In short
Rich Eisen Show Hour 2 reacts to the Los Angeles Rams acquiring pass rusher Miles Garrett and discusses NFL “Overreaction Tuesday” takes, plus Rams roster-building strategy and other league chatter.
Guests
Eric Weddle (former NFL safety, 14-year veteran; later coaches high school football). Also mentioned as coming next: ESPN NFL analyst Alex Smith (not interviewed in this hour).
Guest backgrounds
Weddle played 14 NFL seasons; known for leadership and preparation standards; now coaches and raises his family.
Key claims
- Rams’ trade strategy fits their “go all in” Super Bowl approach; Weddle says Garrett adds leadership and culture, not just on-field talent.
- Rams likely drafted/managed around quarterback stability (Ty Simpson sitting) to free resources for elite defenders.
- Weddle argues Michigan QB Bryce Underwood’s play looked inaccurate/undisciplined (footwork, timing, pre/post-snap) and suggests the backup could play earlier if QB play doesn’t improve.
Notable examples
- Weddle references Underwood’s struggles vs Ohio State’s top defensive talent and his own spring-practice observations.
- Discussion includes Aaron Donald potential return and Rams’ Super Bowl-caliber roster depth.
Written by AI. May contain mistakes. Listen to the episode to check what was said.
Chapters
Tap a time to open that second in VOMiles Garrett Trade News
1:13 to 4:08
Discussion on the implications of Miles Garrett being traded to the Rams.
“Miles Garrett is in fact being traded to the Los Angeles Rams.”
Les Snead's Strategy
4:08 to 8:34
Analysis of Les Snead's management style and trade strategies for the Rams.
“who they have in the general manager's seat if they already don't know or appreciate.”
Overreaction Tuesday Segment
8:34 to 13:15
Engaging discussion on NFL predictions and overreactions regarding the Rams and Patriots.
“You let Stafford stick around as long as he wants.”
Commanders' Future
13:15 to 14:00
A look at the Washington Commanders and their potential for the future in the NFL.
Overreaction Tuesday Discussion
14:00 to 15:00
The hosts discuss overreactions and predictions for the upcoming football season.
“But I think one of the biggest shrug emoji teams for 2026 are the commanders.”
Commanders and NFL Team Analysis
15:00 to 17:40
A conversation about the Washington Commanders, their roster issues, and potential.
“and you're wondering, was it because of the injuries, or was it because the roster's beginning to get older?”
Fantasy Football Predictions
17:40 to 19:40
Predictions on players' performance in the upcoming fantasy football season.
“The Ravens are playing a dangerous game waiting on giving this guy an extension.”
Transition to Eric Weddle
20:06 to 20:24
The host introduces Eric Weddle, hinting at his impact on Michigan football.
Eric Weddle on Rams and NFL Insights
22:24 to 28:00
Eric Weddle shares insights on the Rams, NFL strategies, and his career.
“14-year veteran Eric Weddle is here on The Rich Eisen Show.”
Quarterback Development and Team Dynamics
28:00 to 29:50
Explore the challenges faced by quarterbacks and the importance of team dynamics in the NFL.
“It's hard to play quarterback at any level, right?”
Show all 16 chapters
Aaron Donald's Possible Return
29:50 to 32:28
Discussing the implications of Aaron Donald returning to play and the mental and physical demands involved.
“But what do you think about the idea of Aaron Donald running it back one more time just so he could play with Miles Garrett and win another ring in the stadium?”
Assessing Michigan QB Bryce Underwood
32:28 to 35:14
Analyzing Eric Weddle's controversial opinion on Michigan QB Bryce Underwood's abilities.
“The toll and the beating, he would have much more of an adjustment.”
The Path to Improvement for Quarterbacks
35:14 to 41:48
Discussing what it takes for quarterbacks to improve their play and the factors influencing their performance.
“So the amount of times we've talked on the phone in the last 20 years, I could probably say maybe five or six times.”
Eric Weddle Reflects on Coaching and Mental Resilience
42:01 to 43:00
Eric Weddle discusses his approach to coaching and the importance of mental toughness for young players.
“And like I said, for all the young guys out there, okay, this is a perfect example of not letting what people say on the outside affect what you do on a daily process, especially your mentals.”
Eric Weddle Reflects on Coaching and Mental Resilience
43:42 to 44:39
Eric Weddle discusses his approach to coaching and the importance of mental toughness for young players.
“And it's all happening now on the home of the NBA Finals.”
Niners Fan Terzo Discusses Team Concerns
44:46 to 47:01
Terzo shares his worries about the competitive landscape in the NFC West, particularly with the Rams.
“Well, the Niners are so concerned about Miles Garrett being acquired by the Rams, they've gotten the legal services of Terzo and I to try and stop it.”
