In short
Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker discusses his leadership role entering his ninth NFL season, how defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon’s communication energizes the team, and what to expect from key players as the Cardinals head toward Week 1.
Guest backgrounds
Budda Baker is a Pro Bowl-caliber defensive back from Bellevue, Washington (University of Washington). In eight NFL seasons he has seven Pro Bowl selections and two first-team All-Pro honors. He’s entering year nine with the Cardinals.
Key claims
Baker says his focus is controlling what he can—being his best on-field and mentoring younger players through film study, communication, and team camaraderie. He credits Gannon for detailed, week-to-week clarity and “winning the double positive” (explosives and turnovers). He emphasizes film over predictions and says the season will be proven “when the ball is kicked off.”
Notable examples
Baker compares growing up watching the Seahawks’ Legion of Boom; notes he missed Calais Campbell by one year; praises Marvin Harrison Jr.’s added 15–20 pounds without losing explosiveness; describes Kyler Murray’s increased communication and team-building dinners/trips.
Written by AI. May contain mistakes. Listen to the episode to check what was said.
Chapters
Tap a time to open that second in VOInterview with Buda Baker Begins
0:00 to 0:30
Rich introduces Arizona Cardinals safety Buda Baker and discusses his career.
“You know back to school is coming in fast.”
Interview with Buda Baker Begins
0:33 to 0:56
Rich introduces Arizona Cardinals safety Buda Baker and discusses his career.
“You think you know a browser, but Gemini and Chrome?”
Interview with Buda Baker Begins
1:35 to 2:26
Rich introduces Arizona Cardinals safety Buda Baker and discusses his career.
“Our number three of the Rich Eisen show is on the air.”
Growing Up and Influences
2:26 to 4:19
Buda shares his childhood influences and the players he admired.
“I think I covered it all right there in your introduction.”
Leadership Role on the Team
4:19 to 5:25
Buda discusses his leadership responsibilities as a veteran player.
“You know, like you said, I'm heading into year nine.”
Coaching Style of Jonathan Gannon
5:25 to 7:05
Buda talks about the communication style and philosophy of the head coach.
“And, you know, that's what I've kind of been doing.”
Marvin Harrison Jr. and Team Camaraderie
7:05 to 9:43
Discussion on Marvin Harrison Jr. and the importance of team camaraderie.
“Like it jumped off the screen when I was Zooming with him before your game against the Rams last year.”
Kyler Murray's Development
9:43 to 13:02
Buda reflects on Kyler Murray's growth as a leader over the years.
“And like his dad, he doesn't say much, does he?”
Mindset for the Upcoming Season
13:02 to 14:00
Buda shares his mindset and excitement for the new season ahead.
“And that's, that's the number one thing.”
Buddha Baker Preseason Insights
14:00 to 14:54
Buddha Baker discusses his role and readiness for the upcoming season.
“So did you go through the walkthrough for yourself of not playing, Buddha?”
Show all 27 chapters
Arizona Cardinals Season Schedule
14:54 to 16:51
A look at the Cardinals' schedule and key matchups for the season.
“Okay, Buda Baker right here on the Rich Eisen Show.”
Transition to Sports Update
16:51 to 17:30
Rich Eisen sets the stage for a sports update.
“Phone calls, 844-204-RICH, number to dial Cooper, going to administer a sports update.”
Kyler Murray's Heisman Experience
18:20 to 20:11
Kyler Murray shares personal anecdotes about winning the Heisman Trophy.
“Put your hands together for the most recent Heisman Trophy winner, Kyler Murray of Oklahoma.”
Rich Eisen Show Throw Challenge
20:11 to 21:00
Kyler Murray participates in a throwing challenge on the show.
“Just think, he could be playing center field in Sacramento right now.”
Discussion on Hair and Looks
21:00 to 22:33
Light-hearted conversation about Rich Eisen's beard and appearance.
“Yeah, but Taylor and Cooper Eisen would love me to shave.”
Dustin's Patriots Win-Loss Prediction
22:33 to 25:10
A caller shares a grim outlook on the upcoming Patriots season.
“Are you originally from the New England area?”
Cooper's Optimistic Patriots Predictions
25:10 to 28:00
Cooper presents a more optimistic win-loss prediction for the Patriots.
“You really think the Patriots don't win a game?”
AFC Wild Card Predictions
28:00 to 28:33
Discussion on the potential playoff scenarios for the AFC.
“You got, well, some of the losses are AFC losses.”
Cooper Eisen's News Update
28:33 to 29:22
Cooper Eisen reports on the latest sports trades and updates.
“And now, with a report of the day's news from the world of sports and entertainment.”
Washington Commanders Trade Analysis
29:22 to 31:38
In-depth discussion about the Commanders' trade involving Brian Robinson Jr.
“One, the most healthy running back the Niners had was Christian McCaffrey.”
Jalen Polk's Injury Update
31:38 to 32:43
Discussion surrounding the injury status of Jalen Polk and implications for the Patriots.
“There was a report today that Jalen Pope will have to have season-ending shoulder surgery.”
Vikings' Trade Rumors
32:43 to 35:38
Conversation about the Vikings' interest in trading for a wide receiver.
“Jalen Polk, I was so happy that we drafted him last year.”
Panthers' Contract Extension for Moton
35:38 to 37:34
Discussion on the Panthers signing Taylor Moton to a contract extension.
“You know, but the question is, is Carolina just wants to keep Bryce Young on the up and up, right?”
Coach Prime's Expectations
37:34 to 40:53
Review of Coach Prime's expectations for his players as classes start.
“If I see you with slides on campus, it's going to be a problem.”
Coach Prime's Expectations
40:55 to 41:44
Review of Coach Prime's expectations for his players as classes start.
“drinking and driving will change your whole world.”
Discussion with Duncan from Jersey City
42:14 to 46:00
Rich engages with Duncan about NCAA sanctions, Michigan's title, and college football controversies.
“I was going to say there's no way you would confuse my accent from coming from Arkansas.”
