Just Wondering... with Norm Hitzges

Norm Hitzges is wondering — and not quietly — how the Texas Rangers went from World Series champs to looking like they misplaced their offense in a junk drawer.In this episode, Norm breaks down the mess General Manager Chris Young finds himself in: a team that can pitch but can’t hit, an owner allergic to the luxury tax, and a farm system that’s about as fertile as a parking lot. He calls it “the box,” and Chris Young is stuck squarely inside it, armed with little more than duct tape, prayer, and a spreadsheet labeled “2026: Good Luck.”Norm walks through the impossible math of building a contender without money, prospects, or trade bait — and still finds time to hype a Mavericks rookie who might be the best thing to hit Dallas since Luka’s step-back three. It’s classic Norm: sharp, funny, a little grumpy, and all truth.⏱️ Chapters: 00:00 - The General Manager in the Box (And No, There’s No Key)01:22 - Luxury Tax or Luxury Trap?02:49 - How to Go 81–81 With the Best Pitching in Baseball03:35 - Six Players, $144 Million, and No Room Left for Snacks05:30 - The Farm System: Where Hope Goes to Retire07:05 - Trade Season: Who’s Buying This Junk Drawer?08:36 - Two Holes, One Rotation, and a Whole Lot of “Good Luck”09:26 - If Chris Young Pulls This Off, Just Hand Him the GM of the Year Trophy12:18 - Super Cooper: The Mavs Rookie Who Might Save Dallas Sports13:49 - A 6’8” Point Guard and a Glimmer of Hope14:46 - Don’t Stop Believing (Unless You’re the Rangers’ Payroll Department) Check us out: patreon.com/sunsetloungedfwInstagram: sunsetloungedfwTiktok: sunsetloungedfwX: SunsetLoungeDFWFB: Sunset Lounge DFW

Norm Hitzges is fresh from MetLife Stadium — and if you’re a Jets fan, you might want to cover your eyes. In this episode of Just Wondering, Norm breaks down the Cowboys’ 37–22 beatdown of the New York Jets with all the charm, humor, and brutal honesty we’ve come to love.From wearing his buddy’s Jets shirt (for “diplomatic reasons”) to watching fans file out of the stadium like it was a funeral, Norm captures every ounce of the chaos — the fumbles, the flags, the failed faith, and yes, the guy whose jersey literally read HOPELESS.Between analyzing Dak Prescott’s precision, Ryan Flournoy’s breakout, and the Jets’ knack for self-sabotage, Norm still finds time to drop a few gems about steak, skincare, and retirement — because balance is key.It’s sports talk meets storytelling, with a dash of snark and a whole lot of truth. ⏱️ Chapters:00:00 - Jets Bench Views and Questionable Wardrobe Choices01:33 - Fluent Financial Wants You to Retire Happier Than a Jets Fan03:53 - A Win So Good It Felt Wrong to Complain04:38 - Dallas Dominates While Missing Half Its Offense05:26 - The Jets Find New Ways to Lose (Again)06:45 - Third-and-One? Nah, Let’s Settle for Three!07:29 - Fumbles, Flags, and Fading Faith08:43 - Backup to Breakout: Ryan Flournoy’s Big Moment09:31 - “Don’t Stop Believing” (Except Maybe If You’re a Jets Fan)10:36 - The Guy in the HOPELESS Jersey: A Mood11:25 - Cowboys Climb, Jets Slide, and Norm Heads Home SmilingCheck us out: patreon.com/sunsetloungedfwInstagram: sunsetloungedfwTiktok: sunsetloungedfwX: SunsetLoungeDFWFB: Sunset Lounge DFW

