Richard Sherman Podcast - Chiefs DB Jaylen Watson on Kansas City going for Super Bowl THREE-PEAT vs. Eagles

Summary

Podcast Summary: Richard Sherman Podcast - Chiefs DB Jaylen Watson on Kansas City Going for Super Bowl THREE-PEAT vs. Eagles

Release Date: February 5, 2025
Platform: The Herd with Colin Cowherd, iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

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Introduction and Journey to the Chiefs

[02:19] Richard Sherman:
"Welcome back to the Richard Sherman Podcast and I'm excited as I can be. Hey brother, it's been a long time coming. I've been a big fan of your game. Late round draft. Well, you was in the seventh. I thought I was doing bad when I went in the fifth, but you went in the seventh and you've made the best of it. You've been incredible since you got there. Tell me, how has that journey been?"

Jaylen Watson:
"If you told me four or five years ago, I'd be here today, I tell you, you was lying. I just, you know, put one foot in front of the other and just, you know, each day try to take advantage of every opportunity I was given. You know, draft day was tough, seeing all these people getting drafted in front of you. But I had an opportunity, and I just tried to make the most of it."

Jaylen shares his experience of being drafted in the seventh round by the Kansas City Chiefs, contrasting it with Richard Sherman's own fifth-round selection. He highlights his resilience and determination to seize every opportunity, emphasizing how unexpected his rise in the NFL has been.

Draft Day Experiences

[03:18] Richard Sherman:
"Talk me through. Because your journey is so unusual, so different, you know? And I guess it's not unusual because, you know, the NFL is full of special people like yourself. But you went from your high school where you were a man, then you go, J.C. yep. Then you get to college and ball out. But then you get drafted seventh round to walk me through draft day."

Jaylen Watson:
"I kind of figured I was. I thought I was going probably early 5th, but I was looking at all the corners. I was just waiting on Tariq to get drafted, and then KC finally popped up and they drafted me. It worked out perfect."

The conversation delves into the anxieties and expectations surrounding draft day. Jaylen recounts his anticipation of being drafted in the early rounds and his surprise and gratitude when the Chiefs selected him in the seventh round, aligning his path with teammate Trent.

First Impressions and Earning Trust

[05:17] Richard Sherman:
"When you got there, you must have made a big first impression. Cause you're a seventh rounder, you know how this league go... you must have been out there scrapping."

Jaylen Watson:
"I was always in the film room making sure I knew what to do. As my time came up, I took advantage of it and played fast and not hesitant. Being a quarterback helped me reroute concepts and understand offensive strategies."

Jaylen discusses the importance of perseverance, dedication in the film room, and his proactive approach to learning the defensive playbook. His background as a quarterback provided him with a unique perspective, aiding his transition to cornerback.

Transition to Cornerback Role

[06:27] Richard Sherman:
"What made you make the transition? You made it at Washington State, obviously, but what was going through your mind, you know, why not safety?"

Jaylen Watson:
"I think corner allows me to control my destiny the most out of any other position. So I just chose that route."

[06:44] Richard Sherman:
"I've said the exact same words out of my mouth. That's why I switched from receiver..."

Both Sherman and Watson discuss their strategic decisions to play cornerback over other positions, emphasizing control, responsibility, and the ability to influence the game directly.

Success with the Chiefs and Team Culture

[07:27] Jaylen Watson:
"I don't think anyone thought we would be here, but it's a blessing. I enjoy every single moment, every single practice, spending it with these great guys in the locker room. It's a great organization, top to bottom."

[07:44] Richard Sherman:
"Y'all had some dynamic players like Lujarius Sneed. Is this something in Kansas City where they tell y'all to wear certain numbers and gear up a certain way?"

Jaylen Watson:
"It was crazy. Last year it was 36 corners drafted, and I was the 35th out of 36 drafted. People always ask why I'm number 35. It just happened."

Jaylen expresses his admiration for the Chiefs' organizational culture, highlighting the camaraderie and high standards set by coaches and teammates. The discussion touches on the unique aspects of the team environment that foster success.

Overcoming Injury and Playoff Preparations

[18:11] Richard Sherman:
"You got injured this year against San Francisco, broke your fibula. How did you manage to come back and prepare for the playoffs?"

Jaylen Watson:
"I couldn't do none of it without God. I was in a very depressed state and started relying more on my faith. I worked hard every day to recover, coming back two months earlier than expected. With Coach Spags and Merritt, our corners coach, I had to prove myself in practice."

