Travis Kelce (15:34)

More.

Stephen A. Smith (15:34)

Because that's what we do at prospect. We try to put more money in your pocket. You feel me? My guest is a former college football player and content creator with expertise in college football and the National Football League. He hosts the new up show on YouTube. Please welcome prize picks partner, the one and only Adam Brennaman. What's going on, Adam? How are you? You see my picks up there? You see my NFL picks up there? What are your thoughts, my man?

Adam Brennaman (16:00)

What's up, Stephen? Appreciate having me on, man. My. My favorite pick you got is the Jaden Daniels Moore. I mean, Jaden Daniels is playing on a whole different level right now. You know, the. The thing that J does is when he can run the football the way he does with his legs is it takes that extra defender out of the box, and then that commander's offense is putting him in that second down and short, third down and short situation, which, you know, yeah, that's where quarterbacks can thrive, man, because they got the threat of you can run the football, the defense has to play the run, and then Jaden's able to take off with his legs or throw the football down the field. Man, that Cliff Kingsbury Jaden Daniels combo is a match made in heaven right now.

Stephen A. Smith (16:36)

You. You have any issue with me going with more with CJ Stroud?

Adam Brennaman (16:40)

No, I like it. I like it. I mean, I. The. The. The only one I'm a little nervous about is the Patrick Mahomes play or more. I mean, the chief starters haven't played in three in three weeks. Now, the chief starters have been on the. They, they. But listen, they. They haven't played to be a little rusty. Are they going to come out swinging on the first two, three drives of the game? I mean, you know, if. If he doesn't play well in the first, second quarter of this game, that may be hard to hit that number, that, that, that on the moron passing yards for him. So. But that's the only one that's a little shaky.

Stephen A. Smith (17:09)

Why, why wouldn't they, Adam? We've been off three weeks. Or they should come out swinging. They gonna be spread, spry, healthy, had enough time in the hot tub, the sauna, the cold plunge, and everything else in between. They're good to go. They should come out there with fresh legs. They Ain't sore. They ain't been beat up. They might be a bit rusty, but they could work off that rust instantly. Looking to air it out. What did you say?

Adam Brennaman (17:31)

Yeah, but the thing is, that passing game is all about timing, man. And. And you. You get three weeks off. You get three weeks off. It may not click the way everyone thinks it's going to in the first quarter of that game. So I think Mahomes will play well, but taking more on his passing yards in the. In the first time he's playing in a few weeks, I'm a little shaky on that one overall. I like the picks, though.

Stephen A. Smith (17:51)

Let me ask you this before I let you. Before I move on from this subject, who you got winning these games?

Adam Brennaman (17:56)

Man, I like. I. I got the Eagles winning. Okay. I like. At the end of the day, man, the. The way Jaden Daniels is playing, I like the Commanders to win.

Stephen A. Smith (18:05)

You're picking the Commanders to beat Detroit?

Adam Brennaman (18:08)

Yes, I. I like. I like the Commanders to beat Detroit.

Hunter (18:11)

Yeah.

Adam Brennaman (18:12)

And it all to me. It all to me comes down to how well the Commanders have been playing on offense. And then for Detroit and Jared Goff, listen, it's been. It's been a Cinderella story for a long time. Everyone. Everyone's riding the Lions wave right now. Everyone's talking about how great they are. All the love around Dan Campbell, it's too much for me, man. It's too much. It's time that we get a big upset in one of these games, and it's going to be the Commanders.

Stephen A. Smith (18:35)

Well, how big of an upset would be if you got 13 to 15 dudes on injured reserve? But that's a subject for another day. Let me switch to college football because I can't believe that Notre Dame is going to be playing for the national championship. But give Marcus Freeman all the credit in the world for doing what he has done. You see my picks up there? Riley Leonard, Will Howard. You see, you know, love there as well, of course. Trayvon Henderson. I mean, any issues with the picks that I picked right there for you?

Adam Brennaman (19:04)

No, I like it. I mean, first Will Howard. How about the. The free square from prize picks? You know, 0.5 yards for will Howard. No one's doing it like prize picks right now. That's a freebie. I mean, that's the thing that's a little bit shaky. A little bit shaky is just the Riley Leonard passing yards. You know, how does Notre Dame throw the football against a Ohio State secondary? That. That's been playing really well. And Riley Leonard, here's The matchup I'm watching Riley Leonard when he's playing against the blitz is one of the best in the country. Riley Leonard against drop back when a team can. When the defense drops 7 into coverage, only rushes 4 is one of the worst in the country. He's bad when teams aren't blitzing him. That's true, because he's not comfortable in the pocket like that. So Ohio State now doesn't blitz that much. So it's going to put Riley Leonard in a position where he's going to have to try to win the game with his arm. If I'm Notre Dame, I'm getting Ryan Leonard out of that pocket. Let him create with his legs. Let them make some things happen on the perimeter. I'm a little bit nervous about how well Riley Leonard can really complete passes in this game. I think that'll be the struggle and it's why I have Ohio State winning the game.

Stephen A. Smith (20:06)

How do you feel about Ohio State, Notre Dame, rather its defense against Ohio State's offense? I mean, with the weapons that them brothers had, it's Smith and Igbuka and Henderson and those boys. How is Notre Dame going to stop them?

