Podcast Summary: The Pat McAfee Show – Episode PMS 2.0 1338 - HOLY SHITE THURSDAY

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Pat McAfee Show
• Host/Author: Pat McAfee, ESPN
• Description: Join Pat McAfee, AJ Hawk, the Toxic Table, and Tone Digs Monday-Friday as they tackle the biggest news in sports. Former Pro Bowl punter McAfee and his friends combine insider expertise, insightful perspectives, and relatable ridiculousness to deliver one-of-a-kind entertainment.
• Episode: PMS 2.0 1338 - HOLY SHITE THURSDAY With Quentin Richardson, Ian Rapoport, Peter Schrager, Utah Jazz and Utah Mammoth Owner Ryan Smith, & AJ Hawk
• Release Date: May 8, 2025

Introduction: Setting the Stage [00:00 - 01:29]

Pat McAfee kicks off the episode by welcoming listeners to the "Thunderdome" on what he dubs "Holy Shite Thursday." This moniker stems from a series of surprising sports upsets occurring across various leagues:

• Knicks up 20 points over the Celtics
• Pacers up 2 over the top-seeded Cavaliers
• Maple Leafs up 20 over the Florida Panthers
• George Pickens now with the Dallas Cowboys

Pat humorously highlights the unexpected nature of these results, setting an energetic and engaging tone for the episode.

NBA Playoff Upsets and Insights [01:30 - 29:31]

Highlighting Tyrese Haliburton and the Indiana Pacers [01:30 - 07:13]

AJ Hawk and Pat discuss Tyrese Haliburton's impressive performance, countering recent critiques by the New York Times Athletic. Pat marvels at Haliburton's evolution, stating, "Halliburton was voted the most overrated player in the NBA... What has he done since then? Oh, just big ball all over everybody. Holy shite." [01:30] He emphasizes Haliburton's impact on the Pacers, suggesting that Indiana could be the hottest team in the NBA, potentially leading to a parade-worthy season.

Knicks vs. Celtics Series Breakdown [07:14 - 30:18]

Connor and Ty Schmidt delve into the Knicks' surprising victories over the Celtics, both games where the Knicks overcame significant point deficits:

• Game 1: Knicks up 20, Celtics collapse with 6 minutes left, missing crucial free throws and field goals.
• Game 2: Similar pattern with Jalen Brunson leading the charge.

Notable Quotes:

• "Jalen Brunson has been voted the clutch player in the NBA." [05:52]
• "Watching a New York sports team since 2007... it's been a long time." [06:50]

Pat praises the Knicks' resilience and Brunson's leadership, noting the shift in New York's sports enthusiasm, with the city visibly celebrating the Knicks' success.

Celtics' Decline Under Pressure [07:13 - 30:18]

Peter Schrager and Pat critique the Celtics' inability to maintain leads, citing missed three-point attempts and defensive lapses:

• Missed 45+ open threes: "They missed an immense amount of 3.5 shots." [07:45]
• Defensive struggles: "Six minutes straight with no field goals." [08:54]

They draw parallels to the Celtics' previous playoff performances, expressing skepticism about Boston's ability to recover and sustain their dominance.

NHL Playoff Excitement and Team Dynamics [30:19 - 43:04]

Capitals vs. Hurricanes and Oilers vs. Golden Knights [10:27 - 12:56]

Evan and Ryan Smith discuss recent NHL playoff developments:

• Capitals vs. Hurricanes: Hurricanes take a commanding series lead after a Game 1 comeback.
• Oilers vs. Golden Knights: Oilers rebound from an initial deficit to win Game 1 decisively.

Notable Quotes:

• "Canes up 10 in the series because of Stankovin's two goals." [10:50]
• "Stoner was just so hot." [12:00]

Ryan highlights the strategic trades and player performances, emphasizing the Hurricanes' momentum and the Oilers' resurgence as key factors in their respective series.

NFL Trade News: George Pickens to Dallas Cowboys [43:07 - 50:38]

Trade Breakdown and Implications [43:07 - 50:38]

Pat McAfee elaborates on the significant NFL trade: George Pickens has been traded from the Pittsburgh Steelers to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for a 2026 third-round pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick. The conversation touches on:

• Steeler's Strategy: Moving on from Pickens due to contract considerations and team dynamics.
• Cowboys' Opportunity: Potential for Pickens to flourish in a new environment alongside Dak Prescott.

Notable Quotes:

• "George Pickens is a dog. Whenever he's on the field, everything else." [04:05]
• "If George can lock in, he's a game-breaker." [19:38]

Ryan Smith expresses optimism about the trade, seeing it as a fresh start for Pickens and a strategic move for the Cowboys to bolster their receiving corps.

Special Segment: Election of a New Pope [50:38 - 158:58]

Unprecedented Events and Humorous Reactions [50:38 - 146:20]

In a surprising turn, the hosts shift focus to global news—the election of a new Pope, whom they humorously dub "Pope Leo." The discussion covers:

• Announcement Process: The 133 cardinal electors vote, and "white smoke" signals a new Pope.
• Hosts' Banter: Lighthearted jokes about the Pope's potential personality, attire, and the ceremonial aspects of his inauguration.

