The Herd with Colin Cowherd - Open Mike - Austin Hooper on signing with Raiders, Jimmy G, Baker-Odell drama, losing Super Bowl LI

Episode Date: March 26, 2023

Las Vegas Raiders TE Austin Hooper talks to Mike Silver about signing with his new team, and tells us a hilarious story about being in a bar with Raiders QB Jimmy Garoppolo. Hooper discusses being a part of the Cleveland Browns’ 2020 playoff run and the difficulty of preparing for those games during a pandemic, the collapse of the Tennessee Titans’ during their 2022 season, why he thinks Kyle Shanahan is Nostradamus, and how he felt watching his Atlanta Falcons teammates talking trash to Tom Brady when they were up 28-3 in Super Bowl LI. #volume #HerdSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Clifford Taylor the 4th. You might have seen the skits, my basketball and college football journey, or my career in sports media. Well, now I'm bringing all of that excitement to my brand new podcast, The Clifers Show. This is a place for raw, unfills of conversations with athletes,

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you know. Listen to Help from Hippocrite Wednesdays on the IHeart radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. The volume. I'm really pumped about this next guest. This is my guy, Austin Hooper. So Austin and I met in 2016 when he was a rookie on the Falcons. And I think it's when you guys were staying in Santa Monica for a week. And I was like throwing money into a pool as part of a video shoot, which that's a whole other story. But you saw me kind of like wearing this purple pleather jacket, acting the fool. We struck up a conversation. And the next thing I knew you

were in the Super Bowl, I looked like you were about to be a Super Bowl champ, another sort of tale. But, you know, I've gotten to know you. I've seen how hard you worked and, you know, have loved watching your career progress. And I'm just going to come out right now and say it, low key, this will be one of the great free agent sightings of 2023, new Las Vegas Raiders tight end, Austin Hooper. Mike, thanks for having me. Very cool to have you. You just became a Raider the other day. And, you know, I know it happened fast. I know you were you were in Dubai at one point vacationing. And free agent. agency hit. Tell me about joining the Raiders and what fires you up. Yeah, it's awesome. I mean,

being a Bayer kid, right, growing up in the East Bay, watching the Oakland Raiders go, you know, since I can remember, right, watching Rich Gannon and the boys, John Gruden's first stint in there. I mean, just watching the plethora of tremendous players and coaches that have come through that organization. So when they moved to Vegas, I had no idea what to expect, right? And then my agent called said Vegas wants to do a visit. So I was, I was just like, wow, all right, that's awesome. Flew in, did the physical, did everything, got the offer, got the opportunity,

and now I'm just looking forward to getting the work. What excites you about the Raiders? You know, they obviously, they've got Devante Adams, they got Josh Jacobs, they got some dudes. What, you know, what gets you pumped? Sure. I mean, you mentioned Devante, having a receiver like Devonte allows other guys to have more favorable matchups,

allows coverage to be dictated pre-snap. Guys can't hold coverage and do as many funky things at the snap. They have to dictate because if they don't, Devonti will show you why he is who he is. So then you know, and Jacobi Myers, Hunter Renfro's Abyss. Like OJ's going to be in the tight end room with me. And Josh Jacobs, the guy who led the league in rushing

who can do some stuff out of the backfield too as well as Abdullah, I believe, as well. He's that dangerous out of the backfield. So, I mean, there's a plethora of guys, Jimmy. and then Josh just watching the system from afar the way how he revolutionized the two tied in offense candidly. So, I mean, it's a tremendous opportunity, one I'm not taking lightly and one that I'm grateful for.

Are you going to wild out as much as gronk? Like, are you going to, you know, throw people out of the club and then, you know, go full comic book? No, no, no. I'll be chilling out in Henderson, man. I'm going to be keeping low key. I'm not going to lie to you. I'll definitely go to the strip for a nice day.

dinner if there's a cool show, someone I really want to see that comes to town, like some more low-key. But yeah, no. Now, there's only one gronk out there. I am a massive fan of your new quarterback, Jimmy G., and I'm really excited for him to have, you know, this opportunity. But I also think about Jimmy and Vegas. And, you know, I think Jimmy is more receptive to maybe going and check it out the strip and all that. I don't know if you saw, but a brothel offered Jimmy free sex for life already after his signing. You know, I don't know how if you would. Welcome to Vegas, Jimmy.

Yeah, there you go. I saw that too. I was like, oh, all right. That's interesting. Usually someone's like, hey, like come to my restaurant. You know, we got you. Any apps, drinks. Like, we got it.

But, you know, Vegas, baby. So up the ante, I guess. So I was cracking up when I saw that. I feel like of all the things Jimmy needs, that's probably not high on the list. Like he's probably okay on his own. Yeah, yeah. I'm sure I'm sure Jamie will be just fine. I'll be locking in, learn the offense with the rest of us.

And based on what I heard, like in terms of just through George and everyone, like, he's dialed in. I know there have been a couple of things where people like, oh, you know, Jimmy, blah, blah, blah. But like, known enough people that have played with him and like opportunity to be around Jimmy in the past. like not even on the football field. Like Jimmy's super low key and he's a good dude. I mean, but if you look like Jimmy, it's hilarious.

Like, I don't know how much this I can tell. But more of the story, I was with him in Nashville. We're just hanging out having a drink, right? Like it was me, him, Cam Fleming. This was probably like four years ago. And that was the only time I've ever seen women

actually get into a physical altercation over who's going to talk to Jimmy. The whole time, like Mike, it's just like me and you talk and I look over and just, everyone's going. And then before I look over, Jimmy's just grabbing him a cat, Just being ice cold walking in a cab.

