1 00:00:07,226 --> 00:00:09,666 Speaker 1: The Season with Peter Schrager as a production of the 2 00:00:09,786 --> 00:00:24,026 Speaker 1: NFL in partnership with I Heart Radio. Welcome everybody to 3 00:00:24,146 --> 00:00:27,586 Speaker 1: the Season with Peter Schragers a rare double dip. We're 4 00:00:27,586 --> 00:00:31,346 Speaker 1: doing two episodes in one week, and we thought we would, 5 00:00:31,426 --> 00:00:34,826 Speaker 1: uh would spend some time talking about Tom Brady's retirement. 6 00:00:34,866 --> 00:00:37,186 Speaker 1: And it was easy enough to wait till next week 7 00:00:37,186 --> 00:00:39,146 Speaker 1: and jump on and be like, hey, we're gonna do no, 8 00:00:39,626 --> 00:00:42,426 Speaker 1: let's do it right here, right now. Tom Brady, it's Wednesday, 9 00:00:42,946 --> 00:00:45,146 Speaker 1: just retired from the NFL in a video that he 10 00:00:45,266 --> 00:00:49,386 Speaker 1: filmed on his own phone. That was such a departure 11 00:00:49,426 --> 00:00:52,186 Speaker 1: from last year's whatever the hell was going on with 12 00:00:52,346 --> 00:00:55,666 Speaker 1: you know, first a schefter report, then he retires, but 13 00:00:55,706 --> 00:00:57,866 Speaker 1: he says he's not retiring, and then he un retires. 14 00:00:57,866 --> 00:01:02,746 Speaker 1: It was just a mess. This year, Brady retires by 15 00:01:03,026 --> 00:01:05,866 Speaker 1: just doing a simple, raw, honest video. Here's what he 16 00:01:05,906 --> 00:01:10,226 Speaker 1: had to say to his millions of followers. Good morning, guys. 17 00:01:10,626 --> 00:01:15,746 Speaker 1: I'll get to the point right away. I'm retiring for good. 18 00:01:17,146 --> 00:01:20,066 Speaker 1: I know the process was a pretty big deal last time. 19 00:01:20,106 --> 00:01:22,386 Speaker 1: So when I woke up this morning, I figured I 20 00:01:22,506 --> 00:01:25,666 Speaker 1: just press record and let you guys know first, so 21 00:01:26,586 --> 00:01:29,106 Speaker 1: I won't be long winded like you only get one 22 00:01:29,186 --> 00:01:33,466 Speaker 1: super emotional retirement essay and I used my up last year. 23 00:01:33,586 --> 00:01:37,506 Speaker 1: So really, thank you guys so much to every single 24 00:01:37,546 --> 00:01:43,266 Speaker 1: one of you for supporting me, my family, my friends, 25 00:01:43,506 --> 00:01:48,906 Speaker 1: my teammates, my competitors. I could go on forever. There's 26 00:01:48,946 --> 00:01:52,466 Speaker 1: too many. Um thank you guys for allowing me to 27 00:01:52,506 --> 00:01:58,586 Speaker 1: live my absolute dream. I wouldn't change the thing. I 28 00:01:58,626 --> 00:02:01,706 Speaker 1: love you all. I'm not going to spend today's podcast 29 00:02:01,786 --> 00:02:04,546 Speaker 1: going through all the Bradies accomplishments and listing all the 30 00:02:04,546 --> 00:02:07,626 Speaker 1: amazing winds and moments. I'll just say the announcement of 31 00:02:07,666 --> 00:02:10,506 Speaker 1: the news itself. Here's what I got. I have sources 32 00:02:10,546 --> 00:02:14,186 Speaker 1: close to Brady and here the video was filmed days ago, 33 00:02:14,426 --> 00:02:16,666 Speaker 1: So that wasn't filmed this morning. That was a video 34 00:02:16,666 --> 00:02:19,746 Speaker 1: that he filmed days ago. He went to the eighty 35 00:02:19,746 --> 00:02:22,706 Speaker 1: for Brady movie premiere last night in Los Angeles. By 36 00:02:22,746 --> 00:02:25,466 Speaker 1: the time that he posted the video, the sun was 37 00:02:25,546 --> 00:02:29,026 Speaker 1: not up, so in l A clearly that that would 38 00:02:29,026 --> 00:02:31,266 Speaker 1: not be him on the beach Wednesday morning. All that 39 00:02:31,306 --> 00:02:34,066 Speaker 1: will be forgotten um days from now. No one cares 40 00:02:34,066 --> 00:02:36,026 Speaker 1: about it. But what that The big takeaway is that 41 00:02:36,106 --> 00:02:39,066 Speaker 1: he's known for for some time now that he was retiring. 42 00:02:39,906 --> 00:02:42,386 Speaker 1: Sources with the Buccaneers told me they found out this 43 00:02:42,426 --> 00:02:45,106 Speaker 1: morning prior to the video being posted. They were giving 44 00:02:45,106 --> 00:02:46,946 Speaker 1: a heads up that Brady was calling a quit. So 45 00:02:47,026 --> 00:02:49,386 Speaker 1: think about the sequence of time here and his head. 46 00:02:49,506 --> 00:02:53,146 Speaker 1: He's watching the games over the weekend, the decisions probably formulating. 47 00:02:53,146 --> 00:02:55,466 Speaker 1: It is probably formulating for a couple of weeks, makes 48 00:02:55,506 --> 00:02:59,706 Speaker 1: the decision. Films. The video flies to l A does 49 00:02:59,786 --> 00:03:02,506 Speaker 1: this movie premiere thing? Is asked a million questions I'm 50 00:03:02,546 --> 00:03:06,186 Speaker 1: sure um does on the red carpet, doesn't give any 51 00:03:06,506 --> 00:03:08,786 Speaker 1: doesn't address it. How's the Jim Gray podcast? Somewhere in 52 00:03:08,826 --> 00:03:11,426 Speaker 1: there where he tells Jim Gray He's not answering any questions, 53 00:03:11,986 --> 00:03:15,466 Speaker 1: all that stuff. Um. But then a simple Wednesday morning, 54 00:03:15,506 --> 00:03:19,986 Speaker 1: bye week, boom video out, no statement, no marketing video, 55 00:03:20,266 --> 00:03:23,786 Speaker 1: no plug to the TV twelve brand, No, no, you 56 00:03:23,826 --> 00:03:28,666 Speaker 1: know I'm promoting this movie. Nothing, A simple video Brady, 57 00:03:29,066 --> 00:03:32,946 Speaker 1: a man in his thoughts, succinct message. I dig it, 58 00:03:33,666 --> 00:03:37,706 Speaker 1: I appreciate it. Um. That was one piece of news. 59 00:03:37,746 --> 00:03:39,866 Speaker 1: The other piece of news was Sean Phaeton. So on 60 00:03:40,506 --> 00:03:43,786 Speaker 1: when we recorded this podcast yesterday, I said, screaming from 61 00:03:43,826 --> 00:03:46,106 Speaker 1: the mountaintops. Please please do not listen to the reports 62 00:03:46,106 --> 00:03:48,226 Speaker 1: that are saying that Sean Payton is not taking a job. Please. 