In short
Rich Eisen’s Hour 1 covers two main NFL topics and a Canton Hall of Fame recap. Segment 1 debates whether Aaron Donald is “back yet” after a Rams training-camp tryout. Key claim: his workout footage shows elite footwork and readiness, and the show argues the missing piece is pads/helmet contact—he must commit beyond workouts.
Notable examples
Donald training with Braden Fiske and Josiah Stewart; comparisons to “superhuman” returns; discussion of Trent McDuffie possibly joining later. Segment 2 reports Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow? (named as “Kate Mays”) is out 8–10 weeks with a fractured small bone in his wrist, impacting early-season offense/line play. It also highlights Dan Campbell’s plan to “push” rookie Jameer Gibbs, with Gibbs framed as a potential Offensive Rookie of the Year/Offensive Player of the Year.
Guest
Pro Football Hall of Famer Cris Carter, who recaps the jacket dinner and Larry Fitzgerald’s “Uncle Chris” relationship, plus stories about mentoring, military school, and Fitzgerald’s gold-jacket moment.
Written by AI. May contain mistakes. Listen to the episode to check what was said.
Chapters
Tap a time to open that second in VORecap of Canton Events
0:00 to 0:24
Rich discusses his experiences at the Hall of Fame events in Canton, Ohio.
“Right now, get up to 15 % off select storage solutions.”
Recap of Canton Events
0:33 to 1:00
Rich discusses his experiences at the Hall of Fame events in Canton, Ohio.
“And a throwback flick at the local drive-in.”
Recap of Canton Events
1:30 to 2:27
Rich discusses his experiences at the Hall of Fame events in Canton, Ohio.
“Peyton, thank you for generously donating your forehead for today's teleprompter.”
Preview of Upcoming Guests
2:27 to 3:35
Rich previews the show’s guests and segments including Chris Carter and Ninja Warrior hosts.
“Chris Carter, Hall of Famer, man who slipped the jacket on Larry Fitzgerald's shoulders on Friday night.”
Aaron Donald's Return Speculation
3:35 to 4:39
Rich discusses the speculation surrounding Aaron Donald's potential return to the NFL.
“Chris Brockman and I recorded the latest episode of it.”
Aaron Donald's Training Camp Updates
4:39 to 9:22
Rich shares updates on Aaron Donald's training and his recent workout videos.
“So Aaron Donald's tryout with the Rams continues.”
Lions' Injury Update and Offensive Strategy
9:22 to 12:18
Rich reports on the Lions' center injury and discusses their offensive game plan.
“And if they don't, it still is a little bit here and a little bit there for everybody.”
Jameer Gibbs and Fantasy Football Implications
12:18 to 14:00
Rich talks about Jameer Gibbs' potential and its implications for fantasy football.
“Certainly with Jameer Gibbs now getting the football.”
Lions' Expectations for Jameer Gibbs
14:00 to 16:15
Discussing the expectations surrounding rookie Jameer Gibbs and the Lions' offense.
“Instead, it's just like, we think he could be the best.”
Chris Carter's Mentorship and Hall of Fame Moments
16:15 to 19:03
Chris Carter shares his mentorship role with Larry Fitzgerald and their Hall of Fame experiences.
“C-C - Who had a prominent role in the jacket dinner, slipping the jacket on Larry Fitzgerald.”
Show all 18 chapters
Larry Fitzgerald's Induction Ceremony and Legacy
20:49 to 28:00
Discussion about Larry Fitzgerald's Hall of Fame induction and his journey.
“Like, I don't know why we surprised, man.”
Larry Fitzgerald's Vertical Catches
28:00 to 29:24
Discussion on Larry Fitzgerald's vertical capabilities and a playful challenge to recreate catches.
“And I'm like, okay, I'm going through Larry's and I'm like, okay, because he made a couple vertical catches because he's got that big old caboose, that big booty.”
Emotional Hall of Fame Luncheon
29:24 to 32:33
Chris Carter shares heartfelt moments from the Hall of Fame luncheon and the significance of the event.
“Well, first of all, the public, the things that we can share.”
Legacy of Hall of Famers
32:33 to 38:00
Chris reflects on the legacy and emotional weight of being a Hall of Famer and the connections shared.
The Importance of Community in Sports
38:00 to 41:01
Rich Eisen emphasizes the collective community spirit among players and fans in sports.
“I sent him the video Saturday morning and to the receiver coach that I expect him to be the third gold jacket that I've been associated with and have had a role in their life.”
Show Transition and Teaser
42:00 to 42:10
Rich introduces a break and previews the next segment.
“844-204-RICH, number to dial you to take a break.”
Show Transition and Teaser
42:47 to 43:14
Rich introduces a break and previews the next segment.
“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.”
Larry Fitzgerald's Legacy
43:19 to 47:22
Rich discusses the retirement of Larry Fitzgerald's number and reflects on memorable Super Bowl moments.