Transcript
Automatic transcript. May contain errors.0:00Rich Eisen:Legally, we can't say drinking Storm makes you smarter and more focused. But with zero sugar, 200 milligrams of caffeine, and immunity support, you're smarter and more focused for drinking Storm. Storm. Good energy in, good energy out. Energy for life. So good, so good, so good. Everything you want for summer is at Nordstrom Rack stores now. And up to 60 % off. Stock up and save on the brands you love like Vince, Sam Edelman, Frame, and Free People. Join the Nordiclub to unlock exclusive discounts, shop new arrivals first, and more. Plus, buy online and pick up at your favorite rack store for free.
0:36Rich Eisen:Great brands, great prices. That's why you rack. 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 +, 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. Now, on with the show. My phone is buzzing like crazy. This is the Rich Eisen Show. Miles Garrett is in fact being traded to the Los Angeles Rams. From the Rich Eisen Show studio in Los Angeles.
1:24Rich Eisen:The Rams are not messing around. Earlier on the show, senior writer for the MMQB, Albert Breer. Coming up, six-time Pro Bowl safety, Eric Weddle. ESPN NFL analyst, Alex Smith. And now, it's Rich Eisen. Hour number two of the Rich Eisen show is on the air. Why don't you tell me the name of the movie you want to see? What is going on in the NFL when A.J. Brown is now a patriot and Miles Garrett is going to have a press conference later today at the Rams headquarters is get out of here. Whose house? What in the world? Ram's house. What in the world is happening? Miles Garrett's jersey now for sale on Ram Shop.
2:04Rich Eisen:You know what? He got the number? People are going to buy that. 95. Wonder how much he had to give up for it. Who had to give up? Puna Ford. Puna Ford. Puna Ford. Puna Ford. Rockwee came up with it. I'm wondering if he's going to drive something more expensive. I was just going to say. I said Puna Ford should ask for$95 ,000. That's a car. $1 ,000 for every number. Every number. Yeah. Yes. And a new car. That's the starting point. I like it. And fuel for a year. I like what you're doing. Yeah. You want my number? 95, now available. Eric Weddle's going to join us shortly. Okay. I think Miles Garrett is speaking this afternoon.
2:38Rich Eisen:That's what I said. There's a press conference later today. 2 p.m. Pacific. I said 2 p.m. I don't want to put anything on the lap of ESPN 710 here in Los Angeles. I imagine that might be covered live. I would imagine so. Throwing that out there. It's a good chance. I'm sorry if the program director's like, what the hell did Riches say? Man, I mean, Albert Breer just joined us, and I don't think we left any crumbs on the floor about questions involving both Garrett here in Los Angeles and A.J. Brown in Philadelphia. And he said the Rams not only reached out in March about Miles Garrett, but it had to be when they reached out to Andrew Barry, the way that he set it up, it had to be Andrew Barry going to Les Snead again.
3:29Rich Eisen:Really? Because he said the Rams started calling the Browns about Miles Garrett at the trade deadline in 2022. Four years ago. Again? That's awesome. They started asking about is Garrett available. That's crazy. in the trade deadline of 2022 all right hold on what was going on that season it doesn't matter the browns probably weren't very good and the rams were like what the rams are doing i just want to repeat this again miles garrett only made second team all listen i just want to repeat again here because it's all together just trying to let everyone know certainly here in los angeles who they have in the general manager's seat if they already don't know or appreciate.
4:23Rich Eisen:Okay. In Les Snead. This is a bad man. Your boys are bad men. Because again, when you talk about Howard Rosen, when you talk about John Schneider, we talk about other general managers in this league. They're bad men too. Les Snead is a very bad man because he's been hunting this whale and biding his time right and think about it the 2022 trade deadline was the trade deadline after they had just won the super bowl with aaron donnell pointing to his ring finger after the rams had just put a trophy in the case here in los angeles in their own house okay and you're also seeing this guy who's in the same time of checking in on miles garrett is checking in on aj brown and also if that had happened he would have had to have looked davante adams in the eye and saying thank you for your service but we're sending you somewhere else and so yeah you know McVay is the guy who is maybe calling up players and sitting down with verse and making sure this guy's good and that guy's good well Les Snead is you know in similar you know love with his players but at the end of the day he is generally managing what is best for the franchise and he is going for it and he is nailing it to the point where next time he drafts a kid 13th overall that a lot of people think it doesn't have a first round grade on him and they're like why aren't you drafting reuben bain i mean i said that why aren't you drafting and Reuben Bain to go rush the passer.
6:27Rich Eisen:Bain. So Matthew Stafford can be helped in what could be his last year here off the MVP season for you to win another trophy and put it in the case here. And he's like, okay, well, we like the kid. We think he's the next quarterback, and we'd rather use the draft pick here now rather than see what's in next year's draft when we're going to be picking so damn low that we're not going to get the quarterback of the future. And we'll get that kid now, so we'll be freed up to use draft choices on, okay, you don't like the fact that I left Reuben Bain on the board? How does Miles Garrett sound to you?
