Ty Jerome on the Cavs' Breakout Season. Plus, National Champion Will Howard on Ohio State's Title Run, NFL Combine Stories, and His Pro Future.

Summary

Summary of "Ty Jerome on the Cavs' Breakout Season & National Champion Will Howard on Ohio State's Title Run" – The Ryen Russillo Podcast

Release Date: March 6, 2025
Host: Ryen Russillo
Podcast: The Ryen Russillo Podcast by The Ringer

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Introduction

In this episode of The Ryen Russillo Podcast, host Ryen Russillo delves into two compelling sports narratives. First, he sits down with Ty Jerome, a standout guard for the Cleveland Cavaliers, to discuss his tumultuous early career, recent breakout season, and the Cavaliers' promising trajectory. Following this, Russillo interviews Will Howard, Ohio State's national champion quarterback, who shares insights into Ohio State's title run, his experiences at the NFL Combine, and his aspirations for a professional football career.

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Interview with Ty Jerome: Rising Through the Ranks with the Cleveland Cavaliers

Early Career and Trades [00:00 – 05:04]

Ty Jerome opens up about his challenging start in the NBA, including being a first-round pick who faced multiple trades shortly after being drafted. He recounts, "I've always had the vision of who I want to be in this league... holding that belief in yourself until you finally get a consistent opportunity" [01:40]. Jerome was initially traded to Phoenix, where he anticipated a seamless transition but instead dealt with an ankle injury that sidelined him until mid-December. This setback, coupled with differing views with then-coach Monty Williams, made his rookie season a "roller coaster" [03:05].

Overcoming Challenges: Injuries and Coaching Relationships [03:05 – 07:40]

Jerome discusses the impact of his ankle injury and the difficulties in adapting to new coaching styles. After Phoenix, he experienced a series of trades to Houston and Golden State, where a groin injury further complicated his trajectory. Ultimately, he found stability with the Cleveland Cavaliers in early 2023. Reflecting on his perseverance, he notes, "As humans, we're always going to have that doubt in our journey... keeping going and figuring out until I get this opportunity" [05:04].

Unique Playing Style and Game Impact [07:40 – 21:23]

Russillo shifts the conversation to Jerome's distinct playing style. He praises Jerome's ability to keep options open during drives, likening his decision-making to a quarterback's strategic passing. Jerome elaborates, "Defenders get real antsy when you touch the paint... I can dribble back out if I want, stop, make a pass" [09:56]. This adaptability makes defenders uncomfortable and enhances his effectiveness on the court. Jerome emphasizes the mental resilience required to establish oneself in the NBA, stating, "The hard part is figuring out how to stay resilient and stay confident until you make your first shot" [06:49].

Team Dynamics and Cavs' Success [15:04 – 16:23]

Discussing the Cavaliers' depth and teamwork, Jerome highlights the collective buy-in from the entire roster. "Everyone's just like, all right, my number is called. I got to go impact the game" [15:04]. This selflessness from key players like Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley, and others has been instrumental in the team's success. The cohesive attitude allows the Cavaliers to maintain flexibility and competitiveness, even during playoff runs.

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Interview with Will Howard: Leading Ohio State to a National Championship and NFL Aspirations

National Championship Journey [28:09 – 35:54]

Will Howard shares his experience transitioning from Kansas State to Ohio State, emphasizing the immense pressure and high expectations placed upon him. Reflecting on a pivotal loss to Oregon, he says, "There really was no panic... it's really just one of 82" [17:22]. This mindset helped the team stay focused despite significant deficits, leading to a remarkable comeback and eventual national championship victory. Howard credits the coaching staff, particularly Tony Bennett, for instilling resilience and a strong team ethic, stating, "He set the blueprint of exactly how to act on the court, off the court" [24:14].

Overcoming Adversity and Team Resilience [35:54 – 44:31]

Howard delves deeper into the team's ability to handle adversity. After a disappointing loss to Michigan, he describes how the team used the setback as motivation: "Adversity... turned us loose... something to really cling to" [35:59]. This collective determination was crucial in their playoff performance, allowing Ohio State to overcome challenges and secure the national title. Howard emphasizes the importance of intrinsic confidence and team support in maintaining high performance under pressure.

Critical Plays and Winning Mentality [44:31 – 51:28]

Highlighting specific games, Howard recounts the strategic decisions that led to victories against top teams like Tennessee and Notre Dame. In the rematch against Oregon, he describes a defining play where he took a crucial shot, saying, "We were doomed to make playoffs and run the table" [37:41]. These moments underscore the team's strategic prowess and mental toughness, contributing to their championship success. Howard also discusses the importance of maintaining composure and executing under high-stakes conditions.

NFL Prospects and Future Plans [51:28 – 54:08]

As the NFL Draft approaches, Howard reflects on his readiness for a professional career. He emphasizes his preparation and adaptability, stating, "Whatever team I'm going to be on, I'm going to be ready for it and I'm going to attack it, 100%" [52:11]. Howard expresses confidence in his ability to contribute immediately, drawing from lessons learned at Ohio State. He envisions himself competing vigorously, whether starting right away or working to earn his position, aiming to foster strong team relationships and prove his reliability on the field.

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Conclusion

This episode of The Ryen Russillo Podcast offers an in-depth look into the careers of Ty Jerome and Will Howard, highlighting their resilience, adaptability, and leadership. Jerome's journey through trades and injuries to become a key player for the Cavaliers exemplifies determination and skill. Meanwhile, Howard's leadership in securing Ohio State's national championship and his readiness for the NFL showcase his strategic mindset and intrinsic confidence. Both athletes provide valuable insights into overcoming adversity and striving for excellence in their respective sports.

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Notable Quotes:

• Ty Jerome:

  • "I've always had the vision of who I want to be in this league... holding that belief in yourself until you finally get a consistent opportunity." [01:40]
  • "The hard part is figuring out how to stay resilient and stay confident until you make your first shot." [06:49]

• Will Howard:

  • "Adversity... turned us loose... something to really cling to." [35:59]
  • "Whatever team I'm going to be on, I'm going to be ready for it and I'm going to attack it, 100%." [52:11]

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This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the podcast episode, providing a rich and engaging overview for listeners who haven't tuned in.

Transcript

[Ryan Russillo]

Foreign. You know we love Ohio. On this podcast we've got two for you. Ty Jerome, one of my favorite stories, slash favorite players in the NBA. His rough start to the career, to the highs of this Cleveland team, their long term success and just talking oops and talk. Jerome and Will Howard from Ohio State, the national champs post combine will go over the season and getting ready for his dream to be an NFL quarterback next month and life advice. This episode is brought to you by the Wells Fargo Active Cash Credit Card. This is an ad for the Active Cash credit card from Wells Fargo. That's a mouthful, but that's because it packs a lot in. Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases with it, big or small. So whether it's buying tickets to the game with your mom or grabbing a coffee with your dog, earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases made with it. Say it with me, the active cash credit card from Wells Fargo. Learn more@wells Fargo.com ActiveCash terms apply. He's one of the best stories in the NBA this year. And look, I know he's not the headliner, but he's in the conversation for sixth man of the year and the Cavs are just brilliant and he's been a lot of fun. It's Ty Jerome. Good morning, man. Thanks for doing this.

[Ty Jerome]

Of course, thanks for having me.

[Ryan Russillo]

Okay, so what's this season been like for you? Like having this stretch, having this run, putting up real numbers, having a role after some of the, the early transitions in the league for you?

[Ty Jerome]

Yeah, it's kind of like you. I've always had the vision of who I want to be in this league and you know, deal with some injuries, some trades, all these different things pop up and they kind of derails your vision and holding that and being able to keeping that belief in yourself until you finally get a consistent opportunity and to see it come to light has been pretty cool. Obviously there's a million things that I individually still want to accomplish as a team. We still want to accomplish. So nobody's on a victory lap yet, but it's definitely pretty cool just to have that consistent night to night role that I've always strived to have.

[Ryan Russillo]

Go through the resume here before the Cleveland part of it. So you're a first round pick. Were you aware of what was going on with all the trades? Like what did you know? Because you were basically traded on draft night, but then I think the Bain deal was already done as well. But then that was announced like a week later.

[Ty Jerome]

Yeah, I knew I was going to Phoenix. When my name was called, I knew it was Phoenix. Yeah, because they, they traded for the pick before, before the pick actually occurred.

[Ryan Russillo]

Okay, all right, so you knew that part of it. You get to Phoenix, what, what's going through your head on like, all right, how do I fit in? Like, how do I fit in as an NBA player?

[Ty Jerome]

I thought it was going to be a great transition, honestly. They signed Ricky Rubio, so I was like, all right, I'll back him up and get used to it. And then I got hurt the day before the first game. Played preseason, day before the first game, I rolled my ankle pretty bad, like high ankle sprain. And I'm out until like mid December. And as a rookie trying to get back and play catch up, this wasn't easy. And dealing with all that and Monty Williams is a real old school coach. We didn't exactly see eye to eye and that didn't help me. So rookie year was a roller coaster for sure.

[Ryan Russillo]

Were you surprised he did so well in Detroit? I'll just keep it moving. I'll keep it moving. It's a small, small world out there. All right, so did you ever get to brag to your friends, be like, well, hey, at least when I was traded, I was traded for Chris Paul.

[Will Howard]

No, not really.

[Ty Jerome]

I was just. No. It happened so quick though. Like, you know, you go to okc, which is a great organization, and as you see now, like they put it all together, but we were in the tanking phase. So that's another just like wake up call to what the NBA business is like, you know, I mean, obviously they had their vision, it worked out. And even through the tanking, it was still a great organization, but it's still like, damn, we're showing up to lose all these games on purpose. Like, it's just another wake up call to what the business is like in the NBA.

[Ryan Russillo]

All right, so then you're traded again to Houston. You're cut immediately, Golden State picks you up, you have the groin injury, so the two way expires and then you sign with Cleveland, you know, in, in the start of 23. And I, I want all the listeners to know that. I mean, clearly you know your own timeline, but at that point you're like, man, I won a national championship as a first route pick. And like, I don't even feel like I've, I've even started. Like that's got to be. Was there ever a moment you're like, man, this might not work out?

[Ty Jerome]

Yeah, I think you always have that doubt in the back of your mind. I mean, I think as humans, we're always going to have it, right? You could probably relate in your own journey. Like, everyone can relate, or maybe you can't. Maybe you're just always elite. But I think everyone can relate in their journey. At some point of that doubt creeping in, and you just keep going and keep figuring out and keep waiting until hopefully I get this opportunity here. And someone told me, I never forget, this is like when you seize opportunity in multiple class, and the more you take advantage of one opportunity, it becomes two. Then your leash goes longer, and your leash goes longer. And I was just finally waiting to just kind of get my foot in the door because I always knew, like, what I'd be able to do. And I still feel that same way about, like, how much I can improve.