“Back here on the Rich Eisen Show, 844-204-H, never to dial.”
Transcript
Automatic transcript. May contain errors.0:00Rich Eisen:Right now, get up to 15 % off select storage solutions. Put heavy-duty HDX totes to good use, protecting what's important to you. The solid, impact-resistant design prevents cracking, and the clear base and sides make items easy to find even when the totes are stacked. Find select shelving and tote storage up to 15 % off at the Home Depot to organize every room in your home, from your garage to your attic. Visit homedepot.com. How doers get more done. This message is brought to you by Apple Card. Shave ice by the beach. A trip to the state fair. And a throwback flick at the local drive-in. They're more than just items to check off the summer bucket list.
0:42Rich Eisen:They're also opportunities to earn 2 % daily cash back when you use your Apple Card with Apple Pay. Apply for Apple Card now and use in minutes with Apple Pay. Subject to credit approval, Apple Card is issued by Goldman Sachs Bank USA, Salt Lake City Branch. Terms and more at applecard.com. This is The Rich Eisen Show. Hey, everybody. Can't get enough of The Rich Eisen Show? You're in luck. You can find us everywhere. Watch us weekdays on Disney Plus from noon to 3 Eastern. Miss the show? We've got a podcast so you can listen anytime. But here's the best part. Our YouTube channel. Subscribe at youtube.com slash Rich Eisen Show and you'll never miss a moment.
1:27Rich Eisen:Now, on with the show. This is the Rich Eisen Show. Peyton, thank you for generously donating your forehead for today's teleprompter. Live from the Rich Eisen Show studio in Los Angeles. Today's guests, Pro Football Hall of Famer Chris Carter, Dolphins head coach Jeff Halfley, hosts of American Ninja Warrior, Matt Eisman, and Akbar Bajabiamila. And now, it's Rich Eisen. Welcome to this edition of the Rich Eisen Show live back in Los Angeles, California, after hanging out in Canton, Ohio, all three hours with you last Friday, and then the Jacket Dinner Friday night, the Saturday induction ceremonies, and now we're back here on Disney +, the ESPN app, ESPN Radio, Sirius XM, getting ready for a full week of chitter-chatter, and then Thursday night, pro football returns with a full preseason weekend as well.
2:27Rich Eisen:Lots going down here on this show. Chris Carter, Hall of Famer, man who slipped the jacket on Larry Fitzgerald's shoulders on Friday night. And he was one of the 120-plus members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame out of 387 of them to return. And that was the jacket dinner night where Randy Moss and Peyton Manning were not there. They were there on Saturday, just to name two. So he's joining us first up just to talk about the weekend. And then it's a Minnesota Vikings four-down Monday. So we'll have lots to talk about with him on that front. Jeff Halfley, the Miami Dolphins head coach, will be joining us in the middle of this program.
3:06Rich Eisen:And then a tradition unlike any other, it seems like every year before America Ninja Warrior returns to action, these two gents stop by and it's going to happen again in hour three. Matt Eisman and Akbar Bajabiamila in advance of Ninja Warrior starting season 91 ,000. Ninja Warrior is like the sports competition version of Law & Order. It's on somewhere. And so Matt and Akbar in Studio Hour 3. Overreaction Monday. Chris Brockman and I recorded the latest episode of it. It's right there in your RSS feeds right now. YouTube.com slash RichEyes and Show as well for those who watch it. It's also going to be on ESPN2 later on today, which we're always pleased Always appreciate it.
3:53Rich Eisen:Good to see you over there, Chris Brockman. Hey, Rich. Good morning, my friend. DJ Mikey D. And he's nuts. Good to see you. Good morning, Rich. TJ Jefferson. Candles lit, it seems like, over there. Candles lit. From what I could tell, you did a great job this week. Oh, thank you. What do you mean, from what you could tell? Did you not watch it? Well, I was getting a lot of Instagram clips of it, so I didn't see the full thing, but everything I saw. Oh, good. The jacket dinner or the Saturday broadcast? The jacket dinner. Oh, I appreciate that. The Saturday broadcast was just as good. Just so you understand.
4:18Rich Eisen:And during it, I was actually able to draft best ball. like actually moving things along it's amazing um listen but that's for another day um again 844-204-RICH phone lines are already lighting greatly appreciated let's go so um and we'll talk about the hall of fame and some um some of my uh if you will backstories and fun stuff from uh friday night and saturday uh later on chris carter's going to join us shortly but we start monday's program with i don't know how much longer we're going to be able to do this but we started with the story of the national football league is he back yet is he back yet where is a right now well this video did you see it over the weekend is he back yet well he's he's he's back uh little by little little by little he shows up on the nfl wire as having tried out with the rams last week because technically got to put him on such of a list when you put a helmet on during training camp.