Reunions in Sports and Entertainment
46:00 to 50:09
Rich shares unexpected reunions in pop culture and sports, highlighting figures like Adam Sandler and CM Punk.
“Coming in at number four, Mike, when you make music with somebody, you gotta be intimate.”
Transcript
Automatic transcript. May contain errors.0:00Hey Chicago, class it up with Crocs. You know back to school is coming in fast. So why wait to find your new fave footwear? Step into a local Crocs store and step into your new look. Try it. Style it. Make it yours. Because the right pair doesn't just show up, it shows off. First day fits, handled. Walk out ready for whatever's next. Visit your nearest Crocs store today. This episode is brought to you by Google Chrome. You think you know a browser, but Gemini and Chrome? That's new. It can help you with practically anything on the web, like restoring a vintage motorcycle from a 50-page restoration block, or finally break down that long article you've had open for weeks.
0:45Gemini and Chrome is here for it. Ready to make anything online make sense? There's no place like Chrome. Check responses set up required, compatibility and availability varies 18+. Ladies and gentlemen, may I present... This is the Rich Eisen Show. For your intellectual and philosophical pleasure.
1:03Rich Eisen:Congratulations to you on Micah Parsons is going to be in the Dallas Cowboys lineup on opening night. Now here's pressure. Here comes Parsons. You know who said it? The head coach of the Dallas Cowboys. We feel like Micah's going to be out there when we line up against Philadelphia. Live from the Rich Eisen Show studio in Los Angeles. Earlier on the show, actor Colin Hanks. Super Bowl champion linebacker Jonathan Vilma. Coming up, Cardinal Safety Buda Baker. And now, it's Rich Eisen. Our number three of the Rich Eisen show is on the air. 844-204-RICH is the number to dial on the show. Phone lines are completely lit.
1:42Rich Eisen:We'll take your calls. Chris Bachman is not here. Cooper, my 14-year-old youngest son, is sitting in his space. You're doing a great job, Cuppies. Thank you. Great job. Mike Del Tufo sitting in his spot. TJ Jefferson in his, and you're there. TJ's got a top five list. And so that's how our third hour is laying out. And it starts right now with one of the best in the business. In his eight years in the National Football League, he's made the Pro Bowl seven times. Seven for eight's good. And he's a first-team All-Pro twice. The pride of Bellevue, Washington, and the University of Washington. And bringing the noise in the secondary for the Arizona Cardinals entering his ninth year, Buda Baker, back on the program.
2:26Rich Eisen:How you doing, Buddha? Good to see you. Hey, how you doing, Rich? Good to talk to you again. I think I covered it all right there in your introduction. Hey, did the Seahawks ever knock on your door pre-draft, Buddha? You know, I talked to Coach Pete for a little bit. Okay. And, you know, good guy. Ah, I don't know. Did I touch on something there? I don't know. Because I imagine, you know, listen, obviously everything's great for you in the desert. but did you dream of playing for the Seahawks growing up? Growing up, I was a big soccer player growing up and then kind of team colors. So growing up, I was a big Baltimore Ravens guy.
3:09Okay. Ed Reed fan.
3:11Rich Eisen:Makes sense. Yeah. So also Pittsburgh Steelers, you know, those guys, Troy Palamalu. Yeah, I was a big guy that liked players when I grew up. Have you ever been able to pick their brains as a professional, Ed and Troy? You ever crossed paths with them? I actually just met Troy on a FaceTime actually with Ryan Clark a few months ago. So that was always that was special to meet him. And, you know, growing up in Bellevue, Washington, I was, you know, watching the Legion of Boom at the time. And, you know, Earl Thomas, Cam Chancellor, Richard Sherman, Browner, Maxwell. Well, a lot of those guys, when I was in high school, I was watching them, you know, 30 minutes away.
3:55So growing up, I had the opportunity to train with Bobby Ragner and KJ Wright at the time. So those were kind of my big bros when I was in high school that I kind of looked up to.
4:07Rich Eisen:Now you're an OG yourself, huh? Right? Yeah. Yeah, exactly. How time flies. Right. I mean, that's your role in many ways, certainly for this team. That's for Donshore, right? Yeah, yeah, exactly. You know, like you said, I'm heading into year nine. Flew by. You know, I'm still in my 20s, so they calling me unk and stuff. A little bit. It's all fun and games. But when we're on the football field, you know, I would like to think that I play a little younger. You don't have any gray in that beard. I don't see any gray in that. No, no gray in the beard. Okay, yeah. Now, I've got that, that I have for sure.
4:47Rich Eisen:So how are you, I guess, approaching your role on this team entering your ninth season? Yeah, I mean, number one thing is make sure I control what I can control. And that's being the best person, best player that I can be on the football field. And then also bringing in the young guys and communicating to them about little different intricate details that I can explain to them on the field or off the field, watching film, developing that camaraderie as a team and as a defense, especially going out to dinners and just getting to know your player personnel, getting to know all the guys. And, you know, that's what I've kind of been doing.
5:30Rich Eisen:And I'm just going to take this crack here. I don't have his career open here, but did you cross paths with Calais before or was he gone by the time you got there? He was gone by the time I got here. I think he was – his last year was 2016. 16, I believe, and I came in 2017. So I missed him by a year. But when we played, you know, Baltimore at the time, or even Miami last year, I was able to talk to him a little bit and, you know, great guy. So if they call you Unk, they must be calling him grandpa, right? Yeah, yeah, yeah. They call him Gramps, you know. Do they really? I just, I was just kidding.
6:05No, I mean, they call him Unk. I mean, he's big bro Unk, all the names, you know, He's been playing in the league, what would it, 17, 18 years? Unreal. Whatever name you want, that's what you can have.
6:17Rich Eisen:Well, I mean, and what a guy to have in the locker room and obviously up front and being a leader in that area of the defense. Jonathan Gannon now has a couple of years there. What has he sold that's been bought, Buda? Yeah, I mean, honestly, just everything that he communicates. He's great at communicating to the fellows on what we need to do, how detailed we need to be throughout each and every day, each and every week, knowing our game plan and knowing the things that we have to do in order to win. You know, we talk about winning the double positive, which is explosives and turnovers and things like that.
