The Herd with Colin Cowherd - The Richard Sherman Podcast - Sherm at Seahawks camp with Darnold, Kupp, Woolen & Macdonald: "This team is different"

Episode Date: August 16, 2025

Richard Sherman heads to Seattle Seahawks training camp for an all-access day with four of the biggest names on the Seahawks. In this episode, Sherman sits down with quarterback Sam Darnold to discuss his fresh start in Seattle and lessons learned from previous stops. Then, wide receiver Cooper Kupp opens up about his Triple Crown season, returning to the Pacific Northwest after playing for the LA Rams, and balancing football with family life. Cornerback Tariq Woolen shares his journey from wide receiver to NFL Pro Bowler and why he’s ready to prove he’s the fastest man in the league. Head coach Mike Macdonald talks about his rise from intern to NFL head coach and how he’s blending old-school principles with new-school coaching methods. From leadership insights to on-field strategy, these interviews give you a unique look at the Seahawks heading into the 2024 season.   00:00 – Richard Sherman welcomes Sam Darnold to the podcast00:22 – How adversity shaped Sam’s career and mindset02:39 – Inside Darnold’s unforgettable draft day04:56 – Carolina years: Baker Mayfield, near playoff run, and “what ifs”06:04 – Learning Kyle Shanahan’s offense in San Francisco10:55 – Why Darnold chose Seattle and first impressions of the Seahawks 18:04 – Cooper Kupp returns home to Yakima19:02 – From small-town kid to NFL Triple Crown winner22:38 – High school sweetheart: Kupp’s love story with wife Anna25:38 – Fatherhood lessons and navigating public expectations for his kids30:03 – Adjusting to Seattle’s offense under Kubiak34:28 – What Seahawks fans can expect from Kupp this season 36:03 – Sherman welcomes Tariq Woolen to the show36:26 – Mental growth from rookie year to now38:38 – Growing up in Texas football culture40:20 – From college receiver to NFL cornerback43:21 – Rookie year highlights and building confidence44:28 – Comfort and fit in Mike Macdonald’s defensive scheme 51:16 – Seahawks HC Mike Macdonald joins Sherman51:39 – From finance career path to Ravens internship52:41 – First visit to Seahawks facility with Dan Quinn54:10 – Privilege and responsibility of being an NFL head coach58:32 – Growth and adjustments from year one to year two01:00:13 – Building an innovative offense and defense in Seattle #volumeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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We got another great guest, the starting quarterback for the Seattle Seahawk, Sam Darnal. Appreciate you joining me, brother. Thanks, man. Thanks for having me. Man, you have had such an incredible journey from San Clemente High School to the Seattle Seahawks. You know, you've had your ups and you've had your downs. Just take me through, I mean, how it's kind of helped mold you as a person, a player.

Because a lot of those moments, I mean, I could be an old guy. Be like kids these days don't know how to get through adversity. But you've been through so much and shown perseverance, strength, grit, all those good things. Yeah, no, for sure. I think at the end of the day, you know, it really starts with how I was raised, how I grew up, my family, my sister, my older sister showing me the way when she was, you know, playing volleyball, the sports that she played growing up and how she got through things mentally, physically, all that. You know, those are the people who kind of help me get to that mindset of just, you know, never stopping. You know, no matter what happens on the field, off the field, life goes on.

And as long as you have, you know, it's an old cliche, but as long as you have great effort and a great attitude, that can take you a long way. and that's kind of been my mindset throughout my life, really, not just my career, but, and then, you know, along with family, I would say friends, having a really tight circle of really good friends that I can lean on in tough times. And friends that also bring me down, you know, they kind of keep me level-headed when I, you know, have success as well. So, you know, I got great friends and then, you know, obviously, you know, you know this, you know, as much as anybody, but just playing this great game. You get to know, and you get to be around so many great people, coaches, players, the people in the building, you know, guys like EK in the equipment room. And, you know,

there's just so many people, so many great people in this industry, in this business. And, you know, I'm just so, so, you know, grateful, I think, at the end of the day to just be a part of it. So I think that mindset also helps kind of whenever you're going through tough times to be able to, like, thing, man. I'm so grateful to be in this position that I'm in. So why not just give my all every single day? Oh my God. That's, can we do? We clip that. But make sure we have that. Because that's, that should be everywhere and be said to everybody because that's a lost part of it. You know, people don't appreciate just the ability, the, the blessing to get a chance to go out there and compete and be healthy and have a shot at it. I could say I would have

dreamed of your scenario going to SC, hometown kid, getting to be the quarterback, going, being a top pick in the draft. Walk me through your draft day. I know you've probably told the story a million times, but they're just like a million and one for me. The draft day? Yeah, because I had to be cool, man. It was sweet. Yeah.

It was a once in a lifetime experience that, again, like I just mentioned, I got to experience that with my family and my friends and guys that I did draft training with were also able to be in that same room. Guys like Josh Allen. Well, in our job. draft, not at USC, but... No, that's what I mean. Where are you training? Yeah, Josh Allen and Kyle Allen.

They were able to be there, and Josh obviously got drafted by the bills in the same draft, and so it was just a big celebration that night, and it was great. And then I was on a freaking early flight at, like, you know, I had to get up at 4.30 in the morning. I don't know how much sleep I got, probably, you know, an hour or two of sleep, and was able to get out to New York and do that first press conference there. And that was, for sure, a blur to do that. Just that draft night and that experience, you know, with my family, grandparents, you know, high school and college coaches there.

That was an experience I'll never forget. We're going to, we're going to just blur through the whole New York experience. You know, that's a chaotic environment in itself. But we get to Carolina now. And hindsight is 2020 and it looks so hilarious now that you're starting here. Baker's starting doing great in Tampa Bay. but you guys both go to Carolina and it's like crazy. It's crazy for what was that?

Yeah, so we played y'all, right? You were in Tampa. And that division was not good that year. And so we had a chance to go to the playoffs. I remember because Baker started that year. I had actually gotten hurt in the preseason. I was out for eight to ten weeks with a high ankle sprain. I end up coming back.

The Baker thing happens, the year that he goes to, LA and I believe you're on that team right in 22. Yes, I am. And so Baker goes to LA, PJ Walker gets a couple starts. I go in and I think we end up going, you know, five and two or something like that, the last seven games and we actually have a chance to be in the playoffs if we just beat y'all in Tampa. And I think we're up like 24 to 10 going into the fourth quarter and then bang, bang, bang, Tom Brady and Mike Evans, you know, I think two or three times and all.

all of a sudden we were down 10 with like four minutes left. Because we needed it to get in too. Yeah, exactly. You're right. Yeah. So if we beat y'all in Tampa that, you know, second to last week, we just had to go to New Orleans that next week and beat them when we were in. And so that was a huge game for us, for me.

Like, who knows what happens if I win that game and win the next one? We go to the playoffs. Like, you know, life is just crazy that way because, you know, I'm not sure if I would even be here if that were the case. But those years in Carolina, man, to, to your. point, what you said before, like, I'm so grateful for just being there and learning that system with Coach McAdoo that year, getting to meet Baker, who I'm still really close with to this day, PJ Walt, like all these guys that I met in Carolina.

Like, I just had such a great experience there in terms of, you know, getting to meet so many great people, play really good football the last half of the year. And then I'm sure you're going to get into it, but going to San Francisco that next year, learning a ton of great football. So it all just, you know, it all. snowballs into a great thing. But it's a beautiful story. It's a beautiful, like, when you're writing stories, there's cool.

If it went one way, that's a cool story. You stay in New York, have an illustrious career, play for 10, 15 years, and retirement. That's a cool story, too. But I think it's always a better story when, you know, there's rarely a story or a movie you watch where you're like, something has to go bad, you know. It's not going to just be, oh, this is great, great, everything is great, it's fun. And then at the end, happily ever after, you're like, something bad is going to happen. I wonder what it's going to happen.

Like, he's going to lose. He's going to get injured. He's going to do something. And then the beautiful part of it, the part people love, is to come back. And talking about your time in San Francisco, you go there, you back up Brock Purdy. That seemed like the end of Carolina seemed like you're a start of your ascension. You get to San Francisco. It's a, it's a, it's a, it's a great scheme.

It seems like it's quarterback-friendly scheme. I tell you what, you are one of the players. he was most in love with during his time. I promise you there was nobody else he talked about more that didn't play for our team. Yeah, yeah. No, Kyle's a man. Again, just, you know, happy that they were able to bring me in. And, you know, we were unsure about Brock's elbow at the time.