63 00:03:48,466 --> 00:03:50,826 Speaker 1: I knew something was going down, guys, obviously, and I 64 00:03:50,906 --> 00:03:54,986 Speaker 1: was saying the orange tie that he wore on Fox, Um, 65 00:03:54,986 --> 00:03:56,866 Speaker 1: it might not have been an accident, that's all. I'll say. 66 00:03:56,946 --> 00:04:00,026 Speaker 1: He were a big bright orange tie on Sunday. Uh. 67 00:04:00,106 --> 00:04:03,306 Speaker 1: Talks with the Bronchos were well underway on Sunday, and 68 00:04:03,386 --> 00:04:06,026 Speaker 1: that was going on while we were filming our show. However, 69 00:04:06,066 --> 00:04:08,306 Speaker 1: they need to figure out the trade compensation with the 70 00:04:08,346 --> 00:04:10,266 Speaker 1: Saints that wasn't done yet, and they also need to 71 00:04:10,306 --> 00:04:14,226 Speaker 1: figure out Sean's compensation as far as salary goes. The 72 00:04:14,266 --> 00:04:18,506 Speaker 1: interesting thing to piece to this is Payton is gonna 73 00:04:18,746 --> 00:04:21,906 Speaker 1: get a huge salary from the Broncos. And you might say, well, 74 00:04:22,346 --> 00:04:25,426 Speaker 1: salary cap doesn't matter with coaches. We don't really know 75 00:04:25,466 --> 00:04:26,906 Speaker 1: how much that money is gonna be. It doesn't have 76 00:04:26,946 --> 00:04:28,946 Speaker 1: to be made public. There's no salary cap, there's no 77 00:04:28,986 --> 00:04:32,506 Speaker 1: announcement of how much you better believe. In coaching circles, 78 00:04:32,546 --> 00:04:36,146 Speaker 1: people start hearing what he's getting, and if he's getting 79 00:04:36,146 --> 00:04:41,266 Speaker 1: a certain number, there's no stopping a Kyle Shanahan, A 80 00:04:41,386 --> 00:04:45,706 Speaker 1: Sean McVeigh, a Zach Taylor. Any of these guys to 81 00:04:45,746 --> 00:04:47,586 Speaker 1: go to their owners and say, well, why is Sean 82 00:04:47,626 --> 00:04:50,786 Speaker 1: Payton making X amount more than me? That, to me 83 00:04:50,906 --> 00:04:53,746 Speaker 1: is the storyline here. Does the NFL want the coaching 84 00:04:53,786 --> 00:04:56,226 Speaker 1: salaries to go out of whack? Are the owners thrilled 85 00:04:56,226 --> 00:04:57,906 Speaker 1: that a new owner came in and is paying Sewan 86 00:04:57,946 --> 00:05:00,066 Speaker 1: Payton a certain number? I'm trying to give you the 87 00:05:00,146 --> 00:05:03,186 Speaker 1: next level analysis here. Sean Payton comes back at the 88 00:05:03,186 --> 00:05:05,346 Speaker 1: age of sixty one, says, I'm gonna coach the new 89 00:05:05,466 --> 00:05:09,066 Speaker 1: the Denver Bronco. I need this number, and the Broncos 90 00:05:09,106 --> 00:05:13,386 Speaker 1: owners match that number. Now, if all of these Super 91 00:05:13,386 --> 00:05:16,066 Speaker 1: Bowl contending coaches are below him, did they go to 92 00:05:16,106 --> 00:05:18,466 Speaker 1: their owners and say, we'll wait a second. If he 93 00:05:18,546 --> 00:05:21,146 Speaker 1: got that, what's stopping me from stepping away from a 94 00:05:21,226 --> 00:05:24,266 Speaker 1: year doing this. It's an interesting set of dominoes and 95 00:05:24,306 --> 00:05:26,546 Speaker 1: it's the pretty side of all of this. And the 96 00:05:26,586 --> 00:05:29,066 Speaker 1: owners in the league, I'm sure are not thrilled to 97 00:05:29,066 --> 00:05:30,946 Speaker 1: to have Shawn pay and make a certain number and 98 00:05:30,986 --> 00:05:32,986 Speaker 1: all the other owners say, hey, now I've got to 99 00:05:33,026 --> 00:05:35,906 Speaker 1: pay my guy that last year to Shawn Watson got 100 00:05:35,946 --> 00:05:38,946 Speaker 1: a certain number as a quarterback. All the other quarterbacks 101 00:05:38,946 --> 00:05:42,026 Speaker 1: are like, I need that number. Guess what that might 102 00:05:42,066 --> 00:05:45,826 Speaker 1: be coming after Sean pay and gets what he got. Um, 103 00:05:45,906 --> 00:05:48,666 Speaker 1: that's the unsavory side of sports. It's the business side 104 00:05:48,706 --> 00:05:51,386 Speaker 1: of it. There's also a football side of it. And 105 00:05:52,226 --> 00:05:57,386 Speaker 1: scheduled long before Brady's retirement was this guest today. And 106 00:05:57,426 --> 00:06:00,306 Speaker 1: if you're a Bengals fan, you're gonna love it. If 107 00:06:00,306 --> 00:06:02,506 Speaker 1: you're a non Bengals fan, you're gonna wish this guy 108 00:06:02,586 --> 00:06:04,906 Speaker 1: was your coach. I'll tell you what. Zach Taylor is 109 00:06:04,946 --> 00:06:07,226 Speaker 1: the real deal. I've known Zach going back to his 110 00:06:07,346 --> 00:06:12,346 Speaker 1: Miami Dolphin days when he was coaching on Dan Campbell's 111 00:06:12,426 --> 00:06:16,946 Speaker 1: interim uh Dolphins team that Joe Filbin era back then. 112 00:06:17,986 --> 00:06:21,946 Speaker 1: Zach Taylor bounced around from there to the University of 113 00:06:21,946 --> 00:06:24,066 Speaker 1: Cincinnati at one point, to the l A Rams at 114 00:06:24,106 --> 00:06:27,266 Speaker 1: some point, Um too, then of course, elevating to be 115 00:06:27,306 --> 00:06:29,786 Speaker 1: in the head coach of Cincinnati Bengals. Two rough years 116 00:06:29,826 --> 00:06:33,266 Speaker 1: to start his career, two amazing years the past two years, 117 00:06:33,506 --> 00:06:36,106 Speaker 1: and he has been the same guy since day one 118 00:06:36,266 --> 00:06:40,306 Speaker 1: that I've met him. Zach Taylor is a great NFL coach. 119 00:06:40,506 --> 00:06:43,706 Speaker 1: He is a great podcast guest. He agreed to do 120 00:06:43,706 --> 00:06:45,706 Speaker 1: the season with Peter Schreeger. He has not done any 121 00:06:45,746 --> 00:06:49,586 Speaker 1: other media. Fresh off a heartbreaking a f C Championship 122 00:06:49,626 --> 00:06:53,026 Speaker 1: Game loss, guys, sit back and enjoy Zach Taylor, the 123 00:06:53,066 --> 00:07:01,866 Speaker 1: head coach the Cincinnati Bengals. Back to back trips to 124 00:07:01,866 --> 00:07:04,266 Speaker 1: the a f C Championship Game, a Super Bowl appearance 125 00:07:04,346 --> 00:07:08,466 Speaker 1: last year, and a fantastic season from the Cincinnati Bengals, 126 00:07:08,506 --> 00:07:11,386 Speaker 1: were welcoming in their head coach and one of the 127 00:07:11,386 --> 00:07:15,226 Speaker 1: best best minds in football right now, going, Mr Zach Taylor. Zach, 128 00:07:15,266 --> 00:07:18,386 Speaker 1: welcome to the podcast. I appreciated Peter. Thanks from here on. 129 00:07:18,466 --> 00:07:20,906 Speaker 1: I love having you on. Alright, so, just as we're recording, 130 00:07:20,906 --> 00:07:24,946 Speaker 1: this is Tuesday. I'm sorry Wednesday morning, UM, Tom Brady 131 00:07:24,986 --> 00:07:28,466 Speaker 1: put out a statement a video that he's retiring. I'm 132 00:07:28,506 --> 00:07:30,586 Speaker 1: not sure if if you've been able to check all 133 00:07:30,626 --> 00:07:32,466 Speaker 1: the tweets or whatever, but as we sit down and 134 00:07:32,506 --> 00:07:36,386 Speaker 1: do this, you guys playing against the Buccaneers this year, 135 00:07:36,426 --> 00:07:39,386 Speaker 1: obviously good comeback win for you, and of course you 136 00:07:39,466 --> 00:07:42,666 Speaker 1: were the Big Twelve Offensive Player of the Year Player 137 00:07:42,666 --> 00:07:45,866 Speaker 1: of the Year, Um, after Brady had already won three 138 00:07:45,906 --> 00:07:49,626 Speaker 1: Super Bowls, so you put this whole thing together. Your 139 00:07:49,626 --> 00:07:52,186 Speaker 1: reactions to Tom Brady finally calling it quits and this 140 00:07:52,266 --> 00:07:55,586 Speaker 1: time for real. Yeah, it was an awesome career. Um. 141 00:07:55,706 --> 00:07:59,066 Speaker 1: I grew up watching Tom Brady and Peyton Manning and 142 00:07:59,106 --> 00:08:03,586 Speaker 1: so to coach against those guys interact with him is unbelievable. 