New Heights with Jason and Travis Kelce - Tom Cruise on Digger, Experiencing Arrowhead, Importance of Film & Getting Above the Clouds | 202

Episode Date: September 18, 2026

92%ers, welcome to another episode of New Heights, brought to you by Nissan! Today we are joined by actor, producer, and Hollywood legend Tom Cruise. We talk about everything that went into Tom’s new movie ‘Digger,” what it was like getting back into a fat suit, why film is so important, and if John Goodman is really just Hollywood Ed Kelce. We also get Tom's take on his time at Arrowhead, Taylor teaching him football, his plan B in life, why he was a child daredevil, if he’ll ever direct, why Travis is a VHS OG, and more!Watch and listen to new episodes of New Heights every Wednesday during the NFL season and follow us on Social Media for all the best moments from the show: https://lnk.to/newheightshowYou can also listen to new episodes on Wondery, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. ...Watch the full episode here:Prime: https://www.primevideo.com/detail/0JLG80EV3QTOUJWLN8KSQ3OSTL?ref_=atv_dp_share_cu_rApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/new-heights/id1643745036Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/1y3SUbFMUSESC1N43tBleK?si=LsuQ4a5MRN6wGMcfVcuynwSupport the show: NISSAN: Watch Tim Tebow, Travis Hunter, and Derrick Henry compete to become the Best Nissan Spokesperson in the limited series Tell Them a Heisman Sent You. Legal Disclaimer: Nissan Rogue #1 in new vehicle quality among compact SUVS – 2026 JD Power. For JD Power 2026 U.S. Initial Quality Study award information, visit https://jdpower.com/awards. Awards based on 2026 model year. Towing varies by configuration. See Owner’s Manual for additional info. Always secure cargo. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Are there a part where you're like in a scene, whether it's, you know, the tidy, witty scene, you complete me, show me the money, Tropic Thunder, whatever scene it is, where you're just like, this is going to be something that people are going to latch on to. Do you know it while you're doing it? There's some moments. When I'm dancing in my tidy white, they're going to like this. They're going to like this. I know because I've done it myself at home. Yeah. I know what I mean. I was like, when I read in the script, I'm going, I got this. Back to New Heights, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls. A Wondry show brought to you by Nissan. We are your host. I'm Travis Kelsey.

My big brother, Jason Kelsey, out of Cleveland Heights, Ohio. Shout out to those Bear Cats, Cincinnati Bear Cats, getting 2-0. The football season. Subscribe on YouTube wherever you get your podcast and follow show on all social media at New Heights Show. If one asks for fun clips throughout the week, we got a fun one. And Jason is going to tell you exactly how much fun we're going to have.

Oh, 92 percenters, you are in for a doozy. We have probably the most prolific actor, producer, most iconic human beings on planet Earth. Here today, that's right. We have Tom Cruise in the house. We're going to talk about our time at Arrowhead this week's past last game on Monday night. We're going to talk about his entire career, his new movie Digger, as well as have a special clip that you guys are going to get a little sneak peek in the movie Digger. How about it, man. And you're going to want to see it.

It's outstanding. and you're going to want to stay tuned in for this Tom Cruise exclusive expose that we're hitting you with right now. Okay. Hit it, Brandon. Our guest today is an actor, writer, producer, and Hollywood legend from Syracuse, New York. He's got a BAFTA, three Golden Globes, three critics choice, an Academy Award, and his films have grossed over $13 billion at the box office.

You know him from risky business, Top Gun, Top Gun, Magic, Rane Man, Jeremy, Jeremy, Day of Thunder, the Fur, Magnolia, Aiswine, Minority, Board, Collateral, Tropic Thunder, into tomorrow, the mission of possible franchise, and soon to come, his upcoming film, Digger. Come on now. 92% is please welcome the one and only Tom Cruise. I'm about it, man.

Tom, dude, is so fucking cool to have you, man. Hey, man, it's great to be here. Do you know how hard it was to pair it down to that amount of films, like? It's been a long time. Yeah, yeah. We've been killing it for a long time. long time. We got to start off. How was Arrowhead? So much fun, man. Congratulations. Thank you,

congratulations. I'm telling you, that was the most fun I've had ever in a football game. Me too. Me too. I was having a blast. I know. Number two now. Come on. Tony, come on. Oh, thank you for that, man. My home's back. The team is just hit. It's fantastic. It was great. I got to say the whole crowd, the vibe, you hear about it, but to be here and experience it. It's so cool that we're all together live like this. And you guys are like, come to the game. I was like, yeah, I'm coming. Come on, baby. It was fantastic.

I was going to write you. I told you last night, I was like, now listen, I'm not coming to Kansas to see you lose. And I literally, I had it like we were texting back and forth that had that thing. And I was like, I'm not sending it. He knows it already. I'm not sending this. We need you to keep coming. I mean, let's just keep this, keep back here.

You already know. We need that energy. It was so fun. All your friends, all the people there, just such a beautiful vibe. And to see, look, Mah. his comeback is just miraculous. I had him my homes, baby. The old Texas gunsling out.

But you guys together and the whole team together was just a wonderful experience. I appreciate. Well, everybody says the same about you. Everybody in the sweet just raves about you. And it's been like that. I mean, we were in London together at Tay Show. That was fun, man.

That was another bang. The vibes were high there too. That was fun. Everybody raves about just who you are as a human, man. It's so cool. We appreciate you jumping on here with us, man. I appreciate being here. We got to get into Digger though, man.

We're very fortunate we got to see the screener for it. You guys are in for a ride. This one's a fun one. One of my favorite characters of yours of all time. Bang, bang, bang. Wow, baby. Try you get hit with truth. You want to hold true.

Just bang, bang, bang, bang. I'm going to get into this character, but you want to tell the audience just like what the movie's about, just a little sneak peek? It's absurd. Yes. It's about humanity. It's human.

It is a story as old as time but told in such an original and engaging way and it's just that I don't know how to explain it to people. It is, you know, when we look at human behavior and human existence and all the dynamics of it and it's this director, Alejandro Inorito, he's unbelievable what he's able to do.

It's just these, it just is a massive cinematic experience. That's what it was conceived of and built, but it is very human and it's, you saw it. And it's like, it's unexpected. It's based in, it's supposed to be modern day though, right? Like it's supposed to be a, yep, it's modern day. It's very modern day, but it's, it is representative of kind of, it's very human. Yeah. You mentioned the director. Is that where this starts? Like, do you start with, in your reach you, do you start with the script? How do you go about deciding to do a film like this? You know, making movies, it's really a lot of times it's not. Like some of these films I'm spending years, you know,

and Niritu was working on this for almost 10 years, nine years. Really? Yes, and I've been engaged with him on it for now seven years. Holy cow. So these films that you see, there's sometimes I'm thinking about it for decades. I'm preparing for years for these movies. Like I'm looking straight out and going, how, what skills do I need to learn? How do I prepare for these things?

So it's it's it's it's the artist in that particular thing and what I'm looking to challenge myself with. And what I, everything that I have done, I always have a purpose. Like since my whole life is like what I focus, like I go like what I want to learn, how, what skills I'm trying to evolve and how I'm developing. So yeah. So it's that's kind of what happens. You're talking about the director. You got another award winner in the cinematography in Chivo, man. Chivo. We're watching this, and I watched it with Taylor as well, so we're watching this and we're seeing kind of his, his brilliance as well on this.

Was he somebody you sought out in terms of cinematography? Just his ability with understanding the visual medium, the performances, the world he brings you into all of them. I mean, Alejandro is someone that I've always wanted to work with, and Chivo is someone that I've always wanted to work with. So cool. Like you guys, it's like, we want to be surrounded by. by people that are the best for that particular kind of film. And sometimes a lot of people don't know them, but you see what they did.

I mean, visually what we did, we shot on VistaVision. It's just a pinnacle in terms of skill making this film. It's, I don't know, it's like, you know, we were talking earlier, you know, about knowing the movie, you know, we're talking about I see the way you run. You know, the way you clear, you play jazz. Yeah, yeah. So, and it's like you understand.