Well, these two girls are going at it. And Jimmy's just out the back door, just into a cab. It was the funniest thing I've ever seen. I was like, it was like my second year or two. I was just like, wow, all right, goaded. Goaded. I've never seen females actually get into a physical altercation over who is going to talk to him. The whole time, Jimmy just doesn't even care,

just gets up and smoothly walks out of the bar. It was top-od coolest thing I've ever seen in my life. That's unbelievable. So the moral of the story is, I guess, neither one actually got to talk to him because he left. No, no, no. The whole time, like, we were sitting having a conversation. Both of them were coming up, being a little thirsty and Jimmy just being good. Oh, hey, no, hey, good to meet you, whatever.

And it's like, no, I want to talk to him. No, I want to talk to him. And we look over and just like, just a whirlwind of nails, extensions flying. It was, it was hilarious. It was hilarious. Did one of the two get the upper hand, or was it pretty, like, even? You know, it was in the flyweight division, so it was going really fast, but not necessarily, there wasn't heavy hands. So it was just, you know, a lot of, you know, attempts to go for the face, but it always just ends up in grabbing hair and necklaces.

So it was more funny. And then it happened for like 10 seconds, not funny, but it was just, you get it. It happened for like 10 seconds. And it was like, all right, ladies. And then they're like, where's Jimmy? Where's Jimmy? And you see Jimmy just sneak in Lecab and it was just, it was all time. Obviously, we don't want anyone to get really hurt.

No, no, no, no, of course not. But seeing two girls like pull hair and stuff? It was right out of a movie. And me, I was like, oh my God, like, is this real life? And you can tell like this wasn't Jimmy's first rodeo because it was just calmly just takes a sip. It's good to see you guys just the smoothest thing I've ever seen. And I was just like, that's a quarterback. Yeah, onto the next play.

Right. It's like, yeah, I'm going to go down the street to a bar to have a drink with the boys and just try to have a chill night. There are some great establishments in Nashville. Do we want to immortalize this one? Where did this take place? Okay, this happened at Kung Fu. This was at Kung Fu.

Okay. So it's like, I don't know how much they changed it. This was also in like 2017. But yeah, it's kind of like half indoor, half outdoor with like, you know, know, you know, massive tick-tac-toe boards and like connect four. And then the inside's like a cool indoor, outdoor bar with big sliding glass window and some comfy, like plush couches and like cool little tables just sitting down at the table.

And that's when two fighters stepped up to the plate. And it was worth it, worth it. Last question on this fight, not that I'm obsessed at all. Nothing is obsessed five questions. I keep it wrong. can't really get past it. Did the two flyweight in questions seem to have a previous

knowledge of each other? Like, were they friends or were they total random strangers? I think they were adversaries. I think, you know, I think this was about that was coming for a while. There might been something earlier on in the night. I don't know what was happening. I don't know the buildup what was

set at the presser. But you know, when they just said, it's time, the girls just went at it. So it was it was pretty remarkable. It probably started at the way in, I'm guessing, like some comments were made. Probably.

That's usually how it goes. The build up, no, I wouldn't say hi to Jimmy. No, I wouldn't say how to Jimmy. And then, you know, the Southpaw struck first, and then it was just no holds bar from there. Amazing. Amazing that there was a Southpah, by the way. I, you know, you played in Cleveland for a couple of years.

There is a famous story in Cleveland. where Jeff Garcia, who at the time was the quarterback of the Browns, two women brawled in a bar over him. One was what I believe he's married to now and was, you know, ended up being his wife. And the other one. He's to be a winner, Mike. Yeah, right.

The other one had some history with him. But that was a flat out reported brawl in Cleveland. So, you know, something about nine or quarterbacks or something. something man there's something well there you go all right well I'm gonna probably give you like a special phone to carry for video purposes

for the next Jimmy Jimmy G brawl you witness yeah this should definitely help out one with Jimmy hey Jimmy on the feds don't worry meet you soon see you again soon bud unbelievable all right I gotta get back in interview mode because I had a lot of actual questions for you and now I'm

I'm completely obsessed with This has gone off the rails. It has gone completely off the rails. So, you know, you know, George, and I'm sure you've heard all about Jimmy's texting habits or lack thereof. And I actually wrote about this in August about how, you know, he's not known for texting coaches and teammates back, let alone people like me, although separate story I did just get my first Jim. Jimmy G. returned text. I'm so thrilled. But I, you know, George, I'm sure who has told you that, like, you might be texting Jimmy, but he might not be great about returning that text. Yeah. I mean, I haven't. Hmm. It's interesting. I mean, I don't have Jimmy's number. I mean, I've only heard what's what's been reported. I can only judge him based off the time that I've been around him face-to-face. He's been a good dude. I mean, whatever he does in his free time, that's up to him. know.

Totally. Yeah, I'll leave it at that. I mean, I was kind of touched. He said to be, you know, a few months ago. He's like, oh, no, I get all your texts. I read them. I'm like, okay. At least like, you know, at least they land.

I got the information. I got the information. All right. So you did get that big deal with the Browns three years ago when you went through free agency and that happened quick. And you, I think at the time where the highest paid tight ended up all history. For like three weeks, yeah. Yeah, for three weeks.

And then, you know, two years later, you experienced free agency again. Last year, you ended up signing with the Titans. You've now done it a third time. How did this experience compare to those first two? Well, I mean, the first one is super interesting, right? In the pandemic, I remember talking to you when you were back in the Bay Area. We were, don't worry, people, we were socially distanced, more than six feet apart. And when we sat down and had that interview way back when, I'm sure you remember,

that was an interesting one, right? Like, I was just, the first day I even showed up to Cleveland was day one of training camp, right? Like, it was, it was interesting. I went down to San Jose in general to get my physical and just faxed in paperwork. I remember signing my contract on my, on my parents' coffee table. So it was, it was definitely, definitely an interesting circumstance for many reasons beyond football. But moving to Tennessee, so when I ended up getting released, ended up signing to Sean, releasing a bunch of people.