143 00:08:03,666 --> 00:08:06,386 Speaker 1: So again, hats off to him for a phenomenal career. 144 00:08:06,546 --> 00:08:08,746 Speaker 1: It's it's that'll be tough to ever match. Did you 145 00:08:08,826 --> 00:08:10,786 Speaker 1: exchange any words after that game? I guess it was 146 00:08:10,786 --> 00:08:14,186 Speaker 1: December eighteenth, Bengals Buccaneers. Brady comes to midfield. You guys 147 00:08:14,226 --> 00:08:16,666 Speaker 1: come back and win that game. Is there any exchange 148 00:08:16,666 --> 00:08:19,346 Speaker 1: of like, here's my words of wisdom from Tom Brady 149 00:08:19,506 --> 00:08:21,586 Speaker 1: or it doesn't go down like that? Oh? No, I 150 00:08:21,786 --> 00:08:23,746 Speaker 1: don't know that I've ever interacted with Tom, you know, 151 00:08:23,826 --> 00:08:25,546 Speaker 1: and I've always had a ton of respect for him, 152 00:08:25,546 --> 00:08:28,386 Speaker 1: but but I've never interacted with him. Yeah. Um, we're 153 00:08:28,426 --> 00:08:31,106 Speaker 1: seventy two hours now outside of the a f C 154 00:08:31,226 --> 00:08:34,586 Speaker 1: Championship game, which I said earlier in the week was 155 00:08:34,946 --> 00:08:37,346 Speaker 1: an all time classic that everyone will remember where they were. 156 00:08:37,346 --> 00:08:40,666 Speaker 1: You guys, the season's done now, it's so fresh, it's 157 00:08:40,666 --> 00:08:42,786 Speaker 1: so raw, and now that you've had seventy two hours 158 00:08:42,866 --> 00:08:44,626 Speaker 1: to remove yourself not only from the game, but from 159 00:08:44,626 --> 00:08:48,146 Speaker 1: the season. Uh, for Bengals fans, for NFL fans, you know, 160 00:08:48,346 --> 00:08:51,306 Speaker 1: just your perspective on the season that was and really 161 00:08:51,346 --> 00:08:53,946 Speaker 1: how far this team came. Yeah, I'm really proud of 162 00:08:53,946 --> 00:08:56,106 Speaker 1: our guys, you know, and we didn't know what at 163 00:08:56,106 --> 00:08:58,426 Speaker 1: the time, but on Hawween we lost the Browns on 164 00:08:58,466 --> 00:09:00,906 Speaker 1: Monday Night football to go for and for and we're 165 00:09:00,946 --> 00:09:03,186 Speaker 1: really playing playoff football ever since then. You know, we 166 00:09:03,266 --> 00:09:05,666 Speaker 1: just didn't know it. And so to look up and 167 00:09:05,706 --> 00:09:07,226 Speaker 1: be four and four and then turn around in your 168 00:09:07,266 --> 00:09:09,706 Speaker 1: fourteen and four and you're on the run that we 169 00:09:09,706 --> 00:09:11,426 Speaker 1: were on. It was a credit to our guys. We're 170 00:09:11,426 --> 00:09:13,946 Speaker 1: just putting their head down and and focus on each 171 00:09:13,986 --> 00:09:16,346 Speaker 1: week and finding ways to win. And the next thing 172 00:09:16,346 --> 00:09:18,426 Speaker 1: you know, you're in Kansas City for the HC Championship 173 00:09:18,466 --> 00:09:20,266 Speaker 1: and a couple of points away from going back to 174 00:09:20,266 --> 00:09:22,026 Speaker 1: the Super Bowl. And just really proud of the effort 175 00:09:22,066 --> 00:09:23,906 Speaker 1: of our guys and and the discipline to get to 176 00:09:23,906 --> 00:09:27,946 Speaker 1: that point. Loss like that that's so heartbreaking and obviously 177 00:09:27,986 --> 00:09:29,826 Speaker 1: it's so fresh. When do you put on the tape? 178 00:09:29,906 --> 00:09:32,346 Speaker 1: Is that something a coach puts on Sunday night in 179 00:09:32,346 --> 00:09:34,306 Speaker 1: the flight home. Do you in the tape and never 180 00:09:34,306 --> 00:09:36,626 Speaker 1: watch it? I'm always fascinated. We know that. You know, 181 00:09:36,666 --> 00:09:38,266 Speaker 1: when you win one, you don't want to linker too 182 00:09:38,346 --> 00:09:39,786 Speaker 1: much on on the tape and you just want to 183 00:09:39,786 --> 00:09:41,866 Speaker 1: take it to the next But when the season ends, 184 00:09:41,906 --> 00:09:43,626 Speaker 1: like it just ended, Like when do you go to 185 00:09:43,666 --> 00:09:45,426 Speaker 1: that tape and watch the All twenty two and break 186 00:09:45,426 --> 00:09:48,026 Speaker 1: it down? Yeah? You watch it on the plane afterwards 187 00:09:48,026 --> 00:09:50,466 Speaker 1: on the iPad and really, um, you know, and then 188 00:09:50,466 --> 00:09:52,186 Speaker 1: the next morning you go through the game. You want 189 00:09:52,226 --> 00:09:54,626 Speaker 1: to be aware of of what happened and be able 190 00:09:54,626 --> 00:09:56,586 Speaker 1: to talk through it with conversations with the players and 191 00:09:56,586 --> 00:09:58,906 Speaker 1: other people as you need to. And um, yeah, it's 192 00:09:58,946 --> 00:10:02,066 Speaker 1: painful to watch. But um, you know again we we 193 00:10:02,066 --> 00:10:05,746 Speaker 1: we played hard. Proud of the way that the guys played. Um, 194 00:10:05,786 --> 00:10:07,946 Speaker 1: you know, wasn't wasn't like we were prepared. It wasn't 195 00:10:08,026 --> 00:10:10,026 Speaker 1: like our guys and poor performances. It was just a 196 00:10:10,066 --> 00:10:13,506 Speaker 1: great game against two two heavyweight fighters, and and unfortunately 197 00:10:13,546 --> 00:10:15,386 Speaker 1: we came up a little short. You know. I said 198 00:10:15,386 --> 00:10:17,626 Speaker 1: it on Twitter on Sunday night and it got about 199 00:10:17,626 --> 00:10:20,066 Speaker 1: a billion retweets And I'm not usually that guy searching 200 00:10:20,066 --> 00:10:22,346 Speaker 1: for the retweets. But I just said, how you handled 201 00:10:22,346 --> 00:10:24,626 Speaker 1: the press conference after the game was was pretty classy. 202 00:10:24,986 --> 00:10:27,106 Speaker 1: It took the high road. You didn't go through play 203 00:10:27,146 --> 00:10:29,426 Speaker 1: by play when you know a lot of people online, 204 00:10:29,426 --> 00:10:31,746 Speaker 1: a lot of Bengals fans were upset about certain things. 