The Pat McAfee Show 2.0 Episode 1394 - August 26, 2025

Main Theme: This episode, hosted by Kirk Herbstreit (while Pat McAfee returns midway from Australia), AJ Hawk, the Toxic Table, and Tone Digs, launches the new football season with a heavy focus on NFL cut day drama, college football conference predictions, the business of sports broadcasting, and exclusive interviews with iconic broadcasters and coaches. Special guests include Al Michaels, Ohio State Head Coach Ryan Day, ESPN’s Adam Schefter, and former NFL star Joey Galloway. The panel brings energy, insider insights, and the show's signature playful banter.

Episode Structure & Key Segments

1. Welcome & NFL/College Football Kickoff Hype (00:06–05:20)

• The crew is fired up for football's return, reflecting on the excitement and ritual of the start of season.
• Kirk Herbstreit, hosting, jokes about the chaos of having his dog Peter in the Thunderdome studio.
• Rundown of the impressive guest lineup for the day.
• Background on the show's origins and how it grew to its current form.

“Football cannot wait to be here, boys.” –Kirk Herbstreit (00:06)

2. Show Origins & Fan Connection (03:00–05:00)

• Discussion of the show's evolution, from episodic podcast to daily institution.
• Importance of the audience’s connection not just to sports stories, but also the panel’s personal lives.
• Herbstreit reflects on his decades of doing sports talk radio in Columbus and how that's affected his approach.

“The reason why our show is great is like, the fans are also invested, I think, in our personal lives as well.” –Tone Digs (04:25)

3. NFL Cut-Down Day: Bengals & Trey Hendrickson Contract (05:20–11:22)

• In-depth breakdown of Trey Hendrickson’s contract extension.
• Implications for Bengals' defense, Joe Burrow, and postseason hopes.
• Nuanced analysis of NFL “team control,” player security, and morale.

"I’m just bummed out for him because he didn’t get what he wanted… what I think everybody believes he deserves.” –Pat McAfee (06:02)

"You almost had to make this happen if you’re the organization.” –Kirk Herbstreit (08:30)

4. Dallas Cowboys, Micah Parsons’ Contract Standoff & NFL Soap Operas (11:22–14:24)

• Insightful comparison to historic Emmitt Smith holdout.
• Speculation about Jerry Jones’ negotiation strategy, team optimism, and the importance of Micah Parsons.
• The panel criticizes the lack of agent-led negotiations in the current era.

“I mean, after watching the Jerry Jones Dallas documentary, I’m assuming Micah probably doesn’t play the first two weeks…then he gets the deal.” –Pat McAfee (11:55)

“Can you believe that they even, Jerry even thought he was going to get this deal done without an agent being involved?” –AJ Hawk (14:05)

5. Al Michaels Interview: Legendary Sports Broadcasting & Reflections (15:09–29:22)

a. Al’s Offseason, Career Highlights, and Calling the ‘Miracle on Ice’ (15:09–18:26)

• Al Michaels discusses winding down, golfing, and the excitement building up to a new season.
• Describes the 1980 Olympic Hockey “Miracle on Ice” as his career’s crowning moment.
• Praise for accuracy of the movie “Miracle.”

“Nothing will ever top 1980 because it meant so much to the country.” –Al Michaels (17:25)

“Kurt Russell as Herb Brooks was as close to reality as anything I’ve ever seen.” –Al Michaels (18:30)

b. Analysis of Jerry Jones & Cowboys Documentary (19:08–23:34)

• Al affirms Jerry Jones hasn’t “lost it,” praises his candidness, and reflects on Jones' pivotal role transforming the NFL.
• Behind-the-scenes tales of Jones’ business moves, including his earthshaking merchandising deals.

"Jerry had the vision to take the NFL, grab it by the neck, and make it so much bigger than it was.” –Al Michaels (22:15)

c. Aaron Rodgers to Steelers & Tomlin Fit (24:14–24:58)

• Al calls Aaron Rodgers’ Pittsburgh move “fascinating,” pending health, and lauds Mike Tomlin's ability to thrive.
• “If he stays very healthy...I see good things ahead for him.” –Al Michaels (24:14)

d. Criticism of Modern Sports Announcing & GOAT Status (25:15–32:18)

• Addresses critics who want more “hype” in the booth: “My theory has always been to speak in captions and ellipses. Just bring a little bit to the game and get out of there.”
• Herbstreit, a play-by-play veteran himself, defends the “moments, not monotony” style, contrasting to flashy ‘viral’ calls.

"You can scream your guts out and people will love it because they want to go on YouTube. But that ain't me, guys.” –Al Michaels (26:45)

6. College Football Conference Predictions & Sleeper Picks (32:19–39:40)

• Lively panel picks for Big 12, SEC, Big Ten, ACC, and their surprise teams.
• Debates about styles, quarterbacks, team depth.

Sample picks:

• Big 12: Iowa State, Kansas State, (sleeper: TCU, Utah)
• SEC: Mostly Alabama/Bama, with Florida & A&M as sleepers.
• Big Ten: Ohio State, Iowa as a surprise, (later: Penn State, Washington).
• ACC: Clemson consensus, some Miami discussion, sleeper: Duke.
• Panel jokes about uniform choices, college town atmospheres, and the league's deeper storylines.

7. Ryan Day Interview: Ohio State Head Coach, Defending Title Mindset (41:27–55:30)

a. Leadership and Transition After a Championship (41:27–43:09)

• Day says the offseason was similar to past years but “a little faster” after going deep into the playoffs.
• Stresses the importance of treating the new season as "a whole new journey."