Adam Brennaman (20:20)

For Notre Dame, the key is going to come down to tackling in space. Listen, Notre Dame plays cover one. I mean, you know, man to man coverage. It's cat coverage, right? You cover that cat and that and that's who you got. They play that cover 1:1 high safety. And Ohio State doesn't face a ton of COVID one because they got those freak receivers. Jeremiah Smith, a Mecca, Buka, Carnell Tate. So that matchup against these Ohio State receivers will be the key to the game. If you want to play man coverage though, for Notre Dame, you better be great at tackling the guy who has the ball. That's what it all comes down to. Can Notre Dame tackle in space? If Ohio State has big plays, it's going to be because Notre Dame missed some tackles, not because Notre Dame was out of position.

Stephen A. Smith (20:57)

But, but, but Adam, I'm asking you, can they, can they, cat, can they tackle in space?

Adam Brennaman (21:02)

Yeah, I think they will. I have this game being very close. I think Notre Dame keeps it tight. I think, I think they, they're able to stop some of Ohio State's run game. Listen, Ohio State's offense wasn't even that good against Texas. They had 14 points. And then you add on a 90 yard defensive touchdown and he had on a 75 yard screenplay before the half. That was kind of a fluke play. This Ohio State offense wasn't clicking real well against, against Texas. I think Notre Dame will be able to slow them down and I think it's a really tight back and forth ball game. I have Ohio State winning probably 24, 20, but Notre Dame keeps this one close. The key to Ohio State is going to be their star receiver, Jeremiah Smith. Man, he's going to have to have a big day as an offensive coordinator. Chip Kelly, you're judged in these games by how well your best player plays. Jeremiah Smith's the best player on the field. He needs to have a big afternoon.

Stephen A. Smith (21:48)

See for me, Adam, I'm going to let you go, but I want to go by saying this. I think if it's close, it's Notre Dame. I, I think Ohio State, I got Ohio State winning the national championship, but I got them winning comfortably pulling away in the fourth quarter. I'm just of the mindset that the closer it is, the more palms will get sweaty and backsides will get tight because all the pressure will be on Ohio State. Cause Notre Dame has absolutely, positively nothing to lose because nobody expected them to be in this position. That's just where I'm at with it. Adam, I appreciate man, you, you, you coming on prize pick segment. Thank you so much. I appreciate the breakdown, my brother. Thank you.

Adam Brennaman (22:22)

Appreciate me on all right, the one.

Stephen A. Smith (22:25)

And only Adam Brennaman prize picks partner. Man knows what he's talking about. I hear him loud and clear. 24:20. Damn, I'm scared now. I'm scared for Ohio State. Now. I really.

Mark Seale (22:33)

I'm Hunter, host of Hunting for Answers on the Black Effect Podcast Network. Join me every weekday as I share bite sized stories of missing and murdered black women and girls in America. There are several ways we can all do better at protecting black women. My contribution is shining a light on our missing sisters and amplifying their disregarded stories. Stories like Tameka Anderson. As she drove toward Galvez, she was in contact with several people talking on the phone as she made her way to what should have been a routine transaction. But Tameka never bought the car and she never returned home that day. One podcast, one mission. Save our girls. Join the search as we explore the chilling cases of missing and murdered black women and girls. Listen to Hunting for Answers every weekday on the Black Effect Podcast Network, iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

Stephen A. Smith (23:36)

I'm Mark Seale.

Travis Kelce (23:37)

And I'm Nathan King.

Stephen A. Smith (23:38)

This is Leave the Gun, Take the Cannoli. The five families did not want us.

Travis Kelce (23:42)

To shoot picture Leave the Gun, Take the Cannoli is based on my co host Mark's best selling book of the same title. And on this show we call upon his years of research to help unpack the story behind the Godfather's birth. From start to finish, this is really.

Hunter (23:56)

The first interview I've done in bed.

Travis Kelce (23:59)

We sift through innumerable accounts. 35 pages isn't very much, many of them conflicting.

Stephen A. Smith (24:05)

That's nonsense.

Travis Kelce (24:06)

There were 60 pages and try to get to the truth of what really happened.

Stephen A. Smith (24:09)

And they said we're finished. This is over. Not only is not going to work, you got to get rid of those guys. It's a disaster.

Travis Kelce (24:15)

Leave the Gun, Take the Cannoli features new and archival interviews with Francis Ford Coppola, Robert Evans, James Caan, Talia Scheier and many others.

Stephen A. Smith (24:24)

Yes, that was the real horse's head.

Travis Kelce (24:27)

Listen and subscribe to Leave the Gun. Take the Cannoli on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Stephen A. Smith (24:35)

Yeah. Oh my goodness. I couldn't wait to have my next guest. My brother from another mother. It's been a while, baby. It's been a while. But I mean, we're talking about a future hall of Famer at the tight end spot. One of the greatest to have ever played the game. The one and only Travis Kelce of the reigning two time defending super bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs. What's up, big time? How you doing, man?

Hunter (24:59)

Man, it's so good to be on here with you. It's been too long, man. It's been too long. I miss you, big guy.

Stephen A. Smith (25:04)

I miss you too. I'm just saying, I mean, damn, times have changed. I mean, the brother got the new heights podcast got damn near 3 million subscribers. You're about to win another super. I mean, everywhere I turn around, I'm like, he's living the good life. How is life treating Travis Kelce these days, man?

Hunter (25:21)

Man, I can't complain about a single thing. I, I wouldn't if I could, but I, I just, I'm enjoying playing football right now at the, at the highest level. You know, we're back at it. Punch started ticking into the dance and we're rocking and rolling, baby.

Stephen A. Smith (25:34)

You know what? I applaud your response because I thought the response that you gave to people that were acting as if y'all were running from or avoiding playing it, wishing that you couldn't play the. But the Cincinnati Bengals. I'm like, excuse me. Yeah, he should have cursed the entire football world out for saying such a thing. Are you shocked that Even after all the success that you guys have had, that you have people still chirping about y'all along the lines of something like.