205 00:10:31,746 --> 00:10:34,746 Speaker 1: What's your message to the team after the game. You 206 00:10:34,786 --> 00:10:36,946 Speaker 1: guys get in the locker room and there were some 207 00:10:36,986 --> 00:10:40,146 Speaker 1: calls obviously whatever it is, but you know that this 208 00:10:40,226 --> 00:10:42,826 Speaker 1: is more than one game and one play here and there. 209 00:10:42,866 --> 00:10:45,226 Speaker 1: This was an entire season that they should be proud of. Yeah, 210 00:10:45,266 --> 00:10:46,546 Speaker 1: we gotta find a way to be proud of what 211 00:10:46,626 --> 00:10:49,026 Speaker 1: we did. Um, this team should be tied together forever 212 00:10:49,066 --> 00:10:51,346 Speaker 1: as a special team. And I want guys to be 213 00:10:51,386 --> 00:10:53,706 Speaker 1: able to reflect on that and enjoy that. UM talk, 214 00:10:53,786 --> 00:10:55,986 Speaker 1: moments like that is really where your characters tested. You know, 215 00:10:55,986 --> 00:10:57,426 Speaker 1: what are you gonna be about when the when the 216 00:10:57,426 --> 00:11:00,626 Speaker 1: emotions are raw and and uh, you know, And so 217 00:11:00,786 --> 00:11:02,546 Speaker 1: I thought it was just important that we conduct ourselves 218 00:11:02,586 --> 00:11:03,666 Speaker 1: the right way. And it was really proud of the 219 00:11:03,706 --> 00:11:05,586 Speaker 1: way the guys handled that. Would you would you say 220 00:11:05,586 --> 00:11:08,026 Speaker 1: to us I after a game? Obviously in the moment, 221 00:11:08,066 --> 00:11:09,826 Speaker 1: everyone has their reactions, but then at the end of 222 00:11:09,826 --> 00:11:11,266 Speaker 1: the day, you realize this is a kid who played 223 00:11:11,266 --> 00:11:13,466 Speaker 1: his best game as a pro twenty two years old, 224 00:11:13,546 --> 00:11:14,786 Speaker 1: is going to be a player for this team for 225 00:11:14,786 --> 00:11:17,906 Speaker 1: a while. He didn't want to push, you know, Mahomes 226 00:11:17,946 --> 00:11:20,106 Speaker 1: after the whistle. We know that. So what's the message 227 00:11:20,146 --> 00:11:22,106 Speaker 1: from the head coach to the young man. Well, I 228 00:11:22,106 --> 00:11:24,546 Speaker 1: think what's great about Joseph is is his passion for 229 00:11:24,546 --> 00:11:27,146 Speaker 1: the game and his effort on every single play. And 230 00:11:27,346 --> 00:11:28,986 Speaker 1: more times than not, that's gonna pay off in a 231 00:11:29,026 --> 00:11:31,946 Speaker 1: really positive way for you because he's he's an effort player. 232 00:11:32,226 --> 00:11:33,986 Speaker 1: He never gives up. He gives everything he's got on 233 00:11:34,026 --> 00:11:37,066 Speaker 1: every snap and uh and and so again, he'll he'll 234 00:11:37,146 --> 00:11:38,986 Speaker 1: learn from that. He'll be on that stage again someday 235 00:11:39,066 --> 00:11:41,066 Speaker 1: they can make a great plays for us to help us, 236 00:11:41,346 --> 00:11:43,266 Speaker 1: you know, and get to that next level. And I 237 00:11:43,266 --> 00:11:45,586 Speaker 1: think he'll have a great appreciation for for what happened 238 00:11:45,586 --> 00:11:47,226 Speaker 1: on Sunday when he gets to that point. What kind 239 00:11:47,266 --> 00:11:48,866 Speaker 1: of kid is see, I don't think anyone in America 240 00:11:48,906 --> 00:11:51,386 Speaker 1: knows second round pick young guy. But like we don't know, 241 00:11:51,426 --> 00:11:53,226 Speaker 1: I don't. I wouldn't be able to identify his face 242 00:11:53,266 --> 00:11:55,066 Speaker 1: if he walks by and now he's this name like 243 00:11:55,546 --> 00:11:57,426 Speaker 1: it's already passed. But in the moment that was like, 244 00:11:57,506 --> 00:11:59,186 Speaker 1: you know, a side, So what's he like? Give us 245 00:11:59,186 --> 00:12:02,546 Speaker 1: a little light on the young man. Guy, very passionate 246 00:12:02,586 --> 00:12:06,426 Speaker 1: about football. He's all in. Um, just wants to be great, 247 00:12:06,466 --> 00:12:09,866 Speaker 1: eight wants to help the team. And uh really really 248 00:12:09,906 --> 00:12:12,066 Speaker 1: did a great job growing in his role this year. 249 00:12:12,066 --> 00:12:14,186 Speaker 1: He's fought through some injuries. Really was on I R 250 00:12:14,306 --> 00:12:16,666 Speaker 1: last year as rookie because he got hurt in the 251 00:12:16,706 --> 00:12:20,266 Speaker 1: Tampa Bay preseason game. Um, he's bought through injuries of 252 00:12:20,306 --> 00:12:22,506 Speaker 1: the course of his career, and he was really starting 253 00:12:22,506 --> 00:12:24,226 Speaker 1: to hit his stride at the latter point in this 254 00:12:24,306 --> 00:12:26,786 Speaker 1: season and playing good football on Sunday, you know, he 255 00:12:26,826 --> 00:12:29,226 Speaker 1: made some great plays for us and and so again 256 00:12:29,266 --> 00:12:31,466 Speaker 1: he's got a really bright future for us. You know, 257 00:12:31,546 --> 00:12:33,746 Speaker 1: I I watched the game back. It was on Monday night. 258 00:12:33,746 --> 00:12:36,306 Speaker 1: I watched it back, and it's fourth and six and 259 00:12:36,386 --> 00:12:39,106 Speaker 1: here's Burrow goes back and hits Chase and then there's 260 00:12:39,146 --> 00:12:41,946 Speaker 1: the other pass this to Higgins to so many great 261 00:12:42,066 --> 00:12:44,706 Speaker 1: young talents on this team. And as everyone wants to 262 00:12:44,746 --> 00:12:47,066 Speaker 1: rush forward and say, well, the window might be closing 263 00:12:47,066 --> 00:12:49,506 Speaker 1: on forget the window might be closing. Just talk about 264 00:12:49,506 --> 00:12:51,986 Speaker 1: the youth and the core of this team, and you know, 265 00:12:52,106 --> 00:12:54,346 Speaker 1: and why there's a reason for great optimism not only 266 00:12:54,386 --> 00:12:57,386 Speaker 1: for next year, but for the future. Cincinnati Bengals football. Yeah, 267 00:12:57,426 --> 00:12:59,986 Speaker 1: such a great balance of players on our team where 268 00:12:59,986 --> 00:13:02,786 Speaker 1: we've got those veteran leaders that are really talented um 269 00:13:02,786 --> 00:13:04,386 Speaker 1: and they roll in the past that wisdom down to 270 00:13:04,506 --> 00:13:08,146 Speaker 1: some really special young players and and those young players 271 00:13:08,186 --> 00:13:11,066 Speaker 1: are willing to take that information and become even better players. 