Double bag alert, double bag alert, double bag
alert, folks. That's right. Bud Dupree and Rashad
Bateman get paid. Aaron Rodgers finally heads
to the Berg. Has Anthony Richardson's time run
out with the Colts? Joe Flacco gets grilled by
his former teammate. And Deion Sanders defends
Shador Sanders' professionalism, okay? All of
this and more on the 81st episode of the Football
Junkies Podcast. I am your host with the most.
I am your chief bagger -o -dominance. I am your
chief head of the table. Anything and everything.
Everything related to the bag, conspiracy theories,
trades, you name it, we cover it over here at
the Football Junkies Podcast. I am your GM who
currently is not on the team right now, but don't
you worry about it, all right? Don't you worry
about it because guess what? I am all these things
and more. But most importantly, the most important
thing that you must remember is I am your host,
Kale. You already know how these things are about
to go. So guess what? On three, one, two, three,
let's lock in. Right, folks, let's get into the
meat and potatoes, everything that is going on
in the league right now. So before we get into
Aaron Rodgers' talk, let's talk about the bag
alerts, all right? So Bud Dupree, outside linebacker
for the LA Chargers, inks a one -year $6 million
extension. He'll be making $6 million a year.
And when we look at his stats from this past
season, 28 tackles, six sacks, and one pick.
A good team -friendly extension that doesn't
really hurt the Chargers in any way. Bud Dupree
is still a very productive pass rusher. Now,
is he in that tier with the Miles Gerrits and
the TJ Watts and the Michael Parsons of the world?
No, but he is somebody that can give you six
to nine sacks a season, which is still fairly
good because you have Khalil Mack on the other
side. I think the Chargers approach when it came
to pass rush. was to have one expensive pass
rusher and one cheaper pass rusher instead of
having two very expensive pass rushers where
one of them couldn't stay healthy and really
wasn't living up to the contract and the other
one was exceeding his contract. I can't really
hate the Chargers for it. I think it's a great
deal. It does create a little bit more catch
space for them. Maybe they're trying to create
some more catch space so they can try to go after
maybe someone like a Jalen Ramsey or a big player
that they really need. I don't know. but only
time will tell. But we have to talk about Rashad
Bateman. That's right. Receiver for the Ravens
inks a three -year $36 .7 million deal, $20 million
guaranteed, and he'll be making $12 .2 million
a year. When we look at his stats, 72 targets
for 45 receptions, 756 receiving yards, nine
touchdowns, and 16 .8 yards per reception. According
to the 3013, 77 .8 of Bateman's 2024 receptions
resulted in either a first down or touchdown.
That is the highest rate in the league among
players with 40 plus catches. Now, he was one
of two other players that had a 75 % touchdown
and first down rate. And the other two were A
.J. Brown and Darnell Mooney. All in all, this
is a really good team -friendly deal. This doesn't
really break the bank for the Ravens, and I think
this definitely creates enough cash space for
them to go after either Jair Alexander or Jalen
Ramsey. According to ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler,
Rashad Bateman approached the Ravens this offseason
for an extension and was denied initially and
was given permission to seek a trade. Multiple
teams were interested in Rashad Bateman, including
the Cowboys, Packers, and Patriots, but the Ravens
decided to give him an extension. The Ravens
made a really good decision in not trading away
Rashad Bateman just because of how pivotal of
a role he plays on this offense. You were talking
about somebody that when he gets the ball in
his hands, it's either a first down or it's a
touchdown. You're talking about a chain mover.
You're talking about someone that makes big plays.