Baritone sacks. Yeah, sacks, man. We talk about it's like knowing your skill. Like I'm, people ask like, what did you do? And I realize, like, I wasn't, it's like, I just dedicated my life to learning skills and ability. And when you, it's a lot, it's just constantly learning and studying and finding what is the correct technology or the correct format. Not what someone says it's correct, but what you know is correct. So that you're, when you're running routes, you're very rare that you're finding like,

there's a moment where I can see it in you. You see it with musicians, you see it with you see it with athletes where you know it but you're you're outside the game but inside the game. You're connected to everyone and it's almost like you see those openings beforehand. Oh yeah. So when you look at

Digger it is that high level of musicality and rhythm and comedy and jazz. And it's fascinating like in fields like that, how it relates. You guys mentioned the simitographer, director, Inurito, and the film overall, man, it's fantastic. And from the message to it all, yeah, it's so cool.

It's very visceral, which is, you know, a lot of times you feel that with, like, action movies or there's something that's incredibly thrilling. But this thing, even the opening scene, like 30 minutes, you're in that, like, one room. And you're just completely careful. captivated. And there's highs and lows. The acting is incredible. Obviously, you are fantastic. You nail Rockwell, John Goodman, all of it. But the way it's shot, the way the camera moves,

the way you move, like all of these things feel so purposeful while you're watching it. And it just, it draws you in so well. I mean, I'm in the middle of the movie theater. Four people in the I'm laughing my ass up. And I am like going in between like laughing, like goosebumps and just enthralled your monologue. Dude. Brother. Epic. That thing is going to be in, we talked about this yesterday.

I'm sitting there and you're like maybe four or five minutes and I'm like, I don't think I've seen a cut yet. Like, dude, I didn't, that's what I was going to, I was going to ask that was that just one, one rip? It's one take. He cuts into it, but it's one take. It was, you know, it's interesting. You were in the Zep.

Stone, brother. Everything in the movie is purposeful. But it's not like it was all written down and doing it. You're reaching for it. You're reaching for tone. You're reaching for that. You're exploring and you're creating. And then when you find that tone, it's a razor's edge of maintaining that and staying on it.

And that monologue, when I read that in the script, I was like, oh. So you knew it right away. The moment you read it. This is, please, please. Wait for monologue, Dave. Oh my God, please. You know, it's so, you know, we released this thing saying it took, it took every bit of skill and learning new skills to be able to play this character. And that's what you love.

So cool. You know, I'm like, I see it. You get that challenge, man. You know what it's like. You've done it all, man. It's like, there's everyone's like, here it is. We're there. But there's always another mountain to climb.

There's always something to learn. There's always something to go. And I'm getting there with the. actors and there were times on set that everyone's you know you know what it's like like you're working it's like you're in the middle of game speed you know it's like everyone's go we got to get us like I'm like just everyone time out just take a second let's look around this set look at this lighting look at this director look at these artists I like taking a moment going let's let's look at how beautiful these sets are man are they it just all vibes it all works 100% and you're still within it you're playing jazz

Like when I get to a point when I'm on a movie set, it's when you start rolling, it's, it is like you guys, you train, you talk about the installments you're going. Now it happens. Now you have to feel relaxed and confident enough with each other that we're playing. So that camera's got to capture what I'm doing. And I'm there with the actors that come to me. He said, it's okay if I do that. I say, listen, you do you.

I'm here for you. We're going to play. Like you don't even have to tell me. Let's just, we've worked together. We're communicating. It's the same thing. But you're working, working, working. I'm like, I always tell people, you know, everyone's a little nervous or whatever.

They're going. I said, I'm going to embarrass myself. Come on now. You and I, it's like, come on. I said, I want you to step off. It's okay. We're together. I am your safety net and you are mine.

We are all in this together. And I have to. I don't want to. to put those barriers there, you know, like you're going to do something. You're in that open field. You have to go like, you got to trust each other. And it's okay. You know, I've read stuff and I've seen stuff like with you or someone makes a mistake. And it's like, come on. I'm right here with you, big guy. I'm right here with you. It's okay. Can't have you thinking about what we just did. We got to think about where we're going, man. That's it. And we all have to get to that place

artistically and in life. And the point is, it's going to be a team player, man. That's it. It is. Don't be afraid to be a good teammate out here, man. That is exactly it. And you know what? These mistakes, that's yesterday. People get in it. It's like, I'm like you.

That was two seconds ago. We're going to have fun. Let's create. I got to ask you about this character Digger, man. Where did you get the Texas accent from, man? It is such a fucking good act. Bang, bang, bang, bang. Come on.

Is it somebody you ran into? Or it just, it was just kind of just, it felt right when you started it up or what? Here's what happens. Feels a little like Jerry Jones, to be honest. I know. Is it the whole movie? It's not, this movie's not based on anyone.

I make it clear. It's really, it's not based on anyone. Look, here's what I do. I've always created characters since I was a little kid. We were talking earlier. I would create characters, write stories since I was a little to make my family laugh. And I've traveled around. Like, I love going to countries and just meeting people and knowing people.

and I'll lay in bed and I'll just think of characters that I want to create in the future. So fun, man. And then I'll find a movie and I'll be like, I'm going to put that character in this. Or I'm going to explore that character in this or this tone with this movie. And that's what happened. Like a new art two came to me with this character. He had like different ideas. And I was like, I got one.

This guy's got balls, man. Yeah, yeah. I thought like, this Alejandro, like, he's working with me the first time. He's like, I want you to do this. Like, what I do with directors and writers is I don't read the scripts. I have them read it to me. Oh, cool. Okay.

I have them read it to me because I don't want my ideas to invade it yet. I want to understand what is their communication. Nice. They've been working on it. They have things that are just there. So they come to me, you know, and I just sit there and I'm like, I want you to read it to me. And they'll read it to me. And I'm like, okay.

And I'm the audience. I am a movie. I'm a popcorn guy. Come on now. I'm a meat and potatoes. Popcorn. Is it moving me or is it moving? Am I invested?

Am I not invested? Where am I engaged? Where am I not engaged? That's just who I am. So they'll come to me and read. And I want to hear what their ideas are. And in different, like even every position on a movie, the creatively wardrobe lighting,

I want to hear what is their take on it. What are they going to do? And then we get to a place where I, start to understand and I then I'm like I know how to contribute to that motion then I'm now it sparks ideas and I kind of have certain ideas that I have and certain things that I'd like to play with and then I don't necessarily talk about it I just do it yeah meaning I'm not going to sit here and say I'm going to do this I'm going to do that it's like uh-huh like I hear all the notes I know lenses I know the choreography I know tonally what they're going for because comedy everyone goes he's

comedy and they're like, no, there's all kinds of comedy. There's all kinds, like, satire. What is that? What is the rhythm? What is the music we're playing? That's when we're into jazz. That's what's like, let me give me the baseline and I'm in there. And now I'm just like, I know where we want to go and let me, I'm not going to talk about it. I see your lenses. We're together. And like, even with the camera operator, with Chivo, with Alejandro, we're playing jazz. Oh, yeah. It's a jazzy feel to the, to the, to the, what you're getting out of. It's like when you hit that point with the movie, you want that.

And that's the thing. And it's always, like you and I are talking about the different skills, you know, that you guys have. That's what I love. Like, I love your show. You're going in and you're doing stuff where you're looking at someone and you're living in their shoes. You know. Literally, yeah. Taylor, it's like you guys like that her music and her skill, I've been watching her whole life as a musician and as an artist.

You're just like, man. and not afraid to go into other things, not afraid to direct stuff. You guys are like doing this, applying that kind of ability to other things. It's, that's, to me, that's life, the joy of creating. Heck yeah. And not afraid to be like,

the thing is like with success, you feel people start gripping a little too hard. And I was always like, I'm all in. Yeah, yeah. Like everyone's like, of course he made that movie. Of course that did well. It was like, it wasn't like that. Everyone's like, no, we don't want to do it.