7:14Rich Eisen:At age 30, where he's making$30 million a year this year. How does that sound to you? How does it sound to you that not only am I going to do this now, but here's the benefit of what Albert Breer just told us as well, talking about how Howie Roseman is going to be using the draft choices from the Patriots in a way that he moves around the board. He takes a third rounder here for Jalen Phillips, and he lets him walk. Then he gets another third rounder, and he gets the third rounder for letting Milton Williams walk, and he moves it around. He turns him into Jonathan Grenard. right? And these are the ways that people can use the draft to supplement what other teams are doing.
8:01Rich Eisen:But do you know who doesn't have the draft now to react to Miles Garrett showing up in the division? John Schneider, John Lynch. They do not. How do you counter what the Rams just did on June 2nd? You don't. You now have the benefit of adding this guy after everyone else doesn't have the best chance to potentially add a counterpunch. And you got the kid you like in your back pocket. You don't need to go shopping for a quarterback in the next few years. You let Stafford stick around as long as he wants. There's dimensions of chess off the charts. Yeah. Holy crap.
8:55Rich Eisen:Cold, cold Batman sitting up there. Batman things. In Thousand Oaks.
9:05Rich Eisen:844-204-RICH-Number-to-Doll. Chris, you ready to do this thing? You want to do this thing here now? What do you want to do here? What am I doing? It's called Overreaction Monday. On a Tuesday Come on man That was terrible That was crap, that was garbage Overreaction Monday On a Tuesday Christopher Bronkman, what do you have Guys, what's happening? Great to see you Yeah Just saying, a Patriots Ram Super Bowl Is 30-1 right now TJ Just throwing that up 30-1 on a Patriots Ram Super Bowl right now You bet it? That's not a bad bet. I mean, I plan to. Okay. Just saying. Guys, we told you yesterday, breaking news, Myles Garrett's a Ram.
9:54Rich Eisen:Yep. With Myles Garrett, the Rams will be back in the Super Bowl, and he's going to set the single-season playoff sack record. Okay. That's not an overreaction. That's six. This is not an overreaction. That is six. This is not an overreaction. I thought you'd go with the thing that Cooper asked me when I saw him for the first time yesterday. Well, I don't know what that is. Do you think the Rams can go 17-0, Dad? Oh, no. I did say that to him. I said, even though you accuse me of being a passionate Rams fan, here's my answer. It's just anything can happen, man. But the thing that I also just said about what Les Snead is doing is that even if you draft a rookie, all the rookies that they did draft, good luck making the team.
10:39Rich Eisen:Good luck cracking the lineup right now. It's crazy what this edition means. Chris Long did a pod yesterday about it. He said the Rams are the closest thing we've seen to an NFL super team. Yeah. I mean, now the super team, you know, as you know, is a supercharged word in the NFL because the Eagles destroyed that. Wow. That was when Vince Young called the dream team. Dream team. Ha ha. Listen, this is just not an overreaction. Me sitting here because, oh, no, Rams. They still have to. They still have to show you that they can win the Super Bowl. They did last year. Okay. And by the way, Trent McDuffie got added two on the back end.
11:23Rich Eisen:Let me ask you, if I said to you, best pass rusher, best cornerback in the NFL, certainly in the AFC. Oh. You'd have gone Miles Garrett and arguably Trent McDuffie. And the Rams got both. Both. Pat Sertan put his hands up. I understand that. There's an argument on all fronts. For sure. What else you got, Chris? Super team. What else you got, Chris? Aaron Donald should come out of retirement. Like, what are we doing? Like, come on, man. Yeah. What do you, you said. So Pat this morning said that he reached out to Aaron Donald. Aaron Donald said he's 35. But it's definitely got him interested. And he's got to see if he can light the fire back up.
12:03Rich Eisen:I don't know. Lighting the fire back up to just get in now and go through training camp and all that. That seems unlikely. I know, which is why I'm excited to have Eric Weddle on coming up in just a few minutes time, because Eric Weddle's a guy out of necessity, though. Don't you remember the Rams when they made that Super Bowl run? They were down to their like spinal tap drummer. Yeah. For at the safety position. But if Aaron Donald wants to come back in like November, an old pop culture reference, but, you know, play 60 percent of the snaps. The Rams would not turn that down. Dialed up to 11.
12:37Yeah, they would.