You're somebody that gets the job done. Sure,
he's not going to wow you with the stats and
whatnot, but he is somebody that is a big playmaker
for this Ravens offense. Now, when we shift things
over to the speculative talk about, you know,
could they be possibly going after Jalen Ramsey
or Jair Alexander, I will say this. Jalen Ramsey
would be great for the Ravens simply because
he is an AFC North -style corner. He has the
size, he still has speed, he's a willing tackler,
and he can still hold his own against number
one wide receivers, which you really do need
at this point. I think a secondary that has Marlon
Humphrey, Nate Wiggins, Jalen Ramsey, Kyle Hamilton,
and Malachi Starks would be very dangerous compared
to what they have right now. My recommendation
for resolving this entire Jalen Ramsey situation
is just doing a buyout. Because right now, there
is no team that is going to be willing to meet
the demands of the Dolphins. And I think Jalen
Ramsey and his side understand that. So I think
the best thing to do is to sacrifice a couple
dollars, sacrifice some of your signing bonus,
just so you get to dictate where you want to
go. Because right now, the Chiefs can't make
a move for you. The Eagles could possibly make
a move for you, but that's risking itself. So
you don't have a lot of options if you want to
try to compete for another title. Now, if you're
just trying to play in a better situation, well,
then by all means, whoever gives you the best
offer, you go there. But if I'm Jalen Ramsey,
if I want to end my career with another ring,
i would fork over 10 to 15 million in part of
my signing bone dolphins just so i can experience
winning another super bowl because you're already
a hall of famer but wouldn't it be better to
end your career as a two -time super bowl champion
now when we shift things over with jire alexander
however his situation is a little bit more complicated
just because In the beginning part of the offseason,
there was a lot of rumors that, you know, the
Seahawks and the Packers were talking about trading
for Jire Alexander. Then that fell through. And
then there was talks of Jire doesn't want to
be with the Packers. Then now it's just quiet.
But if I'm the Ravens, I'm calling Green Bay
just to test the waters, just to see exactly
what's their asking price. And if it's non -negotiable.
If it's non -negotiable, then I'll just leave
it alone. But if it's something that we can work
on, then by all means, do it. Because at this
point, Jair doesn't want to be with the Packers.
He's let that be known. So it's just best that
you move off of him. Now with his contract, sure,
you could restructure it. You can do a plethora
of different things. But the question is, would
Jair be willing to be a team player? Because
either way you look at it, both of these players
are going to have to make some type of sacrifice
to be in a better situation. The question is,
what are you willing to sacrifice? But if I am
the Ravens, I am picking up the phone for both
of these players. I'm trying to find a good sweet
spot for a good deal between these two teams.
And whoever is willing to give me the better
deal, then by all means, I'll do that. Because
you don't need a whole bunch of draft picks.
What you need is ballers. You need playmakers.
You need people that are closers. To me personally,
I would venture to say Jalen Ramsey will be a
better option just because if Patrick Mahomes
sees Jalen Ramsey on the field, he's going to
have to change everything. He can't just play
the same type of ball that he's been playing.
And that's the same thing for any of the other
AFC quarterbacks that Lamar and the Ravens are
going to have to face. I just think the Ravens
should just go and be aggressive and try to get
one of these guys. Because if you do that, that
will strike fear into all of your opponents.
That will separate you from the Chiefs, the Bills,
the Bengals, anybody else that everybody considers
to be AFC playoff contenders. Otherwise, you
run the risk of possibly having a major hole
at corner that you may not be able to address
until the trade deadline. I don't think you wanna
wait that long. So I would get this deal done
as soon as possible. Now onto the part that everybody
has been waiting for, everybody has been talking
about for the past 48 hours, and that is Aaron
Rodgers is officially signing with the Pittsburgh
Steelers. He visited the Steelers this morning,
did all the things that he needed to do, and
now the contract is signed and he will be wearing
number eight. So the deal is a one -year $13
.6 million deal, $10 million guaranteed with
a maximum value of $19 .5 million. It includes
$5 .8 million in playtime and team performance
incentives, according to Adam Schefter. Now,
when we look at his stats from this past season,
584 attempts for 368 completions, 3 ,897 passing
yards, 28 touchdowns, 11 kicks, 6 .7 yards per
attempt, and a 63 completion percentage. Here's
the thing with Aaron Rodgers. Like him, hate
him, whatever. He was the best option for the
Steelers right now. Because going after Kirk
Cousins is just a waste. You're going to be giving
up too much compensation to get somebody who
didn't play his best ball with the Falcons. And
that's why he's in the situation that he's in
right now. I also have to mention that according
to Adam Schefter, Rodgers was considered the
third option. Pittsburgh tried trading for Matthew
Stafford and was unsuccessful. And they also
tried resigning Justin Fields and were also unsuccessful
as well. Here's the thing with all of this. Did
I think the Steelers were going to be able to
get Matthew Stafford? No. I think that was more
of a tactic to try to get more money from the
Rams. And of course it worked. Do I think Justin
Fields was a legitimate option? Yes. But I think
the reason why Justin Fields didn't re -sign
with the Steelers was because one, they didn't
give him a guarantee that he would be the guy
moving forward and how they mishandled the entire
quarterback transition process. I think if they
would have gave Justin Fields a longer leash,
he probably would have stayed with the Steelers
because the Steelers love Justin Fields. They
wanted Justin Fields. Arthur Smith wanted Justin
Fields back. But I think because they left a
bad taste in his mouth, I think that's why he
went to the Jets. It wasn't because of the money.