[Ryan Russillo]

I was talking to a player the other night. I can't name him because it was just, you know, somebody that had a mutual friend. And we were talking, and I was really happy for him because, you know, know his. He's a real guy now, right? Like, he's a real guy. And I look at you now, and it's like, whatever this is, and I want to get into Cleveland in this awesome season and. And your teammates and that kind of stuff. But, like, this has proved that you're a real guy. And for him, it was opportunity where they couldn't bench him anymore. They couldn't bench him because everybody was hurt. And so here's your situation where it's not because everybody's hurt. Your team is incredibly deep. But it's very clear that Atkinson now trusts you in February and in going into March, maybe even more so than he did at the beginning of the year. So what is that. That leash thing you're talking about is a very real thing in basketball where, you know, those are your minutes, you know, those are your possessions. It. It must just make you a better basketball player, because you're not thinking about all the shit you've been thinking about for years.

[Ty Jerome]

You couldn't have said it better. I think there's. There's a million guys in the NBA, and there's a bunch of guys not in the NBA that if you said, hey, I'm going to give you 20 minutes every single night, here's the ball in your hands, they can go get you 13 points again. The hard part about the NBA is figuring out how to stay resilient and stay confident. Until that happens, can you get thrown in for a game and make your first shot? That's the mental hurdle of Establishing yourself as a player. And I don't think it ever ends right because you're always trying to get to a new level and to get to the next level. It's the same thing. Like, you probably look, people probably look. Now, if I was playing 30 minutes, I could do X, Y and Z. But you can't really ask for a role increase until you master where you're at. And that's the mental hurdle of kind of any profession, but especially in sports.

[Ryan Russillo]

All right, let's talk about your game, man, because it is. It is different. Um, and I know you were smaller, and then I think I see like the smaller kid playing in A. We're a 6, 4, 65 body now, you know. So I think the other part for you is that when you were being evaluated as a draft pick, you're kind of like, all right, you know, is he going to be people off the dribble? You know, how's he going to play defense? Like, the same stuff that happens to anyone that you're like, a little afraid of athletically. Because I don't mind when GMs are kind of athlete snobs about it, you know, because it's like, look, if I'm going to screw up, I'd rather screw up with the athlete than everybody being like, how did you pick the non athlete here? But athleticism is different. You know, there are plenty of guys that can jump out of the gym and have these explosive traits. But when I think about, like, your approach, and I want you to try to make this sound better than I'm going to, but I think the thing that I love the most about your game is that I feel like every decision option is open later to you than most players. So when you drive it, you're still not 100% sure if you're going to hit the floater, if you're going to pull up. I think you keep passing options open later. It's a bit like a quarterback who, you know, some guys want to get rid of the ball at a certain time, and other quarterbacks will see a receiver being like, if I can just give him another beat, he might have a little bit more separation. So, like, you had a pass last night where Mitchell had was cold. You know, he hit the three after it had been swung to him. But you started the action by, like, swinging it out to somebody that I don't know a lot of other guards would have either, like, would have even seen. Now, I know in the NBA too, like the spacing rules, you're just like, hey, make sure you stay in your spot, because I'll see some Luca passes right where people like, I can't believe you found him in the corner. It's like, look, it's an awesome pass, but he also knows that that person has to be glued to the corner. Right? Right. Throw it to the corner. So I'm kind of just sitting here glazing your game. But it's. It's this thing where everyone. I noticed, like, on these drives against bigger athletic players, they're just so unsure about what it is that you're going to do that now you have this advantage, I think, just the way you see the game that other people don't have, and it makes defenders incredibly uncomfortable. So that's how I see it.

[Ty Jerome]

Yeah, I think it's a few things, right? And I. There's a lot of guys I watch and I study. Like, I never really. I always try to watch, like, Jalen Brunson play and Luca play and Cade play, because there. Those are guys where. When they touch the paint. And I try to pride myself on this, too. Like you said, you don't know exactly what you're going to do yet. And I feel like defenders get real antsy when you touch the paint. So as soon as you're in there, they're waiting, they're ready to jump or swipe or reach or foul. And then when you're off the ball and someone's in the paint, you're worried about, all right, do I help? What do I do? And so if you go fast, and I don't have the luxury of going fast, so it's really not by choice for me, but. But if you go fast, you kind of run out of options, right? Because, like, you're speeding to the basket. You might have one pass you can make or you can go finish. When I'm kind of going slower at my own pace, it's like I really have every option. I can dribble all back out if I want. I can stop, I can start, stop off two, stop off one. You can stop and make a pass. And, like, I think Luke is the best at it in the world. His whole go slow and make, take one step, look around, take another step, and he might lob it, throw it to the opposite corner. Like, stuff like that. I think it's just.

[Ryan Russillo]

It's.

[Ty Jerome]

It starts with your pace, because if you go super fast, you run out of options very quickly.

[Ryan Russillo]

Do you notice people trying to figure out, like. Because the wrong foot stuff, you know, Like, I remember the first Time I realized it with Nash, and you'd be like, how did he get. How was that look? Clean? How is the defender? Late? And it's like, oh, he's. He's going wrong foot all the time now. So as the defender's trying to time up his movement, he's already a beat ahead because he was kind of wrong footing. A lot of this different stuff are you noticing guys? I mean, does anybody get frustrated with you being like, I can't believe that worked?

[Ty Jerome]

Yeah, for sure. Yeah.

[Ryan Russillo]

Is there a funny story? Is there a good story in there?

[Ty Jerome]

It's a fight. You know, the best story is just when I get foul calls. People hate that. You know what I mean? Like, if I get. If I have a game where I shoot, like, you know, six plus eight plus free throws, other team is furious. Like, how I'm getting fouled because it looks so. It looks so crazy. You know what I mean? This guy's like, walking his way to the lane and, like, shooting off one leg, and the refs are calling foul. Like, it looks so crazy. But if you watch the NBA, it's like, those are the fouls people call. Like, just because I might do it slower or differently. Like, if, you know, people get those calls every night, another team is furious, like, constantly.

[Ryan Russillo]

I've noticed a couple times, like, you know, Brunson's incredible. And all these guys are the same in this. Like, and Trey has it, too. It's like you get some of the most ridiculous calls, and then when you get called for a foul, you're going to be mad about this. And I. I've made the joke that I think cornerbacks would be the worst boyfriends because they would just be like, it wasn't my fault. When I look at some of the basketball athletes put into that, like, imagine getting in an argument with Jalen Brunson about something at home. Like, how come you didn't do this around the house? Like, do you. Would he be like, hey, that's fair. And I've had, you know, you've done some good thing. Like, sometimes I'll look at guys that just live at the free throw line and they're terrific scorer, so it's not like they're just doing it with free throw shows. It's like, right, how do you. How do you not have any self awareness that, like, you're so far up in the game that you can't maybe lose a 50, 50 call with this? Again, that's just sort of my own rant. Yeah. I don't know that there's a question in there.

[Ty Jerome]

I mean, you're right. You're right. Because I'm. I'm guilty of that every night. So you're right. Like, if I don't get every single call, I'm complaining. And it's just. It's not even on purpose. It's just like, he. The moment, like you're firing up, it's not even afterwards, I'm like, jesus, that was bad of me.

[Ryan Russillo]

Do you notice that as you become more comfortable and start putting up bigger numbers, you're like, maybe I can complain a little bit more.

[Ty Jerome]

No, I shouldn't. I really shouldn't. I just got a fine the other day, so it's.

[Ryan Russillo]

I know you did, but see, that's when I feel like I notice a player's full comfort level. But then again, there'll be a guy who'll be like the fourth center on a team where I have to look up where he went to college again. And he's in the game for two minutes, and then he's talking to the ref as he's getting ready to take the free throw, and I'm like, dude, you. You never play, and, like, you're going to. So, anyway, whatever. That's just kind of what the league is now. Let's get to the.

[Will Howard]

I feel.

[Ryan Russillo]

All right.

[Kyle Surviving]

All right.

[Ryan Russillo]

We'll go back. Because I just. I don't want to not get to some of this cav stuff. That's awesome. I love watching you guys. I love the depth. And I think my favorite part is, you know, it's funny because sometimes people, like, oh, they don't know who they are yet, or they don't know what their rotation is. I love it. I love that you guys can change who you are, especially with the hunter part of it, splitting the bigs, you know, the minutes that you've had off the bench. You know, clearly I would. I would have a hard time believing you're closing playoff games with the two guards that you have. But what do you see firsthand being around this team as far as your adaptability to an opponent?

[Ty Jerome]

Yeah, I think the biggest thing is everyone buying in, because there's nice where we don't finish the game with Jared Allen, who I think should have been an all star this year, and he's making, whatever, close to 100. If not, I don't know exactly what it is, but it's around there, and he's been, you know, extremely consistent for us, and he could easily throw a fit when he doesn't finish the Game. I had a lot of teammates that would do that in the past, and this year, you don't see any of that from anybody. I mean, we go 10 deep, 11 deep. We can go 12, 13 on Sunday. I mean, so nobody complaining, nobody throwing a fit. That's what allows us to do that. Because everyone's just like, all right, my number is called. I got to go impact the game. And it starts with everyone's attitude there, and then. Then from there, it's the top guys like Donovan, Deep, Darius and Evan. Their selflessness and ability to, like, let everyone else do their thing is really helpful for us as collectively, too, because then it comes down to the game, and, you know, you can't. You can't go double because, you know they're willing to make the pass. And then, you know, someone else might have 15 already. Do you want to leave him open? You know what I mean? So it's just the ability of us to remain selfless. And it starts with our top guys, obviously, because you go how they go. So that's really what I think the biggest thing with us is.

[Ryan Russillo]

Who do you think you match up better against, Boston or okc?

[Ty Jerome]

I think they present real different challenges. I think the difference. Oh, that's tough. Hopefully we get to see both.

[Ryan Russillo]

Yeah. I'm surprised you've even pretended you were going to answer this this long, because I. I figured that would just be like, no way. I'm not giving you that. Because if you pick one and it means the. Is going to be like, all right, they're afraid of us. All right, let's look at. Let's look at it this way. When you were down 253 at Boston just a week ago, what was it like when. When you. You're looking up, you're like, it's already 25 to 3. You come back. It's. I think it says a lot about this group to come back and win that game. Sure, Boss has missed a couple main starters and everything, but give me a sense of what it was like for this group being down that big to a team that you have to go through to win the East.

[Ty Jerome]

There was really no panic. I mean, you're right. We do have to Google them to win the east, and they have the defending champs, and, you know, they're a great team, rightfully so. They should be the favorites until someone knocks them off. I get all that, but at the end of the day, for us, it really was another game. Like, yes. You get so excited for those games because, you know, you're going into Boston, like, but at the end of the day, it's really just one of 82. So there really was no panic for us. You know, we're sitting there like, they've made every single three and we've missed every single three. Like, I think realistically, the score should have been, like, 16, 10 at that point. So it's just. You look at the game like that, and, you know, so seven minutes left in the first quarter. So much game left to be played. And, you know, you see that all the time, and you go up 20 early, and usually by halftime, it's a new game. So that's. There's really never really any panic, this group. And I think that starts with, obviously, our coaching staff and our players.