You know, I thought I could potentially maybe go there and start, you know, for, you know, two or three games, you know, depending on Brock's situation, obviously. Very thankful that he was able to come back. the way that he did super strong lead us to a Super Bowl obviously didn't get the job done but no, just that year was incredible to be able to learn

football from Kyle from that entire staff that was there Brian Greasy, the Kubiaks Clint who obviously were with now but that was just a great experience and being around those players too like some of those dogs that are on that team like getting to experience what they do

every single day like Nick Bosa I think lifts five days a week during the season, which is insane. And to witness that, and he lifts, like he gets after it.

He's squatting like 3.15, front squatting. They think his legs just accidentally got that base. They're like, oh, yeah, Bosa's natural. No, it's not. No, so like Saturday,

I always remember, you know, Saturday after the walkthrough, then he starts his workout. After the Saturday walkthrough, where you're supposed to go chill before we go to the hotel for meetings. Bosa's in there working out. It was really cool to be able to see all those guys

in the work. And everyone does it different. You know, like Bosa's working out. You know, you have Christian, Fred, like all these guys resting and doing their thing, getting there all their fancy treatments that they did. And no, it was just really cool to see these guys work. And that was another cool part about being in that. And it's just interesting how Kyle runs meetings and things like that.

He's like totally teaching the whole team the whole time. He's doing it. He's explaining outside zone and while the drift route is back side. It's wide open. You're like, the whole team's in here like, yeah. Yeah. Yeah, yeah, yeah. You've sat in in one of his meetings. We have to. He used to do it in team meeting.

Yeah, it's pretty incredible the way that he can talk about run game. Right. For sure. He's incredible. Then you go to Kevin O'Connell, so who's another branch of this tree. There's an injury to the rookie because it was supposed to be rumored that there's a battle going on. He goes out. It's your team. It's your helm. And you have an unbelievable 14-win season and an incredible run. Walk me through that. Because, again, coming from off a super, Super Bowl team to go on another dream run. It had to be like, oh, man, I'm floating.

Yeah, it was really, you know, obviously the thing with JJ was unfortunate, but to be, to be with that team and, you know, for literally it was just us that believed in ourselves. You know, it was a classic, like, no one's believing in us. We're just going to go out there all alone and do it ourselves. And, you know, we started off that year 5 and 0, and everyone's like, let's go. You know what it means? Like, why not us kind of thing? And so it was really cool just to be a part of that last year with, again, I keep reiterating it, but like great people, you know, like great players, great coaches, great people in the building.

It was just amazing to be able to work every single day with those people, getting the routine. And yeah, just I think the football that we played was incredible as well, like being with Kevin and in that system, getting to see a different side of it. because at the end of the day, like Kyle's system and Kevin's system, you know, it's pretty similar. Like the McVaetree and Kyle's, like it's similar, but it's a little bit different. And so just to see kind of the past game come together the way that it did last year, it was very eye-opening to me. And, you know, it allowed me, and again, this is credit to Josh McCown, who is my quarterback coach, but it allowed me to play really fast and on time, which is, you know, it really changed my career. It seems like you're still playing fast and on time.

You got here. Talk about the decision to come here. I know you spoke about it because you've been interviewed a thousand times about it. But it seemed like it worked out so perfectly. You know, with Gino and D.K. and all this, it kind of seemed like the cover was bare. And I didn't know what direction they were going. Obviously, you had conversations with Minnesota. So it seemed like there might be a chance you stay.

And, you know, obviously they got McCarthy coming back. So nobody knew how that would go. Talk about coming here and the relationship with Kubiak. and how that that kind of went into it. Yeah. You know, I won't go into too much detail about, you know, free agency and stuff like that. Because, again, like you said,

people have heard about that. But just, you know, I knew there was an opportunity. When I heard, you know, talks about the Gino trade and my agents, you know, telling me certain things. And, you know, just, hey, Seattle could be a potential spot now. And I was like, okay, cool. And, you know, the more that, you know, time kind of ticked, you know how free agency is.

It just kind of, do you know, for agencies? Once. Okay, one time. Yeah, that's, it's very awesome that you've got it one time. Right. Yeah.

I've been dealing with it the last like three or four years, so it's been great. Yeah, you won't, you won't probably deal with it again. If you do, it'll be for a lot of money. Yeah. No, but it was,

it was crazy, man. Just like everything, it happened so fast. And, yeah, just, I think that was it. You know, the Gino trade happened. And I could, you know,

kind of see the writing on the wall a little bit. And then especially with Clint being here, obviously I knew how great Mike and his defense was last year going against them. Just the multiple looks. I can go on for days about his defense, their scheme, the way that those guys play, the great players we have over there on defense. But I was very excited to be able to work with Clint and get back in the system that we had in 23 with a few wrinkles in it. And our skill guys. You know, I'm, I'm very excited about the skill guys that we have, receiver, tight ends, running backs.

Got a couple fullbacks as well that have been playing really well. And our offensive line, I feel like the way that our offensive line has been able to play, you know, obviously in OTAs. But now in training camp, the way that they've, you know, put together a solid, like three weeks in a row of, like, communicating on certain run games and, you know, past protection, like, you know,

if I can hear them making calls and, like, it's awesome when you hear one guy make a call and everyone goes quiet. Like no one's talking after that. Like the center makes his call and everyone's like, all right, we're on the same page. And it's very comforting as a quarterback when you see all those things going on. You see it on tape.

It's confirmed on tape. And I feel like I've, I can feel pretty good about, you know, going into this season. That's music to my ears, music to the fans' ears, because that was the biggest concern coming into this season.

It was an issue last year, especially interior pressure. on the quarterback and, you know, Gino was under the rest quite a bit and, you know, it led to some, some tough plays and he tried his best. But it seemed like they solidified that. Then you talk about Abe getting healthy. Abe getting healthy.

He's a freaking beast. You saw he played last week against Max Crosby and Max Crosby was really going. You know, Max Crosby never not going. So it just looks like they've got the right pieces in place. Guys want to play for each other. Obviously, Charles Cross, you got the rookie in there at left guard.

and he's doing well. He had a solid game. But that's music to our ears because now you can open up that run game. And the run game has an identity. And you've got two really good running backs in Charbonnet and K-9. Talk about them and how cool it is for them. Yeah, I think you just said it though, like the run game, when you have a good run game and you know this playing defense,

like when you have a good run game, that opens so much up. I mean, you can keep her off of it. You can play action all of a sudden. Then you can start dropping back and letting it fly over the, the top because now these teams are forced to play in single high. They need to, you know, drop a safety down and helping the run game, maybe pressure and you get some, you know, three deep, you know, three under kind of looks. And, you know, that's really advantageous for an offense. And so I think for us, it's just like, you know, having that run game has an identity.

And then just building off of it every single week, just stacking those weeks, stacking those days really of really good practice and prep. But to actually answer your question, K-9 and Charbonnet have been amazing. I knew they're great backs, but to see what they can do outside of, you know, running between the tackles has been amazing. I feel like they've been such weapons so far in camp, just catching the rock outside of the outside of the, outside of the tackles. And I'm excited about what they can do, you know, this year. It was a cool quote you said, and I want to get to my last question, but you were like, you had a checkdown that went for like 13 yards, and you were like, earlier in my career, I'm not sure I would have gone for that.

Right. You know what I mean? And it's just talk about your growth and your maturity. But now you got Cooper Cup. You got JSN. Arroyo looks good. There's been a lot of guys showing up in this training. Camp Horton has run some with the ones.

And you've been dropping dimes and talking about processing. I've been out there the last couple practices. And it just looks like you know where you're going. You're moving guys. You're in such a great command. is that just the offseason work with the guys? Is that just an understanding of a system and having answers and just being any experienced quarterback?

Yeah, I think it comes with experience for sure. I think the system really allows, you know, me as a quarterback to be able to play on time. And like I can, okay, like I know certain coverages. Like I'm not going to get my number one progression. But I don't want to move off of number one. I don't want to go to number two, you know, on the plant. You know, if I'm like, okay, three plant to,

number one, hitch to number two, second hitch to number three. If I plant to number two, like, that's, you know, we're out of sync then. And the receiver is not going to be ready for the ball. And so I think just the way the system's built, what Clint and the entire staff have been working so hard to do is make it seamless for us to be able to, you know, have that timing without having, you know, necessarily a ton of reps to be able to, because we're going up against guys like, you know, Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelsey, who have thousands and thousands of reps together. And so you've got to somehow have that timing in a system to where you can just go

out there and expect a guy to be, you know, over the ball. And I can get to him on my second hitch. And it's like second nature. He's catching it. He's knifing up the field and getting eight yards on the first down play. So, yeah, it's, I think it's system based. But we have, we, we spend a lot of time in the offseason together, just throwing and catch in. And, you know, that's always great when you can spend time, you know, outside of the building with your guys. It's cool for you to get to see you shine and get to see your talent flourish in the way the expectation has always been for you. It's really cool and I consider me a fan and very impressed and very happy for you. Thank you for joining me today.