6:55Just he does a great job of having everybody understand what our job is and what we have to do to win the game week in and week out. Yeah.
7:04Rich Eisen:And there's an enthusiasm, too, right? Like it jumped off the screen when I was Zooming with him before your game against the Rams last year. And then just seeing him on the sideline, just personally eyeballing it. There's an enthusiasm that I think I got the sense of was infectious with your team. Yeah, most definitely. Just the energy that he comes out with each and every day. That's just how JG is. And we're definitely blessed to have him here and continue to grow as a coach. Continue to grow as a team that's underneath him. And just most definitely the number one thing in this league is to win.
7:40And that's our number one goal this year.
7:42Rich Eisen:So speaking of growing, word is Marvin Harrison Jr. has shown up more of a grown man. And obviously, I mean that in only the best way, that he looks bigger. He's put more on the frame. What can you tell me about him? Yeah, like he said, he looks bigger. bigger. Of course, he's gained maybe 15 to 20 pounds, hasn't lost his explosiveness, still is very fast, can get in and out of his breaks. I think he's going to be breaking more tackles and he's doing a great job. He's continued to do a great job and he's a very hard worker. He's at practice early, getting catches in. He's staying late after practice, getting more catches in.
8:33So just a guy to be in his second year to already be at a pro level is definitely something special.
8:39Rich Eisen:Do you take him aside at any point in time last year or in the spring, summer, just sort of check under that hood there? Is he, again, an OG on this team, knowing how difficult it is, despite how terrific he was in the Big Ten at the Ohio State and adjusting? Do you take him aside? Did you last year, Buda? You know, I talked to him a little bit last year. You know, I always kind of try to talk to him and all the guys, honestly, just getting to know them outside of football. But also any questions they have on the defensive side or something that I can help them with to ask as many questions as you want.
9:18And, you know, he's grown up the right way. He's a great young man. He's only going to continue to be better. And he has a great head on his shoulders. So with Marvin, you don't really have to say much to him because, you know, he's kind of grew up in football and understands everything from his father. So with him, he's got it.
9:42Rich Eisen:Yeah, he's got his father's name and he's got a big game. And like his dad, he doesn't say much, does he? Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Not a big talker. Just one of those guys to lead by example. You know, watch how he works. watch how he comes into the building early and stays late. And, you know, he's already doing all the things that a pro should be doing. And the sky's the limit for him. How's Kyler changed from his rookie year to now? Oh, just the communication, you know. Kyler's another guy at the time who was a big lead by example guy his rookie year. But as the years has gone by, he's definitely been more, you know, talking to the players and talking to each and every guy and getting to know guys.
10:28And, you know, that's that's how everyone is kind of, you know, getting into this league, just understanding it. You know, you want to work by example, take it, you know, one day at a time. And for him, you know, he's entering year seven and very excited for him. Like I said, with K1, the sky's the limit for him. He's, you know, developing, you know, the camaraderie and all that type of stuff, taking the guys out, the receivers or or the whole offense out to many trips and working football, you know, working out together. Just that overall camaraderie as teammates to it makes you want to play harder for each other because, you know, at that point, we're brothers.
11:10Rich Eisen:So you and him go to dinner. Who picks up the check? of course k1 picks up the check you know um because he's the quarterback and he's got quarterback money is that what you're saying quarterback yeah you gotta pick up the check it's quarterback okay just want to make sure he doesn't do like that geico commercial you know he doesn't do one of those you know no no no he'll definitely uh pick up the check okay good to know um i always shoot you straight buddha and that's one of the many reasons why i like to to talk with you um not a lot of people talk about the arizona cardinals yeah that bother you no not at all why because at the end of the day um anybody can talk about anybody but you know it's what you do what you put on film what you put on tape week in and week out is what truly matters so you know the conversations and you know the predictions and the ai predictions and all that that doesn't mean anything at the end of the day because when that ball is kicked off, you know, whatever it is, September 8th, 9th, 10th, whatever it is, that's when it truly shows who is who.
12:18And, you know, for us, we just continue to try and work and take it one day at a time, one week at a time. We got a last preseason game going against the Raiders, you know, got a lot of guys excited to play the game, you know, young guys getting better, continuing to have that opportunity to play good football and put it on tape. And after this game, we got week one in New Orleans and, you know, we'll see. Yeah.
12:41Rich Eisen:I mean, you don't take it as a sign of disrespect is what you're saying. No, not at all. You know, at the end of the day, I grew up kind of just an underdog. So at the end of the day, it doesn't really matter until you put it on tape. You know, I always like to say, this is what I tell the guys, you know, women lie, men lie, but the film, the eye in the sky doesn't lie. And that's, that's the number one thing. So when you watch that tape you when you put on the tape yes week one you know we'll see we'll see what what's on the table well walk me through your helmet and heart and chest when you're going to be in that tunnel in the superdome for year nine before you're getting to go out there for a new fresh season what what's going to go what's going to be coursing through the veins for me it's just going to be very energetic, very happy, very blessed, just excited to just play the game that I love.
13:35At the end of the day, I have a tattoo on my arm that says, each day is not promised. So if we can live our days one day at a time and take the most that we can, that's all that matters. So right now, week one isn't really on my mind. It's all about the Raiders right now, helping the young guys and just got done with our walkthroughs and going through those communications and when that time comes, the time will come.
14:02Rich Eisen:So did you go through the walkthrough for yourself of not playing, Buddha? I was on the scout team, you know, running back. All right. Okay. But you're not playing, right? In the final preseason game? No. We don't do that sort of thing. Oh, no, no. I don't want to listen. I don't want to get you in any trouble. But listen, you're year nine. You sit back. You do your thing. You get ready. You be the leader. You root on these guys who are trying to get that 53rd spot, if that's what they're going for. You know what that means. It means everything for those guys and your teammates. This is it. So I love watching you play.