Jaylen discusses his battle with injury, the mental and physical challenges he faced, and the support from his faith and coaching staff that facilitated his remarkable recovery and return to form.

Relationship with Coach Shannon (Spags) and Defensive Strategy

[09:49] Jaylen Watson:
"Spags is a great leader. He knows how to get everyone locked in, playing as one team. He instills confidence in me, allowing me to press every play and make impactful passes."

[10:50] Richard Sherman:
"Your first pick in the NFL was a 99-yard pick-six. You can't forget that day."

Jaylen Watson:
"Yeah, you can't never forget that day."

The bond between Jaylen and Coach Shannon Sharpe ("Spags") is evident as they discuss the defensive strategies and the trust placed in players. Jaylen credits Spags for his leadership and the defensive unit's cohesion.

Techniques and Challenges in Super Bowl Preparations

[14:44] Jaylen Watson:
"No, it was you and Jalen Ramsey. That's my favorite two."

[14:49] Richard Sherman:
"Press is such an art. Your step kick is smooth and patient. In our first game against the Chargers, you were a rookie and played impressively."

Jaylen Watson:
"Growing up, I was always confident. Being a seventh-round draft pick fueled me to prove everyone wrong. I use my confidence and drive to compete against the best."

They delve into the technical aspects of playing cornerback, especially the press technique. Jaylen emphasizes his natural confidence and how it translates into his gameplay, allowing him to excel despite being a late-round pick.

Building a Close-Knit Defensive Unit

[20:53] Jaylen Watson:
"Everyone's just so close-knit. It's literally a brotherhood. The Fab Five with Josh, NJ, Trent, Cook, Jay Reed, and Deion Bush all came in the same year. We support each other and play as one unit."

[25:53] Jaylen Watson:
"We have one of the best quarterbacks ever, and we're known as a defensive team. We always know we have a chance to win."

Jaylen highlights the strong relationships within the defensive unit, fostering a supportive and unified team environment. The mutual trust and camaraderie are credited as key factors in the team's sustained success.

Handling High-Pressure Situations

[26:20] Richard Sherman:
"The last play, the pressure... What were you thinking during that critical moment?"

Jaylen Watson:
"It was a TV timeout. Nick is the brains of the defense. I trusted our call. We executed perfectly, and fortunately, we secured the win."

They discuss specific high-pressure moments during games, emphasizing strategic decision-making and trust in the coaching staff's calls. Jaylen illustrates his composure and reliance on team strategy during critical plays.

Closing Remarks and Future Outlook

[32:20] Richard Sherman:
"Respect and love and good luck on your third Super Bowl, brother. I hope you ball out. I hope you get defensive MVP."

Jaylen Watson:
"Yeah, that'd be great. Appreciate you for having me."

The conversation concludes with mutual respect and well-wishes for the upcoming Super Bowl. Jaylen expresses gratitude for the opportunity and support from Sherman.

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Notable Quotes

• Jaylen Watson [02:19]:
  "If you told me four or five years ago, I'd be here today... I just tried to make the most of every opportunity."

• Jaylen Watson [05:17]:
  "I was always in the film room making sure I knew what to do... Being a quarterback helped me reroute concepts."

• Jaylen Watson [16:54]:
  "I couldn't do none of it without God. I was in a very depressed state and started relying more on my faith."

• Jaylen Watson [20:53]:
  "It's literally a brotherhood. We support each other and play as one unit."

• Jaylen Watson [25:53]:
  "We have one of the best quarterbacks ever, and we're known as a defensive team. We always know we have a chance to win."

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Conclusions and Insights

In this episode, Richard Sherman engages in an in-depth conversation with Jaylen Watson, a standout cornerback for the Kansas City Chiefs. Jaylen's journey from a seventh-round draft pick to a key player in a team pursuing its third consecutive Super Bowl title is both inspirational and instructive. He attributes his success to relentless hard work, strategic learning, unwavering confidence, and a strong support system within the team.

Jaylen's resilience in overcoming injuries and his ability to quickly return to peak performance showcase his dedication and mental fortitude. His relationship with Coach Shannon Sharpe and the cohesive team culture of the Chiefs underline the importance of leadership and unity in achieving high-level sports success.

The discussion also touches on the technical aspects of playing cornerback, the significance of trust in team strategies during high-pressure moments, and the value of brotherhood within a defensive unit. Jaylen's insights provide listeners with a nuanced understanding of what it takes to excel in the NFL, especially as a late-round draft pick.

Overall, this episode serves as a testament to perseverance, teamwork, and the relentless pursuit of excellence, offering valuable lessons for athletes and enthusiasts alike.