272 00:13:11,066 --> 00:13:13,346 Speaker 1: And so it's just a really good collaborative effort in 273 00:13:13,386 --> 00:13:16,746 Speaker 1: our locker room. Right balance of personalities, right balance of talent, 274 00:13:16,946 --> 00:13:19,786 Speaker 1: right balance of age. Duke Tobyn's done a great job 275 00:13:19,786 --> 00:13:22,506 Speaker 1: in the draft acquiring these these guys with talent, and 276 00:13:22,506 --> 00:13:24,746 Speaker 1: then we've hit on these guys and uh, the coaches 277 00:13:24,746 --> 00:13:26,826 Speaker 1: have done a really good job developing that talent as well. 278 00:13:26,986 --> 00:13:28,986 Speaker 1: And so it's it's a it's a really special team. 279 00:13:28,986 --> 00:13:30,786 Speaker 1: I'm happy to be a part of it. And talk 280 00:13:30,826 --> 00:13:33,346 Speaker 1: about the owner because you know, Mike Brown has been 281 00:13:33,346 --> 00:13:35,826 Speaker 1: there forever and for years it was like the Bengals 282 00:13:35,826 --> 00:13:37,946 Speaker 1: aren't investing in this team, and there was all those criticism. 283 00:13:37,986 --> 00:13:38,986 Speaker 1: Now I look at this team, it's one of the 284 00:13:39,026 --> 00:13:41,626 Speaker 1: best rosters in football, new facility coming. I feel like 285 00:13:41,626 --> 00:13:45,626 Speaker 1: the narrative is should be changed. Absolutely. You know, my 286 00:13:45,626 --> 00:13:47,986 Speaker 1: my experience in four years here has been on the 287 00:13:48,026 --> 00:13:49,706 Speaker 1: were on the same page every step of the way 288 00:13:49,826 --> 00:13:52,866 Speaker 1: with with Mike Brown and the rest of family. Um, 289 00:13:52,906 --> 00:13:54,986 Speaker 1: I've got so much appreciation for him and what he's 290 00:13:54,986 --> 00:13:57,226 Speaker 1: meant to be and how he's allowed me to grow, 291 00:13:57,746 --> 00:14:00,626 Speaker 1: the wisdom he's given me. He's been around this league forever, 292 00:14:01,026 --> 00:14:04,106 Speaker 1: he's seen it evolve. Um, He's got so much wisdom 293 00:14:04,146 --> 00:14:06,546 Speaker 1: to share to me, and he's just been so encouraging 294 00:14:06,546 --> 00:14:10,066 Speaker 1: and patient throughout the whole process. Um that I'm incredibly 295 00:14:10,106 --> 00:14:12,266 Speaker 1: grateful for for Mike and the rest of the family. 296 00:14:12,426 --> 00:14:14,546 Speaker 1: It's been a fun ride for Bengals fans these last 297 00:14:14,546 --> 00:14:16,546 Speaker 1: two years, and it's only gonna continue. And it all 298 00:14:16,586 --> 00:14:19,746 Speaker 1: starts under center at the switch when you guys were 299 00:14:19,826 --> 00:14:22,666 Speaker 1: scouting Joe Burrow and when you guys were considering him 300 00:14:22,746 --> 00:14:25,706 Speaker 1: number number one overall, did you in a million years 301 00:14:25,906 --> 00:14:28,226 Speaker 1: envisioned this Now he would say, yeah, this is all 302 00:14:28,346 --> 00:14:29,866 Speaker 1: what's been written and this is what I do like. 303 00:14:30,026 --> 00:14:31,746 Speaker 1: But did you think it could be like this good? 304 00:14:31,746 --> 00:14:34,826 Speaker 1: This fast? Yeah, He's a special person. I don't know 305 00:14:34,826 --> 00:14:37,666 Speaker 1: that we ever had a timetable on on when we 306 00:14:37,786 --> 00:14:39,586 Speaker 1: make it to the super Bowl. They're always hopeful that's 307 00:14:39,586 --> 00:14:43,466 Speaker 1: gonna happen sooner rather than later. Um, But just being 308 00:14:43,506 --> 00:14:45,946 Speaker 1: around him and watching him play on his college tape, 309 00:14:45,946 --> 00:14:48,826 Speaker 1: he's he was a special player and he elevated everyone 310 00:14:48,866 --> 00:14:51,466 Speaker 1: around him. He had great talent, no question, but um, 311 00:14:51,506 --> 00:14:54,866 Speaker 1: he's certainly maximized those players around him and maximize his abilities. 312 00:14:54,866 --> 00:14:57,226 Speaker 1: And that's what he's done for us as well. And uh, 313 00:14:57,346 --> 00:15:00,506 Speaker 1: we're very fortunate to have him and and uh, you 314 00:15:00,546 --> 00:15:02,746 Speaker 1: know it's it's we gotta keep aiding in his development. 315 00:15:02,786 --> 00:15:04,906 Speaker 1: But man, he's he's an elite player right now? Does 316 00:15:04,946 --> 00:15:07,186 Speaker 1: he bust chops? Does he funny? Like? I feel like 317 00:15:07,186 --> 00:15:09,866 Speaker 1: he's got this steely glaze, he's got this amazing swag 318 00:15:09,906 --> 00:15:11,666 Speaker 1: all the stuff that we see. And then he gets 319 00:15:11,666 --> 00:15:14,106 Speaker 1: on the field and he never wavers. He's the same 320 00:15:14,146 --> 00:15:16,146 Speaker 1: guy and does not get high, does not get low. 321 00:15:16,386 --> 00:15:18,746 Speaker 1: But like behind closed doors, does he bust chops? Is 322 00:15:18,746 --> 00:15:21,786 Speaker 1: he funny? Is he a wise ass? Like? What's he like? Oh? Yeah, no, 323 00:15:21,906 --> 00:15:25,266 Speaker 1: he's great. You know, the quarterback room is a special place. Um, 324 00:15:25,426 --> 00:15:27,706 Speaker 1: And and he the personalities in that room are great 325 00:15:27,706 --> 00:15:31,186 Speaker 1: with him and Brandon Allen and Jake Browning and Dan Pitcher. Yeah, 326 00:15:31,226 --> 00:15:33,786 Speaker 1: they got their own thing going on in there. Uh yeah, 327 00:15:33,786 --> 00:15:35,666 Speaker 1: he certainly gives it as good as he takes it. 328 00:15:35,946 --> 00:15:39,186 Speaker 1: And and uh yeah, he's a fun person to be around. Yeah. Um, 329 00:15:39,666 --> 00:15:41,626 Speaker 1: we'll rap shortly because I just think this is it's 330 00:15:41,626 --> 00:15:44,226 Speaker 1: awesome to get access to you, and it's it's unfortunate 331 00:15:44,226 --> 00:15:46,226 Speaker 1: with how the season ended, and yet there's so much 332 00:15:46,226 --> 00:15:48,866 Speaker 1: to be proud of. We go back to the Monday 333 00:15:48,986 --> 00:15:52,306 Speaker 1: night game and I thought you showed your true character, 334 00:15:52,386 --> 00:15:55,146 Speaker 1: but also we saw a lot of I guess, grace 335 00:15:55,386 --> 00:15:58,546 Speaker 1: and the good of the league. Um in the way 336 00:15:58,586 --> 00:16:01,466 Speaker 1: that entire situation was handled amongst two coaches. Talk about 337 00:16:01,506 --> 00:16:04,186 Speaker 1: the bond that maybe you and Sean McDermott will have 338 00:16:04,226 --> 00:16:06,946 Speaker 1: the rest of your way throughout your careers going through 339 00:16:06,946 --> 00:16:09,706 Speaker 1: that traumatic event. Yeah, I always had a ton of 340 00:16:09,706 --> 00:16:12,586 Speaker 1: respect for Sean and the way he operates and the 341 00:16:12,626 --> 00:16:15,386 Speaker 1: way that he's built that team, and and a lot 342 00:16:15,426 --> 00:16:18,026 Speaker 1: of respect for Sean and and in even more so 343 00:16:18,106 --> 00:16:20,786 Speaker 1: in a lot of ways for seeing how the decisions 344 00:16:20,826 --> 00:16:23,786 Speaker 1: he really made at the moment were. Um, you know 345 00:16:23,826 --> 00:16:25,826 Speaker 1: the life of Damar is more important than what this 346 00:16:25,866 --> 00:16:27,386 Speaker 1: game is. I need to be there for him. It's 347 00:16:27,386 --> 00:16:30,306 Speaker 1: my obligation as a coach to support my players and 348 00:16:30,346 --> 00:16:33,066 Speaker 1: be in the hospital. And um, that made every decision 349 00:16:33,066 --> 00:16:36,706 Speaker 1: after that very simple and easy. UM And and so 350 00:16:36,786 --> 00:16:38,826 Speaker 1: again I've got a deep appreciation for how he handled 351 00:16:38,826 --> 00:16:41,106 Speaker 1: that stuff and um he had a great pulse for 352 00:16:41,146 --> 00:16:43,946 Speaker 1: his team and and we're just all really fortunate to 353 00:16:43,946 --> 00:16:46,426 Speaker 1: see the way that that Damar has come out of 354 00:16:46,426 --> 00:16:49,106 Speaker 1: that given what we saw on Monday night to now, UM, 355 00:16:49,146 --> 00:16:51,586 Speaker 1: I think was was not a prediction anybody would have 356 00:16:51,586 --> 00:16:53,426 Speaker 1: been made that he would have been doing um as 357 00:16:53,426 --> 00:16:54,866 Speaker 1: well as he is right now. And that's just awesome 358 00:16:54,866 --> 00:16:56,066 Speaker 1: to see. I know he still got a long ways 359 00:16:56,106 --> 00:16:58,226 Speaker 1: to go, but um Man, to see where it was 360 00:16:58,266 --> 00:17:00,746 Speaker 1: on Monday night, it's it's special to see. Yeah. And 361 00:17:00,746 --> 00:17:03,666 Speaker 1: and your team responded by Okay, there's a coin toss 362 00:17:03,746 --> 00:17:06,306 Speaker 1: not gonna be relevant, there's a neutral game not gonna 363 00:17:06,306 --> 00:17:08,746 Speaker 1: be relevant. From the coaching side of it, how much 364 00:17:08,746 --> 00:17:11,466 Speaker 1: did you kind of use that stuff as motivation for 365 00:17:11,506 --> 00:17:13,666 Speaker 1: the team or do you stay away and just let 366 00:17:13,706 --> 00:17:15,506 Speaker 1: the headlines tell the story and let the players go 367 00:17:15,586 --> 00:17:18,266 Speaker 1: from there. No, we we use as much as we 368 00:17:18,306 --> 00:17:19,706 Speaker 1: can get. You know, I think it's good and this 369 00:17:19,826 --> 00:17:22,626 Speaker 1: professional will take any edge you can get. And you know, 370 00:17:22,706 --> 00:17:24,586 Speaker 1: you could argue, yeah, the players don't need that if 371 00:17:24,626 --> 00:17:26,506 Speaker 1: they're both the right stuff, but but they'll take it, 372 00:17:26,586 --> 00:17:28,866 Speaker 1: you know, and it's it's good anybody you can push 373 00:17:28,866 --> 00:17:31,306 Speaker 1: to trying to motivate guys to get that little extra 374 00:17:31,346 --> 00:17:33,106 Speaker 1: out of them. Um. I think our team has done 375 00:17:33,106 --> 00:17:35,106 Speaker 1: a great job responding to that kind of stuff. Um. 376 00:17:35,386 --> 00:17:37,706 Speaker 1: And then obviously get in the playoffs and win against 377 00:17:37,746 --> 00:17:40,786 Speaker 1: Buffalo is historic and it's one way everyone assumes this 378 00:17:40,906 --> 00:17:43,946 Speaker 1: offensive line is gonna be in tatters and they can't 379 00:17:43,946 --> 00:17:46,306 Speaker 1: protect Burrow and they put on a perfect game. You 380 00:17:46,346 --> 00:17:48,466 Speaker 1: look back on this season, you look back at that moment, 381 00:17:48,506 --> 00:17:52,146 Speaker 1: what's the moment you're proudest of the two Bengals? True? 382 00:17:52,906 --> 00:17:56,466 Speaker 1: I just think, um, you know that those games down 383 00:17:56,466 --> 00:17:59,306 Speaker 1: the stretch for us, you know, it's it's uh, having 384 00:17:59,306 --> 00:18:01,546 Speaker 1: to win both those Baltimore games, having to win at 385 00:18:01,546 --> 00:18:04,146 Speaker 1: Buffalo on the road and one of the toughest environments 386 00:18:04,186 --> 00:18:05,826 Speaker 1: and all football, and then you throw the snow on 387 00:18:05,906 --> 00:18:09,066 Speaker 1: top of it, and um, just that that stretch I 388 00:18:09,106 --> 00:18:12,986 Speaker 1: think was UM, a great testament of the character of 389 00:18:13,146 --> 00:18:15,666 Speaker 1: our players. And it's a long season. At that point. 390 00:18:15,706 --> 00:18:18,506 Speaker 1: We played seventeen games, and we need you to be 391 00:18:18,506 --> 00:18:20,746 Speaker 1: at your best, and and we were able to beat 392 00:18:20,746 --> 00:18:23,386 Speaker 1: some really good football teams down the stretch, and I 393 00:18:23,386 --> 00:18:25,986 Speaker 1: think I spoke to the character of our team. This 394 00:18:26,386 --> 00:18:28,706 Speaker 1: this story of the Bengals is one thing. The story 395 00:18:28,746 --> 00:18:31,546 Speaker 1: of your rise as a coach is another. Um. You've 396 00:18:31,586 --> 00:18:33,546 Speaker 1: told me this story before you and it was on 397 00:18:33,586 --> 00:18:35,666 Speaker 1: the podcast A day was Sean McVeigh, I gotta retail 398 00:18:35,786 --> 00:18:42,306 Speaker 1: for this one though. Eastern Washington a workout in twenties sixteen. 399 00:18:42,386 --> 00:18:44,906 Speaker 1: I guess it was you were in the what was 400 00:18:44,946 --> 00:18:46,386 Speaker 1: your what was your role with the Rams? You were 401 00:18:46,426 --> 00:18:47,986 Speaker 1: the wide receivers coach at the time? Are you are 402 00:18:47,986 --> 00:18:52,386 Speaker 1: the quarterbacks assistant wide receivers coach at the Los Angeles Rams? 403 00:18:52,386 --> 00:18:54,666 Speaker 1: And you get an assignment You're gonna fly with Sean 404 00:18:54,746 --> 00:18:57,546 Speaker 1: mcveighat Eastern Washington. Take it away from there, Zach. What's 405 00:18:57,586 --> 00:19:01,066 Speaker 1: the rest? Yeah, So it was me Sean. Let's need 406 00:19:01,146 --> 00:19:05,746 Speaker 1: Shane waldron Um and Matt before think about that. That's 407 00:19:05,866 --> 00:19:09,586 Speaker 1: who's who. Like NFL offensive coordinators, head coaches and decision makers. 