12:39Rich Eisen:So I hear you. Do they need it? No. Do we need it? Hell yeah. Yeah, we need it. Hell yeah. Hell yeah. It would be cool as hell, man. As I was saying yesterday, Miles Garrett is the only guy that would cause Aaron Donald to say, do I look fat in this? The answer is no. The answer is no. But still. He was throwing up 140s, TJ. Yeah, I don't think anyone would ever make him. It's called a joke. Really? What else, Chris? he's wearing number one he's happy he's finally home tj a.j brown's gonna be the first patriots wide receiver ever to lead the nfl in receiving yards this year give me that again a.j brown first patriots receiver ever to lead the nfl in receiving i don't think that's an overreaction either man it's not i'm the reaction monday i mean though what would that require though last year it would require 2 ,000 yards I don't see a Patriot ever doing that I don't see that I mean there's Rabel likes to run it as rightfully so I don't know catches one 50 yard bomb a game then 30 yards on the others last year JSM was threatening 2k really 2k for a Patriot receiver come on now there'll be enough there'll be enough snow games where that'll be a problem so i'm excited for you this one i'll call an overreaction brady had five touchdown passes in a snow game this one i'll call like if it's 1500 1600 yards i'm i'm in last year jsn put it in a neighborhood i don't see a patriot wide receiver hitting despite how talented drake drake may may is thank you yeah drake drake may may okay we talked to uh one of the a guy on this team yesterday tear mccorin great conversation and check it out on our YouTube channel.
14:34Rich Eisen:I agree. But I think one of the biggest shrug emoji teams for 2026 are the commanders. Meaning what? No, I know that. What are we going to get out of this team? But you get a top five shrug emoji teams for 2026. The commanders are high on that list. Because Daniels was hurt last year. So was McLaurin. And so you look at how that was such a main offensive engine for the team that made the NFC Championship game, and you're wondering, was it because of the injuries, or was it because the roster's beginning to get older? Is it because the coaching staff didn't do it? So, yeah, I understand that. Who's their running back?
15:14Rich Eisen:That's another good one. Well, it's... Bill Krosky? Bill Krosky. I don't know. Bill Krosky Merritt. Again, one of my favorite football names. Sounds like a guy you meet at the American Legion on a Saturday night. all right bill krosky merit or you see his name on on the back of a park bench waiting for a bus you know what i mean yeah they did add rashad bill krosky merit real estate i got a house to show you i don't know okay or one of those lawyers yeah i'm on your side i'm on your side bill krosky merit i'm on yours i'm on your side that's funny that's funny involved involved in an accident Bill Krosky Merritt.
15:57Rich Eisen:Have a slip and fall in a grocery store? Bill Krosky Merritt. I'll keep going. Get hitting her. This is now an overreaction. In a grocery store? Exactly. Now you got it. Slip and fall. Yeah. My bad. What could happen in a produce department? Just ask Mitch Johnson. Mitch Johnson sounds like Doc Rivers. DJ Moore out? Because the Spurs coach sometimes works in that department. But you can see. Got to reel you guys back in. With your own two eyes. All right. What else, Chris? I'm really high on the Bears. The Bears. I think this is going to be the year for them. Breakout, you're going to have a lot of fantasy players on the Bears this year.
16:37Rich Eisen:Yeah. DJ Moore out. Both Luther Burden and Roma Dunze will have more yards and TDs than DJ Moore in Buffalo. Okay. Yeah. Come on, dude. Both of them. Both of them. Stop it. Stop it. I'll even go this. How about this? I'll say it's what's more likely DJ Moore has more than both of those guys. How about that? Combined? Not combined. That at the end of the day, who has more yards and touchdowns? At the end of the day, is it DJ Moore, Roma Dunze, or Luther Burden? Who is it? Who is it? You got to choose. The Bears. Okay. TJ, you want to chime in here? Because there's a guy named Josh Allen throwing this guy the football.
17:22Rich Eisen:That's true. But he spreads it out. The most valuable player on the Bills is Josh Allen. Right. Right. Okay. This is a good one. All right. Joe Brady doesn't spread the ball out when he's now the OC and HC, right? We'll see. Okay. I'm there for you, Hoskins. What else you got? Listen to Lamar Jackson talk. Contract this, contract that. The Ravens are playing a dangerous game waiting on giving this guy an extension. You are just so anti-Ravens. You just every single time. They're playing a dangerous game. What's the game that they're playing? This guy's already asked for a trade once. And then what happened?
17:58Rich Eisen:Then what happened? Then what happened? Nobody wanted to pay the price. He wanted out. That's because they had two firsts. Nobody wanted to pay that. I know. It's a lot. In hindsight, Atlanta probably should have done it. Well, looking back.
18:14Rich Eisen:So, looking back. All right. Move on. Move on. All right, last one. And I want to get this out here. NBA Finals tomorrow. Wemby and the Spurs just slammed OKC's championship window shut. No, I think that's overreaction. That's an overreaction. Yeah, really? Could there be a Greek freak that wants to go and take on San Antonio's man from France? That's also possible. Get a piece of Greece? Also, if Jalen Williams... Go full European Union, go full EU on that conference? If Jalen Williams is healthy the whole series... Hey, we thought Denver was going to win a bunch of titles. They only got one.