Transcript

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[Julie Stewart-Banks]

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[Richard Sherman]

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[Richard Sherman]

Welcome back to the Richard Sherman Podcast and I'm excited as I can be. Hey brother, it's been a long time coming. I've been a big fan of your game. Late round draft. Well, you was in the seventh. I thought I was doing bad when I went in the fifth, but you went in the seventh and you've made the best of it. You've been incredible since you got there. Tell me, how has that journey been? Because I heard you worked at Wendy's for a second and now you starting in your third Super Bowl. Tell me about that.

[Unnamed NFL Player]

Well, it's. If you told me four or five years ago, I'd be here today, I tell you, you was lying. I just, you know, put one foot in front of the other and just, you know, each day try to take advantage of every opportunity I was given. You know, draft day, that was tough, seeing all these people getting drafted in front of you. But I had an opportunity, and I just tried to make the most of it. First game of the year, my rookie year, Trent got hurt, and I had an opportunity that flam with it.

[Richard Sherman]

Talk me through. Because your journey is so. So unusual, so different, you know? And I guess it's not unusual because, you know, the NFL is full of special people like yourself. But you went from your high school where you. You was a man, then you go, J.C. yep. Then you get to college and. And ball out. But then you get drafted seventh round to walk me through draft day. Because my draft day, I was pissed. I was pissed. I'm sitting there waiting. After the first two days, my whole family want to do this event. I told them not to do it, and they want to do all this stuff. And then they sitting there on the third day, they don't even show up. They there for the first and second day. The third day, the room is empty, and then they call me and I'm like, you know what I mean?

[Unnamed NFL Player]

I mean, that day is so long, and you just so anxious and ready to see where you're going to go. I kind of figured I was. I thought I was going probably early 5th, but I was looking at all the corners. I played in the same bowl and went to the combine, so I was pretty familiar with everyone in that game. And I was like, okay, after Tariq get drafted, because that's my dog. I was like, after Tariq get drafted, I should be the next corner off. So I was just waiting on him to get drafted, and I seen it. Get drafted. Then all these corners I never heard of kept getting drafted in front of me. And I'm getting mad, and I'm supposed to be enjoying my day and spending this time with my fam, and they see the frustration in my face, so they had to take my phone because I'm watching every draft pick, just went outside, tried to enjoy time with the fam, but I just couldn't. Then I started getting all these calls. If I don't get Drafted, where should I go? And I'm thinking I'm calling to get drafted. Then KC finally popped up and they drafted me. And I was so excited. And I already knew Trent, cause he was at Washington, and me and Josh played in the same ball together. So we was really close. So it worked out perfect.

[Richard Sherman]

Well, when you got there, you must have made a big first impression. Cause you're a seventh rounder, you know how this league go. As you know, you've been in it for a couple years now. And you know, as a seventh rounder, you know, it is what it is. Your draft spot gets you a little bit more leeway, gets you a little bit more opportunity, more plays, more reps. You know what I mean? As a seventh rounder, you might get one rep a period, you know, and you better shine. So you must have been out there scrapping.

[Unnamed NFL Player]

Yep. If I get three reps. I was trying so hard, those three reps and just scratch car and fight to try to show coaches like they can trust in me. I was always in the film room making sure I knew what to do. So as my time came up, I got, you know, take advantage of it and play fast and not hesitant. With this defense, you. You have to really know ball. Everyone knows how spaz gets. When we first, you know, seen a playbook, it looked like a different language. We like, what is this? But yeah, just standing in the field room, being able to play fast and, you know, no football. I think me growing up playing quarterback helped me a lot. Being able to, you know, reroute concepts and know what the offense is looking for in the defense and how we present the defense.

[Richard Sherman]

What made you make the transition? You made it at Washington State, obviously, but what was going through your mind, you know, why not safety?

[Unnamed NFL Player]

I think corner? I can control my destiny the most out of any other position. So I just chose that route, bro.

[Richard Sherman]

I've said the exact same words out of my mouth. That's why I switched from receiver. I was like, I get tired of depending on a quarterback throwing a good football. The offensive line blocking, I gotta be the play call for me. And it don't matter if I'm open or not. If all the stuff doesn't go right, I still ain't getting the ball in that corner. If I stop you from catching it or I catch it a few times, I'm great. Could you ever imagine having the amount of success you had when you got to Kansas City? Obviously they were already a power. They had beat us in the super bowl right before, you know, What? I mean, a couple years before you came, but they hadn't won it. But you're still in Mahomes prime. And you come in there and you. You ain't never seen a season not end with a trip to the super bowl, right?

