Stephen A's Take: "We Rich" Nephew Josh stuns Stephen A with his NFL Playoff Picks.

Summary

The Stephen A. Smith Show: "We Rich" Nephew Josh Stuns Stephen A with His NFL Playoff Picks

Release Date: January 21, 2025

In this electrifying episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show, hosted by the indomitable Stephen A. Smith alongside iHeartPodcasts, Stephen A. engages in a spirited discussion with his nephew, Josh Smith. Titled "We Rich," the episode delves deep into the NFL playoff landscape, showcasing Josh's surprising and confident predictions that leave Stephen A. both impressed and challenged. Beyond football, the episode also touches on personal dynamics, self-improvement, and the pressures of live broadcasting.

---

1. Introduction and Setting the Stage

Timestamp: [01:05] - [02:12]

Stephen A. opens the episode by introducing his nephew, Josh Smith, highlighting their familial bond and setting a playful tone. He humorously addresses Josh's attempt to take over his role on the show, emphasizing the generational and experiential differences between them.

Stephen A. Smith:
"Josh, ladies and gentlemen, you like my sweater? Please tell me, first of all, you're not sitting at my desk. You sitting at my desk in my studio."
[01:26]

---

2. NFL Playoff Picks

The core of the episode revolves around the NFL playoff matchups. Stephen A. presents his analysis, while Josh counters with his own bold predictions, demonstrating a keen understanding of the game and defying Stephen A.'s expectations.

a. Houston Texans vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Timestamp: [02:12] - [03:11]

Stephen A. expresses skepticism about the Texans' chances against the Chiefs, citing injuries and key player absences.

Stephen A. Smith:
"I don't give a damn whether he's available or not... As far as I'm concerned, the Kansas City Chiefs are completely healthy."
[02:58]

Josh aligns with Stephen A., backing the Chiefs' superior roster and defending Patrick Mahomes' prowess.

Josh Smith:
"I got Pat Mahomes. You see the numbers. He don't really lose this early in the playoffs."
[02:58]

b. Washington Commanders vs. Detroit Lions

Timestamp: [03:11] - [04:08]

Stephen A. favors the Detroit Lions, emphasizing their quarterback Jared Goff's experience and the team's home advantage in Motown.

Stephen A. Smith:
"Being in Detroit in Motown, I think spells doom for the Commanders."
[03:59]

Contrary to Stephen A., Josh surprises him by supporting Jayden Daniels and predicting a rookie Super Bowl champion.

Josh Smith:
"I got Jaden Daniels winning the super bowl championship as a rookie."
[04:08]

Stephen A. challenges Josh's prediction, but ultimately acknowledges his nephew's conviction.

c. Los Angeles Rams vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Timestamp: [04:08] - [05:07]

Stephen A. anticipates a tough game for the Rams against the Eagles, highlighting Saquon Barkley's impact and the Eagles' defensive strength.

Stephen A. Smith:
"I can't see them beating Saquon Barkley and the Philadelphia Eagles."
[04:45]

Josh concurs, reinforcing his support for Saquon and expressing doubt about the Rams' chances.

Josh Smith:
"I got Saquon too."
[05:07]

d. Baltimore Ravens vs. Buffalo Bills

Timestamp: [05:07] - [06:36]

This marquee matchup sees Stephen A. favoring the Ravens, citing Lamar Jackson's dual-threat abilities and Derrick Henry's influence.

Stephen A. Smith:
"I think the Baltimore Ravens might go on the road and pull this out."
[06:09]

Josh remains steadfast in his support for Baltimore, even humorously suggesting Lamar Jackson's extraordinary athleticism.

Josh Smith:
"I really do believe Lamar Jackson is fast enough to throw the ball to himself."
[06:26]

Stephen A. raises an eyebrow at this bold claim but appreciates the enthusiasm.

---

3. Banter and Personal Dynamics

Timestamp: [06:36] - [09:24]

The conversation shifts from football predictions to playful banter about Josh's role on the show and his personal habits. Stephen A. teases Josh about handling the microphone and questions his day-to-day activities, revealing a lighthearted and familial rapport.

Stephen A. Smith:
"You think you should have my job?"
[07:10]

Josh Smith:
"It's my first day on the job."
[07:08]

The discussion then pivots to AJ Brown, a wide receiver seen reading a self-help book during a critical playoff moment. Stephen A. questions the distraction, while Josh offers a more lenient perspective.