5:19Rich Eisen:So Aaron Donald's tryout with the Rams continues. We saw a video over the weekend of him working out. This looks like a man who's ready to roll. Doesn't look like he's trying to knock off the belly fat from having binge-watched too much. And he worked out with Braden Fisk and Josiah Stewart, who are not as old as Aaron. and Aaron looked as spry as them. I mean, you look at his footwork. I mean, it's insane. It is absurd. Why do I have a feeling he was doing this every day? He could have been. Anyway, like he was just. Actually, if you got, if the video keeps going, I mean, Fiskin and Josiah Stewart looked very good too.
6:12Rich Eisen:but you know if you're if you just came down from mars and say which one is a guy that's been out of football for three years uh you might not have chosen aaron donald this is a problem i mean yeah florio uh has been talking about on his um his sites that they're expecting end of the week yep end of the week trent mcduffie slated to be on tuesday's show wonder if it'll happen by the time he joins us so is he back yet now we talked about an overreaction monday chris we might as well bring a little bit of here we did yeah who knows man right at the end of the day it really is the want to it's the love of the game clearly it's also the love of miles garrett check that box the fact that miles garrett came sparking some flame something the pilot light's been out in aaron donald or you could say it's never gone out because you can't just turn it back on out of nowhere unless you're maybe superhuman i mean this is like the avengers yeah all right or an x-man
7:20Rich Eisen:you know to mix up superhero brands you know and so he could eventually at the end of the day go you know what i've done i i did it all before just not gonna do it now yeah and this is what i said on the pod you know look the workouts are great the speed coach comes in he's he's working out he's lifting all the weights but when you put the pads on you put the helmet on you start getting hit you start getting banged around maybe he's just like that away ain't gonna be here like magic johnson jiff you know what i mean like it could happen i don't know we're just all operating under the assumption that he's going to come back but what needs to happen is for him to say i'm entertaining it and then to actually do more than entertaining and we saw him just showing up at the facility on the field walking around clearly after he did something there where he broke a sweat he didn't just go check to see that the uh who are we you know the vending machines were filled with his favorite snacks for when he wants to come by right and then who are we kidding and then he puts on a helmet to the point where he's got to show up on an nfl wire now he's working out with other members of the team just to see what maybe his footwork looks like and Fisks and Stewart's compared to him.
8:39Rich Eisen:Is he back yet? Is the title of this segment as it has been for two weeks for a reason? Because I think everyone understands it. It feels like a rhetorical question, but we're going to keep an eye on it. That video popped up while I was watching, you know, scrolling, getting ready for a broadcast on Saturday and on occasion just seeing what's going on in the rest of the National Football League in case it was something that merited a quick mention during the ESPN NFL Network simulcast of the induction ceremony on Saturday I saw it on my okay make a note for Monday and so we've made a note for Monday we're just keeping you up to speed is he back yet because again this is the story of training camp yeah i understand there's quarterback competitions i understand that there's stuff going on around 31 other teams if aaron donald comes back and says i'm back and i'm back for the full freight and miles garrett is now here for the full freight and they just got trent mcduffie in the offseason for the back end and they got the whole offense like the the rams have the table wired and sean mcveigh is rolling the dice and all I got to do is just keep hitting the point.
9:51Rich Eisen:That's it. That's it. And if they don't, it still is a little bit here and a little bit there for everybody. Because as you know, with the MVP of the league being Matthew Stafford, the Rams are not on the don't pass line.
10:08Rich Eisen:844-204-RICH, number to dial here on the program. Some news out of Detroit that mentions that bears being mentioned right here on the program. Their center. Did you see this, Chris? gents um unfortunately their center kate mays is uh out with a fractured small bone in his wrist oh eight to ten weeks you're going to lose your center until the middle of the season whoa that is indeed an injury that dan campbell called significant for a reason so you never know how long it's going to be but they're going to have to already. Remember I said will the football gods stop kicking the Lions in the Nards on defense?
10:51Rich Eisen:Right. Well, maybe this is the case. Yes, because it's now the offense. And that's your center. That's the QB line. Well, the center is the center going is
11:07Rich Eisen:just like any sport, you've got to be strong up the middle, quarterback, center, defensive tackle, middle linebacker, safety. You got to be strong up the middle, running back, obviously. And so the Lions have winnable games up front. You know, they've got their first two home games were against teams that were in the top 10 of the draft, you know. And their road games at Buffalo to kick off the Thursday night football schedule in the Bills' new stadium that debuted over the weekend. Grass is awesome. Stadium looks beautiful. It is going to be a jewel of western New York, unless you're sitting in a couple of seats where you're like, oh, what's going on in the end?
11:57Rich Eisen:Look around. Did somebody like, I don't know. Everyone's cheering. Maybe Costanza was the architect for that portion.
12:07Rich Eisen:But the Lions are going to be first up there. That's a tough assignment. So the first month of the season, if not two, are going to be without their center, which is significant. But, and certainly since we were wondering, one of the four downs is what about the new offensive coordinator with an offense that needs to have some shoring up front? Certainly with Jameer Gibbs now getting the football. Now this one's for all you fantasy freaks out there. also Lions fans are highly interested in what Jameer Gibbs without Knuckles. What's Sonic going to look like with Knuckles now down in Houston? It's not like they don't have another running back there.