18:52Rich Eisen:We thought the Celtics were primed to win a bunch of titles. I don't know. None of those guys were set up. They only got one. Oh, yeah, they were. Let me just tell you this. Oklahoma City winds up getting Giannis, let's just say, and then they wind up getting Yaxel Lundenborg in the draft like everybody says that they're going to get. They'd have to give up that pick to get ready. Well, they have another one, too, in their back pocket, pal. That's when I say set up, Chris. They have two firsts. They're all going to Milwaukee. I would counsel against thinking Sam Presti's toast. Yeah. Okay. this subject matter like many of the thunder has flopped whoa how you doing a little harsh hey now just the spick is real thank you thank you mike running a small business means every hire matters of that hire costs time and money but the right one well that helps your business grow the challenge is finding that person without sorting through resumes that's where linkedin Hiring Pro comes in.
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22:24Rich Eisen:14-year veteran Eric Weddle is here on The Rich Eisen Show. When I say 14 years, you just made a noise. Can you not believe that you played 14 years in the NFL? I can't. I really can't believe I ever played in the NFL at this point in my life, which is crazy to think about and also not, but the way my life is now and just coaching high school ball and trying to be a good father and raise these kids and be a good husband, it's a daily task. I make my mistakes, but, yeah, it's crazy to even fathom that I played that role. Okay. Now, the reason why I reached out to you is not only because I missed you, but of something that you said about the University of Michigan starting quarterback, but I'm going to put a pin in that for the moment, Eric, okay?
23:17Rich Eisen:Because news in the National Football League has intervened, and the Los Angeles Rams, who you know very well, having a Super Bowl ring courtesy of your play and your teammates' play for them a few years ago, goes ahead and acquires Miles Garrett. All right. What do you think of this acquisition, Eric Weddle? It's it's right in line of of how the Rams do business over the last decade that they identify someone that they feel can help not only on the field, but within the building and try to get them closer to win the Super Bowl. They're going to do it. And one of the few organizations year in and year out go all in for a Super Bowl.
24:03And as a fan now of the game, but as a player, you love knowing that every year you have a chance because the organization, the head coach, the GM, and the owner are going to do whatever they can to build a team and add assets to help that team win a Super Bowl. So I think it's a good move when you look at the landscape of it all. Jared versus is a stud. OK, but when you're looking at a team and you got a lot of guys that are coming up in the next year or two that you're going to have to pay, are you going to identify verse and pay him top dollar? and if that answer is no then and you have the ability to go get the best defensive player in the entire national football league you do it and you make it and knowing you're probably going to lose the young guy anyways uh because you put a number you gotta when you're building a team you put numbers on guys and how that all fits into the equation and so it makes sense for me uh you know Jared's a great player, great guy, great locker room guy.
25:07Those guys are hard to come by, but you're getting a future Hall of Famer transcendent-type talent to add to your team to go win a Super Bowl now.
25:16Rich Eisen:Yeah, man. When he shows up in that building today, if he's not already there right now, I mean, the jolt, no matter how much they did love Jared Burst, right? Yeah, I mean, Miles is going to bring so much more than just, obviously, on the field. His leadership, his accountability being coachable uh how he works how he prepares like that's going to resonate through the entire building and through all those young guys so when miles does eventually right off in the sunset like those traits will still be in the building like these moves are so much bigger than just the on the field and i think the rams grasp those types of of traits and why why it's going to work out what makes mcveigh so good eric man uh it's it's crazy he has just a unique unique ability to connect while also having the respect both ways right like he he he earns the respect of his players but then also the players respect him and i think that goes a long way the business is hard you have to have tough conversations you have to make decisions that ultimately are best for the team and for the organization and for the future And so you have to have tough conversations.
26:29You have to do things like this. Like I know for a fact he loved Jared Burse, but these are the tough decisions that you have to do as the head coach. And it's lonely being up top, but he is just, he's one of a kind, man. And for a guy that I connected with in a short amount of time to this day, like we talk monthly, we, we've been to each other. And it's just good to have someone that, that gets you. And I feel Sean and I are very like-minded, and he is someone that I love and root for every day.
27:04Rich Eisen:Well, I mean, and then there's Stafford too, right? The whole business with drafting a kid and not helping him out in the draft to try and win a championship this year. But now they draft Ty Simpson and have him sitting there so they don't have to use draft choices on a quarterback in future drafts. So they use them to get Miles Garrett. I mean, Stafford's got to be out of his skull. right now, I would think happy that he's got a chance to walk off in the sunset on his own terms, as long as he continues to play well, would you say, or not really? Yeah, I mean, as an older guy, it's very similar when I signed with the Rams in January or February, when I got released by the Ravens.