Stephen A. Smith:
"What did you make of that?"
[09:04]

Josh Smith:
"I don't think it was a problem. Like if he was reading a double XL magazine or something like that."
[09:03]

---

4. Self-Improvement and Relationships

Timestamp: [09:24] - [12:16]

Josh introduces his favorite books, revealing his interest in self-improvement and relationship dynamics. Stephen A. probes deeper, seeking actionable insights from Josh's reading.

Stephen A. Smith:
"What did you learn from the book? Tell me the tricks that the book taught you."
[10:09]

Josh Smith:
"Don't make it seem like I'm into trickery with the ladies and stuff like that."
[10:22]

Their exchange touches on themes of authenticity and honesty in personal relationships, with Josh defending the strategies outlined in his favorite books.

---

5. Closing Remarks and Reflections

Timestamp: [12:16] - [13:48]

As the episode nears its end, Stephen A. reflects on the family's public image and the pressures of maintaining a legacy. He mentions a conversation with Josh's mother, Arlene Smith, highlighting the pride and concern she feels for Josh's endeavors on the show.

Stephen A. Smith:
"And by the way, I don't know if you notice that your mama, your mama, Arlene Smith, your mama... she loves, absolutely loves you on the show."
[12:23]

Josh responds with humor and confidence, asserting his own identity beyond being Stephen A.'s nephew.

Josh Smith:
"I fully support her. And I want y'all to go out and get her booked."
[13:16]

The episode concludes with Stephen A. urging Josh to return to his desk, signifying the end of their lively and insightful conversation.

---

Notable Quotes

• Stephen A. on Chiefs vs. Texans:
  "What does my nephew have to say about this?"
  [02:12]

• Josh on Jayden Daniels:
  "He’s like a younger version of Pat Mahomes to me."
  [03:59]

• Stephen A. Expressing Skepticism:
  "I really do know how much you even know about football."
  [02:12]

• Josh's Bold Prediction:
  "I got Jaden Daniels winning the super bowl championship as a rookie."
  [04:08]

• Humorous Exchange on Lamar Jackson:

  • Josh: "I really do believe Lamar Jackson is fast enough to throw the ball to himself."
    [06:26]
  • Stephen A.: "Did you just finish saying he's fast enough to throw the ball to himself?"
    [06:29]

• Discussion on Self-Improvement Books:

  • Stephen A.: "What did you learn from the book?"
    [10:05]
  • Josh: "Don't make it seem like I'm into trickery with the ladies and stuff like that."
    [10:22]

---

Conclusion

This episode of The Stephen A. Smith Show stands out for its dynamic interplay between Stephen A. and his nephew Josh. While Stephen A.'s seasoned insights provide a foundational analysis of the NFL playoffs, Josh's unexpected predictions and confident demeanor add a fresh and engaging dimension to the discussion. Beyond the gridiron, their candid interactions offer listeners a glimpse into the balance between mentorship and generational shifts in perspectives. Whether you're a die-hard football fan or simply enjoy spirited debates, this episode delivers both entertainment and thoughtful commentary.

Transcript

[Greg Rosenthal]

What's up, everyone? 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 podcasts.

[Julie Swerbinks]

What's up, everyone? Julie Swerbinks here, along with former NHL player Nate Thompson.

[Nate Thompson]

We're doing a new podcast together. Here we go.

[Julie Swerbinks]

The name Energy Line with Nate and jsb.

[Nate Thompson]

Each week we'll get together and talk about hockey life. All topics are fair game, right?

[Julie Swerbinks]

Exactly. And you'll never know who will drop by to join us.

[Nate Thompson]

Julia's pretty well connected. She has text threads going that you wouldn't believe.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Listen to Energy Line with Nate and jsb on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Now let's get into the NFL playoff picks in the divisional round kicking off this weekend. But first, my next guest wants a long introduction, but he ain't getting it. He's my nephew. I know. He introduced me to the word nephewtism. I give it to him. I give him credit for that. That was a good one because I never heard of it in my life until he brought it up, but this is what he is. But what's up, man? How you doing? What's up, Josh?

[Josh Smith]

I'm all right.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Josh, ladies and gentlemen, you like my sweater? Please tell me, first of all, you're not sitting at my desk. You sitting at my desk in my studio.