[Ryan Russillo]

Do you and Sam Merrill, friend of the pod. Do you laugh when you're playing the top two positions of a zone and the other team comes down being like, we are about to light this fucking crew up?

[Ty Jerome]

Yeah, man, Sam's one of our defenders.

[Ryan Russillo]

That's what I'm saying. But, like, even Dean Wade, you know, Jaylen got him in a switch, and then Dean, like, held up and. And, you know, made him take, like, a 17th of the baseline in that game. And I was like, man, I think.

[Ty Jerome]

We'Re getting borderline races here, bro. I think we're getting. I think we're just out. All the white guys now is an elite defender. And I think.

[Ryan Russillo]

I'm not. I'm not hunting them. I'm not asking for the switch. I'm observing. Look, as a guy who's watched Sam Houser develop over. I mean, look. But I. I just notice. Yeah, it was funny, though, like, in the Orlando game, like, you were playing at the top with Sam, and I'm thinking, like, okay, are they going to take, like. Yeah, are they going to take bad shots? Because they're like, oh, these two dudes are at the top of the zone. And then they still didn't score again. That might be more of an Orlando thing than it is about you and Sam being Pippen and Jordan.

[Ty Jerome]

You're going to get someone into trouble on this podcast. You got to chill.

[Ryan Russillo]

All right, all right. Let me. Let me ask you this. I. I think it's the coolest thing ever that you played with Donovan. Oh, you eight years old.

[Ty Jerome]

Yeah.

[Ryan Russillo]

Man. I mean, just to be playing with him in the NBA now, like, what's that? Like, do you ever have a moment with him? Like, clearly, you probably get each other. You know, I don't know if he's your closest friend. On the team. But, like, that's some. That's some crazy, like, sleepover type shit right there.

[Ty Jerome]

Yeah, no, no, lie. We talk about it randomly. Like, some will come up randomly. Like, we'll see some on. Someone will post about it, and we'll just be. That really is. That really is crazy. Like, you know, it's wild. And our AAU team, like, some other guys, like Eric Pascal was on that team and some other guys that went division one. So we look back on it, now we're on the same NBA team. Like that. That really is crazy. And then I got my college teammate with me, too. So this year has been pretty special.

[Ryan Russillo]

What do you think? Your best. Your best. Like, we need a bucket. Like, this is. This is the thing I trust the most. Is it just Mitchell attacking or Mitchell turning down? I think he turns down the screen better than anybody with the ball in his hands right now, too, by the way.

[Ty Jerome]

Yeah. His reject and how explosive he is downhill. It just like, once he gets you on his hip, it's over. So I think as soon as you. Yeah, I think you obviously got that. You know, playing through Evan. Evan, this year has been a great answer for us. And then, you know, we got an all star point guard right next to Donovan, too. So you really can't go wrong. And then we added Dre, who can play out of the high post that better than a lot of people in the NBA. So we really got a lot of options. But, yeah, I'm really not mad at any of that. The ball's in Donovan's hands. Darius's hands, like Evan's hands. We're gonna. We're gonna get something good 99 of the time.

[Ryan Russillo]

How is Mobley improved? You know, we can look at numbers. We can look at all that different stuff, you know, if you watch him enough, I think there's a comfort level with him. But what did you see kind of coming into this year with him? Because he's Jeff. He's at another level now.

[Ty Jerome]

I will just say, I don't know. This is an agenda that we can maybe push on here. Like, how is he not the front runner for most improved player? Can he get that? And defensive player of the year? Can he get any good?

[Ryan Russillo]

He can. Yeah.

[Ty Jerome]

Because I don't see how he's not most improved. Like, last year, he wasn't doing any of this. Besides playing defense, is it. The re ball wasn't really reliable. This is not a knock on Evan last year. It's just how much he improved. Like, he's pushing the break this year, he's throwing lobs, he's catching lobs. Like, how many people are really doing that in the league? And I don't understand how he's not. If Norman Powell doesn't play 65 games, I don't understand how he's not the front runner for Most Improved. But, yeah, to answer your question, he's like a new player offensively. He's like. He's bringing the ball up for us now. Last year, he sat in the corner of the dunker. So it's just. He's a completely new player.

[Ryan Russillo]

What was it like for you to go from, you know, the uva years where I probably first fell in love with your game and, you know, realizing, like, Tony's just somebody. If you love basketball, even though I know you guys get dumped on a lot for the pace and how few points you scored, but, like, even going back to Washington State, I was like, I really like this guy. Like, I like the way his teams play and all that kind of stuff. To be the 116 matchup that loses and then come back and win a national title in that overtime game against Texas tech over those 12 months, was this a. Was it a mad group? Was it a mature group? Because I almost feel like that story gets lost in just the shuffle. Of all the information to be the laughing stock of college basketball, to be national champs 12 months later and be part of that team. What. What do you think about the most over the course of that year?

[Ty Jerome]

I think it was a mix of everything. And you feel every emotion over the course of that year. You feel the embarrassment you feel. You know, you're the laughingstock of college basketball for the entire summer. You know that. And then it becomes a mad group, then it becomes an anxious group, because now, you know, nothing you do in a regular season almost matters. So you feel every emotion. And I think. I think it was. If we have any other coach other than Tony Bennett trying to do that, it becomes really hard because he kind of set the blueprint of exactly how to act on the court, off the court, and real easy guy to follow, like, through adversity. So he's. He kind of. He kind of set the way for us. And all you had to do was buy in. That's a. He's a special guy right there.

[Ryan Russillo]

Did he have to address it at the first practice or whatever? Your first. Because I know there's some informal formal stuff. Did he have to go, all right, let's just talk about this now?

[Ty Jerome]

Yeah. No, we talked about it. All summer, it was like, where did we go wrong? Because that really wasn't the first time that. And that was the most embarrassing time. But Juvia was never been successful in a tournament under him. You know what I mean? So I think after a while, it's like, okay, what do we got to do? Like, what's going on here? Because, you know, it happens once. It's like, all right, send elimination, March Madness. You know, point the finger towards other team, got lucky. Then it happens twice, then it happens three times, and it's like, okay, why can't he be successful in March? So I think we made some adjustments offensively, and I think it's because of that. We watched this TED Talk that he showed us, and it was about adversity. And the whole quote was, it can buy you a ticket to a place you couldn't have been without it if you use it the right way, let it fuel you, and you learn from it and all that. I think that's what he did. Like, you hit rock bottom. And, you know, at this point, okay, I have to change. If I don't change now, if you lose In a sweet 16, you probably just run it back. But that embarrassing loss, like, okay, we have to change. We have to adjust. And that's. That's what he did.

[Ryan Russillo]

I'm really happy for you. I know this has been a rough start to a career. And for those of us that just. I don't know, man, there's just something about your game that I appreciate so much. And I think there's a lot of people that grew up with basketball. And, you know, my dad was my coach when I was a little kid and all that. I don't know what it is, but your story and your success this year puts a smile on a lot of basketball fans faces. So thanks for. Thanks for time today, and I can't wait to see where this goes, man.

[Ty Jerome]

I really appreciate that, man.

[Ryan Russillo]

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[Will Howard]

How are you, man? Ryan, I appreciate you having me on.

[Ryan Russillo]

So let's talk about the combine. Is it fun? Is the process fun?

[Ty Jerome]

It is, it is.

[Will Howard]

It's fun because I enjoy talking football and like I think the, you know, the interviews are, you know, some of the most stressful parts of it. And for me I, I enjoyed it. Like I love doing that. I love talking ball. You know, there's only so much, you know, physically that you're doing. You're only doing the one workout day. So physically it's not super taxing. But mentally it's really long. The medical days, they're the worst. They suck. But everything other than that, I mean it's a, it's a cool experience. And you know, I tried to, tried to make the best of it. And even though it's long and tiring, it's. No, I enjoyed it and got to see a bunch of guys I haven't seen in a while.

[Ryan Russillo]

This isn't so much like, just a cliche question of, like, what's the weirdest question somebody asks you? The team. But. But I imagine when it's the team that's really into your football acumen and asking you about situations like that has to be something. For a guy that's played as well as you've played and played as long as you have in college, that has to be the best part, right. When you're sitting there with dudes that you're watching on Sundays, roam the sidelines, asking you what you see and how you play the position, I imagine. Right. That has to be so much fun.

[Will Howard]

Absolutely. And it's, you know, it's an ability. A time for me to show my ability to, you know, process and to read defenses and what I see out there. And, you know, I'm able to kind of give them what. What I'm thinking. And I felt super prepared going into that process. I knew that anything they threw at me, you know, whether it was installing a play at the beginning of the meeting and having me come back and shoot it back to them at the end, or whether it's asking me, you know, what's your favorite third and down, Third down and long play, you know, whatever it was, I was really prepared for it, and I felt like I did really well in the interview process, and I think that's where my game really stands out and where I can really thrive is my ability to process, my ability to regurgitate whatever I was doing. And my ability to recall all that kind of stuff is kind of one of the strength points of my game. So I wanted to make sure I showed that, and I think I did a pretty good job of it.

[Ryan Russillo]

Are you frustrated by draft coverage that seems to put a ceiling on where you could go?

[Will Howard]

I mean, yeah, I definitely. I. I think I take everything and just use it as a chip, man. And I feel like I've been doing that really, my whole career. That's kind of been the story of my career is, you know, I've kind of been overlooked. I've been, you know, kind of that underdog guy. You know, I wasn't necessarily probably the. The hottest commodity in the transfer portal when I went to Ohio State, you know, guys are saying, you know, they should have gotten this guy and this guy. But, you know, I came in and I said, you Know, I want to, I want to prove him right for, for picking me and I want to prove those people that said that wrong. And you know, when I went to K State, I was a three star guy. I wasn't really expected to do anything crazy and I ended up playing as a true freshman and, you know, winning a Big 12 championship. And you know, I feel like the story of my career is kind of proven people wrong. So, you know, I love that. I love where I'm at in the, in the process. You know, I think me being a guy who can kind of fly under the radar right now and then hopefully, you know, all you need is one team to fall in love with you, man. And, you know, I just want to prove to all these teams that, you know, I have what it takes. And I feel like, you know, I'm one of the, one of the most NFL ready guys that there is. You know, I've seen a lot in my college career and you know, I feel like I'm really well prepared and you know, I think I process the game better than, better than, better than anyone. So, you know, I think for me, you know, I'm confident in myself. You know, I know there's a ton of other really talented guys in this draft class and you know, I'm not going to say anything about them, but you know, I believe in myself and, and I think that, you know, I. Whoever wants to pick me is getting a winner, man, and they're not going to regret it.

[Ryan Russillo]

Let's go back to college. How close was it to potentially being some other place in Ohio State in the transfer portal for you?