12:51I mean, Isaiah Pacheco is now taking the Knuckles role,
12:56Rich Eisen:but it does appear that we thought there's going to definitely be more Sonic, certainly since they are now paying him the highest amount of money given to a running back. Well, listen to what Dan Campbell had to say about their plans for Jameer Gibbs. We're going to push him. We're going to push him because we think this kid can be one of the best, if not the best. So we're going to push him to get there. We're going to see what he's got. Now, I'm glad we got Pacheco, and he's going to very much be a part of what we have, but we need to see where we can take Gibbs now. We've only scratched the surface of him.
13:39Rich Eisen:Only scratched the surface of Jameer Gibbs. So in case you're wondering, okay, you got Pacheco. Is it still going to be just, you know, Sonic Plus, Knuckles Minus just a little bit? Or it's now Supersonic? Like J.J. Fett. looking up Jameer Gibbs looks like it's supersonic looks like it's supersonic which is very exciting I mean the Lions are going to ride him push him and the coach making no bones about it now you know what obviously it this just in uh Dan Campbell not being coy, but he could have just told him, we'll see what he can handle. Instead, it's just like, we think he could be the best.
14:30Rich Eisen:We're ready to push him. We've just scratched the surface with him. Their expectation level has been set. And ours have now been set as well. So, for those who have the second overall pick in your fantasy draft. Hey! Mary Gibbs, your favorite for Offensive Rookie of the Year, Offensive Player of the Year. Who is that? Jameer Gibbs. Why, because Bijan is going to be an MVP candidate? Is that why people are saying that? No, he's just got the best odds. Really? Yeah. Bijan is two? Yeah, Bijan is two. Jamar Chase, three. Puka, four. CMC and JSN round up. Oh, Seattle fans are probably hearing that going, okay.
15:14Rich Eisen:Okay. Okay. But Jameer Gibbs, we're going to see what he's got in him, pushing him. Good dog. And unfortunately, though, their center being out is definitely going to affect anything. No bueno. The question is how significantly, and who's the next man out there? I guess I should have looked that up before the show, but I have the ability to Google it, unlike the athletic director of Purdue. That guy did say he did walk it back, like, hey, I got caught up in the moment. Seth McLachlan. He's already on the depth chart there. Been on him. They already took Mays off on ESPN.com. Yeah, Mays is down to 40.
15:57Rich Eisen:This has been updated. Everybody there in ESPN.com country is on it. So that's it. Next man up. I don't want to call this funny, but you realize where Seth McLachlan went to college, right? No, sir. Where is that? The. Ohio State? It's okay. It's all right. Chris Carter's coming up next. I got the OH stuff. By the way, he's a rookie, too. about i had my fun i had my fun with that on on on friday night again it's all right to the point where the commissioner turns to me says do you have security during the jacket dinner during the jacket dinner i was sitting next to him wow and i'll save it okay good i'll save it about which line about which line i said and how okay and the whole exchange oh i've got the whole story man Dan Fouts giving me crap.
16:44Rich Eisen:Fouts. Oh, yeah. Oh, yeah. I almost went full Don Ohmeyer on him. Oh. 844-204-RICHES. Number to dial. Chris Carter. C-C - Who had a prominent role in the jacket dinner, slipping the jacket on Larry Fitzgerald. He is a pro football Hall of Famer of his own right. And also all those years on Inside the NFL on HBO. So we'll chat some ball with him next. Chris Carter here on the Rich Eisen Show. The Rich Eisen Show podcast.
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19:42Rich Eisen:Back on the Rich Eisen Show on Disney Plus and the ESPN Radio Network, just to name two of them. This was a fun exchange on Saturday's induction induction ceremonies during the induction ceremonies in Canton, Ohio, when Larry Fitzgerald gave the man who presented him the jacket a very special, loving and jab filled shout out. Uncle Chris, you took me into your family, into your home, and you gave me an education that shaped every part of who I am today. Your support was endless. And I hope that today feels like a small return on your investment. Thank you.
20:29Rich Eisen:And Uncle Chris, since we got all them pleasantries out the way, I hope we both can agree. My hands have always been better than yours. All right, all right, all right, all right.
20:41Rich Eisen:Fun stuff. And he's still clapping about it. Chris Carter here on the Rich Eisen Show. How are you, Chris? Good to see you. I mean, that was a master class, right? Like, I don't know why we surprised, man. This guy is doing life at a high level. We're so proud of him. And, you know, you're a part of a lot of organizations, but certain people, when they come into that organization, they bring a level of class and professionalism that you only wish, you know, more people had. And that's what Larry Fitz is. You've done him since he was a kid. You've been seeing his whole career, how he's developed on and off the field.
21:18And he's one of a kind. Really, really special.