Norm Hitzges dives headfirst into the misery that is New York Jets football—an endless carousel of quarterbacks, penalties, and heartbreak—now handed to new head coach Aaron Glenn. Can the former undersized cornerback bring real change, or is this franchise doomed by history?Along the way, Norm contrasts the Jets’ struggles with the Dallas Cowboys’ potential this season, offering sharp takes on what both teams’ futures may hold. And just when the gridiron talk gets heavy, Norm pivots to baseball to unpack Bruce Bochy’s surprise exit from the Texas Rangers—why it happened, what it means, and how the team moves forward.It’s classic Norm: insightful, blunt, and packed with stories only he can tell.⏱️ Chapters:00:00 - Cowboys Questions, Jets Misery01:27 - Aaron Glenn: The Little Cornerback Who Could03:49 - Jets History: 55 Years of Frustration05:25 - Stat Sheet of Sadness07:02 - Can They Run Their Way Out?08:41 - Wide Receiver Wasteland09:33 - Vegas Knows Best11:03 - Bochy Walks Away12:28 - Did the Rangers Waste a Season?14:05 - Looking Ahead, But Missing Bochy

Norm chops it up with Mac Engel (Fort Worth Star-Telegram, professor of spicy takes) about everything from Pete Rose’s betting shadow to Dallas front-office math. They trade stories from the pre-internet days, then dive into the Rangers’ rebuild without a farm, the Cowboys’ Micah Parsons blockbuster and cap triage, and whether the Mavericks are zigging into defense in a league that zags to 3s. It’s old-school storytelling meets new-school reality: why some trades never stop echoing, how payrolls paint teams into corners, and where fans will actually get their sports news in 20 years (spoiler: your For You page). Smart, fast, and a little dangerous—just how you like it. Check us out: patreon.com/sunsetloungedfwInstagram: sunsetloungedfwTiktok: sunsetloungedfwX: SunsetLoungeDFWFB: Sunset Lounge DFW

If you like your sports with a side of chaos, this one’s for you. Norm dives headfirst into the Cowboys–Packers 40–40 overtime tie — a game so bonkers it felt like Madden on rookie mode. Dak Prescott? Nearly flawless. Brian Schottenheimer? Calling plays like he had the cheat codes. The defense? Well… let’s just say Green Bay found plenty of daylight. Then it’s off the field and onto the greens at the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, where the competition was world-class but the fans were straight-up embarrassing. Yep, we’re talking vulgar chants, heckling during swings, and comedian Heather McMahon somehow thinking “F-U Rory” was a good rally cry. Spoiler: it wasn’t. It’s Cowboys brilliance, Cowboys blunders, and a Ryder Cup that turned into a case study on why sportsmanship still matters. Chapters00:00:00 – Did we just watch the NFL game of the year?00:01:32 – Cowboys–Packers: 146 plays, 925 yards, pure mayhem00:02:55 – Green Bay’s “elite” defense gets carved up00:04:34 – Schottenheimer cooks: the game plan that tamed Parsons00:05:16 – Dak delivers one of his best games ever00:06:02 – Javonte Williams, bargain of the offseason00:06:51 – Defense still allergic to big plays & penalties galore00:08:35 – Cowboys fans: take pride, wins will follow efforts like this00:10:48 – Switch gears: golf, etiquette, and why the Ryder Cup got ugly00:12:35 – Passion vs. rudeness at Bethpage Black00:13:27 – Heather McMahon’s “F-U Rory” disaster00:14:59 – When heckling crosses the line (and ruins golf)00:15:59 – Rudeness in sports — and what it says about us00:18:05 – Closing thoughts: football thrills, golf chills Check us out: patreon.com/sunsetloungedfwInstagram: sunsetloungedfwTiktok: sunsetloungedfwX: SunsetLoungeDFWFB: Sunset Lounge DFW

Norm Hitzges is back, wondering aloud (and loudly) if the Packers are suddenly Super Bowl material now that Micah Parsons has swapped jerseys. Mary pops in with sponsor reads that remind you retirement planning is somehow less stressful than watching Dallas’ offensive line try to block. Between Vince Lombardi nostalgia, Aaron Rodgers ghosts, and college football coaches dropping like flies, this episode serves up the full buffet: history lessons, hot takes, and just enough Cowboy doom-and-gloom to ruin your nachos. If you like sarcasm sprinkled over stats and want to hear why Kevontae Turpin might be Dallas’ last hope for dignity, this one’s for you. Chapters 00:00:00 - Cowboys vs. Packers: Football or Slow-Motion Tragedy?00:01:17 - Micah Parsons Joins the Dark Side (a.k.a. Green Bay)00:02:45 - Packers History: Vince Lombardi Wouldn’t Believe This Either00:04:30 - Cleveland Browns: Accidentally Good, Accidentally Ruining Dallas’ Weekend00:05:25 - Cowboys’ Injury List: Basically Everyone You Care About00:06:14 - How to Beat Green Bay: Run the Ball (But Probably Don’t)00:07:11 - Kevontae Turpin: Dallas’ Lottery Ticket Return Man00:08:00 - Micah Parsons Homecoming: Applause, No Tribute, Maximum Awkwardness00:08:43 - College Coaches: Fired Faster Than You Can Say NIL00:11:41 - Transfer Portal or Unemployment Line: Pick Your Poison00:12:19 - The “Hot Seat” Section: Coaches Sweating More Than Jerry in August