408 00:19:09,666 --> 00:19:12,466 Speaker 1: I love it already and Eric Yarber, and it was 409 00:19:12,506 --> 00:19:15,066 Speaker 1: probably about two weeks before the draft. We got on 410 00:19:15,106 --> 00:19:16,866 Speaker 1: a plane and flew around the country. We worked out 411 00:19:16,906 --> 00:19:20,826 Speaker 1: Evan Ingram, We worked out as A Jones, Taywan Taylor, 412 00:19:21,186 --> 00:19:25,786 Speaker 1: Western Kentucky, Adam Shaheen, Gerald Everett, and then we finished 413 00:19:25,826 --> 00:19:28,666 Speaker 1: with Cooper Cup. And so I was the arm I 414 00:19:28,706 --> 00:19:30,746 Speaker 1: had to throw as least this receiver. Coachs all these 415 00:19:30,786 --> 00:19:35,586 Speaker 1: guys over over three days and that the last one 416 00:19:36,026 --> 00:19:39,906 Speaker 1: was Cooper Cup in Eastern Washington. And I mean halfway 417 00:19:39,946 --> 00:19:42,226 Speaker 1: through the workout my arm was gonna follow which lay 418 00:19:42,226 --> 00:19:44,866 Speaker 1: there was a quarterback there, you know at Easter Washington 419 00:19:44,986 --> 00:19:47,346 Speaker 1: kid that was able to supplement some of my throws. 420 00:19:47,506 --> 00:19:50,146 Speaker 1: But um, you know, Cooper was a special player. We 421 00:19:50,146 --> 00:19:51,946 Speaker 1: connected on all of them except for one. We had 422 00:19:51,946 --> 00:19:53,546 Speaker 1: a we had a back end line red zone round. 423 00:19:54,346 --> 00:19:57,386 Speaker 1: Remember that over threw it almost his dad in the background, 424 00:19:57,426 --> 00:20:00,306 Speaker 1: you know, But uh no, Cooper, Cooper was special players 425 00:20:00,306 --> 00:20:02,546 Speaker 1: on the red trip. It was cold. It was in April, 426 00:20:02,546 --> 00:20:04,746 Speaker 1: but it's kind of cold and wet and just kind 427 00:20:04,746 --> 00:20:07,266 Speaker 1: of a miserable day. And but we fought through it. 428 00:20:07,386 --> 00:20:10,586 Speaker 1: And uh you know, Cooper had made enough impact on 429 00:20:10,746 --> 00:20:13,866 Speaker 1: the organization where they drafted in the second round. Think 430 00:20:13,866 --> 00:20:16,106 Speaker 1: about that, that group that you were with on that 431 00:20:16,266 --> 00:20:18,426 Speaker 1: on that journey. Of course you get Cooper cup I 432 00:20:18,506 --> 00:20:24,026 Speaker 1: think it was third round actually, and probably didn't even 433 00:20:24,026 --> 00:20:25,546 Speaker 1: have a first round pick if it's the Rams, if 434 00:20:25,546 --> 00:20:29,866 Speaker 1: I'm not mistaken, that's usually how it goes um. But 435 00:20:29,906 --> 00:20:32,306 Speaker 1: think about that group now and now everyone has spread out, 436 00:20:32,346 --> 00:20:34,546 Speaker 1: and it's pretty cool. You've got a cool staff of 437 00:20:34,586 --> 00:20:37,306 Speaker 1: your own. We know that coach Lou and Rumo and 438 00:20:37,346 --> 00:20:40,786 Speaker 1: Brian Callahan are currently in the head coaching interview process 439 00:20:40,786 --> 00:20:43,946 Speaker 1: for a couple of gigs. Lou with Arizona, then Brian 440 00:20:44,106 --> 00:20:46,906 Speaker 1: still alive in Indianapolis and then Arizona. Now that you're 441 00:20:46,906 --> 00:20:49,546 Speaker 1: the head guy and you're watching your coordinators get this opportunity, 442 00:20:49,546 --> 00:20:51,386 Speaker 1: what do you tell them as they step up to 443 00:20:51,426 --> 00:20:54,066 Speaker 1: the mic and try to interview in front of these owners, Well, 444 00:20:54,066 --> 00:20:56,546 Speaker 1: that they're ready for it. You know, they they've um 445 00:20:56,786 --> 00:20:58,746 Speaker 1: seen how we've we've done this thing every step of 446 00:20:58,746 --> 00:21:00,386 Speaker 1: the way. And I think that's what special is having 447 00:21:00,426 --> 00:21:03,226 Speaker 1: those guys here for four years, from starting at the 448 00:21:03,266 --> 00:21:05,066 Speaker 1: beginning to all the way at this point, and so 449 00:21:05,226 --> 00:21:09,506 Speaker 1: that they've seen it. They've seen a foundation be built 450 00:21:09,506 --> 00:21:10,866 Speaker 1: the way that we wanted to build it and how 451 00:21:10,866 --> 00:21:13,946 Speaker 1: the cultures transformed this team, and um, so you know 452 00:21:13,986 --> 00:21:15,826 Speaker 1: they can just be from the heart and go interview 453 00:21:15,866 --> 00:21:17,746 Speaker 1: these and and there's special guys, and I think the 454 00:21:17,786 --> 00:21:20,146 Speaker 1: owners that interview them will see that and they're gonna 455 00:21:20,146 --> 00:21:23,146 Speaker 1: have great opportunities to get these jobs. Selfishly, i'd like 456 00:21:23,186 --> 00:21:25,346 Speaker 1: to run a back with Goot, but I also understand 457 00:21:25,346 --> 00:21:27,706 Speaker 1: there's gonna become a point where they're gonna they're gonna 458 00:21:27,706 --> 00:21:30,266 Speaker 1: get these opportunities, and that's awesome for them and their families, 459 00:21:30,306 --> 00:21:32,506 Speaker 1: and we're very supportive of that. Would you make of 460 00:21:32,546 --> 00:21:35,066 Speaker 1: this Bengals fan base the last few months just rallying 461 00:21:35,106 --> 00:21:37,786 Speaker 1: around this team and they almost you, guys, wants this 462 00:21:37,826 --> 00:21:41,146 Speaker 1: plucky underdogs to like these this incredible fan base just 463 00:21:41,386 --> 00:21:44,426 Speaker 1: like who wants to face us let's go. Yeah. I 464 00:21:44,706 --> 00:21:46,906 Speaker 1: think we're just intertwined as a team and as a 465 00:21:46,906 --> 00:21:50,106 Speaker 1: as a city, um as an overall fan base. Um, 466 00:21:50,226 --> 00:21:52,066 Speaker 1: they feel a part of what we're doing. We feel 467 00:21:52,106 --> 00:21:54,986 Speaker 1: we feel that from them. It's it's not the biggest 468 00:21:55,026 --> 00:21:57,906 Speaker 1: city and in America, and so there's a direct connection 469 00:21:57,946 --> 00:22:00,346 Speaker 1: there where we interacted these fans all the time, and 470 00:22:00,466 --> 00:22:02,186 Speaker 1: we're in the schools, where in the restaurants, were in 471 00:22:02,186 --> 00:22:05,146 Speaker 1: the community. UM, I think they feel a strong connection 472 00:22:05,186 --> 00:22:07,826 Speaker 1: to some great players that have great personalities. Our team. 473 00:22:08,106 --> 00:22:10,426 Speaker 1: I think that's that's a really fun thing to have 474 00:22:10,466 --> 00:22:13,666 Speaker 1: these personalities that these kids can um, you know and 475 00:22:13,786 --> 00:22:16,266 Speaker 1: connect with. I mean exactly. I see the videos of 476 00:22:16,306 --> 00:22:18,266 Speaker 1: you going into these bars after wins. I think there's 477 00:22:18,266 --> 00:22:20,866 Speaker 1: something to that. It's pretty cool, it's pretty neat to 478 00:22:20,906 --> 00:22:23,106 Speaker 1: be a part of, and it's kind of a tradition 479 00:22:23,186 --> 00:22:25,346 Speaker 1: we we fell into. Um, there's gonna be a part 480 00:22:25,346 --> 00:22:28,186 Speaker 1: of us forever. And just just happy to be able 481 00:22:28,226 --> 00:22:30,466 Speaker 1: to connect with the fans that way. And um, I 482 00:22:30,506 --> 00:22:33,306 Speaker 1: think it's worked out well for us. Uh. Two more 483 00:22:33,426 --> 00:22:35,746 Speaker 1: questions And I like asking this to all the coaches. 