PMS 2.0 1189 - Michael Lombardi, Kirk Herbstreit, Tony "Smoke" Stewart LIVE In The ThunderDome, George Kittle, Darius Butler, & AJ Hawk

Update: 2024-08-27

Digest

This podcast delves into the emotional and practical implications of NFL Cut Day, where teams must reduce their rosters to 53 players. The hosts discuss the challenges players face transitioning from a professional football career to other pursuits and the importance of resilience and adaptability. The conversation then shifts to the Netflix documentary "Untold: The Rise and Fall of Conor Stallion," which explores the controversial story of a Michigan Wolverines staffer accused of sign stealing. The hosts analyze the documentary's impact and the ethical implications of sign stealing in college football. The discussion transitions to the NFL, where the hosts discuss the prevalence of sign stealing and its potential impact on the game. They explore the strategies teams use to protect their signals and the ethical considerations surrounding this practice. The hosts interview Michael Lombardi, a former NFL general manager, about the process of making cut day decisions. Lombardi emphasizes the importance of honesty and sensitivity when informing players about their release and discusses the strategies teams use to manipulate the waiver wire. The hosts and Lombardi discuss the quarterback situations in New England and Pittsburgh, analyzing the factors that will influence the starting decisions. They debate the merits of different quarterbacks and the challenges of managing expectations and team morale. The hosts discuss the impact of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) on the NFL draft and cut day decisions. They argue that the influx of money into college football has led to a decrease in the quality of players available in later rounds of the draft, making it more difficult for teams to evaluate talent. The podcast concludes with a discussion about the upcoming NFL season and the importance of continuity and preseason performance in predicting week one outcomes. The hosts and Lombardi share their insights on key factors to consider when making gambling decisions. The discussion then shifts to the excitement surrounding the return of college football, highlighting the high viewership numbers for the Georgia Tech vs. Florida State game. The hosts discuss the upcoming college football schedule, highlighting the abundance of exciting matchups, including Penn State vs. West Virginia, Texas A&M vs. Notre Dame, and the Madelo Vegas kickoff classic featuring USC vs. LSU. They express their enthusiasm for the season and the return of high-stakes games. The conversation turns to a local high school golfer, Wes Lourish, who is making waves in the golf world. The hosts discuss his impressive performance at Oakmont, a renowned golf course, and his potential for a successful college golf career. They highlight the importance of summer tournaments for attracting college recruitment. The hosts welcome Darry St. Butler, a former NFL player, and discuss his fashion sense. Butler shares his preparation for game day, including his collaboration with David Allen, a renowned tailor, to ensure a presentable appearance on television. He emphasizes the importance of looking sharp alongside other well-dressed commentators like Herb Street and Desmond Howard. The hosts discuss Shamus, a professional wrestler, and his ability to "no-sell" his hangover after a night of heavy drinking. They praise his resilience and professionalism, comparing him to other legendary wrestlers like the Undertaker. They also acknowledge Shamus's contribution to the success of the show, particularly his ability to attract viewers. The hosts discuss the increasing popularity of college football and the potential for further growth. They speculate on the existence of a large untapped audience who may not be aware of the sport's appeal. They also touch upon the ongoing conversation surrounding the sign-stealing scandal involving Michigan and Connor Stallions. The hosts discuss the Netflix documentary "Untold: The Story of Connor Stallions," which delves into the sign-stealing scandal involving the former Ohio State president. They analyze the internet's reaction to the documentary and the ongoing debate about Jim Harbaugh's knowledge of the situation. They also discuss Stallions's obsessive nature and his commitment to deciphering signs. The conversation shifts to the recent suspension of Marco Murray, a running back coach for Oklahoma, for violating recruiting rules. The hosts discuss the NCAA's ongoing struggle with enforcing rules in a rapidly changing landscape of college football. They anticipate a future with a salary cap, free agency, and a more formalized transfer portal system. The hosts discuss the future of college football and the challenges of navigating the transition era. They acknowledge the conflicting interests of various stakeholders, including conference commissioners, coaches, players, and fans. They emphasize the need for a unified vision and a more centralized governing body to address issues like NIL and recruiting rules. The hosts