14:42Rich Eisen:I love watching you go about your business. And best of luck. Look for my calls throughout the season, as always, Buddha. Thank you. Thank you. Great to talk to you again, Rich. And I'm very excited for the season. Go Cards. Okay, Buda Baker right here on the Rich Eisen Show. The Arizona Cardinals. Fun stuff. At New Orleans, home for Carolina, at San Francisco. And then a big game we just established. Kid from Bellevue, Washington, University of Washington. Thursday night football against the Seattle Seahawks amongst the Sea of Red as well. Has anyone played the one last game for them yet? I can't remember.
15:18Rich Eisen:Hold on a minute. The Cardinals? Yeah. I think we've had fans call in. We did that one? Okay. Hold on. Let's see. Arizona Cardinals. Yeah. Chad and Reno, Adam 10 and 7. Okay. And then this must have been Susie because I can't read the difference between a win or a loss. You know your mother's handwriting, Coop. Please, I'm roping you in. She's at home right now watching. Actually, she gave me something right here. What did she give you? She gave me a little post-it, which is very nice. What did she give you? She gave you a post-it? She gave me a little message. She said, very nice. He's like, hi, Coopidoo, crunch it today.
15:53Hey. You could read it? Yeah, yeah, yeah. Here's the handwriting for reference.
15:59Rich Eisen:I just texted the Hoskins. 10-7, according to, I think, Randy. It's because this is Randy and Oregon. So, yeah, there's a two 10-7s, which would be an outstanding season. Yeah. Heck yeah. Good for them, yeah. Yeah. Home for Tennessee at Indianapolis, home for Green Bay, and then a bye, and then a Monday night game at Dallas. They usually give you all you can handle, and on a Monday night, too. Let's not forget, that's where once upon a time, Rod Tidwell made a ton of money. Right. Yeah, and you know, funny, in the Cowboys documentary, I think it was James Washington going back to the 90s even said, the Cardinals and the Cowboys, they always give us everything, man.
16:39Rich Eisen:I'm not mistaken. Didn't Kyler Murray once upon a time said, I don't know about Dallas, whatever. Because he grew up there. I've never seen him win. Well, it's true. He hasn't, you know, like I said, I have memories. He don't. Phone calls, 844-204-RICH, number to dial Cooper, going to administer a sports update. That's next. This is the Rich Eisen Show on a Friday. Get into the Hyundai Getaway Sales Event and get away with a deal so right, it almost feels wrong. Right now, you can get great deals on our most popular models, including our adventure-ready SUVs, like the Hyundai Santa Fe or Santa Fe Hybrid, and the Tucson or Tucson Hybrid.
17:16Rich Eisen:Plus, there's our bold and stylish Elantra loaded with the latest tech, or go all-electric with the Ioniq 5 or Ioniq 9. So get down to your local Hyundai dealer and get away with a deal you'll love during the Hyundai Getaway Sales Event. Visit HyundaiUSA.com for details. Rich Eisen here with some advice. If high-interest credit card debt is grinding you down, it might be time to call an Audible with a SoFi personal loan. It consolidates your debt into one low monthly payment with no fees required. And with as soon as the same day funding, you can make the right play fast. Call an audible on your debt today at SoFi.com slash debt play.
17:53Rich Eisen:Loans originated by SoFi Bank N.A. Member FDIC. Terms and conditions apply. NMLS 696891. Fast funds terms apply at SoFi.com slash debt play. O 'Reilly Auto Parts can help take the guesswork out of your vehicle's check engine, ABS, or maintenance light with O 'Reilly Veriscan. The service is free and provides a report with solutions verified by ASE certified master technicians. Ask for an O 'Reilly Veriscan today. Put your hands together for the most recent Heisman Trophy winner, Kyler Murray of Oklahoma. Where is that trophy right now? I sleep next to it. It's on your nightstand? Yeah. So it's good morning Heisman every day?
18:33Rich Eisen:Yeah, tight. Seriously, it's right there next to it. Like there's a night table next to Kyler Murray's bed and the Heisman Trophy is resting. Yes, sir. That's amazing. Have you ever woken up in the middle of the night and you've had it in your arms? Like you've been spooning with it? No, no, there's no spooning. There's no Heisman spooning? By the way, I would absolutely spoon with the Heisman if I won the Heisman. Now taking part in the Rich Eisen Show Throw Challenge, Kyler Murray, is this the first NFL Duke ball that you have thrown? That's an NFL... Oh my God, you won't even answer that. Wow.
19:06Rich Eisen:Go for it, Kyler. Go for it. That's one. That's one, here we go. That's two. Kyler Ramari. Everybody. That's three, by the way. That's four. Those are all Duke NFL footballs. Just wanted everyone to know that. First overall pick. First overall pick. That's four. That's five. These are the footballs Kurt Warner complained about. That's six. Six. Oh my god. Whoa. That's seven. Three. That's, oh my goodness. Yeah, let's get some. Oh, no. Here we go. Keep going. I'm off. You got one more? Hold on, this is getting bad. Here we go, no. Yeah, it's getting bad. You got seven for first seven. Good enough, seven out of 10.
20:00Rich Eisen:Kyler Murray. Good to see you, man. Thank you, Jay. Congratulations. Congratulations. He won the Heisman and, it seems, the Rich Eisen throwing contest in the same year. That's a first. No one could ever take that away from you. Just think, he could be playing center field in Sacramento right now. Yeah. Yeah, I heard that. Him, Mahomes, and Russell Wilson were all drafted in the MLB. That's right. Russell still go to spring training every now and then wear the pinstrips, you know. Yeah. That video was... Of Colin Murray throwing? No, back in that video, your beard actually had color. Oh, boy. Whoa.
20:37Cooper, yes. Whoa. So sometimes I tell him whenever he shaves, he looks younger. And if you go into the hallway back there, you'll see the pictures he shaved. He looks so much younger. He and his sister. And mom's like, just keep it, Rich. You look so good with that. Thank you.