Norm wakes up choosing honesty and film study. With Mary riding shotgun (and running the board), “Just Wondering” turns into “Just Wondering How This Team Scores.” From C.D. Lamb’s ankle to a pass rush that couldn’t pop a balloon, Norm sifts through Pro Football Focus grades, calls out the talent gaps, and wonders aloud if “pretty good” Dak can carry a not-so-pretty roster. It’s witty, cranky, and very Norm—peppered with Mary’s sponsor reads, steakhouse cravings, and a plea for chunk plays before the Packers and Lions show up with receipts. Chapters 00:00:00 - Happy Birthday, Mary… Now About That Cowboys Mess00:00:14 - Fluent Financial Timeout: Nest Eggs vs. Three-Yard Outs00:01:19 - Injuries Happen; Talent Should Too00:03:27 - PFF Reality Check: Corners, Safeties, and Sad Trombone00:06:14 - Linebackers Anonymous: “Hi, We’re Below Average”00:07:01 - O-Line Report: One Solid, One Sieve00:08:24 - Pass Rush? More Like Pass Please00:09:54 - Ten-Minute Bears Drive, Eleven Straight Runs, Infinite Sighs00:10:48 - Big-Picture Panic: Packers, Lions, and Schedule Anxiety00:11:40 - Steak Break: Bob’s Reads Better Than the Offense00:12:24 - Full Moon Healing Balm & Full-Blown Cowboys Blues00:13:40 - The Dak Discourse: Pretty Good vs. Pretty Paid00:16:43 - Life Without C.D.: Dinks, Dunks, and Droughts00:17:28 - Expectation Tax: $60M Targets on QB100:18:54 - Closing Credits: Follow, Share, And Keep Wondering Check us out: patreon.com/sunsetloungedfwInstagram: sunsetloungedfwTiktok: sunsetloungedfwX: SunsetLoungeDFWFB: Sunset Lounge DFW

Norm’s had it. The Cowboys went full “piece of dung,” and he’s here to vent so you don’t have to throw your remote through the TV. In this Monday episode, Norm celebrates Mary’s birthday (sort of), then rips into the Dallas Cowboys like a man who’s seen too many decades of bad football. Zero pass rush, busted coverage, Dak’s dink-and-dunk festival — nothing escapes the wrath of Norm. And because Norm can’t just stop at football, he piles on the Texas Rangers too, lamenting their ability to waste perfect pitching like it’s an art form. If you’ve ever yelled “RUN THE BALL!” at your screen, this one’s for you. Chapters 00:00:00 - Happy Birthday, Mary (Sorry About the Cowboys)00:01:32 - Who’s Supposed to Be Covering That Guy?00:04:01 - Zero Means Zero: Cowboys’ Pass Rush Disaster00:05:06 - Left Tackle Trouble and Offensive Line Woes00:07:15 - Dak Prescott’s Dink-and-Dunk Mystery00:09:00 - CD Lamb’s Sideline Stroll: Sit Down, Man00:09:48 - Third-and-One Brain Freeze: Why Are We Passing?00:11:17 - Norm’s Full Sideline Rant: “Man Up!”00:11:58 - Media Jinx? Everyone Picked Dallas00:13:35 - A Terrible, No-Good, Must-Win Loss00:15:11 - Full Moon Healing Balm to Calm Cowboy Fans00:16:46 - Rangers’ Seven-Game Implosion and Wasted Pitching00:19:14 - Season’s Epitaph: “They Wasted a Ton of Good Pitching”00:19:20 - Sponsors, Thanks, and a Deep Exhale  Check us out: patreon.com/sunsetloungedfwInstagram: sunsetloungedfwTiktok: sunsetloungedfwX: SunsetLoungeDFWFB: Sunset Lounge DFW