And I was kind of scrambling there for a little bit. And then John Robinson and Tennessee Titans called, gave me an opportunity and took it, ran with it, played there for a year. Very grateful for the experience there. I met a bunch of wonderful people in the building, offense, defense, special teams, coach, player, player coach. Everyone was super great.

And now this time around, getting the opportunity to be in Vegas. So I've been just very, very fortunate. That's awesome. So, you know, one thing I always wondered with Cleveland is they, they stepped up and paid you. And you were coming off two Pro Bowl years. Your, you know, catch stats in terms of targets to balls caught were like in something insane over 80%. And, you know, I was just kind of like, okay, cool. They just paid him.

They're going to go feed the guy. And then you just didn't, you blocked a lot. you were like on the light of scrimmage a line. Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt, best one two punch in football there for a while. So, I mean, first, yeah, I'd be line if I said I wasn't frustrated, but that was what was best for the team. When we're ripping off five yards of carry, it's like, all right,

click, click, you know, it's time to wrestle with some big boys because that's, you know, we were just leading the league in rushing. So it's hard to cry about it when we were winning games. And I've got to be part of the first playoff team since 94 in Cleveland. So that was awesome. And just seeing how hungry that city was and how starved they were for some playoffs. So it was truly special to be a part of that team and do it for the city of Cleveland. Yeah, that playoff game, it felt like it was a player revolt.

Like Stefansky was stuck in the basement, not to make light of COVID, but Stavansky stuck in the basement. And you guys opened that up, man. You're also forgetting, Mike. We didn't practice that entire week. Like just to add a little more context of the story. Well, I don't know the statute of limitations is on COVID, but here we go anyway. So there was this indoor facility.

I'm not going to mention it somewhere in the greater Cleveland area since we couldn't practice. Bate got some of the route runners together because we're kind of on standby, right? It's like, we went here from Lee, could we go in, quig going, quig going, and eventually we couldn't. So around like 530 bakes like, you don't forget it. You meet me at this indoor facility, which I will not name, and let's get 20, 30 routes in. So that's what we did a couple nights in a row to prepare.

Because other than that, it was all just like this over Zoom, just getting the game plan. And the first time you went through it was in the game. And that scares a lot of people by the same time. I mean, Mike, talk about fresh legs program. The boys were striking on the field. Everyone had the freshest legs. Everyone just laid up on Zoom, stretching, hanging out. We got, I think we got the Friday practice in.

People were buzzing and then the walkthrough. But like the first two days leading up to it, it's like, where the bulk of the game plans put in, it's like, this is going to be interesting. Wow. Could you tell it was going to be a more wide open game? I mean, you have no idea, right? Like, I mean, we're just so used to one play caller the whole year.

so we assumed it wouldn't be status quo. I mean, then Alex Van Pelt, a Pittsburgh guy, was just like, I guess he was like, screw it. Here we go, boys. We're checking it empty. We're airing it out a little bit. Like, they got some big boys up the middle. They're giving us some fits in the run game.

So you know what? Let's see if their back end can cover. So it was, and I think that really also played to our advantage because they're studying one chess master the entire time. And then it's just like, all right, here we go. like everyone has tendencies now it's just like all right Kevin's in the basement hanging out watching the game like everybody else and now ABP just like all right you've seen duo a hundred times how about we starting here check to empty explode to

empty and then five birds like I don't think we ran that more than twice the whole year in that game we ran it probably three four times so they were probably just trying half that game I feel they were just trying to figure out like oh my god what's a new chess master doing with the pieces and not to mention. I think our defense created like three turnovers that game. And special teams got one. I mean, it was truly a three-phase game. All the boys stepped up.

That's awesome. So before you ever got to Cleveland, you went down and hugged with Baker that year in Austin, I believe. They did. Yeah. And yeah, and got real close with him. You know, you know him well.

there was all that drama there ultimately with Odell there was some Jarvis drama it just you know this to be true being in the media it's like it's you know it's always going to be crazier in the media at the end of the day like it's all love in the locker room it's just business but once outside fact I can say this much once outside factors

get in the middle of the boys that's what makes it tough and that's what makes the you know the real personal relationships away from the cameras away from the interview, like just real people, like leaning on you, like, I got some family stuff going on or whatever. That's what makes it tougher. And of course, you know, drama cells. So, you know, I'll say that much about that. So if you had a parent who was publicly questioning one of your teammates, that would, that could make it awkward. Yeah, that can, that tends to make things a little awkward. But at the end of the day, I mean, they're both good people.

was just tough situation. And yeah, I feel like it got blown out of proportions. But it's one of those tough things. It's like, yeah, you didn't want to see it happen. But,

you know, that's how it ended up going down. And I was just, you know, tied in a locker room, watching it all unfold. But like the media is all like, oh my God,

oh my God. But in the locker room, Mike, it's just like, all right, well, we still have practice. Like, there was, there was that one crazy morning

where basically you were, you guys were told, Hey, O'Dell's not really on the team anymore, even though he technically was. Right. Yeah. I mean, it was, it was pretty interesting because, like, we're just getting ready to go in the work. Like, it's like, oh, this all happened. That's, that's interesting. I wonder, you know,

what O's going to say about it in the building or, like, you know, it got blown out of whatever, right? Like, you know, you have no idea what to think and then to your point. It's like, yeah, O'Dell can be here anymore. It's just like, whoa, well, you know, wishing the best, good deal. I mean, just, you know, unfolded that way.