27:44And then the draft comes up in April, and Sean called me about five picks before they picked Taylor Ratt and was like, hey, just want to let you know, we really like this kid I think he'll be a great addition uh he'll be great to learn from you yeah yeah yeah and I was like great like at that point I'm not worried about a rookie taking my job I'm not worried about what the perception is if I can't play anymore then I shouldn't be playing right so I'm not for for staff he's not worried about that like yeah could you added another player to help the team uh on the offensive side but yeah but then you got to think about how does he fit in the scheme how does he fit in the system and then ultimately how is he going to fit under the cap when you're having to pay these guys two three years down the line so uh i i know stafford is pumped uh he's not worried about any of that he's like if it if he's still playing two three four years down the line that's that's the best case scenario right because that means he's still playing great football we probably have a couple more super Bowls and Ty can just sit and learn.
28:49It's hard to play quarterback at any level, right? And to ask a young guy to just go in there to try to play at a level that is required is hard. So, you know, I think it's the best case scenario for Ty to learn for a year, two, three years, and then
Read the full transcript
29:09Rich Eisen:ultimately take over eric weddell here on the rich eisen show and you know you're the perfect guy to ask this you're the absolute perfect guy to ask this because the rumor mill rampant that the only guy that could get aaron donald to come out of retirement just got acquired by the rams and maybe he doesn't want to go through a full season maybe he wants to if you will pull and Eric Weddle, which has come back just for the playoffs. I understand the reason why you did it was far more out of necessity for the Rams to get you in there based on the injuries that were suffered at your position. But what do you think about the idea of Aaron Donald running it back one more time just so he could play with Miles Garrett and win another ring in the stadium?
30:00Eric? Yeah, I mean, there's no doubt he can go do it. Can you physically get ready to play a half a season, a full season? He's much more of like a specimen freak than I ever was. So the change in trying to get ready is not even applicable. So I don't know. I tell the older guys, like once it's done, it's done. And he has a chance potentially to come back and fill a role, like to help those young guys. And if you love it and you are all in on the grind and the preparation and the pain and the sacrifice and being away from your family and all that entails of going back and playing, I say, go do it.
30:48But if there's an ounce of doubt of saying like, I don't know if I want to do this or knowing that after games, you're not going to be able to move and you're going to be just can't sleep and you're going to do this, that and the other. For me, it just wasn't worth it. uh that's why i retired so and that's usually when you get to a point everything that you point into the game it's just not worth it anymore and so i don't know that it'd be awesome to see i mean who wouldn't want to see ad back here wrecking havoc and and getting sacks and forced
31:21Rich Eisen:fumbles it would be the nfl version of avengers doomsday eric you know seriously and and and as a fan of course i want to see it but i just love how you you know this is why i wanted to speak with you about this is it's not just a machine you turn back on even though he does look like a machine you know it's it's a lot it's it's all mental when it at this point of our careers or when you're later in the career because you're not just asked to play uh at a high level on the field it's it's the weekend the day and day and process of how you're leading how you're bringing on the young guys how you teaching them to watch film how you teach them to study and and and take notes and be there early and working out and rehabbing.
32:07And then you got injuries and you got to try to finagle it. So you can still be out there with your guys. And it's just, it's so much more than just what you see on Sundays and that mental grind takes a toll on you. So if you're all in and you, and you can do it mentally, then yeah, physically he'll be fine.
32:26Rich Eisen:But I mean, what about a six week residency when it's a playoffs and you got to get ready um in advance right um when would it i mean he's such a physical freak when would he would have to start thinking about it theoretically yeah i mean if he if he was like a second half of the year type guy like the last four weeks to get to get his feet wet and then i mean for his position it's more lifting weights and like short area quickness and uh i don't think it would take a lot of time for him to get ready. The toll and the beating, he would have much more of an adjustment. But then, you know, the team dynamics, the culture, like, how are you going to intertwine all that?
33:09Like, there's a lot more that goes into it just saying, hey, we're going to add this best player ever to our team, but hasn't been here for the whole season. How is everyone going to handle that? So there's a lot more dynamics to it than just saying, hey, let's just add him and let him go play 15, 20 snaps and see how that looks. Well, you got to have everyone bought in at that point.
33:33Rich Eisen:Well, I mean, again, you did it out of necessity from the Rams calling. They called you up, right? Yeah. Yeah. They had nobody else, right? Like it was in dire needs where I could come help the squad and they needed it for this. Like, yeah, injuries may happen. How is the rotation? You know, the starters are in there now. They're taking reps away from that. Like, you know, there's just way more dynamics than it was in my case where it was just like, hey, like, we need you. Come help us and let's see what happens. So moments ago and speaking about Ty Simpson, Eric Weddle, you mentioned how difficult it is to play quarterback at any level, which is interesting.
34:13Rich Eisen:you would say such a thing because this weekend my phone went absolutely haywire from people saying hey don't you know Eric Waddell I mean hey I mean did you hear what he had to say about Bryce Underwood you went on the 0-2-60 podcast sir and you said quote don't be surprised if the backup is playing early at Michigan that Underwood kid I don't think he can throw or play quarterback That is what you said. You set my world on fire, sir. A lot of people's world, which is crazy to think that an opinion can affect so many people's lives with the Michigan Wolverines. Well, it's not just anybody's opinion, Eric.