It's because of the opportunity. Because we all
know next year they're going to be going after
the quarterback. So that puts someone like a
Justin Fields in jeopardy. Because if you're
not playing your best ball, guess what's going
to happen? They're going to move off of you as
quickly as possible, or you're going to be a
backup. And I don't think Justin Fields wants
to do that. And so... This was probably their
best option at this point. Granted, Mason Rudolph
could definitely win them some games, but I think
Aaron Rodgers is still a dangerous quarterback.
I understand all the intangibles, all the antics
that come with him. I understand that. But when
you put him on the field, he can still throw
it. He still has that zip. He still has some
juice left in his arm. So I don't hate the Steelers
for it. Now, here's the thing with all this.
There's not a lot of quarterbacks past 40 who
have been super successful within the NFL. So
I was able to do a little bit of research and
let's just go a little bit of a deep dive, all
right? So Drew Brees' 2019 season, he threw for
378 attempts for 281 completions, 2 ,979 passing
yards, 27 touchdowns, four picks, 74 .3 completion
percentage, and an eight and three record. Joe
Flacco's 2023 season. He had 204 attempts for
123 completions, 1 ,616 passing yards, 13 touchdowns,
8 picks, 7 .9 yards per attempt, and a 60 .3
completion percentage in a 4 -1 record. Tom Brady's
2017 season He had 581 attempts for 385 completions,
4 ,577 passing yards, 32 touchdowns, 8 picks,
and a 66 .3 completion percentage, as well as
a 13 -3 record. Brett Favre's 2009 season, he
had 531 attempts for 363 completions, 33 touchdowns,
7 picks, and a 68 .4 completion percentage and
a 12 -4 record. So here's the thing. Aaron Rodgers...
it's definitely going to be a difference maker
for the Steelers. The question is how much? Because
my ceiling for Aaron Rodgers at this point is
Joe Flacco's 2023 season. If he has a season
similar to Joe Flacco's or maybe even better
than what Joe Flacco did in 2023, I think it's
a success. Another angle that we need to talk
about is Arthur Smith now has a quarterback that
attacks the middle of the field. which I think
is great because I think it'll be able to really
open up the offense a lot more because I feel
like last season the offense was very constrained
because of Russell Wilson's limitations. Russell
Wilson is not able to attack the middle of the
field because of his height, and it clearly showed
in a lot of games. So I think with Aaron Rodgers
being familiar with Arthur Smith's system because
he played under Matt LaFleur, I think there's
not going to be a major disconnect with the play
calling because I feel like Aaron Rodgers is
already familiar with a lot of the cadences and
calls since he was with Matt LaFleur. And we
all know that Arthur Smith was originally under
Matt LaFleur when they were still in Tennessee.
And then once Matt LaFleur left and wanted to
be a head coach, Matt LaFleur wanted Arthur Smith
to come with him and be his new offensive coordinator.
But Arthur Smith declined and he stayed with
Tennessee and then he went to the Falcons and
the rest is history. Now, do I think the Steelers
are going to go on the Super Bowl run? No. Do
I think they're going to go to the AFC Championship?
No. But I do think an Aaron Rodgers -led Steelers
team could possibly win at least one playoff
game. I think if they make one more addition
to tight end and receiver, depending on who it
is, I think this would take this team to another
level. Now, me personally, I feel like Kyle Pitts
would be a better option than Johnnie Smith,
and let me explain why. With Johnnie Smith, he's
looking for a new deal. And so most likely you're
going to have to pay him between eight to maybe
12 million a year. Kyle Pitts, on the other hand,
if you wanted to, you could give him a short
term extension because next year he's going to
be unrestricted free agent. Or you can let things
play out. And then depending on how his season
goes, then you can have those type of contract
talks. But I feel like Kyle Pitts has a lot of
upside to his game compared to Jonu Smith. But
I do believe that the Steelers are going to make
a move and add both another receiver and another
tight end. Because initially, when Adam Schefter
put out that the Steelers and the Dolphins were
talking about a potential trade for Jonu Smith,
I discarded. I didn't believe it. But then shortly
after, Donner Palm tore his Achilles. And then
Adam Schefter puts out another tweet that says
now they're engaging in talks. And so I'm like,
OK. Either this is going to work or this is just
another tactic for Drew Rosenhaus and his side
to try to make the Dolphins give them a better
deal. Either way, someone's going to be going
to the Steelers. Now, I will say this. With Aaron
Rodgers coming to the Steelers, I think this
also creates some interest from other players
who are still free agents to possibly come to
the Steelers. I think people like Gabe Davis,
once he's healthy, I think he may come back to
the Steelers. I think Chris Alave may be interested
in coming to the Steelers. I think maybe Keenan
Allen or Amari Cooper or DJ Chark, someone is
going to be interested of coming to the Steelers
now. Because now you have Aaron Rodgers, DK Metcalf,
Pat Fryer move, Caleb Johnson, Jalen Warren,
Kenneth Gainwell, Darnell Washington, another
tight end that they're probably going to add.