20:55Rich Eisen:He and his sister. Don't like the beard? No. No, he needs the beard. What is Xander's opinion on it? He isn't ever very much. No, Xander doesn't talk about that. Yeah, but Taylor and Cooper Eisen would love me to shave. Nah, we can't have that. Nah, I don't think so. No, not happening? We need the beard. It's not happening. Let's take a phone call and then we'll do a news update. What do you think about that, Coopie? Sound good? Okay. What are we going to do here? Let's do this. Duncan in Arkansas has been hanging on for a long time. What's up, Duncan? Duncan. Dustin. Pardon me. Dustin in Arkansas.
21:29Rich Eisen:How are you, Dustin? Oh, hang on. Yep, wrong guy, Rich. Dustin in Arkansas. You a Dustin? Yes, Dustin in Arkansas. He's back on hold. How are you, Dustin? Sorry, Duncan. Hey, I'm good. Long time, first time. And, Rich, thank you so much for Monday night. It was amazing. Oh, I had such a blast doing SportsCenter. How old are you, Dustin? Oh, I'm 41. So, okay. So you were, let's do this right. 20s. No, I mean, no, he was 19 when I last did SportsCenter. I'm 22, yeah. So you were in college last time I did SportsCenter. You're correct. Okay. that's it man I used to give people an excuse not to go to sleep what's on your mind Dustin what's on your mind I was wanting to do the I feel kind of sad about this but I want to do the Patriots win loss game okay Cooper why do you think he feels sad about it um why do you feel sad about it Dustin because we were terrible last year and we're not getting better this year it's probably going to be worse Oh, wow.
Read the full transcript
22:34Coopy. That's a hot take there. All right.
22:39Rich Eisen:Ready? Dustin in Arkansas. Are you a Patriot fan? Yes. Are you originally from the New England area? My ex was. Okay. You have an ex right there. Are we sure we're not grinding an ex now? Is that what's happening right now? He left her but kept the team. Cooper. Cooper. All right. Home for the Raiders. What happens, Dustin? That's a loss. Wow. At the Miami Dolphins. That's a loss. Home for the Steelers. That's an overtime loss. Okay. Overtime. 0-3 home for the Panthers. That's a loss. Oh, my God. 0-4 at the Bills. That's an overtime loss. What? Overtime. At the Saints. They're going to lose that, and it's going to be a real bummer because we thought we were going to win.
23:32but that's going to be a loss. Koopy's got him starting 0-6. Yeah, yeah, he's a Patriots fan. He's like, 0-6, you've got to have at least a tiny bit of confidence. All right, see ya'll.
23:42Rich Eisen:Clearly you don't, Dustin, at the Tennessee Titans. That's a loss. What do you mean? Vrabel's going back to Tennessee and losing and going to 0-7? I see where this is going. Yeah, yeah, yeah. If Vrabel goes 0-7, that would have been a mistake to fire Jerron Mayo. Okay, home for the Browns. that's gonna be the most frustrating loss of the year because we got this and it's gonna 0-8 home for the Falcons that's a loss 0-9 at the Bucks that's a loss it looks like it's a win but that's when the injury bug hits in a real bad way we're not gonna hear a win at all this is the proof home for the Jets on on Amazon Prime for the Giants on a Monday night that is an overtime loss oh my god oh and 13 home for the Bills that's a that's a loss oh and 14 at the Ravens that's a loss oh and 15 at the Jets that's another overtime I bet you he's not even a Patriots fan.
25:00Rich Eisen:Home for the Dolphins, 0-16. They are going winless this year, Rich. They will not win a single game. Dustin in Arkansas. Do you hate your ex-wife, Dustin? He don't love her. Did she throw it at me? He's great, actually. What's going on? You really think the Patriots don't win a game? Yeah, I don't think he's a Patriots fan. I feel like he's saying, I'll send you$100 in a couple hours. Dustin in Arkansas. off call back dustin okay you want cooper that was nice i mean the disrespect is hold on a minute let's walk let's let's wipe the taste out start the music again cooper eisen play the win-loss game for the new england patriots ready here we go okay didn't you do this coop no he's not i did i did it last year wow this is great holy crap concentrate coop come on coop let's get do it Okay.
25:55Rich Eisen:Home for the Raiders. That's a win. At the Dolphins. Home for the Steelers. That's a loss. 1-2. Home for the Panthers. That's a win. 2-2 at the Bills. That's a loss. 2-3 at the Saints. That's a win. 3-3 at the Titans. I'm going to say that's a win. I don't see Vrabel losing that one. I just don't. No, I agree. They fired him. He was coach of the year. They fired him. He's winning that game. Four and three home for the Browns. That's a win. Over Shador? Yes. Okay. No, no, no. Oh. Oh, yeah. Five and three home for the Falcons.
26:37Rich Eisen:I'm going to say that's a loss. Five and four at the Bucs. That's a loss. Five and five home for the Jets on a Thursday night. Blowout win. Coop, yes. That's my son over there. I love it. Good job. 6-5 at the Bengals. That's a loss. 6-6, home for the Giants on a Monday night. Home? That's a win. 7-6 off the bye, home for the Bills. I mean, each and every year, the Pats at least get one win against the Bills. Mac Jones did it. Joe Milton did it. Joe Milton did it. How about Drake May doing it? So that's 8-6 at the Ravens. That's a blowout loss. 8-7 at the Jets. That's another win. Sweep the Jets, huh?
27:26Rich Eisen:9-7 home for the Dolphins. Since it's home, I'm going to say it's a win, so 10-7. That's realistic right there. That's realistic. Cooper, 10-7. That's realistic. That is very realistic. It's only 10 games better than Dustin. Yeah, it's 10 games better than Dustin. Yeah, he ain't winning games. Once Dustin got to that 0-4, I was like, I see where this is going. Yeah, yeah. There's no way. That is nuts. Yeah. I'm like, oh, and four. Once you're going 0-10, there's no way you're going to get like, oh, that's a win. Come on. I feel like he's just messing around at this point. Well, you just cleansed the palate, Cooper.
28:02I made hopefully a realistic. Okay. Do you think 10-7 makes the wild card?
