In short
NFL and college football playoff/wild-card preview plus “What’s More Likely” prop-style segments; discussion of officiating/rules in sports; Denis Leary’s in-studio chat about his show Going Dutch and sports memories.
Guests (and backgrounds)
Denis Leary, Emmy-nominated actor/comedian; known for Rescue Me and his Leary Firefighters Foundation. Also referenced: Ashton Kutcher (actor, diehard Bears fan) earlier in the show.
Key claims
The Eagles must “show up” as defending champs; the “relaxing’s over” message for Philadelphia. “What’s More Likely” picks include: Indiana over Oregon by a wider margin; Rams-Panthers more likely lopsided than any wild-card game; Bears forced turnovers; Josh Allen more rushing yards/TDs than Trevor Lawrence; Eagles offense/defense matchup leans Eagles; longer play likely a Dicker the Kicker field goal.
Notable examples
Lane Kiffin Ole Miss controversy after a bizarre late-game sequence; hockey fights explained via deterrence/enforcement (Wayne Gretzky example); Leary’s Winter Classic charity game story with Cam Neely and Pat LaFontaine, plus Gretzky skate/trophy anecdote.
Written by AI. May contain mistakes. Listen to the episode to check what was said.
Chapters
Tap a time to open that second in VODiscussion on College Football and SEC Teams
2:16 to 4:04
Rich discusses the current state of college football and the SEC's performance.
“Rich is the number to dial we've got an eye out to see if Paul Feinbaum has left the country because there are no SEC teams left in the national championship run right now.”
Fan Call-in: Terzo from Iowa
4:04 to 6:52
Terzo shares his thoughts on the Niners and their upcoming game against the Eagles.
“But let's go to the phone lines because everybody's been hanging on, listening to our chat with Ashton Kutcher in our number one before Dennis Leary joins us.”
Rich's Take on Eagles' Performance
6:52 to 10:38
Rich discusses the Eagles' upcoming challenges and the importance of their performance.
“Just a real thought, a quick thought here before we get to what's more likely and then Dennis Leary.”
Transition to 'What's More Likely'
10:38 to 11:23
Rich sets up the next segment of the show, introducing 'What's More Likely'.
“It'll be three out of the four remaining NFC teams are all from the same division if the Rams do to Carolina what everyone expects to kick off wildcard weekend.”
What's More Likely: Pre-Wildcard Weekend Edition
11:23 to 14:00
Rich and Chris engage in predictions for the upcoming wildcard weekend games.
“All right, Christopher, what do you have over there?”
Analyzing Upcoming NFL Matches
14:00 to 16:45
Discussion on predicted outcomes of upcoming NFL games, focusing on team performances.
“Yeah, I made a ten and a half point spread.”
More Likely Game Scenarios
16:45 to 19:41
Exploring various 'more likely' scenarios related to player performances and game outcomes.
“More likely to be the quarterback with more rushing yards and touchdowns on Sunday.”
Interview with Denis Leary
24:19 to 28:00
Rich Eisen interviews actor and comedian Denis Leary about his career and current projects.
“Real-time updates only in iOS mobile app.”
The Controversial Call in Football
28:00 to 28:59
Discussing the implications of controversial calls in football, particularly in the Super Bowl.
“A foul's a foul and you're going to get it called.”
Frustrations with College Football Rules
29:00 to 30:33
Exploring frustrations with college football rules and the inconsistencies in officiating.
“I know that I'm all for the players making money and all that stuff.”
Show all 17 chapters
The Future of Game Commentary
30:34 to 31:18
Imagining a future where commentary during sports is more candid and unfiltered.
“Me and Snoop, and it's streaming so we can curse and say whatever we want.”
Hilarious Moments in the Red Sox Booth
31:19 to 33:16
Recounting a memorable comedic experience in the Red Sox booth with fellow comedians.
“Didn't we already kind of have that with you and Lenny calling a Upliss moment?”
The Douchiest Move in Sports
33:17 to 34:28
Discussing controversial moves in college football, particularly regarding coaching.
“And Going Dutch premieres next week, Thursday, January 15th.”
Why Fighting is Accepted in Hockey
34:29 to 37:14
Explaining the rationale behind allowing fights in hockey and its implications.
“not for you to help me with my parenting.”
Wayne Gretzky's House and Trophy Collection
37:15 to 42:01
Sharing a humorous story about Wayne Gretzky's trophies and his home decor.
“By the way, you're talking to a guy that, first of all, I never won a fight in my life.”
Denis Leary's Visit and Movie Promotion
42:01 to 42:55
Denis Leary shares anecdotes and promotes his upcoming movie 'Going Dutch'.
“Are you up for finishing the hour with us?”
College Football Insights and Jaguar's Hopes
44:23 to 47:04
Discussion about college football, the Jaguars, and potential coaching changes.
“every Hyundai sold has helped fund life-saving pediatric cancer research together with over 850 dealers nationwide.”
Transcript
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1:25This is The Rich Eisen Show. the show. I'm in Miami. This is the Rich Eisen Show. First and back into the end zone. He runs it in. Live from the Rich Eisen Show studio in Los Angeles. Whoever counted us out, they're never part of the equation. Earlier on the show, actor and diehard Bears fan Ashton Kutcher. Coming up, Emmy-nominated actor Dennis Leary, senior writer for the MMQB, Albert Breer. And now, it's Rich Heisen
1:58Rich Eisen:that's right hour number two of the Rich Heisen show is on the air here on this Friday on ESPN and also Disney Plus the ESPN app ESPN radio so it's ESPN linear app and radio right now for our second hour of this show on Friday on ESPN Disney Plus as well 844-204 Rich is the number to dial we've got an eye out to see if Paul Feinbaum has left the country because there are no SEC teams left in the national championship run right now. Isn't that what our friend Paul said he would do? Because he doesn't want to hear from Big Ten fans. There hasn't been an SEC team in the title game for like the last three years.