I mean, there's no hate there. And even the media would try to build it up, like O'Dell versus Bake. There's no, it was never those two guys. And I think there have been enough breadcrums set on both sides. So, and I'll leave it at that. I haven't always been Baker's biggest cheerleader. But, dude, I got to tell you, that Thursday night game last year, what he had been 48 hours with the Rams.

and did what he did to pull out that game against the Raiders. That's one of the sickest things I've ever seen in this sport. Were you watching good, appreciated that? Absolutely. I was rooting my boy on just watching him go. I remember when it all happened. And I remember texting up. He's just like, like, yeah, man, I'm here.

I'm here in the hotel trying to get this thing down and built him his own little package. Because, I mean, it's, I mean, the quarterback, I understand the audibles. protections, the flips, like where you're out, who are you hot. So it's just like, let's let's get the general stuff that we're going to go to. Like obviously got a pair of the game plan down, right? Like the guy just got here. Bakes a really smart guy, but like Jesus, you got to, you got to give him a chance here. And they did a great job by, you know, listen to him on Rich Eisen and talking about how

they did a great job of pairing it down for him, allowing him to feel comfortable with stuff he's done before and also give them some autonomy. because in my opinion, Bakes at his best when he can just see the game and feel the game how it comes to him. Because that's what he did in high school. That's what he's done in college. And the most successful times he's had, it's like when people trust, like,

oh, you're the number one guy for a reason. You can see the game. What does your arm want to do here? And you can just see him out there, just getting it, calling it, and making the decision just dealing out there. I mean, how can you not be happy for them? You know, all the adversities that are fight through and, you know, all the voices,

and for him to get that, it was just, how can you not be happy for him? I love it. So you went to the Titans and it was looking really cool. You guys were seven and three and, you know, as part of a long run of Titan success under Vrable. Absolutely. And then all of a sudden it was like Tannihil got heard and and the offensive coordinator got a DUI and the GM got fired and seven losses to end the season. What was that? Just take me through that experience because it must have been a crazy turn of events. Yeah, I mean, you touched on it.

I mean, we're riding high there. First in the division, first step that came. I mean, this is all public information. So I'll just go through a series of events. I mean, loss in Philly, got beat up in Philly pretty good. J. Rod got let go. then from there just went throughout the season

you know trying to go status quo and I mean I really don't think like it's not like when J. Robb got fired the boys all laid down I just it's just one of those things man like one play here one play there we'd have to look back at it but I don't know how many games we lost by three

or less and I mean all it comes down to is just you know one play here one play there but you know that's 32 teams across the league could play that game. The Raiders could have played that game last year. You know what I mean? Three points or less and I'd have 12. So I mean, that's a league, man. I mean, it was definitely frustrating for everyone in the building. You know, when you're riding high first place, got a two, three game cushion and then, you know, you're fighting just to get a win, but you're feeling like you're a good team that's just not for one reason or another, not living up

potential. I mean, I think it had to be like second or first. or second highest in league in terms of number of injuries. So we were plugging and playing in guys that did a great job. That did a great job. I mean, like kind of like a bake situation coming on Thursday. It's like, all right, buddy, you're starting Sunday. Like, let's go. We're down bodies.

So it was an awesome experience. It was just tough. Like there's a multitude of factors we can go on for a half hour about. But, you know, no makes use for it. We just, we didn't finish the right way. being around coach rable knowing the man he is he's going to get it corrected he's a great coach and he's going to he's going to get everything to hell then i covered him as a player so i just you know everyone handles losing differently i cannot imagine that he was in the best of moods uh toward the end

yeah i mean for for sure i mean no no coach is going to be happy with losing but i will say this about Bravely. He knew being a player, he always knew how to read the room, see where the boys are at. And like, get the morale's down, pick you back up. And if we're fine, they'll tell you, hey, like, fellas, this ain't good enough, but still doing it in a way, like when everyone's down, that can get the team back to status quo.

So, I mean, I really appreciated that about him. I mean, and just the way he'd take care of us with how hurt the team was, just understanding, like you said, like, 14. 14 years as a player. He just, he's been through it. And he understands from that perspective as well as the coaching side, like where the psyche of this team is at at all times. And that was, that was something I really picked up from his leadership and something I

really appreciated about him. Apparently in Philly, you referenced that game. Fans were chanting at the owner's box about AJ Brown. So, you know, I don't know what happened with Jay Rob and why. the timing happened, but that can't be good when you're the owner and there's chanting at you in the box. Yeah. Yeah.

I mean, I don't, you know, I'm an owner, but I bet that doesn't feel good when anyone's yelling at you in your face. So, yeah, I had no idea, right? I was too busy getting my ass kicked on the field with the boys. So I didn't, I didn't hear the chance. But that's interesting information I had no idea about, but all I know is it happened so quick. and I was just so surprised because we were, we were first envisioned two, three games up when that move was made.

So that was, so we were all, all of us in locker and were just kind of scratching our heads. Like, wow, it's just that quick. So, I mean, that's above my pay grade,

Mike. I'm just, just play tight end, man. So I was just reacting to it like, wow, all right, the guy who brought me in this building is now gone.

That's always a, yeah. I've had that. Time to straighten up. Yeah, I've had that. happen a few times. It's always better when the person who brings you in is still there, in my opinion. It's always better. It helps. Yeah. So I, Derek Henry,

you'd obviously admired from afar. When you see him up close and personal and how defenders react and all that, is it, is it crazy just watching that dude run? Yeah, Derek, Derek's special, man. He's very special. And the thing I really appreciate about him, too, is he works his ass off. Like, being in the weight room with him, yeah, being in the wait room with him, like he definitely doesn't take the easy way out. I'll see him over there lifting with the linemen.