Norm is digging deep into one of football’s most storied franchises — the Chicago Bears — just in time for their matchup with the Dallas Cowboys. He takes us on a trip from the Bears’ Decatur Staleys days (yes, they were named after a starch salesman) all the way to their present-day rebuild under offensive wizard Ben Johnson. With rookie QB Caleb Williams showing promise — and running for his life behind that still-suspect O-line — the Bears are looking dangerous enough to make Cowboys fans sweat. It’s football history, strategy talk, and a dash of “what if the first team to 40 points just wins?” anxiety — classic Norm at his finest. Plus, a quick look at Arch Manning’s Heisman odds taking a nosedive and why this weekend might be stat-padding season. Chapters: 00:00:00 – The Chicago Bears’ Wild Ride: From Starch Salesman to Soldier Field00:03:41 – Meet Ben Johnson: The NFL’s Math Nerd-Turned-Mastermind00:06:39 – Caleb Williams, Rookie Record Breaker (and Future Cowboy Heartbreaker?)00:08:22 – Why Dallas Better Fix Its Run Defense, Like, Yesterday00:09:54 – Can Either Defense Stop a Pop Warner Team Right Now?00:10:35 – Norm’s Must-Win Warning: Why This Game Matters Big00:11:17 – Shoutout to Bob’s Steak & Chop House (and Wagyu Dreams)00:11:55 – Norm’s Skin-Spot PSA (and Full Moon Healing Balm Fix)00:12:31 – Betting on the Davey O’Brien: Arch Manning’s Odds Go Limp00:13:47 – Cream Puff Watch: Sam Houston State Edition Check us out: patreon.com/sunsetloungedfwInstagram: sunsetloungedfwTiktok: sunsetloungedfwX: SunsetLoungeDFWFB: Sunset Lounge DFW

Norm is fired up — and when Norm is fired up, you know the Cowboys have done something worth talking about. In this episode of Just Wondering, Norm takes a hard look at how Jerry Jones might have finally learned his lesson after the Micah Parsons trade. He breaks down how years of “wait-and-see” contract strategies cost the Cowboys a fortune, and why the team’s new aggressive approach to signing players early could actually pay off big. Then, it’s a ride around Texas college football as Norm highlights some hot starts, big wins, and the Aggies’ heart-stopping upset of Notre Dame that just might reset expectations for the rest of their season. As always, Norm mixes smart analysis with just the right amount of sarcasm, giving you a fresh way to think about the games you watched — and the ones you didn’t. Chapters:00:00:01 – Jerry Jones and the Micah Parsons Wake-Up Call00:03:56 – Cowboys Finally Learn How to Spend00:06:52 – College Football Cream Puff Weekend Wrap-Up00:09:51 – Aggies’ Road Win and Why It Matters00:13:25 – Texas, Tech, TCU, and UNT Season Outlook

Norm Hitzges is not sugarcoating this one — the Dallas Cowboys barely escaped disaster against the New York Giants, and Norm has thoughts. In this episode of Just Wondering, Norm breaks down how penalties, blown red-zone opportunities, and the leg of the best kicker in the Milky Way saved Dallas from an embarrassing loss. But don’t relax just yet — the Cowboys’ secondary looked cooked, and Norm wonders what that means as they head into tougher matchups.Then, it’s “Cream Puff Weekend” in college football, and Norm gleefully recaps the carnage as powerhouse teams ran up the score on their cupcake opponents. But the real headline? UCLA paid $1.2 million to get humiliated by New Mexico — and fired their head coach almost immediately. It’s peak Norm: sharp, funny, and brutally honest.Tune in for sports insight with a side of wit, and let Norm do what he does best — wonder out loud about the world of football.Chapters:00:00:00 - Cowboys’ Narrow Escape Against the Giants00:02:18 - Penalties, Pass Defense, and Dallas’ Close Call00:07:37 - Cream Puff Weekend Recap00:09:45 - UCLA’s $1.2 Million Meltdown00:13:10 - Wrapping Up and Looking Ahead