[Unnamed NFL Player]

I mean, no, I don't think anyone thought we would be here, but it's a blessing. I don't take it for granted. I enjoy every single moment, every single practice, you know, spending it with these great guys in the locker room. It's just a great organization, like, top to bottom.

[Richard Sherman]

Yeah, y'all had some. Y'all had a. Lujarius Sneed was there your first year, you know what I mean? And he was. He. Y'all all keep walking out here with these 30 numbers and. And before Ligerius, it was Charvarius, and he was out there in the. In the three, five, I think.

[Unnamed NFL Player]

Yeah.

[Richard Sherman]

And I'm like, is this something in Kansas City where they tell y'all, hey, you come in, you gotta put a 30 number on and go out there and strap?

[Unnamed NFL Player]

Cause, God, now, it was crazy. I just found out, I wanna say last year it was 36 corners drafted, and I was the 35th corner out of 36 drafted. Yeah, that's cool. People always ask, like, why are you number 35? I didn't pick the number. It's the number they gave me. But it just so happened I was the 35th outta 36 corner drafter in my class.

[Richard Sherman]

Hey, from now on, I'm going with that. I'm going with that from now. So tell me your mindset now because, you know, obviously it's about to be super bowl week. It's about to be locked in. But you've been through it. So many cons. And walk me through your first super bowl experience. I've been to three. Unfortunately, we lost two of them. But the experience, you know, once you have the first one, you kind of got a bead for what they expect going in. But your first one had to be kind of mind blowing.

[Unnamed NFL Player]

Yeah, I mean, at the end of the day, you go in there to, you know, be a champion. And with that, it's always going to be history. You're going to be in the history books forever. So there's going to be a lot of distractions, but just like showing the young guys that we're here for one reason, that's to win this game so you don't have to be locked in 24, seven. But we got to remember why we there, let our family and everyone else go out, have fun and do that thing. But remember why we going there.

[Richard Sherman]

You talked about Spags and the playbook being another language. What has he meant for. For your growth as a corner, as a player, you know, as a person, Because, I mean, he's obviously known as. As the best, if not one of the best defensive coordinators in the National Football League. And you've had in your entire career. Talk about his impact on you.

[Unnamed NFL Player]

You know, Spags even, like, forget the X's and O's. He's just a great leader of men and he knows how to get everyone locked in. The whole team playing as one. And we play for each other. That's why when you see us, like I watch film on receivers and I'm seeing them play other defense, the backside safety might be jogging. Then it's a missed tackle, not a tackle. Now the play goes for 45 yards and explosives lead the points pretty much 85, 90% of the time. So just like seeing us play on film versus other teams, how all 11 just fly into the ball. He instills that in us. That's every day at practice. Like, he instills so much confidence in me. I think this was the perfect defense for me to come in and really help my career with just pressing every play, which is what I love to do, and just be able to make plays on the ball.

[Richard Sherman]

Well, you're doing a great job of that. I mean, your first pick in the National Football league was a 99 yard pick. Six. I mean, you can't write it up better than that.

[Unnamed NFL Player]

Yeah, you can't never forget that day.

[Richard Sherman]

Boy, Kate, look, I was talking. I had McDuffie on earlier in the season and he hadn't got one yet. And then he got two back to back. But he was like, man, I can't wait to get my first one. I said, you've been strapping for a long time not to put your hands on the football, man. I know it's coming.

[Unnamed NFL Player]

He dropped about 3, but we all knew it was coming sooner or later.

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[Richard Sherman]

Y'all, Y'all run a great scheme, man. Y'all, Y'all do a great job. Y'all did a great job against Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills and stopping a tush push, you know what I mean? Obviously, they got all the controversy. Did he get it? Did he not get. Clearly, he didn't get it because if he got it, then they would have gave him the first down. But, you know, that's the story for a different day. I don't feel like arguing with these people no more because I'm a defensive player, and I hate to hear these people. They get a thousand rules in their favor, and then they want to complain about every single thing. Hey, you touched this dude. You tackled him low, you tackled him high. You grabbed him over here. You spent the round and your body landed on his ankle like, come on, now. But during the week that y'all practice, to work on stopping that, because you're not going live in practice. And I know them D linemen ain't sitting there really bashing heads. Go. And y'all gonna have to. Never mind, never mind, never mind. Don't tell me. Because y'all had to do it again this next week, right? But, you know, that's been such a really pivotal play for Buffalo and obviously a pivotal play for the Eagles. That's obviously a point of conversation. Um, and some of y'all feel confident. Y'all. Y'all have been able to stop, right?