Hunter (26:00)

That, you know, you would think that Andy Reid has gotten the respect from the rest of the league, that every single time he's. He's on the football field, he's playing to win the game. You know, obviously, we have bigger fish to fry, and. And at that point, you know, getting healthy and ready for this, this final stretch, was the biggest thing. But Coach Reed, anytime he's there, he's making sure he's motivating and. And challenging guys to be at the best and go out there and play a. You know, play a game to win it. And so I think, you know, everybody's gonna chirp and say what they want, but I know the integrity of the team here, and we were going out there to win that game.

Stephen A. Smith (26:35)

Well, listen, my point is, I don't. I certainly would not accuse y'all of losing on purpose or whatever, but I was discussed. I said 5. First down to the whole damn game. I'm like, good lord, have mercy. I mean, I expected better than that for the third unit, for crying out loud. But it is what it is at the end. At the end of the day, y'all are reigning two time defending super bowl champions. Do you believe y'all have a better chance of winning this year than you did last year or even the year before?

Hunter (26:57)

You know, setting ourselves up with the. With the one seed, having. Having everybody have to come through Arrowhead? I think this year, it was such a different. It was such a different team, such a different feel. We. We were barely winning football games at the end of the game, so there is always that. That feeling of, we got to be better, we got to be better, we got to be better. And right now, we're playing our best football, man. And I'm definitely feeling confident, confident as heck that this team can make a run at it.

Stephen A. Smith (27:24)

Confidence. There's no reason it shouldn't be there. Travis. But I got to ask this question. When you consider the fact that y'all have home field advantage and the road to the super bowl has to come through Arrowhead Stadium, I know that's a plus, but one could easily juxtapose that to saying there's a bit more pressure, because last year, after beating Miami, they had no chance against y'all. With the minute the meteorologist said it was going to be the freezing temperatures, I knew Miami was done. They had no chance. Okay. But then after that, you go up Against Buffalo. In Buffalo, you beat them. You go to the AFC championship game. Against Baltimore. In Baltimore, you beat them. So looking at that, could one make the argument that there's even more pressure on y'all now to be the first three Pete super bowl champions in NFL history? But you got home field advantage. So if you could win on the road last year, why wouldn't you be able to win at home this year?

Hunter (28:10)

You know, I don't think anybody challenges me more than me. You know, I put the expectations on myself and this team more than anybody could put it on, put it on us. And that being said, you know, I, like you were saying, I've won in someone else's stadium and I've won in my stadium. I've also lost in my stadium. So handling this situation the right way, playing, playing with the momentum of the crowd, not letting the, you know, the game get too big and, and, and, and, you know, I think the, the biggest thing is when you have home field advantage, you got to set the tone early. You got to set the tone early, come out hot and, and let the crowd be a part of it. Give them something to get riled up for and cheer for and let the other team feel like they're in a hostile environment. But, you know, it's, it's, it's all mentality, man. It's all mentality what we're doing out on the field. We love Arrowhead and how crazy it gets, but we know we got to handle business on the field.

Stephen A. Smith (29:03)

And by the way, I got to throw myself on a sword. Let America know, damn it. I mean, you my brother from another mother. But I've lied to you for years. I've been telling you I'm going to get to Arrowhead Stadium and I haven't done it yet. So I. Come on, man, I messed up. Come on, man, it's on me. It's saw me. I got to get the freezing ass Arrowhead Stadium. But let me, let me ask you this, and I say this. Half, half, you know, playing halfway playing. When you gonna stop lying to the American public and telling them you thinking about retirement? I know you're 35 years of age, you just completed your 12th season, but damn, 97 catches, 823 receiving yards. Okay, I'm looking at you this year. I'm Andy Reid ain't going nowhere. Patrick Mahomes damn sure ain't going nowhere. The Arrowhead faithful ain't going anywhere. What you doing talking about? You might, you might contemplate retirement for.

Hunter (29:48)

I, I, I It changes every single day, man. I love everything that I'm doing in this building, but at the end of the day, you know, I'm not having that, that extreme success on the field as I, as I have individually, man. But I'm excited. I'm excited for these next couple games that, to play up at Arrowhead to finish this season off and I'll reevaluate it like I always do and I'll probably tell myself how much I love this thing and I'll come back next year. But it's just, it's something that you have to, you have to keep into perspective, man. And, and I, I never want to get to the point where I'm not helping this team win or I'm, I'm hurting this team more than I'm helping this team. So as long as I'm coming out here playing good football and enjoying coming into the building every day with my guys, you'll see me in a chief's uniform.

Stephen A. Smith (30:33)

Well, let me remind you of some stats. I just want to throw this out at you. Last year you had 93 receptions. This year you had 97. Now you had about 984 receiving yards. This year's in the eight figures. I get that part. Then the playoffs arrived, Travis, and you had 32 receptions for 355 yards. Okay. I mean, I don't see the kind of drop off that you're alluding to. Educate football lovers out there about what it is that you think you might be missing. Missing now compared to what you may have had last year and years prior that has you contemplating stuff on a day to day basis.

Hunter (31:10)

Well, the biggest thing is, is some of the most fun you ever have in this game is having the ball in your hands. And that being said, making guys miss was something I always prided myself on and really like that was the staple. You know, I made the, I made the play more than what he was supposed to get. So if, if I got a deep cross at 18 yards, I'm not just catching the ball and getting tackled. I'm turning that 18 yard gain into a 20, 30, 40 plus yard gain. And over the past years, being able to make guys miss just, it's, it's gotten a little bit tougher. And whether or not they just know my moves and I got to switch it up or I gotta, you know, break through tackles or find another way to trick them so I can make a mess, but that's the biggest thing is, is being able to make guys miss in space and getting Those extra yards that aren't necessarily in the scheme.