2:34Rich Eisen:Well, a Big Ten team is going to make it to the national championship game to take on the U in the home of the U. So it'll be interesting if it's IU or it's Oregon taking on the University of Miami on Monday the 19th. That's in a couple of Mondays from now. So we talked about, we chopped that up, and then we just chatted with Ashton Kutcher for the rest of the hour of hour number one. He is a nervous-sided Bears fan. Yeah. Nervous and excited. I love how he says he wants the Bears to start like it's the fifth quarter and boycott cheese is what he said. I think that sums up the way a Bears fan is feeling about this game.
3:11Rich Eisen:Absolutely. On Saturday night. Dennis Leary is in our green room. Chris, you overheard during the commercial break he's talking about the World Series. Fired up about the World Series. Obviously, he's excited about the Patriots. No doubt. What else we can talk about? His hair looks great. I did chat with him because he was in our green room, and he sees that there's a lot of my stuff in there, and a lot of people are like, I don't mean to take over your office. I'm like, no, it's the green room. I think he picked up that a lot of the stuff in our orbit here of the knickknacks is because Susie gives me the sort of higher register of, you know why that would look better?
3:49Rich Eisen:Not here. Not here. Take it to the studio. And he said he's got a good Wayne Gretzky story off of all of that. Ooh, fantastic. I would stay tuned is basically what I'm saying. It's a Friday. It's a what's more likely Friday. We'll get to that in a second. But let's go to the phone lines because everybody's been hanging on, listening to our chat with Ashton Kutcher in our number one before Dennis Leary joins us. Right here on ESPN, which I assume is on in Carl's in the great state of Iowa. Ladies and gentlemen, Terzo in Iowa, one of our longtime. Good to see you over there, Terzo. What's going on, brother?
4:24Rich Eisen:What's up, my dudes? And, yes, you guys are on at Carl's, even though I'm not there. I just got back to my office from a court hearing. Okay, very good. Better call Terzo. What's going on in your mind? You're nervous about your Niners in Philadelphia this weekend, or you're feeling confident? What do we have? What do you got? So I have to go back to last week against the Sea Chickens, and, yes, I did hear about that earlier this week. Yeah, but one of our listeners in Seattle called up and doesn't like that you refer to him as such. Terzo? Yeah, yeah. I kind of gathered that, but that's, you know, banter back and forth between fan bases.
5:01I think that's something that's normal. But that was kind of an outlier game for us. That was the first time that we've only scored three points in a game since Kyle Shanahan's first game as our head coach. So I would say that that was a little bit of a pickup in our, say, our good season that we're having. Now, since we're actually going against a bird of prey this week, I am a little bit more nervous. This Eagles team I still think is dangerous. That defense, I think, can cause a lot of trouble for us. and that offense, if it gets going, it's going to be tough for our secondary to deal with their top two receivers.
5:44And, you know, A.J. Brown is still A.J. Brown.
5:48Rich Eisen:I agree with you, Terzo. I just find it interesting that you're feeling a little bit more nervous taking on an Eagles team that doesn't look at all like what the Seahawks have provided for their fans. And, you know, I understand it's an outlier for the Niners to score three points. I'm sure Seahawks fans would respond that maybe the Niners have not seen a defense like this Seattle team in all the years of the Shanahan era, and that's how good Seattle is. And I'm not going to disagree with you at all that that defense is top tier in this league. I will agree with Ashton Kutcher. It's always scary whenever you have to see a division rival in the playoffs because that rubber match is the toughest thing.
6:39So if we get to the point, if we get past the Eagles, that we have to play either the Rams or the Seahawks, it's going to be difficult. And I'm just focused on this week because I can't look past it, right?
6:51Rich Eisen:Yep. Thanks for the call, Terzo. Good luck to your team. We'll chat next week. Just a real thought, a quick thought here before we get to what's more likely and then Dennis Leary. 844-204-RICH, number to dial. This is now the time for the Philadelphia Eagles. To choke. Well, I know that's what a Cowboy fan would say. But this is it. Because, I mean, from this chair, I've been telling Eagles fans to relax when they were going through their midseason swoon, or even when they were beating Green Bay, but not up. They weren't beating up teams. but I was telling everybody in Philadelphia to relax. And the reason why I was telling them to relax, despite their mid to late season swoon, is because I saw the Raiders on their schedule and then I saw two games against Washington wrapped around a Bills game that turned out to be a measuring stick that the Eagles beat the Bills up with in one half and then held on for dear life in the second half in order to win that game.
8:01Rich Eisen:And I was telling them to relax, saying, listen, this is not like 2023 where you start 10-1 and then you have to go on the road in the playoffs and then you'll be one and done in Tampa. This is going to be something where you're going to win the division. You're going to have a home game and that's going to happen. So relax. But now's the time I will look to Philadelphia Eagles fans and say, the relaxing's over. Because now comes the time where you have to show up and show out. And if you have any mid-game swoons, if you have any offensive inconsistencies that might cause your stellar physical beast of a number one wide receiver to turn to a book on the bench, this is where things might come to an end.