[Will Howard]

Yeah, you know, it was coming out of my last year at K State. Like, you know, I knew I wanted a new challenge and something to kind of, you know, my eventual goal was to be a starting quarterback in the NFL. So I knew to make that step, I wanted to improve my draft stock. And I felt like where my draft stock was coming out of my last year at K State, it just didn't really match where I felt like my talent level was. And you know, I was getting told, you know, you're a day three guy, you're an undrafted guy, and I had one more year eligibility left. And I said, you know, if I feel like there's a place that I can really improve my game and compete for a national championship, those were the two things I was telling schools was, you know, I, I don't. It's not about nil. It's not about, you know, going somewhere where it's A guaranteed start? No, like I want to go somewhere where I feel like I can develop as a quarterback and improve my draft stock and compete for a national championship. And when it kind of came down to it, it was really Miami, usc, Ohio State, and then the draft. And you know, Miami had a, had a favorable schedule. You know, they, they had a really good offense able to sling the ball around, you know, but I just felt like at the end of the day, it wasn't the right place for me. Usc, the draw was Lincoln. I really wanted to play. I felt like, you know, he's one of the most elite quarterback developers and thought that was really good and maybe if I had like two or three years of eligibility left, I'd go there. But, you know, for a one year plug and play kind of deal, nothing came close to Ohio State. And I felt like when I started talking to Coach Day and Coach Day says, we believe that you're the guy that can come in here and lead us to a national championship. And that was all I needed, man. I needed, I needed a chance and, you know, I took it and ran with it. They didn't guarantee me anything. They didn't say, you're for sure going to be the starter, but you know, they said like, listen, we believe in you and we want you to be the guy. And, and that's all I needed.

[Ryan Russillo]

So, you know, I watched it at K State and I got why they would want to go in another direction after what was going on last year. Quarterback. And it's. But it was kind of tough for you in a way because it's like now Kyle's lighting it up at Syracuse and you know what your fan base is like, what did the Oregon. I know it's a loss and you're supposed to win every game. And the standard was this loaded team over the course of the summer and the standard is only a national championship. So maybe your answer is going to be like, hey, we're Ohio State and we lost to Oregon, so we can't have that happen. I loved you in that game. So I don't know, like, there was a turning point, at least for me, of what I thought you were capable of. Was there any moment for you, even with a loss, maybe a couple days removed from the emotion of that last series where it actually helped you?

[Will Howard]

I, I think, you know, there's some truth to that for sure. Like, I think, you know, I played one of my better games of the season that day and you know, it was just the way that it ended, you know, Was, was poor. And you know, I think I'm, I'm my own biggest critic, man. And I, you know, sitting there after that game, it didn't matter if I threw, if I was 100 completion percentage and threw for, you know, eight touchdowns. If we don't win the game, you know, I'm not going to be satisfied. And you know, I remember going around the locker room and telling every single guy, man, like, hey, I'm sorry man, I should have, you know, and every, every single guy like to a T, looked at me and said, it's not your fault. It's not any one person's fault. Like, you balled out, you did your thing. And I think that was a real big moment for us as a team. You know, me, obviously, I, I believe in myself and I feel like I'm a pretty confident guy. I feel like in order to be a quarterback, especially at this level and on this stage, you have to have that intrinsic confidence that comes from yourself and not from anyone else, you know, and I think I've built that over my career. And so, yeah, I definitely, you know, felt like I played a good game, but, you know, it ate at me for sure. You know, that was a, that was a tough one and it felt like, you know, I just as good as I played, you know, we didn't finish it the right way. So I knew that we were going to get another crack at him, man, and I knew we were going to make it count. But that one definitely, that one definitely stung. It definitely hurt. And you know, like you said, when you're at Ohio State, you can't have bad days and you can't, can't lose games. But thankfully with the, you know, with the 12 team playoff this year, we're able to still make it in there and run the table and do our thing.

[Ryan Russillo]

Did the Michigan loss help you win a national championship?

[Will Howard]

That's a great question. You know, I think it definitely unlocked something inside of us that, you know, turned, turned us loose. And you know, I think the adversity that we went through in that game and after that game and what we had to kind of push through it, I don't want to say I don't know if it for sure helped us, but you know, it was, it definitely gave us a spark, man, and it gave us, you know, some, something to really, really cling to. And really at that point all we, all we had was each other and it was really the Woody versus the world, man. Like, you know, there's a lot of stuff going on outside Woody.

[Ryan Russillo]

And I mean, it must have been awful.

[Will Howard]

It wasn't. It wasn't fun, man. You know, and you come to. You come to Ohio State to beat those guys, and, you know, for me, you know, it hurt. I got one chance at that game. You know, obviously I got knocked up in the first half, and, you know, I wasn't. I probably wasn't 100%, but shoot, like, only. Only God himself could have taken me out of that game. Like, you get one chance to play the team up north and, man, it was just a bad day. It was just a bad day for us, and, you know, we can't have that. And, you know, as much as. Yeah, it felt like the world was collapsing around us, and, you know, it really felt like we were all we had at that moment. And I think that helped us because it was kind of us versus the world kind of mentality. And we came out there and we said, we can make this thing right. In previous years, you know, we'd be out of this thing and we'd be sitting at home and not having any. Anything to do but, you know, sit. Sit around and think about this game. But this year, you know, we have, you know, God bless us with an opportunity to go out there and right the wrong and win a national championship. And, you know, I think I. I don't know if it was the reason, but I think it definitely contributed to, you know, that spark that we. We needed, you know, going into the playoffs.

[Ryan Russillo]

I guess I just try to think back, like, I never did anything that was as important to that many people as playing quarterback for Ohio State. And you are kind of adopted by this community, you know, and you can understand, you know, based on perception, like, what that game means. And then, of course, you have Coach Day's recent run against them and everything that happens after the game. And then I'm thinking, I'm watching it going, like, if I were on that team, would it be the hey, Roommates only? Like, we. No one can come to our apartment. No one can come to our house. I don't want to answer the phone. Like, I don't know what to do. What's class going to be? Like, do I even want to go on Monday? It's just. It's just like, look, you guys have great deals. You have great setups. Everybody would trade places for you. But that's just a very, very young age to feel like your own. Like the community around you that's supposed to be there and have your back is actually turning on you as Everybody else has already turned on you. Like, that's a lot, man.

[Will Howard]

It is, it is. But, you know, I knew what I was stepping into and you know, I remember when I was going through the portal process, I think it was my mom, she was like, are you sure about this? Like this. You know, it's a lot of pressure, it's a lot of expectations. And you know, Ohio State fans, they can turn nasty if they don't. Like, you know, I grew up an Eagles fan. It's the same deal. They love you hard when you're, when you're, when you're winning, but no, they can turn against you pretty quick. And, you know, I understand because they're passionate, man. They want to see their Buckeyes win. And I get it. And really, you know, what I kept saying was, listen, I want to be a starting quarterback in the NFL and I wanted to go to a place where I felt like I was getting that pro ready kind of deal. And I think stepping into Ohio State, you know, I looked at it as I was going into a pro setting and I was going to be a franchise quarterback, you know, and that's, you know, Columbus, Ohio. All we have is the Buckeyes, man. So I looked at that as a, hey, I'm going into a pro setting and I'm learning how to deal with this as a franchise guy. And, you know, so that the first time I go into an NFL locker room, it's not, you know, the first time I'm dealing with it on a, on a national stage and on a, you know, in terms of a scrutiny and you know, you want to talk about getting all the glory and all the praise, I mean, get way too much of it. Especially as a quarterback, but especially as a quarterback at Ohio State, there's actually.

[Ryan Russillo]

A very good chance that half the teams you could go to potentially in the NFL, the pressure is not going to be the same as going into that game and after. But I'll say that you don't have to say that. The rematch with Oregon, I mean, just maybe the best half of football you're ever going to see. You guys are rolling. Do you think it's the same game against Oregon without the one in your back pocket?

[Will Howard]

You know, I said in that first game, I think if we play on a neutral field, I think, you know, it's a different story. I think definitely the environment played into it. You know, we had a lot of false start penalties, you know, kind of just self inflicted wounds that I think, you know, we were a little overcome by events and the atmosphere and the environment a little bit. And that, you know, that's a collective effort. You know, that's me included. Like, I think coming out of that game, we knew that we should have beat those guys, and we knew that if we got another chance at them, we weren't. We didn't have to make it close. And, you know, obviously, I didn't know it was going to be 34 nothing before halftime, but, you know, I knew that coming into that game, I felt really, really good about our game plan. We were going to be aggressive. I mean, the first play of the game, Coach Kelly's calling the, you know, smoke screen and go, like, from that moment, I was like, okay, we're here to freaking. We're not here to just win. We're here to blow these guys out. And I think it was, you know, we just were able to take over. Our defense did their thing, man. Like, that's an explosive offense that they were going against, and for them to have eight sacks on. On DG and, you know, that explosive offense to be able to hold them to, you know, only even 21 points. But I mean, really, it was probably, you know, you know, we knew they were going to eventually come back and start scoring and doing their thing, but, I mean, our offense or our defense played an unbelievable game. And that first half was, like you said, like, one of the best halfs of football I've ever been a part of, you know, comprehensively, you know, all three phases.

[Ryan Russillo]

And.

[Will Howard]

And we knew going into that game, you know, we had a chip on our shoulder that we didn't feel like they had. And I think definitely that first game, you know, the revenge thing plays into it a little bit. But I always say, man, it's really, really hard to beat a team twice, especially a team like us.

[Ryan Russillo]

Yeah. I mean, you roll through Tennessee, who looked like they wanted nothing to do with that game, it's. It's a blowout against the number one team in the country in the first half. The funny thing about the Texas score, and then before the Jack saw recovery, you're like, how is Texas in this game? What were those conversations like on the sideline? Is it felt like every time you looked up, you're like, oh, it's second and 22 again. Like, that's the story of that game. Outside of the scores, what, five straight possessions, where you're looking at the down and distance going. We're just killing ourselves right now.

[Will Howard]

That's the thing is, you know, coming out of that game and really in the middle of that game, it's like they're not stopping us, we're stopping ourselves right now. And it's these self inflicted wounds that are, that are, you know, killing us. And you know, it's, it's deflating a little bit and you, you feel like it's just like, man, like just keep getting ourselves in these situations. But it's also, you know, it's kind of a positive. And what I kept saying to everyone is like, they are not stopping us. It's not anything that they're doing. It's us hurting ourselves. It's holding penalties, it's false star penalties, it's, you know, personal fouls, all these things that are backing us up behind the sticks. And you know, I think that's a little, you know, something you can kind of cling to and be like, hey man, like, it's not them, it's us. Like if we fix what we're doing and we go down and do what we have to do, like, I mean, we went down on the first drive and scored. I mean like it was no, no big deal. And we knew it was going to be more of a methodical game and they weren't going to let us hit the shots like we did against Oregon. They were just not that kind of defense. They were a, you know, a deep zone kind of playing defense and they played the shell over top and they wanted to bring some, you know, two, two simulated pressures and that's kind of what they did. And we knew it was, you know, going to, we were going to have to march the ball down the field methodically. And obviously, you know, that, that fourth quarter drive that we had to go down and score and make it, you know, 2114, that was huge. You know, I think that that touchdown right before half to Trey was unbelievably big. I mean, that was just a crazy play. Like you're going out there and in that, in that situation and we're saying like, hey, we're going to, you know, we did the same thing against Tennessee. Hey, we're going to either run the ball, run a screen right here, see what we get. And if we, you know, get into a deal where we get a first down, we can start the two minute drill, but if not, you know, maybe we'll take a knee. It was kind of one of those deals like, hey, we'll see how this first play goes. And then there goes 32, you know, screaming down the sideline. And that was, it was a different game than the first two for sure. But, you know, when it came down to it, we said we were gonna have to win the game in the fourth quarter, and we did just that.