[Josh Smith]

I'm sitting at my desk today.

[Stephen A. Smith]

And you're wearing my sweater.

[Josh Smith]

Yeah, they gave me a. They gave me a degree because we're related. They gave you.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Josh, Josh, Josh, Josh. That sweater was not only in my closet, it was in my drawer, folded up. You went into my closet and took my sweater out and wore my damn sweater?

[Josh Smith]

Well, it fits me like this, so there's no way it could fit you. So I don't know if you had it for show, but it looked good, though. Like how it look on me. Run DMC hat. We rich. What we talking about today, man?

[Stephen A. Smith]

Listen, you know what? I don't know how much you even know about football. You should know since you raised, practically raised by your Uncle. But nevertheless, we going to get started. With the Texans heading to Kansas City on Saturday to face the top seated Chiefs, there's word out of Houston that running back Joe Mixon injured his ankle this week in practice. So he knows what his availability is going to be. By the way, Josh, I don't give a damn whether he's available or not. You don't have Stefon Diggs, you don't have Tank Dell. As far as I'm concerned, the Kansas City Chiefs are completely healthy. With the Patrick Mahomes, with the Travis Kelce. With all of these brothers getting their rest, including Chris Jones and what have you, who can get at CJ Stroud. By the way, I don't give Houston a snowball's chance in hell of winning this game. What does my nephew have to say about this?

[Josh Smith]

Nah, I got Pat Mahomes. You see the numbers. He don't really lose this early in the playoffs. Like you said, the Texans are a pretty incomplete team right now and the Chiefs are reversed. I got Kansas City.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Got Kansas City.

[Josh Smith]

Yeah.

[Stephen A. Smith]

All right. There's hope for you. After all, you ain't as knuckle headed as I thought you were in every situation. Let's go to the next game in the nfc. Jayden Daniels and the Commanders head to Detroit to face the super bowl favorites Detroit Lions. Listen, this is. I think it's going to be a thriller. I don't think you Detroit and you want to be in a position where it's a one score game even if you're up and Jaden Daniels has the ball in his hands late. We see what he's done this year. 3,568 yards, 69% completion percentage, 25 touchdowns, just nine interceptions, a 100 passer rating, rush for nearly 900 yards. The brother's no joke. But Jared Goff, look at the season he's had. Look at the weapons he has available to him. Running the football as well as catching the football. And even though they had a multitude of dudes on the injured list on the defensive side of the ball, being in Detroit in in Motown, I think spells doom for the Commanders. What about you?

[Josh Smith]

Nah, I got, I got Jaden Daniels with the upset and I really got him going all the way. I don't see nobody beating him. He's like a younger version of Pat Mahomes to me.

[Stephen A. Smith]

So you're telling me that you got Jaden Daniels winning the super bowl championship as a rookie?

[Josh Smith]

I do.

[Stephen A. Smith]

What possible explanation could you have to justify that thinking he perform?

[Josh Smith]

He's the best clutch quarterback in the league this year. You only got one example to use from him.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Well, actually, Patrick Mahomes has had more, you know, game winning, you know, TDs than Jaden Daniels. Just so you know. I mean, go ahead. Touchdown, stuff like that.

[Josh Smith]

Yeah. Pat Mahomes heroics this year is more about the defense. Jaden Daniels then came through a lot and I'm gonna go with him. Gonna go with Jaden Daniels.

[Stephen A. Smith]

All right. All right. I'm gonna let you slide on that. On Sunday, the Rams head to Philly to take on the Philadelphia Eagles. They're supposed to snow it' they're accustomed to being in Los Angeles. I'm not. Listen, they got a chance because of Puka Nua and Matthew Stafford is a veteran and a Super bowl champion. Sean McVeigh is a great head coach, but I can't see them beating Saquan Barkley and the Philadelphia Eagles. What say you?

[Josh Smith]

Yeah, I don't see him beating the Eagles neither. I got Saquon too.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Okay. Say it with your chest, man. You don't sound that damn confident.

[Josh Smith]

I didn't like the way Jade the. The quarterback looked for the Eagles neither though.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Jalen hurts.

[Josh Smith]

Yeah. I was watching first take earlier and I was agreeing with Shannon. I just ain't like the way he looks, so.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Really?