Stephen A. Smith (31:57)

Of the play, you're confiding in me about it. So it's safe to assume it's a conversation you've had with Andy Reid, it's a conversation you've had with Patrick Mahomes. What have they told you about what they see from you out on the field?

Hunter (32:09)

You know, I haven't really talked to anybody about this. You know, I think I'm still enjoying playing the game. And when I'm in the building, I'm working to get better. Working to get, you know, those, that extra, you know, strength or that extra quickness to be able to make guys miss. It's not. It's a non stop, like, staircase of success here. And week in, week out, Coach Reed has challenged us. Our tight end room has challenged me to do more of that throughout the season. Get more than what we're just getting on the catch. And it's a focus. It's a focus that is, that's been there since, since, since I've got here in Kansas City. And you know, I'm, I'm not contemplating it too much, but at the same time, I'm always trying to be better than I am right now.

Stephen A. Smith (32:51)

Well, I'm, I got, I got a personal complaint from my brother from another mother. I got a personal complaint right here, and I'm gonna tell you what it is. Travis, you know, when you used to go in the end zone, I mean, my brother got flavor. You understand? All white dudes don't have this kind of flavor that this brother has of Travis Kelce and the dances that you would come up with in the end zone. I mean, that stuff was epic. I think you kind of dialed that back a little bit. And dare I say, you got a little bit conservative. Might be a spike here. You might slap a high five. I don't see the flavor, the celebrations, the dance moves that you used to rock anymore. I understand you ain't catching a whole bunch of touchdowns. I get that part. You got other people to do that for you. But you still get in the end zone from time to time, and I know you're gonna do it in the playoffs. What's up with that? What happened to that flavor, bro?

Hunter (33:36)

I mean, you know what? I think you just called my. Called me out, man. I think I need to get back to it. I think I need to get back to it. Matter of fact, the next one I get in there, I'll make sure I. I get jiggy for you, man. Right? It's definitely a part of just loving the game, man. Enjoying the game and. And having the showmanship to play with the crowd and play with our. The teammates and. And the excitement after you score a touchdown. So I think you just. You know what? You might get me back into my old way.

Stephen A. Smith (34:00)

Damn right. Get back in your own way. That way you're gonna stay a few more years in Kansas City. You don't need to go nowhere. Listen, we don't need. We don't need to be a Tyree Kill. I know that's your former teammate and you love him, but I got love for Tyree Kill. I think he's one. I love him to death because I think he's elite. I personally believe the biggest mistake. How do you leave Patrick Mahomes? How do you leave Patrick Mahomes? You want to get the money, but if you're going to leave and you're going to get the money, Travis, you can't go out and say your next quarterback is going to be comparable to Patrick Mahomes. Could you at least give me that. Could you at least give me that, Travis? At least that.

Hunter (34:32)

You know. You know we love the Cheetah, right? And he was. He was. He was being a good teammate is what he was being. So I respect him saying it, and he was being hopeful. And Tua came out and had an unbelievable year last year. Obviously, he's had the concussions and everything, but there's nobody like Patrick Mahomes. And everybody knows that. Right? But he was just being a good teammate, trying to shout out his new qb. We miss the guy. And. And I still love him to death, man. The Cheetah will forever be one of the most explosive players that have ever played this game and. And a true brother to me, man.

Stephen A. Smith (35:02)

Right. Well, listen, man, let me. Let me get a little personal with you right here, because you and I have known each other for years. I got a lot of love for you. You know me. I don't ask a bunch of questions. I ain't gonna ask one. I ain't gonna ask a bunch of questions now, but we're gonna get a little personal here for a second. How's life, my brother? I mean, Travis Kelsey, off the football field, you. You. You living a little bit better than most. I mean, I mean, could you explain in general?

Hunter (35:25)

I'm enjoying all aspects of life. That's for damn sure, man. Are happy. And I couldn't be happier to. To have that, you know, that confidence and that comfort off the field and all the support I could Ever ask for in the stadium, man.

Stephen A. Smith (35:39)

Yo, Travis, I got a confession to make, bro.

Hunter (35:41)

What's that, bro?

Stephen A. Smith (35:42)

I never really listened to her music, but before I went to her concert. Yo, Travis, it's the greatest conference I've ever been to in my life.

Hunter (35:52)

It's off the chain, isn't it?

Stephen A. Smith (35:54)

I couldn't believe it. It's the greatest concert I ever been to in my life. I mean, and my daughters hoodwinked me because they got me to take 10 of their friends. And that was 2,000 a pop. I spent $20,000 on that damn concert. $20,000.

Hunter (36:07)

It's resale, by the way. That's resale.

Stephen A. Smith (36:09)

I ain't got your money. I ain't got your money, Travis. I ain't got. I damn sure I don't have her money. I can't. I couldn't. I said, this better be worth it. And I gotta confess, it was so damn good. I went back twice, Stephen. They spent.

Hunter (36:22)

Oh, yeah, you went nice.

Stephen A. Smith (36:23)

I went twice. I went to two Taylor Swift concerts, bro. Two Taylor Swift.

Hunter (36:28)

She had you singing along the second time you started to pick up on something.