You have a lot of weapons. for this team. And
that's not even counting the defense as well.
I think at best, this team could possibly win
maybe 10 to 11 games. Now, if Aaron Rodgers gets
hurt, knocks on wood, hopefully that doesn't
happen, I think at best they could probably win
eight to nine seasons. But again, the Steelers
are playing with house money because why? This
is only a one -year deal. This isn't something
where, okay, we'll just do this one -year deal
and we'll see what happens next year. No. Aaron
Rodgers is under the impression that this may
be his last season, so he wants to end his career
on the right foot, and I don't blame him for
that. Now, I will say this. There is added pressure
on the offensive line to make sure that they
dot their I's and cross their T's for Aaron Rodgers,
especially for someone like Broderick Jones.
He now has a role where he has to play phenomenally
well in order to protect Aaron Rodgers. It's
different if you were still at right tackle.
No one really wouldn't be saying anything. But
because you're at left tackle, the pressure is
on Broderick. Because if he doesn't have a really
good season, the Steelers are going to move off
of him. The Steelers are going to go in a different
direction, and they're going to bring in another
left tackle. Now, if we go on the analytical
side, the Jets' offense last year was ranked
24th in the league, and they averaged 19 .9 points
per game. 310 .3 yards per game, 5 .2 yards per
play, and 39 touchdowns. They were 16th in passing
offense and they averaged 218 .5 passing yards
per game, 5 .7 passing yards per play. They had
a 23 .6 play action percentage and 31 passing
touchdowns. They were 17th in rushing offense
and they averaged 110 .7 rushing yards per game,
4 .1 rushing yards per play, 17 rushing touchdowns,
and had 46 rushes of 10 plus yards or more. With
Aaron Rodgers coming to the Steelers, I think
all these numbers are going to increase. Now,
am I saying that this is going to be a top five
unit? No. But I do believe they can be within
that top 12, maybe top 13 range. Maybe even a
little bit lower. Maybe about 15 at best. But
I do believe that this is an upgrade for the
Steelers. Yes, I understand I was very critical
with Aaron Rodgers in past episodes. I understand
that. I'm still not taking that away from him.
He should have been here for OTAs so that he
could be able. to develop chemistry with his
receivers, tight ends, and everybody else. But
he will be here for mandatory minicamp, which
starts on Tuesday, which he will be speaking
to the media. So maybe we'll have a deeper understanding
of why he waited this long and whatnot. But all
in all, the Steelers are doing good business.
And that's all that matters. And so now it's
just a wait and see of what exactly this offense
is going to look like. According to ESPN journalist,
Stefan Holder. Anthony Richardson will be out
for the foreseeable future after re -aggravating
a shoulder injury that he suffered in 2023, and
he will be held out of mandatory minicamp next
week. So when we look at this in its entirety,
this may be controversial, but I really don't
care at this point. I think it may be time for
the Colts and Anthony Richardson to just go their
separate ways. I just think at this point, they
bit more than what they can chew, and they're
starting to realize that. Since being drafted
by the Colts, Anthony Richardson has only played
15 games. I'm just going to read to you his stat
line from this past season. 264 attempts for
126 completions, 1 ,814 passing yards, 8 touchdowns,
12 picks, 6 .9 yards per attempt, and a 47 .7
completion percentage. I think at this point,
Shane Stuyton, Chris Ballard, and everybody else
has realized that it just may be time to move
off of Anthony Richardson. And it really sucks
because the Colts have a really good roster.