8:58Rich Eisen:because the Niners can come in with Brock Purdy and there will not be Josh Johnson behind him and Christian McCaffrey if you somehow knock him out of the game like the last time you faced each other in an NFC championship game a few years ago. This is it. This is the rubber meets the road time for the Philadelphia Eagles to say to the rest of the league, we are your defending Super Bowl champions. you San Francisco nice season you had there cobbling it all together with all your injuries but you're in our house that is our banner to defend and not today and show up like they did in last year's playoffs and go and start beating some teams up and showing that they are in fact a viable candidate to repeat.
9:54Rich Eisen:And few people really believe that. And this is their time to do it. And Jalen Hurts to show up in these big games like he does in the Super Bowls and lead the way. And Saquon Barkley to lead the way. And their defense to lead the way. This is it. And it's going to be awesome. And the whole country's watching right there on Fox, late window before the Patriots and the Chargers have had it. Can't wait. It's going to be awesome. It's going to be all out there. And yes, TJ, maybe you will get your wish at the end of the day that the Philadelphia Eagles are one and done. And it'll be still maybe three NFC West teams moving on to the division round.
10:44Rich Eisen:It'll be three out of the four remaining NFC teams are all from the same division if the Rams do to Carolina what everyone expects to kick off wildcard weekend. Maybe you get your wish. Let's hope so. And you can say hello to Carl Anthony Towns, who has done nothing but clown you since appearing on this program two summers ago and as Jalen Hurts gamer and falling in love with you and becoming obsessed with clowning you, the Cowboy fan in his life. People tend to like me, so it makes sense. Understood. Like Ashton Kutcher in Hour One. Dennis Leary's in our green room. Before we bring him out, it is time for What's More Likely, presented by Pella Windows and Doors.
11:22Rich Eisen:Hit it. What? What's more likely? Never say never, but never. All right, Christopher, what do you have over there? Hey, everybody. Happy Friday. This is great. A pre-wildcard weekend edition of What's More Likely. And by the way, the first ever brought to you by our friends at Pella Windows and Doors. This is a big one. This is big. This is big. On ESPN. And it is supersized. And Disney+. So let's go. And ESPN the app. Guys, more likely. And ESPN Radio. More likely to be the watch. Are you done? Yes, I am. Thank you. And Sirius X. Keep going. And our podcast. YouTube. More likely to be the bigger, wider, winning margin.
12:03Indiana tonight over Oregon or any wildcard game this weekend. Wow. We all expected.
12:09Rich Eisen:Oh, I'll take any wildcard game over the weekend. I think Indiana and Oregon is going to be nice and tight. Really? We thought that against Indiana. I understand that, but this is a conference game, Chris. So? There was only 10 points up there in Oregon, so you think the Oregon home field advantage that day is worth seven points and it'll be a 17-point victory or 20-something? I don't think it's coming down to a Hail Mary tonight. I will go with the wider winning margin will be one of the wild card games this weekend. Interesting. Is what I will do. Yes, sir. I'm not taking my shot to identify which one it may be.
12:47Okay.
12:48Rich Eisen:I'll screw it. I'll do it. No, I'm going to pin you down on like two more topics. Okay, sounds good. More likely. I thought you were opening that Pella window for me. Close. I'm going to open the Pella door and two topics. Look at you. More likely duo to combine for more yards, Puka and Devante or T-Mac, and hit him with the Rico. Hit him with the Rico. Come on, man. I don't know what that means. Puka and Devante. Come on, man. Well, all Devontae Adams does is catch one-yard touchdown. So how's he going to get yards? Yeah, I think he's got some chunk plays in him, too. And it's been a month since he went down in a heap against the Lions.
13:23Rich Eisen:He's healthy. I was in the stadium that day, and I did turn to Cooper. I'm like, you won't see him to the playoffs. And I was right. And I'm going to be right on this one as well. End of story. What else you got over there, Chris? More likely that that is the most lopsided game, Rams, Panthers, this weekend, or any wild card game goes to overtime. Oh, I'll go any wild card game goes to overtime. How does that sound? I didn't think you'd do that. You didn't think I'd? I'm zagging. I'm zagging. You're zigging, I'm zagging. I think that's going to be a close one. Really? Yeah. See, this is your way to pin me down on which one might be lopsided.
14:02Yeah, I made a ten and a half point spread.
14:04Rich Eisen:I'm going to go with the potential lopsided one. The Jaguars against the Bills. Jaguars have been winning games by 19 per, sir. I'm aware. Okay. I'm aware. And if Allen is somewhat banged up, Terrell Bernard is not playing in this game. He's one of three named Bills players to be ruled out. I'm just saying, everybody's zigging that, oh, here comes Josh Allen and Jacksonville is going to be the Washington Generals, and I'm going to flip that script. Christopher. What else you got over there? More likely to be the bigger number. I'm a script flipper. Guys, be careful saying that 10 times fast. We're going to have some weather in Chicago.
14:49Rich Eisen:Bigger number. Inches of snow during the game in Chicago or Bears forced turnovers. Mike Del Tufo is the Rich Eisen show meteorologist slash audio executive. I've not researched. But in terms of not researching, you mean Mike Hoskins, The coordinator producer did not furnish you with this information. Chances are it's probably going to snow. All right, Chris, I'm going to go with thank you, pal. Boy, what a limb you're going on. Throw that out there. All right, you, Mr. Doppler. You got it over? I mean, I have no idea. I haven't paid attention to the weather. Oh, 65 % chance of precipitation. It's going to be right around freezing.