[Ryan Russillo]

The Notre Dame game had a, an interesting, like each game has its own feel to it. Yeah. And the score can say something, but you're like, okay, but who do you actually feel better about? You. Look, you're big favorites in that game. But then it's like, is Notre Dame back in this thing? You know, and then it's third and 11 and you've got number four, one on one. Take us through. You know, because you take the one on one shot, which I think, you know, even though it's a, it's a third and 11, it's third and long here with him, it's. It's like, hey, that's always going to be the best look I have. Take me through what the call was. Walking up to the line of scrimmage, seeing that coverage and just all of the things that transpired before that, that conversion, it basically seals it.

[Will Howard]

Yeah, man. So that, that, I mean, I love talking about that play. That's one of my, one of my.

[Ryan Russillo]

Biggest smile on his face.

[Will Howard]

Yeah, man, that one triggers a good memory for me. So, you know, first of all, we go out there and we, you know, we were kind of in a four minute drill kind of mode, so we're trying to run the ball. You know, I think coach Day wanted to call that play earlier on in the drive and Coach Kelly was like, let's see if we can get some. With the, with the run. You know, let's, let's push it, you know, and see what we can get with the run. And we obviously got stuff twice and it's like third and 11. And then, you know, we, we knew we had that play in on third and extra, extra long because we had seen guys that hit some go balls against them and it was quite literally, we call it grill. Grill means go balls on either side, mirrored go balls. And a Mecca has a, a middle read route inside where he's, he can take the middle if it opens up to too high and he can break it off like a basic. If it's, if it's one high, it's called, you know, dose left was our formation, our two by two deal. And we had a 73 protection. So a seven man protection. So I mean we were saying, hey, we're gonna block this thing up and we're freaking launching, you know. And I looked out to the, to the boundary and Cornell was. Had a little tighter coverage, and 29 was off and soft to the field, and he was like, damn near looking right at me, and I was like, all right, I think this is the time to let this thing rip. And, you know, Mecca had said on the sideline, he's like, when 29's inside leverage, like, we got to take advantage of it. All week, I knew, you know, 29 and 15, if I had my choice, I was going at 29 and he was out there on an island. I knew they were probably going to be bringing some sort of pressure. I mean, we had it blocked up because we had the seven man protection called 73 Grill. And I'm taking my three step and a hitch and putting it on a cone, man. And number four is going to be there every single time. I mean, that was electric, man. I was so fired up that they called that, because, you know, in that situation, man, I want the ball in my hands to seal the game. And I. I love it, man. You know, bring it on and. And, you know, throw a. Throw a freaking go ball to number four to. To seal the natty. That was, I mean, poetic.

[Ryan Russillo]

Do you wish you could take number four with you?

[Will Howard]

I. I would take every. I'd take everybody on that damn team with me if I could. But number four is. He's special, man.

[Ryan Russillo]

He's.

[Will Howard]

He's going to be something. Something else. And for the fact that he's as young as he is doing what he did this year, I mean, he's only. Only getting better from. From where he's at right now, and he's truly one of one.

[Ryan Russillo]

I want to ask you another question because I think we might be aligned on this, the Indiana game. And I'll. I'll speak for myself here. I love college football. I think you should have to beat one good team to play for a national championship. That's me saying that. Don't add anything to that, Will. So it came up a lot, right? I'm an opinionist. I got three shows a week. So I started digging through the schedule. I was like, man, I don't know. I was like, hey, we'll see what happens against Ohio State. So, yes, the Hoosier thing annoyed me at times. So when they were playing you guys, there's the seven and a half minute drive that takes what, 15 plays? And at that point, the score kind of looks like 31:15. Even though the game was. Was just not close. I mean, look, they came down the field, scored. You guys had weird bad starts all year. You were slow to start. So they're up 7 nothing. And then it's just nothing from them the entire time until they get that touchdown. And then Trevillon takes a knee at the one, which I'm sure he was like, hey, could somebody have told me we were going for the touchdown so I could have, could have run it in? You get that last touchdown to make the score 38, 15. Were you guys on the sideline during their seven and a half minute drive going like, are they just trying to make the score look good? And did you decide collectively, like, you know what, we're putting another seven on these guys? Because it seemed to be kind of nasty with a team that, look, I understand why Indiana was very excited about their season. They have no history. This was incredible for them. And they were a good football team. They weren't great. They were a good football team. Good for them. But there seemed to be a bit of like, you caught some heat for it. But I also think I understood what you were doing. And when you guys decided to punch it in to make it 38, I'm like, I think I've never been more aligned with Ohio State football than right now.

[Will Howard]

Man, I, you know, that was, I'd love to say we were sitting there talking about it during the drive, but we really weren't. We were, you know, we knew we had won the game already, so we were kind of not really worried about it. But they went down and they scored and then they went for two, which kind of was like, all right, you know, what are we doing, guys? And, you know, Coach Signetti, you know, a lot of respect for him, you know, with what he did with Indiana and turning that program around. I think he is great. He likes to. He definitely, you know, talked a little bit of trash going into that game. And, you know, he was, he was, you know, I know Coach Day had his feelings about it, and when Trey went down at the one, he came. Coach Day came into the huddle and that was a, that was an executive decision. He was like, we're scoring right here. If they want to score, to fluff up the points, we're going to do the same thing. So, you know, Coach Day says what you asked for, you deserve. And, and, you know, I feel like at that point in time, it was, you know, it wasn't like a big, you know, shove it to you moment. It was more of just like, hey, you know, you guys, you guys wanted to do it, so we'll do it too. But, you know, obviously all class from Trey going down at the one but you know, I, I had, I'll be the bad guy if I, if I need to be, man, and run in and we were all fired up, man. And it was, you know, obviously a big game, you know, a top five matchup. And they were a good team, don't get me wrong. Like, they were a solid, solid team. I think Curtis is a really good player. The fact that he's playing on a torn ACL all year is crazy. And I think, you know, they had a solid defense. I think that CJ west kids phenomenal player and I think they did some, they did some really good things and I think, you know, they deserve to, to have the season that they did. But you know, when, when you play the Buckeyes, it's a little different. So, you know, we kind of had our, had our way to end that thing and you know, it was, it was. No, no harm meant. It was just, just a little, little fire and fire firing us up, man.

[Ryan Russillo]

I think you guys felt good about that last, last touchdown. I. Yeah, basically going back and watching that game. All right, I know I could ask it this way. Like, hey, what is an NFL team getting when they're getting Will Howard? I think listening to the last 25 minutes, you know, we're getting a guy that's mature, that's tough, that's been in huge games. And if I ask you what do you want out of an NFL team, you're going to say, hey, I just want to, I want to go to a team. I don't care. But like, is there any part of this that you can share with us? Any part of the process of, like, you know, this is, this is kind of how I see, once I'm drafted next month, this is kind of like what I could see as the perfect timeline for me getting this career going.

[Will Howard]

It's a good question, man. And, and it, you know, it's going to look different. I don't know where I'm going to end up, you know, what team I'm going to be on, what the situation is going to be. But whatever it is, I'm going to be ready for it and I'm going to attack it, you know, 100%. And I, I've always been a person that I don't do things half ass, man. Like when I went to Ohio State, I actually caught some flack for like this guy's like acting like he's been a Buckeye forever, you know, and like, I'm like, guys, like, I'm here for a year, like I Might as well. I'm not going half ass, you know, I'm not gonna just act like I don't care about this place. Like, I, I'm, I decided to be an Ohio State Buckeye. Like, I'm gonna do it full force and like, you know, I'm gonna, I'm gonna go all out for my guys and for the team and, you know, they believed in me, I believe in them and I want to be a part of this. And that's how I feel going into my NFL locker room, whatever the situation is, you know, I don't care if I go to a place that has a, an older, older veteran starter. You know, obviously, ideally I'd love to go in and, and play right away, but, you know, you never know. And that was my plan at, you know, at Kansas State and I wanted to go play as soon as I could, and I was probably played a little earlier than I was ready for. But I think a lot of the things that I learned from Skyler Thompson and from Adrian Martinez were really good for my career and really big for me as I got better as a quarterback, you know, and I lean back on a lot of those lessons that I learned from the guys ahead of me. And I think that there's certain, certainly some, some good things to that. And I think, you know, whether I go into a situation where there is a veteran guy, I'll definitely embrace it and, you know, I'll be ready for whatever the challenge is, but I'm going to be, I'm going to be ready to compete and trying to, trying to play as soon as I can. Wherever I'm at, you know, I want to contribute and be a part of team success and, you know, I'm a team guy, man. Like, I just want to go in and create some great relationships and, and prove that, you know, they can trust me and count on me when, when the lights are on.

[Ryan Russillo]

I can't wait for this moment for you, for anybody that grows up, you know, hoping to actually be one of those names called. So enjoy it, man, and excited about what's next. Thanks, Will.

[Will Howard]

Thank you, Ryan. I appreciate you having me, man. You want details? Bye. I drive a Ferrari 355 Cabriolet.

[Ryan Russillo]

What's up?

[Kyle Surviving]

I have a ridiculous house in the South Fork.

[Will Howard]

I have every toy you can possibly imagine. And best of all, kids, I am liquid. So now you know what's possible.

[Ryan Russillo]

Let me tell you what's required. Life advice. Lifeadvicermail.com is the email. Kyle Surdi, Oregon A couple things, feedback pieces here. Six'six is the perfect height. No basketball comp. Played volleyball in high school and university. 64250. Currently in the pursuit of the pinnacle of calisthenic fitness, the muscle up. So a six four guy saying that six, six is the perfect height. So a non self interest bias here. I wish I was taller. So there was never any doubt that you're the tallest. A real alpha.

[Ty Jerome]

Okay.

[Ryan Russillo]

At six four, typically you're always the tallest in the room, but occasionally you were dethroned. At 6 6, that concern is all but forgotten.

[Kyle Surviving]

I feel like all the guys that are 6:3 and above think 6:6 is the height. And everyone who's like under 6ft, like it's 6:1, 6:2. I think it's in that range. 6:6 feels uncomfortable, you know, like if you're in college, your, your feet are hanging off the edge of the bed. You know, are you, are you shopping at the men's big and tall at that point? Maybe, you know, six, six is kind of really pushing it. So I actually, I totally disagree with that. 6 4, 6, 3 is probably the tops for me.