"Once the confetti hit the ground, it was on to the next season." –Ryan Day (41:50)

b. QB Battles, Rising Talent, and Locker Room Dynamics (43:09–46:17)

• Details QB competition; Julian Stepping up as the starter, with confidence in Lincoln as backup.
• Importance of team chemistry without preseason games.

c. Leadership Pipeline, Depth, and Defensive Upgrades (45:10–49:41)

• Discusses the challenges of replacing two years worth of departing NFL talent.
• Names Davison Igbinosun, Sonny Styles, Caleb Downs, others as new leaders.

d. Game Planning, Play Calling, and Look at Texas (52:26–55:11)

• New staff roles (Matt Patricia as DC, Brian Hartline on offense).
• Day walks through collaborative play calling, respect for Texas’ speed and pressure.

8. Adam Schefter: Live NFL Cut-Down Day Insider (75:22–96:44)

• Headlines with the tongue-in-cheek “breaking news” of Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift engagement, drawing huge reactions.
• Analysis of Browns' QB depth with Shador Sanders and Dylan Gabriel; the logic behind draft-day decisions.
• Updates on Micah Parsons’ contract drama in Dallas, Trey Hendrickson’s late-breaking deal with the Bengals, and WR trade rumors (Adam Thielen, Jacoby Myers).
• Predicts potential 2025 playoff sleepers: Patriots and Falcons might surprise, Bucs “not getting enough attention,” positive outlook for Arizona and Giants.

"At this time last year, I was convinced the Broncos..." –Adam Schefter (90:20)

"Whenever [Micah Parsons] does get a new deal...he's going to become the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history." –Schefter (80:40)

9. Joey Galloway, AJ Hawk & Panel: Final College/NFL Insights (101:22–113:40)

• Galloway riffs on playing golf, coaching his kids, and picks Ohio State to win the Big Ten “until [Penn State] gets over the hump.”
• Discusses how teams must game-plan against WR Jeremiah Smith, gives practical advice on handling elite receivers.
• Debates early-season edges for teams with established QBs.

10. Pat McAfee Returns—Australian Recap & Show Close (112:41–137:00)

• Pat enters straight off a long-haul flight, sharing observations about Australia (food, culture, clean streets, “hating weed”, AFL experience).
• Warm reunion with the crew, banter about travel, gym culture, and football is back.
• Congratulates Kirk on his upcoming induction to the WVU Hall of Fame.
• Panel continues discussing West Virginia, canceled Bama series, Aussie punters in college football, and unique quirks of both American and Australian sports/fan culture.
• Reflections on upcoming College GameDay, Lee Corso tribute, and shared emotional moments in sports broadcasting.

“I’m allowed to not like people, and I’m allowed to say that into here.” –Pat McAfee (130:42)

"Saturday is going to be special, especially the ending." –Panel on Lee Corso's tribute (134:17)

Notable Quotes & Moments

• "Nothing will ever top 1980 because it meant so much to the country." –Al Michaels (17:25)
• "If you lose the passion, it's time. That's how I feel about it. I'm still, you know, I'm excited..." –Al Michaels on knowing when to retire (27:57)
• "Once the confetti hit the ground, it was on to the next season." –Ryan Day (41:50)
• "You can’t win a Super Bowl if you don’t have Micah Parsons. Jerry knows that." –Panel (13:00)
• "I did local radio for, like, 20 years...I had guests, like I’m doing right now. Joey Galloway would come on with me. Mike Vrabel would come on with me. Eddie George would come on with me." –Kirk Herbstreit (02:14)
• "Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift announced their engagement!" –Adam Schefter, breaking the internet and panel's composure (75:45)
• "This program, the Internet’s not approved of this...but we've always said they're actually in love." –Pat McAfee on Kelce/Swift (115:20)
• "It’s a long season. A lot of things can happen. I think [Arch Manning] will be really, really good. I’m just not...going be like, he’s the best quarterback in college football before we’ve...seen it happen." –Joey Galloway on Arch Manning (109:20)

Engagement & Tone

The show maintained its unique energy throughout—irreverent, passionate, deeply knowledgeable, and relatable. The hosts and guests mixed playful teasing (“He went on Ellen! Ellen's show wasn't even around!” –Pat, joking about Ryan Day), with real football strategy, business insights, and broadcasting philosophy.

Episode Takeaways

• NFL cut-down day offers real emotional stakes for players, coaches, and fans.
• College football is packed with intrigue: new QBs at top programs, a fresh playoff system, and sleeper teams vying for conference titles.
• Behind-the-scenes broadcaster wisdom: legends like Al Michaels privilege “moment over monotony,” anchoring their style in the “caption, ellipses” philosophy.
• This show's chemistry, insider access, and mix of expert analysis with wild off-topic riffs set it apart for sports fans seeking both information and entertainment.

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:06 — Show opens, football hype, show backstory
• 05:20 — Bengals’ Trey Hendrickson contract segment
• 11:22 — Cowboys, Micah Parsons’ drama
• 15:09 — Al Michaels joins (career stories, Jerry Jones, broadcasting)
• 24:14 — Al on Aaron Rodgers-Steelers fit
• 25:15 — Criticism of sports announcers, Michaels’ philosophy
• 32:19 — College football conference picks, debate
• 41:27 — Ohio State HC Ryan Day interview
• 75:22 — Adam Schefter: NFL cuts, Kelce-Swift “breaking news”
• 101:22 — Joey Galloway & more on college/NFL trends
• 112:41 — Pat McAfee returns from Australia
• 134:12 — Lee Corso tribute & emotional moments in sports
• 137:01 — Show close

For listeners and non-listeners alike, this episode was a must-listen table-setter for the 2025 football season, blending insider analysis, legendary voices, wild breaking news, and the camaraderie that makes The Pat McAfee Show a staple for football fans.