[Unnamed NFL Player]

It's tough. Cause if you look at it, basically every first down is now first and nine. Because once they get their nine yards, you already know it's coming. Like you said, we're going against it again. So I Can't say too much but facts. He's an intelligent man.

[Richard Sherman]

Yeah, I agree. I agree. And it was. We're not going to talk about it because I don't want to talk logistics and super bowl week, and I don't want to get nobody in trouble. But it's really cool. The plan that y'all had with Josh. Talk about your technique as a corner and anybody that you looked up to when formulating me. Cause you press you up there, you freaking nose on nose just about every time I see you. I mean, even your office is good, but, you know, we six two our off ain't gonna be what the five. What Trent's is what I tell these boys. Y'all feet get in the ground quicker than ours. I need to be up there.

[Unnamed NFL Player]

No, it was you and Jalen Ramsey. That's my favorite two.

[Richard Sherman]

That's good ones. That's good ones. I mean, press is such a. Such an art. And you step. Not everybody steps. You know what I mean? A lot of dudes motor out. I don't know what y'all call it, but a lot of dudes do that motor out technique. But your step kick is smooth. You patient as ever. We had y'all very first game against the Chargers, and that's when they, they. They showed you. And it was you and, and, and Tarvarius out there, and you were a rookie that they drafted in seventh round, and I want to say you gave up like two catches or three catches in the game, but you were like all contested grabs all right. On their back all right there. And for a rookie to come in playing like that at corner, even if you're a first rounder, it's like, impressive. But for you to come in in the seventh round and be that prepared, Like, I know you said, hey, Trent got hurt and I was ready for my moment. But that's easier said than done. Talk me through your process and your mindset during that game.

[Unnamed NFL Player]

Growing up, anyone that's ever known me always know I'm a super confident person. Like, it got ridiculous to where it got. People thought I was arrogant, but that's just a confidence level I have in myself. I always grew up like that, younger playing with the older kids. I used to be the first one picked up. They know I'm a talk trash. They normally compete, and that's what I want to do. I want to compete against the best people at the highest level. So this is what I dreamed of. I can't shy away from it, and I just use it as fuel. Being A seventh round draft pick and showing everyone what they missed out on. Passing up on me.

[Richard Sherman]

No question. Preach, preach. But you go from Augusta, Georgia, to the Pacific Northwest, you talk about a change. That's crazy. Washington State is. Pullman is cool, but it's the only thing up there. Yeah, like, that had to be a little bit of a culture shock.

[Unnamed NFL Player]

Yeah, it definitely was. I mean, going out to juco. I went to Juco at Cali. So all the schools recruitment was mostly out west. It was so cold. It was so cold when I went to Washington State, but I was kind of used to the west coast vibe. But it was a little different than it was in la, than Pullman. But I enjoyed it, man. It was a great college atmosphere. All they knew was football and party. I tried to stay out of that, but, yeah, it was a good college atmosphere. That's the type of college I wanted to go to, man. I come to Kansas, it's just like the same type vibe here. It's just football. Everyone loves it here, so. And it's cold here, too, so I was kind of used to it.

[Richard Sherman]

I was about to say everything prepared you for where you are right now.

[Unnamed NFL Player]

Yeah.

[Richard Sherman]

No question about it. How much family you got potentially coming to the Super Bowl? You know, I mean, it's a quick trip. It's probably as close as any of y'all Super Bowls have been. Yep. So you got a lot of people. You got more people coming to this one than came to the other two?

[Unnamed NFL Player]

Nah, same amount. Got about 7, 8. Can't keep adding people. You know, them super bowl tickets.

[Richard Sherman]

Yes, I do. They take your whole check.

[Unnamed NFL Player]

Yeah.

[Richard Sherman]

But I'm. I'm happy to hear you doing well, man. I'm proud of you. You're a freaking fantastic player.

[Unnamed NFL Player]

You.

[Richard Sherman]

You get books in the playoffs. It doesn't seem like the playoffs affect you. You obviously got injured this year against San Francisco. That was tough, you know, broke your fibula. I imagine your mind was, you know, a thousand places. But to be able to come back and be prepared for the playoffs the way you have, and to take off where you left off. How. How did you do that? And talk me through the conversations with Andy Reid and Spags, because sometimes coaches get real, I don't know, tight about the playoffs, especially when you ain't been playing, you know what I mean? Like, you were the starter and you got injury. You never lose your spot to injury is what they say. But you get to the playoffs and you ain't played, and they're like, I don't Know if I want to bring you back right now. Right.