[Josh Smith]

Yeah, I ain't like it.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Whatever. Whatever. Finally, the marquee matchup of the week, and Lamar Jackson and the Ravens head to Buffalo to take on Josh Allen and the Bills, the leading candidates for MVP this season. By the way, both men are looking to get over the hump and play in their first Super Bowl. This is a pick, Em. This could go either way. I'm of the mindset that, you know what? I know it's in Buffalo. It's going to come down to the wire. But the way Lamar Jackson has looked this year, having Derrick Henry at his disposal, King Henry, as they call him, I think the Baltimore Ravens might go on the road and pull this out and we're going to have a rematch at the AFC Championship game last year between Kansas City and Baltimore.

[Josh Smith]

What are your thoughts, Zay Flowers? Is he playing?

[Stephen A. Smith]

They don't know. I don't think he will be.

[Josh Smith]

I don't even know why I asked that. Cause I really do believe Lamar Jackson is fast enough to throw the ball to himself. Then he has Derrick Henry, too. I'mma go with Baltimore.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Did you just finish saying he's fast enough to throw the ball to himself?

[Josh Smith]

I believe he can. He's fast enough.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Did you say that on the airwaves?

[Josh Smith]

Yes.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Let me move on to a different subject. I just can't deal. I just. Some of the things you say I just can't deal with. His dad just can't deal with it.

[Josh Smith]

Being that I have the Bills getting stomped by Lamar. It's always cold in Buffalo. So let's see if the temp is. So let's see if the temp is low enough to freeze some of the tears. 22 degrees, January 19th. How you think that's gonna work out? Am I supposed to be holding it?

[Stephen A. Smith]

I'm stuck on you grabbing the damn microphone. Waking up with that big ass microphone and going up to the screen. Sorry, you didn't know that. You ain't supposed to grab the microphone.

[Josh Smith]

It's my first day on the job.

[Stephen A. Smith]

First day. But you think you should have my job?

[Josh Smith]

Yeah, it's my first day.

[Stephen A. Smith]

And by the way, what are you drinking? What are you drinking?

[Josh Smith]

It's coffee. I had a long day.

[Stephen A. Smith]

What? You had a long day?

[Josh Smith]

Yes.

[Stephen A. Smith]

How did you have a long day, Josh? What have you been doing that you had a long day?

[Josh Smith]

I took the bus here cause you wouldn't buy me a car. But anyway, it's gonna be 22 degrees in Buffalo. Do people live here by choice?

[Stephen A. Smith]

Yes. Don't be rude to people in Buffalo.

[Josh Smith]

I would run out of the city. A lot of people don't mind the color. I would never leave the house.

[Stephen A. Smith]

What's the weather like in New York right now?

[Josh Smith]

This is the weather for the rest of the week in Buffalo. So we gonna see how depressing it'll be. Four degrees on Tuesday. Four? What are you doing? Four degrees?

[Stephen A. Smith]

What that got to do with Sunday's football game? Josh.

[Josh Smith]

No, this is, this is, this is Buffalo. This is what they have to deal with after the L.

[Stephen A. Smith]

So you talking about after the L they gonna suffer from, that's what they gonna have to deal with? I mean, did it ever occur to you that since that weather is not foreign to them, they may be more prepared to play in those weather conditions on Sunday instead of Baltimore?

[Josh Smith]

Nah. Cause most players are from down south. So once you won the Bills, it's like that's why they. When's the last time they've been to the Super Bowl?

[Stephen A. Smith]

Oh my lord, you are so clueless. Man. Sit your ass down over there. Get back to the desk. Get back to the desk. Just get back. Did you see, by the way, what happened on the Eagle sideline Sunday with wide eyed AJ Brown on the bench reading a self Help book called. Was it Inner Excellence? By the way, the book, Originally published in 2020, is now number one on Amazon. Before I let you go, what did you make of that?

[Josh Smith]

I don't think it was a problem. Like if he was reading a double XL magazine or something like that. Okay, but if it's called if. That's the name of the book. And inner Excellence. Inner excellence. He was trying to tap into that during the playoffs. Like he only had what. He had a catch. One reception.

[Stephen A. Smith]

He had one catch for 10 yards. He had one catch for 10 Yards.

[Josh Smith]

I was gonna put my top three books that I would have been caught reading.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Hold up. Make her chase you.