35:01Rich Eisen:Again, you know Kyle Whittingham inside and out. You're wearing a Utah hat, a Utah. Anyone that knows Coach Witt, Coach Witt is not the most personable of people. So the amount of times we've talked on the phone in the last 20 years, I could probably say maybe five or six times. But you were there, though. He invited you to spring practice? Yeah. So let me give a little context because everyone just thinks when I say he can't throw, it means he literally can't throw. No, it means I don't think he's very accurate. And when I say he, I don't think he played quarterback. It means playing the position at the standard that I think he should be at.
35:42But when I saw him and I saw two games last year and so live, then I saw him in spring. But when I, my expectation, when I got to spring ball to watch Michigan, because I was with my son going on spring visits. We went on nine different spring visits just to see schools and see their culture and identities and this and that. And Michigan, I would say, was probably the top, most impressive school from resources to facilities to culture to the coaching staff to, you know, the brand. And like, I remember all I've ever known is the University of Utah guys. So when I go to these schools that are some of the best in the entire country with the history, I'm blown away.
36:33So, you know, people that don't know me, like I'm a loyal guy. Like you want me in your corner. So I actually want Michigan to win. No, I get it.
36:44Rich Eisen:No, but this is your honest assessment, which I'm curious about. Because I'll be straight up with you. I'm trying to put everything else up before I get to why I said that. No, and I understand that. And I'll be straight up with you too, Eric. You know, watching Bryce Underwood, who's been in this chair and is a delightful kid and one to root for, watching him against Ohio State, which only had, wait for it, a gajillion top 10 picks on the defensive side of the ball playing against him, he looked lost. He looked like he didn't know where to go with the football. He didn't have the right footwork.
37:16Rich Eisen:And I'm looking around with my buddies, and I'm like, who's coaching this guy? What is happening right now? And we all saw it. All of us in Michigan saw it. So for you to come in and say, hey, new coaching staff here, and obviously it's going to take time, but your assessment as being Eric Weddle, who knows what you're talking about, that you think the backup is going to be starting sooner rather than later, that'll set a hair on fire. Yeah, and listen, I don't take back what I said. Obviously, hearing it doesn't come off very well, but the point is you have to play quarterback a certain way to win a national championship.
37:57And my understanding of Michigan is they expect national championships. And these kids are paid to play a certain way, right? So when I saw from two games last year and then I went out to spring ball, I saw not very good QB play. Now, I know the coaches there are coaching and doing the best they can and they're going to put them in their best foot forward, right? Like they're going to work. And I don't know him from anything. I just go off what I see, okay? And what I saw was not good. And then I go off to other schools and see what it looks like. Then it's like, okay. Then, you know, a few weeks go by and you're hearing about, you know, you're hearing comments from players and coaches about the other kid.
38:41I don't even know what the other kid's name is. And then you see the spring ball, spring ball of both quarterbacks. And my whole point when, so when I'm talking on a 30-minute podcast and two minutes of is comes of that something pops in my mind and what popped in my mind about Michigan not all the great things that we experienced but the one thing that stuck out most is was the inability of the quarterback play compared to all the other schools that we went to and then I thought to myself the way coach Whit is and I haven't talked to them I don't know anything on the inside or out like it's nothing like that but it's just my opinion on how coach with coaches and how they win football games and how Utah's won.
39:22They play great defense. They don't turn the ball over, right? And they run the football. And so if the quarterback is not playing at a high clip and struggles, I could see a change. That was my whole point. Can he play? Is he talented? Yes. Is he a freak of nature? Yeah. No one's denying that. I'm not naive to that. But I do know what high-level championship quarterback play looks like. I tried stopping these guys for my whole career. And so my expectation when I watch quarterbacks is, can he lead this team to a championship or not? And it doesn't mean that he's not a good kid or he can't throw the ball 25-yard outrun, all this other stuff.
40:06No, it's just my opinion is I don't think he can at this point. Go prove me wrong. Like, this isn't going to be the first time someone says something negative about you. I've had people, critics, media, teammates, fans say things negative about me my whole career. But you either choose to accept it or motivate you and go be great and worry about what's inside the building and the work you're putting in. You don't have to portray anything other than go put the work in and let the work speak for itself.