[Unnamed NFL Player]

I couldn't do none of it without God. Honestly, like, I was in a very depressed state of my life and I was just getting in my word more and it was helping me a lot more than just sitting back in Kansas. It's not anything to do but football here. And before I got my surgery, my surgeon told me I'm probably out for the season, but. And as soon as he said the word but, my eyes lit up every day. I just tried to take advantage of each day, work my butt off to get back. And I started getting close. She was like my trainer. She was like, oh, you're, you're, you're looking good right now. You're moving faster than expected. Once I hear that, I just started going harder, harder, harder every day. I think I came back two months before expected and it was just a blessing. And with Spags and OBC coach Merritt, our corners coach, like once that 21 day window opened, they said I had to show them at practice and if that didn't feel like I was ready, I went place. I just bus my butt that whole time and I did what I needed to do to get back on the field and just a blessing to be out here with my teammates. It's a blessing to be in another Super Bowl. Just have that brotherhood, that locker room talk that I was missing, I just missed it all and I had to get back to it, talk about that.

[Richard Sherman]

Brotherhood because there's like, there's a lot of talented defenses, there's a lot of good coordinators, but what y'all have been able to do for the past three years, like in playoffs, in the regular season, like it's now considered one of the best quarterbacks of all time. A defensive team. Talk about like the relationship with, with J. Reed and McDuffie and you know, Bolton and Chris Jones and all the special players that y'all have on that defense.

[Unnamed NFL Player]

Yeah, everyone's just so close knit. Like it's literally a brotherhood. We hang out with each other outside of practice. Then you think about it, you got the Fab Five with me, Josh, nj, Trent and Cook and Jay Reed and Deion Bush. We all came in together the same year, so that was all our first year. We all didn't know the playbook together and now we all know it. We all came in here, we all close, we spend time with each other. It's so many just friendly people, like during competition battles, everyone willing to help. It's no ill will towards anyone. And just to be in a group and hear the other players talk. From their experience on other teams, they say it's not like this like so I know it's a special group and you can see how we play on the field together, that everyone's brothers, everyone enjoys playing with each other and you never know whose last game is going to be that you're playing with. So just try to end out on a good note.

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[Bobby Bones]

Hey, it's Bobby Bones. Join me and former NFL quarterback Matt Castle every Wednesday for our new podcast, Lots to say with Bobby Bones and Matt Castle. Between us, we have over 17,500 passing yards, multiple New York Times bestsellers, and one mirror ball trophy from Dancing with a Star. So where else are you gonna find a show with that, that much athleticism and football insight? Based in Nashville, we're more than just your basic NFL show. We talk sports, but we talk pop culture and music and a little bit of everything because we got lots to say. I, I texted you and you texted me back. Now I don't know if you have the update, but like all the little thumbs up and heart and stuff, like it's all colored. They changed it and the, the heart's a little pink. It felt like I told you I loved you. I'm going to be honest, it was a little pink.

[Nate Thompson]

There was something sentimental when you, when.

[Richard Sherman]

You send it, it's like, do I.

[Nate Thompson]

Send the heart now?

[Bobby Bones]

I don't like the color edition.

[Nate Thompson]

It's extremely pink.

[Bobby Bones]

Let's have a lot to say with Bobby Bones and Matt castle on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Justin Penick]

What's going on, everybody? This is Justin Pennock from John Boy Media, the host of the Football Today podcast alongside Bobby Skinner and Chris Rose. We're rolling three times a week, on Mondays, on Wednesdays, on Fridays, breaking down everything you need to know about the NFL. We're talking about the MVP race. Is Josh Allen going to pull it out? Lamar Jackson. Can Saquon Barkley even break the Rushing record. Can the Steelers keep up their momentum? We talk about everything. We break it down. Stats, analytics. And of course, Chris Rose is bringing his perspective on being a pro in the media world as well. Listen to football Today on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts, and you will be glad you did. Hope you could join us for the postseason run.

[Julie Stewart-Banks]

It's Julie Stewart Banks. I'm doing a new podcast from iHeart podcast and the National Hockey League, and I'm paired up with one of my favorite players, the always quotable Nate Thompson.

[Nate Thompson]

I wore nine NHL sweaters, and I have story after story to share. And believe it or not, I have plenty to say. And not just about hockey.

[Julie Stewart-Banks]

Believe me, he does. Energy Line with Nate and JSB is the name of the podcast, and it's going to be, well, it's going to be quite the ride. We're officially linemates, Nate. We're the Energy Line.