If you just look up their roster, you will think,
man, this team should be able to compete with
the Texans. This team should be winning their
division almost every single year. But that's
not the case because why? They haven't had stability.
You can have chaos in your tight end room, receiver
room, running back room, offensive line room,
whatever. As long as you have stability within
your quarterback room. You will always have a
chance to win. And the Colts have not had that
since Andrew Luck's retirement. I'm just going
to read to you the quarterbacks that they have
had since Andrew Luck. Jacoby Brissett, Brian
Hoarder, Phillip Rivers, Carson Wentz, Matt Ryan,
Sam Ellinger, Nick Foles, Gardner Minshew, Joe
Flacco, and then Anthony Richardson. That is
a long list. And some of those quarterbacks,
they had to make trades for and they had to give
up a lot to get them. Here was the number one
red flag for the Colts when it came to Anthony
Richardson. He didn't have a lot of playing time
in college. Out of all the positions in football,
left tackle, wide receiver, pass rusher, and
sideline backer, corner, safety, whatever, the
one position that requires a lot of experience
is quarterback. And we've all seen different
quarterbacks who didn't have a lot of experience,
how hard their transition was from college to
the pros. And we see the difference when quarterbacks
who do have a lot of experience, how they transition
a lot more gracefully in the pros. If Anthony
Richardson would have panned out by now, you're
talking about somebody whose ceiling could have
been Cam Newton. But at this point, I think it's
just better that you guys go your separate ways.
Now, if I'm Anthony Richardson. I'm either going
to the Broncos, I'm going to the Vikings, I'm
going to the 49ers, or I'm going to the Rams.
I am going somewhere that has a head coach in
place that has experience developing quarterbacks.
Because right now, it's just not working with
the Colts. And sometimes it happens. But right
now, for one, we haven't been able to stay healthy.
And another thing that's not really being talked
about as much, but I feel like it definitely
needs to be talked about is... You quit on your
team. I think if you were able to do a quick
interview with all the players on the team from
that past season where Anthony Richardson tapped
out, and you asked them that one question, how
they really felt about that, I guarantee you
there would have been at least 20 to 30, maybe
even 40 % of the team that felt some type of
way about it. Because offensive linemen aren't
able to tap out. defensive linemen really aren't
able to tap out. There are some positions on
the field that aren't able to tap out. And for
you to tap out and then give the response that
you did probably rubbed some people the wrong
way within the organization and within the locker
room. So I think at this point, it's just best
for the Colts and Anthony Richardson to go in
a different direction. However, if they still
want to make this thing work, I would say Anthony
Richardson should probably transition into a
Taysom Hill type of role. where you're just this
do -it -all type of player. You're effective
at tight end, you're effective at maybe receiver,
running back, wherever they need you at, you're
effective there. Because right now, your chances
are very thin. And granted, I understand you
have the intangibles, you got the athleticism,
you got the arm, you got it all. But brother,
your chances are very, very, very slim at this
point. Because the signing with Daniel Jones
was already the writing on the wall that they
were already ready to move off of you. Because
Daniel Jones, despite all the things we want
to say about him, he may have a better chance
of winning this starting job than Anthony Richardson
at this point. I think from a Shane Stikton's
type of view, I think he probably says, OK, I
could probably work with a Daniel Jones better
than what an Anthony Richardson. Sometimes it
happens. But if I'm Anthony Richardson, I'm doing
whatever I need to do so that I can be prepared
for training camp and preseason. Because right
now, you're at a disadvantage. So now you're
playing a game of catch up. Now, I understand
you really can't do anything with injuries. I
get that. But right now, if you really want to
prove to this organization and to the coaching
staff and to the players that you are the guy.
then you are going to have to make sure that
you put your 1000 % effort into everything that
you do, that you carry yourself like a franchise
quarterback and you take accountability and you
do whatever you need to do for this team. Because
at the end of the day, it's not about you, it's
about the team, T -E -A -M. Now let's talk about
this whole Joe Flacco mentoring comments because
it's definitely caused a firestorm on social
media. And it definitely caused a firestorm of
one of his former teammates. So this is what
Joe Flacco said. And I quote, I tend to try to
be honest and I've said, I'm not a mentor. I
play football and in a quarterback room, there's
a lot of times already. There's been already
a lot of times where there's learning experiences
and I have a lot of experience and I can talk
on things and hopefully they can listen, but
it's not necessarily my job to make sure they
listen to me. Hey, hopefully you have a really
good relationship with the guys that are in the
room and you naturally want to do that. End quote.