40:37Rich Eisen:And just I got a minute left. Footwork? What is it? is it something that could be fixed? Is it physical? Is it mental? What do you think? So I think it's a number of things it could be obviously how he was developed in high school then his first year at Michigan getting coaching or lack thereof. There's just a lot of improvement both pre-snap post-snap, rhythm timing, footwork, everything has to be in line like it's a sequence when you're playing quarterback right like it's it's a quick it's a quick three it's a three-step rhythm it's a three-step with a hitch depending on what the routes what the coverage is what your rules are the progression and that just wasn't clean when i watched him and so therefore the ball's on the ground the ball's not being thrown the ball's inaccurate so can it be fixed of course it could be fixed you can work every day hard work can can uh uh alleviate a lot of issues okay so can he yeah but it's up to him and it's up to the team like i'm just saying what i saw and and if the quarterback can play at a consistent level whether it's him or someone else to give michigan the best chance to win a championship that's who the coach is going to go with no no there is no you know you would hope nothing gets in the way of playing the best and who gives the chance the team the best chance to win but listen we'll see what happens at the end of the year if i'm wrong i'm wrong i'll still wake up the next day and coach football and try to be the best i can be and if i'm right i'm not going to go out there and be like oh i'm right i'm just it's not i'm not my personality is not like that you know me rich and i i'm just uh i know i let a little fire and And listen, I wish them the best.
42:25And like I said, for all the young guys out there, okay, this is a perfect example of not letting what people say on the outside affect what you do on a daily process, especially your mentals. Like, you know how hard you work. You know how hard you're doing for your teammates and trying your best. That's all that's the matter. Not some guy on social media that thinks his opinion. And whether you want to believe it or not, your story can be written by what you do.
42:53Rich Eisen:Eric, you're the best. Thanks for doing this. Look for more of my texts. Let's connect. I'll call you. We'll get on during season for sure. You bet. That's Eric Weddle, everybody, right here on The Rich Eisen Show. One of the best. Back on The Rich Eisen Show in a sec. The Rich Eisen Show, the podcast.
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43:45Rich Eisen:This is what everyone's talking about. Everything's on the table. This is what champions come to take. This is what everyone came to see. And the slam! No do-overs. No second chances. No more Mr. Nice Guy. This is winner take all. And it's all happening now on the home of the NBA Finals. Don't miss it. June 3rd on ABC and the ESPN app.
44:16Rich Eisen:Back here on the Rich Eisen Show. 844-204-RICH is the number to dial right here on the program. A SoFi personal loan is here to help you achieve something once not impossible, and that's overcoming high-interest credit card debt. Walk the tightrope of your finances with one low fixed-rate monthly payment, no fees required, and as soon as the same-day funding. That's right. Pull up your own debt-defying stunt with a SoFi personal loan. Visit SoFi.com slash trick to learn more. Loans originated by SoFi Bank N.A. member FDIC. Terms and conditions apply. NMLS 696891. Well, the Niners are so concerned about Miles Garrett being acquired by the Rams, they've gotten the legal services of Terzo and I to try and stop it.
45:00Rich Eisen:Did I get that correct, Terzo? You on the program, on the line here, sir? Yeah, something like that. You know, it's been kind of a tough weekend, trolled by a guy in Singapore, and Miles Garrett going to the Lambs has not been a good week here. getting it from the Midwest and the Southeast is basically what you're saying I got it pretty much from all corners of the world here at this point with the fact that you guys are talking Aaron Donald back into existence that doesn't really make me feel any better we have the Grim Reaper and Megatron coming through so it's kind of scary at this point this team is going to be really good and it's going to be tough to win this division now.
45:48I thought we had a decent chance, but given where we kind of stand right now, it's going to take a lot for us to get over the sea chickens and the lambs, man. I think they might have our number this year
46:04Rich Eisen:and we might have to hopefully stay healthy, but it's going to be tough. You're going to get the first crack. Speaking of the Southern Hemisphere, Australia, you're going to get the first crack. It's going to be Brock Purdy is the first guy that Miles is going to be done for. Yeah, like they need more dangerous animals and poisonous animals in Australia. The Ad Miles Garrett-Tar. Shark, sure. Yay. Yippee. Niners fan Terzo in Iowa chiming in not happy. Unhappy. Appreciate you guys. All right, back at you. Do you think Trent Williams slept last night? Like, which NFC West tackle got the least amount of sleep?
46:41Rich Eisen:Want to put that as a Twitter poll? You know what I mean? Who slapped him? Put that as a Twitter poll. Which quarterback? Put that as a Twitter poll. Yeah. Alex Smith is going to be joining us in hour number three on this program. Don't go anywhere. Two hours in on today's Rich Eisen Show. The Rich Eisen Show podcast.
From the publisher
In ‘Overreaction Tuesday’ Rich weighs in on Myles Garrett’s trade to the Los Angeles Rams, AJ Brown’s trade to the New England Patriots, the Washington Commanders, Chicago Bears, Baltimore Ravens, the NBA Finals and Stanley Cup Final.
Super Bowl LVI champion/former All-Pro S Eric Weddle tells Rich how Myles Garrett adds immense value to the Rams in the locker room in addition to what he brings on the field, what it would take mentally and physically for Aaron Donald to unretire to play alongside the 2-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, and refuses to back off his no-holds-barred criticism of Bryce Underwood, saying he hopes the Michigan QB uses it as motivation to prove him wrong.
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