[Nate Thompson]

We'll have plenty of folks join us. Current players, some of my former teammates, hall of Famers, and wait till you see some of the connections that Julie has. She has quite the Rolodex.

[Julie Stewart-Banks]

Okay. We'll lean into Nate's playing experience and tap into our interests away from hockey and try to do what energy lines are supposed to do. Provide an emotional boost. How do you feel about all that, Nate?

[Nate Thompson]

I'm vibing Julie. I'm ready to roll.

[Julie Stewart-Banks]

Listen to EnergyLine with Nate and JSB on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Richard Sherman]

Trent and Jay Reed said, man, no matter what happens in games, just as a team and as a defensive unit, y'all never stop believing. You know what I mean? And that just goes back to what you're speaking on. The brotherhood, the trust, you know what I mean? Being with each other all the time. But he says, no matter what the scores look like or what just happened in the game, you always feel like it's going to work out and you're going to end up winning.

[Unnamed NFL Player]

Yeah, I mean, like you said, how we have one of the best quarterbacks ever, and we're kind of known as a defensive team now, us as a defense, we know we have the best quarterback, so we always know we have a chance to win. And Spaz hold us to such a high standard, if we're one and a halftime, that should be game in his mind. So, I mean, it works hand in hand.

[Richard Sherman]

Now, this is selfishly personal for me. I gotta know that last play, the last play, the pressure cause Spags going two pressures back to back and disguising it the way I don't need. I don't need the X's and the O's or secrets. I. I just. Like, when that call came in, what were you thinking? Cause y'all pressed the pressure, and for him to pressure the nub side and the safeties to rotate slate, I was like, these boys are nuts for the game.

[Unnamed NFL Player]

Yeah. So it was a. It was a TV timeout. Nick is the brains of the defense. Him and Spaz are, like, crazy. So I'm standing in the middle of the field. I'm just psyching myself out. Like, whatever he called his ball will not get caught on me there. Not getting his first down. I see them talking. Nick come back and he tell us the call. I said, ooh, I had two sacks last year, and both of my sacks came off that exact same play. Like, that pressure hits every time. And he did a good job. Whatever he called, Wiz gonna trust in him. But I think everyone that knows ball knows some type of blitz was gonna come, and he got home. Trent came free. George did a good job night letting Josh roll out to his right. And so he had to throw it up. And fortunate for us, we got the dub, no question.

[Richard Sherman]

But even after that happened, it was a lot of chaos because you in the back end, that's what people don't. Everybody's looking at the quarterback and the pressure. I'm looking at the back end and the way they getting attacked, and I'm like, oh. Like, I don't think it's a bust. I think it might just be a weakness of the coverage. And that's what some people don't understand. It's not always an answer for 100% of everything. Just because you call something don't mean it's an answer for every single thing the offense can present. They think, oh, man, somebody was open. Somebody must have made a mistake. Like, no, nobody made a mistake. The pressure getting home is what's supposed to happen if somebody's open. Like, if somebody open is because the pressure got home. That's the weakness of the defense. But as a secondary, y'all do such a great job of playing off each other, even, like, manipulating the coverage and making the coverage come to life. It's so cool to watch, man. And that's just. That ain't a question or anything. That's just me giving the cap tip to y'all defense, man. Y'all play a hell of a. Y'all do a hell of a Job.

[Unnamed NFL Player]

Appreciate that, man. So fun to play in there.

[Richard Sherman]

It looked like. It looked like it. We played a lot of good defense, but ours was a lot simpler. Ours was more Jimmy's and Joes than scheme. But, you know. But I don't want to take up too much noise. I appreciate you giving me the time. If you got any questions for me or want to ask me anything or, you know what I mean, go back and forth. Anything you got for me, I'm happy to answer about anything.

[Unnamed NFL Player]

Who the toughest receiver you went against?

[Richard Sherman]

Megatron. Megatron. It's him, I'm telling you. Like, bro, when you put on the tape and you look at a dude who getting biced by people, and then he catching the ball over three people. And then our coach came in a meeting, bro. Honest, 2012, he put a tape on of the Saints vicing him on the goal line, like the three. And he was like, yeah, we thinking about installing this. Me and the other quarter, Brandon Browning walked out the meeting and said, hey, y'all gonna have to put somebody else in to do that. Y'all gonna have. He gonna have to show me. He gonna have to show me that he like that. Like, you ain't about to put nobody next to me. The hell I look like.