21:20Rich Eisen:Yeah, rocking the gold vest out of the Curtis Martin collection, right? You know? He had to get permission from Curtis. Curtis is the only one to be able to rock that. And he crushed it. He crushed it. The whole thing was awesome from beginning to end. Couldn't help but notice he called you Uncle Chris. I can guess why, but I'll give you the floor on the first time you met Larry Fitzgerald and why you have that name of Uncle Chris to Larry. Well, I wanted him to know that he had a great dad and I was a guy that grew up without a dad. So I never try to fill those gaps when when you're mentoring young people that when you're in that role, you might be the same age as their father.
22:01The other thing I wanted to know, too, I wasn't going to be his friend. I was there to be a mentor to him. I was there to teach him things that he wasn't going to be able to get. And I'm there to tell him the truth. And I think that's what he alluded to later in the speech. And I said, you know, I'm not a brother either. You know, you got a brother. And I'm going to be kind of one of those weird type relationships. I'm going to be like your uncle. You know, so he played it to the max. And that's what he's always called me. And I've accepted it. And he realizes that, that Uncle Chris comes with a lot of different things.
22:32and I'm not here to try to be one of his friends or say things that he needs to be able to hear. And that's why he's been one of my great prodigies, one of my great students, one of the best mentees I've ever had.
22:45Rich Eisen:And you're referring again to Larry Fitzgerald Sr., who was the beat writer covering your teams, right? With Dennis Green as the head coach and Larry was a ball boy, essentially, for your team. Yeah, I mean, there's some stories. He covered the team. Him and I were friends. and when it was time for Larry to go to military school, being a local journalist, there was some costs. We never talked about it, but I'm the one that paid for Larry to go to Valley Forge. I'm the one that suggested he go to Valley Forge. I thought it would change his life. That investment is one of the things he talks about.
23:24His dad and I came up with a fictitious contract and he would be doing some ghostwriting for me. He'd be doing some things I needed in Minnesota. And then that was going to change to, you know, that was what was going to take care of the charge for the school. His dad never did any writing for him. But Larry got to where he needed to be.
23:44Rich Eisen:No kidding. Why did you do that back in the day, Chris? Why? We just thought, you know, the mom, the dad, and myself, we just thought, and it was my recommendation. I had seen some players that had a disposition like Larry's, And they had gone to military school. And number one player, that would be Eddie George. And I thought that Larry at that time, he was still very young. And he shouldn't go to college. He should spend that next year getting ready mentally on and off the field because he just wasn't that disciplined. And what, you know, it brought to him was the discipline, that military type lifestyle.
24:24He hated it. but it really built him and also led him to going to Pittsburgh at the time compared to going to the Ohio State with Walt Harris. And I was totally for it. They took care of him the whole time he was there. They built a great relationship, and they were going to build an offense around him when he was at Pittsburgh, and he felt very, very comfortable with that. But that was the reason why. He had some shortcomings at the time that young people, it can be something that stops them from reaching greatness. And it was my recommendation. His parents agreed to it, and Larry went through with it.
24:56Rich Eisen:So let's get to the jacket dinner night. What's it like for now? You're watching him go through the gauntlet. You're part of the gauntlet, and then you go up on the stage with him, and you put the jacket on him. You put the jacket on him. I mean, what a moment that must have been for both of you, Chris. And there's nothing like it, man. There's nothing. because you've helped out a lot of people in your career, people in the broadcast business. You put people on. You've employed people. But we never expect to get paid out by anything. We never expect, besides being mentioned in their success, we never expect to be a part of that.
Read the full transcript
25:39And two nights before, you know, he asked me, and I told him it's the nicest thing anybody's ever asked me to do, to continue to play a part in their success because there's a lot of people, a lot of coaches, a lot of teammates. Kurt Warner's got a gold jacket. Randy Moss has a gold jacket. But the combination of Randy giving him the knock at the door and then me giving him the jacket, it really crystallized that time we had in Minnesota. It really meant something. It meant something to this young man. It changed his arc in life forever. and he remembered and marked it down and was making sure that we played a part in his celebration.
26:25And that's the humbling, humbling thing to do.
26:29Rich Eisen:That's what I love about the Hall of Fame, man. Journeys, right? Distance traveled is what Michael Irvin always calls it. Distance traveled. And that means so much to so many people and it also means a different thing to so many people as well. and now your busts are talking to each other to use the Madden phrase you know with Randy and everything else it's pretty cool Chris it's awesome yeah my bust last night we really had we had a we had a knockdown showdown because you know as gold jackets we try not to show people up on podcasts we try not to rank the gold jackets we try not to we try not to get into the normal media battle but Larry trying to be funny and we got all these comedians out of work and he out here cracking jokes and talk about Uncle Chris you know my hand so anyone that would have to mention that to me he didn't have ultimate confidence like he seemed like he was begging for an amen from the congregation and did nobody say amen so I will give Larry this Larry is almost a perfect receiver.