28:08Rich Eisen:I would think so. Last year, 9-8 didn't. You're second in the AFC. You'd get 10-7. 10-7 should. Should. 10-7, second in the AFC. I'm looking also. 100%. You got, well, some of the losses are AFC losses. And two are in the NFC. So, yeah, you'd get some tie breaks. All right, it's time for a news update as administered by Cooper Eisen. Brought to you by NHTSA. Hit it. And now, with a report of the day's news from the world of sports and entertainment. It's Cooper Eisen. Hey! Oh, yeah. All right. Coop, what do you got over there? Ready to go? Yeah, sure. First one, the Washington Commanders are trading running back Brian Robinson Jr.
28:58to the San Francisco 49ers, and Washington will get a 2026 sixth round pick in return, according to NFL Network's Mike Garofalo.
29:09Rich Eisen:Well, I will tell you this. Oh, sorry. The commanders have agreed to take on a portion of the$3.4 million owed to Robinson as part of the agreement. And so here's the crazy thing. One, the most healthy running back the Niners had was Christian McCaffrey. And he's a guy who at this point last year suddenly started to disappear from the scene because of a lower leg injury that was supposedly just no big deal. and then all of a sudden, not one but two Achilles-related issues. Four games, that's it. And so they needed somebody. And they're just banged up. The receivers, they might need another receiver too, right?
29:56I think Garendo's banged up a little bit. Who else do they have not Garendo? They've got a Jordan James there. And now Mason's gone. Well, they traded him to Minnesota. Yeah, Mason's gone. I feel like at this point, They're just hoping that Christian McCaffrey can just make it.
30:13Rich Eisen:Well, as for the commanders, though, I mean, Brian Robinson Jr. became available because Chris Rodriguez has been balling out. Yeah, he had a good preseason. They have Eckler. And Ja 'Cory Krosky-Merritt, who says, call me Bill. Yeah. Because apparently he looked like the cartoon character, Little Bill, when he was a kid, and he had no hair. Yeah. So he says, call me Bill. and those two guys with Austin Eckler. This is going to be one of those fantasy conundrums. Who's going to get the football? Yeah, I'm going to stay away from that. You think so, right? Yeah. But interesting to see that trade.
30:51Rich Eisen:Brian Robinson Jr. is a talented kid. Yeah. Same thing with the Raiders last year. Who's going to get the ball for them? Is it Amir White? Right. I mean, this is one of those, well, they don't have that issue anymore, do they? Yeah, they have Gent. They're all right this year. So, yeah, Garendo, Jordan James, Corey Kiner of all missed time, and McCaffrey is the healthiest quarterback, running back there. So Adam Peters and his former place of business doing business right there. What else you got over there? Okay, number two. Cupper. Reports swirled around that Patriots wide receiver Jalen Polk was planning to undergo season-ending shoulder surgery.
31:30This was brought up to Mike Rable's attention after last night's preseason game against the Giants. Roll it. There was a report today that Jalen Pope will have to have season-ending shoulder surgery. Can you add anything to that?
31:45Rich Eisen:No. I don't know. Other than I'd like to find out where some of these come from. You know, some of these rats around here. So we'll figure that out. Wow. Rats. most famous rat soliloquy in the Boston area since Jack Nicholson and the Departed? I was just going to say. Just these rats. He didn't mean that noise that Jack did in the Departed. A movie you will see one day, Coover. Just not two days. Not yet.
32:21Rich Eisen:Rats. Rats in the building. Do we know if Jalen Polk is hurt? Like seriously hurt? Yes. I heard yesterday that he would be out for the year, which it could be. Right. I mean, Jalen Polk had a pretty bad season last year, though. Are you talking to the rats in New England, Cooper? Cooper, you the rat? Hey! I'm just asking. Jalen Polk, I was so happy that we drafted him last year. Obviously, I knew him because he played Michigan in the national championship, and I had a lot of confidence in him. but sadly he had a below-expectation season. Listen, I think we just got to throw last year out, and the fact that Drake may actually had a season where it looked like he had more than a pulse on occasion, Josh McDaniels being there, being the OC, is exactly what they needed.
33:14Rich Eisen:Correct. Correct. And apparently Stephon Diggs looks great and is doing everything he needs to do, and it's all great. Well, that's what love will do to you, Rich. Found the love of a good woman. Yeah, they moved the boats away from him. So that's good. So, I mean, rats in the building. They're on a mole hunt. Right. It's like no way out. No way out. They're looking for the mole. Right. Rats in the building should be somebody's fantasy name. Rats in the building? Rats in the building. Flip side to cats in the cradle? I was just going to say. What else you got, Coopie? Next. Follow up. Yesterday, Tom Palacero joined the show.
33:50Tommy P. Tommy P. and drop this nugget about the Vikings' pursuit of a wide receiver in the trade market. Roll it. And how about the Vikings? I started off yesterday by putting out a tweet on that. The Vikings have been working the phones on wide receivers. It's not about Justin Jefferson. He's back from the hamstring. He's going to be good to go week one. But Jordan Addison is suspended for the first three games. But there's one guy in Carolina right now, Rich, in Adam Thielen, who has produced in this offense. He's played alongside Justin Jefferson. and he knows exactly what Kevin O 'Connell wants to do.
34:22The Panthers have not wanted to give Thielen away. That's why they didn't trade him before the trade deadline last year. But keep that name in mind, among others, as a potential target who might even be out there in the starting lineup for the Vikings come week one. Well, this morning, Adam Schefter reported that the Vikings have indeed reached out to the Panthers about Thielen's availability. Thielen, in the last year of his contract with the Panthers, spent the first nine seasons of his career in Minnesota playing for the Vikings.
34:52Rich Eisen:And he's Mr. Minnesota. I mean, he's very... Grew up there. Right, didn't he go to the... Didn't Craig T. Nelson coach him up there? No, I'm just kidding. No, he went to that school. Oh, okay. I'm looking at, again, Jordan Addison is suspended. Jalen Naylor is questionable. Ty Felton is questionable right now. And you look at the rest of their receivers, they are not names like Adam Thielen. And him coming back home and wearing purple like that makes sense. Yeah, Minnesota State is where he went. You know, and so Tommy P dropping breadcrumbs. Yeah. This would be great. But the thing is if Adam Thielen goes to Minnesota, what is Minnesota giving Carolina?