15:25Rich Eisen:We're getting some snow in this game. I'll go Bears force turnovers. How about that? You're going to pick the Bears, aren't you? I'm wavering. I'm waffling. Leaning. Well, if you asked me when Ashton was here, of course I'd give him what he wants to hear. That's what it means to be a host with the most. What else, Chris? Is there more likely to be more games that come down to the final possession this weekend? Or coaches that'll be fired after this weekend? Oh, I'll go. Come on, man. So what do you see? You're saying if the bills do get blown out, see you later to, you know. Sean McDermott? Yeah.
16:05You said that, not me.
16:06Rich Eisen:No, no, I'm trying to, I'm going in my head now. I'm working too many lanes right here, thinking of what the Bills might do and what the Steelers might do. And who else? Who else? If the Packers get waxed. Let me just say this. Let me just say this. There's three teams. If they get waxed. First of all, I'm going to go with down to the final position. Okay. Let me address the Packers fans who think Matt LaFleur should be on the hot seat. How can I put this? Get out of here. With that noise. You don't want to say anything. Come on, man. With respect or anything. Come on. Get out of here. Okay. With that noise.
16:45Rich Eisen:What else, Chris? More likely to be the quarterback with more rushing yards and touchdowns on Sunday. Jake Mayer or who? Josh Allen or Trevor Lawrence. Oh, wow. You want to just one? I thought, okay, we haven't gotten to the Patriot honking yet. Trevor Lawrence has nine touchdowns rushing this year. Um, I'm going to go with, I'll go Josh Allen. I think that's going to be one of their main engines of their offense, is just see what Josh Allen can do. I will do that. Although I'm thinking if it's a Jaguars blowout, I just kind of, I'm covering bases here. I understand. Okay. I'm on the pass line and the don't pass line.
17:29Rich Eisen:I understand. I understand. More likely to have more total yards. Christian McCaffrey or any two Eagles players combined? Oh, I'll go any two Eagles players combined. Really? You love that offense? I love the Eagles defense more. Come on. Saquon and A.J. Brown together will not eclipse the total yards from scrimmage for Christian McCaffrey? Watch the Eagles play games this year? Okay. You don't know what you're getting. Okay. I'm picking up what you're putting down. I've given you my answer. What else you got over there? I think the Eagles win. Okay. By the way, we're going to check our work on Monday's show.
18:03Rich Eisen:On Disney+. More likely to be the longest. And ESPN Radio. To be the longest play on Sunday. Any Drake May completion. Any Travion Henderson run. Or any Dicker the Kicker field goal. Oh. Dicker the Kicker field goal 50-something yards. Drake May only does his throw bombs. I know that. And Travion only does his bust it. And only hits home runs. Yeah. They haven't seen a defense like this. I'll say Dick are the kicker field goals. You keep saying that, but the stats don't really back that up. Excuse me. The best ranked defense that your Patriots have faced all year is Buffalo's, which depending on which day they played them, 11th or 12th.
18:46Rich Eisen:Against the pass, it's Cleveland. Excuse me. Total defense. It's total, right? You run and pass in football. They have not faced a defense like the Los Angeles Chargers. Of San Diego. Of San Diego. Formerly of San Diego. So, San Diego. Okay? San Diego. They haven't faced them. They will. More likely to be the bigger total guys. Will Anderson, Daniil Hunter sacks or DK Metcalf and Jalen Warren touchdowns. Sacks by Will Anderson and Daniil Hunter. Did I stutter? I did not. I mean, he didn't. I didn't stutter. I just said it. Wow. Steelers, no chance. That's what I heard from Rich Eisen. I didn't stop it.
19:29Rich Eisen:Get out of here with that. That's what I heard. How dare you? How dare you? Do you think we need one more? Okay. All right. We'll get one more. Can you play my boy? We're on ESPN. Play my boy. You have one more. I did not notice. Two different drops. What else? Guys, is it more likely... This is for you, Richard. Is this the one? Is this the one I requested? This is the one. Okay, great. We have three options. Is it more likely that Jerry Jones wins the next four Super Bowls and retires or he buys an electric car? What am I missing here? Well, he's an oil man. Thank you. He's Mr. Landman. Thank you.
20:06Rich Eisen:Right? Yeah. But he said he's running Venezuela now. That's right. An electric car. Sold. I would. What else are the other ones? What are the other options? Is it more likely that Jerry Jones wins the next four Super Bowls and retires or? With the most Super Bowls of anybody. Or he admits that it was 100 % Jimmy Johnson. Settle down just a little bit. I think he admits it's 100 % Jimmy Johnson. Or actually, no. He wins the next four Super Bowls. It's more likely we win five Super Bowls than he admits that it was 100. And the last one. This is great. Is it more likely that Jerry Jones wins the next four Super Bowls and retires?
20:41Or reveals he's been watched all of heated rivalry?
20:55Rich Eisen:I got to be honest, I don't know what he shoots. He scores. You should Google that one. Listen, is that was that a Sarah Tiana special? This was a collective Brockman. I will answer the Super Bowl one. Google it is all I'm saying. But just if I got to Google, it's not going to be that. Not that there's anything wrong with that last one. Of course not. that's what's more likely brought to you by Pella Windows and Doors when it comes to your home Pella Windows and Doors always have that winning game plan that's why your neighbors trust them visit Pella.com slash Eisen let's take a break Dennis Leary bring him on out here Dennis Leary is here in support of his show going Dutch coming up
21:47Rich Eisen:Get into the Hyundai Getaway sales event and get away with a deal so right, it almost feels wrong. Because 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. In my line of work, I'm fortunate enough to travel quite a bit covering the biggest moments through the football season.