Now, I just want to add, this is what exactly
Joe Flacco said. This is not what I said, okay?
Just saying. Now, this is what Chris Canty had
to say on his podcast called Unsportsmanlike.
End I quote. Mentoring a young player is only
going to make that player better, which makes
the team better. You're only as strong as your
weakest link. The whole point of this exercise
is that everybody makes everyone better. That's
why you practice. You're making each other better.
It's what you're supposed to do. You do that
with the reps on the practice field, but you
also do that by sharing points and notes in the
film room. It's a ridiculous answer from Joe
Flacco. There's no guarantee Joe Flacco is going
to be healthy for 17 games, especially at 40
years old. It's stupid to not consider trying
to do everything that you can to coach these
other guys up. Nobody is saying you have to do
your job at a lesser level in terms of performing
on the field, but if you can happen to impart
some wisdom onto these guys who you're spending
16 hours a day with in training camp, why wouldn't
you do that? Just because you're mentoring doesn't
mean you can't be the starting quarterback. His
answer is nonsensical. I hate going so hard at
one of my former teammates, but it's one of the
dumbest things I've heard Joe Flacco ever say."
My takeaway from both of these quotes is Chris
Canty is right. Joe Flacco at this point in his
career needs to serve a mentor -type role to
the other quarterbacks. Because what do you have
to lose at this point? They're not going to cut
you. They're not going to get rid of you at any
point. Because why? You have been the most successful
quarterback since the acquisition of Deshaun
Watson. May I remind you, that 2023 season, Joe
Flacco and the Browns was on a tear. If they
continued with that momentum into the playoffs,
They possibly could have made it to the AFC Championship.
And I know a lot of people would say, well, you're
capping, you're just trying to do clickbait.
No, that Browns team in 2023 with Joe Flacco
was pulling. They were doing their thing on both
offense and defense. So I don't understand why
you want to try to embark some wisdom and give
them some nuggets that they can carry on for
the rest of their careers. Your career is over
with. You've done everything that there is to
do. You're a Super Bowl champion. You'll probably
get elected into the Ring of Honor, and that's
probably it. So why wouldn't you want to show
them, hey, this is what I do when I see this
type of coverage. This is what I do to prepare
myself for division games. This is what I do
to prepare myself against this defense or that
player. Doing those small little things will
have a lasting impact on those quarterbacks.
Because right now, they're looking for a mentor.
Kenny Pickett can't be a mentor. Because why?
Kenny Pickett has been on three teams in three
years. Joe Flacco, on the other hand, he can.
Because why? He's experienced it all. He's experienced
the highs and lows of the National Football League.
So why wouldn't you want to be the person that
can show them, hey. This is how you carry yourself
in public. This is how you carry yourself in
the media. This is how you're able to curveball
different questions that you feel like a little
bit sensitive. This is how you're able to curveball
some questions that make you want to give a negative
answer. All of those things are important. Yes,
I understand the quarterback's coach is supposed
to be doing that, but it hits a little bit deeper
when you have a veteran quarterback in your quarterback
room. I've seen some current players who have
said, hey, listen. My first two or three years,
I had a mentor, Von Miller. Do you know who his
mentor was? DeMarcus Ware. DeMarcus Ware used
to get on Von Miller on every small little thing.
And guess what? It worked because Von Miller
is now going to go down in history as one of
the best pass rushers of this generation. You
are talking about somebody who could possibly
be a first ballot Hall of Famer. All because
he had a mentor, somebody to show him the ropes.
It is important. That as veteran quarterbacks,
or any veterans despite what position it is,
that you embark wisdom on the next generation.
Because it's always about setting the next generation
for success. Sure, if you're still in your heyday
and you're still doing your thing, you may not
want to be a mentor. But if you're at the tail
end of your career like Joe Flacco, There's no
need for you to say, oh, I'm just here to play
football. Okay, that's perfectly fine. Everybody's
here to play football. But we all know within
the next two or three years, you're going to
be putting out one of those videos and saying,
I'm retiring from the National Football League.
Let's just be real here. It's not going to hurt
you. If you embark your wisdom on someone like
a Kenny Pickett, that will go a long way for
him. Because you know why? Kenny Pickett didn't
have a mentor. Jador Sanders didn't have a mentor.