Stephen A. Smith (36:31)

And dancing. And dancing. Ain't that something? Ain't that something? With that being said, when you look at your life right now, has that added to your football talents in your estimation, or has it been. I'm going to compare it to a fighter. Whereas you starving, you struggling, you going out there and you hardcore because you got to go and get it. And then all of a sudden, you hit the jackpot with everything that you're doing. Super bowl championships, you know, hard in your life and what have you. It's the equivalent of waking up in silk pajamas and trying to go in that boxing ring and get it done. Where would you describe your mentality to be at this particular moment in time, knowing how well everything is going for you, both personally and professionally?

Hunter (37:14)

Well, I think personally, you know, that's the. That's the beauty of being in a very strong relationship, is that you get that support to be able to come in and focus on your craft, focus on being the best version of you, you know, that's why I wanted to be at the concert, supporting her and being there for her, making sure she feels comfortable and supported in everything she's doing in life. And, you know, I think I'm as focused as I've ever been on my job and being the best player that I could possibly be week in, week out for this team. And, you know, it's because I'm. I don't have to worry about things in the off the field.

Stephen A. Smith (37:48)

There were people that looked at you at the beginning of the season and felt like you weren't in peak condition. And they didn't blame her, but they were saying, you being so supportive of her and traveling so much, that took away from you. How did you feel when you were hearing that kind of noise about yourself at that time?

Hunter (38:07)

Well, the first thing is you got. You have to be true to yourself. You know, people are saying things. You got to be able to reflect and look at yourself and see, you know, why are they saying these things? And I was still playing high the. I was still playing at a high level, you know, knowing all that has been said. We were winning football games, which is all I ever care about. And on top of that, this building knew how hard I worked and how much focus I have on football throughout the year. So it's just what's true, what's real, and how do we become better, knowing that what I'm putting out on the field may not have been my best, or how do I keep getting better throughout, knowing that the roles have changed a little bit.

Stephen A. Smith (38:50)

What kind of conversations did you have with your brother Jason about such subjects? This is a guy that's a champion, obviously, playing in the NFL for as long as he did. Damn it. I don't even remember him missing a game in 13 years, for crying out loud. And by the way, I love your brother on espn. He's a welcome teammate. He's a really good. He's a really good guy. I love talking to him whenever I get the opportunity to do so. But what kind of conversations were you having with him about how you were looking or how you were feeling at that particular moment in time and how you were feeling about ultimately continuing your playing career?

Hunter (39:23)

You know, I've been so fortunate to have Jason always two steps ahead of me, is two years older than me. We followed each other to Cincinnati, University of Cincinnati. We followed each other to be under a coach Andy Reid or get drafted by Coach Reid. And I've seen how it's done the right way, you know, both on the field and off the field. I think my brother is a great model of success, you know, in the city of Philadelphia just as much as he is at the Link, and. And I love him for it. And I don't necessarily even have to have a lot of questions for him, but just have a talk about life with them and. And I can get a lot out of that. Out of that. I think my brother. My brother's biggest thing is, you know, when you come into the building, do you still feel, you know, the energy? Do you still feel the excitement? And. And do you still feel like you can do it at a high level week in, week out, knowing the. The seasons are only getting longer with the man, the 17th game and another playoff seat or another playoff team into the playoffs. So it's just hearing him talk about how the. The end of his career came about and how he. How tough of a decision it was for him. I can get all. All the. You know, I can get sent in the right direction by just being an earth.

Stephen A. Smith (40:41)

But I tell you this much, man, I wish he hadn't retired, because I think the Philadelphia Eagles would even be better off if he was still there. And then we learned after he departed that that was one of the reasons Jalen Hurts was struggling, because he was deferring to Jason. And, you know, with a lot of stuff that was going on, I'm like, well, damn it, how come you didn't beg him to stay? You should have begged him to stay an additional year or two. That's where I'm going with that. But I'll tell you this, too, as well. When I think about your brother and your new height podcast, I want you to talk about how that came about, how that unfolds. You guys got, what, 2.5 million subscribers from crying alive and deserve it, by the way. Congrats. It's more than I got. It's more than I got for the moment. Damn it. All right. And you deserve it.

Hunter (41:21)

Just for the moment.

Stephen A. Smith (41:22)

You know I'm coming. You know I'm always coming. But here's the thing. But. But here's the deal. How did that come about, and how do you feel about you two doing that and what kind of impact y'all are having, not just in football, but beyond?

Hunter (41:33)

Yeah. And, you know, I think that's been the goal for a lot of football players in this league, is to set yourself up. Because we know this. This game, it isn't forever, and you got to be able to set yourself for what happens after football. And me and Jason, we. To be honest, we just. We missed each other. We hadn't had those conversations every single week, and now we have two hours set aside every single week to talk football, catch up on things, and just be brothers. And, you know, you got that aspect of wanting to set yourself, set yourself up after football. And then everybody always said, before new heights, me and Jason were on two completely different sides of the spectrum. You know, he's a he still wears flip flops in the snow. And I like to, you know, bundle up and, and look fresh and, you know, have fun with the things that I wear, where Jason is just about a Neanderthal in that world. And they, they just never saw the similarities. Until you get us into the same room and hear us talk at, like a lunch table or dinner table, you don't really realize how close we are as brothers, knowing that we're only two years apart. And I've been following him throughout my. My entire life, man. So I wanted to show, showcase that and let people know, you know, how strong of a bond and how much we support each other and what a true brotherhood looks like.

Stephen A. Smith (42:49)

Well, now that you've done that, what do you two like talking about most? Most outside of football? I'm talking about outside of football on the podcast. The kind of information or the kind of subject matter you want to disseminate to the public. What do you enjoy tackling most?