Like, he'll push it. And then when he's out on the field practicing, like, he's full tilt. I mean, he's talking to the guys, picking the guys up, helping out the younger guys. And he's an open book. That's why I appreciate about him. Like, I'm not back. So I didn't have, you know, questions pertaining, cutting. or how you see this hole or this or that.

But the other backs talking with him, like he's an open book. He's a good teammate and just seeing how he worked throughout the year with something I really notice and appreciated about him, his style of leadership, like always being there to pick the team up and like hold people accountable and then much like variable, understand like where the team's at, like when people need get lifted up and then when people need be told like, hey, bro, like, I know you're better than this.

So seeing that kind of greatness up close was awesome. Yeah, I mean, there must be looks on defender's faces like late in games. Yeah, guys make business decisions out there. You see it on film. I mean, when everyone's moving 20 miles an hour, it doesn't look like that. But once you cut it down to 100 frames a second, you see people start taking half strides, start doing this. That's right. I feel it.

I totally understand. He takes full advantage. of that because if you don't like I mean he'll punish you he don't care he wants you to go full tilt because he's getting up and I remember I think it was Houston the guy was chirping him he's like bro I can't even feel you

that's a little beast thing I was amazing imagine an Olympics where doping is not only legal but encouraged it's the enhanced games some call it grotesque others say it's unleashing human potential either way the podcast's

Superhuman documented it all, embedded in the games and with the athletes for a full year. Within probably 10 days, I'd put on 10 pounds. I was having trouble stopping the muscle growth. Listen to Superhuman on the I-Hard radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. A win is a win. A win is a win. I don't care which I'm saying. Yep, that's me, Cliver Taylor the 4th.

You might have seen the skits, the reactions, my journey from basketball to college football, or my career in sports media. Well, somewhere along the way, this platform became bigger than I ever imagined. And now I'm bringing all of that excitement to my brand new podcast, The Clifford Show. This is a place for raw, unfiltered conversations with some of your favorite athletes,

creators, and voices that not only deserve to be heard, but celebrated. One week, I'll take you behind the scenes of the biggest moments in sports and entertainment, and the next we'll talk about life, mental health, purpose, and even music. The Clifford Show isn't just a podcast. It's a space. For honest conversations, stories that don't always get told,

and for people who are chasing something bigger. So if you've ever supported me or you're just chasing down a dream, this is right where you need to be. Listen to the Clifford show on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. And for more behind the scenes, follow at Clifford and at TikTok Podcast Network on TikTok. What's up, fam? It's Isaiah Thomas.

And I'm CJ Toledano, and our podcast Point Game is about defying the odds. Like LeBron heading into the playoffs without Luca. and Austin Reed. And finding ways to win no matter what. He's the smartest player to ever play the game. His IQ is at a level that we've never seen before. And he knows. Without Luca and Austin Reeves, I got to manipulate the game.

We get a player's perspective on the challenges of the playoffs. I think Joker's going to be exhausted this series because when they don't have Rudy in the lineup, he has to really guard guys like Nas Reid. He has to guard Julius Randall. And then he has to give us everything he gives us on the night-to-night basis on offense. And when IT's friends stop by, like Quentin Richardson, we dive into some playoff history too.

Steve Nash will get that thing. That man, hell get the flying. He running up the court, licking his fingers, why he got the ball. Like, after you go through a training camp with that, I said, you figure it out real quick. Oh, yeah. Get your ass up and down the court,

and you're going to get the ball. So listen to Point Game on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Hey, it's Edwin Castro, also known as Castro 1021. and I'm Kunky, his best friend, and 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. Wow. So, okay, so you've had, I mean, you've had so many good running backs, you know, your whole career. Devonte, Tevin, Kareem, and Nick, obviously. And then Derek, Don Trell, did a great job. And now you got Josh. So is your blocking, is it something that you've worked on? Have you gotten better and better? Do you take pride in it? How do you feel about blocking? Yeah, absolutely. I mean, I'll do whatever's ass, like whether I'm blocking, past blocking, chip in, shipping on.

third down, running around on third down from the slot, in line outside. I mean, I feel like that's kind of been my game. I kind of like that Jack of All-Trad's guy. You know, I might not be the greatest at anything, but I can do everything. So that's kind of what's kept me in the league, in my opinion. I can run routes enough. I can block enough. I can do whatever enough, past block.

Like, whatever you need, I'm comfortable being in different spots because I've been in so many different offenses that required me to be that, right? Like in Atlanta, I was pretty much a big slot receiver towards the end of my career. And then when I was in Cleveland, I was an extension of the offensive line when we were leading the league in rushing. And

last year in Tennessee, I was blocking a little bit and mostly doing third down red zone. So like, I've done both for, you know, a long time now. I've done either or for a long time. Like, it's just kind of whatever it is. I'm, I'm

willing to do anything. I won't turn contact down. I'll stick my face in there. And in my opinion, that's just half of what run blocking is. Because I mean, I mean, here's a thing. Like, I'll just break it down. Like, unless you're over 260 pounds as a tight end, like, you're not going to be blowing up these 280 pound edge guys who make, you know, $30 million, you know, a hundred, on a hundred million dollar contract. The guys are meant to put paws on guys who weigh 330 pounds. Like, here's, but what you can control is if you're 240, 250 is just how fast you fire off the ball and trying to get your helmet under their chin, trying to snap them back and get your hands in the spot. And then understanding the scheme,

like, how long do I need to keep this monster attached to my body, whether it's like 1001,0002 or sometimes you've got to get it to 1,0003. But I mean, yeah, unless you're over 260, like, you're not going to debo a guy whose sole job is to debo guys who weigh 330 pounds. You know what I mean? like all you can do is just not turn it down, fire off as fast as you can and just be ready. Like that's my advice when I talk to other tight ends. It's like, because if you want to get really good at blocking, throw on 20, 30 pounds. And all of a sudden, you ain't going anywhere in the routes. Like the ball's going to be in the air before you're out of your route.

