The Stephen A. Smith Show – Episode Summary

Release Date: February 8, 2025
Title: Full Show: Big Game Week Guests, “We Rich” Nephew Josh, Super Bowl QB Drew Brees, and Pennsylvania Governor Shapiro
Hosts: Stephen A. Smith and iHeartPodcasts

1. Introduction and Super Bowl Preview (01:11 – 02:52)

Stephen A. Smith kicks off the show from New Orleans, highlighting the excitement surrounding Super Bowl 59. He discusses the historic matchup between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles, emphasizing the Chiefs' potential to become the first team in Super Bowl history to win three consecutive titles. Smith shares key statistics, noting that since Week 5, the Eagles boast a 15-1 record with a +27 turnover margin and an average game-winning margin of 13.8 points.

Notable Quote:
"There's history on the line for the Chiefs, who will become the first team in Super Bowl history to win three in a row." – Stephen A. Smith [01:25]

2. Humorous Exchange with Nephew Dan Orlovsky (02:52 – 08:03)

In a light-hearted segment, Stephen engages in a playful banter with his nephew, Dan Orlovsky. The conversation revolves around Dan's sudden appearance, his choice of attire, and playful jabs about hairstyles and personal habits. This segment adds a comedic flair to the show, showcasing Stephen's ability to mix humor with sports commentary.

Notable Quotes:
"You gonna get your ass kicked on a Friday. You gonna pick up my tea, man?" – Stephen A. Smith [03:12]
"I just put on that chemtrail," – Dan Orlovsky [03:56]
"Respect your uncle, boy." – Stephen A. Smith [07:24]

3. Super Bowl Picks and Predictions (08:03 – 12:53)

Stephen transitions into the core content, presenting his Super Bowl predictions. He analyzes player performances and team strategies, offering his insights on key matchups. Daniel Orlovsky shares his perspective, supporting the Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes as potential MVP candidates. The discussion delves into statistical analyses and team dynamics, providing listeners with a comprehensive preview of the upcoming game.

Notable Quotes:
"Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles are going to win. Philadelphia Eagles win the Super Bowl championship." – Stephen A. Smith [09:12]
"Patrick Mahomes is the goat. I have him ahead of everybody." – Stephen A. Smith [13:28]

4. Interview with Drew Brees – Insights from a Legendary Quarterback (24:36 – 43:53)

Guest: Drew Brees – Former NFL quarterback, 13-time Pro Bowler, Super Bowl MVP

Stephen welcomes Drew Brees, who shares reflections on his illustrious career, his decision to retire, and his enduring love for the game. Brees discusses the evolution of the quarterback position, emphasizing the shift towards versatile, multi-threat quarterbacks like Jalen Hurts and Patrick Mahomes. He offers a detailed analysis of the Super Bowl matchup, praising both teams' strengths and outlining his predictions.

Key Discussion Points:

• Career Reflections: Brees talks about his 28-year journey in football, highlighting his commitment to continuous improvement and leadership.

  "Every decision that I was making was with me being the best football player, best quarterback, best leader that I could be for my team in mind." – Drew Brees [25:35]

• Super Bowl Predictions: Brees predicts a close game, favoring the Eagles due to their robust defense and balanced offense.

  "I kind of think Philadelphia might win this game. Saquon Barkley wasn't on the squad two years ago... I believe they are the better team top to bottom." – Drew Brees [31:39]

• Future Quarterbacks: Brees praises emerging talents like Joe Burrow and C.J. Stroud, discussing their potential impact on the NFL.

  "Joe Burrow is the guy first to mind because I know the offense he came up in and I know from what I've watched this year, he's got those traits." – Drew Brees [33:14]

Notable Quotes:
"Patrick Mahomes is special. He's going to sit on the sidelines with a lead, praying his defense is going to stop Philly." – Stephen A. Smith [11:50]
"It's the evolution of the game, and now these quarterbacks have evolved with it." – Drew Brees [29:26]
"Jalen Hurts has a fire burning inside him. He wants respect. He wants respect." – Drew Brees [35:20]

5. Conversation with Governor Josh Shapiro – Leadership and Team Strategy (47:06 – 54:26)

Guest: Josh Shapiro – 48th Governor of Pennsylvania

In the final segment, Stephen interviews Governor Josh Shapiro, delving into his perspectives on leadership, team dynamics, and the Super Bowl. Shapiro discusses the importance of a strong offensive and defensive line, emphasizing the Eagles' strategy to control the game's tempo through a powerful run game led by Saquon Barkley.

Key Discussion Points:

• Team Strategy: Shapiro highlights the Eagles' focus on early momentum and efficient scoring to constrain the Chiefs' explosive offense.

  "I want Barkley just pounding through their defensive line over and over again. So we got to set the tone early." – Josh Shapiro [49:23]

• Impact of Loss: Reflecting on past defeats, Shapiro underscores the emotional and cultural significance of the Super Bowl for Philadelphia fans.

  "Philly has more to lose in this game because I feel like Philly is the better team top to bottom." – Josh Shapiro [37:58]

• Community and Resilience: Shapiro shares anecdotes about Philadelphia's community spirit, particularly in times of crisis, drawing parallels to the team's resilience on the field.

  "Philly folks, you know, they're tough to come around and love you, but when they do, they hold on to you and they're there for you. It's extraordinary." – Josh Shapiro [53:03]

Notable Quotes:
"We wear our emotions on our sleeves, and we care deeply about this team." – Josh Shapiro [53:03]
"Philly is a city that lives and breathes its Philadelphia Eagles, and it's extraordinary." – Josh Shapiro [49:02]

Conclusion

Stephen A. Smith wraps up the episode by reiterating his Super Bowl predictions, favoring the Philadelphia Eagles with a final score prediction of 34-30. The show encapsulates a blend of humor, in-depth sports analysis, and insightful interviews, making it a comprehensive resource for listeners gearing up for the Super Bowl.

Final Prediction:
"I got the Eagles winning 34-30." – Stephen A. Smith [51:54]

Summary Highlights

• Super Bowl Insight: Comprehensive analysis of Chiefs vs. Eagles, focusing on team strengths, key players, and strategic approaches.
• Guest Expertise: Drew Brees offers a seasoned quarterback's perspective on the evolving NFL landscape and Super Bowl strategies.
• Leadership Lessons: Governor Josh Shapiro ties leadership principles to team dynamics, emphasizing the importance of early game momentum and community resilience.
• Engaging Dialogue: Playful interactions with nephew Dan Orlovsky add a relatable and entertaining dimension to the show.

This episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show provides listeners with expert opinions, strategic game breakdowns, and engaging conversations, all centered around the anticipation of Super Bowl 59.