Hunter (43:05)

You know, what the. The most fun I have is, is talking about my childhood, my love for sports, and what really sparked me to get into the profession that I am that I have today. And I think having ex players come on, having the stars of my childhood and Jason's childhood come on and talk about what made them great and just the stories of what they went through, I think that's the funnest part, is being able to just talk to Jason about our childhood and tell the fun stories about being in the Kelsey household as well as the things that we love to do as kids and now as adults.

Stephen A. Smith (43:46)

Are you prepared and is Jason prepared for the fact that as y'all continue to grow and shine because the podcast is not going away? As your audience grows, I know you're gonna want to continue to do it. With that being said, you're gonna have to find yourself being a bit critical of folks out there when they ain't getting the job done, when they mess up. And you as a three time super bowl champion, him as a champion, when you think about what y'all are bringing to the table in that regard, are y'all prepared to have to deal with all of that?

Hunter (44:18)

And you know what? I think that's what makes guys like yourself so good, is the ability to be true. And I think you've always been true to me in my career. You've called me out on numerous times, and I've always accepted that. And I've always, you know, re reevaluated what I've been doing because you do, you Always keep it real, and you always keep it honest. And that's why I love listening to you, big dog. But I think. I think that is a talent in itself. I. I. Me personally, I like to shine light on everybody and everything. I don't really like to take too many shots at people unless I've been truly disrespected, so. Right. It is. It is. It has been a bit of a challenge being able to call things out and be confident and try and be critical without chopping somebody down, but it's definitely something that. That I'm working on for sure.

Stephen A. Smith (45:02)

I try. I try to make sure I don't get personal and that a guy knows that when I'm being critical of you, you. I'm not rooting against you. I'm telling you, you ain't doing what you supposed to be doing, because your ability, Your ability to do that, you get that? I get that. Jason gets that. But you know as well as I do, not just in the NFL, but in professional sports, there's a lot of cats that don't get it and don't embrace it that way. How do you deal with that?

Hunter (45:26)

Well, what's real and what's not real. I was talking about it earlier, about watching film and seeing, you know, how. How the success I've had in the past is compared to the success I'm having now. And I think it's the same in the media. You know, somebody's saying something, what's warranted them for saying that? Why? What's the reasoning for it? You have to be confident in your abilities, but also confident to. To keep trying to find ways to better yourself, better your team. And. And you always got to separate reality from. From what's not real. And what's real for me is the. The building I walk into, the. The faces that I go to work with, and then the people that I love at home. And, you know, that's what. That's what you really gotta, I don't know, differentiate and be comfortable in your own skin, man. You can't get. Yeah.

Stephen A. Smith (46:14)

Appropriate question to ask with that Lombardi Trophy hanging above your head. Right there. Y'all on the verse. There you go. There you go. That ain't your office, though. Is. I mean, is that your crib or is that Andy's office? I got you. So. So. So here you are on the verge of possibly being the first team in NFL history to three peat as super bowl champions. It's one thing to compartmentalize and say, we just. Here we going for the chip, obviously, y'all said it on stage after y'all beat San Francisco in the super bowl last year. We going for a three peat, first team in order to pull it off. What would that mean to y'all?

Hunter (46:54)

Man, you know, I've always been trying to chase greatness my entire life. I've been so fortunate to be able to come here to Kansas City and have to fill the shoes of a guy like Tony Gonzalez. And then, you know, when, when you start to have your own success, you start to really feel the urge to keep, to keep being greater than what you've been in the past. And no team has ever done it three times in a row, man. And I don't know why, but last year I felt like I wanted it more than I, than I had in previous years because it was the upper echelon of teams that had gone back to back. You know, they were considered dynasty teams. They were considered teams that, you know, took over an entire decade of football and remembered forever. And those teams being able to get it done a third time all fell short. And I see that as an opportunity to be the greatest dynasty or the greatest, you know, team of the decade, however you want to call it. But I just have it in me to really want that for the guys that I've gone to war with in this building and have seen work so hard to be able to get it to this point.

Stephen A. Smith (48:02)

Man, Travis, let me throw this out at you, bro. Travis Kelce, all time NFL rank as a tight end. Receptions, third behind Tony Gonzalez and Jason Whitten. Receiving yards third behind Tony Gonzalez and Jason Witten. Touchdown catches fifth all time. If you three peat, is it possible that in a month's time, Travis Kelsey says, I did it, we three peed it. Look at my numbers. I'm done. My football career is over.

Hunter (48:40)

Man. You know, I think, I think I'm, I'm so deep in chasing this one right now. I can't even fathom what football would be like, not in my, like not playing football as a profession. Man, I, I still love coming into the building every single day. Does it get hard? Yeah, but I'm not, I'm not doing it for the stats. I'm doing it for the, the greatness, the legacy that we've created here in Kansas City with, with Pat, with Chris Jones, with Coach Reed, Coach Spags, you name it, all the guys in the building, man, it's been, it's been so much fun coming in the building with these guys. So I, I can't fathom what it would feel like just being able to say, I'm, I'm satisfied because I'm still hungry to go and get something right now.

Stephen A. Smith (49:24)

You know, I remember when Tom Brady was winning Super Bowls, he had a supermodel for a wife that wanted him to retire. Is Ms. Swift, is she encouraging you to continue to play or to retire because it is a violent sport and oh yeah, she don't want you hurt.

Hunter (49:40)

She's fully encouraging me to enjoy playing this game. And she loves coming to Arrowhead and coming to the games and cheering for me. So I got all the support in the world to keep chasing these drains.

Stephen A. Smith (49:52)

Andy Reid, the best coach ever, the.