Norm Hitzges is back in the saddle and just a little fired up about the Cowboys. After a nail-biter against the Eagles, Norm reminds us why one game doesn’t write the whole season — no matter how many fumbles, drops, or heart palpitations it caused. With his trademark mix of humor and hard truth, Norm dissects what this close loss might really say about Dallas (and maybe what it says about Philly, too). From Daron Bland’s absence to the Cowboys’ suddenly-thin secondary, Norm lays out why the upcoming matchup with the Giants is a must-win — and why early-season hype can make fools of us all. Then it’s onto the college gridiron, where Norm delivers a takedown of cupcake scheduling season. He explains why schools like Grambling gladly cash million-dollar checks to get flattened by Ohio State and why those lopsided wins make quarterbacks’ stats look shinier than they really are. If you’re a Cowboys die-hard, a college football purist, or just love Norm’s blend of storytelling and sports therapy, this episode will hit the spot (and maybe save you from some premature panic). Chapters:00:00:00 – Cowboys, Eagles, and the Art of Not Overreacting00:01:17 – What One Game Really Means in the NFL00:04:56 – Cornerback Crisis: Dallas’ Secondary Takes a Hit00:06:23 – The Giants Matchup: Why This Is a Must-Win00:07:50 – Norm’s Favorite Steakhouse & Sponsor Shoutouts00:10:09 – College Football’s Cupcake Schedule Problem00:13:55 – Why Smaller Schools Take the Beatings (Hint: $$$) Check us out: patreon.com/sunsetloungedfwInstagram: sunsetloungedfwTiktok: sunsetloungedfwX: SunsetLoungeDFWFB: Sunset Lounge DFW

When two Dallas sports radio legends sit down, you know it’s going to be good. Norm Hitzges pulls up a chair with none other than Mike Rhyner—the “Old Gray Wolf” himself—for a wide-ranging conversation that’s equal parts nostalgia, sports therapy, and rock-and-roll storytelling. They dive into the Rangers’ improbable flirtation with the playoffs, whether the Cowboys will ever unclench their grip on mediocrity, and if the Mavericks’ chemistry experiment with Kyrie and Luka has any chance of cooking. Norm presses Mike on the big questions—like why casino gambling in Texas is still a mirage and whether walking away from The Ticket was bittersweet or just the right time to leave the party. But it’s not all sports: we get the origin story of the “Old Gray Wolf,” tales of Gordon Keith weaponizing pet names, and how a drummer became the frontman of his own band. This is two Hall of Fame radio guys swapping stories, comparing scars, and proving once again why Dallas sports talk has always been a little louder, funnier, and more colorful than anywhere else. So pour a drink, grab a steak (Bob’s, obviously), and settle in—because Norm and Rhyner are still at the top of their game. Chapters 0:00 – Norm sets the stage and introduces Mike Rhyner2:11 – Rangers: contenders, pretenders, or just amusing us all?4:35 – Cowboys 30 years without an NFC Championship: will Jerry ever let go?5:52 – Mavericks, Kyrie, Luka, and the NBA’s chemistry experiment7:45 – Why casino gambling in Texas feels like Bigfoot sightings8:37 – The birth of The Ticket and the legal pad that started it all13:14 – Retiring from The Ticket: regret or relief?14:07 – The true story behind “The Old Gray Wolf” nickname17:22 – From drummer to lead singer: Mike’s music journey18:48 – The Buzz Round: interviews, regrets, and career reflections25:27 – The Tex Schramm story that left Norm shaking32:52 – Rangers’ injury-ridden roster and Bruce Bochy’s steady hand33:35 – Sponsor shout-outs and closing reflections Check us out: patreon.com/sunsetloungedfwInstagram: sunsetloungedfwTiktok: sunsetloungedfwX: SunsetLoungeDFWFB: Sunset Lounge DFW