Just, oh, and then you don't have a job. So it's like, what? So what do you want? So I just, I just explain that to people. And people are like, oh, yeah, no. make sense. It's a physics issue. So you started out in Kyle Shanahan's offense in Atlanta, and, you know, I've known him since he's a kid. I'm a huge admirer always of what he does schematically.

Great coach. What you guys were doing in 2016 was ridiculous, you know. Matt Ryan, obviously, MVP, and very close to winning a championship. Explain, you know, why Kyle. is so good at it and what it's like to play in that scheme? That's a great question. Might as well take me a second. There's so many great things he did.

And I mean, you got to keep in mind. Like you remember me when I was 21 years old. Like I had no frame of reference of what an NFL coordinator is. And then my first year, I'm part of what top five, top seven, most prolific offense in NFL history. So like that was the only experience I had. interacting me what he does well when we were absolutely rolling. Like that could be the whole rest of this podcast.

It's talking about how Kyle would, he would legitimately predict everything that was going to happen. Like, it's why I, like, called him Nostradamus. Like, this dude predicted everything. He'd be like, all right, in his first 15 script, he's like, here's what's going to happen. Boom, boom, boom, boom, boom.

Taylor Gabriel, we're going to hit this. Chunk play, Julio, get ready for this coming up. Devante, blah, blah, blah. We're going to score it here. then we're going to get it back. If we score within the first 12, we're going to roll with these. And I'll just be like rookie like, no, okay. Like, you know, I, you know, coaches in college do the same thing.

But we'll see. But it happened like every time where I was just like, oh, my goodness, this guy's football IQ and understanding of everything within this system. And he would highlight, you know, receivers in the run game. The backside guard is how he's cut and open that B gap. The tight end on the cross sit. That's going, even though it's like a path. cross-sip, tight ends coming over their full speed, just selling it to the edge player.

So he thinks it's a run and collapsing instead of pass rush and creating the space for Matt to move. And in turn, move that throwing window for Julio to get right around that hook defender. Just like having that as my first NFL experience was tremendous. And the amount that he helped me just grow my football IQ was tremendous. So I'm eternally grateful for him. And so on that staff, you had Matt LaFleurre, you had Mike McDaniel. Mike McDaniel, yeah. And among others, did Mike McDaniel try, you know, stand up on you?

Because I know, I've known him a long time. His sense of humor, it's very, very dry and very unique. Yeah, we'll keep his, we'll keep his humor off the pie. Hilarious. Hilarious. So I always wondered, you know, when he got to Miami, I'm like, okay. if he wins early, I think the humor is going to kill. But if they were like one in five,

I just worried that people weren't going to get it on the outside. Yeah, yeah, very deadpan, very, yeah, I mean, you're right. I mean, success, success cures all right. I mean, but that's, I've had a lot of coaches have a sense of humor. But McDaniel, you know, you know how it is. Like, he's starting fast and just. sense of humor, his timing and just his

understanding again, like going back to the system. Just like everything about him, how he carries himself and its enthusiasm for the game, it's infectious. And being a rookie with him, LaFleur and Kyle, it was just Rahim Morris was a receiver's coach. So I mean, that's an all-star lineup right there of just

just geniuses who are hilarious. Yeah, that must have been epic. And I know, you know, there was a, there was a lot of talk about how Kyle and Matt, you know, Ryan butted heads that first year and kind of were trying to figure it out. Yeah, anytime you put two alphas in the room, like, it's going to take some time for everyone that, like, create. I mean, that's normal with any business.

You bring two multiple alpha males together. It's going to take some time before everyone just realized, like, all right, we're on the same page. And you saw, you saw those guys take. the Atlanta Falcons, the Heights, they haven't been before, you know, they haven't had before or since, really. And so, you know, that second year was obviously, it was rolling. Right.

What I recall of that Super Bowl 51 game plan, it was a little unorthodox in the blocking, right? Like they had receivers kind of blocking defensive ends at times. Right. So it was all based on Dante High Tower because of his ability to play. off the ball, Mike linebacker, and then hop on the ball and play Sam. So we had a Boston call. So that ID, like either a back or a tight end, just dictating, you know, where Dante is lined up and whether he's in the count or not.

Because this is, you know, seven years ago, so I could be butchering this a little bit. But it was definitely Boston call. But I think the thought behind it was they blitzed him so much from Mike that they didn't want. Devante or Tevin having to sit them down with a 10-yard head start going, you know, 265, 270 in pads. And Kevin or Devante, they don't turn anything down. They're tough SOBs, but it's just, it's a physics issue. So they would have, the line would account for him when he's in the mic position.

And then when he was in the Sam, we'd make a Boston call. And then that was the time where I got matched up with him in Pass Pro. Yeah. And Bax would do it. The idea, the idea thinking, right, like he's on the edge, just going to take a little more to build up, and, like, he's just not coming with as much heat. So that, it was really predicated upon that.

So, yes, in that sense, it was very unorthodox in terms of how we would pick it up in the passing game. But I think this overall base downs and whatnot, like, we're running our system. We're rolling there. It's good until it wasn't, right? Yeah, I mean, I've never. seen a Belichick defense be that, you know, I don't know, shook is the word, but the width of the field, the speed, you know, it just was, and I don't know if you're aware of this, but the score was

actually 28 to 3 in the third quarter. I don't know if you knew that at some point. I heard that at some point. I remember looking at the score, bro, I was like, yeah, that's interesting. It's looking pretty good. Is it one of those things where it just as it starts to snowball where you're just like So many people have asked me, it's like an old 90s slasher movie. You know what I mean? Like you know who the killer is? You can see him coming. And it's just like, oh, you know, let's go split up and go in the woods.