Appreciate you. Appreciate you. Hey, it's us, the Jonas Brothers. And guess what? We have some big news. What's the news, new? Huge news. We created our own podcast called, Hey, Jonas.

We invented a podcast? Well, we didn't invent it. We just contributed to our first people to do podcasts. Pretty, yeah, pretty wide. range of podcasts throughout there. But this one's extra special. So how do we actually come up with a name, Hey Jonas, guys?

I honestly don't remember. I think it was on a call about what we should call it. Well, we were thinking I'm originally calling it one of the early names of our band before Jonas Brothers. This is how you guys remember it going down? Yes. I have a very different memory of this.

We were talking about a thing, a bit for the podcast, where people could call in and say, hey Jonas. And then I wrote, down on my little notepad, Hey Jonas, and offered it up as a potential title for the podcast. But thanks for remembering that, guys. Listen to Hey Jonas on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. Just listen. We don't care where you hear it. Another podcast from some SNL late-night comedy guy, not quite.

Unhumor me with Robert Smigel 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, helped 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 I-Heart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

The French Open is one of the toughest tests in tennis. And I know firsthand because I competed there myself. I'm Renee Stubbs. And on the Renee Stubbs tennis podcast, I'm breaking down everything happening at Roland Garris. every match, every upset, and what it really takes to win on Clay. Jen she went. I mean, she went down at three to Rabakina, but I'm delighted. She's an outsider to win the French for me.

And she likes Clay. Listen, Lena Rubakina is arguably the best player in the world right now, and I actually can win on any surface. Because if she's serving, well, good luck. Consider this your court side seat to the French Open. Listen to the Renee Stubbs Tennis podcast on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts. or wherever you get your podcasts.

Presented by Capital One, founding partner of IHeart Women's Sports. 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 IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Welcome back to the Richard German podcast. We have an incredible guest, Yakima's very own Cooper Cup. Brother, how does it feel to be back home? It feels good, man. I mean, it's crazy going from, you know, where you grow up here, obviously playing football here and all stuff. But there's like, you know, seasons of life.

Seasons of life. You know, I met my wife here. We got married here. but then we go to LA and that's where we you know that's where our kids were going that's where we create our family our community and all that so it's just such a it's such a weird balance of those two things but man really excited for this for this next season in our lives I bet I bet just walk me through coming from where you came from from Yakima was weren't highly recruited to being a triple crown winner like talk me through that season and how incredibly

rewarding it felt just to to see all the work, all the hours of study and everything just coming to fruition. Yeah. Yeah, it's kind of, it's interesting because, like, you, you don't, like, you, you go into every season expecting to succeed, expecting to win, right? You have these goals for yourself. Like, you wouldn't be doing all the work that you do in the off season if you didn't have those expectations.

But it wasn't like that off season. I went into that and like, oh, this is like the one. Right. Or like, this is going to be the, like, what it ended up being. Right. But just the process of, like, I've just consistently done this. This is just what, like, is what I do. And it started back, like you said, like you started back in high school,

started back in middle school even in terms of that mentality and, like, daily, a daily process. And it's like, man, just stacking bricks over and over again and like very small gains over a long time. And, and I guess just built into this time with this. place where I got, I was just ready to step into a moment when it was presented. And obviously what that year was,

and you know how it is for football. You are a, your success is going to be a product of the people around you, the coaches, certainly the players. And was all that stuff, I just felt like it prepared me for that moment to say, hey,

we've got, you know, Matthew comes in, how he gels with Sean, what that offense ended up being, what that defense ended up being, what that defense. of being what we were able to do collectively as a team, it just kind of was like, you know,

just being ready to, ready for that moment. Be ready, be ready for your guys. Be ready for when your guys need you to step and make a play, go up and be prepared to step into that moment. I hate to pivot and make the interview disconnected, but I have to go here because it's a question I have. We're going to talk about your wife, Anna, and the three boys. Cooper, Cyrus, and Solis? Yes, Cooper, Cyprus, and Solis. Yes. Okay, and they're all, what, two, three years apart? Yeah. That's pretty perfect, by the way. That's awesome.

I know what you did there. I see what you're doing. How awesome is it for her to be able to come back and, you know, probably spend more time with family. The boys get to get to know you guys' family more. How important was that in your decision? Yeah. And, you know, it is. It was definitely part of this whole thing is we kind of figuring out what life was going to look like.

Because it is like you're coming up and everyone wants to focus on football. But we're moving our lives. You know, there's people's lives and like that, that is the, that's a tough part, you know. And there's also like there's a balance. There's like figuring out, well, hey, look, we are now around family more. We are around like, there's people that, you know, may not have had the ability to come to games all the time now are wanting to come to games. And so it's like, well, how do you deal with tickets, right? How are you going to deal with like your house where it's like, hey, we operate a certain way.

We do, we do family. like we don't give a lot of time right in the season. How do we prioritize our time together? But also knowing that like, no, we do have the ability to see family more often now. And how is that going to look? And so there was a conversation. It was an important conversation because we always are as,

as much as I love football, as much as my process and all the things that we do, even my wife, how we operate together to make sure that I can go out and be the best football player I can be. That all takes place in the midst of being the best husband and the best father I can be first. And so those are the conversations that happened before anything else.

But we are so excited about that. And getting up here on the transition and all the challenges that that presented was a whole other animal. But we were able to walk through it together. And man, I'm excited about it. And the weather's been great. No. The weather's been fantastic. It's welcoming you home in the right way.

Your wife and you guys met when you're in high school, like you said, at a trackmate, apparently. And you told your mom, you knew then that she would be the wife, your wife. your wife. That's been incredible. And then to read about how, you know, she helped support you through college and she left Arkansas, um, that has that helped, you know, obviously time and all that, but it just seems like you guys have been on the same page from the get-go. Yeah. And there was definitely, uh, there was an understanding, I think, from the beginning, like, man, this is just, from the first time I met her, so many things, you're like, hey, this is, like, the boulders are in common.

It's not like, oh, you like, you like Chinese food? I love Chinese food. No, it's like the boulders, the pillars of how you live your life. It's like, man, that's important to me. And in the first 45 minute conversation, we, for whatever reason, touched on like the pillars of our lives and like, man, this is just, this is like, it just led its way to this place. like this is someone like that I vibe with. I know like a, my soul,

you know? And so like that was what led to this place. I'm like, man, this is who like this is what I'm looking for. This is who I want to marry. Um, but that's not to say that there weren't,

man, incredible challenges for us as we figure out what does life look like as a married couple? What does life look like now that we're, you know, moving into a new city, moving into a new profession, having kids.

Now our roles changes. as husbands and wives, and now we're also mothers and fathers. We were sons and daughters, and still are sons and daughters, but we're first husband and wife. And so there's all these things that changed, and we're figuring all that out together. And even though the pillars were the same,

which is what helped get us through it, ultimately, there's so many things around that of expectations and ways that she was raised, ways that I was raised, like, man, we had to have some hard conversations. And that was one of the things that her dad actually told, me very early on when we were kind of preparing to get married was not to be afraid of having hard conversations. And we've had plenty of those and they're not always fun, but they're so important. There's nothing in life worth having that isn't. That isn't like that. All the growth has happened

through the very difficult things and the reconvening, the coming together at the end of it. You know, that's what we've tried to prioritize. Like, we are at odds, but we are going to wear odds at each other and we're having this conversation because we want to get back on track. You know, and so like that was, that's been awesome for us. And it's just been such an incredible blessing to me, what she's done for me personally, but who she is for our boys. She's, yeah, she's just, she's changed my life.

It's incredible to see women turn into mothers. It's one of the most incredible things I've ever seen in my life. It's like they have a switch soon as they get pregnant and they're in their stomach and you're like, when did you learn to do that? I don't see you go to any class. I'm in that skill, and you seem to already have it, and I'm over here reading books. So, dude, I'll swipe up or you said down. Okay, I got you.

I got you figured out. It's crazy, man. One of the things, speaking of fatherhood, one of the things I'm really curious and it's a question even the fans, you got Cooper Jameson, which are Cooper Douglas. You didn't want to go junior, but you still went Cooper. What are we doing here? I know. So, I was, I actually was against. naming him after me.

But that's, it's tough. It is, it's tough. I was actually against this. We had some other names that we really liked. But I really liked, we just liked, we liked the name Jameson. And so,

we were kind of going that route. We had a first name picked out. And then it wasn't, it was then a month before he was born. And it just came to approach me. He's like, it was meaningful to her. Like she was,

she wanted to name our first child after me. And so we went with that. And I love the idea of, even though he's not technically a full junior, I love the idea of no call him June. And so that's where that kind of whole thing came is like, I don't want to call my son Cooper. I need to have a name for him. I'm a big nickname guy too.

