Summary of "The Stephen A. Smith Show" Episode Featuring Terrell Suggs

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Stephen A. Smith Show
• Host: Stephen A. Smith and iHeartPodcasts
• Episode Title: Interview Only: 2X Super Bowler Terrell Suggs says NFL not ready for Primetime and College game not ready for Ray Lewis
• Release Date: November 21, 2024

Introduction

In this compelling episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show, host Stephen A. Smith engages in an in-depth conversation with Terrell Suggs, a two-time Super Bowl champion and esteemed NFL Pro Bowler. Suggs, renowned for his formidable presence on the field, delves into his career achievements, the evolving landscape of the NFL, and his perspectives on current and former teammates. The discussion offers listeners an authentic glimpse into the mindset of one of football's most respected defenders.

1. Terrell Suggs on Hall of Fame Induction

The conversation opens with Stephen A. Smith addressing Suggs' impending induction into the Hall of Fame. Stephen passionately advocates for Suggs' immediate inclusion as a first-ballot Hall of Famer, emphasizing his impressive career statistics and undeniable impact on the game.

• Stephen A. Smith: “...every one of them [top sack leaders] is in the hall of fame. So ain’t no way in hell you ain’t going into the hall of fame.” [03:00]

Despite Stephen's unwavering support, Suggs expresses his humility and anxiety regarding the induction process:

• Terrell Suggs: “Man, I try not to think about it because it's giving me so much anxiety... I hope I... I think I got the resume to be first ballot, but you never know what the voters are thinking.” [01:54]

Suggs acknowledges the pressure of following in the footsteps of his peers who secured their Hall of Fame status on the first ballot, revealing the internal struggle athletes often face when contemplating their legacies.

2. The Evolution of the Baltimore Ravens' Defense

Stephen shifts the discussion to the current state of the Ravens' defense, expressing concern over its perceived decline compared to past performances. Suggs attributes the changes to significant roster shifts and coaching transitions:

• Terrell Suggs: “We've had a lot of changes on defense... Losing Patrick Queen was big. Losing Gino... Jadevion Clowney... and Zach’s first time calling plays.” [07:24]

He highlights the departure of key players and the challenges faced under new defensive coordinator Zach Orr, urging patience as the team adapts to new strategies.

3. Reflections on Team Changes and Player Departures

The dialogue deepens as Suggs critiques the management's decisions regarding player retention. He mentions specific players like Patrick Queen and C.J. Mosley, suggesting that their departures have adversely affected the team's defensive prowess:

• Terrell Suggs: “We let a lot of people go that I think should have never left the building... I don't think we should ever let C.J. Mosley go.” [09:56]

Suggs emphasizes the importance of maintaining a strong defensive lineup to sustain the Ravens' competitive edge.

4. Assessing Lamar Jackson's Performance

A significant portion of the interview focuses on Lamar Jackson, the Ravens' dynamic quarterback. Stephen presents a challenging statistic regarding Jackson's performance against top-tier opponents:

• Stephen A. Smith: “He is 1 in 4 lifetime now versus the Steelers. He’s 1 in 5 straight up against Patrick Mahomes...” [12:16]

Suggs responds by attributing some of Jackson's struggles to external factors, such as the home-field advantage of teams like the Steelers:

• Terrell Suggs: “Patrick Mahomes... majority of those games were in Arrowhead. That is a significant advantage.” [12:45]

He advocates for a more nuanced understanding of individual performances within the broader context of team dynamics and game locations.

5. The Locker Room and Team Camaraderie

Reflecting on his NFL career, Suggs shares his sentiments about the camaraderie within the locker room, highlighting what he misses most post-retirement:

• Terrell Suggs: “I don’t miss hitting people. I miss the locker room... the camaraderie we had, the relationships we had.” [14:26]

This introspection underscores the profound bonds formed among teammates and the unique culture that permeates professional sports teams.

6. Coaching in the NFL: Deion Sanders and Ray Lewis

Stephen shifts the conversation to evaluate the potential coaching paths for prominent figures like Deion Sanders and Ray Lewis. Suggs expresses his support for Sanders remaining in college coaching to leverage his influence on young athletes:

• Terrell Suggs: “College. You gotta understand why. I think because of his influence and the impact he can make in young players' lives...” [25:21]

Regarding Ray Lewis, Suggs envisions him as a disciplined and demanding coach, capable of fostering excellence:

• Terrell Suggs: “Ray Lewis... he knows football. He’s gonna demand greatness 24 hours a day.” [27:12]

He emphasizes the importance of trust and high expectations in coaching roles, drawing from his experience with Lewis as a teammate and mentor.

7. Final Thoughts on Legacy and Achievements

As the interview concludes, Stephen reiterates Suggs' illustrious career stats and leadership, reaffirming his support for the Hall of Fame induction:

• Stephen A. Smith: “Dor being a first ballot hall of Famer. The numbers are there. Everything is there.” [28:09]

Suggs humbly accepts the accolades, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of his career beyond mere statistics:

• Terrell Suggs: “I got picks, I got touchdowns, force fumbles, tackles for loss. I got everything. The resume is pretty loaded.” [23:34]

Conclusion

This episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show presents a candid and insightful conversation between Stephen A. Smith and Terrell Suggs. Suggs not only reflects on his decorated career but also offers thoughtful analysis on the current state of the NFL, player performances, and the intricacies of team dynamics. His perspectives provide valuable understanding for fans and aspiring athletes alike, encapsulating the essence of leadership, legacy, and the ever-evolving nature of professional football.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Terrell Suggs on Hall of Fame Anxiety: “...I feel like I got the resume to be first ballot, but you never know what the voters are thinking.” [01:54]

• Stephen A. Smith on Suggs’ Hall of Fame Status: “Every one of them, okay? Every one of them. So ain’t no way in hell you ain’t going into the hall of fame.” [03:00]

• Suggs on Locker Room Camaraderie: “I don't miss hitting people. I miss the locker room... the camaraderie we had, the relationships we had.” [14:26]

• Discussion on Lamar Jackson’s Performance: “He is 1 in 4 lifetime now versus the Steelers. He’s 1 in 5 straight up against Patrick Mahomes...” [12:16]

• Suggs on Deion Sanders' Coaching: “College. You gotta understand why. I think because of his influence and the impact he can make in young players' lives...” [25:21]

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting Terrell Suggs' reflections on his career, his insights into the current NFL landscape, and his thoughts on future coaching legends. The inclusion of notable quotes with timestamps enhances the richness of the summary, providing key moments from the conversation for readers who seek a detailed understanding without listening to the full episode.