The Dan Patrick Show: "The Best of The Dan Patrick Show" – August 14, 2025

Hosted by iHeartPodcasts and the Dan Patrick Podcast Network, this episode of The Dan Patrick Show brings together some of the most insightful and engaging discussions from recent broadcasts. Featuring guest appearances, in-depth analysis of current sports topics, and a touch of humor, this "Best Of" compilation offers listeners a comprehensive overview of the show's highlights.

1. WNBA's Struggles and Caitlin Clark's Influence

Timestamp: 04:35 – 07:22

In this segment, Dan Patrick, alongside his co-hosts Devin, Jake Hofer, and guest Kerry Rhodes, delves into the current state of the WNBA. The discussion centers around Caitlin Clark, a standout player whose absence during the offseason has had significant repercussions for the league's visibility and popularity.

• Dan Patrick highlights the timing issue:

  "By the time she comes back and plays, football is being played and zero people care about the WNBA now." [04:34]

• Devin agrees, pointing out the lost promotional opportunities:

  "The one woman that drives ratings to the sport isn't playing all summer..." [05:00]

• Kerry Rhodes offers a counterpoint, suggesting that while it may appear disastrous for the WNBA, it could be a net positive for Caitlin Clark's personal brand:

  "Maybe a disaster for the WNBA, but net positive for Caitlin Clark is." [06:28]

The conversation underscores the delicate balance between individual star power and the overall promotion of women's leagues.

2. Shador Sanders: Talent vs. Attitude

Timestamp: 07:09 – 16:57

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to analyzing Shador Sanders, a fifth-round quarterback pick for the Cleveland Browns. Hosts and guest Mark Dominick, a former general manager, dissect Sanders' performance and off-field behavior.

• Jake Hofer raises concerns about Sanders' demeanor:

  "This is not how quarterbacks are played in the NFL. It's very much like a political position where you got to rally everybody behind you." [07:10]

• Devin emphasizes the impact of Sanders' extra behaviors during preseason:

  "He came in with his own soundtrack during a preseason game. I just didn't think so." [04:44]

• Mark Dominick provides an industry perspective:

  "Sanders was a complete jerk in these meetings. Nobody wants entitlement on a sports team, especially from a fifth-round draft pick." [11:01]

• Devin critiques the portrayal of Sanders as a victim:

  "I think he's trying to be the victim here, but that's just the fan base trying to do that." [15:10]

The analysis concludes that while Sanders shows potential on the field, his off-field attitude may hinder his long-term prospects in the NFL.

3. Quarterback Prospects Across the NFL

Timestamp: 23:10 – 33:41

The show navigates through various quarterback situations in the NFL, including Caleb Williams in Chicago, Jordan Love in Green Bay, Matt Stafford in Los Angeles, and J.J. McCarthy.

• Noah discusses Caleb Williams:

  "If he plays consistent, Caleb Williams was starting quarterback this year and probably next year, no matter what." [29:02]

• Mark Dominick shares insights on Jordan Love:

  "I like where the Packers are. I believe in Jordan Love, and I think that he's got a chance to take his game to another level." [31:10]

• Noah analyzes Matt Stafford's situation with the Rams:

  "They know that next year's draft, they've got to do something at that position. I think they're being safe with him." [32:23]

• Noah also touches on J.J. McCarthy's performance:

  "From what it feels like, I think they're in a good spot." [29:36]

This segment provides a comprehensive overview of the quarterback landscape, highlighting both opportunities and challenges faced by these players and their respective teams.

4. James Cook's Contract Extension and the Running Back Market

Timestamp: 33:41 – 36:10

The discussion shifts to James Cook's four-year contract extension with the Buffalo Bills and its implications for the running back market.

• Jake Hofer critiques the deal:

  "It's a meh deal at the running back spot where it's good money to the average American, but in the running back market, it's actually lower." [34:16]

• Noah explains the contractual nuances:

  "James was trying to get 16 to 18 a year, but the Bills were not providing that." [34:16]

• Jake Hofer adds perspective on market trends:

  "With the salary caps jumping, the recent extensions continue to push that market going down." [36:10]

The analysis highlights the stagnant valuation of running backs despite their on-field performance, suggesting a need for market reevaluation.

5. Star Couple Spotlight: Taylor Swift and Travis Kelsey's Podcast Appearance

Timestamp: 41:33 – 56:57

A standout moment from the episode features discussions about Taylor Swift and Travis Kelsey's joint podcast appearance, exploring their relationship and its impact on their public personas.

• Jake Hofer muses on the authenticity of their relationship:

  "They didn't set out to win. They just set out to do a podcast... it felt very natural." [47:22]

• Devin analyzes Travis Kelsey's performance and its potential reception:

  "If he plays well this year, it’s not going to matter. But it's funny because it sounds a little hypocritical by Travis to say it was the TV shows..." [56:13]

• Kerry Rhodes praises Travis for his candor:

  "I think that's his way of not admitting that he's lost a step. But it takes balls to admit it." [57:59]

• Noah discusses the genuine nature of their interactions on the podcast:

  "Jason asked this question to her, which I thought was great... it was actually an informative part of the podcast." [50:01]

The conversation underscores the public's fascination with celebrity relationships and how they navigate personal and professional spheres.

6. Final Thoughts and Future Projections

Timestamp: 56:57 – End

Wrapping up, the hosts reflect on the discussions and offer projections for upcoming sports seasons, emphasizing the importance of player performance and team dynamics.

• Devin believes Travis Kelsey's admission of distraction is a strength:

  "If he plays well this year, then he's right... it's funny because it sounds a little hypocritical by Travis to say it was the TV shows." [56:13]

• Jake Hofer encourages listeners to form their own opinions:

  "If you say, hey, I watched, I listed one, I think it'd be really hard to come away and think, not a real relationship." [58:19]

• Kerry Rhodes applauds the honesty of athletes admitting flaws:

  "It takes balls for him to admit that and for him to admit it on GQ." [59:06]

The episode concludes with a positive outlook on how transparency and genuine interactions can enhance both personal and professional relationships in sports.

Notable Quotes:

• "By the time she comes back and plays, football is being played and zero people care about the WNBA now." – Dan Patrick [04:34]

• "Shador was a complete jerk in these meetings. Nobody wants entitlement on a sports team, especially from a fifth-round draft pick." – Mark Dominick [11:01]

• "If he plays well this year, then he's right. And all the work that he's done with a speed and agility coach this off season." – Devin [56:13]

• "They didn't set out to win. They just set out to do a podcast... it felt very natural." – Jake Hofer [47:22]

Conclusion

This compilation episode of The Dan Patrick Show offers an engaging blend of sports analysis, player insights, and celebrity interactions. From dissecting the dynamics of the WNBA and the challenges faced by emerging quarterbacks to exploring the public relationship of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelsey, the show provides listeners with a well-rounded perspective on contemporary sports and entertainment topics.

Listeners new to the show will find this episode a valuable introduction, encapsulating the essence of what makes The Dan Patrick Show a staple in sports broadcasting.