Oh, my God, if it doesn't work. And I'm like, I'm going all in. Let's see what we can do. Full send, baby. That's just movies like, it is all in. Yeah. Well, I got to ask you one more about Digger. So the character, at least.

Let's fucking go. You're one of the healthiest guys knowing the man from what you eat, the recovery you do. What was it like putting on that body suit every single day. Oh, dude. I'm glad you asked that. All the prosthetics. The first time I was like, you know, having that extra weight. my knees, I'm wearing the cowboy boots.

Sitting down all of a sudden you got something on your thighs. We had a thing. It was like, dig her up, dig her down. And I'm sweating because I'm wearing these prosthetics. And the scenes, the takes, like you're talking about, they're long takes and the rhythm of it. And how do you have to, you really have to know what you're doing. But I'm sweating underneath.

So I came up with all these different things like cooling machines. I'd be like, all right, let's dig her up. Everyone's there. Now we go, like in between a take is like, let's digger down. You can see me. And I don't leave set. Like, I'm not interested in going to my trailer. I like being with the crew.

I like being with everyone. Nice, man. I like being there on the set. So they have a box for me and I'm always hanging out just there. I'm watching what they're doing. I'm vibing with with Alejandro, even and the director and everyone. Even if we're not there, I'm just the actors. So I'm always there.

The first time I, we did the makeup, it took six hours. Okay, so you see that character. We got to cut this down, gas. And I'm doing, I'm doing the math. I'm always like, here's my day. I'm like, there's 24 hours in the day. Now, they tell me I need this much sleep. Yeah.

Okay. So I go how, I need to do things so well to be so economical in what I'm doing. So that everything that I do when I'm there, it's like, like you for games, it's like you got a peak in your game. So my days, I have to peak from the morning till night, how do I do it? And now I got six hours. So six, that's 18 hours. I got to sleep at least six, you know. Yeah, yeah.

On a good day. They keep saying, they keep saying maybe more. Yeah, no, I need more. But I'm just like, okay, that's 12. Now we have 12 hour days filming. Yeah. So now I'm going, now that's six hours on, two hours off with the makeup. So I was like, okay, now these, all these, these, the, there's the pinnacle of putting makeup on and everything.

Like, they're amazing. So what I did was I said, look, one day they showed up, we started going, I had a chalk, you know, board up there with a racer and a marker. And with each piece, I put each piece on the thing. And then I had a guy there with a stopwatch. A little mask called pit stop. I was like, I had the stopwatch. And I'm like, okay, you see that time, six hours? said by the time we're done, we're going to get it under an hour.

How about it? They were like, no, we're not doing that. It never happened. I was like, okay, first of all, if you say no, you can't do it. You'll never get there. So can we agree that we'll maybe make it a little less? There we go, yeah. And a little less.

So then with each piece that was going on, it was timed and timed. And then they would drill and practice by the time we finished. Got it an hour? Yes. How about it, baby? They were like, what? And they didn't even know it. They didn't even think it was possible.

And they didn't even rush. Right. So I like going into a system, studying it, trying to figure out how I can do it better, some more efficient so that I can, you know, the films that I make are very, I'm constantly going, how can I do it better? How do I prepare better so that I'm there for the directors?

I'm there putting it in the editing room. I'm there for my cast and my crew. I'm there for the studio. So I'll study stuff and then I'll kind of go. go, I think maybe we could do this better. I'm sure you guys face that all the time. Tell you what, I don't know how you can make this one better, man. This is a fun one.

It's a masterpiece. I want to ask you because I was talking to Kevin, your guy, a little bit off set. And he was saying the film in particular with this movie that it's shot on film, what was the thought process around doing that? Like everything, you talk about being efficient. It's probably more efficient to use digital stuff and be able to cut and move it around easier, right? Like what's what is the gain of doing it on film? Well first of all it's beautiful.

Very beautiful. The framing is beautiful. Okay, too technically it's like you want to find the correct frame that's going to communicate the emotion like you're talking about this the tension like in that room. Alejandro really understands staging. It's sensational and his it's also how what lenses do we use? What format do we use that's proper for that story? So it's not.

just like I did collateral where we were developing digital. You know, this movie collateral I did 20 years ago or whatever, but it was, you did digital because the environment needed to be part of the movie. You had to feel it. It's like, what emotional value are you communicating? I'm always looking at what, am I using my tools that's creating the emotional effect we want to create? So when you look at VistaVision, first of all, VistaVision was developed in the 50s, 1950s, because television came on and television and people watching small screens or home so they needed something to promote. It was actually paramount pictures that did it. And then in the 80s, they started cutting up theaters. And I was like, I don't want, you know, when I was, I studied every part

of movies, studios and distribution. I was meeting with all these guys. I was like, stop cutting up the theaters. Let's, let's, and so I pushed the format of 65 millimeter, these cameras. We pulled and out we did a movie, far and away for it, to try to not only promote, but it's very beautiful looking. The clarity and it took a while, a couple decades before people kind of, now were back to this. Vista Vision was developed. They used it, then started to use it like ILM, used it with visual effects. It's just how the clarity of the frame, the richness of the frame and what you're able to do with it. It's just very beautiful. And compositionally, it works for the tone of this film or how Alejandro was able to shoot the film. Oh, yeah, it did. Even the lenses,

They're custom lenses that were built for this to make it look very cinematic. When people see the film, they're going to be like, it's just so rich looking. It's gorgeous. It's gorgeous. And the detail, you know, you and I were talking about plays and football and you're giving me the insides. And the level of skill and artistry behind this crew, like the miniatures that are used, the film, it's all very practical, but it's for a purpose for the movie. that gives you that emotional vibe. That's so cool.

It's a film like I'd be curious you see it again. Like you'll get more and more out of the film a second third time. I was saying this just a second ago. I feel like this is a movie that you watch and you pick more upon, whether it's the visual portion of it. Like even like to start the movie, there's that cat. Why the heck do they have this like? Why isn't it just a real cat?

Why is there a robotic cat? What is going on with this cat? And I'm captivated. You're feeding it. I don't want to give away too much. I don't know what we're allowed to sneak preview of this. But you can't? But you know, that's why that cat is like that.

And like, I love that cat. Oh, there's probably so much more to pick up in a second watching. It's absolutely enthralling. It's captivating. There's, I mean, it is enriched in truth, which, that monologue. I mean, that's where that truth just comes back full circle. It's like a 10-minute monologue, one take in a fat suit. And when you see it in a fat suit, I was like.

Man, I was like, when you start sweat, I don't want to sweat my makeup off. I'm moving around in that thing too, man. You're up and down the steps. You're all over the way. Freedom, baby. Yeah. It's so fucking good. You demand our supply.

Dude, it's so good. It's funny because when I meet, when I, bang, bang, bang. You know, when I made movies back in the 80s and 90s, we were able to, like, the films that it's like I'm making rain, man, man. or born in the fort, even Top Gun. Like, people like, those movies you'd stay in the theaters for a year. So they became, my films are, you know, the language. I enjoy the motion and language.

That's why I study dance. I study martial arts. I'm constantly, I study what you guys do and how your training is because that is a, that's a communication. How, how, it's very subtle. I want people to notice things. Sometimes, like with less grossment

or different things you can bring it Magnolia, there's different physicality, that that character allows that level of physicality. So movies would play for, anyway, they'd play for a very long time. And you see the verbal quality of language. And now movies, it's like you have a weekend. So when you see this character like Digger that is very, it is layered. It is a movie that the second, third viewing, you're just, it's a, you're going to get more. and more and more out of it, more enjoyment.

In the same way where I'm going, I want people to see it before it gets on streaming. Yes. You know, and then it becomes years later, like I'll travel the world and people are quoting the lines back, you know, from different films. I quote lines back with my other films. Oh, my favorites.

Songs that you're singing. Do you know what I mean? You go to a concert and they're singing the songs back. So that's kind of what I think of movies. And so anyway, that's kind of things when we're looking at movies now, how you wanted to live longer in theaters. That's so cool. Well, we got to ask about one of our favorite guys that you worked with.

We're John Goodman family. Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah. Kind of reminds me of my dad a little bit. He reminds me very much at Kelsey. And in this movie, I feel like... I'm sorry to compare you to Ed Kelsey. Yeah, I'm sorry, John. You were the second wave of the Blues Brothers.

We're Blues Brothers family as well. So how was it working with John? He absolutely crushed it. He's brilliant. I don't think he knows how brilliant he is. He's just too smooth, man. like the characters that he's created, I agree with you, there's just, he has such a unique power as an artist. I've always loved his stuff from the moment you see him, he gets on

screen. I'm, I'm leaning in. Right. Yeah. Every film this guy does, every performance, you know, he's playing Babe Ruth. He's doing it. You know, he's in, just to name, like, Walter and a Big LaBasca, it's all my favorite characters. Yeah, yeah, exactly. Like, he's just got one classic character after the next and it's funny i i remember just seeing i've always wanted to work with him he's like one of those guys you just want to go so i'm there on set with him i'm like i always want to work with you man i'm so excited you're doing this hell yeah i would just make sure i show up early you know so that we could just in between i want to distract as we're doing it but we could just kind of hang and talk about movies and talk about experiences and it was wonderful that's awesome man

the back and forth between you two in the film it's your monologue was just so hard hitting and then John has kind of his version of one. And the, like, facial expressions he's making. And, like, I'm laughing. I am laughing out loud in the movie. Yeah. He's like, you knew. Yeah.

I did. I did. I did. Dude. It is so good. You're just like, I'm like, oh, I did. Oh, man. God damn.

He's awesome. The whole cast. I mean, Riz and we just had fun doing it. Hell yeah. man. The acting's incredible. You guys are going to love the film. Absolutely.

You have to check this out in theater. It is, it's beautiful. The acting is out of this world. And the journey you go on through the movie is just completely captivating. You will absolutely love it. Buckle up, baby. It's fantastic. And like, the way it goes from that monologue, there's so much truth in that.

And then before that, there's so many times, where people can stop them, right? Can say something. But Digger's able to push him down, right? The scientist, he's like, do you want to lose your job like? It's like, okay, fine. Let's up to you. Yeah, you're the boss.

Yeah, and then it's like that moment where he's like, all right, you're putting this all on me? Yeah, you all had your son. Yeah, yeah. Well done, Tom. Killed it again. Hey, by the way, I was sitting next to Taylor last night. She told me, it's like, I don't know if I'd say,

you guys used this, but it was so funny. She was telling me about your girls, you know, first day we were talking about. Oh, yeah. Oh, yeah. But also what she said was how she was like having you two, like, how was it like you two like playing again, like hitting each other? Oh, literally. That we were out there basically boxing each other on the business. I said, I got to mention it to these guys.

She goes, I said, is it okay if I mentioned it? She says, oh, yeah, yeah. How about that? And now she knows everything. She sees the flags coming in like, oh, that was that might be a defensive hold. I'm just like, what did you say, sweetie? Oh, she was, she was right. She was like, that's encroachment.

I'm like, do you know what that is? Yeah, she's on and now. That was one of the things that was fully in. It was so enjoyable, like meeting her at the Bills game and seeing how much, like, say, is in to football. Oh, she's in now. Like, asking questions. So far.

Like, really trying to, and now it's, I mean, it's been a few years since that. Yeah, she was schooling me. Yeah. Like this happened, that's happening. He's coming in. It was like, it was awesome. Oh, yeah. I got her.

She's, I mean, she's similar to you in terms of, You just want to understand. You want to know the knowledge. You want to know the tiny, minute details of everything. And you just want the knowledge and to be able to understand. And once you understand it in a, and this is anything in life, once you understand the full gambit of everything that is, that is a part of a show or a part of a team or a part of a sport,

it makes it that much more fun to watch because you're seeing it from such a smaller lens. and you're so appreciative of the bigger outcome, you know. I agree with you. That's why she loves doing the directing her music video. She likes to feel the, you know. She's really not dissimilar from what you've been describing in the way you like to learn everything. Yeah.

You're trying to have, like, knowledge of why everybody's here and what they do, like hearing Tate talk about music. From the story to the rhythm to the visual that you're getting. I mean, she just gets engulfed in it and she loves it. And you can tell that she loves it just by the outcome of. In her whole life, you could see it. Exactly, yeah. Even before when you see that of, and it also, like, really understanding what people are

up against, what they're doing, understanding it, you just have an appreciation for people in humanity and skills and ability. And you look at it, it's like, I mean, she's a cook, a painter, a writer, a poet, and look at you. It's like being able to take something and then create in it. I don't know. I just, I admire that. Like, when I see people, like, I'm always, like, going around and, like, looking at their skills and trying to understand that. And then I learn from it. And how do we apply it? That's the best, man. I appreciate you saying that down. Oh, just a beautiful couple.

Thank you, man. Like, really, I appreciate it, man. It's, it's lovely in every way. And your whole family and your friends, you know, from the moment that I, that I've met you all. It's just, it's really beautiful. Thank you for that big guy. You already know, man. It's nice, man. I'm a lucky son of a buck, man. Yeah, but you know what? You create your own luck, man.

He has done that. More than anybody I know. And the same way, like, and as you're going through it, and you too, man, it's like your family, everything. It's like you have a choice of how you're going to lift everybody up or you can focus on the negative, you know. And it's not just being bluebird pie in the sky. Everything's going to be great.

You've got to figure out why it didn't work and then adjust it. but you've got to have that that vibe of we're going to make this work no matter how hard this storm is yeah yeah there's the sun's behind it yeah you gotta believe it the sun is always there man you got to believe it even if that forecast doesn't say it is even that forecast doesn't say it sometimes it's wrong yeah we just got to get above the clouds we just got to get above the clouds that's my life that's my life. That's it. I like that. You just got to get above the clouds. That's all. You just got to get above the clouds. All right. Thank you to our presenting sponsor Nissan. That's right. And their new limited series, tell them a Hizman sent you. That's right. Where Tim Tebow, Travis Hunter, and

Derek Henry are competing for the title of Best Nissan Spokesperson. I bought it. Best Nissan spokesperson. That's right. Yeah. Whoever sells the most Nissan's gets to take home a shiny trophy. Do we think we could win if we were in it? Do you think you could sell a car? I could outsell Tim Tebow, Travis, or Derek Kermy combined. He heard that, Nissan. Get him in the lot. Ladies gentlemen, are you tired of boring commute? Step into this Nissan rogue, number one in new vehicle quality among compact SUVs in 2026. According to JD power, you'll be dominating the pavement like a Tim Tebow motivational speech. Get yours today. Yeah, let's see you outspoken person. I don't know if I can outdo that one. All right. Listen, when you're driving,

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Because this is like, I mean, your filmography, all of the films you've done, there's so many just like incredible film one after the other. I do have a question, you know. Do you have one of them that you think is a little like underrated or that people don't bring up enough that you love? I don't really know. It's fascinating when I travel the world and I love traveling the world. I kind of created the red carpet premieres so I could go to different cultures. And it's amazing to me how they, what they quote back, what they love, what trends, what goes through it. I was going to say, is there, you get some fun ones from like random parts of the world that you would have never expected or has had this one just popping your mind?

I'm like, it happens all the time. That's so cool, man. I'd say, like, it's, I dreamed as a little kid, like, to travel the world, make movies. I wanted adventurous life. I wanted to know people. I want, I just want to know. I'm interested. and I want to climb mountains and all the stuff that I've been doing.

And to be able to go there and suddenly someone in the country is like quoting back, like, show me the money. I'm just like, it's beautiful, man, beautiful all the way from taps. I'm like, what? Yeah, yeah. I'm sorry, I'm still that kid that's like, what is happening? Yeah, that's cool. What is how?

This is wild. Yeah. Oh, yeah. You know, it's still that thing of, this is amazing. Yeah. And I've always like, I just make the, movie, the joy in creating it and I can see, I'm just going to keep creating. And you kind of go through it. Anyway, that's kind of what it is. I don't know, I just do it. And what people like,

they like. And I like different range of films, you know. This film Dugger in particular feels like a different film that you've ever done before. It really, it really does. We never see this movie. Yeah, there's a good point. There's not really another film. I was like, I would like to be able to do this all. Like, you know what? I'm like, in Yari, too, like, come on, man. Yeah, man. Give me another one. Let's go. Let's go. He's great. He was fantastic.

It is, look, it's, it takes every bit of my skill as an artist to be able to play this character. It's, and it's fun. It's not like every bit of skill. It's like, you got to know. You know, I know that frame and VistaVision. When you see that composition, you see

those things. It's like being inside the game and outside the game and in it and out. That's what's happening on every level with everybody. I love it, man. Is there any, so you've, you've been known to just be an absolute, you want to get engulfed and you want to know the knowledge. You love watching cinema movies.

Was there something in terms of your preparation for Digger that you kind of wanted to, like, were there any movies that you, quote unquote, scouted, got inspiration from? Was there anything that, yeah, in that world, like getting ready to go into the filming a digger? It really isn't. But one of the things, because I knew how the writing was, because I know these movies. So if you look at the early 30s, 40s, and 50s films, the use of language. Artists, you know, when you started out, an actor would go in and they would put him to acting class and dancing and singing and language. Yeah, yeah, yeah.

The literacy level and use of language was in a different place and the rhythm of it. So that kind of stuff where you're looking at whether, you know, His Girl Friday or that has this, you know, Lubitsch, you know, these kinds of guys that I've just studied. When you look at risky business, when you hear these monologues, when there's things that I look at in terms of just music and musicians where I'm, I see the phrasing, you know, you look at, it's not just seeing you're hitting the notes, it's the communication, the phrasing that's behind it. The words are like, everyone's like, how was it learning the monologue? It's like, I don't even think of that. It's, really? No, I'm exploring and I'm finding the pieces of music. I'm learning, I'm learning the baseline so that when it's there, I'm, I'm not, I'm alive and I'm acting. I know the points that I have to hit. I know, you know, I can see the frame. I know it's, I know VistaVision.

I know as this stuff's turning, I can picture what that frame is going to be on that particular note for that particular moment. But to be doing all this and to be locked in on the side. In a fat suit. There's so much goddamn shit going on right now. You know what I mean? You're literally working. Like, you can't even count the milliseconds in which your brain is.

Those neurons are fine. But you know what? You're in it and you got to play. Alejandro played these movies for the actors to show them. It's like, this is the, you have to go with this timing. This is the beat. But you have to hit that beep, you got to play jazz within it. You have to be present.

It's like, you know what it's like? You can't be thinking about what happened to last play. People go, I have to be present and in future. You're present and in the future. You know, and you can't, it's like you can't articulate it. You know, it's going to be open at that point. He perceives there's a perception that happens, you know, with people. you're like, that's just it.

We've mentioned the monologue scene a bunch. You mentioned reading it. You knew right away. Like, this is, are there a part where you're like in a scene, whether it's, you know, the tidy whitey scene, you complete me, show me the money, Tropic Thunder, whatever scene it is, where you're just like, this is going to be

something that people are going to latch on to. Do you know it while you're doing it? Just some moments. When I'm dancing in my tidy white, they're going to like this. They're going to like this. I know because I've done it myself. at home.

Yeah, I know what I mean? I was like, when I'm running the script, I'm going, and the director's like, here's this doorway frame and I'm like, I got this. It's pretty sweet. I got some socks. Just make sure this thing's nice and shined up. That's it, but it was like that.

It was like, when I went through it, it's like, man, I spun it all the way across the floor and I'm like, I need to be center frame into here, you know. So I was like, I got the prop guys. I can put some things there, made sure I had the socks. So you just, you can, and you're just having fun. And you're in it and you're just like, I think it's cool.

I can't wait to do the scene. And the only problem with making movies is you don't get to do it again. Do you know what I mean? So that monologue or different things, I'm just like, you just know, if I'm interested in it or someone, you can always tell if someone is passionate, you're talking about purpose. You know, we were talking about that. Yeah, yeah. Like, what's your purpose? Why are you doing it?

Everything I'm going. What's my purpose? And you can see what you put your attention on, you give life. Yeah, yeah. I hear you on that. It is wild. If you put your attention into that negative, it's going to go there. If you put your attention on that positive and keep moving and seeing correctly what is correct for you.

So I see it with directors. What are you interested in? You start putting your attention there and help me help you. It's like, you can't. wait. But movies are also, they're living things. It's not like it's all there in the page. Yeah, you have a guideline, but you're reaching for a tone and you're discovering it. That's the exciting thing. The unknown. You're like, where are we here? You know, you guys must feel it in every play that you're doing. It's like, okay, we practice. It's not quite what we wanted, but.

Well, there's the thing on the page. Oh, yeah. And there's the line that you're supposed to run. And Tratt talks about this all the time. But then you go out there and you have a feel. What's the defense doing? Where are my other guys at? Spatial awareness. We're talking about over there. Like, I'm sure it's all very similar. It is.

My daughters, they have one favorite song that we always play. They're gorgeous to your dogs. Oh, my gosh. They're so much fun, man. Oh, my gosh. And they always say, Dad, play rock and roll.

Play about secret. And all I'm thinking, while I'm watching them, they're dancing around. Version of their whitey tinies. And I'll be a favorite in our house. So that's a favorite in our house. And get that car stealing

that car. Yeah. I did that. I used to sit on a phone book and race the car out in the streets. Oh, yeah. What? Okay. Okay. How about it? I was so small. I was like had to get a phone, but I didn't have my license, you know? The music and a lot of your movies. It's like, it's insane. Like, do you know how many songs that are from your career that we would play it in the locker room like durno now and like we're getting ready to go out there and play football like i just trap set it before anytime anytime i'm doing anything like intense or like mischievous i just got the dun dun dun dun dun dun dun dun dun dun dun dun that's why i made like going on my head it's so i saw the tv series when i was a kid i was like that music really that's why i did it i was like i

know but thank you i look i love music and art and I've been fortunate so many talented people to work with. I learned so much. That's awesome. Does the music come first in those scenes, or is it the other way around? Most of the time, I don't like to edit with music. Yeah. Because you want to find the musicality within the movie first, that language.

So, but sometimes like we're, and, you know, sometimes it's like you find that piece of music and I've made the mistake. I edit to it and I can't. I've got to get that piece of music, you know. But like that, Dan, Nan, Nan, I remember I was in San Diego, 1985. First of all, it was like, Top Gun, the studio wanted me to do this movie for a year or whatever.

I finally meant, it was like, this movie's gonna, can't wait. But I heard that piece of music that Harold Fultemeyer wrote. And I was actually with my whole family, they were down there in San Diego, we were making it. And I was just, it was 4th of July, and I just had it on cassette. I was like,

Epic. I like, this is. This is it. You know, I knew, Top Gun was what it was going to be as we were working on it and developing it. It was like, you hear that tune and you're just like, am I a hero? Why is this song making me feel like a hero? I feel like, oh.

It's like, oh, like, suspectful. Yes, exactly, yes. Yes, it's like what's happening? You can be here like this and suddenly you're like, what's feeling? Hey, suddenly I, I don't know, I can fly jets. Yes. I can, I don't know. This is like.

Well, you've been notorious for stunts and everything. Was it, were you just trying to find one in Digger? Were you just like, I got to find a stunt? The fat suit. That was it. That was it. The whole time. The fat suit compared to being on the outside of an airplane.

What's a level of difficulty? Higher, higher, higher. You're just hang on. There's a certain point you're just hanging out and hoping you don't get hit with something it kills you. You know what I mean? You're just going to hope I don't get hit by a bird. You know, I hope the engine doesn't stop on takeoff, you know.

We were talking about it just a second ago, but I've never put it together that you'd like to do these stunts. But there's so many people reliant on you not dying. Like, is that going through your head while you're doing these stunts? Like, okay, Tom, if we die, this whole film is screwed. No, no, no, not. Just be quite a week old. Look, first of all, I enjoy the stunts. I love doing the stunts.

I was doing him since I was a little kid. Like I create my own stunts. Were you making ramps in the backyard? Where did it all start? Jumping off of trampolines? I tell you what, it started out. I was a little kid and I opened the window and I climbed it out on the roof.

And I'm like, I'm like two and a half, three years old. Okay, that's a little young. That's a little young. But I like to look at the stars, the neighbor caller was like, I think there's a child. Yeah. And my mom was like, oh my goodness.

Honey. This is all actually, this is adding up. up at you. Honey, oh, Lordy, oh, Lordy, my mom would be like, honey, why are you just like not trying to scare me, but come on over here. She used to like bake cakes to get me out of it. Like, I'd climb the tree on windy days because I like the feel of it. But it wasn't just the stuff.

It was something very aesthetic. And I would see movies and I'd see like singing the rain how they could dance and they moved. And I looked at motion in a very unique way. And I would think of things. Like the first time I got an airplane was about five, six years old. And I'm sitting next to the window and we're taking off and we're taxing. And I'm looking out the window, looking out the window. And I'm looking at everyone there.

And all I could think of was as we're taking off, I looked at the wing and I thought, how cool would it be to be out there? I don't know why. I was like, that's cool. I've always been in here. That seems cooler. That seems cooler. That seems cooler.

Nobody's ever done that. I don't know. I was thinking like airplanes and then you kind of go, what story can I tell with that? Like, how can I enter? I used to create characters and entertain audiences, but that's the kind of stuff that I did. I would climb out on that.

I did so many things and I didn't do it well. Like I'd break bones. And I ended up in the hospital. My mom would be like, please, honey. And then, please don't do that. She actually never said, don't do it. What she would do, she'd bake a cake and she'd be like, it's really windy.

Why don't you come down here? I got some cake for you. You can add some sugar. Was it a coconut cake? Ah, no, man. Hey, this is coming. You all already have it. Come on, you already have it.

So the thing is, it's just to entertain. What, you know, as a kid, it's like in life, people are like, don't do that. No, no, no. And I'm like, less motion. We want you to sit still in class and don't move. And I'm like, I was always the guy looking out and dreaming. And I'm like, you can dream. And I, it's not just.

Because I'm like other people can do it. You can create your own way and do your, have your own adventures. And I think that's what life is. And I, I always want an adventurous life. And for me, it's about humanity. It's about those kinds of things. So when we get to stunts and stuff, it's, yeah, then the people sometimes, look, to answer your question, what happens?

Like, I would do stuff and people like, their eyeballs, you know, like this and they're these. And I was like, I got to make sure. sure people aren't standing next to me because I'm trying to before I'm doing it. I'm like it's going to be okay. And then then I don't want if that vibe. Like you know what before you game you're going into the game people are going you're your yeah make sure you're anxious this is making me anxious now. I know I don't need that this is going to be okay.

I felt really comfortable before I look at your eyes. I feel real good it's like everyone go I feel very relaxed I know what I'm going to do. you know, if shit goes wrong, you know, we have steps in place. The last thing you want in a huddle is a quarterback walking in there who doesn't feel sure about what's going on. I'm like, brother, I need some confidence. This is the last thing. What we're doing, where we're going and how we're getting there.

And you don't want anyone looking like, like, yes, exactly. You guys want to run this round or a thousand yards there? We don't need that. No, I know. But then you realize it's like, yeah, because my whole thing is, is I want people, you know, I want those pay those mortgages. I want my movies. As a kid, I was like, I just want my movies do well enough that I can go all in on the next one.

Yeah. You know, that I can learn more, go all in, and that it creates money so everyone get their bonuses. And that other artists get to go make their movies. Like for me, I'm always thinking, how do I open this up so that other people can have that opportunity? It's not like, oh, do it my way. What I love and, you know, talking to you guys, hearing about your life, hearing how do you see life? What do you see? It's like, what do you see?

What's life like for you? What is art for you? What are your, what is that? I think that's just interests me more than anything. You know what I mean? It's like, it's fascinating, man. I'm with you. I've never met a normal person.

We're talking about it. Like, I want to be normal. I'm like, I talk to a lot of people. You're going to be real boring. You're going to be real boring. I've never met a boring person in my life. Yeah, right. Ever.

You just did the cover for GQ. Come on away from one GQ covered another. Come on, baby, let's go. GQ, man. The one shot with the hat and the bowtie untied on Hollywood Boulevard. Were you just walking around just, it didn't look like anything, like it was like a set? Were you just walking around on Hollywood Boulevard? I was on with those guys, you know, Adam's editor did a beautiful job.

They're like, oh, yeah, it crashed. I said, you know, Chographer's guy's brilliant and the whole team, everybody was great. But we were there. We had so much fun. And everyone's, you know, because you know what it's like. We want you here. It's safe here. Go there.

And I was like, what do you want to do? Like, what's your dream? Let's have fun. Let's have some fun doing it, man. And they're like, I want to go on Hollywood Boulevard. I was like, let's do it. And everyone's like, okay, I said, so we set it up. You know, I'm just in the car.

I had changed in the car. We just, they kind of played set it up. and then I'd step out, do the shot, and then we'd jump back in before the crowd came, and then we'd go to the next place and jump out. It was so much fun, man. There you go. It was fun.

I'll tell you what. When I was doing mine, the idea came up to go into the Everglades and stand on the roots of the, like, top of the Everglades. I think the lilies are, whatever they are. Yeah, whatever the vegetation is. And hold an alligator. And I'm just like, let's fucking do it.

Are you kidding me? Let's do it. I look back and I'm looking at it. I tell Lindsay. all the time. I'm like, you let me do that. Yeah, what is it matter with you people? What is it like, what is it? What is it matter with you? Guys over there like putting sticks in the ground just to make sure there weren't any gators underneath me. I'm just like, what? There was 100% gators underneath that day.

Yeah, there's no gators. You're going to be all right. Poised it is false. You're big boy. That's gators going to run. That's exactly what they were saying. That gator's going to run. And we've seen you run. You're fast. But he was so much fun. We've seen him run. He'll get it. He'll run it. We'll just tell me. I'm getting ready to tell them. No, man. It was so much fun.

But you're right, man. How about that? That's an adventure. Oh, it's so much fun. But they put me on these flyboards on the water. They, like, connects to jet ski. And it's just, like, shoot you out. I felt like I was Marty McFly and Back to the Future.

I'm just out here hovering around. So cool. It's cool stuff, man. I was fortunate. I had to ask you about the ZQ. Oh, that's awesome. Congrats to you, too. We're going to get to this portion.

We got to ask here, Tom, which is just a rapid-fire question. Feel free to throw them back at us too. If you were to have a different occupation or like a different, like, what would you be doing? That's good. I don't know. I didn't have plan B.

Just like you. Like, look, also, you know. That's a good way to make sure plan A works out. That's it. There was no plan B. I got to take care of my family. I'm like, this is it. I'm going to make it work.

And here's a thing. Yep. And all in. I'm all in. With everything, I do, I'm all in. Now, it's also, I do have a question. It's like, talk about that, like, the success, the interest that you have in others and skills. You guys know it from developing a skill. Now, you start out as quarterback and you, many different sports, you guys both, but that,

now look at this, you, I mean, as you're evaluating, that was plan A, tight end was always plan B. But how about that in terms of, it became planning. But how about that in terms of learning different skills and viewing the world. That's the thing. Your world. Yeah. 100%. You're talking about coaches and different coaches and different techniques.

It's like it is a different language. If you look at a subject, every subject has its own wording, its own vernacular. And there's usually only a couple of hundred words. And if you understand that subject and you can find those couple of hundred words, it becomes goes from a confusion to order. Right. So as you're going through it and you're learning. your plays and you're putting things in when you're starting out looking at the 600 plays you

guys have to do there's a confusion so you got to figure out how do we put order within that confusion but you're talking about things that i because i didn't think oh this is what i'm going to do i just i was just doing it yeah and then i have to think back of going what worked what were the successful actions don't you guys feel that like what are you thinking like to be able to apply those skills to what you're doing in your business or your life or what things are successful on the team. There's carryover in all of it for sure. And Trav talks about all the time.

The fact that he played quarterback has made him a better tight ed. Without a doubt, yeah. Because it thinks about the game also with that perspective in mind. And I naturally understand the rhythm of the plays, depending on what that quarterback's drop is, his footwork. In terms of timing, I understand what he's doing with. without even looking at them. So I know my timing and my route is going to match up with what he's doing in the pocket.

And it's just, it's mirrored up because I was fortunate enough to be in the tight end room or be in the quarterback room and understand the just the techniques of what he's got going on, where his eyes are in terms of, and you hear it through how the coaches are coaching them, how, and, but it's just a different world being actually in that room.

And Jason has the same thing of being a middle linebacker and going to center. He understands the gaps, gap assignments. He understands defense to offense like that. But then you see the linebacker. You're like, okay, the linebacker should be in this A gap. So if he's over there, that means this retic. Something else is coming up in this gap. There's a single high safety.

These guys should be pushed over here to cover this receiver. You know what their rules are. And that helps you then assign your job more effectively or anticipate what they're about to do. And there's carryover. And there's a lot of coaches actually do that where, like, they'll have offensive players in an offseason go and sit in a defensive room so that they can hear it from the other side. I think it's always a good idea to do that.

Problem is you only have so much time. So how much are we going to waste from doing offensive line plays and reppping that stuff to let them learn why defensive linemen are lining up with, you know, as a three technique instead of a four eye shaded on the tackle? Like we're talking about like a six inch difference but could completely change the way that guy's going to play for the place. So, yeah, that's the stuff that like that's.

That's the stuff I nerd out on. Oh, yeah. That's the stuff I nerd out on too. Like that, it's sick. Yeah. It's sick. I had to ask. We would watch.

When I moved the tight end, I had to have like, how are you? Honestly, it's the thing I'm probably, I'm looking out on defense. Well, it's probably the thing I miss, probably one of the things I miss most from the game is that like looking throughout the week and like staring at a nose guard to see if he gives any type of tell when he's going to slant or a defensive end when he's going to drop. Like, man, every time that. that noseguard is slant. I don't even want to say this on camera because this is a great tell

that people probably don't even know they're doing, but whenever a D-Liaman puts his forearm on his leg, they don't even realize it, but they're pushing off their leg. So whenever I was in my stance, I saw a noseguard with his forearm on his leg, I'm like, he's going to slant. And then I look over, and sure enough, the nickel would be capped. But if his hand was up and ready to strike me, he's playing his gap straight, so he's going to stay in that gap. And you're looking for any of these, like, little things throughout the week, and it might be the smallest thing. But if you got a 100% tip on something, you're going into it with a cheat code. You can check into the perfect play, a screen.

We're playing the Jets. I'm like, dude. They're bringing the nickel, Jay. It ended up in the preseason. Oh, yeah. Nickel. Check, what was it? Rocket.

Laser, go laser. And we sure don't we run a screen, get a touchdown. Yeah. That's the stuff that's a fun, fun, fun stuff. Did you ever play somebody in the league? And I'm actually very curious about this. Did you ever play somebody in the league that had the same, that you knew had the same attention to Detroit?

as you and you and you and you would flirt with doing stuff like put in the hand on the knee type type type like the older the older the nose guard because you're usually messing with the noseguard because that's the guy staring at you maybe the middle linebacker you would mess with points right like because now they all look at the tape and like okay at the center pointed this way real complicated the protection is going that way so then it's like okay guys I'm going to dummy point this one so I point this way but I call the guy over here so then the guy on tape is setting the blitz away from So you're starting to mess with that stuff. Then nose guards, you start to lean.

People don't realize. It's not even a lot, but you just lean a little bit. If he's on top of it, he knows that. So you're leaning a little bit to the left to try and influence this guy to kind of step this way to start the play and then go right, right? Is that right? So you know he's doing it? But then you play a smart guy. Like I'm playing Javon Hargrave, and I would lean a little bit on the hard count to get guys to jump.

And I just lean very slightly. Just a little. They can see it. And the nose guard, smart guy. Right in the movie's like, you being too obvious. Yeah, is that right? Is that he said? Yes.

Somebody said, oh, man, that's good. Oh, man, that's good. Holy shit, that's good. That is good to be drunk. But how about that within seconds now? It's fascinating. It's literally like. And there's guys on the defensive side.

Luke Keekley calling the plays out. I still remember we're running. We line up. And Keith was like, watch the wham. And I'm like, fuck, this plays is. Don, no, this is not going to work. And it's too late to change it. Well, you, I don't have that authority.

Like, the quarterback could change it, but that's, if we're calling a play, we're usually calling it to run it if it's the right look. And, but the funny thing is, he knows it coming. He even said it. The play still hit. And after a play, I told you it was coming. I'm like, he did. He told all you guys.

You idiot. You should listen to him. You got to listen to him. He knows something. Yeah. But isn't that interesting? It's like, you look at stuff and you're going, you're in the future. Like, you're able to see it and you're predict.

And the only way to be able to do that is if you have the correct technology with which to look at something. It's not just a guess. It's like you just got to go, you had the right information. You had the right perception. And people think like you're running or you're doing that. You're perceiving beyond your own space. And all that stuff like, that's why I train in aerobatics. You know, you see me on a motorcycle and I'm traveling.

that camera's right there and I'm traveling 130 miles an hour with no... And it's like there, you got to perceive not just that camera, the other guy's there in the road. Right. But that's some cool stuff. That's the stuff that I geek out on. Like that is this stuff that I'm looking at. And people, it's not even analytical at times.

You just, you perceive it like that. Like I'm riding and, you know, if I'm there in stunts, I'm going into traffic. Whatever I'm perceiving, I don't know, I just explain it, but I perceive the hands. the hands on the steering wheel and you could just go is it you know you're flying and it's just a wing and I'm right you know the next airplane's just a little higher than that I'm right under we're doing rolls and loops I'm sweaty just thinking you just you perceive this but also with an actor you know you're in a scene and that camera's moving you're there and you're it's not analytical yeah but you you're just that's jazz yeah yeah that's jazz the game within the game guys it's a game

But it's fascinating talking about it because some people don't understand what it, why or how. Why did it work? How did it work? That's just fascinating to me, man. It's the best. You were talking about some training. We got to talk about the pain cave, man. How we get invited to the pain cave, man.

When we were at Taylor's, as I said, I told you guys, I said, come to buy pancake. Yes, I'm in. I'm fascinated. I'd be interested to see you're doing 650 squat. I'm like, I'd be interested to see you destroy these machines. both you guys, I'd be fascinated. The problem is my endurance is low. I'm geared up for three to four reps.

Once you start getting north of that, I go. All it is, it's like, look, I'm like, you know, when you're hitting hard that pain cave, like it's, it's, I'm just curious. We saw the GQQ. You guys are welcome anytime. You're welcome any time. It's working. We saw the GQ.

Yeah, no, I know, you got to bring it, man. You know, you got to show up. You got to show up. We mentioned directing. Have you ever thought about directing? Will you direct? You know what? I've since I was a kid, you know, friends have been like, you should direct, you should do it.

It's, I've studied the old movies and these guys are able to make four movies a year. I want to make a lot of movies. And I've wanted to make a lot of films. And I love working with different directors. I love learning from them, seeing their stories, setting the table for them, giving them opportunities, you know, it's, you just see talented people and I'm sure you guys like it. It's like, look, you guys weren't drafted first round, you know, you, you know, but they saw that light in you and that ability and you guys bring it. And I like, you know, the people that I'm

choosing or working, maybe not everybody knows necessarily the best some do, some don't, but I'm not just talking about directors, it's everything. And I'm going the fun of, of that, to have that opportunity. if I'm directing, I don't get to do that. I don't have that experience. That's kind of the way that I think about things, the studio, the lives, and I want it to last. So that's what I'm thinking when I'm making a movie. That's what I feel about directors. I want to help them.

They're cinematographers, the actors. And I want to learn. It's like, and I like seeing their point of view on things. And I like mixing it up. Like Days of Thunder, that movie's going to be fun. Yeah. That movie's going to be. I can't wait.

Get me in that race car again, man. Please. Hell you say. Hell yeah. Hell yeah. You know what I'm saying. You're in that car. You're in that car.

Come on now. Come on now. I remember we used to be able like back in the 80s I had and my sister. I was like, you know, I'm driving around Daytona 200 miles an hour, you know, with these cars. We had to open helmets. We had the seats and my sister was six months pregnant. I was like, hey, gas, you know, jump in the car. You know, I was giving my sister around.

So they get in and they just hold onto the rails like this. Everyone was like... No issues. No issues. No like, no HR committee going, wait a second, how long? He's like, I'll take you around. Go for a spin. What do I do?

Just hang on. Just hang on. You're gonna be good. I'm not gonna be all right. Turn her miles an hour going right up against you all. Go give her a couple laps. She's like, boo. Everyone's like, that was awesome next.

Now it's like, you got a signed here. Yeah. How's that? What speed? I was like, look, this is the shot. This is what we're gonna do. Yeah. You say you try to watch movie a day or a bunch of them.

Is there any genre you're in right now? Or is there a movie you've seen that you're, you were like, damn, that was a good one? Many. I go back and forth looking at just preparing for looking, preparing for days. So I'm studying just different camera angles of motion, looking at a lot of wide range of films. So I'll even like look at videos and see what are they doing.

What are we doing? I'm looking at older technology. So I, being the old head in the building, I brought... Old head at what, 36? Is that right? Are you like the old head? Oh, yeah. In the NFL world, that is...

Yeah, exactly. They actually call me OG in Philadelphia. Yeah, OG, of course, man. I got Jalick's Hunt. A lot of the newer teammates that I got weren't born until after 2000. So I brought in my 13-inch box, Panasonic TV with the little VCR in it. And there is something so soothing about... watching a VC like a VHS on an old Panasonic or just I don't know what it is I just pop in movie

after movie I'm just like getting them all sent to the facility and I'm just popping in movie after what do they like it's just like what did they like when they're just like they're like this looks terrible Travis everybody stops and watch it you ever heard of HD what do you yeah but here's a deal you look it like vinyl it's came back around I've always been reel to reel and vinyl. I'm an audio file. Perfect time. We got some vinyl in the background. I know, we got vinyl and here's the thing. If you look at

there's Dead Reckoning with Mission, I was like I want that vinyl store at the beginning of the movie. I want to build, I just keep putting it there. I'm just, I'm like, I put it there and make the store look beautiful. You know, at the beginning of the movie, we're in a record store with vinyl. And now it is coming back because

the quality is so fantastic. And it's, you know, and you're seeing it. So I love that she's pushing that. And that kind of stuff, we want that. Yeah. They want it. People are going now, I don't want to be on my phone. I want real.

I'm not, I'm interested. I'm not interested in the digital. I want what's engaging. What's something like to hold in my hands? Like, even the VHS, even though the picture doesn't look as good, you're right. There is something where it's like, this thing is a thing. Yeah. It doesn't.

It's not in like some cyber world that is in a cloud. Somewhere around us. It's right in my hands. And I know. I know. There's something about it and it's not just. In fact, like in the theater. Like where we watch Digrant, you're in a space and there's the sound that you hear.

It feels so much more alive being in that place. Look, I'm not, I have nothing against streaming or any. It's like that. Everything has its place. Everything. And I guess I'm just, it's like being at the stadium last night, those people were so nice in that stadium. Like in your box and the boxes next to it. Everyone is, we're all there.

I just go into Taylor's concert. And all of us together last night. And the whole crowd up there, everyone's just having fun and communicating. And we're enjoying like this experience. I don't know what to say. It's like that's life. That's what it's about. That is what it's about.

That is fun. Tangible, man. Well, sitting right here, it's tangible seeing you. I was like, you guys, I want to do this. Like, you guys are together. I said, I'm not doing this on Zoom. Yeah, no. No way.

We're going to, I want to be here. I want to talk football. I want to hear about your all's lives and have some fun this way. This is. This is a lot of fun. This is fun, man. Ton, thank you so much for coming, Tom. This is incredible.

And if you want to have some fun, October 2nd, make sure you go and see Digger. You will enjoy it. It is going to be a, you're going to have a reaction. It is going to take over you. I promise you that. To prove it, to prove it, we got a special little clip here. We're going to show these guys. Yeah, yeah.

You're going to give me a sneak peek. Good, good. Enjoy. I play ball in school. Only game my granddaddy came to, I hit a home run over the fence about 20. You need a car ride away home my granddaddy said, I don't give a shit about your home run, digger. Anyone can get a home run.

Triples is what's impressive. Triples requires hustle. And hustle, digger, It's something that you sorely lack, you little lazy piece of shit. Hello? Mr. Rockwell, my name is Sandy Clarkson. I'm the Deputy Regional Head of Environmental Security for the drilling facility up here in 79 North Glacis. Yeah, Sandy, Sandy, I know where you're from.

How you been, buddy? I didn't think you'd remember me, sir. Oh, of course I do. Sandy Clarkson, you're the man with a five-foot crack. We spoke five months ago. Uh, it was two weeks ago. Sandy, I'm glad you brought up, because I've been thinking about your five-foot crack for a while now. Here's my take, right? Now, Glacier over there in Greenland, it shifts five feet.

Now, this desk in front of me is bigger than five feet. My dick is a tenth of that size. So what do you want me to do, Sandy? Shut down a billion-dollar platform over something. It's ten times the size of my dick. Bang, bang, bang. Digger coming out. October 2nd.

Make sure you guys go and see it in theaters. Come on now. It is such a relevant story to what we got going on in the world today. You got power, greed, freedom, right? You know what? And this story is as old as time because you can have power at, you know, we're talking about the schoolyard in any echelon of life. There's this, these characters play in. And it just, it is about that. It is about, it is modern, but it is ancient in terms of its exploration and ex pose of human

behavior in a very humorous and emotional way. And it is immediate. It is, it is absurd it is present people can relate it to their own lives in the best way man it's so good excited as hell for all you guys experience it as well thank you for having me thank you for hosting me last come on man for hosting me today for sharing for sharing your your family and your lives it's awesome you're the best man kicks off this kicks off this tour it's beautiful come on baby you're the best man it is our pleasure to say the least and that's awesome dude you know this great I mean, he's just the coolest guy of the world. Yeah, I mean, well, not who's you the coolest,

but he's genuinely the most interested person in, like, whatever you're talking about. Yeah. I could sit there and talk to Tom forever because he loves just, like, conversing and taking information. Like, you talked about all interviews. Like, he really enjoys finding out why people do things, how they do things.

He's just a genuinely fun person to be around. He is, talk to you. Thank you so much for coming on the show, Tom. You killed it. Again, we've said it about 18,000 times. Check out Digger. You're going to love it. You're going to love it. It's going to make you cry. It's going to make you laugh. You're going to be very viscerally affected by some of the best damn acting you've ever seen in your fucking life. I concur with what he just said. And that doesn't for Newell Heights. A Wondry Show brought to you by Nissan. Subscribe on YouTube wherever you get your podcast. Follow the show on all social media.

Add New Heights show for fun clips. We're going to have a lot. a bunch for you. And thanks to our production, everybody that helped out here in KC. We love you guys. And shout out to Tom Cruise, man. You're the best, dude. Peace.

Yeah.