You know, it's just like one of those corny old movies where you see him just the killer coming, clawing back. But I won't ever forget, there was a time. Look over at the sideline with some DBs that she'll not be named. But there's that iconic version of Tom Brady just, that iconic picture of him on the bench. You're like, yeah, he's quitting that little. And I'm just like, I was a rookie. I mean, I just turned 22.

I was like, uh, guys, I don't know what that is, but that's not the surrender cobra. Like, I don't know what's happening. He's tapping in. I don't know. This guy might go super sane or something. I don't know. But like, all I knew is watching him like, I don't know, my whole life's like,

that's not a guy you count out because it was iconic, right? Like, everyone's over there. Like, we're in control of the game. and he's just by himself just tapping in or whatever he tapped into and just willed, willed his squad back. I mean, that and, you know,

some three PI calls, walking them down the field for one drive, the Edelman catch, the other drive, and something else happened. But, but I mean, at the end of the day, like we stalled out and all it took was like one stall. And then that was the old overtime rules. So first blood draws, they won the coin toss, scored.

And I'm a rookie, I'm an idiot, right? So I'm like, all right, guys, like, we're up. And I remember an old DB like, no, bro, it's not caught like college. Like, it's first blood draw. It's over and just, as he says, that confetti. And I'm just like, you dagger. So those, those DBs were the first ones to be like, all right, we'll go for a walk in the woods. Let's just split up and, you know, we'll, we'll, we'll, we'll,

I'll go, I'll go, I'll go into the dark woods. Yeah, they were, they ran shallow crossers, the vast majority. And we're, we're playing man-to-man the whole, pretty much the whole time. I mean, it worked too. Rocky, Robert Alford got a pick six off when they were in a bunch, call it Cone. And they studied what they're going to do. Rocky saw it, took his up, pick-six to it. So, I mean, they're trusting them like, you know, playing man's been, been going.

And they've been doing a great job. Just, you know, I believe. they were out there for 115 plays. So, yeah, that's, and most of time it was, well, it was Amandola and Julian, just running a bunch of shallow crossers, just pick in. And that's, you know, asking DBs to cover numbers to the other numbers. Every plane they're running some kind of variation because us offensive players, we know if we're in it or not.

And so it's like, yeah, come on, let's, let's tack those hamstrings and quads. So I mean, credit to them. It was a tremendous experience. I mean, it's been so long people asked me about it. It's like, I'm not salty. It's like it's unfortunate to be on the wrong side of a historical moment. But, you know, overall, I mean, being a rookie, like, what else you asked for? And it was awesome.

I mean, it's a lot, though, right? It's like you think you're going to win. You have the collapse and then Kyle's gone. And now you've got new coordinator. Right. Just bang, bang, bang. So it was definitely, it all happened so fast. I remember after the game at the after party.

It was a little somber for a little bit, but it was also a bar and, you know, how it goes. Last time that team's ever going to be a lot of bets. I was there last year playing, you know, they're just hanging on for one last ride. So, I mean, it was awesome to be around every. I remember downstairs, there was like a kind of like an open area with stairs leading down. And I had a drink in my hand, walked down and it was McDaniel, Kyle, LaFleur, Matt Ryan and Matt Schaubb all on a couch.

So yeah, who grabbed a seat, blah, blah, blah, I was talking. And then I just remember Kyle vividly like, you know, I have to do this, right? And I came in a little late to the combo. And I mean, I'm young. So I mean, it's more like, you know, I'm just going to be quiet. they talk to me. I'll, you know, but I'm not going to come in there. What's up, guys?

You know, read the room, have some feel after what just happened. Now, remember Kyle, it's just like, yeah, you know, I got to do this, right? And I just remember being like, oh, well, it's real. So we'll see what happens next. But, yeah, you know, wish you the best, man. Great opportunity for you and your family. And you're going to do great over there. And I just remember that was the last, it's the last thing I remember about.

that Super Bowl at the after party because after that went up to my room, passed out, woke up, hopped on the team playing next day or a couple days, short time after Sark was announced. Was it hard just adjusting to a new scheme, a new offensive coach, it must have been a challenge? Yeah, Sark was tasked with kind of running a Shanahan style offense.

So he kind of learned his terminology and kind of learn what we were doing and what we did well to keep bit pretty similar for the guys. It was more him like onboarding than having all of us onboard in some, because at the end of the day, most people run similar things. So this kept our terminology. And then we rolled with Sark for a couple, for two years. Yeah, I learned a lot from Sark, good coach down there at Texas doing this thing.

And then my fourth year is when I got Dirk. And that's when we had changed the offense a little bit. And in his offense, that's where I was split out a bunch. And his offense, so why? to spend. So I was definitely a beneficiary of his offense for sure. So I know we've been talking a long time, so I don't want to go too long. I just wanted to hit one thing. You, this is kind of the golden age of tight ends. I mean, and we have National Tight Ends Day, Tight End University. Do you get involved in all that? And, you know, those guys, Kettle and Kelsey and Greg. Yeah, Greg.

are so great. Do you soak all that up? How's that all been? Oh, it's awesome. Like, we put it in work, but let's be real. I mean, like, it's getting all the tight ends around the league together to pretty much get like a brain trust going like, hey, like Travis will get up there and talk about how, you know, he runs option routes, right?