22:24Rich Eisen:While I'm on the road, I sometimes miss the comforts of home, which is why when I travel with my family, we always check Airbnb for places to stay. It's our home away from home, providing the comfort and safety that allows us to wind down and relax. Families like mine are looking for homes that fit their needs to make new memories in, and your home may be exactly what they're looking for. If you're looking to save up for a new addition to your house or a once-in-a-lifetime trip to see your favorite band in another country, for instance, hosting your house on Airbnb could help you reach those goals.
22:58Rich Eisen:It's easy to list your home for short trips or extended periods of time, allowing your house to earn you some extra money. Make your home work for you while you're away and enjoy the benefits of hosting on Airbnb. Your home may be worth more than you think. Find out how much at Airbnb.com slash host. Rich Eisen here. The tax deadline will be here before you know it. And you just want to know your taxes are actually being handled. But the old way, you hand everything off and then silence. Days pass. Weeks pass. You start wondering, should I send another follow-up email? It feels like you're chasing updates and getting nowhere.
Read the full transcript
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24:28the rich eisen show podcast dennis leary back here on the program i i love when you come by
24:34Rich Eisen:here man because you're you're you're just such a a friend of the program and i truly mean that we go way back to when we were just a podcast on nfl network and you sat down with us in new york talking to us i don't even remember that what was that what was that 12 years ago chris is it really yeah something like that oh my god yeah this show's been on the air 11 years so we go back like the old proverbial car seat, man. That's awesome. Yeah, well, you were talking rescue me and everything going on. Oh, yeah, man. Yeah, and probably. Back in your day. Damn. For sure. Crazy. One of your days. It's amazing that we should be, we're very lucky that the two of us are still working.
25:08We are still here. At the age that we're at. And you've got the flowing mane. I'm still quite bald.
25:13Rich Eisen:Listen. Well, you got some hair there. You see, no, you just went higher register. I know, I did. You know what I mean? I did. And that's what we say here on this show. you got to go higher register to give someone a compliment you don't really mean i know it's i i do mean it though i'm trying to help you listen you have some hair that you know that's hanging on by a thread hair on the face and you got hair in the back of the head i'm out of how much hair do you want i'm out of options okay i mean yeah i mean listen this is all genetic i this has nothing to do with me and even like the going great thing you might you know it's like it's going to happen soon there's some gray coming in now um but it's all out of my control what can i do it is what it is is that a football coach would say can i just had ashton kochie here talking about his bears are you nervous excited about your here's the okay so here's the thing where we stand here uh the patriots i don't know what i love rabel i think he's he's done an amazing job yeah they quarterback you know i never thought he'd he'd grow that quickly correct i never thought the team would be back this quickly yes sir but it's like they played a bunch of high school not even like top high school teams like second rate high school their schedule was like let's get a bunch of kids from Massachusetts who were 16 to play the Patriots.
26:28I mean it's the softest schedule I've ever seen so I don't know what to make of it. They were exciting they look good but they haven't so I don't know. But as a football fan I'm literally as you were saying earlier I'm literally I'm waking up tomorrow the Bruins game is on at 10 in the morning so I watch the Bruins game and then I'm going to watch those two football games. I'm going to go to bed and I'm going to wake up and I'm going to watch three football it's an entire football weekend with a side order of hockey and I couldn't be more excited about it. I've got to actually do I'm going back to New York next week to do some more press and I'm doing some other ESPN shows so I will it is like research I think I can write it off because I'm going to just be talking football with those guys but I'm really excited because I think it's such a toss up I mean I don't expect anything out of the Patriots, so it's all gravy, right?
27:19Yes. I'm also a Packers fan, as you know, and so I don't know what to make of it. I think it's really anybody can win here.
27:27Rich Eisen:That is correct, and it's the same thing with college football. It's wide open. Anybody can win it. It's sort of like a crazy level playing field for college and pro football. Did you guys already talk about the game last night? Go for it. What do you want to talk about? How did you feel about that last play? And the no call after 17 million calls on every passing play in the fourth quarter. It just drives me nuts that you hear from anybody that's ever officiated and then goes and becomes an analyst or a rules official or anyone in the league will tell you as well that it doesn't matter the circumstances of the time on the clock.
28:03Rich Eisen:A foul's a foul and you're going to get it called. Again, ask any Philadelphia Eagle fan that thought in the Super Bowl a couple of years ago that that holding penalty should have just been a flag staying in someone's pocket. By the way, listen, and I'm a huge hockey fan. I'm all for, hey, it's the playoffs, and it's the final period or the last time. Let's let them play. I'm all for that. But that's not what they were doing in the fourth quarter. They were calling everything. Right. Even that little face mask thing, which I get. Yeah. Right? So, man, you have to call that. That was not a true Hail Mary play either because that was just the two of them in that corner.
28:36Rich Eisen:And it was a 30-something yarder, but it is still a prayer that you need to have answered. It's like roller derby. Anything goes in a Hail Mary situation. By the way, I have no dog in that hunt, I didn't think. But as the game went on, I'm like, you know, I really want Ole Miss to win this. Why is that? To give the finger to Lane Kiffin. Because that was the most bizarre, or as we say in Boston, bizarre circumstance. You can never imagine a team being in it. I know that I'm all for the players making money and all that stuff. I think it's all great. They deserve all that. But that was the douchiest move I've ever seen in the history of sports for coaches.