Dylan Gabriel doesn't have a mentor, but you
can be that mentor. And that's one of the problems
with a lot of these younger quarterbacks is that
they don't have a mentor within the quarterback
room. That's why you have people like Gardner
Minshew and Jacoby Brissett who continue to get
jobs because you know why? It's not because of
their play, but it's what they do in the locker
room that matters. And so having someone like
a Jacoby Brissett as your vet. It's great because
you know why? He's been a journeyman. He's been
a Super Bowl champion. He's been through it all.
And you can go to him as a well of knowledge
for anything, for life advice, for football advice,
possibly financial advice. All of that stuff
matters. Everybody says, oh, we're brotherhood.
We're brotherhood. We're for each other. You're
supposed to be for your teammates and whatnot.
Well, guess what? This is part of that process.
It's your job to make sure that the next generation
is straight. And you wonder why so many players
don't have no direction and do the things they
do. Because you know why? They don't have somebody
to say, hey, man, you bugger right now. You need
to relax. Hey, man, you don't need to be out
here at 2 or 3 o 'clock in the morning. Hey,
man, you need to have this giant entourage with
you. That's when you have a mentor to tell you
the honest truth about things. Because you know
why? Coaches are only going to tell you so much.
But having a mentor. They're going to tell you
the good, the bad, the ugly, the uncomfortable.
They're going to tell you everything that you
need to know because you know why? They value
that much. And a lot of times they see themselves
within you. So it's only right that you pay it
forward. Not be an asshole and just say, I'm
just here to play football. Now let's finally
talk about this whole Deion Sanders situation.
So Deion was on Asante Samuel's podcast and they
talked about the whole Shador Sanders situation.
So this is what Deion had to say, and I quote,
they want to create these narratives and create
these stories and then attach them to a kid that
ain't never done anything wrong. You want to
tell me he had headphones on, Shador? Anybody
know my son understand he's a professional, like
he's going to go into a meeting with headphones
on, end quote. Now, they did get into the whole
Shador sliding in the draft, and Deion simply
just had to say this, and I quote, it did hurt.
It did hurt, end quote. I can only imagine how
Deion felt during that entire process, just to
know that so many different teams passed over
his son. And there were a lot of teams that needed
a quarterback, and they passed over him for one
reason or the other. And just to see Shador just
slide the way that he did in the draft was just
mind boggling to me. And I remember there were
a lot of stories that were coming out and were
saying that, you know, he was butting heads with
Brian Dable and he was doing this and he was
acting cocky and granted. I understand where
a lot of people are coming from. And I understand
that, you know, Dion and Shador did not help
their case when they go on, you know, radios
and podcasts and whatnot and talk about how we're
not going to interview with this team. We're
not going to do this. We're not going to do that.
And then when the NFL draft comes around and
everybody reflects how they really feel about
you and your son, then guess what? This is the
result. The NFL showed once again that guess
what? No one is bigger than the shield. No matter
who your father is, no matter the legacy that
he created, no matter where you come from, no
matter what school you went to, no matter your
accolades in college, no matter anything that
you have done, you are not bigger than the shield.
But I'm going to end this episode here. If you
guys like what you are listening, please, please,
please, please, please make sure you guys download
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star, five star, five star, five star, five star
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Make sure you guys take a listen For my YouTube
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you could also follow me on X, formerly known
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Sky, G -M -K -I -L -E. As always, I hope I gave
you guys the fix that you guys need. I love you
guys. I appreciate you guys so much. Stay tuned
for the next episode. I'll probably give out
the rest of my grades for the rest of the divisions
that I have covered. I also will be taking somewhat
of a small break. just for maybe about a couple
of days, maybe a week, just so I can, you know,
prepare myself for my upcoming exam and just
to, you know, just take a breather and whatnot.
So as always, I love you guys. I appreciate you
guys so much. If there's any crazy news that
happens between now and then, sure, I'll talk
about it. But for the time being, not right now,
I really do need to study, really do need to
prepare for my exams. But just know once I'm
done taking my first exam. We're doing gut check
time. Yes, I understand the league will be on
break for five weeks, but guess what? I'm still
going to be feeding you guys content because
we're going to be doing gut check time. That's
right. We're going to be talking about who are
playoff contenders, who's pretenders, who's Super
Bowl contenders, all of that and more. Every
single division, you already know we're going
to be doing it. So guess what? As always, I love
you guys. I appreciate you guys so much. Peace
and love. This is your GM, Kale, signing out
later.