pressing needs of its athletes.

This episode offers a comprehensive look into the intricate relationship between NFL players, their union, and team ownership, shedding light on the ongoing struggles and potential pathways forward for better player representation and welfare.