29:13Rich Eisen:To just leave on the outside like that. Yeah, and then he sends out that tweet. Yeah. I'm not even going to say what I would normally say. But you can imagine what I would. There it is. There it is right there. Pass interference 100. What I said to the TV when I saw this this morning, I think it was get up. Yeah. I was like, well, I can't say it here. But I was like. It was some choice words. Let me say I was pointing fingers at the television. And a middle one. Yes. So understood. So anyways, that that pissed me off. College football drives me crazy. Anyways, I don't have I don't support any particular team.
29:44Right. But the rules drive me nuts. The hash marks, the tiny ball and like like pass interference is not a spot call. Why? It's minor league football. It's triple A football. Right. That's what it is. Right. It's a feeding system to the NFL. You should be using the same ball. Move the hash marks closer and two feet in.
30:02Rich Eisen:Yeah. All the rules should be exactly the same. And that if your knee hits the ground, it doesn't blow the play completely dead. You can move the chains without stopping the clock. I understand that. Play pro ball. Yeah, the stop in the clock to move the chains was when, you know, the Herbert Hoover chain gang couldn't get down the field 10 yards. Don't even get me started on this stuff. I mean, why are we not the immediate calls? Why are we taking in every sport? Why are we taking breaks to look at replays and blah, blah, blah? Listen, you have people. We know what the call is. just you should have a headpiece in the in the refs whatever sport it is in their ears and they're told by the office in new york toronto wherever you want them to of the replay office to be that that's a foul that's uh that's not a goal what if we put you in the replay office i would love it what would dennis leary in the uh art mcnally uh center i don't i don't think we're far off from me finally reaching my ultimate show business dream which would be streaming.
31:00I'm calling a game. Let me say I'm with Snoop. Snoop's great at calling games. Me and Snoop, and it's streaming so we can curse and say whatever we want. And I think people will pay to watch him and I announce any sport, any sport, with cursing and our own honest opinions about what's going on. Just let it go. Yeah, yeah, yeah.
31:20Rich Eisen:Didn't we already kind of have that with you and Lenny calling a Upliss moment? In the Red Sox booth? That was the craziest thing we were supposed to be in that booth for about a half an inning we ended up being in there for like i don't know it's like 40 minutes that euclid thing came out of nowhere that still makes me laugh it made me laugh that night we were talking about you just snorted we were just talking about that before uh before you got you arrived here like you know that was if people don't know i think it's on youtube someplace it's me and lenny clark uh one of the a great comedy, a comedian and actor.
31:54And, uh, we were invited, we were both on rescue me and we were invited into the Red Sox booth. We threw out the first pitch. We double throughout the first pitch together and we crisscrossed our pitches.
32:05Rich Eisen:Like ghostbuster streams. We threw from the mound and we crisscrossed our pitches to two different catchers. It's amazing. Anyways. And we went to the park and we went to the Boston common and practiced it, uh, during the day before we got to Fenway. Okay. Yeah. So people thought we were crazy. Like they're throwing, pitches to two different catches. Anyways, and then they invited us in the booth to talk about the show and my firefighters charity, Leary Firefighters Foundation. And the inning just took off. And the Euclid thing came up. It was right after Mel Gibson had been stopped on that DUI.
32:38Yes. And it insulted every Jew in the world, right? And so it just was so crazy. Anyways, it's on YouTube. You gotta check that out. And the best thing, too, is Don Don and Remy were just, they couldn't keep a straight face. They couldn't keep it together to call the game. They just let you guys go. At one point, we were standing up talking, and they were seated. At one point, I was looking at Lenny as he was saying something, and I could see Don laughing in his seat here, and then we heard a poof, and we looked over, and Remy was on the floor laughing.
33:13Rich Eisen:Orcillo and Remy on Nesson, man. That was awesome. That was great times, man. Dennis Leary here on The Rich Eisen Show again. And Going Dutch premieres next week, Thursday, January 15th. By the way, Carson Beck, what is he, like 37? He's close to it. 37 years old? By the way, he was in the same recruiting class as two starting quarterbacks. I know. On the ballpark weekend. It's unbelievable. CJ Stroud and Bryce Young. And Anthony Richardson, too. He's been in college for 15 years. He's going to be in college for another five years. It's unbelievable. Why not? With what they're getting paid. I mean, I love that they're getting paid and all that stuff.
33:41But it's really, it's ridiculous. Like, you know, he's 24? 23.
33:46Rich Eisen:He turns 24 next November when he's probably going to start some team in the NFL. No, he's not. He's going to be playing for Ole Miss next year for$17 million. Or for Lane at LSU. Yeah, he'll be coaching at LSU because Lane will have left after the first two games to go coach. Dude, that was so douchey. All of that was so douchey. The leaving and then the video of him at the airport. But the douchiest thing is sending it. Don't send out that tweet. Leave the team alone. Don't get involved. He's supporting. Nobody believes you. He's pissed me. Nobody believes. Lane, stop. Because if they'd scored a touchdown and won the game, he would have gotten three quarters of a million dollars, by the way, at the very least.
34:28Rich Eisen:Right. You're the perfect guy to ask this question to, not for you to help me with my parenting. So my 14-year-old son Cooper shows me a video from one of the NHL games recently where the two players are squaring off to fight. And he says to me, Dad, the referee is right there and he's letting them fight. Why do they let them fight in hockey? And I figured you, Dennis, you've never played hockey, right? I have never laced them up to play hockey. So the problem, here's the problem. Yes. Is in that sport, because of the speed, you have a weapon in your hand because of the speed, right? Even for old guys like me, I still play.
