Podcast Summary: PMS 2.0 1378 - The Open Championship Recap, Adam Schefter, J.J. Watt, Darius Butler, & AJ Hawk

Release Date: July 21, 2025

In episode PMS 2.0 1378 of "The Pat McAfee Show," host Pat McAfee, alongside co-hosts AJ Hawk, Ty Schmidt, and Boston Conner from The Toxic Table, delves into a diverse array of sports topics. This episode offers listeners a comprehensive overview of the recent WNBA All-Star Weekend, Scottie Scheffler's dominant performance at The Open Championship, significant NFL contract negotiations, and evolving discussions around NIL policies in college sports. The conversation is enriched with personal anecdotes and lively interactions, making it both informative and entertaining.

1. WNBA All-Star Weekend Recap

Location: Indianapolis (referred to as "in Diami")

Pat McAfee opens the episode by highlighting the excitement surrounding the WNBA All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis. He emphasizes the league's financial struggles, noting that despite generating $200 million in revenue, the WNBA reportedly faces a $40 million loss.

“They’re charging 70,000 bucks for a suite at some of these games that Caitlin Clark is playing... I know that the league's been around for 20 years, I know that it's lost money for a very, very long time here.” [00:55]

Key Points:

• Player Salaries vs. Revenue: Pat and AJ discuss the discrepancy between the league’s revenue and player salaries, questioning the sustainability of current pay structures.
• Collective Bargaining: They explore the potential for improved negotiations, suggesting modest salary increases could significantly impact overall expenses.
• Player Solidarity: The importance of WNBA players uniting to advocate for better compensation is emphasized.

2. Scottie Scheffler and The Open Championship

The conversation transitions to golf, focusing on Scottie Scheffler's impressive performance at The Open Championship. Scheffler's consistent lead and composed demeanor under pressure are lauded by Pat and AJ.

“The only word you can really say about Scottie Scheffler is inevitable... he has a four stroke lead.” [04:32]

Key Points:

• Dominance in Golf: Scheffler's methodical gameplay and ability to maintain leads are compared to legends like Tiger Woods.
• Work Ethic: His dedication to improving his putting stance and overall game is highlighted as a key factor in his success.
• Balancing Life and Sport: Scheffler’s ability to manage professional pressures while maintaining personal relationships is praised.

3. NFL Contracts and Negotiations

A significant portion of the episode covers major NFL contract signings, with a spotlight on T.J. Watt's historic deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

“TJ Watt gets his deal done. $123 million with $108 million fully guaranteed... a historic deal for a non-quarterback.” [19:19]

Key Points:

• T.J. Watt's Contract: Discussion around the length and guarantee of the contract, emphasizing its unprecedented nature for a defensive player.
• Other Notable Deals: Insights into Micah Parsons' potential contract, reflecting the trend of lucrative deals for elite defensive talents.
• Franchise Dynamics: Exploration of how franchises are becoming more aggressive in contract negotiations to break playoff losing streaks.

Adam Schefter joins the panel to provide expert analysis on these negotiations, offering insider perspectives on the balance between player demands and franchise capabilities.

“They didn’t realize it until it was raised that that was exactly how it matched up his career sacks and the guaranteed money.” [20:36]

4. NFLPA and Player Representation

The episode delves into the complexities within the NFL Players Association (NFLPA), addressing challenges in collective bargaining and player representation.

“The number one objective... to get every single player on the same page... is extremely hard.” [J.J. Watt]

Key Points:

• Union Solidarity: Discussing the difficulty in uniting players towards common financial and contractual goals.
• Leadership Challenges: Critique of current NFLPA leadership and its effectiveness in advocating for players.
• Personal Experiences: Pat shares his strained relationship with the NFLPA, underscoring broader discontent among players.

J.J. Watt emphasizes the need for cohesive efforts within the NFLPA to secure better deals for players, highlighting the struggle against individualistic tendencies.

5. NIL Policies in College Sports

Pat and the panel discuss the recent developments in Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) policies, expressing skepticism about the effectiveness of new regulatory committees.

“I don’t see the purpose. I don’t know how that is going to do anything.” [Pat McAfee on NIL committee] [45:44]

Key Points:

• Committee Authority: Doubts about the committee’s ability to fairly assess and approve NIL deals.
• Market Determination: Questions raised about who defines the "fair market" for athlete endorsements.
• Potential for Legal Issues: Concerns over the possibility of lawsuits if athletes’ deals are unjustly rejected.

The panel debates the practicality and fairness of external oversight on NIL endorsements, fearing it may hinder athletes' ability to capitalize on their market value.

6. Personal Stories and Anecdotes

Pat McAfee shares personal stories from his youth, including his experience selling modified cigarettes and the consequences that followed. These anecdotes serve to illustrate negotiation tactics and personal growth.

“I started finding ashtrays, and then I found a guy, a kid, I guess he's 18 years old, to start supplying me.” [Pat McAfee on teenage entrepreneurship] [53:20]

Additionally, reflections on Scottie Scheffler’s comments about achieving career goals and the subsequent sense of emptiness resonate deeply with themes of success and fulfillment.

“I reach the top of the mountain... the view isn’t as good as it was.” [Pat McAfee referencing Scottie Scheffler] [92:29]

7. Upcoming Events and Conclusion

The episode concludes with announcements about upcoming live segments from the Pittsburgh Steelers training camp and the Hall of Fame game. Pat encourages listeners to join them for exclusive on-site coverage.

“Next Wednesday, we will be at the Pittsburgh Steelers training camp. And next Thursday, we will be at the Hall of Fame for the Hall of Fame game.” [Final minutes]

The hosts wrap up with light-hearted banter about various topics, maintaining the show’s engaging and dynamic atmosphere.

Notable Quotes:

• Pat McAfee: “If you’re already losing 40 million, could you not just bump them up to at least six figures? Like $70,000 as a paycheck is a very. That’s an embarrassment.” [02:09]
• Adam Schefter: “They didn’t realize it until it was raised that that was exactly how it matched up his career sacks and the guaranteed money.” [20:36]
• J.J. Watt: “The number one objective... to get every single player on the same page... is extremely hard.” [J.J. Watt]
• Pat McAfee: “I reached the top of the mountain... the view isn’t as good as it was.” [92:29]

Conclusion:

Episode PMS 2.0 1378 offers a multifaceted discussion on current sports events, blending in-depth analysis with personal insights. From the financial intricacies of the WNBA to Scottie Scheffler’s golf prowess, and from monumental NFL contracts to the contentious NIL policies in college sports, Pat McAfee and his co-hosts provide a rich and engaging narrative. The episode not only informs but also entertains, making complex topics accessible to listeners who may not have tuned in.