Norm Hitzges is back behind the mic, and this time he’s got his eyes on Vegas—and on you, Cowboys fans. In this episode of Just Wondering, Norm lays out why the Dallas vs. Giants matchup suddenly feels a whole lot scarier, thanks to some eyebrow-raising betting line shifts. From Dak to the defense, he digs into what’s at stake and why Vegas doesn’t throw numbers around for fun. But Norm doesn’t stop there—he takes college football to task for its annual tradition of making “Top 25” guesses that feel more like fan fiction than analysis. Notre Dame? Florida State? SMU? Texas? Norm cuts through the noise, calling out reputation bias, early-season delusions, and what it really takes to prove you belong. With his trademark blend of sharp insight, humor, and a dash of sass, Norm leaves you with plenty to argue about over your next steak dinner—or while you’re refreshing those betting apps. Chapters:0:00 – Introduction & Cowboys vs. Giants Jitters1:27 – NFL Sunday: What We Learned (and Didn’t)3:15 – Betting Lines Don’t Lie: Why Vegas Has Norm Nervous5:02 – From the NFL to the NCAA: College Football Whiplash7:04 – The Great Top 25 Illusion: Rankings Ripped Apart9:46 – Texas & SMU: Promise, Pitfalls, and Pain Points15:18 – Closing Thoughts & Sponsor Shoutouts    Check us out: patreon.com/sunsetloungedfwInstagram: sunsetloungedfwTiktok: sunsetloungedfwX: SunsetLoungeDFWFB: Sunset Lounge DFW

Norm Hitzges is back in the chair, shaking his head like the rest of us after the Cowboys somehow let a win against the defending champs slip through their fingers—literally. From CD Lamb’s butterfingers to Dak’s near-perfect deep ball, Norm breaks down the good, the bad, and the flat-out dumb from Dallas’ showdown with the Eagles.It’s a ride through rain delays, jaw-dropping penalties (Jalen Carter, we’re looking at you), and the maddening “what ifs” that left Cowboys fans groaning all the way home. Norm also peeks behind the curtain at how the front office is spending its shiny new pile of Micah Parsons money, and whether that trade will sting for years—or pay off sooner than we think.This isn’t your standard Xs-and-Os recap. It’s Norm at his best: sharp, funny, and not afraid to call a dropped pass what it really is—a season-shifting gut punch.Chapters:0:00 – Cowboys had the champs on the ropes (and then let them go)2:15 – Ground game shocker: Williams and Sanders show up big3:43 – Jalen Carter spits his way out of the game (yes, really)4:28 – Second-half offense: all dressed up, nowhere to go7:34 – CD Lamb’s 100-yard game he’ll want to forget8:21 – Holding Philly to 24 and still losing—how?10:30 – “The one that got away” (and a steak detour at Bob’s)11:19 – A healing balm for your skin… not your football wounds12:49 – Parsons gone, Bland gets paid, and the money shuffle begins15:58 – Norm’s final sigh: this was so winnable  Check us out: patreon.com/sunsetloungedfwInstagram: sunsetloungedfwTiktok: sunsetloungedfwX: SunsetLoungeDFWFB: Sunset Lounge DFW

Norm Hitzges is back, and he’s not sugarcoating a damn thing about the Dallas Cowboys’ upcoming season. In this episode of Just Wondering, Norm takes a long, hard look at the Micah Parsons-sized hole in the Cowboys’ defense and asks the question no one in Jerry World wants to hear: can Dak Prescott really carry this circus? From a schedule that looks more like a punishment than a path to the playoffs, to an offensive line that inspires about as much confidence as a paper straw in a milkshake, Norm breaks it all down with his trademark wit and brutal honesty. He doesn’t stop at Dak either—Tyler Booker, Nate Thomas, Kenny Clark, and the special teams crew all get their moment under the microscope. And yes, even Jerry Jones gets a little free advice (spoiler: it’s about not treating the salary cap like Monopoly money). It’s sharp, it’s funny, and it might sting a little if you’re a Cowboys optimist. But hey—this is Just Wondering, and Norm’s just saying what everyone else is too nervous to admit. Chapters 00:00 – The Cowboys Without Micah02:13 – Win Now or Go Home04:29 – The O-Line and the “Pray to the Football Gods” Plan09:30 – Dak, This Is On You11:39 – Special Teams: The Lone Bright Spot13:49 – Jerry’s Spin Zone14:36 – Sponsors, Steaks, and Full Moons  Check us out: patreon.com/sunsetloungedfwInstagram: sunsetloungedfwTiktok: sunsetloungedfwX: SunsetLoungeDFWFB: Sunset Lounge DFW