Hunter (49:54)

Greatest to ever do it. Even with Belichick, the winds are there, the Super Bowls are there. He's gone every, everywhere he's gone, he's won and, and he's done it in a, in a way that's, that's so much respected by everybody that plays for him.

Stephen A. Smith (50:12)

I don't know if you notice, Andy Reid and I go back to my Philadelphia days. I love that. Oh, yeah, I love that, man. I'm gonna talk to him soon. But Andy Reid, what makes him special? I know he knows what he's doing as a football coach, but I'm talking about from a personality standpoint. For him to be his age, to be around as long as he is, and to be so relatable to the modern day player while still having structure and discipline. Every coach can't pull that off. How does he do it?

Hunter (50:36)

Well, he's, he's tough and he shows his toughness every single day. He shows his desire to be at his best every single day. I'd laugh about it all the time. I never see his truck leave this parking lot. Man, this guy loves, loves being accountable and loves coming in and being his best for, for this organization in this city. And I just, I think it's a, it's a unique blend of being able to be relatable to everybody. No matter how old he gets and how young these players are getting in the league, he, he always has the ability to relate to guys and that's big in, in, in the football world because these days, these days get long and, you know, it's just, it gets difficult coming in and doing the same routines for 20 weeks out of the year. So being able to relate to everybody, being able to have that toughness to respect out of everybody. And on top of that being true, he's always real. He'll tell, he'll tell you when you're Slacking. No matter if you're eight time Pro Bowler or the rookie on the team, he'll tell you when you're slacking or when you need to pick it up. And, and honestly, because you relate to him so well and he has so much toughness, it typically just turns into a challenge for you to get better. And, and I think he does that better than anybody in the league. On top of just being able to be creative and have fun, you know, making up these plays in the building and always putting his players in the best place to, or the best situations to have success on the field.

Stephen A. Smith (52:05)

Two quick last questions before I let you go. Patrick Mahomes. Three super bowl titles in five years. If y'all had an offensive line, it would have been four. But at the end of the day, here's what it comes down to. A lot of people look at him and they say he's the best ever. Ever. Others look at a Joe Montana, four rings. Others look at a Pat, a Tom Brady, seven rings. The three peat will cement it. Okay, but without the three peat, you look at Patrick Mahomes right now, based on the guys that I mentioned, he's the best on the planet to you ever.

Hunter (52:36)

Best to ever do it. The best ever do it. And to be honest, I think, you know, obviously I'm a little biased. I think I've been on the receiving end of a lot of Pat Mahomes throws that have just blown my mind that he could even make these throws sometimes. But his ability, his natural ability to make plays, him make plays, break break tackles, throw the ball across the field. It's, it's, he's done it in a way that no quarterback has ever played this game. And, and he's won at a very, very high level, you know, with, with the world counting him out a few times and, and I think that, you know, his ability to lead just like Coach Reed and his ability to come in and motivate guys and make guys better on this team is second to none, man. And I just, I see it every single day, just like I see it with Coach Reed. His attention to detail, how fast he thinks, how fast he can get the ball out, his ability to make every throw. And then on top of that, the you, you got the wins and the Super Bowls to do it.

Stephen A. Smith (53:37)

Is there somebody that you think is the toughest competition waiting for you or better?

Hunter (53:42)

I, I, I said this on, on new heights, man. I want to play the best man. Whoever that is, whoever we're presented, I want them to be at their best. And I want it to be, you know, a challenge that's. That's worth fighting for, man. I just love. I love this time of the year. I think it's. It's my favorite time of the year. I've been hoping I could press fast forward just to get to this point, but know that the NFL doesn't work like that. But whoever, we get an Arrowhead. I'm fired up and I'm ready to compete and just give him our best.

Stephen A. Smith (54:13)

My very last question. Is it all right for us to call you a Swiftie? Is that all right?

Hunter (54:18)

Yeah. I'm the number one swifty.

Stephen A. Smith (54:22)

Number one. Right. Even more than Mama. Even more than Mama. She seems to be a swiftie now.

Hunter (54:28)

I'm right there. We're neck and neck. We're right there. We're tied at the top.

Stephen A. Smith (54:32)

Nothing but love for you, my brother. It's so good to see you, man. You know I'm gonna catch you down the road. I'll be at the Super Bowl. I'll try to get to Arrowhead before. I can't make any promises. Weather's cold. Weather's cold. I can't make any promises. But I miss you, my man. And. And yes, I'm coming on new heights. When you call, I'll be there.

Hunter (54:47)

You're the best to ever do it, Stephen.

Stephen A. Smith (54:49)

All right. Love you, bro.

Hunter (54:50)

Appreciate you having me on.

Stephen A. Smith (54:51)

Thanks a lot, my man. Everyone right now needs to stop what they're doing and listen up and listen good. With all the big time sports action that's happening each and every day. NFL games, NBA games, and the college football playoffs, the Stephen A. Smith show wants to make sure you are taking advantage of all of it. That's why we partnered with Prizepix, the largest fantasy sports platform in Orland, to help you cash in on all your sports knowledge. You see, Prize Picks is a daily fantasy app where you pick two or more of your favorite players and then you select more or less on their projected stats for the game. Choose from any of your favorite players. Saquon Barkley, Jalen Brown, and Steph Curry, all in the same entry. Then sit back, watch, and chill. The list is endless, y'all. And now with Prize picks, Flex Friday option, you can still cash out even if your lineup isn't perfect. That's right, every Friday. Just look for the protected play. So win or your cash back. And get this, Prospects now offers MasterCard for quick and easy deposits into your account during this sports season. Make your picks in less than 60 seconds and turn your sports opinions into real money all season long on prospects. So download the app today and use Code SAs to get $50 instantly. After you play your first $5 lineup again, download the app and use Code SAs to get $50 instantly.