35:08Like fights break out, you know, in our. but it takes so long for all of us because we're so old to skate over to break the guys up that they have to actually, but by the time they've started, you know, they're pulling muscles and everything. Cause we're old. Anyways, the problem in hockey is it, even if you don't want full contact, it's going to end up full contact. Cause people are on skates. They're moving at a fast speed at the professional level. You've got, your line is like three guys in your two defensemen when you're out there. If Wayne Gretzky is out there, right. And he, Wayne's basically, I think I weighed more than Wayne in his prime at that time.
35:46You know, he was built like me. He's a skinny. He was a great player, but he couldn't take contact, right? And if I know Wayne's on the line and I'm not going to have to fight somebody, I'll just take him out of the game. I'll swing a stick and break his ankle or hit him in the mouth, right? Just take him out of the game. It's a smart move. Okay. But I'm not going to do that if I have to fight Dave Semenko, who used to be one of them, or Marty McSorley. I'm just not going to do it, right? So, you know, like Cam Neely, when you get guys like Cam Neely who could score 50 goals and beat the crap out of you, those are few and far between those type of players that are snipers and can kick your ass.
36:21Rich Eisen:So this is why, because the enforcement to prevent you from taking out a star player is why the NHL lets you fight? You know what I mean? That's what my son is like. Why would you? Because you can't trust the referees. They're not going to. If I knock Wayne Gretzky out of the game with a dirty hit. Right. And nobody's going to fight me. I'll take the five minutes. I'll even leave the game and get kicked out because I'm just the guy that knocks people down, right? But I've taken out the guy that averages two goals a game, three points a game, whatever it is. So you have to have a system where I won't do it because if I knock Wayne down, Marty McSorley is going to literally take my head, put it up my own ass, and then kick me like a balloon into the crowd.
37:05So that's the deterrent. You know what I mean? No, stop. So that's how it works. Okay, I'm going to show this to my son. So thank you for that. By the way, you're talking to a guy that, first of all, I never won a fight in my life. He can't win a fight anyways. It's the level of hockey I play. Because even if you win the fight, supposedly, you get hurt. But I must have been in a thousand fights with my brother. We lived in the same bedroom the whole time we were growing up. He's way bigger than me. He was a football player. And I lost a thousand. Let's say there was a thousand fights. I lost a thousand times.
37:38So, you know, I don't want to fight anybody on the ice.
37:42Rich Eisen:So your brother's undefeated and you're just defeated is what you're saying. But I always got him because he was bigger than me and way better fighter. My brother was a great fighter, great street fighter, too. I always got him because he's funny, but I'm quicker than him. So he would win and the fight would be over. And I was way faster than him. And I would say the final funny thing and take off. And he couldn't catch me. so it was like it was great but even if i fought my brother today i would still lose did you said in the back that you had a great gretzky story what's your oh you were talking about so yeah people who don't know i the many times i've been here yes sir i went to hang up uh uh my my jacket that i wore here and they said oh yeah just use this closet i've been in that room a million times i didn't know there was a closet i opened a closet it's all rich's clothing that he he wears on the show but there's also some clothes that look like his wife told him to get rid of that are here right and there's like stacked framed sports uh uh things in there yeah and and so when he came in i was like are those stacked framed big items in the closet things your wife wouldn't let you hang in the house and he's like yeah so pretty much yeah on target so in my house i have one sports thing that it's not even hanging up right now because my wife did my office over i'm only allowed to put stuff in my office, right?
39:05So I have this great picture from the 2010, the second Winter Classic, NHL Winter Classic, was at Fenway Park. And it was the Bruins versus the Flyers. But they also set up this charity game that benefited the Bruins Foundation and my Leary Firefighters Foundation. Celebrities and Bruins alumni, mostly, right? So, the day that we played that game was the day after the Winter Classic, there was 35 ,000 people at the charity game, and it was a blizzard. So, I mean, that's such a hockey town. That is indeed. Yeah, sure. 35 ,000 people showed up. It was a blizzard. But I was on a line with Cam Neely and Pat LaFontaine.
39:51Oh, my. So I have a shot that the Bruins photographer took, and it's me and Cam on the bench. My number's three. It says Leary three, and it says Neely eight. And we're talking about planning some stuff. Up in between us is the Fenway Park sign above home plate. So I have a, Bruin sent me a framed thing. So that's the only sports thing I was allowed to hang in the house because my wife knows Cam. We're all friendly and our kids grew up together and all that stuff. But no other sports stuff is allowed in the house. No posters, no signpost, no pictures of me with Pat and blah, blah, blah. None of that stuff.
40:28so years ago god this was back in uh i used to skate when uh when he was with the kings he would skate in a pickup game this game that jerry bruckheimer has it's a sunday and monday nights just pick up you know uh and uh and so chelios and gretzky and a few nhl guys would skate in the that game in august to get back ready before camp so he said um hey when the season starts if you're in town you want to come down and skate and practice with the kings i was like Like, yeah, I'd love to do that. So the night before I was in, months later in L.A., the night before we went to do it, I had a friend with me.
41:06He was from Toronto. He was a great hockey player. And we were at Wayne's house having a couple of beers. And my friend said, I'd love to play tomorrow because Wayne invited him. He said, but I didn't bring my stuff. He's like, well, what size skate are you? Because I've got skates out in the garage, right? He's like, well, I'm a whatever it was, nine and a half. He goes, come on, let's go out in the garage. Now, we're in the house, by the way. the house is beautiful but there's not that I investigated the whole house there's no sports stuff hanging up, there's no Wayne Gretzky things in the house, it's just all nice artwork and stuff and no trophies or anything, we got in the garage it's like a two car garage, three car garage and there's all these boxes and shelves and he's opening boxes and he's like check that box, I open the box it's like the MVP trophy I go this is a trophy, he goes oh yeah that's the heart trophy try that one, I open that and I go what is this he goes oh that's that's the that's another mvp trophy what hang on i go what why is this stuff out he goes oh she won't let me put that stuff in the house wow that's wayne gretzky the great one and he pulls out a pair of skates and gives it to my friend and i'm like that's
42:10Rich Eisen:like this is crazy meanwhile above above the mantle is this big uh flamingo kid movie poster Yeah, exactly.