Norm Hitzges has seen some wild Cowboys moves in his day, but this one? Trading Micah Parsons right before the season like it’s a garage sale deal? That’s next-level Jerry Jones. In this Labor Day edition of Just Wondering, Norm rips the wrapping paper off the Parsons trade and takes you behind the curtain of the Cowboys’ money mess, questionable logic, and Jerry’s stubborn “I don’t talk to agents” routine. (Spoiler: he definitely should). This isn’t just another breakdown of stats and contracts—it’s a snarky autopsy on how America’s Team went from “Super Bowl hopes” to “hope we stop the run.” Along the way, Norm points out how the Cowboys managed to both save money and light themselves on fire, why Parsons-to-Green Bay makes the Packers terrifying, and why Cowboys fans are once again stuck screaming at their TVs. Oh, and in true Norm fashion, there’s steakhouse chatter, Alabama slander, and a little Arch Manning reality check. Buckle up, because this one swings harder than Jerry’s checkbook. ⏱️ Chapters 0:00 – Micah Parsons traded & retirement planning (Norm multitasks, as always)2:05 – Salary cap gymnastics: how the Cowboys tripped over their own wallets4:51 – Jerry Jones goes full “I don’t talk to agents” mode12:42 – Life without Micah: welcome to defensive mediocrity13:31 – Draft strategy or dartboard session? You decide17:21 – Cowboys’ defense minus Parsons: now featuring fewer nightmares for QBs20:46 – Reallocating money… but will it actually matter?22:15 – Cowboys trade talk and steakhouse talk (equally juicy)22:57 – Bama struggles & why Arch Manning’s Heisman hype just flatlined24:41 – Wrapping it up: Dallas tradition, fan frustration, and the eternal Cowboy soap opera Check us out: patreon.com/sunsetloungedfwInstagram: sunsetloungedfwTiktok: sunsetloungedfwX: SunsetLoungeDFWFB: Sunset Lounge DFW

When you think of Ron Washington, you think of grit, leadership, and baseball wisdom that spans generations. But in this episode of Just Wondering, Norm Hitzges sits down with the Los Angeles Angels manager to uncover a story that goes far beyond the field.Washington opens up about the three terrifying days he ignored warning signs—until he landed in the hospital for an emergency quadruple bypass surgery. With honesty and humor, he shares what it was like to come face-to-face with mortality, the lifestyle changes he’s making, and why he still feels “born to lead” in baseball.Alongside Ron’s powerful story, Norm delivers his trademark mix of sports and heart: tackling the controversy over Tommy Fleetwood edging out Scotty Scheffler in golf’s latest championship, and spotlighting the McLean brothers’ awe-inspiring row across the Pacific Ocean—a journey for both world records and clean water charity.This episode blends sports history, raw humanity, and the kind of conversation you don’t want to end.Chapters0:00 – Ron Washington’s Health Scare & Career ReflectionsA 57-year career in baseball, interrupted by a fight for his life.3:41 – Quadruple Bypass SurgeryRon describes the scary reality of waiting too long to see a doctor.7:03 – Breaking Habits, Building HealthHow smoking, rehab, and recovery shaped his new daily battle.9:20 – Baseball, Leadership, and ResilienceWhy Washington still feels called to lead—even after his surgery.10:26 – From Fried Food to Fresh ChoicesThe diet shifts that keep him on track.11:58 – The Road Back to the DugoutRon shares his December recovery milestone and hopes to manage again.17:14 – Life Beyond BaseballReflections on age, health, and a hopeful return to New Orleans.19:00 – Golf Controversy: Scheffler vs. FleetwoodNorm questions how a dominant season wasn’t rewarded properly.22:16 – Rowing Across the PacificThe McLean brothers chase records while raising funds for clean water.👉 A story about baseball, resilience, and the unshakable will to keep going. Subscribe to Just Wondering and catch new episodes every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday morning. or subscribe to the Sunset Lounge to Watch Check us out: patreon.com/sunsetloungedfw Instagram: sunsetloungedfwTiktok: sunsetloungedfwX: SunsetLoungeDFWFB: Sunset Lounge DFW