35:37Rich Eisen:Probably draft choices. Yeah, you would think. You know, but the question is, is Carolina just wants to keep Bryce Young on the up and up, right? I guess Tett McMillan's there now, and they got Hunter Renfro back from his sabbatical. But Thielen's sitting there right now with Xavier Lee Gett. I mean, and so that would be a very young receiver room right there if you're getting Adam Thielen out of there. They'd have to give him a lot, Coop, I'd imagine. A significant amount of draft capital right there. Jimmy Horn Jr. might step into the fray if he can make that team from Colorado man that would be that would be surprising from the Carolina aspect unless Minnesota just gives him an offer that they can't refuse I guess so and they might have to we got to give J.J.
36:32Rich Eisen:McCarthy the weapons yeah but they got to make sure Bryce Young has weapons I know that but they do have a lot of receivers they have McMillan also get when fro yeah Yeah, Leggett's always good. What do you got over there? You got another one? Yeah, I have some more. Okay, Koopy. Speaking of the Panthers, they signed right tackle Taylor Moton to a two-year$44 million extension. Moton, a 2017 second-round pick who has been a starter for the past seven seasons, will get$40 million guaranteed. Wow, good for him. According to a pro football focus, Moton has allowed just 16 sacks in eight seasons and only allowed one last season and he committed only one penalty.
37:20Rich Eisen:All right. That's not bad. All right. What else you got over there, Cooper? Keep going. Lastly, Coach Prime is entering his third season with Buffs. Classes in Colorado started Thursday and Coach Prime spoke to his team the night before and he had to say this. Roll it. We started school when? When, Ben? Tomorrow. No slides. If I see you with slides on campus, it's going to be a problem. If I see you with a hoodie on in class or some headphones on in class, it's going to be a problem. If I see you sitting in the back of the classroom, it's going to be a problem. Do we understand that? And if you're online and you have online classes and you don't have a shirt on or you got a white beater on or you have some stupid on that causes a distraction or you walk around during that online session, it's going to be a problem.
38:13Rich Eisen:We good with that, guys? Now. I love it. He's the best. Yeah, that was a great one. This is his first season with that is Suns. Yeah, I know. So I wonder if it makes a difference in any way. I just think it's going to be another season of improvement. Yeah. Jimmy Horn is very good. But guys that you know, Coop, from your very young life, Marshall Falk and Warren Sapp are part of that coaching staff. You know, Uncle Marshall, who loves himself some Coopy. He's going to be there. And again, that's one thing. This is part and parcel of Deion telling his kids that as much as I'm telling you about football and as much as I make football and you understanding it's a business, part of your business being here involves classroom work that you will not disrespect.
39:17And any disrespect that you show to the classroom work
39:22Rich Eisen:is a disrespect to me and this football program and this campus. And to the college. And to the college. It's just like he wants them to be disciplined before the football season. That is correct. It's just that going to Colorado, playing for Colorado football is more than the team. You have to be respectful to the teachers that are around you and just know you're on a college campus and you're leading this school by example and you should do that because you're a team and this team everyone loves to watch. So you can't see one of the players setting a bad example for the other students at the school.
40:03You need to lead by example, and that's what Deion's basically saying.
40:06Rich Eisen:Deion many times would tell players in the NFL,
40:14Rich Eisen:frequently the way you dress, your hairstyle, is the difference between maybe getting a business deal or not. And conduct yourself appropriately. is what he would always tell players when he was just the godfather to so many of these players. Now he's the coach to these kids. I wonder why Prime doesn't like slides. As someone who has foot problems, kids seem to wear slides a lot because they're a little bit more comfortable than all of us. I don't know. I'm not questioning them, but hey. When he comes on, we'll ask him. I don't know. That's his rule. That's a good job again, Koopy. Good job. Good job.
40:51Rich Eisen:That's the news update right there. Brought to you by NHTSA. Whether you get pulled over or get into a crash, drinking and driving will change your whole world. Drive sober or get pulled over, paid for by NHTSA. When we come back, a top five from TJ, and we'll sneak in another phone call or two when we wrap up this week on the Rich Eisen Show coming up. Rich Eisen here. Running a small business means every hire matters. A bad hire costs time and money, but the right one helps your business grow. The challenge? Finding that person without sorting through resumes. That's where LinkedIn Hiring Pro comes in.
41:26Rich Eisen:It screens candidates so you can focus on conversations with qualified talent. With Hiring Pro, you can hire with confidence and build the team you need. Join the 2.7 million small businesses using LinkedIn to hire. Get started by posting your job for free at linkedin.com slash eisen. Terms and conditions apply. As you know, managing maintenance, repair, and operations is never easy. But for the ones who always rise to the challenge, Grainger has your back. From professional-grade products you can count on to fast, dependable delivery, they're there to help you keep things running smoothly. Plus, their technical product specialists are here to help answer your toughest questions.
42:02And because Grainger knows safety is always a priority, they're committed to being your partner in protecting both your people and your facilities.
42:09Rich Eisen:Call 1-800-GRAINGER, clickgrainger.com, or just stop by. All right, back here on the Rich Eisen Show. Duncan in Jersey City. I'm sorry I did that to you before. What's up, Duncan? I was going to say there's no way you would confuse my accent from coming from Arkansas. That's right. We're in Jersey City, Jersey. Right here. What's up, Duncan? Hey, Rich, big fan of all your work, and that includes your acting. Thank you. And I promise you, I am not trolling you. I just want to get an objective opinion. Sure. Now that these Michigan penalties have been handed down. Yes. I know, first question is if you think the title is tainted.
42:52Of course it's not.
42:53Rich Eisen:What else? Okay, more importantly, old Jimmy Boy got suspended for 10 plus years from the NCAA. Yes. Not too long ago, your friend Jim Trestle was suspended from the NCAA, and NFL honored that suspension. So I just want to get your take. Wonder why they're not doing that for the weasel. They're not. Wow. Are you an Ohio State guy, Duncan? No, I'm an ND fan. Oh, okay. Duncan, you're my guy. Okay. No, no, listen. That's all right. The feeling is mutual. But as everybody knows here. I don't know the answer to that, Duncan. As you know, I said before that Ohio State should have everything restored from the whole tattoo thing.