[Ryan Russillo]

Could you petition the college for a single?

[Oregon]

Interesting.

[Ryan Russillo]

Would you want one as a freshman or a sophomore in a dorm?

[Oregon]

Sophomore, yes. Freshman, no. You just, you got to make inroads.

[Ryan Russillo]

Yeah, yeah, that's fair. There was a girl that lived on our floor when we were freshmen, but she was a sophomore and she had a queen bed. Single, like blew people's minds.

[Oregon]

Queen bed is in like brought her bed or like tied two beds together because that's what we did. We'd like found some storage room and put it together. Another bed.

[Kyle Surviving]

I don't know. Two dudes were sharing. Like they were like, hey, you want to put our beds together?

[Oregon]

Think about all the space in case.

[Ryan Russillo]

One of us gets diagonal. Yeah. Blew our minds. She was actually pretty attractive. Obviously had cash. Never talked to any of us. Dated men. Like grown men. Stopped by for like.

[Kyle Surviving]

She was a dating senior person.

[Ryan Russillo]

Yeah, Yeah. I mean she was a sophomore and I don't think, I think college guys in general were just out of the scope. She was really nice to all of us, but we were just like every now and then we walk by if a room were open and be like, what she has like a full on mattress and a bed frame. Like what is, is the, is the student issued one in storage? Like, what is going on with her? She's.

[Kyle Surviving]

That, that feels like. I still think about clearly where you only get away with that if your dad's like donating money to the school or something. You know? It's like, all right, we'll just throw him a bone. See, I had. I couldn't even have a George. I got my George Foreman grill taken during spring break because I wasn't even allowed to have that. Meanwhile, this girl's got a queen bed in her room.

[Oregon]

Yeah, all that shit on the wall there, they're taking that down. Fire marshal doesn't want any part of that in college. Like, is that paper on the wall? Yeah, it was. You guys sold it to me at the bookstore. I didn't know that we couldn't put it up.

[Ryan Russillo]

I like 6 6. I'll be honest with you. But. Yeah, I don't know.

[Kyle Surviving]

Of course you do, because you're 6:3.

[Ryan Russillo]

Wrong.

[Oregon]

You're 6:3.

[Ryan Russillo]

No, no. All right.

[Kyle Surviving]

I thought you were 6:3.

[Ryan Russillo]

There was a time where we've talked about. My back is like an accordion now. So let's see. Some people made some really strong arguments that north is six. Four is where you start getting to that problem area, though, whether it's flights, jeans, skinny jeans, young people jeans, ypjs.

[Kyle Surviving]

So Jinko Jinkos are probably fine.

[Ryan Russillo]

Yeah, I think you're fine there, but, yeah, six, six. There's probably more challenges, but, man, you're six six.

[Kyle Surviving]

Yeah, but that's, like, kind of. Sometimes guys make that. I mean, listen, technically, I'm a short person here. I'm the shortest one on the pod, but 5, 10, still not that short. What's up? But, like, I. I feel like guys that are 6 5, they make that their entire personality, too. It's like, cool. I'm the tall guy. It's like, all right, well, wow.

[Oregon]

Such a short guy thing to say. I don't like it.

[Ryan Russillo]

Whereas super short guys don't want to make it their personality. Everyone has made it their personality for them.

[Kyle Surviving]

Correct. We have a buddy who's 5 8, and he's definitely the shortest in the group. And, you know, he. He gets the Gimli jokes, and he's like, I'm. I'm. I'm average. I'm the. It's a national average.

[Oregon]

It's like, yeah, he's got stats for that reason, right?

[Ryan Russillo]

Yeah, that's such a. It's such a strange hike because we'll talk about our friend group that's in that height. And guys are like, do you know how tall this guy is? Or, like, who's taller? It's kind of like Stanley in the office. Like, does he have a mustache? Despite working with him forever, you're kind of like, does he not have a mustache? So then we. We were ranking who was shortest to tallest, like, under six feet from that group. And no one knew anyone's height. Like, no one could figure it out. Not that everybody's supposed to have everybody's height memorized in your friend group, but it was. There was just south of a certain number. It was like. I don't know, you know, it was just a big stew of length or lack thereof. So I feel like there was something else that I had to say as far as the personality. I think as my father, six, five. You know, it was obviously very frustrating for me.

[Kyle Surviving]

Not every such a.

[Ryan Russillo]

Everybody thought. Yeah, everybody thought I was going to be that big, you know, like, growing up. And then it was like, I think this guy's 16 and hasn't hit puberty yet, so what the is going on with him? And then I remember I ran into, like, an old coach once. I was in my 20s, and it was, like, totally normal, but I could just tell there was this, like, underlying mist. And he's like, never. You never got to your dad's night?

[Oregon]

Did you hear that in 10 years?

[Ryan Russillo]

Cool.

[Kyle Surviving]

Is he tall? Was he taller than you?

[Ryan Russillo]

Who, the coach?

[Kyle Surviving]

Yeah.

[Ryan Russillo]

No.

[Kyle Surviving]

Oh, I was gonna say, because maybe he was just, like, you know, rubbing.

[Ryan Russillo]

Your face or something, but no, I could just. I could just sense the. Like, you were never that good, you know, like in Caddyshack. I just love when Chevy Chase says that to judge schmails. My dad never liked you. All right. Crickets on that one. Yeah.

[Kyle Surviving]

Yeah. It's been a while.

[Ryan Russillo]

Something more updated. I. I can't talk about Home and Pray and then going to the Fish and Creek for a date. Nothing nice.

[Oregon]

No, that's. That's good. I got that one right away.

[Ryan Russillo]

Okay. Good stuff for the singers out there.

[Oregon]

Those guys are serious, right?

[Ryan Russillo]

Oh, yeah, it has.

[Oregon]

Okay.

[Ryan Russillo]

Just want to make sure, for those who don't know, there's this country duo that's just taking over the Internet right now, and it's. I don't know that I've ever seen a singer who's, like, technically a singer not be sure about being a singer. Yeah. You know what I'm saying?

[Ty Jerome]

Yeah.

[Oregon]

No, I got you. Nailed it.

[Ryan Russillo]

Like, are you sure you want to do this?

[Oregon]

Not because I think you're doing it.

[Ryan Russillo]

So good or bad. Yeah. I mean, those guys did it. They're cutting videos. Look at Ceruti. Kid number two on the way. He has no idea what we're talking about. This is when it goes away, buddy. Sad. All right, a couple more feedback emails. Don't worry, Kyle. I will respect your time. Aspect ratio. Excuse me? The aspect ratio. That's from Brian regarding Cerule's refusal to watch the Wire.

[Ty Jerome]

Yeah, okay.

[Kyle Surviving]

Okay. This has been. This has been totally.

[Ty Jerome]

Still going to do it.

[Ryan Russillo]

All right.

[Kyle Surviving]

Misconstrued quotes taken out of my. Out of things, out of context. You would think that I, like, insulted someone's mom or, like, close family member. Like, I didn't watch the Wire. Dude, I never said that the Wire sucked. I never said that it wasn't a good show. I just said that I tried to watch it 10 years ago. The aspect ratio threw me off, and I have never gone back to it, and people are losing their minds. Like, I, like. People are genuinely angry at me, and I'm like, guys, like, you know, you could. You could type on Reddit all you want about different things. But, like, I didn't say the show sucked. I just haven't seen it because. And I was put off when I was 25 because of the aspect ratio, and I haven't had time to pick it up, and I feel like I missed it. So I just. Maybe I just missed it.

[Ryan Russillo]

For those of us that are screenwriters, you've kind of insulted all of our moms.

[Kyle Surviving]

Oh, here we go.

[Oregon]

It's never too late. The one thing I'll say. It's never too late.

[Ryan Russillo]

No, it's too late. He's not doing it. He's not doing it.

[Kyle Surviving]

I probably won't now. Yeah. Now that I've this backup Godfather one.

[Ryan Russillo]

How far do you make it?

[Kyle Surviving]

Oh, I'm. I'm. I like. Well, the third one obviously is not awesome, but I'm a Godfather guy.

[Ryan Russillo]

How did you make it through it with that sd?

[Kyle Surviving]

I watched it when I was. I mean, I guess it was probably because I watched it when I was, you know, in my, like, early teens. So, like, it wasn't that big of a deal back in the early 2000s. I don't know.

[Ryan Russillo]

Defending Ceruti on the Wire. Aspect ratio. No comps, no stats. 6, 1, 2, 10. I wanted this guy tall. I wanted to chime in and defend serity on the Wire's aspect ratio. I tried to watch it a couple years ago. I couldn't get past the aspect ratio either. It was too distracting and not pulling me in. However, I recently tried again on Max, and guess what? It's in a widescreen format ratio and looks way better. So, Rudy, give it a Shot.

[Kyle Surviving]

I know that.

[Ryan Russillo]

I love how they've gone back and started releasing older shows in wide format. Gives them new life. Love the pod.

[Kyle Surviving]

That's useful. That's actually a very useful email.

[Ryan Russillo]

There we go.

[Kyle Surviving]

Was the Sopranos first season four by three? Yeah, it was okay. Well, I guess I got over that one. I don't know. I've seen Sopranos. I don't know.

[Ryan Russillo]

Good for you battling through that.

[Kyle Surviving]

Yeah. Some people call me a hero, you know.

[Ryan Russillo]

All right. I don't know. We've got a lot of good ones here today.

[Kyle Surviving]

We got time to explore the space, by the way.

[Ryan Russillo]

We do. Okay. I don't know that I would normally do this one, but we'll just do it. Should I apply to be Big Cat's manager? What's up, guys? Five eight, one 55. Can pinch 185 for 6. Basketball comp short Ben Simmons. I'll say this about shorter guys. If you decide to really focus on the arms, they're going to get huge. Seen it firsthand, so that's something.

[Kyle Surviving]

Noted.

[Ryan Russillo]

Yeah.

[Kyle Surviving]

Oh, actually, I do. Quick aside.

[Ryan Russillo]

Remember your arms?

[Kyle Surviving]

Probably two years. Yeah. Two years ago or so people tell me. Great. I don't know that they're bigger. And it's not really the baby thing. It's really when she's like a toddler and, you know, she wants to be held in the morning and she's picky about things. I don't know that there's any girth there. Like, I don't know that we've gotten like a. Like a little bit bigger there on the. On the left bicep. But it certainly feels stronger because I do hold her in my left arm, not my right arm. And I've noticed the left side getting a little bit stronger. So I poo pooed it at first and now I don't. Maybe I'm wrong.

[Ryan Russillo]

I'm with you on it. I mean, I don't understand why doing something that's strenuous physically wouldn't make those limbs a little bit stronger. I don't know. It just seems like science to me. I beat my wife for it the last five times in arm wrestling. Point.

[Oregon]

I was waiting to the end of that sentence.

[Ryan Russillo]

Yeah, I guess I don't know how.