So I was the entire time in the back man, I'm like, what's the nickname going to be? Any first name that's put out there? Like, okay, what's the nickname? But, you know, once it was like, hey, I can call, we can call our son June. And I was like, oh, I love that. And incredibly honored.

I mean, just for our first son, for my wife's approach me and have to be so meaningful for her. That's cool. That's awesome. My brother named his son a junior, and he just calls him JR. J.R. It's pretty cool. It works out. One of the challenges for me, when naming our son, he ended up being raid instead of ritual.

We kept the same initials that me and my wife have the same initials as my daughter and my son. But it was just the unfair expectations of the world. More than me, you know, more than how hard I'm going to be on him. It's just such a social media and very public-facing world that is tough to really navigate the space or even be there to help them navigate a space that we never really had to navigate. You know, when I was a kid, we didn't have social media. We didn't have all this. My dad was famous. I probably wouldn't have known it, you know, because we had newspapers.

But to have a dad who's done what you've done and, you know, it's going to continue to do great. things both on and off the field. How do you navigate that space of being a father and trying to make sure that the kid understands, hey, there's no pressure on you to be who I am, be who you are. Yeah. Yeah, I mean, so, you know, June 7 now. And yeah, it's a good question. And some of the Anna I've talked about, certainly. But so much of that, I think, comes down to how we operate as parents. And what are we making important? And, And I think, you know, as much as we can't, like your kids are in your household. And, you know, we homeschool because big part of that is because, like, we want more time.

We want more time to be impactful to our kids. And if they see what's important to us, you know, we can also pass along, well, this is what's, this, this, I want to show you, like, this is what is important. And we try to make sure that's clear that the things that happen in football, whatever, the accolades are all different stuff. the success of work and the things that the things that the earth and the world say is important is a lot of the times not the important thing. And so that's been, if we can just be that and allow him just be, ultimately just be a kid, go, go play, go do, be outside, imagination, go do it. You want to rock climb, let's go. You want to go, let's go, learn, you go to swim. You want to go, whatever it is. Like, let's find some passions that you love and let's go do it because you love to do it.

And so trying to temper the idea of there being expectation of like you need to do football, you need to do this thing or be or even like you need to be really good at this thing. It's like, I want you to find something you love and go for it. And I support you every step of the way. Yeah, whatever you need, man, I'm all in. All right. Let's get to the heavy hitting seahorse or questions. You know, they really want to be to ask all these things.

Yeah, yeah. The decision to come here, we touched on that. But what about the relationship between Kubiak? You know, you've run this offense. Someone would call you a master of this offense. And even Sam Darnold, he's coming in, coming from Kevin O'Connell. Every bit of it is like cousin. They're cousins of the offense, but they're not all universally the same.

Talk about how that adjustment has been since you've gotten here. All I hear about is that you spend endless time in this building, studying film and doing all that, being a great teammate, being a great leader, doing everything you're supposed to be. How does it look from your own? Yeah, it is really cool. I touched on this a little about talking to someone just recently, but if you look back at the Washington coaching staff

from 2014 to 2016, right? Look at the names, look at the people that were on that staff. Right? So that's the Shanahan tree comes off of there. 2017, Shanahan, Kyle goes one way, Sean goes the other way. they draft George Kittle Rams draft

you know me and uh uh Gerald Everett right so like from there from there right they're at that point this very similar same offense

by the end by the beginning of 2017 really week three four is like we're 11 personnel right you see where Shan goes like hey you got George Kittle going you're running your 12 personnel you're running your 21 personnel and then then it years go by, right?

And like you have this like, this divergence of people that's like, hey, you make the most of the people that are in your building. You make mostly the players that you have. And I like sets this track of these two that go so different regressions. And then I come here and it's like, man, it's so cool because I get to like hop over and see, well, this is kind of off, are we off of the, you know, that line that went this way.

But there's a mix of the stuff that was going on in Minnesota. soda. There's a little bit of a mix of the stuff that had gone on with the 11 personnel. And so it's like, man, it's awesome to see how all these things like have grown and changed through the years. And I get to be a little bit part of all of it, but also know at the core where things were. And I remember all this stuff so I can see where it all grew off to. It's been really cool to be a part of. And I saw interview what you're talking about just how defenses have adapted because anytime you're good at anything, the whole NFL is studying you year after year after year, they're studying ways to defend it, ways to adjust, ways to manipulate

coverage as you motion, hey, it's one picture one way, you motion it just like you're changing our picture. We're going to change your picture now. Talk about how your experience has helped you navigate that space and even help this coaching state, you know, who's trying to implement this offense to a new batch of players. Yeah. And that's, I think that's, I mean, that's the coolest, it's the coolest single football is the way it changes and grows and moves and like, you know, man, the offenses are up one year,

the defenses are up the other end. It's like it's always changing and the emphasis is changing. Like we're passing receivers are going off and boom, boom, boom, boom, boom, defense is like, hey, no, we're taking that away. Running back's coming back now. Like there's all this stuff that's like moving and changing on so many different levels with players, with personnel, with schemes. I love it.

But then you have guys like, you know, you come in here and you've got coaches that are so open to be able to hear ideas and like hey this is they have a conviction to how things are done but also being open to say like hey we're not going to be afraid of asking why you know and they're not afraid of us

going and asking why and they're going to provide an answer for it and that's what it's been it's been awesome being in there with Kubiak and with you know RICO who's been in this offense for a long long time and you got guys that have just been a part of it for so long it's like man I can go in and ask why and have a

a conversation, have a discussion, and hear exactly what the genesis of this was, why we do it, and why it makes sense, or maybe why it doesn't make sense anymore, based on what defenses are doing, how defenses are matching us, and how defenses are, you know,

personneling different ways. And so I've really enjoyed it, and they've made it a joy to come in here and be able to have those conversations. That's great to hear. Last question. What can the fans expect from this season from you, Sam,

JSN, K9, Charbonnet, and this incredible offense. Yeah, well, I mean, I don't love to talk about expectations in terms of like the, you know, like, I'm not making any predictions. You know what I mean?

But I will say this, like, in my time here, the respect I have for the way that guys go about their business for the preparation that they have, the conversations that are being had, and what is the most pivotal thing is the time between. Every NFL team has, wherever it is, 10 hours in a day, 11 hours in a day to do whatever they need to do, right? You're going to schedule your meetings, you're going to schedule your walkthroughs, you're going to schedule your practices, your lifts and all this and stuff.

There's always five minutes to get from one meeting to the next. Where are the conversations happening in those five minutes, right? It's like the small edges. You come out of this conversation, come out of this meeting, what's that five minutes? How are you spending that five minutes? What focus do you have getting from one place to another and the like, those little conversations that can give you an edge, they stack up over time, right?

It's five minutes, you know, three or four times a day for six weeks, and that builds into some really good, like, you know, progress in terms of, you know, getting to the point where when you get on the field, we're going to be dialed in, we know what we got, and now it's just about going out there and executing. Brother, that was a great, that was a great interview. I felt like I feel better for it. I appreciate you joining us.

Oh, of course. Thank you, man. We got to get you later in the season, we're comfortable and you're on your way to another triple crown seat. That sounds great, man. Appreciate you. Yeah, of course. Welcome.

Hey, it's us, the Jonas Brothers, and guess what? We have some big news. What's the news, name? Huge news. We created our own podcast called, Hey Jonas. We invented a podcast? Well, we didn't invent it. We just contributed to us.

We're the first people to do podcasts. Pretty, yeah, pretty wide range of podcasts. We're starting a trend. But this one's extra special. So how do we actually come up with a name, Hey Jonas, guys? I honestly don't remember. I think it was on a call about what we should call it. And, well, we were thinking I'm originally calling it one of the early names of our band before Jonas Brothers.

This is how you guys remember it going down? Yes. I have a very different memory of this. We were talking about a thing, a bit for the podcast, people could call in and say, hey, Jonas. And then I wrote down on my little notepad, Hey Jonas, and offered it up as a potential title for the podcast. But thanks for remembering that, guys. Listen to Hey Jonas on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. Just listen. We don't care where you hear it.

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 homes. Those people are starving for banter. Listen to humor me with Robert Smigel and friends on the eye heart. Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. The French Open is one of the toughest tests in tennis, and I know firsthand because I competed

there myself. I'm Renee Stubbs, and on the Renee Stubbs Tennis podcast, I'm breaking down everything happening at Roland Garris, every match, every upset, and what it really takes to win on clay. Jen Chinchin win. I mean, she went down in three to Rabakina, but I'm delighted. She's an outsider to win the French for me. And she likes Clay. Listen, Lernerabakina is arguably the best player in the world right now.