42:20Rich Eisen:Wait a minute. Yeah, man. Listen, that's the way it goes, man. Happy wife, happy life, right? Oh, my gosh. Are you up for finishing the hour with us? You got to run out of here? I don't know. What's my timing? It's a people. Can we stay? I know. It's a full day. We got to take off. Do I have to leave now? Yeah, sure. All right. Whatever. Good to see you, man. Hey, man, it was a blast. It's always a blast. I love this place. Right back at you. Everybody check out Going Dutch premieres next week, Thursday, January 15th, 930 on Fox, available the next day on Hulu. Dennis Leary. Guys, thank you. Thanks, guys.
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44:03Rich Eisen:The Rich Eisen Show, the podcast. Back here on the Rich Eisen Show radio, a simulcast with our friends at ESPN and Disney Plus and more. As you know, I care deeply about pediatric cancer research and awareness. That's why I'm so proud to talk about Hyundai Hope on Wheels. Did you know for over 27 years, every Hyundai sold has helped fund life-saving pediatric cancer research together with over 850 dealers nationwide. They have raised more than$277 million, supporting over 25 ,000 kids in their fight against cancer. Visit HyundaiUSA.com and search Hyundai Hope on Wheels to learn more at Hyundai.
44:39Rich Eisen:Hope isn't optional. It comes standard. Let's sneak in Mitchell in Pensacola, Florida, before we send things over to our three. What's up, Mitchell? Rich, fellas, how you doing? What's up, bud? What's on your mind there in Pensacola? It is a wonderful weekend. This is one of the best weekends for the sports calendar. Last night was an epic game. It was. It's good for college football. This weekend, I'm rooting for my Jags. It has been a long time since we have had a great team like this. the hype in Florida is amazing. That's cool. I'm looking forward to it. I don't think it's a must-win for Trevor Lawrence and Liam Cohen.
45:17They're ahead of schedule. I feel like it's 1999 when the Jags went 14-2, ended up losing to the Titans in the playoffs. That's okay. I just wanted to ask, what are your thoughts, if Josh Allen were to lose this weekend, do you think he'll get a new head coach?
45:35Rich Eisen:What are your thoughts behind that? That is the word that, you know, maybe they will because, you know, to use the story that Tom Pelissero, my colleague from NFL Network, said yesterday that owners watch what other owners do. And if other owners are like, well, I'm going to bounce my guy who's been here for such a long time, despite the level of success that we've consistently had and sacrifice that coach on the altar of, yeah, but we haven't won it all with our MVP quarterback or gotten to the Super Bowl with our MVP quarterback. in the same way what the Ravens just did with John Harbaugh, that the Bills might do something like that.
46:11Rich Eisen:I will say this. The Jaguars, you know, if I'm not mistaken, when they made it in 1999 and did what they did, did they make it back any time soon after that? I don't recall exactly. They've only made the playoffs three times in the last 18 years. They made it with David Garrard and Byron Lethwich. No, I'm taking a look. That's what I'm saying. up. And thank you for the call, Mitchell. Greatly appreciate what you're saying. Yeah, the Jaguars made it in that 1999 season with 14 wins, lost in the conference championship game, and then didn't make it back until 2005, got one and done, and then in 2007, lost in the divisional round, and then after that came the Blake Bortles almost beat the Patriots in the conference championship game in 2017.
47:00Rich Eisen:Now's the moment. Now is the moment for the Jacksonville Jaguars. And also, now's the moment, one would think for you know josh allen because of who's not in the playoffs that have always stood in his way chiefs etc um bengals we shall see we're going to talk about that in hour number three albert breer of sports illustrated is going to join us from the mmqb the top of the next hour we say farewell to our radio audience for hour two the rich eisen show podcast Monster Energy. Everybody knows White Monster, Zero Ultra. That's the OG. It kicked off this whole Zero Sugar Energy drink thing. But Ultra is a whole line up now.
47:43You've got Strawberry Dreams, Blue Hawaiian, Sunrise, and Vice Guava. And they all bring the Monster Energy punch. So if you've been living in the white can, branch out. Ultra's got a flavor for every vibe. And every single one is Zero Sugar. Tap the banner to learn more. Thank you.
From the publisher
Rich has a message for Philadelphia Eagles fans (and the Eagles as a team) ahead of their Wild Card showdown with the San Francisco 49ers, and in ‘What’s More Likely’ Rich weighs in on Oregon vs Indiana, the NFL Wild Card games, and Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones’ desire to win 4 more Super Bowls before he retires.
Actor/comedian Denis Leary joins Rich in-studio to discuss the new season of his ‘Going Dutch’ FOX sitcom, his New England Patriots’ Super Bowl chances, explains why he has big issues with the non-pass interference call at the end of the Miami vs Ole Miss CFP semifinals game and Lake Kiffin ditching the Rebels for LSU, explains why hockey refs let players fight, and shares a great story about that shows why even GOATs like Wayne Gretzky have to adhere to the ‘happy wife, happy life’ maxim.
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