In this episode of Just Wondering, Norm dissects the Dallas Cowboys’ 53-man roster and isn’t shy about calling out the biggest surprises — including who stayed, who got cut, and why some decisions make little sense. From Joe Milton’s shaky preseason play to the looming need for backup quarterbacks, Norm lays out the challenges facing the Cowboys as the season opener approaches.Shifting to baseball, Norm takes a hard look at the Texas Rangers’ season collapse. Despite having one of the best pitching staffs in franchise history, injuries to Nathan Uvalde and Jacob deGrom have gutted their postseason hopes. Norm explains why 2026, not 2024, may be the Rangers’ best chance to truly capitalize on their talent.And because it wouldn’t be football season without picks, Norm reminds listeners about his legendary college and NFL predictions — a tradition he’s carried for over 45 years. He closes the show with an invite to the RoughRiders Stadium Fantasy Football Draft, promising fans a chance to talk sports, strategy, and everything in between.Whether you’re a diehard Cowboys fan, a frustrated Rangers supporter, or just hungry for sharp sports analysis, this episode packs in everything you need to kick off the fall season.Sign up for Norm's Picks of the Pole, here: https://payhip.com/PicksofthePolewithNormHitzges or email Norm for picks: norm13tenmail.com⏱️ Chapters:0:00 – Introduction & overview of today’s topics1:45 – Cowboys 53-man roster breakdown and biggest surprises6:08 – Rangers’ collapse: wasted pitching and slim playoff hopes9:54 – College football and NFL picks — Norm’s track record11:46 – Fantasy Football Draft Night at RoughRiders Stadium12:53 – Sponsors: Fluent Financial & Bob’s Steak and Chop House13:49 – Final thoughts and closing remarksCheck us out: patreon.com/sunsetloungedfw Instagram: sunsetloungedfwTiktok: sunsetloungedfwX: SunsetLoungeDFWFB: Sunset Lounge DFW

In this fiery episode of Just Wondering, Norm Hitzges takes listeners deep inside the mind of Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones — part fan, part fanatic, and all-in on chasing his elusive “own” Super Bowl. With over 35 years of watching Jones from both up close and afar, Norm unpacks the highs, lows, and downright head-scratching moves that have defined Jerry’s three decades of Cowboys control. From overpaying players in contract negotiations to letting personal grudges dictate decisions, Norm calls out the disconnect between Jones’ desire to win and his ability to build a winning formula. Along the way, Norm explores the drama around Micah Parsons’ stalled deal, breaks down a rumored trade with Green Bay, and dissects the Cowboys’ exhibition game performances with his trademark wit and precision. If you’ve ever wondered what makes Jerry tick—or why the Cowboys’ trophy case has been empty for 30 years—this episode delivers the candid truth. Sign up for Norm's Picks of the Pole, here: https://payhip.com/PicksofthePolewithNormHitzges or email Norm for picks: norm13tenmail.com ⏱️ Chapters: 0:00 – Setting the stage: Inside the mind of Jerry Jones & Fluent Financial sponsor message2:14 – Jerry Jones: Fan vs. fanatic and the obsession with his Super Bowl4:50 – Contract blunders: Parsons’ agent plays chess while Jerry plays checkers7:32 – Rumored trade: Micah Parsons to Green Bay? Norm says “make the deal”9:00 – Cowboys roster shakeups & exhibition game breakdown12:42 – Sports betting picks & sponsorship shoutouts 🔑 Key Themes: Jerry’s relentless pursuit of his legacy-defining Super Bowl. Why wanting to win and knowing how to win are two very different things. The Parsons contract saga and what it reveals about the Cowboys’ negotiation style.Roster evaluations from preseason—including who might sneak onto the 53-man roster. Check us out: patreon.com/sunsetloungedfwInstagram: sunsetloungedfwTiktok: sunsetloungedfwX: SunsetLoungeDFWFB: Sunset Lounge DFW