And I actually can win on any surface. Because if she's serving, well, good luck. Consider this your court side seat to the French Open. Listen to the Renee Stubbs tennis podcast on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Presented by Capital One, founding partner of IHeart Women's Sports. 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 IHard Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. I'm back to the Richard Sherman podcast.

We got a guest I've been waiting on in a long time to have this conversation, to Rick Woolen. What up, brother? What's up, brother? How you doing? Another day in paradise? Yes, sir, yes, sir. Now, we had many conversations your first year about adjusting to the league, about, you know, the expectations and how to see the world.

You have come a long way since then. Tell me how you've grown from year one to now. Honestly, just, for one, my mental state, for real, just being a young guy coming from UTSA into now, you know, we really don't know what you're getting into until you actually get your feet in there. And just my mentality just from each season, I see this is getting better from hearing different things and way to counsel stuff out just because, like, in this game we play, and there's a lot of people trying to pull you wish away, there's a lot of distractions and stuff like that. So really just my mental state for real, just make sure I protect it and make sure that I'm the best version of myself. That's all you can be. That's all you can be. They never made another one of you.

they won't make another. For real. This offseason, you talked about, you know, I want to ask you how you spent your off seasons before this off season, but what have you done this off season specifically? You know, you're a veteran. You know how things go.

You know the expectations to get yourself prepared for the season. Honestly, one thing, I got like a new trainer. I still trained at the same spot in Florida, but I went to Houston. And a guy that said my agent, to see Kareem Jackson, you know, the safety, he told me to come to Houston and try out the gym he was at.

And what I did, there was a lot of, you know, body-specific things, you know, to prolong your career, but also to make sure you stay healthy throughout the season and doing different body movements that I haven't done before and then putting my body in different positions that I didn't like just so it can feel comfortable. So if I overstepped on a cut, it wouldn't feel second nature. It would just feel like I've been there before

instead of being uncomfortable. And there's different things like that. And then also, like to put back to the mental part, I spend a lot of time with my family. You know, I feel like guys forget that those really the people that helped you get here. And I know in my situation, it is. So just spending more time with my family as well, you know, just being able to find my peace with them and understand where I'm from. And my ground and for real. And I can't forget where I'm from.

So those are like two big things I did this all season, you know, just to make sure I was just being a better version of myself. Speaking of where you're from, growing up in Texas football, from what I hear, you know, California kid, they say football is everything, it's different. How was your experience growing up in Fort Worth? I don't see it was a lot of fun, man. True, I enjoyed it, you know. I made a lot of friends, and, you know, Fort Worth, it has its ups and downs, and a lot of people hear different things about it, but I love to, you know,

I felt like my friends and stuff that I grew up with, they also helped shape the person I am just because, like, you know, you have friends, you'll have guys around you for different seasons and reasons, you know what I'm saying? And as you get older, you start to see that because your circle kind of gets a little bit smaller, for real. And, you know, those guys I made friends with growing up, you know, I still talk to them now. And it is pretty cool because, you know, some people think you'll change up and switch up, you know, coming from forward.

But I'm really just the same person and that some people don't have the same access that they did before. or so they think I'm at new, but... In certain parts, you've got to change. You know what I mean? You got to grow and mature. It's like people get upset that they're in the same spot and they're not growing and you're growing, but you come back to see them and they're like, man,

you don't think you better than us. I'm not better. I'm just different because I've got to go through different experiences. So that's cool that you get to get back, but you also continue to grow as a person. You still hooping? They say you used to be somebody. I used to.

I started hooping a good minute ago, man. I like to shoot the ball, but. other than going and pick-up game, I got to protect my legs. You know, that court have your knees hurt. You have your knees hurt. No question about it. No question about it. So we both spent the journey from going to playing a receiver, you know, at a high level to playing corner.

You got to talk to me about that transition, why it happened, when it happened, what went into it? So I was in college and I was getting a little PC at receiver, but it wasn't like my, like, for me it was my team. But for the coaches, I guess it wasn't, you know, and I was getting less playing time. And we had a young guy come in, and he was a baller, you know what I'm saying? And you got to put your best players out there. And that was just like a mental moment for me. And one day, the coach put me, and he was like, you're athletic, you're tall, we can use you on the team, just might not be receiver, how you ever played corner.

And I was like, nah, I was like, nah, I never played defense in my life. And he was like, would you like to try to help out the team? And I was like, nah, I'm a receiver. you know what I'm playing offense my whole life and he was like just try it one time at practice today and you'll see that to help the team and if you like it you can keep doing it some more

and so I go to practice and I go to the receiver drills and he'll pull me down to the DB drills and I didn't be in DB drills like nah I'm a receiver so after the DB drill I keep trying to go to the receiver in Indy and he'll pull me back to DB and it was a practice where I was actually

doing real good and all I was doing just running with guys and the coach is like hmm are you sure you don't want to play? this and I'm like, I mean, I could try. And I want to say that was before COVID had happened because it was 2019. And then COVID was that March of 2020 when stuff started to really happen for real. Make me feel like our old man. You're saying, bro, I'm telling you COVID is crazy.

And I played that last game in 2019 season as a corner. And then we got new coaches and they asked me that I want to play a receiver or corner for the 2020 season. I just chose to play corner. And then from there, I just start to buy in. and shoot, I'm here now. You're here now and you're on your way to getting what you need to get. Just keep it on the path.

Was there any inspirations, anybody you tried to mirror your game? I remember when I first moved to corner, I was just watching Dion videos and Charles Woodson videos nonstop. I was just like, well, look, I think I could figure out how to play like this. Was there anybody that you looked for? I mean, they said you was watching mad and playing mad and learning the coverages. I said, I know this boy wasn't on mad trying to learn it. It kind of went both ways.

Like, as a receiver, you know how it is. It's like a receiver I have a cornerback that they go against a lot of times or it'll just a receiver that I like to end up getting shut down. And also it wasn't too many tall coins that time. So I would look at you, you know what I'm saying? And then I look at Jalen Ramsey just because he was a taller guy and his press work was real good. And shoot, those are like, y'all too, like really the first two guys. I was really watching a lot because I didn't know who to watch or what to watch.

I just knew that y'all were taller. y'all played football real well and those like the like y'all two people was I want them out of my game at that. I wish I could have called you and told you to look at Brandon Browner. He's the only six four corner I'd just manhandle people. You came into your rookie year. You know, you weren't sure how it would go.

You got a great opportunity. Started off the bat. Started hot, you know what I mean? Six interceptions off the bat. Walk me through that season and your mindset because we used to have conversations but I didn't want to oversaturate you with information. I knew once you get out of it. out there, you get a feel for it.

You had four picks in a row at one point. That was a smooth run right there. Talk about how that season helped grow your confidence. Honestly, it started to grow just between each game. Like, I tell people every time my favorite play and my biggest play, I'll never forget. We played the 49ers, and I blocked the field goal and it went for a touchdown. And I was like my first play in the league, and it wasn't even on the defense side of the ball. It was just the fact that I actually did something.

And I'm like, damn, I did something. We scored on it, too. I was like, damn, it was nice. And then that following week played the Falcons, and I got my first interception. And it was like, boom, three weeks in a row after that. And just being able to, you know, get better each week and, you know, just have a feel for the game.

And it started to really slow down for me, for real. Now let's talk about your coach because you got a defensive coach. You had a defense coach when Pete was here. But Mike said a little bit different of a coach. Runs a different scheme. You're in year two of this scheme. Yeah. Do you feel more comfortable?

Do you feel like you have it down? compact and like, man, this could be a real breakout season for you and just the defense as a whole. Yeah. I feel like you'll be a great breakout season, to be honest, you know. We already have a great defense and we already have the pieces and we added new ones. We just got a buy in. And like you said, our second unit defense. So a guy is a little more comfortable with it and stuff like that.

And as we still learn new things into the defense as well, you know, it still feels good. And it's just crazy because it's the most out of impressed before ever. And I mean, that's my skill set for real, so I like it. And as we continue to grow as a team, as we continue to go through camp and stuff like that and come to an end of installing everything, then I'm pretty sure that what we have put together, we're going to execute it real well. And I know our defense will be real fun. Look, I was always told pressing until you can't.

And from the conversations I've had with Coach McDonald, that's what he wants from y'all. And that's a great way to play. You ever in doubt, go pressing. And have him tell you to get off of him. But how different is it playing in this? I can't even say two because it's just too high safety look versus what you ran, you know, early on in your career, the one high, the single high, three, one coverages. How has that adjustment been for you?