[Josh Smith]

Yeah.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Oh, my Lord.

[Josh Smith]

So if anybody wants to know why I am the way I am, blame D'Arcy Carter. Pretty good author. This is number three on my list. Can we show number two? Make or chase you part two? And can we round out my top three really fast? Make her chase you. Part three.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Make her chase you.

[Josh Smith]

It's a book that.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Those are the books. Let me ask you a question. You've read those books?

[Josh Smith]

All three? It's my Bibles.

[Stephen A. Smith]

What did you learn from the book? Tell me, tell me. Tell me the tricks that the book taught you. I'm interested. Now you got my interest piqued. What is it?

[Josh Smith]

Don't make it seem. Seem like I'm into trickery with the ladies and stuff like that.

[Stephen A. Smith]

You the one that presented the book.

[Josh Smith]

I'm saying there's no tricks involved. Now we disrespecting Darcy Carter, the author that came up with all of these methods on how to meet her.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Okay, so I'mma ask you again. What methods did you peel from parts one, two and three of the book, make or chase you?

[Josh Smith]

Well, I learned. Well, she taught us to be appealing and then to run away. You don't. You know, your advice to me is find a honey, settle down. You know, something that somebody's pushing 60 would say, Darcy. Darcy.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Caught her.

[Josh Smith]

You know, she has different suggestions. I don't want to expose it. Cause I really support her. And I want y'all to go out and get her booked.

[Stephen A. Smith]

You talked about, you know, making yourself appealing, right? How would you say you've done that? What did you take for the. I mean, what is it that's appealing about you?

[Josh Smith]

Um. You know, the shades that I get from your house, this hoodie. I can't wait to see what they say about me today. Cause I really put, put, put all of. All of this together. Let me spin all the way around for him and come back. I don't want y'all to miss the. We rich on this side of my. You know, that's all it's appealing you in my end.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Did you just admit. Did you just admit to the public you didn't run away? You run away. You just admit that.

[Josh Smith]

No, you said run away.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Yeah, that's what it is. You gotta leave. You depart. You run away.

[Josh Smith]

Like, avoid seriousness if I'm not ready for it. She doesn't believe in misleading ladies into making them believe that that's what you want to do. If that's not.

[Stephen A. Smith]

And you. And you. You would never mislead anybody. You. That's just not you. Not nothing about you that would do that. That's what you said, right?

[Josh Smith]

Yeah, I'm open book.

[Stephen A. Smith]

Well, I have encouraged you to be that. I don't know whether you've listened or not.

[Josh Smith]

You encouraged everything. You've encouraged everything.

[Stephen A. Smith]

I don't encourage everything. Don't do that. Don't do that. And by the way. And by the way, I don't know if you notice that your mama, your mama, Arlene Smith, your mama, you know that she text me the other day, she loves, absolutely loves you on the show. And I'm sitting there like this. What are you watching? How do you approve of this? And you're his mother. What the hell is this world coming to? I've said that to her. She said, oh, that's true. I didn't really think about it that way. I'm gonna go. And you know what she said next? I'm gonna go pray for him.

[Josh Smith]

So you're not gonna tell him that when you was in the mall in Miami, that they called you Josh Smith's uncle? I'm no longer just known as Stephen A's nephew. That's not our dynamic no more. Now you're Josh Smith's uncle. And not only that, I have a problem with Google, too. When you Google Josh Smith, Josh Smith from the Hawk still comes up. Now, why would that happen? What?

[Stephen A. Smith]

Lord help us all. Man, get out of here. I'll see you after the weekend. Now get the hell out of here.

[Greg Rosenthal]

What's up, everyone? 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. We'll 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.

[Julie Swerbinks]

What's up everyone? Julie Swerbinks here along with former NHL player Nate Thompson.

[Nate Thompson]

We're doing a new podcast together. Here we go.

[Julie Swerbinks]

The name Energy Line with Nate and jsb.

[Nate Thompson]

Each week we'll get together and talk about hockey life. All topics are fair game, right?

[Julie Swerbinks]

Exactly. And you'll never know who will drop by to join us.

[Nate Thompson]

Julie is pretty well connected. She has text threads going that you wouldn't believe.

[Julie Swerbinks]

Listen to Energy Line with Nate and jsb on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.