27:42All right. But Chris Carter catches every ball that everybody else catches. And then I catch a few that no one catches. So I went back to Larry's highlights and then I now had two screens. I put Larry's highlights on, on this screen and then I put my highlights on the screen on the right. Yes. And I'm like, okay, I'm going through Larry's and I'm like, okay, because he made a couple vertical catches because he's got that big old caboose, that big booty. And I believe his vertical, my vertical was like 36. I believe Larry's might be like 38. So he can get up a little bit higher. And he's got that built-in turbocharged booty that he gets off the ground with.
28:24So I could see myself making those catches. Larry, there was a couple of high ones maybe. I don't know if I could have got to that one. but rich when you get to the one hand catches my video was standalone right hand or left hand whichever one if you want to do like knock out like a game of horse like we can recreate that put me on the field because when i can't run like we used to you could put us you could put us in the spot and then shoot us the ball off the judge machine and see one-handed right or left gloves or no gloves technology or technology either one i'm willing next year since he'll be a veteran hall of famer i'm willing to see if we can get that on some video somewhere as we're working his son devon out as he gets ready for his career at university
29:13Rich Eisen:of notre dame we're gonna try to do that next year that's right so all pleasantries aside at the end of the day this is still a competition that's what you're saying yes absolutely and i'm still uncle chris yes once uncle chris always uncle chris i i love it i love it it's so great so when you guys are all in in a room together for that luncheon as you were on friday i heard it was very emotional this time around um and i'm wondering what you're willing to share from that luncheon when it's just you and the rest of the returning goats in that pasture of a luncheon room? Chris? Well, first of all, the public, the things that we can share.
29:59My former teammate and great guy, Warren Moon, has kind of taken over from the Ray Nitschke to the Deacon Jones to Willie Lanier so the MC is Warren Moon now Warren because he likes me so much he has me, I'm the mic guy so I'm looking for guys who are going to be responding, I'm looking for people that are thoughtful, I'm trying to avoid Charles Haley and Michael Irvin so they don't take up too much time You know, I got Mike look at me. I look Mike off. Mike, see, I'm next. I'm like, hey, Mike, chill out. I got three people in front of you, bro. Relax.
30:46Rich Eisen:Walking around the room with the mic? You're walking around the room with the handheld? Yep. And we have open mic and legendary players. Mike Singletary, he had a message for the room.
31:02Bruce Smith addressed the room.
31:08I mean, it's one of the best things I do during the year, man. I can't believe I'm on the team and just, you know, Phil Cowher, Tony Dungy, I mean, Jerry Jones, Jerry Jones spoke and Jerry talked about the business that we're in and how you could spread it on a cracker and sell it anywhere. I said, I said, Jerry, Jerry, 84, still in top form. You know, things like that, the conversation about the brand, what we want to do in the future, the accountability. You're a gold jacket. You should be a Hall of Fame son. You should be a Hall of Fame business partner. You should be a Hall of Fame husband.
31:53I mean, it's so deep. It's like no other meeting that you'll ever be a part of. and I'm excited to play a role, the little bit of role that I do play in it.
32:07Rich Eisen:Well, on behalf of those of us who love the game and fans, we're like lining up now to talk about it, right? I'm not sure I could see the call. I could get the call monitor here. In sports, what we as fans want to see is when it means as much to the player, it means as much to the icon the people we root for as it does to us and to see over 120 returning hall of famers right to see the emotion in your face and your eyes right now chris recounting just what was talked about on friday in a luncheon room and it means so much to you that's what's so great about i'm getting goosebumps even just talking about it it means that much so it's so cool that it means so much to you and your your colleagues it's the only time my life makes sense it's the only time that i could see that all the sacrifices and what it led to it makes sense to me why i was so focused as a kid it makes sense to me why i would walk from the housing project you know to get to practice it makes sense to me you know going to the school that i went to it made sense to have the struggle that i had earlier in my career and now to be on the greatest team ever it's it's it's the most humbling thing that could ever and it never gets old and then every year i saw the list for next year who we got we got belichick we got grunk we got um big bean we got maybe ab we got adrian peterson shoot i mean this ain't this don't stop man can't stop won't stop okay like it's gonna be another amazing when you introduce this class and the family to be on the greatest team that most of us man didn't even dream about and that's the thing that's overwhelming the things happen in your life that you didn't even dream about it's it's it's amazing it really is a it's the it's the question that's answered at the barbershop like man how good was adam van a tear man how good was larry fitzgerald like hall of famer gold jack okay all right well he's probably the best 20 of this position 25 of this position at least you know so when you're doing shows and stuff like this man it answers all the questions and we just have to make sure that we and we said it in the room too hey don't be on no podcast man downgrading a gold jacket man don't do it man i'll come for you don't do that don't don't do that don't do that i know they everybody wants a list everyone wants to talk about the gold jacket want to talk about all someone else deserves to have a gold jacket no no no be careful be careful make sure you take care of your gold jackets so we can take care of the brain no doubt and then i'm just walking around the room myself chris on the friday night after the the jacket dinner and i'm in the you know the post party room and i walked and there was one table it's mean joe green it's Mel Blunt it's Lynn Swan and it's Jackie Slater all sitting at a table and with their wives and I'm looking at this and I'm like first of all Mel Blunt told me he's 78 I almost fell over because he could give me snaps right now and I'm like wow 78 and he looks at me and goes yeah I work out all the time I'm like okay riding horses and everything you know i sit there and i'm like i'm in awe i'm i'm not gonna lie i don't care i'm not gonna i'm not gonna you know play games or be jaded here i'm in awe uh and i just want to sit there and just listen but i also don't want to intrude you know like it's their moments together i don't know how often they're sitting around a table together anymore you know yeah rich you're no different you're no different when i check into the hotel on thursday mel blunt meets me at the valet and the first thing he says is you think you can get off the jam today?