Notable Quotes:

• Pat McAfee: "So he's gonna be here. They're gonna have that empty window." [20:10]
• AJ Hawk: "He will be an excellent speaker and representative." [23:27]
• Ryan Smith: "The survey process was highly interactive, and the fans ran with the 'Mammoth' motto." [112:47]

The hosts create a playful narrative around the Pope's emergence, blending genuine curiosity with comedic elements. They also speculate on the potential cultural impacts and the integration of American flair into traditional Catholic ceremonies.

Owner Insights: Ryan Smith on Utah Jazz and Mammoth [50:38 - 146:20]

Building the Utah Mammoth [50:38 - 124:03]

Ryan Smith, owner of the Utah Jazz and the newly established Utah Mammoth (NHL team), shares his journey:

• Naming Process: Engaged fans through extensive digital polling, resulting in the "Mammoth" name—symbolizing strength and unity.
• Brand Identity: Emphasizes the Mammoth as a representation of Utah's rugged and resilient spirit.

Notable Insights:

• "We have nothing resembling a small market. Utah's a top-three tech economy with 7 million visitors annually." [150:04]
• "Collaboration between NBA and NHL teams under the same ownership enhances strategic planning and brand synergy." [131:35]

Utah Jazz Performance and Future Prospects [146:20 - 147:54]

Ryan discusses the Utah Jazz's challenging season but remains optimistic about the team's future:

• Draft Prospects: With a 14% chance at the number one overall pick, the Jazz aim to bolster their roster through strategic drafting.
• Coaching Philosophy: Trust in head coach Will Hardy's long-term vision despite tough seasons.

Notable Quotes:

• Ryan Smith: "We're given the best, we're ready to roll." [135:48]
• Pat McAfee: "If this goes in, I win." [112:36]

Lighthearted Banter and Technical Glitches [43:04 - 175:00]

Throughout the episode, the hosts engage in playful banter, humorous anecdotes, and address technical issues:

• Golf Lesson with Ian Rapoport: A comedic exchange about fixing a slice in golf.
• Popemobile Jokes: Speculating humorously about the Pope's transportation.
• Technical Difficulties: Moments where guest speakers get cut off or frozen on-air, adding to the show's lively atmosphere.

Notable Interactions:

• Pat McAfee: "So he's gonna go remix. We are elsewhere." [20:21]
• Ryan Smith: "We're going to create immersive experiences like concerts in the arena." [127:43]

Conclusion: Celebrating Sports and Unexpected Events [157:00 - 162:45]

As the episode wraps up, the hosts reflect on the day's events:

• Celebration of Pope Leo: Congratulations are extended humorously to the new Pope, blending sports enthusiasm with global news.
• Upcoming Sports Events: Preview of tonight's games featuring the Warriors vs. Timberwolves and Hurricanes vs. Capitals.

Final Notable Quotes:

• Pat McAfee: "Everyone's talking about 'Pope Leo,' and we're here celebrating it." [161:58]
• Ryan Smith: "Mammoth branding was well received, reflecting Utah's strong community spirit." [112:47]

The episode concludes with a blend of sincere sports analysis, lighthearted humor, and engagement with unexpected global events, embodying the unique and entertaining style that Pat McAfee’s show is known for.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Pat McAfee: "Halliburton was voted the most overrated player in the NBA... What has he done since then? Oh, just big ball all over everybody. Holy shite." [01:30]
• Pat McAfee: "Jalen Brunson has been voted the clutch player in the NBA." [05:52]
• Pat McAfee: "George Pickens is a dog. Whenever he's on the field, everything else." [04:05]
• Ryan Smith: "The survey process was highly interactive, and the fans ran with the 'Mammoth' motto." [112:47]
• Pat McAfee: "If this goes in, I win." [112:36]
• Pat McAfee: "Everyone's talking about 'Pope Leo,' and we're here celebrating it." [161:58]

Key Takeaways:

• Unexpected Sports Upsets: The episode highlights surprising outcomes in the NBA and NHL playoffs, emphasizing the unpredictability that makes sports thrilling.
• Strategic NFL Trades: The trade of George Pickens to the Cowboys is analyzed, showcasing team dynamics and future prospects.
• Global News Integration: The unexpected election of a new Pope provides a unique twist, blending global events with sports commentary.
• Owner Insights: Ryan Smith offers valuable perspectives on building and branding new sports teams, illustrating the intersection of sports management and community engagement.
• Engaging Hosts: The lively banter and humorous interactions among the hosts maintain an entertaining and relatable atmosphere for listeners.

For those who haven't tuned into the episode, this summary encapsulates the blend of sports analysis, humor, and unexpected global events that define "The Pat McAfee Show." Whether discussing playoff upsets, major NFL trades, or the surprising election of a new Pope, Pat McAfee and his team deliver a comprehensive and entertaining discourse that keeps listeners engaged and informed.