It's been small just because, like, since you got two safeties there, it's easier to trust that they're going to have you on posts or like kind of deeper end-breaking routes and stuff like that. And then also it just you can be more tight. I think just because you kind of have that safety net back there and you can play routes a little differently. I know that most of our stuff is a little bit more matchy as well compared to what it was more clue, what I said clue, but loose,

thirds and more like of a true zone. You know, you all played it. We played it more matchy. Man. I remember just the 49th's game in the playoffs of my rookie year. And my deal with the key running these deep digs or deep overs. I'm like, you know what I'm saying? Yeah, but it was just a fact that they were like, oh, the hookers and stuff like that,

they can get it and stuff like that. So it was just that. But honestly, shoot, this defense, I love it. I like the way that we play things around here, especially the mix and matches of different coverages and then the different fronts to make the D-line eat because D-line and secondary go hand-to-hand. And if you have a great D-line, it makes your secondary look even better.

Look, remember that around Christmas time is what the D-line always told us. You know, look, they're helping you eat. They say, hey, you know, a nice little gift here and there. Don't hurt nobody. But y'all ain't paid yet, so, you know, take time with that. But that was something that people don't really understand. It's just how, you know, what's on paper about a coverage can look different than what's being executed out on the field. Because people, we were running the same things, y'all were running, but we just played it so different.

And people were like, oh, man, you guys, you guys are running some complicated coverage. Like, no, it's cover three. But the reason it looks like this because we know the place. Yeah. It's like, the reason I'm running this dig for him is because I knew it was dig. He knew it was dig. I know he's not going to drop me because he's going to sit for the checkdown because we're not giving him a checkdown either. I'm going to drive to dig and we're going to get this play squashed altogether.

But that just comes from, you know, years and years of playing in the scheme. But that's similar to what you're doing right now in Mike scheme and what you're making the scheme your own. Yeah. You know. And so this season, contract year, all that, it's no different. You don't try to put more pressure on yourself. I think it's a time for you to go out there and have fun. trust your teammates.

Y'all got an incredible secondary. Y'all might have one of the best, most talented defenses in the National Football League. And they, you know, you might be getting guys, more guys back as you're getting healthy. So what I would say is just have fun, man. Go out there and enjoy yourself. The ships are going to fall where they're supposed to fall. And corners these days is getting paid. So just do your job, stay healthy.

It's best you can, brother. Yeah, sure. No, for sure, man. That's my goal, man. It's human nature. You see all the, you know, the corners and stuff like that. but all it is playing ball for real. I know I put myself in a great position.

I just got to keep playing ball, man, for real. On that note, because early on, it was, you know, the big conversation between you and saw us. You unsaw, who's better? You unsawles. You know where I stand there. Books is important to be. No, for real. You got more books that, you know, it's hard a hard conversation to have.

But does that ever get into your mind? I mean, as a competitor, it wouldn't get into my mind like in a negative way, but it just be like, I keep tabs. Like, how they doing? All right. strapping all in boys. No, no, death. How are you doing that? All right, for sure.

Do you ever find yourself doing that? A little bit, you know, just because, like I said, my class, I've seen a lot of corners go before me. Even I remember just being there with my family and just watching all these people get drafted. I knew I wasn't going to be like, no, first round pick. I was a UTSA, you know what I'm saying? I had to really just go crazy just to do that. But I knew that I was able to be able to play and I knew that some people wouldn't be able to,

shouldn't be getting drafted before me, you know. But once we got here, all that erases, then you got to play ball. And whenever all that stuff was happening, and I just would see it, I knew what type of world I'll be living in from there, but I knew that it was my race, and I knew that I just had to beat Tariq Willan.

If I'm the best version of myself, I don't think anybody can beat me. So, you know what I'm saying? And my stats actually show it, and my takeaways, my past defense, you know, just everything is to take. physical and short, so I mean... And you just got to keep it on tape it. It'll take care.

Most definitely. So I'd be myself for real. Speaking of racist. This is my last question. You're the fastest player ever over six foot in the combine. You know all that. Do you ever get any of these young guys coming in trying to try you? No, not really. Just because some of the young guys, they just be amazed that, that, dang, we're on the same team for real. And it'd be crazy because, like, when I was a younger guy, that's how I was.

And I remember when I first got in, I seen D.K. and C. Locke. I knew I can VDK and running, but it wasn't even that fact. It was just the fact like, damn, I'm on the same team, man. It's pretty cool. So I feel like, that's how it's kind of the rookies nowadays. Like, we're all on the same team, man.

Nobody just really said they can just come and challenge me and beat me for real. If they had one of them, sorry, one more. If you had one of them races, would you participate? Because it was a while. Tarique was talking about, oh, we're going to have this race. Oh, trust me. Most definitely. I'm telling you, hands down, you put me out there.

I'm going crazy. I'm for real. I've been won in the NFL. Somebody has said that, though. some of your fastest man competition. For real, I'm going to show them. I'm like, I'm the fastest. Hey, you heard it here first.

Fastest man competition. Y'all need to organize it. Rik is in it. Rik is in it. No question about it. Well, definitely. I appreciate you joining me, brother. It's been a long time.

And we're going to have you during the season and continue these conversations. I can't wait. Good luck this year. No, I appreciate you for having me. Appreciate you. Hey, it's us, the Jonas brothers. And guess what?

We have some big news. What's the news, huge news? We created our own podcast called, Hey, Jonas. We invented a podcast? Well, we didn't invent it. We just contributed to a... We're the first people to do podcasts.

Pretty, yeah, pretty wide range of podcasts throughout there. But this one's extra special. So how did we actually come up with a name, Hey Jonas, guys? I honestly don't remember. I think it was on a call about what we should call it. Well, we were thinking I'm originally calling it one of the early names of our band. Before Jonas Brothers was... This is how you guys remember it going down?

Yes. I have a very different memory of this. We were talking about a thing. a bit for the podcast for people could call in and say, hey Jonas, and then I wrote down on my little notepad, Hey Jonas, and offered it up as a potential title for the podcast. But thanks for remembering that, guys. Listen to Hey Jonas on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts,

or wherever you get your podcast. Just listen. We don't care where you hear it. 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 helped make you funny. This week, my guest, S&L's Mikey Day and headwriter, 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 I-Heart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. The French Open is one of the toughest tests in tennis, and I know firsthand because I competed there myself.

I'm Renee Stubbs, and on the Renee Stubbs tennis podcast, I'm Burrins. breaking down everything happening at Roland Garris. Every match, every upset, and what it really takes to win on Clay. Jenchen went. I mean, she went down in three to Rabakina, but I'm delighted. She's an outsider to win the French for me. And she likes Clay. Listen, Lina Rubakina is arguably the best player in the world right now,

and I actually can win on any surface. Because if she's serving, well, good luck. Consider this your court-side seat to the French Open. Listen to the Renee Stubbs tennis podcast on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Presented by Capital One, founding partner of IHeart Women's Sports. 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 IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Welcome back to the Richard Sherman podcast. Today I have an incredible guest, a head coach of the Seattle Seahawks. Mike McDonnell, appreciate you joining me. Yeah, honored to be on here, man. It's great to see you.

Great to see you. So I want to start at the beginning of your journey. You had a fork in the road. You could have went into finance. You were sum of cum laude. and you decided to go intern for Baltimore. How did that? Well, I didn't decide for, like, I didn't just pick Baltimore.

They, they fortunately reach out to me. I think, I think it's, like, a calling thing from God, frankly. It's just, how could you not? You know, like, that was a dream of mine to do it. And I had taken a job, you know, in the business world. I wasn't fired up about it, but it kind of felt like it was time to move on. And, you know, the Ravens, they reached out. out and they had this whole process that Jay Harbaugh actually helped run to find.

And so I had an opportunity to go up there and talk with them and meet with everybody. And they chose me. And so that was just like a major blessing. And you're sitting there. I'm going to go work for the Ravens. And so I'm going to go try to take advantage the opportunity. On a practice field, you shared a story with me about it's almost a full circle moment, 10 years to the day since you came in here and had a conversation with Dan Quinn and got to see him

and how he coached and try to learn from him. you're the head coach of that same team. I mean, just take me through that journey of how we got here. Yeah, that was, it's funny that we're talking today. It was on my heart the other day.

I'm going through the locker room and seeing the guys. But yeah, so the guy that I was working for at the time, our dude was a coordinator, Todd Grantham set up a visit. My sister was living in Kirkland at the time. So I was going to come up here and visit her in the spring. And so they had a relationship, DQ, and Todd.

So they set up time for me to come in here and hang out with DQ for the day. And I think it was like it was a low period, not everybody was in, but I'll tell you what, like just walking through the door the first time, it just felt so much different than anything than I was used to.