He's the best in the league at. George will get up there talking about how he runs, you know, this route. Greg will talk about when he was there. That's how I run this. And then we all get together and we all just get a talk shop with each other, go out on the field, work a couple drills. But yeah, I mean, I've been lying to you guys said, like, we don't all, like, run out a bar, have some beers and, like, talk with each other. Because that's, at the end of the day, that's what it's really about. We put in our work and then, like, just get to know everyone around the league.

So, I mean, it's been awesome what those three have created and then it's definitely built to last. Apparently, Jimmy is the one who came up with National Tight Ends Day. Really? That's what I just did a little research and, you know, Kettle obviously was at the forefront, but apparently it was Jimmy goofing on Kettle somehow and then George just took it. Doubling down like, no, yes, this is real now. I'll show you. I'll make it a holiday. Something to that effect.

Yeah, it sounds like something George would do. It really does. And so, yeah, that'll be, you know, next time you and Jimmy are chilling watching women compete for his. affection in a very physical way. You guys can, you guys can break that down. Oh, man. That was, oh, man. Yeah, Jimmy, don't get mad. Don't get mad about that story that happened years ago.

I don't think Jimmy will get mad. I really don't. Jimmy was just sitting there being cool. He didn't do nothing. Just look over it. It's just like people were fighting for his first conversation. Just calmly got up, walked out of way so smooth. I mean, I wish I could inspire

that much passion. Like, I could for one woman. You know, we've been married for 31 years. She would throw down. But like, I don't think, I can't imagine just, you know. No, and the coolest part of that story was you could tell that wasn't the first time that that has happened around Jimmy. Like, he was just so cool about it.

Like, it was just haymakers going on. Just like, it was like an actor in Tarantino movie or something. Just calmly took a sip and just walked out of the saloon. I was just like, that's a quarterback right there. Yeah, and then the last thing I had for you is I didn't realize this because I'm kind of a tennis nerd and I grew up with a lot of, you know, friends who played nationally ranked, college players. And your uncle, Chip Hooper, was a legit tennis player, like top 20 of the world at one point. Yeah, I believe 18 at his peak. Yeah, he was playing York, Macon, Monroe, all those guys.

Yeah, I think I watched him play a major. your college tournament because one of my good, one of my good friends growing up was ranked, I think he was ranked two in the NCAA at one point and might have been playing Chip, which was a huge match for him. And wow. So, you know, did you, yeah, have you ever, like, nerded out and, like, you know, gone down that rabbit hole of how good he was and all that? My dad would always, my dad would always tell me and told me some stories, just like matches and everything growing up. So I always was aware about his greatness.

But like, in the end of the end of your uncle, it's like, yeah, whatever. But definitely once I got older, I was definitely like, oh, wow, yeah, people aren't supposed to be able to do that that easily. Like, that's, that's super impressive. I was like, wow, you did that. Did they ever hit with you when you were little? Like, did you try it at all? No, I was, I was straight to T-ball, baby.

I was playing baseball, soccer, C-Y-O basketball, and then once I was 12, put on the shoulder pads and helmet. And so I was like, this is where I want to do. Dude, I can't even imagine you and youth soccer. That must have been ridiculous. Yeah, there were a couple yellow cards, but I was pretty skilled, though. I was a skilled striker. But, yeah, I mean, if it was getting fiscal, though,

I wasn't afraid to know yellow. It's like, you get one. Yeah, I love, God. I was with Brett Selleck, Todd Harriman's, and a couple other eagles between practices in Bethlehem and Trady Camp, maybe having some whiskey. You know, it was two days. A little dula gator, I'd never heard anybody. Possibly. But my daughter, who was, I think 11 or 12, got red card. It was two yellows.

but it was the first time she ever got tossed for a game. And I was getting the text for my wife. And the second, I was like, whoa, she just got red carded. They were so pumped. They were like, yeah. And I was like, okay, cool, you know. And it was in like a championship game. It was high drama.

But yeah, I mean. You got a tone sometimes. I agree. But I love the idea that you were so, you were really good at a sport where you can't use your hands. And then you end up obviously having some of the best hands of the world. Right. Shout out. Shout out. T-ball baseball played all the way up until high school, then got a little Tommy John action. I was like, all right. Well, I better get this football thing dialed in or I'm joining the military. Yeah, right. Exactly. Well, you're still doing it. And you are now

under the bright lights of Henderson near the strip. And I'm excited to watch you do your thing on another high-powered offense. Appreciate you, Mike. Thanks for having me. Thanks so much for joining us. Appreciate you. Yes, sir. 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, SNL'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 home, 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. Imagine an Olympics where doping is not only legal but encouraged. It's the enhanced games. Some call it grotesque.

Others say it's unleashing human potential. Either way, the podcast's superhuman documented it all, embedded in the games and with the athletes for a full year. Within probably 10 days, I'd put on 10 pounds. I was having trouble stopping the muscle growth. Listen to Superhuman on the I-Hard radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. A win is a win. A win is a win.

I don't care which I'm saying. Yep, that's me, Cliver Taylor the 4th. You might have seen the skits, my basketball and college football journey, or my career in sports media. Well, now I'm bringing all of that excitement to my brand new podcast, The Clifers Show. This is a place for raw, unfilled of conversations with athletes, creators, and voices that not only deserve to be heard, but celebrated.

So let's get to it. Listen to the Clifford show on the IHeard Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. And for more behind the scenes, follow at Clifford and at TikTok's podcast network on TikTok. I'm Joey Dardano. And on my new podcast, Hope from a Hypocrite, I'll be changing lives, helping people in need with thoughtful solutions. Sike, I'm a comedian. I'm not qualified to give good advice. Join me and my comedian friends as we riff rant

and recommend some of the most legally dubious advice known to me. This is Help from a Hypocrite, the worst advice from the dumbest people you know. Listen to Help from Hypocrite Wednesdays on the Iheart radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.