36:15And this is what I told him. I don't have to today. I got Larry Fitzgerald. He's a little thicker than me. I'm going to have Larry Fitzgerald go at you. What about that, cowboy? Then he tells me, God did you a favor and burst you a little bit later.
36:33Wow.
36:34Rich Eisen:At the valet. At the valet. That's where it starts. I said, God did me a favor. Yes, sir. He knew he was out there. Welcome back to Canton. Chris, I love this man. Incredible. And you're the best, truly. And I also know when you come out every single year when you're introduced, the crowd goes nuts, and you find me if I'm hosting, and you do the OH right in my face. I get it. I understand. I know what time it is, but it's all good. It's all in good fun. and I just loved the moment where you and Larry had it. Like, that's what this is about. It's about the emotions. It's about, you know, being there for each other forever.
37:16Rich Eisen:And then, as you pointed out, rewarded both of you guys. I love it. It was awesome. Man, your allegiance has nothing to do with your professionalism. Like, you are a world-class broadcaster. I'm filming a commercial later this month for some electronic products, TVs and stuff with Charles Wilson, with Charles Woodson so man, I got nothing against the blue once they leave there. Tom Brady is one of my favorite guys and you of course anytime you need me, I'm going to be there but when they do that 18 to 23 and they plan up there and they plan against my boys, that's where I draw the line everything else Adam Schefter love Schefter love Schefter if Schefter says it's gonna rain go out and get you a hat or umbrella you know so I got love for Michigan guys right hey man that game is for real though and it will always be for real since I was a baby yep so before I let you go then uh how good is Jeremiah Smith what do you think Heisman Trophy we're working on something this offseason working on yards after the catch.
38:29And guess what? I sent him the video Saturday morning and to the receiver coach that I expect him to be the third gold jacket that I've been associated with and have had a role in their life. and that being Larry Fitzgerald, that being Randy Moss, and JJ. Wow. I expect it. I sent him that video, and I mean business. Like, that is his genetic ceiling. He's a combination of Calvin Johnson and Julio Jones and the disposition like Larry. Like, he's a problem. Only one more time for Michigan, but he's going to be a problem in the National Football League.
39:21Rich Eisen:Well, but, and again, you know sending that, you know, has a certain weight to it. He can handle it. Clearly, you know he can handle that if you're going to send it. He can mentally handle it to get that pressure? I wouldn't say. Look, God picks and chooses. And the disposition and the wherewithal on the inside, you know it comes with these guys, man. They just don't have that talent, five-star talent. They have that specialness that you can't identify, but you know it when you see it. He has that work ethic, weight room, discipline, controlling his media, not addicted to social media. He's got his mind in the right spot.
40:04And guess what? We've got a pretty good quarterback. Guess what? We've got a pretty good coach. Guess what? We've got a pretty good offense. Guess what? He's been dominant in the 30-something games he's played in college football. Yes. Yeah, now you're getting ready to see the best version of him. Yes, he's had a great offseason. I'm looking forward to it. Mm-hmm. It's no pressure.
40:26Rich Eisen:Yeah, he's inhaling distance. I mean, Hall of Fame, you're basically saying I'm not expecting to see you here in this bus room. But he's inhaling distance of every receiving record ever set for the Buckeyes. He can absolutely get every last one of them, you know, from Olave and JSN and all of them. Like, all of them. I see it. Yes. All right. Well, I'm glad he's only got one year of eligibility left. And so it's great to see you, Chris. You're the best. Great to see you over the weekend. Great to see you here. Thank you for the time. Appreciate you, man. God bless you and your family, man. You guys keep putting out good products, too, bro.