Like positive, I mean, we all know the culture that was here, the positivity, the energy, the connection that everybody had, and for DQ to take his time to just hang out with a dumb GA like me.

You know, I forget what he was talking about. Whatever he drew on the sheet of paper, I would have thought it was gold. And, but then we walked around, what I shared with Sherman, was he goes in the locker room

and like I'm in there with him and you were right there maybe finishing a workout or something and like you guys dapped each other up he was like you're laughing there's you know he's like shadow boxing you like and I'm just like man this guy is so cool and this place is so awesome you know and so that's one of those like

core memories that you have as a coach of oh this is what it could feel like you know and this is why this is probably one of the reasons why these guys are so good and and yeah I mean you look at the calendar again I think it's a calling thing.

You look, it's almost 10 years of the day from walking into the building. We're walking in there as head coach, so it's a pretty incredible story. And you talk about a rapid assent. I mean, you're still one of the youngest head coaches in the National Football League. How incredibly blessed do you feel and just privileged? You get to do this for a job. You get to lead these incredible men. You came in in your first season win 10 ball games.

I mean, there are coaches that have coached a long time that probably still haven't seen 10 win season, but that's a story for a different day. Yeah, I think you put it the right way. You're incredibly blessed. There's like a sense of responsibility of when you're around the, like today, we were having not the best morning of all time. Some of the game playing meetings we had weren't really going the way that we wanted it to go. And it was a little frustrating.

We got, you know, we were stuck in the mud a little bit. But you get to the team meeting, you see the guys, you're in the defensive team meeting, and you come to life. And so anytime you're around the guys, you're just like, man, I love these guys. you know, and there's a responsibility there because they're putting on the line. They have so much at stake. And it's our football team.

It's our city's football team. That's huge, but these are the guys that we're interacting with on a daily basis. And that's what gets you going. I mean, that's the sense of responsibility you have. And I think, you know, I know, I know, I'm not. I've had a lot of great opportunities. I've been really lucky.

I used to joke with Harbs and in Baltimore, you know, we'd have with some great coaches that move on to great opportunities. He was like Spags is our DB coach in 2014. He became a defensive coordinator. So then I got to be promoted. Ted Monikino got a defense coordinator job. So, you know, opportunity was available. And then Dean P's retired.

I mean, Leslie Frazier was our DB coach at one point. He got promoted. He went to, you went to Buffalo. So I was always the young, cheap option to, you know, to kind of take the next step responsibility-wise. But just been around, like, awesome people, man. Like, if you were to tell me when, when I came, into hang out with DQ. I was going to hang out with Dan Quinn, Jim Harbaugh, John Harbaugh,

Ozzie Newsom, Steve Spagnolo, Dean Peas, Wing-Martin. I mean, the list goes on on us. And the guys we have here, I mean, we got some great coaches in the building. John Schneider, it's pretty incredible. It's really incredible. And you, at least from, you know, 30,000-foot view, I can see elements of all those coaches, even how you were in your off-season program, certain elements. I can see Jim Harbaugh and how he does things and how, you know, how he, knows that Callis built great football team. And he only built them by getting the reps. And he had this great simple saying that he would say,

more is more. That's right. It has never been less. That's hilarious. That's so funny. That's right. I was there. It's him.

Who would you say is your biggest, like, inspiration to your coaching style? Oh, man. I think you said it best is just when you're around these people, you realize, I mean, I think that the common thread for all these guys is just, it's, it's true to them. You know, there's no phony, there's no phoniness there. God, that drives you crazy if someone's trying to act like somebody else.

And I've been around John Harbaugh for a long time. I mean, he's a huge influence on me. But yeah, you're just taking bits and pieces. Oh, okay, I'm inspired by that. Well, maybe I would tweak it like this. I think that's kind of more my style. You're always kind of making those assessments as you go. Oh, yeah, you talk about just our programming.

I think the blend that I've found is work that's like true to us is, hey, like we say old school principals, new school methods. So the callus is real. Like, hey, we're going to get after it. We're going to respect each other. You know, we're going to have integrity, you know, like there's, I think, I think that you have to have that to have a solid foundation. But, you know, new school methods, like, hey, we're going to have fun.

Like, we're going to, we're going to do cool stuff. We're going to chase edges on, like, on how we do stuff and methods. And we're going to use science and we use analytics. And we're going to study the heck out of what schemes and try to be it on the forefront of that and how we acquire players. Like all that stuff is hopefully like it has like a youthful, like innovative feel to it. I think the coolest thing about you and about a lot of the great coaches now is your ability to pivot and be flexible. You know, you're not rigid in your philosophy. You have your foundational pillars, but you also understand that each year is a new challenge.

You have a new team and you have new individuals. Walk me through your changes. or your evolution from year one to year two? Man, um, we, it's, it's,

it's pretty, it's pretty significant. You know, Frank, I think we, we finished last year and, um, I know you take 10 wins,

10 wins is awesome. It's great. But, you know, we have bigger goals here. And frankly, it's high, we should have higher expectations for ourselves.

And so we fell short and, um, we have to be critical of what we're doing, you know, it's the same, it goes back to the same, same philosophy. hey, we're still going to be built on the right stuff, but how we're doing it, let's evaluate that.

So as a head coach, you know, where, what did I fall short? Well, I can be better in these areas, you know, like streamlining the message, taking more ownership of the team, being better in the team meetings, connecting the building better, having more, better relationship with our players. All those things was a priority. Hey, we can improve our offseason program. It was a great program last year, but we can take it to the another level. And that could give us an edge going into the season. And so those were all in the forefront. And then we got great people around, like working with Ivan and Danny down there,

building our off-season program was so much fun. They took it by the reins, made it come to life. It was awesome. All of our coaches, they just like, they make it come to life, man. And you really appreciate that because, you know, they're going about for you. I think it's really cool that offensively you guys have evolved. And it seems like you guys are adopting some semblance of the, and I hate to use other coaches to name it,

but that's the only way I know I'd name these systems is the McVeigh, Shanahan, O'Connell, LaFloors, West Coast, Bill Wall system, which is the top of the top at the league right now. Every great team is running some version of it. And defensively, I think you guys are at the forefront of your combinations, your exotic fronts, your disguise packages.

Tell me about that evolution and what went into that, because when you lost Gino, and you lost DK and obviously that's a huge shift. You lose Tyler. You know, that's two of your top three receivers.

You lose your quarterback. And it seemed like the pivot you guys made was so seamless. You go out to practice. You would never know that you really lost anybody. It's been smooth on offense. You guys look like a well-oil machine. You got young guys stepping up. The offensive line looks as good as it's ever been.

Take me through that. Well, as I'm listening to you, I'm thinking when we were interviewing Clint, he asked about personnel. like he goes something along the lines of hey no like are all these guys you know are we expecting any changes or these this is like this we're going to have because you know I like these guys or whatever and I'm like yeah like you know of course going so I didn't know it happened fast and uh you know he gets here and all of a sudden we have a completely new offense

John and are like hey uh well everything's going to be right I promise you know and but Clint's been awesome man he's just he's first of all he's a team guy um he's we talk about all time greats. I mean, just, you know, I know he's kind of like with Kyle and his dad, like building his own vision of his offense, but Gary has such a big influence on him. I think what's cool about our shared experience of like how we've built our systems is, you know, you think about, I mean, Clint's even been around air raid. And so, you know, he's worked for his dad and he's worked for Kyle and then he's done it on his own. So same idea of, hey, I'm on these like awesome, these awesome systems and I'm learning the nuts and bolts of what

makes it come to life, but, hey, there's different ways to do it. And so I think his experience last year, he really started creating a vision for how he wants his offense to run. And it's a doubtable on personnel. But I think I'm proud to say we have our own, our, this is the Seahawk offense now. Now we're based on West Coast, wide zone principles, all that. But, you know, this is Clint's offense. This is our offense now, which is cool. It's same thing with us on defense. And we were talking before we walked in here. And it's, we're influenced by so many, great systems and coordinators in the past. But I think, I think, you know, as a coach, it's your response,

but I kind of read the tea leaves and understand where the game's going. The game's so much different than it was, you know, in 06 and 08, even five years ago, you know. And so you have to kind of have a system that's adaptable and flexible enough and light enough where you can move and shake and keep it simple for the guys so they can go have success. I think you're doing that. And I love that and I love your football mind.

and we're going to pivot a little bit because this is the important stuff. You had a son a little less than a year. Yeah. How has that journey been? Because you're having all this massive impact on all these other young men, but now you've got your blood, sweat, and tears right here in your house. Well, he's here right now. He's here before practice.