[Unnamed NFL Player]

You know, it's crazy. That same thing happened last year with Sneed. I forget who we were playing. It maybe been the Bengals with Chase.

[Richard Sherman]

Mm.

[Unnamed NFL Player]

And it was a possible vice if they presented a certain look. And she was like, boy, don't you come out here.

[Richard Sherman]

She's so disrespectful.

[Unnamed NFL Player]

Like, as a db, you just too prideful. You cannot let that happen. Like, we might can bracket or disguise it. We are not both about the part return protection.

[Richard Sherman]

No, we not doing it. Cause if he somehow get both of.

[DraftKings Advertiser]

Us, we'll never live it down.

[Richard Sherman]

Not ever.

[Unnamed NFL Player]

Really supposed to be in the league.

[Richard Sherman]

We ain't supposed to be here, so. But he was like that now. Now he was fully like that. But I said, hey, I'm like that, too. Now I'm six three.

[DraftKings Advertiser]

I'm supposed to be built to stop him.

[Richard Sherman]

But when I tell you my whole plan was to never let him get comfortable, never let him get to, like, even or shoulder in front, like, with space on that red line. If that boy gave me a hesi straight to the cutoff angle. I'm straight to the cutoff angle. You can run as many slants as you want, Calvin. You ain't running no 9 and catching this over on top of my head.

[Unnamed NFL Player]

Yeah, I Got keys. You get cut arms for Santa.

[Richard Sherman]

Yeah, no, I wasn't doing that. But he was the toughest man because he just did so many things. Well, he's fast. Julio's right next to him because Quintores boy was like covering a horse.

[Unnamed NFL Player]

Yeah, that was my boy I grew up with. Falcons fan. That's what I wanted you to say, but I understand.

[Richard Sherman]

No, they won a 1B. It ain't no disrespect to Quintores. Go ahead. But at that point, you got your hands fully full. When he step on that field, he runs hard, that boy. Running routes like the rent is due. And if he don't get these feet in the ground, his family is out in the cold. You cover him. You could have all the understanding of they scheme and this and that, and I know the splits and I know all this, but he was building a lab, and whatever y'all got in the water in Georgia, he had a lot of it.

[Unnamed NFL Player]

Yeah, that's all the questions I had. I gotta go get this treatment.

[Richard Sherman]

Respect and love and good luck on your third super bowl, brother. I hope you ball out. I hope you get. Get defensive mvp.

[Unnamed NFL Player]

Yeah, that'd be great. Appreciate you for having me.

[Richard Sherman]

Anytime, brother.

[Bobby Bones]

The Volume. Hey, it's Bobby Bones. Join me and former NFL quarterback Matt Castle every Wednesday for our new podcast, Lots to say with Bobby Bones and Matt Castle. Between us, we have over 17,500 passing yards, multiple New York Times bestsellers, and one mirrorball trophy from Dancing with the Star. So where else you gonna find a show with that much athleticism and football insight? We talk sports, but we talk pop culture and music and a little bit of everything. Listen to Lots to Say with Bobby Bones and Matt Castle on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Justin Penick]

What's up, everyone? It's Justin Penick from John Boy Media, the host of the Football Today podcast with Bobby Skinner and Chris Rose. We roll three times a week. On Mondays, on Wednesdays, on Fridays. Breaking down everything you need to know about the NFL. We're gearing up for the NFL playoffs. I hope you can join us. Join in with us three times a week. Listen to Football Today on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast, and you will be glad you did.

[Julie Stewart-Banks]

What's up, everyone? Julie Swearbinks here along with former NHL player Nate Thompson.

[Nate Thompson]

We're doing a new podcast together.

[Richard Sherman]

Here we go.

[Julie Stewart-Banks]

The Name Energy Line with Nate and jsb.

[Nate Thompson]

Each week we'll get together and talk about hockey life. All topics are fair game, right?

[Julie Stewart-Banks]

Exactly. And you'll never know who will drop by to join us.

[Nate Thompson]

Julie is pretty well connected. She has text threads going that you wouldn't believe.

[Julie Stewart-Banks]

Listen to Energy Line with Nate and jsb on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Ashlyn Harris]

We all have a moment that splits us wide open. On my new podcast, Wide Open with Ashlyn Harris, I'll sit down with trailblazers from sports, music, fashion, entertainment and politics to explore their toughest moments and the incredible comebacks that followed. Listen to Wide Open with Ashlyn Harris, an iHeart women's sports production on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Unnamed NFL Player]

Presented by Elf Beauty, founding partner of iHeart Women's Sports.