43:41Rich Eisen:Things have changed. if if reggie bush gets his heisman back because things have changed ohio state should get its title and its its wins back and and trestle should get that back uh i don't know why the nfl is not doing it they're clearly not going to suspend jim for 10 years jim suspended his show cause in college um here's what i have to say duncan if you want to talk about uh film right if you want to talk about recordings and things of that nature of plays all right which is what it's talked about the eye in the sky does not lie then in terms of tainted championships the reason why Michigan won their championships certainly after everything had been exposed is because they had superior talent and they also had a terrific coaching staff in its own right say what you will about what they knew or what they didn't know the eye in the sky does not lie the university the university of The University of Michigan had over a dozen players taken in the NFL draft after they won the championship.
44:41Rich Eisen:If they were that good because they had the plays or were cheating, they wouldn't have been drafted in the NFL. It comes out in the wash at the combine and the draft. They were that good, Duncan. They're that good. The eye in the sky does not lie there. Can I half agree and make a counterpoint? Okay. So I agree with you. I don't think that even though it may taint the title, I don't think anything should be removed from any of these college sports. But while we're on that topic, let's go back and maybe rewrite some of the past wrongs. And 1993, N.D. Florida State, the voters at the time, don't forget how long ago that was, wanted to give old Grandpa Bowden his first title, so they voted him in.
45:34Rich Eisen:Oh, hey, Michigan. Duncan, I'm sorry, our radio audience is coming back shortly, but don't hang up on him yet. Is that Michigan lost half its title in 1997, so Tom Osborne can get a gold watch and get half a title. I mean, this stuff happens. And if you really want to redo anything, Duncan, let's go back in time and call Rudy for being offside. hey carry yourself down in jersey city everybody yeah all right i have the last word on this show okay everybody it was a great movie what in the world is it oh this is what you got in that bag yes what do you got different rich what you did this week and i've said this on more than one occasion man you bought social media and almost like you bought the world together thank you you healed us being on sports center okay and i gotta be honest with you it was a reunion that i never thought we'd see and i'm sure you probably never thought that you'd be back can confirm on that set so that got me thinking man i decided to dig into the bag a little bit and wanted to come up with five reunions that i never thought we'd see okay based upon you returning home to the i'm so inspirational all right number five 29 years after winning the tour championship in 1996 adam sandler reprises his role as happy gilmore and happy gilmore too never thought we'd see this right he had happy had to come back who his daughter went to go to ballet school in france and it cost a million dollars a year so what's he got to do he's got to go back and play golf but only that his wife has passed away he's got kids he's working in a grocery store but happy came back man he came back in a way that i never thought he would and how many cameos did they put in this movie coop like everyone's in there from arnold from jack nicholson to travis kelsey to Nancy Lopez.
47:19They're all in there. Happy Gilmore 2. Never thought we'd see this reunion. If you haven't seen it, check it out. Coming in at number four, Mike, when you make music with somebody, you gotta be intimate. You gotta be close, right? But when you're a really good band, you gotta be super tight. And that's usually what happens until money comes into play, until politics comes into play. All types of things went bad for this band in 1980 when two members almost got into a fight playing a concert. And then the lead singer said, we'll get back together when hell freezes over. Hell hasn't frozen over as far as I know, but Eagles, the band, they reunited and nobody thought, Mike, you can attest to this, nobody thought that they would do it, but in April in 1994, 14 years after.
48:00Rich Eisen:Wow, being in sports centers up there where the Eagles reunited? Yes. Okay. After Don Felder and Glenn Frey almost had fisticuffs, they reunited, they got back together. Hell has not frozen over as far as we know, but the Eagles reunited and that felt so good. At number three, I got two words here. Comic Sans. LeBron and the Cavs. Listen, Dan Gilbert decides to take a scathing letter to LeBron James talking about cowardice and loyalty, and he wrote it in Comic Sans font. But the thing is, LeBron had to leave Cleveland in order to learn how to win, and he did that. He went to Miami, went to a few finals, came back, and he led the Cavs to an NBA championship.
48:36The only one that they've ever had. He had to leave to learn how to win. He came back. We didn't think he'd ever come back that was a union i never thought i'd see but lebron man he did it no rich i know i made a joke about you and the missus and how you lost your job eight right before your wedding and that's awful but you know what would be worse than that getting fired on your wedding day that's a little bit worse i think and that's what happened to cm punk see the wwe in 2014 fired cm punk right and for a decade after fans kept clamoring for his return and he finally did at the end of War Games Survivor Series November 2023 CM Punk made his triumphant return in Chicago and it was one of the greatest and loudest moments and the greatest and loudest pops that wrestling has ever heard you never thought CM Punk would reunite with the WWE and he did and he was rewarded Coop he got a Wrestlemania main event and he also became world champion for 5 minutes Seth Rollins put an end to that reign but hey big number one i'm just gonna say it jimmy johnson jerry jones okay we saw what they did two kids from arkansas won a national title jerry bought a team he hired jimmy to run it without any experience they win two championships ego gets in the way jimmy gets fired we never thought they'd reconcile and yet jerry jones bought him back in december of 2023 and put his name in the ring of lighting.
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From the publisher
Cardinals S Budda Baker and Rich discuss head coach Jonathan Gannon’s enthusiasm, why people or overlooking Arizona in the NFC West, the year-two expectations for WR Marvin Harrison Jr, the growth and maturity of QB Kyler Murray since his rookie season, and more.
Rich’s son Cooper plays the ‘NFL Win-Loss Game’ for the New England Patriots.
Rich weighs in the latest news items including a Commanders-49ers RB trade, Pats’ injuries, and Deion Sanders instituting a dress code for his Colorado Buffaloes players.
TJ dusts off his Top 5 to list the best ‘Sports Reunions We Never Thought We’d See.’
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