discuss the impact of the 12-team playoff on the upcoming season and the growing popularity of college football. They highlight the high viewership numbers for the Georgia Tech vs. Florida State game and the overall excitement surrounding the sport. They express hope that petty rules and controversies will not overshadow the positive aspects of the game. The conversation shifts to West Virginia football and the upcoming game against Penn State. The hosts discuss the history of the program and the importance of Morgantown as a college town. They also touch upon the rivalry between West Virginia and Penn State and the potential for a close game. The hosts discuss the importance of academics in college football and the potential for a more balanced approach to the sport. They acknowledge that not all athletes will go on to play in the NFL, but they can still achieve success in other areas of life. They also touch upon the ongoing debate about the role of NIL and the transfer portal in shaping the future of the sport. The hosts reminisce about Owen Schmidt, a former West Virginia football player known for his hard-hitting style and his love of beer. They share anecdotes about his time in college and his brief stint in the NFL. They also discuss the importance of team bonding and the role of social events in building camaraderie. The conversation returns to the Corner Stallions documentary and Pete's disappointment at not receiving credit for his role in uncovering the sign-stealing scandal. He expresses his frustration with Netflix for not acknowledging his contributions and his eagerness to break another big story. The discussion focuses on the Michigan Wolverines football team's upcoming season, highlighting their significant losses from last year, including 18 starters and 13 drafted players. The uncertainty surrounding the quarterback position and the team's reliance on a strong offensive line are discussed. Tony Stewart, a racing icon and Indiana legend, discusses his debut in a top fuel dragster at the NHRA US Nationals. He explains the symbolism behind the new paint scheme, the immense power of the engine, and the differences between driving a funny car and a top fuel dragster. The discussion shifts to the recent debut of a 14-year-old player in the MLS for the Philadelphia Union. The hosts express frustration and disbelief that such a talented young player is not getting more opportunities to play on the main team, highlighting the challenges facing young players in American soccer. George Kittle, a star tight end for the San Francisco 49ers, discusses DirectTV's new streaming service and the commercial he filmed for them. He jokes about the "nothing on your roof" hairstyle he sported in the commercial and the do's and don'ts of wearing the helmet he received as a prop. George Kittle provides insights into the 49ers training camp, discussing the team's focus on developing backup players and the impressive physical transformation of quarterback Brock Purdy. He highlights Purdy's confidence and leadership qualities, emphasizing his growth as a player. Tony Stewart shares his experience traveling to Dublin for a game, describing it as a "gong show" but a positive one. He expresses his belief that American football will continue to grow in popularity in Ireland, creating more opportunities for the sport. George Kittle discusses his role as a mentor to younger tight ends, both in college and the NFL. He emphasizes the value of sharing knowledge and experience, highlighting the importance of mentorship in the development of young players. The discussion turns to the Iowa Hawkeyes football team, with George Kittle expressing his support for head coach Kirk Ferentz amidst recent recruiting violations. He predicts a strong season for the Hawkeyes, emphasizing their strong defense and special teams. George Kittle shares his experience filming the "Quarterbacks" documentary, discussing his initial hesitation and how his wife convinced him to participate. He highlights the positive aspects of the experience, including the behind-the-scenes access and the opportunity to share his story with his future children. George Kittle recounts a unique preseason workout he hosted at his house for 49ers players who were not playing in a preseason game. He explains how his wife came up with the idea and how his father, a lawyer, helped make it happen. George Kittle discusses his off-season training routine, which includes working out with teammates and enjoying a luxurious spa experience. He also shares his experience at a pool party in Nashville with Bryson DeChambeau after the US Open. George Kittle talks about his experience being in the WWE video game and how he and his teammates enjoy playing it. He also discusses his potential as a WWE superstar, highlighting his personality, love for the business, and physical abilities. George Kittle reveals his new hand tattoo and discusses his plans to build a wrestling ring in his home. He also shares his thoughts on the upcoming football season and his excitement for the Monday Night Football opener.

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