Mark Seale (56:09)

I'm Hunter, host of Hunting for Answers on the Black Effect Podcast Network. Join me every weekday as I share bite sized stories of missing and murdered Black women and girls in America. There are several ways we can all do better at protecting black women. My contribution is shining a light on our missing sisters and amplifying their disregarded stories. Stories like Tameka Anderson. As she drove toward Galvez, she was in contact with several people talking on the phone as she made her way to what should have been a routine transaction. But Tameka never bought the car and she never returned home that day. One podcast, one Mission. Save our Girls. Join the search as we explore the chilling cases of missing and murdered Black women and girls. Listen to Hunting for Answers every weekday on the Black Effect Podcast Network, iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

Stephen A. Smith (57:12)

I'm Mark Seale.

Travis Kelce (57:13)

And I'm Nathan King.

Stephen A. Smith (57:15)

This is Leave the Gun, Take the Cannoli. The five families did not want us.

Travis Kelce (57:19)

To shoot Picture Leave the Gun Take the Cannoli is based on my co host Mark's best selling book of the same title and on this show we call upon his years of research to help unpack the story behind the Godfather's birth. From start to finish, this is really.

Hunter (57:32)

The first interview I've done in bed.

Travis Kelce (57:35)

We sift through innumerable accounts. 35 pages isn't very much, many of them conflicting.

Stephen A. Smith (57:41)

That's nonsense.

Travis Kelce (57:42)

There were 60 pages and try to get to the truth of what really happened.

Stephen A. Smith (57:46)

And they said we're finished. This is over. It only is not going to work. You gotta get rid of those guys. It's a disaster.

Travis Kelce (57:51)

Leave the Gun, Take the Cannoli features new and archival interviews with Francis Ford Coppola, Robert Evans, James Caan, Talia Shire and many others.

Stephen A. Smith (58:01)

Yes, that was a real horse's head.

Travis Kelce (58:03)

Listen and subscribe to Leave the Gun, Take the Cannoli on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your.

Stephen A. Smith (58:10)

Podcasts after your first five dollar lineup prize picks. Run your game. Thanks again to the man himself, the one and only Travis Kelce. Travis Kelsey and I go back a long ways. You know he's a cool brother and I don't comment about people's personal life and I ain't about to start that now. Let's just say I knew him long before Taylor Swift ever came along. I know what the brother's about. I know what kind of brother he is. And. And he's truly one of those people that's like my brother from another mother. He's just. He's just that cool, that relatable, that down to earth, that decent as a. As a. As a human being. He's real good people, and I've always had a lot of love for him. I don't get into a lot of intimate, personal details about people, personal life. I know y'all were expecting that. Damn that. I don't do that. Okay. Whatever. He wants to tell, he wants to tell. He ain't asking me about my personal life. I ain't asking you about yours on that level. Say what you want to say. Okay. But he's very happy. He's happier than I've ever seen him. He's at peace with himself. Seems to have found his rhythm in life, per se. And what can you say about it? He's one of those cats that's going to be around for a very long time the minute he leaves the business. I mean, you already see his New Heights podcast, you know, over two and a half million subscribers, for crying out loud. Him and his brother Jason Kelsey doing their thing. Travis Kelsey ain't going nowhere. He gonna play football for a little while longer if he wants to. He'll contemplate whether he's going to retire or not after this season is over, but he's definitely got a career in the industry, not just in podcasting, but in television.

Adam Brennaman (59:50)

What.

Stephen A. Smith (59:50)

What network ain't gonna want to hire him to talk about NFL football? Who's not gonna want to do that? Okay. And then, Lord help you if things go even further with Taylor Swift. I mean, my Lord, he'll be the most popular football player in history, not because of football. So, I mean, and. And that's what a hall. That's with hall of Fame credentials, so the sky's the limit for him, but he's truly one of those people who deserved it, and I'm really, really happy for him. And it was good to see him, and it was good to talk to him as well. I hope y'all enjoyed the conversation as much as I did, because I really did. And. And I still don't know if the Chief's gonna win it, because I got to tell you, Buffalo or Baltimore, they got what it takes to take the Kansas City Chiefs out of here. And I think Detroit, if they met him in the super bowl got what it takes. I don't know if they'd beat the Chiefs or not. Who the hell knows who's gonna be Patrick Mahomes? But the fact that they got a chance makes these playoffs very, very interesting and compelling, which means I'm looking forward to the games to come. So I hope you all enjoyed the show, and I hope y'all let me know that in the days to come. Until then, I'm about to sign off right here. This is Stephen A. Smith. I'm out until a couple of days from now. Peace and love, everybody. Take it easy. Geico's motorcycle expertise gives me the coverage.

Mark Seale (61:21)

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Stephen A. Smith (61:26)

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Hunter (61:35)

Geese who'd encourage you to leave your.

Stephen A. Smith (61:37)

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Hunter (61:40)

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Stephen A. Smith (61:42)

GEICO assumes no liability for any indigestion that may occur from a clover cricket dinner. GEICO expertise for your motorcycle what's up, everyone?

Greg Rosenthal (61:50)

It's Greg Rosenthal, and I'm teaming up with the King of Spring, Daniel Jeremiah. He requires me to say that we're going to be bringing you 40s and free agents, the only podcast you'll need this NFL draft season. From DJs mock drafts to my top 101, free agents will have it covered for you with all new episodes every Thursday keeping you up to date as we head to the NFL Draft. Listen to 40s and free agents starting on March 6th on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast.