The Herd with Colin Cowherd - 'Boys and Girl - Cowboys LB Leighton Vander Esch Talks Neck Injury, Rehab, 2020 Defensive Changes

Episode Date: May 18, 2020

On today’s episode of the 'Boys and Girl Podcast, Jane and Bobby chat with Cowboys linebacker Leighton Vander Esch about his rehab from a neck injury, how he’s preparing for next season, and some of the changes on defense.Follow Jane and Bobby on Twitter and subscribe to get all the latest inside information from two of the most connected people in the Cowboys’ community. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is an I-Heart podcast. Guaranteed Human. Last night, a blown call changed a game. This morning, the internet lost its mind, and nobody's telling you exactly what happened. That's where Sports Slice comes in. I'm Timbo, and every episode, we're cutting through the noise,

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You're listening to Learn the Hard Way with your favorite therapist and host Kear Games. This space is about black men's experiences, having honest conversations that it's really not safe to have anywhere, but you're having them with a licensed professional who knows what he's doing. How many men carry a suit or armor? It signals to the world that you not to be played with. And just because you have the capability that does not mean that you need to. Listen to learn the hard way on the IHard radio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcast. Get right to the romance and find the way to wow this Valentine's with 1800flowers.com. From classic roses and bouquets to decadent chocolate-covered berries, gourmet treats, and more.

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Well, we have had the good fortune here on the Boys and Girl podcast of getting some amazing guests in the last couple of weeks. And this next one, Bobby, I'm really excited, mostly because we haven't really spoken with him since his injury and then, of course, his subsequent surgery. but we've got Cowboys linebacker, Layton Vandrush, joining us. Absolutely, and he is, he's such a sharp and down-to-earth guy. Last night, a blown call changed a game. This morning, the internet lost its mind.

Highlights are trending, opinions are flying, and nobody's telling you exactly what happened. That's where Sports Slice comes in. I'm Timbo. Every episode, we're cutting through the noise, breaking down the plays, the controversies, and the stories behind the headlines. We go straight to the source, the athlete themselves.

Their locker room stories, their reactions, the stuff nobody gets to hear. The laughs, the drama, the triumphs, the moments that never make the highlight real. From viral moments to historic games, from buzzer beaders to controversial calls, we break it down, give you context, and ask the questions everybody wants answered. Sports Slice brings you closer to the action with stories told by the people who live them. Listen to Sports Slice on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. And for more, follow Timbo Slic Life 12 in the TikTok podcast network on TikTok.

Welcome to my new podcast, Learn the Hardway with me, your host, and your favorite therapist, Kear Games. And in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, I'm bringing over a decade of my own experience in the mental health field and conversations with so many incredible guests. I'm talking, Tript Fontaine, Ryan Clark. Sometimes when we're in the pursuit of the thing, we get so wrapped up in the chase that we don't realize that we are in possession of the thing. And we're still chasing it.

And we don't know when we've done enough. Because people scoreboard watch. Life becomes about wins and losses. Steve Burns, Dustin Ross, because you find it important to be a good person while you hear on earth, or are you a good person because you're afraid? Because that's two different intentions, bro. Absolutely.

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What's up, guys? This is Clever Taylor the 4th. And on my podcast, The Cliverts Show, I'm bringing you conversations about all kinds of stuff, like being an internet famous referee. We're in the middle of a game. This linebacker walks up to me, he goes, Hey, ref, my mom wants you to wave at her.

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the worst advice from the dumbest people you know. Listen to Help from Hypocrite as part of the Mike Cultura Podcast Network available on the IHart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Like I've always enjoyed listening to him, talk about the game and just in general talk about, you know, where things are at and what he sees. And so I think fans who maybe sometimes don't always, you know, hear from him.

Because like you said, nobody's really heard from him since the season ended. He's not a guy who does it. ton of interviews. And so I think it's a good look at fans being able to get an understanding of what his football IQ is like, where he's at in his recovery, and just some of how he is as a person. Get right to the romance and find the way to wow this Valentine's with 1,800flowers.com. From classic roses and bouquets to decadent chocolate covered berries, gourmet treats and more. Surprise your Valentine with 1,800flowers.com. Right now, get the 18th Dem enchanted rose medley for $3999 or upgrade to 24 red roses for $10 more.

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Joining us now is Cowboys linebacker, Layton Vanderech. You can follow him on Twitter at Vanderech 38, and you can also check out his website with all his merchandise and other things at official lvee.com. Layton, how are you doing? I'm doing great, guys. How are you guys? Doing great. Really glad you could join us. I know it's kind of a crazy time right now with everything that's going on with the pandemic and then you add into that, you know, your recovery from your injury and that you're dealing with right now. I guess first start off with that, the coronavirus aspect of it. How have you been attempting to stay in shape and get yourself ready with, you know,

such seemingly limited resources right now? Yeah, I mean, it's been difficult, but I mean, you got to, you kind of got to make do with what you have. You got to find a way. You got to prepare every single day pretty much like you're going to be, like the season's going to be on. So when it is and whenever we get the green light to go, you got to be ready to go. So it's just waking up, running, doing as much conditioning as you can, lifting, all that stuff. And then obviously we can meet virtually online to go over the plays and all that stuff right now. So, yeah, I mean, it's difficult, but we're getting it done.

You know, late, we haven't really talked to you since the injury. And I remember sitting in the press conference room and Jason Garrett saying that the injury wasn't life-threatening. And we all sort of found ourselves going, where didn't it even get close to that? Why was that thrown out? how are you what actually happened and are you to be ready to play next year? I am doing wonderful. I feel I feel as good now as I ever have before I even got hurt. But I mean, I'm ready to roll.

I've been training full go for a couple months now. So it's it's not holding me back whatsoever. I feel like I said, just as good as I ever have. So I'm just excited to play football at this point. and get back on the field. And like I said, whenever they give us the green light to go, we're going to be ready.

And then from that time on, it's full go and don't let off the gas pedal. Your agent told us on the podcast last year that you were essentially trying to tackle with one arm. That's how bad some of that neck stiffness was. And then, of course, you got in the Philly game, I believe, two defender or two offensive players ended up falling on you or was it two defensive players?

Help me clear that out. clear that up. What was going on with your body? Well, they're tied in and Jeff pretty much ran into me while I was falling down. I was man-a-man on the running back, if I remember right? And right when I turned and looked, he just caught the ball, and they were like right in front of me, and he kind of pushed me on my side while I was going down. I was going to tackle him at first, but then I kind of lost my balance when the running back kind of pushed me on the side. and I just got caught in a bad position and that was pretty much it.

And then I obviously took the buy week off because it was right before the buy week and then sat out the Giants game and hoped that it would be better and then I went back and tried to play for two weeks with it and I dealt with it for those two games and I just, it was a struggle. It was hard, but like I said,

there's always, players are always battling through injuries and they're always playing. Jeff was a prime example of it last year with his shoulders. I mean, he was a freaking warrior out there at safety view for us. And he was messed up every single week, but that's what people don't understand is we're putting our bodies on the line every single game. And then they want to have judgment.

They want to have opinion on everything. And they have absolutely no idea what we're going through and what we're putting on a line to go out there and play just so they can watch us. But that's what you get when you play. football. So you got to be able to play through some stuff like that. And I tried for those two weeks. And it was just, it wasn't working out very well. I was trying my hardest, but I couldn't tackle worth a dang. So I figured probably better go get an MRI and then found out we needed to have

surgery here in whatever, in the middle of January. So, but now I'm good. I'm solid, ready to go, healthy as ever. Love it. We've, we've talked to guys before, we've heard from players before. after, you know, they, they suffer an injury early in the season or in the middle of the season. And then, you know, it's a race down the finish. And they feel really kind of isolated from the rest of the group. And they talk about how it can be difficult to be rehabbing an injury while you're, you know, your brothers, this family that you've created is out there fighting for something. Was that especially hard for you to have to kind of sit on the sidelines, especially with your competitive nature and kind of watch the guys fight for that playoff spot without you?

Extremely difficult. I was just trying to. to do as much as I could to be there for them and help them on the field, even though I wasn't, even though I couldn't play. I was trying to help them with plays, communication, signaling, everything I possibly could. I was right there. I was always telling the coaches, like, whatever you need of me, whatever help you need, communication, signal calling, whatever it is on the sideline, I'm right there, like, just tell me what you want me to do. And just helping the guys talk through the plays on the sideline whenever they came off on a drive and just, just communicating as if I was playing and preparing as if I was playing, but obviously just not

getting the snaps on the field. What have you thought about the coaching staff so far? Because I know a lot of you guys didn't get to meet them, and now you're meeting them virtually in these virtual chats. What's that been like? It's been different, but it's kind of been interesting, too, for me, though, because because Nolan, Mike Nolan, our de-coordinator now, he was the one that gave me. He pretty much took me on my tour when I visited in New Orleans when I was getting drafted.

And so him and I already had a really good relationship. I never met Scott, our linebacker coach, before. And I hadn't met George Edwards, our defensive assistant before either. but I got to briefly talk to all of them early in January or middle of January. I got to talk to all of them, see them in person and everything pretty much before everything got locked down and we got all crazy. I got to see them for a little bit. And now we're just, like I said, we're just trucking away on virtual meetings, learning plays and all that stuff. And that's difficult.

And I know some of the guys didn't get a chance to meet the coaches before, but. I think we're doing an extremely good job and we're just locked in every single meeting and we're just ready to go. To follow up on that, you know, some of these players that I've talked to, you know, someone like yourself, you are in Idaho in the off season. You know, you're recently married. So it's sort of an opportunity to sort of reconnect with her, something that you don't get to really do during the football season. Do you guys like doing it this way since you would be in the classroom and you'd have to come back otherwise, this ability to sort of do it remotely? Yes and no I think we get a good amount of time

After the season to go enjoy And kind of just have a personal life for a couple months But as a competitor and as an athlete How it is you kind of Your body and your mind You kind of know like okay I need to start getting back Like I need to start like you know what

Your body just kind of flips modes And you know when you get back to the facility you know you know you had to get back there and start training, meeting with coaches and all that. So you're just, you kind of just transition on your own. But it is nice to have those couple months, a few months. And obviously it's been extended this year because of the pandemic and all that. So, but it's, it's been nice to catch up on some valuable family time and just kind of take care of business.

Last night, a blown call changed the game. This morning, the internet lost its mind. Highlights are trending. opinions are flying, and nobody's telling you exactly what happened. That's where Sports Slice comes in. I'm Timbo. Every episode, we're cutting through the noise. Breaking down the plays, the controversies, and the stories behind the headlines. We go straight to the source, the athletes themselves, their locker room stories, their reactions, the stuff nobody gets to hear.

The laughs, the drama, the triumphs, the moments that never make the highlight real. From viral moments to historic games, from buzzer-beaters to controversial calls, we break it down, give you context, and ask the questions everybody wants answered. Sports Slice brings you closer to the action with stories told by the people who live them. Listen to Sports Slice on the Iheart radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. And for more, follow Timbo Sliced Life 12 in the TikTok podcast network on TikTok. Welcome to my new podcast, Learn the Hardway with me, your host, and your favorite therapist, Kear Games. And in recognition of mental health awareness month, I'm bringing over a decade of my own experience in the mental health field and conversations with so many incredible guests,

I'm talking. Tripp Fontaine, Ryan Clark. Sometimes when we're in the pursuit of the thing, we get so wrapped up in the chase that we don't realize that we are in possession of the thing. And we're still chasing it. And we don't know when we've done enough. Because people scoreboard watch.

Life becomes about wins and losses. Steve Burns, Dustin Ross. Because you find it important to be a good person while you hear on earth. Are you a good person because you're afraid? Because that's two different intentions, bro. Absolutely. And that's two different. levels of trust.

I want you to just really be a good person. Join me, Kear Gaines, as we have real conversations about healing, growth, fatherhood, pressure, and purpose on my new podcast,

learn the hard way. Open your free, iHeartRadio app. Search, Learn the hard way and listen now. What's up, guys? This is Clivert Taylor the 4th.

And on my podcast, the Cliverts show, I'm bringing you conversations about all kinds of stuff, like being an internet famous referee. We're in the middle of a game. This linebacker, this linebacker,

this linebacker. He walks up to me, he goes, hey, ref, my mom wants you to wave at her. What? Time out. Quarterback on office blue with 42. Hey, ref, my mama want you to wave at her. What? Hey, Ms. Parker.

Listen to the Clifford show on the Iheart radio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcast. Hey, it's Edwin Castro, also known as Castro 1021. And I'm Conky, his best friend. business manager. And we've got a new show called The 1021 Podcast. I'm taking you behind the scenes on how I became one of Twitch's most popular streamers. We also love sports. And with the World Cup right around the corner, we'll be breaking down the biggest storylines ahead of the big tournament here in the USA. Listen to the 1021 podcast on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. In that aspect. But like I said, we would

normally be in OTAs right now if it wasn't for this. So it's definitely different and you just got to make do. You got to find a way some way. One of the hallmarks people have always said about Rod Marinelli's defense is, you know, swarming and swarm to the ball and play fast and things like that. And that's similar in a way to what people have said about Mike Nolan's defense as well. But obviously it's a little different. It's, you know, we've heard a lot this. phrase that you guys want to be multiple and don't necessarily want to, you know, tie yourselves down to one particular base defense. So far from what you've seen and what you've been learning, how radical a change is this

for you guys going from the Rod Marinelli scheme to the Mike Nolan one? Are there some similarities you're able to pick up, or is this kind of like starting from scratch? There's some things here and there that you can pick up between the two. But, I mean, it's, it's, every time you, you want. you're learning a new defense. There's going to be so much of a, I guess you could say, everybody uses different words as far as terminology.

So it's mainly that. And then obviously, I think it really just comes down to your effort. If you, if you're going to go out there on the field every single day in practice and you're going to teach yourself good habits running the ball every single time, I think good things are going to happen regardless. And then the scheme just comes into play. So if you're going to teach yourself, and you're going to teach yourself, you're going to If you can get your good habits and just the way you play football down to the T

by practicing every single day the way you're going to play, by running to every single ball and just pushing yourself, it's going to turn into good things on the field. And like I said, then scheme comes in and everything the coach has taught you, you can apply that. And I think that's when you can be really dangerous. And I think that's how we're going to be this year. If you love to be remembered as the person who gives the best birthday gifts,

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at Discovertheforest.org. Brought to you by the United States Forest Service and the Ad Council. What grows in the forest? Trees? Sure. Know what else grows in the forest? Our imagination, our sense of wonder, and our family bonds grow too. Because when we disconnect from this and connect with this, we reconnect with each other.

The forest is closer than you think. Find a forest near you and start exploring at Discovertheforest.org. Brought to you by the United States Forest Service and the Ad Council. What does a 4-3 defense with a lot of these 3-4 looks look like for you? How does your role change in this defense? Well, I wouldn't even really say that the roles change that much. I mean, a Mike and a Will are essentially, in the cover three systems now today, the Mike and a Will are essentially the same thing.

And, again, you can even put some safety's in there. safety is playing in the box. We're all exes, and we all know the different techniques that you play within the scheme. So if you just move some pieces around here and there, it really doesn't matter. Like we literally, we're all exes, so we're interchangeable. We can play a position here. We can play a position there. We should know, and especially as linebackers, we should know every position on the field

and what they're doing anyways because that's going to make you a better player. you know we've talked here about that there's obviously been a coaching change jason garrett did land over with the new york giants you're going to see them twice here have you thought any about that first opportunity to go up against the jason garrett offense and and how surreal that might be for you guys on the defensive side of the ball it's going to be like the old days in practice but no i mean you got to prepare every single week because you know they're going to you know they're going to put some different things in, you know, they're going to try and do certain things to take advantage of certain weaknesses they might think that we have. That's what every team does. So

you have to be able to prepare and you've got to be able to adjust on the fly. And I think that's what makes our group special is because we have a bunch of smart football players and we love playing football. And I know we're going to prepare that way to go out there and get the job done every single week. So I don't think it matters who we're playing. What did you think when the Cowboys He's got CD Lamb at 17 in this year's draft. I was shocked. The whole time, I was just, I didn't realize that he was still on the board, because I think it was just that crazy.

But it was, that's a huge pickup for us. And I'm looking forward to seeing what he's, what he's going to do for us on the field. I know I think the rookies have started meeting virtually with the coaches over the past over the weekend they started. So I'm just excited to get everybody together. and get those guys learning. Obviously, they're trying to learn a whole new playbook,

a whole new system, and the way we do things well. But it's pro football. You know, when you look at the offensive side of the ball and some of the threats that are there now with CD and Amari Cooper and Michael Gallup, and you've already got Zeke, of course, and Tony Pollard and Dak Press, Scott. And, you know, I've asked some of the defensive guys this recently, you know,

it's obviously one of those unwritten things that you don't talk about another guy's money or his contract. So I'm not going to ask you about Dak's contract. But on the broader scale of the topic of Dak Prescott within the context of the league, what do you think it is that makes him special? What makes him, you think, stand out from some of the other quarterbacks you see outside of practice on game days on Sundays? Well, he's always working. You know, he's always putting in the work. He's being a leader on and off the field. And I think his just his work ethic speaks for itself. He's always pushing guys to come along with him. He's always pushing himself to get better every single day. And I think that just speaks wonders of a guy when you can see that

when he's away from, when he's away from football, that tells you what kind of character he is. So I know he'll always be taking care of business. It's like he always, he always, is. So, I mean, they'll get, they'll get something done. I don't know when. I don't know what it is. I don't know the details of it, but I'm positive. I'll get something done. You know, you're a young guy, but your approach is very similar to someone like Sean Lee, the guy that just sort of puts on his hard hat and gets to work. There's not a lot of frills that come with Sean. What's it been like continuing to be able to have him in that linebacker room, especially the fact he's coming back yet another year.

Man, that, finding out that he was coming back to play another year after this, after this past season, put a huge smile on my face. When I found that out, I was so pumped. It's just, it's so valuable having a guy like him in the room, not just for his ability with football and his knowledge,

but just the person he is. I think it's contagious, the way he prepares, the way he carries himself. and it makes younger players want to be just like that. And that's the guy you want to be. I mean, he's going on. This is 10th or 11th year?

10th year? Yeah, 11. Maybe he was 11th or something like that. He, I mean, the dude has dealt with pretty much every single bit of adversity you could possibly deal with as his career went on and look at him now. I mean, he stayed healthy the whole season last season, played good football for us. And he has that intangible, just way he goes about things. I mean, you can't replace that.

And the fact that you get that for a whole other year, I absolutely love it. I love the guy. And I'm just excited to play football with him again. He's so tricky. I never know if he's going to snap your neck off or if he's going to give you a hug. Like, he's one of those guys. I think that that sort of unpredictability is good on the football field, especially if you're playing defense.

Yeah, you got to have some of that, I guess you could say, odd aggression. I mean, anybody that plays defense, I think, is a little bit crazy, honestly. You got to be a little bit crazy to go out there and fly around and just that's what you want to do is you want to hit dudes and make plays. So I think no matter what position you play on defense, you've got to be a little bit crazy. With all the turnover that's gone on, not just with the roster and the, coaching staff, you know, both those areas, there being a lot of turnover. Do you feel any sort of, I guess, responsibility to act as somewhat of a bridge for this new coaching staff and new players

and help cultivate the new culture as quickly as possible as somebody who's been here for a couple years now? Absolutely. I think that's just the jobs that we have as the linebackers as a whole. We got to have everybody on the same page, every single play. And the fast, we can get everybody on the same page right now with all this with the stuff that we're dealing with. I know it's hard to meet virtually and do all that, but the faster we can we can get everybody on the same page, the better off we're going to be. Obviously, we have more adversity because we're putting in a new playbook. We're putting a new system. So there's not very many teams in the league that have to do that every year. But we're one of them this year. So we're embracing it. And we're going to go after and do it.

I'm going to do everything I possibly can to help curve that matter. And being a leader, being a guy that the younger guys can come to and ask me questions whenever they want, it doesn't matter, time, place, whatever it is. I'll be there to answer those questions as best I can possible. And like I said, just as fast as we can get everybody on the same page and get rolling, the better off we're going to be. All right, let's get to what you've just been doing in your free time, Leighton. And I saw that you were in Idaho. It's, I would imagine, fairly easy to socially distance there.

Last night, a blown call changed a game. This morning, the internet lost its mind. Highlights are trending. Opinions are flying. And nobody's telling you exactly what happened. That's where Sports Slice comes in. I'm Timbo. Every episode, we're cutting through the noise.

Breaking down the plays, the controversies, and the stories behind the headlines. We go straight to the source, the athlete themselves. Their locker room stories, their reactions, the stuff nobody gets to hear. The laughs, the drama, the triumphs, the moments that never make the highlight real. From viral moments to historic games, from buzzer beaters to controversial calls, we break it down, give you context, and ask the questions everybody wants answered. SportsSlice brings you closer to the action with stories told by the people who live them. Listen to Sports Slice on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast.

And for more, follow Timbo SlicLife 12 and the TikTok podcast network on TikTok. Welcome to my new podcast, Learn the Hard Way with me, your host, and your favorite therapist, Kear Games. And in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, I'm bringing over a decade of my own experience in the mental health field and conversations with so many incredible guests. I'm talking, Tripp Fontaine, Ryan Clark. Sometimes when we're in the pursuit of the thing, we get so wrapped up in the chase that we don't realize that we are in possession of the thing.

And we're still chasing it. And we don't know when we've done enough. Because people scoreboard watch. Life becomes about wins and losses. Steve Burns, Dustin Ross, because you find it important to be a good person while you hear on earth? Are you a good person because you're afraid? Because that's two different intentions, bro.

Absolutely. And that's two different levels of trust. I want you to just really be a good person. Join me, Kear Gaines, as we have real conversations about healing, growth, fatherhood, pressure, and purpose on my new podcast, learn the hard way. Open your free, our heart radio app,

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The small town that you came from, have you been able to lift up the gun? Have you been able to do a little bit of hunting? What are some of your off-season activities? Yeah. Well, I mean, early on, I was a little bit limited, obviously, because I was just trying to heal up and just take things as they came. But, I mean, I feel wonderful now. And when we were at home, we were getting in the mountains a little bit,

horn hunting, just getting some good exercise that way. We're out by ourselves. We go camp and fishing. It just started to warm up a little bit before I came back. But it was, it's a fun off season back at home, just getting out and outdoors and hanging out. being around a campfire or anything like that. I didn't get the chance to go hunting or anything, really,

because everything's really close except for wolves, obviously, but I couldn't do any of that this season. So no wolf hunting for you. Being responsible. Well, since that is, you know, everybody kind of knows you're the rugged outdoorsman and you are the wolf hunter. Have you had any, like, teammates hit you up these couple years

and been like, hey, I want to come out to Idaho with you. I want to hunt wolves? Oh, yeah. Probably half the dudes would. I don't know if they just say it or if they would, but I feel like I'm pretty confident the majority of the guys would come to stroll around the mountains with me.

All right, now I'm going to put you in and I'm going to have you just walk right into it. What's the one guy that would possibly pull a Dick Cheney on you and not be able to shoot straight and would be a liability for you if you put a gun on him and you guys went in the backwoods. Oh, gosh. Oh, man.

Zeke? I was thinking the same thing. I think when we talked about it the one time, he was like, he's like, dude, those things are scary. I was like, they're really not that bad. Like, you would be fine. And so I think he would just be so, like, he would have a buck fever or something when he was out there.

and I don't even know if he shot a gun in his life. So I would have to really question that one. If he does, will you go pro it for us? Yes. I need video or it didn't happen. I have documentation on every bit of it. And I don't know if you get a chance to watch the team's miced-up segments ever, but there was a point last year where you were doing the Wolf Hal

and the team website put a video out there of Zeke explaining to Tony Pollard that you actually hunt wolves. And yeah, he seemed pretty, you know, he seemed like it was a little heavy for him. And yeah, it's crazy. He literally hunts wolves. And then Tony Pollard had to say, oh, they're overrun with wolves, like in Frisco, rabbits.

Because there's so many rabbits and he's not like rabbits at all. Yeah, I think I did see that clip. It made me laugh pretty hard. But I'm all game for taking the guys out and showing them the ways out there. So, I mean, they just got to let me know and actually come out instead of say it. That's so amazing. Well, I don't want to take up too much more of your time

because I know that you've been busy, but we really, really, really appreciate you jumping on the podcast with us. So continue to Hill and we're looking forward to seeing you and ball out again next year. Absolutely. Thank you guys so much.

Looking forward to it too. Look through your children's eyes to see the true magic of a forest. It's a storybook world for them. You look and see a tree. They see the wrinkled face of a wizard with arms outstretched to the sky. They see treasure and pebbles. They see a windy path that could lead to adventure.

And they see you. Their fearless guide is this fascinating world. Find a forest near you and start exploring at discovertheforest.org. Brought to you by the United States Forest Service and the ad council. And we're live here outside the Perez family home just waiting for the... And there they go. Almost on time this morning. Mom is coming out the front door strong with a double-armed kid carry.

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on the roof of the car, and there it goes! Oh, that's a shame. That mug was a fam favorite. Don't sweat the small stuff. Just nail the big stuff. Like making sure your kids are buckled correctly in the right seat for their age and size. Learn more at nhtsa.gov slash the right seat. Visit nhtsa.gov slash the right seat. Brought to you by Nidza and the Ad Council. If I could be you.

And you could be me for just one hour. If you could find a way to get inside. each other's mind. Walk a mile in my shoes. Walk a mile in my shoes. Walk a mile in my shoes. We've all felt left out. And for some, that feeling lasts more than a moment.

We can change that. Learn how it belonging begins with us.org. Brought to you by the ad council. All right. We have been jam-packed here even during this pandemic in the quarantine. So we appreciate so many of you guys that have tuned in both on the IHeartMedia app in iTunes, but also now in our YouTube channel. But Bobby

and I admittedly need a little time off. Bobby, your lovely wife is going back to work. So I don't know if that means that you get more daddy duty. It should be fun. I mean, she's chomping at the bit. She's ready to get back and do some stuff. I mean, as much as she enjoyed the, you know, staying up until

1 a.m. to watch a movie without having to worry about getting up at 6 or whatever. I think she's going a little stir crazy, some cabin fever setting in. So it'll be good. I think it'll be healthy for everyone if mom's a little happier. So that'll be good. Happy wife,

happy life. I wouldn't know much about that since my marriage only lasted one year, but that's what I hear, Bobby. You do not have, uh, overshare, overshed. Sometimes I get a little TMI-ish, but also I'm a bit of a lake rat myself and admittedly the weather is really

getting nice here in Texas, so it's time to retreat to the lake house. and enjoy a little bit of that before we kick up the football season, which I think you and I can already feel is going to be a very interesting one as we continue to navigate this pandemic. But again, thank you to so many of you that have continued to support us, tune in, like us, and subscribe us, and we'll see you here soon. Did you know Amazon provides ways of working that fit your lifestyle?

They know you value your time outside of work, juggling family, school, friends, or other activities. That's why they offer a variety of shows. shifts that work for you. There are full-time, part-time, and even temporary opportunities that can work with your schedule, with great starting pay and sign-on bonuses. If you want a career that fits and adapts to your lifestyle, head to Amazon.com slash apply. Amazon is a proud equal opportunity employer. Last night, a blown call changed a game. This morning, the internet lost its mind, and nobody's telling you exactly what happened. That's where Sports Slice comes in. I'm Timbo,

In every episode, we're cutting through the noise, breaking down the biggest moments in sports and giving you the real story behind the headline. And we're going straight to the source, the athletes themselves. Their locker room stories, their reactions in the moment, and the stuff nobody gets to hear. Listen to Sports Slice on the Iheart Radio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcast.

And for more, follow Timbo Slical Life 12 in the TikTok podcast network on TikTok. Another podcast from some SNL late-night comedy guy, Not quite. Unhumor me with Robert Smygel and Friends. Me and hilarious guests from Bob Odenkirk to David Letterman help make you funnier. This week, my guest, S&L's Mikey Day and head writer, Streeter Seidel, help an a cappella band with their between songs banter. Where does your group perform? We do some retirement homes.

Those people are starving for banter. Listen to humor me with Robert Smigel and Friends on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. On The Look Back at a podcast. It's a big moment for me. 84 is big to me. I'm Sam Jay. And I'm Alex English. Each episode, we pick a year, unpack what went down, and try to make sense of how we survived it.

With our friends, fellow comedians, and favorite authors. Like Mark Lamont Hill on the 80s. 84 was a wild year. It was a wild year. I don't think there's a more important year for black people. Listen to look back at it on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Hey, what's good, y'all? You're listening to and learn the hard.

with your favorite therapist and host, Kear Games. This space is about black men's experiences, having honest conversations that it's really not safe to have anywhere, but you're having them with a licensed professional who knows what he's doing. How many men carry a suit or armor. It signals to the world that you're not to be played with. And just because you have the capability that does not mean that you need to, listen to learn the hard way on the IHard radio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcast. This is an IHart podcast.

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