41:00Rich Eisen:Thanks, man. That's Chris Carter, Hall of Famer, Walter Payton Man of the Year, and a teller of no tales and lies right there that was awesome that was awesome and i just love again how many times have i said it about you know the nba if it doesn't matter to some players to suit up or whatever and i understand that that's maybe an analyst person saying you sit down this game you sit down that game if it doesn't mean as much to them as it does to you as a fan that's what kind of turns you off the fact that it means so much to him and everyone else everyone else it has such a weight in such a seriousness but such a love and such a community that you feel it you feel it you watch these speeches and it just blows you away and the fact that these returning hall of famers sit there and listen to it and root them on but also you know give them advice like hey you're part of something really special now 387 people that's it 387 that's all it means so much and I love it.
42:02Rich Eisen:And Chris is one of my favorites. 844-204-RICH, number to dial you to take a break. We're back on The Rich Eisen Show in a moment. The Rich Eisen Show, the podcast.
42:16Rich Eisen: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. 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. Get into the Hyundai Getaway Sales Event and get away with a deal so right it almost feels wrong.
42:52Rich Eisen: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. 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. Back here on the Rich Eisen Show, 844-204-H, never to dial. Breaking news out of Arizona. The Cardinals are retiring Larry Fitzgerald's 11. you will be the last to wear it that's awesome and he's going to go in the ring of honor against the Broncos on the 25th of October that is just a I'm imagining that's not a nationally televised game but Larry's number 11 will be retired never worn again pretty cool man pretty cool Pretty cool.
43:57Rich Eisen:Although Larry himself, not actually retired. What do you mean? Didn't he say that? He's never filed paperwork with the league. So what does that mean? Who would he come out of retirement? Who's his Miles Garrett? I don't know. You know? You know? What if Brady comes out of retirement, one of those throws for Arizona one more time? Man, I wanted the Pats to try to trade for Larry Fitzgerald for so long. Just free Larry. Let's get him a ring. let's see if we can get him on the pats there at the end again we would when we did you know super bowls on nfl network with dion and marshall and warren and irv and mooch back in that day um we you know we needed a a large size you know green room and in tampa in raymond james there we were upstairs for some reason normally we're in the bowels or something so we were upstairs we take the elevator down with like five minutes to go and the Steelers are up and we're like okay this thing's going to be the Steelers are going to win this thing and Arizona gets the ball back and we're like get in the elevator we go down in the elevator you know our phones aren't working or anything like that and the radio's call isn't on in the elevator so we're in sports blackout at the nfl network post game show crew went through sports blackout of this super bowl for about two minutes we come out of the tunnel tunnel and we walk out onto the field getting set to find our set.
45:43Rich Eisen:And all we see is Larry Fitzgerald running towards us. Wow. Scott free. With the ball in his hand. Yeah. And I'm looking around like, is this play dead? I'm like, this is a dead player? Oh no, wait a minute. He scored a touchdown. It's the 64 yard. Kurt hit him real quick and he just took out. Bam. Gone. Gone. Gone. And we stood right where we were for the rest of the Super Bowl watching Big Ben go the other way. Yeah. finding santonio holmes time after time after time and then in the end zone it was so far from us we we couldn't tell if he dotted the turf or not yeah um but i'll never forget that first thing we saw like oh here comes larry coming right at us and um yeah we're off to the right like if this was a photograph widened out we would be we were just out of camera in the corner of the end zone that he's scoring in that's where we're at that's super bowl was sick that was awesome three all-time plays and and i was talking to some i'll be honest some nbc executives were like oh man i know if we had philadelphia in this philadelphia versus pittsburgh but it's arizona and you know the james harrison score like nobody brought that up to larry this weekend, his tackling ability.
47:05Rich Eisen:And from that Super Bowl, he scored twice. I mean, and it went back and forth, back and forth. One of the greatest Super Bowls of all time. So good. Right. John Madden's last. Wow. I think it was his last game as a broadcaster on top of it all. Hour one in the books. The Ridge Eisen Show Podcast. Close your eyes. Exhale. Feel your body relax. and let go of whatever you're carrying today. Well, I'm letting go of the worry that I wouldn't get my new contacts in time for this class. I got them delivered free from 1-800-CONTACTS. Oh my gosh, they're so fast. And breathe. Oh, sorry. I almost couldn't breathe when I saw the discount they gave me on my first order.
47:48Rich Eisen:Oh, sorry. Namaste. Visit 1-800-CONTACTS.com today to save on your first order. 1-800-CONTACTS.
From the publisher
Rich and the guys react to the latest developments in Aaron Donald’s possible return to the Los Angeles Rams, and weigh in on the Detroit Lions losing their starting Center for at least two months with a broken wrist and what that could mean for newly-paid RB Jahmyr Gibbs.
Hall of Fame WR Cris Carter and Rich discuss his role in Larry Fitzgerald’s NFL career and subsequent Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement, how his game compares to the new Arizona Cardinals HOFer, what being inducted at Canton means beyond his exploits on the football field, and why he expects great things for Ohio State Buckeyes WR Jeremiah Smith the season and for years to come as a pro.
Rich and Brockman react to news of the Arizona Cardinals retiring Larry Fitzgerald’s #11.
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