My wife, the only time I can see him now is that practice, my wife brings him all the time. It's been, it's been, it's just been incredible. Like, I don't know if I had actual, expectations about how it was going, but, or how it was going to go. But when you have a kid in the middle of the season, it's kind of wild and your first year, I mean, there's a lot of stuff going on last year. But, uh, I think, I think there was a light that went off in my mind, like, in the off season, like, oh, you've been, you've missed a significant portion of your kid's life. Like,

you got to kick it into gear as a dad, you know? That's not true. But I, like, I felt it a little bit, you know, and, and my, and my wife's been so awesome with the whole process. And, But we're not, like, our family's not here. We don't have a lot of, like, a lot of people as a help and stuff. So, but it's been awesome. I mean, now he's like he's almost walking and, like, he's interested in stuff. And he's banging on the table. And we're trying to get him to say, I'm racing to say dad or mom first.

It's always that person. Yeah. You know how that goes. So, I mean, we're in that stage right now, which is awesome. And, yeah, yeah, I still can't believe he's like ours. You look at him and you're like, what are you going to look like, you know, like, what's your personality going to be? What are you going to say? You know, what are you going to be interested in?

And so it's just, yeah, that's really cool. Can't wait for, I mean, I love this phase. Can't wait for the other phases, but don't want this phase to leave. It's a great time. You're going to experience a lot of phases of that. What I will say as another dad is it feels that way. It feels like every second you're away, you're like, man, I missed this. And thank God for our wives and how superhuman they are and how incredible they are.

Because I tried to explain this to other people, but you don't really understand it until you see it for yourself. It's like when they become mothers, it's like something clicks and you're like, God, oh my God. How did you know how to do? How did you know to do that? Like, I never saw you. I've known you for a long time now and I've never seen you do this. It's right. It's really.

And they feed, I mean, they create the, they've created, they actually created the kid, which is insane. And you're like, wow, that's incredible. And then they're like, okay, I'm just going to make his food now. Right. Just naturally. And you're like, the body naturally knows what to do and they turn it. Yeah. And you're like, can I help?

Like, what do I do? Yeah, and I'm like, nope, I can't. And you hold him for a second and he loses his mind. Right. You're like, all right, I'll go try to calm him down. That's what I would say. You appreciate the moments when they get old enough to know and you can sit them in the office and they're just sitting here on your arm and you're like, hey, I got to watch this tape,

and you're right here. And you just appreciate the moments that, hey, I'm working hard for something. I said this to them a long time ago. When I had my first son, we had just lost the Super Bowl. We had lost and he was born three days. My wife was like getting contraction. I forgot about that. Oh my God.

It was chaos. And it hits you in a different way. Losing is hard enough. But losing and then having your son at the game, you're like, oh, my God. So I was like one of my biggest goals was to say, hey, I want my son to see me playing a Super Bowl. Like, and so it'd be so many moments where you're like, hey, he's got all these all pros, you got all these accolades. Like you could feel good about your career. But when you have something like that and you see him every day and you're like, hey, you're,

You're pushing me to another level that I appreciate you helping me get to because without you, I don't know if I'm getting there. Yeah, yeah, it's special. And it's like, I mean, there's a lot of like existential questions that you ask yourself, especially when you become a dad, but you're like, what are we really doing? Why are we doing what we're really doing? It kind of tests you, you know, like it, you know, you're going to put your money where your mouth is on what you're about. And now, now it's like, okay, well, your son's going to see this. at some point whatever way it goes

he's going to see how you did what you did and that's always in the back of your mind you know but it would be I mean I wouldn't I couldn't I'm like praying that he is old enough and to be able to experience

this you know meet the guys hang out have a relationship with the guys you know be interested in the game you know all that type of stuff he didn't have to be a coach hopefully he's not hopefully he's a you know astronomer or something

I'm going to let you know something. It's the reason all these great coaches and you look up in their sons are like right behind them. I'm talking about Kubiak right now. That's right. That's great point. You go McVeigh, LaFlears, like all these guys. And because it's what you've grown into. You know, if you're a great coach, you coach for a long time.

And it's not like you're taking something away from your son because everybody's dad goes to work. I mean, not everybody. But for the most part, you see that. My dad was a trash truck driver. I didn't want to be a trash truck driver. But the lessons that it taught me about being consistent. being on time, being dedicated to your craft, being where you're supposed to be, and understanding that you have to, there's 85% of life is doing what you have to do to get to do the 15% of the

things you want to do. Yeah, that's right. And if you understand that and you're at peace with it, then you have no problem working your butt off to get to that 15%. It's like, I'm, look, I know I got to grind. And I appreciate the lessons. And I'm sure your son will appreciate the lessons that you're teaching and how hard you're working and the hours you're putting in because you also have a great wife who's letting

or letting them know, hey, your dad's out there making it happen. That's right. It's funny. Listen to it. It reminded me, you know, today we're talking about our style to the team. And one of the words we use is Relentless. And so, but AD had a heck of a team meeting today. And I hope he doesn't remind me sharing this. But we talked about relentless, like what it means is a football player or a team, you know, all that type of stuff.

And AD was like, you know what? He told the defense, says, you know, I was thinking when I heard when I was listening to Mike talk was my mom. You know, like, you know, he grew up. up without a dad for the majority of his childhood. And she just worked away to make that opportunity for her kids. And you're just like, man, it's true. Relentless is one of those old school things that like it comes to life. And you can have she probably, in those moments growing up,

and there's a lot of hard times. But the impact she's making is just really great. I mean, and then on the other side, like what we're able to do. I mean, she were, we're coaching the NFL, man. Like, we got a pretty, this is pretty awesome. You know, like people are have like real. stuff going on right there. And I mean, you know, there's challenges.

It's our job, but you have to remind yourself that, I mean, we've got a pretty dang good. You've got a pretty dang good. And you're doing a great job at it. Anything you want to tell the fans because they're so excited. And they got all these questions about all the prognosticators got you ranked at the bottom of the NFC West. Is there anything you feel about that? Or is that Bulletin board material?

And it's like, I kind of know the answer, but I'll let you speak it. You know, we don't use it as very. bullet and border material. I think one of those things we talked about going from year one to year two is let's just focus on us and becoming the team that we say that we want to become. And then the results will take care of itself. If we do what we want to become, it's going to, like, the results are going to happen some form or another.

And so let's focus on that. My response would be like, what were the odds last year going at this time of the year? Right. Or who had, I don't remember. Nobody remembers. Nobody remembers. It's just, it's like, I always say it's like, it's like fairy dust. Right.

You know, it's just like Wolf of Wall Street. Like it's a wazzy, it's a woozy. It's just, it's stuff out there that people are interesting, which is cool, but it doesn't mean anything. It doesn't mean anything. You still got to line it up, put the pads on, and see how it goes. It's probably play the game, that's the beautiful thing about football. Any given Sunday, I know it's a cliche thing, but really that's how it goes. People are like, oh, man, you got the hardest sketch.

or you got the easiest schedule? Like none of that matters. Last year really doesn't matter. We're going to strap it up this year, and there's going to be some team that you expect to win everything that has struggles. And there's going to be some team that worked their tail off this offseason that you're not expecting to be great.

That's going to just be there at the end. And you're going to be like, whoa, how do they end up here? Because these are grown men with ambitions and drive, and they work with their butt off. And I think you guys have put together a great OTAs offseason, a great training camp, and I'm looking forward to seeing a product. Yeah, thanks, man. I love it.

Appreciate you, brother. I appreciate your time. Thanks, bro. Thank you. Hey, guys, it's us. The Jonas Brothers. I'm Joe. I'm Kevin.

And I'm Nick. And guess what? We created our own podcast called, Hey, Jonas. Nice. We invented a podcast? Well, we didn't invent it. We just contributed to it. We get to ask other people questions because we're sick and tired of being asked questions.

Well, sick and tired is a strong way to put it. But, you know, tired and sick. Listen to Hey Jonas on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. Just listen. We don't care where you hear it. 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 homes. Those people are starving for banter. Listen to humor me with Robert Smigel and Friends on the I-Heart Radio app. podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. 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 SportsSlice comes in. I'm Timbo, and 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 Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. And for more, follow Timbo Sliced Life 12 in the TikTok podcast network on TikTok. Winning on Clay is an art.

The rallies are relentless. And at the French Open, only the toughest survive. I'd know. I competed there for decades. Join me, Renee Stubbs, on the Renee Stubbs tennis podcast for no nonsense breakdowns of the biggest matches, the toughest players, and the moments that define Roland Garris. Jen should win. She's an outsider to win the French for me. And she likes Clay.

Listen, Lerabakina is arguably the best player in the world right now. And I actually can win on any surface. Listen to the Renee Stubbs tennis podcasts on the IHeart Radio app. Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Presented by Capital One, founding partner of IHeart Women's Sports. This is an IHart podcast. Guaranteed human.