[Kyle Surviving]

Phrasing.

[Ryan Russillo]

Yeah, phrasing. All right, so writing in today for some career advice. I graduated college from a Southern School in 22. Been working in investment banking ever since. Very recently got promoted to associate, which is a nice gig. Slightly less hours with a decent pay raise. Of all the Guys. All the guys at my job are great. We've created a pretty tight knit group. But as you can imagine, the job can be a lot of hours at times. Recently saw an ex that Big Cat is looking for an assistant. I read through the qualifications. I humbly think I would be perfect for the job. I'm well versed in all four major sports, very well organized. Think my current job has prepared me well for whatever I decide to do in the future. I think it'd be a great opportunity to meet a lot of guys, maybe even Ryan one day and do something I generally enjoy doing. Helping one of my favorite media personalities perform his job at the highest level. The only problem is the pay. The job listing says the salary range is 65 to 75k a year. God. For his assistant or his manager, that's pretty.

[Oregon]

He'd probably be assistant, right? Not manager.

[Kyle Surviving]

Yeah, I think it's just I, I read the job description. I actually have seen this and, and it was, it was a lot of things. It was, you know, organizational. It was like partially social media stuff. You know, getting. I think it was like getting him up to date on the topics of the day, the social media trends, so he could take part. Because we know Big Cat loves a good social media trend. So it was, it was an all encompassing Harlem shake.

[Ryan Russillo]

He's doing a video.

[Kyle Surviving]

Yeah, for sure, for sure, for sure. You know, updated coffee memes, things like that.

[Ryan Russillo]

Yeah, yeah. I think it's all pretty straightforward. So 65, 75K range, considerably below what I make this year. Probably make around 250k. That is a pay cut with the ability to continue to grow every year. My friends and I play the game of what I would need to make for this switch to be worth it. And I think my number is a bit higher than that.

[Oregon]

Yeah.

[Ryan Russillo]

My question to you guys. Would you leave a job you like for a job you think you would love for considerably less money? I imagine the interviews are already rolling for this opening. I imagine it's highly coveted job. So more of a thought exercise, but generally curious on the thoughts. So look. He also added that he found our show through the part of my take life advice one that we did. Ryan, how could you prefer chicken breasts to thighs? Kyle didn't understand you at first, but after listening a bunch, I think you're a super cool guy. So, Rudy, I think we gave you truth serum. It would come out that you really don't like Big Cat. So maybe think about this in a vacuum.

[Kyle Surviving]

No, no, no. I do like Big Cat.

[Oregon]

That's like two emails in one.

[Ryan Russillo]

There's a lot going on in that. Damn.

[Oregon]

Which one should we focus on?

[Ryan Russillo]

So he graduated college three years ago and you're already making 250 grand. Bank the money.

[Oregon]

Fast track, dude.

[Ryan Russillo]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Kyle Surviving]

I think you think life is too easy and you're like, should I take a, what, 70% pay cut? No, dude, that's, that's. You kind of, you've kind of hit the jackpot here if that's your salary. I mean, unless you just hate your job. I mean, I don't know what it would be.

[Oregon]

He doesn't though.

[Ryan Russillo]

Yeah.

[Oregon]

He said everyone's great, enjoying life and money and all that stuff. I mean, put it causes. It's not like it costs 50 bucks to submit a back application. Just put, you'll feel better just submitting it. Right. He probably already did by the time he sent this. Right. But yeah, I don't, I couldn't take it. I couldn't take that job. And that's the, that's kind of the going rate. Like when Ryan was talking about the salary, he was like, wow, it's almost a little high to be like somebody's assistant in this type of industry. It's just, if it's your first gig, it's just not going to be good for a while pay wise.

[Ryan Russillo]

So the fact that it already bothers you is a turn off.

[Ty Jerome]

Yeah.

[Oregon]

You might be acting a little different than you think you are once you're like. And what?

[Kyle Surviving]

All this for what?

[Oregon]

Yeah, I don't know. Especially having a taste. If you didn't have a taste and you just were fresh graduating and you're like, I don't know what direction I want to go. Cool, man.

[Will Howard]

Yeah.

[Kyle Surviving]

And then next thing you know, you're going to be on like some live stream that they're doing and like you're going to have to make like 14 free throws or something.

[Will Howard]

Right?

[Ryan Russillo]

Yeah. Look, I see there's a gap here. After you left this firm, what did you do?

[Oregon]

Like, oh, let me say some clips.

[Ryan Russillo]

I pissed my pants in front of.

[Oregon]

A thousand people out.

[Ryan Russillo]

But I'd like million impressions. Yeah. After a year or two of that, I'd like to get back in investment banking. Yeah. The only thing I'm thinking about here is that this guy deep down wants to be on the air. Which way more people want to be. Especially with the fact that, like, if, look, if I were in my early 20s and wanted to be on the air, I'd look around the land. Like when I started it Was kind of like, how the hell is anyone? Like, how do you get started? And again, the irony being that I didn't really even want to be on the air when I first started. But I. You just looked around, you're like, this is impossible. Now it feels like everything is possible. And so Surdy and I have talked a lot about it in the past where, you know, you're working with certain people behind the scenes and then you realize, like, this person doesn't want to be behind the scenes at all. Like, they want to be the scene. And so if you are, you know, deep down somebody who watches some of this stuff, be like, oh, I'd be funny. I'd be. Maybe you would be. So I'm not, you know, dumping I don't know you. So you have to kind of weigh that into the pricing of all of this. Is this actually something where you think, well, you know, if I were part of content and it would be a lot of fun, and this is kind of secretly what I've always really wanted to do, then. Then, yeah, I would say pursue it. Your odds probably aren't great. I imagine there's a ton of applicants for this, but the fact that you're already a little hesitant and it's not like you've sent us this email in where you said you hated your job. So I would strongly advise you to just. It was a funny email, but I'd send it.

[Oregon]

I think you feel better just sending it.

[Ryan Russillo]

Sure. At least you're.

[Oregon]

At least you're not like, man, what if I did do it? So send it.

[Ryan Russillo]

Now that we read this email and he. Big Cat's going to hear that you asked about. Well, not that the pay thing, but he'll probably ask me, hey, can you give me the name? And then I will. And then you won't get it, so. Or I don't know. All right, switching it up. Haunted house purchase. Hey, gang. 31 years old. 5:10, 1:53. Ran a marathon once. Non Disney. So not sure. Accounts worgon. What are you, like six two? Come on.

[Kyle Surviving]

Am I.

[Will Howard]

Am I six two?

[Kyle Surviving]

We know the answer to this. I'm five six.

[Ryan Russillo]

That's right. That's right.

[Oregon]

He said.

[Kyle Surviving]

I didn't like the tone on that. That's right. Yeah, I didn't. That felt. Yeah, I know.

[Ryan Russillo]

I forgot. I legitimately forgot. Then you said it. Because we did this already, didn't we?

[Kyle Surviving]

We did. Yeah, it did. Surprise. We all were surprised that he was 5 6.

[Ryan Russillo]

He's just. I don't know, maybe it's the. Maybe he's the. His aspect ratio is off.

[Kyle Surviving]

There you go.

[Ryan Russillo]

Sorry, man. We'll check in later. Yeah, we'll check in later.

[Kyle Surviving]

Good luck. Heard big cats looking for. For intern.

[Ty Jerome]

Holy shit.

[Ryan Russillo]

Basketball comp. Frickin cork moss. Sorry about the swearing. Same hair, beer. Three point shooting percentage. But only when on Adderall. Make percentage drops to single digits without PEDs. My wife and I Adderall hoops. Adderall. Never even thought about that. My wife and I live in a large Midwest city. Due to the birth of our daughter a few months ago, we're now following the natural path of life and making the big move to the suburbs. We spent the last year or so researching surrounding towns and neighborhoods. We found the perfect neighborhood for raising our kids. Top public schools in state, walkable close by parks. Close proximity to both our families to help with childcare. Man, it looks like you've hit. You've checked all the boxes. In researching this neighborhood, there's only about 12 to 20 houses that typically go to market a year. So very limited of course, competitive inventory. My wife recently saw a home we really loved and contemplating putting in an offer. It has it all fully remodeled inside, which is a huge perk for both of us to try to avoid any near term projects and the headache of a contractor twice your size blowing up the first floor bathroom while you have to bite your tongue and pretend it didn't happen. Great living room for hosting work colleagues for a single Coors Light. A well kept golf course with $10 weekday greens fees right across the street. I bet they'd even accept Kyle's payment of a cooler of beers. It even has a basketball hoop in the driveway so my offspring can learn the same Midwest signature move I did growing up. The strictly right handed dribble and layup. All right, here's a dilemma. We found out through some back channeling that the owner's father passed away in the house a few years back. This is not information.

[Oregon]

Ding, ding ding.

[Ryan Russillo]

You have to disclose in the state we are looking. All right, so hey Ceruti, kind of our side door real estate guy here. Is that something you have to disclose? Somebody dies in the house in some.

[Oregon]

State, there's certain circumstances, right? There's like if it's a murder, but if it's a death, it's if it's just a no foul play or something.

[Kyle Surviving]

So I don't. I think it is a state by state thing. But I will say our last house, the previous owner definitely died in the house and we Were not told that, but they were old.

[Ryan Russillo]

How does it feel?

[Kyle Surviving]

Oh, I don't care. We would joke around that it was, like, maybe kind of haunted because, like, our dog would always kind of look in the corner and be like, oh, it's just like the ghost kind of talking or something or doing its thing. But. But it didn't bother me at all.

[Oregon]

It's a fun game.

[Kyle Surviving]

Yeah, it didn't. It really didn't bother me at all. We kind of knew that because, like, one part. One room in the house was zoned for a different, like, heating situation. Clearly, it was, like, an elderly thing and we were buying it from their siblings. So, like, I think you put two and two together, you kind of figure out what happened. Didn't bother me at all. But they did not have to disclose that in Connecticut.

[Ryan Russillo]

Okay. Yeah.

[Oregon]

I thought it was a murder. Like, if it's a murder, you gotta say. But I think if it's just a.

[Kyle Surviving]

Yeah, yeah, Just Google the house. Exactly. Isn't Bill's house haunted?

[Ryan Russillo]

Any murders here?

[Kyle Surviving]

Yeah, yeah, I think Bill thinks his house is haunted.

[Ryan Russillo]

I can see that, though, in any house he lived in. Like, I think there's something going on here. Yeah. I mean, come on, who are we talking about here? Like, I don't know, just something with the Aztecs. I think for me, this immediately moved the house out of consideration. There's too much of a chance. This house has a spirit, and I'm not sure I could ever look past it or not think about it. My wife, on the other hand, has more of a Bill Simmons mentality. Didn't expect that. And this doesn't scare her at all? I don't know if that's a Bill Simmons mentality. Maybe it doesn't scare. Maybe. I don't know. I haven't heard his ghost coverage. If anything, it's a perk. Her initial reaction was great. Now we have a great negotiation piece to offer at an even lower price and quote. Which is probably true, as you found out. The owner does not want this info public. I, on the other hand, still lose sleep sometimes at night. Watching Paranormal Activity 15 years ago. I have no bigger and irrational fear than the paranormal. So what would you do? This house checks all the boxes for my wife and I, except for the ghost factor. Could you look past it for your dream home? Especially if you get an even better deal with the info? We may not find anything comparable in the near future and need to make a move sooner than later. I'll hang up and listen. Additional context if interested sure, we're here. The home has been on the market for nearly three months, much longer than homes of this price range quality typically do for the area. The person who was deceased died of natural causes and was in hospice care at the time. So likely a peaceful passing. Not sure if this would change your perception of potential spirit and its motives. We also found out my cousin's in laws live next door, which is big news. They already reached out to say they'd love to help out with the little one as their make amazing home cooked meals. So good of their nationality, which is definitely something we couldn't find in our new neighborhood. Very organized email. All right, so go ahead, Surudi. I mean, it sounds like you're on record for saying you've already done it potentially. Don't care.

[Kyle Surviving]

Yeah, I do you guys believe in ghosts?

[Oregon]

Not really, no.

[Ryan Russillo]

I mean, there's. There might be some stuff going on. I just haven't spent a lot of time and will not spend a lot of time in my life worrying about it.

[Kyle Surviving]

I'm not willing to write it off. I think it's kind of unlikely. You know, you see a couple orbs in a picture and you're like, yeah, that's kind of. It's interesting coincidence there. I'm not really afraid of ghosts. You know, if I was, I mean, I watched, what was it, not so much last night. So I'm like, kind of like a little bit on edge. Like last night going to sleep. It was a little bit extended.

[Oregon]

Dropped.

[Kyle Surviving]

Yeah, I didn't. I think I just saw the regular one. But it was good. But yeah, it was like, you know, if I was like really afraid of those things, like, it would probably bother me. And it sounds like that's what our guy, he's like a little bit sensitive to the paranormal activity thing. My thought would be it's kind of cool if you own the haunted house on the block though, isn't it? Like, especially, you know, I guess if it's actually haunted and it's causing your, you know, if it's like a legit, you know, paranormal activity situation, probably not gonna end super well. But like, when's the last time you actually heard of someone that you knew that had that situation go down? So I think it's kind of cool to live in the haunted hat, the perceived haunted house on the neighborhood. And if you're getting a sick deal and it's everything you wanted and I just. What's the worst that happens? You just sell it in six months? If it's like really a Disaster. I mean, you take a little bit of a loss, I guess, but somebody's going to buy the house. Seems like a nice house.

[Ryan Russillo]

So I think the worst that could happen, I'm.

[Kyle Surviving]

What you get possessed.

[Ryan Russillo]

All right, yeah, that'd be the worst.

[Kyle Surviving]

Probably seems unlikely, but, you know.

[Oregon]

Yeah, Kyle, I mean, I'm the only one here who hasn't bought a house. I mean, maybe I wouldn't be surprised to know if Wargon like, close out a house sophomore year somewhere in Orlando. Like, we just would just learn that about him. But I. I think he's an apartment guy in New York right now. But I don't. I don't really know. I think I would just be looking for an edge when it comes to making a big purchase like that. So this would be a. All green lights for me, especially walking across the street to the golf course and, you know, what do you say? He's got a hoop and all. It's just.

[Will Howard]

It's perfect.

[Oregon]

It's perfect. Neighbors next door, you know, built in childcare community you got there. This is a one for me. I would be like, this is all green lights. Your wife's into it. You don't have to do it. You're the one who has to, like, be convinced. Just be convinced. Convince yourself. You can convince yourself of anything.

[Ryan Russillo]

I really want to hear worgon talk about ghosts. So can you. I have no idea where it's going to go, as always, but if you could turn this back on. Where are you on ghost and home properties?

[Kyle Surviving]

I've talked about this with my fiance already. We're in. Like, if someone dies in the house, like, that's the one I want. Just because. Makes it cheaper. Makes it cheaper. And then if it turns out that it actually is haunted, I feel like you've 10x your investment because someone's gonna want that.

[Ryan Russillo]

Well, yeah, but you just said you'd get it for a lower price. And now you get the fully haunted experience.

[Kyle Surviving]

You're gonna be able to sell it to some. Some weirdos for a lot more.

[Oregon]

Like if you can get a certificate from some.

[Ryan Russillo]

But by the way, I'm sure you could get some lady to show up to your house and be like, oh.

[Oregon]

Yeah, yeah, oh, yeah, this is a problem. It's gonna take a few sessions.

[Ryan Russillo]

Yeah, I just need 75 bucks certificate that this place is officially haunted, you know, and then it would be some fake thing. All right, well, thanks for that. Look, man, some people really don't like ghosts. And I can, I can understand, like his trepidation but it sounds like this box, or, excuse me, this house checks every single possible box and even some that you didn't even think that you needed checked. I don't know. I mean, if it's been on the market for longer because people kind of know, you might want to watch out. Like, because if I were selling a house and my father had just died in it, and a potential buyer were like, well, your dad died in it, so here's 100 grand less, I may just, out of spite, you just say, I don't care how much longer it takes for me to sell this house, I'm not selling it to you because you're going to try to use that against me. I mean, look what you're going to do and what your realtor is going to say to them. Because if you tell your realtor, hey, can we offer less because the father died in the house, your realtor is going to tell their realtor, who then may or may not tell the homeowner, but they're all just going to talk to each other the entire time. So I would go for it just because it's not going to freak me out that much. There's a really good chance you move in and, like, nothing happens. Right. Like, how high is that percentage? The other thing, too, that I've noticed.

[Oregon]

I'd say high 90s.

[Ryan Russillo]

Yeah. Yeah, high 90s. It does feel like high 90s is the number here. Because the other thing, though, is that people that are super into the ghost deal. I have a friend, Tim, who bought a house, and it's a much older house in a really cool neighborhood. And he was so excited to show it to me and then told me about all the ghost stuff. But he also is a ghost guy. He watches all those terrible shows. Like, those shows are always so confusing and you're never sure. Yeah, right. Like, what just happened? Oh, man, I'm getting crazy activity reads over here. Yeah, there could have been a death. Yeah, I agree. And then he's just like, what the fuck is this show?

[Kyle Surviving]

We've never seen these levels before.

[Ryan Russillo]

Yeah. Yes.

[Oregon]

Nice. Nice.

[Ryan Russillo]

Perfectly said. I. I know that. And by. By the way, as an aside, on these shows in general alone is a great show. I just watched an episode. The guy made it one night. If you can only make it one night, signing up for a loan, you. Or signing up for. Yeah, right. You should have to pay some kind of fine.

[Oregon]

Like a restocking fee.

[Ryan Russillo]

Yeah, yeah, exactly. I just could not believe the guy made it a night and then tapped Out. And he was like a real. It wasn't.

[Oregon]

What was it, like bugs or something?

[Ryan Russillo]

Like, just I missed his daughter. Oh. Started bawling his eyes out. Okay.

[Kyle Surviving]

Day one.

[Oregon]

I always think it'd be kind of fun until, like, they wake up in the morning and they've just been eaten alive at night. And it's like just 19 more nights of this. I was like, 19. Well, I don't know how long they stay, but, you know, I just couldn't imagine, like the foreseeable future and just be like, well, hope it's not this bad when I wake up tomorrow. Like, I just. Aside from being hungry and, you know, finding, you know, getting out of the rain or whatever, just the. Just the laying there for bugs at night, depending on the bugs, I think.

[Ryan Russillo]

Yeah, I mean, that'd be a tough first night. But you couldn't go back to your village, your town, city, wherever you're from, and then be like, yeah, I made it one night. You know, like, I understand, even without having kids, like, you're gonna miss your kids. But what did you think you were signing up for? You couldn't handle that one night? I would be. Because then I think about how I would do on it and I wouldn't do well. I'd get so upset that I'm gonna lose all of this weight. I'd come out of that thing like £180. I'd be fine with the alone thing. Maybe no one would be more prepared for that than me. I wouldn't miss anyone. So I wouldn't, I wouldn't. Yeah, maybe Cerutty, but I wouldn't. Day four. Yeah. Looking at a picture of Serdy crying, being like, come pick me up.

[Kyle Surviving]

Yeah, I can't do this.

[Ryan Russillo]

I can't, I can't do it.

[Kyle Surviving]

But yeah, I think it'd be more like, wizards, Pistons are on. I cannot miss this for the third day in a row.

[Ryan Russillo]

I actually went to watch the Pistons game last night and I. Because it was the last one of the docket and then Harden was just a free throw fest and I go, I'm gonna watch this. The morning I got to fast forward through this. I cannot watch Harden take 20 free throws. I know he had 50. I know they won. Congrats to the Clippers. But I. Watching Harden take 20 free throws with all the. I, I was like, do not make this a live 2 hour plus experience. Cut down on the experience because you know how frustrated and upset you're going to get. I think ghost people see ghosts more than non ghost People, you know what I'm saying, they want to see stuff. They do. Was that chair there before? Just like the TV shows. And if you're not a ghost person, you're probably never going to have any of those experiences. So I would say go for it. And if. Yeah, if it. Is anybody else haunted, though, you know, get out.

[Kyle Surviving]

There's one, there's one element of this that. That doesn't make any sense, though. He's saying that the. It's been on the market for three months long, you know, whatever, way longer than anything else. Is that in that neighborhood, the price may be potentially going down, but people don't. He's the one that found out about the ghost and nobody else knows about that. Wouldn't that suggest that there's some other problem with the house?

[Ryan Russillo]

We don't know that there is a ghost. We know there's a potential ghost scenario that.

[Kyle Surviving]

That the current owner doesn't want to make be made public that the father.

[Ryan Russillo]

Died in the house.

[Kyle Surviving]

Yeah. So other people don't know that. So that. That wouldn't be driving. That wouldn't be the reason the house is sitting there for three months now.

[Ryan Russillo]

You're talking. You're talking like a real estate agent. Why is this thing still on the market? Or does everybody, you know, does everybody actually already know? Okay, good luck with the ghosts and with your mortgage paperwork. Okay. Which is more horrifying than any ghost. Thanks to Kyle. Thanks Siri. Thanks to Oregon. Thanks to Jonathan Frius. You can check us out full video episodes on Spotify, of course on YouTube. We're going to have a new mail it in Friday for you coming up next week. And as always, subscribe. Run Rissolo podcast Bringer. Spotify must be 21 and older. Present in select states. For Kansas in affiliation with Kansas Star Casino or 18/ plus and present in D.C. gambling problem, call 1-800- gambler or visit rg-help.com, call 888-789-7-77 or visit ccpg.org chat in Connecticut or visit MD gambling help.org in Maryland. Hope is here. Visit Gambling Helpline ma.org or call 800-327-5050. For 24. 7 support Massachusetts or call 1-877-8-HOPE NY or text HOPE NY in New York.