484 00:22:35,786 --> 00:22:40,706 Speaker 1: If you could sum up Cincinnati Bengal season with one 485 00:22:40,746 --> 00:22:43,666 Speaker 1: offensive play, if there was a play that you're proudest off, 486 00:22:43,706 --> 00:22:46,106 Speaker 1: there's a play that you're like, you know what, dig 487 00:22:46,146 --> 00:22:47,906 Speaker 1: this one up? This is this tells a lot about 488 00:22:47,906 --> 00:22:49,786 Speaker 1: our squad. We had Dan Quinn on last week and 489 00:22:49,826 --> 00:22:51,106 Speaker 1: I said, give me a play, and he picked a 490 00:22:51,226 --> 00:22:54,786 Speaker 1: random play of Parsons chasing down a tight end, you 491 00:22:54,786 --> 00:22:57,146 Speaker 1: know from ten yards that didn't It wasn't as significant 492 00:22:57,186 --> 00:22:59,306 Speaker 1: as maybe a game that put into the playoffs, but 493 00:22:59,346 --> 00:23:01,706 Speaker 1: it was like that was our team this year. I 494 00:23:01,706 --> 00:23:03,346 Speaker 1: hate putting me on the spot, but what's a cool 495 00:23:03,386 --> 00:23:04,866 Speaker 1: play that you're proud of the air Like you up 496 00:23:04,906 --> 00:23:06,666 Speaker 1: that tape, let's run it back and you could guest, 497 00:23:06,786 --> 00:23:09,666 Speaker 1: you know, I think the first Kansas City game, um, 498 00:23:09,746 --> 00:23:11,666 Speaker 1: we were We were able to show clips of every 499 00:23:11,666 --> 00:23:15,226 Speaker 1: person on our roster making impact plays on that game, 500 00:23:15,346 --> 00:23:17,386 Speaker 1: every single one of them, all forty eight guys that 501 00:23:17,426 --> 00:23:19,986 Speaker 1: were active. And there were so many clips of our 502 00:23:19,986 --> 00:23:22,986 Speaker 1: offensive line in that game, uh, just doing a great 503 00:23:23,066 --> 00:23:25,466 Speaker 1: job helping each other, you know, against a great pass rush, 504 00:23:25,506 --> 00:23:29,386 Speaker 1: against great front, great linebackers. And so I don't have 505 00:23:29,426 --> 00:23:31,866 Speaker 1: the one specific on the spot right here. That's I 506 00:23:31,906 --> 00:23:33,506 Speaker 1: do like the question I gotta put more thought. I 507 00:23:33,506 --> 00:23:35,306 Speaker 1: was gonna say, give me some j P rod and 508 00:23:35,306 --> 00:23:37,066 Speaker 1: it just rumbling and get it to me. Yeah, I 509 00:23:37,066 --> 00:23:39,426 Speaker 1: mean I just finished it after contact down the field 510 00:23:39,426 --> 00:23:41,506 Speaker 1: for some j In that game, there were just so 511 00:23:41,506 --> 00:23:43,986 Speaker 1: many point Higgins catching a huge third down to put 512 00:23:44,026 --> 00:23:46,346 Speaker 1: the game on ice at the very end, um Jamaar 513 00:23:46,506 --> 00:23:49,946 Speaker 1: with so many guys fighting on second down, UM to 514 00:23:50,146 --> 00:23:53,026 Speaker 1: convert first downs or a third down to where we 515 00:23:53,026 --> 00:23:55,066 Speaker 1: didn't we were in a third one or fourth and one. 516 00:23:55,426 --> 00:23:57,586 Speaker 1: That was really that first Kansas City game. We showed 517 00:23:57,626 --> 00:24:00,346 Speaker 1: so many clips of some j and and Jama Chase 518 00:24:00,386 --> 00:24:02,946 Speaker 1: getting that extra inch to put us over the line, 519 00:24:02,986 --> 00:24:04,826 Speaker 1: and a lot of those drives continue and it's a 520 00:24:04,826 --> 00:24:07,426 Speaker 1: lot of those plays stand out. So has huge shutdowns 521 00:24:07,426 --> 00:24:09,506 Speaker 1: on third down in that game. I gotta spurst downs 522 00:24:09,506 --> 00:24:12,066 Speaker 1: and extended drive some touchdowns. You know, I'm I'm a 523 00:24:12,106 --> 00:24:15,146 Speaker 1: writer by trade. I love the story, so like the narrative. 524 00:24:15,186 --> 00:24:17,346 Speaker 1: To me, there is like fighting for every extra inch. 525 00:24:17,706 --> 00:24:20,026 Speaker 1: And that's kind of the symbol of this team this year, 526 00:24:20,066 --> 00:24:22,106 Speaker 1: going through the Damar Hamlin thing from the other side 527 00:24:22,106 --> 00:24:25,346 Speaker 1: of it, um, having to endure the same type of 528 00:24:26,186 --> 00:24:28,786 Speaker 1: uneasiness of where is this going and then having then 529 00:24:28,826 --> 00:24:31,026 Speaker 1: go play football. I think that's symbolic of what your 530 00:24:31,026 --> 00:24:33,706 Speaker 1: team was. Uh last but not least, what now for 531 00:24:33,746 --> 00:24:35,666 Speaker 1: the for the Taylor family. Do you get a chance 532 00:24:35,746 --> 00:24:38,386 Speaker 1: to maybe put down the clicker of the All twenty two? 533 00:24:38,426 --> 00:24:40,786 Speaker 1: Can you take some time to unwind? Do we play 534 00:24:40,866 --> 00:24:44,506 Speaker 1: video games? Are we watching cartoons? What are we doing? Yeah? 535 00:24:44,546 --> 00:24:47,866 Speaker 1: My my son's downloaded uh double as seven, the old 536 00:24:47,946 --> 00:24:53,026 Speaker 1: Nintendo six Golden Golden Old, and we put in a 537 00:24:53,066 --> 00:24:57,626 Speaker 1: good three to four hours last night grenade launchers. They 538 00:24:57,626 --> 00:24:59,506 Speaker 1: were having a blast. It kind of took me back 539 00:24:59,506 --> 00:25:01,866 Speaker 1: to my my high school days. Yeah, I don't think 540 00:25:01,906 --> 00:25:03,786 Speaker 1: they enjoy it with all the technology they got now, 541 00:25:03,786 --> 00:25:05,586 Speaker 1: but they love it. They've got their friends over today 542 00:25:05,626 --> 00:25:08,386 Speaker 1: and um, so you know that that's that's been pretty 543 00:25:08,386 --> 00:25:10,266 Speaker 1: cool to spend some time with them and be able 544 00:25:10,306 --> 00:25:12,306 Speaker 1: to do some old school type of stuff. And when 545 00:25:12,346 --> 00:25:14,506 Speaker 1: does it start where you're like looking at draft prospects 546 00:25:14,506 --> 00:25:16,786 Speaker 1: and Senior Bowl craft, Like I cringe at the thought 547 00:25:16,786 --> 00:25:18,626 Speaker 1: of you having to bring up that tape. Does that 548 00:25:18,666 --> 00:25:21,666 Speaker 1: happen now? Like is it this week? No? Not this week? 549 00:25:21,706 --> 00:25:24,106 Speaker 1: You know, I'll take two weeks off and and still 550 00:25:24,106 --> 00:25:26,306 Speaker 1: be around town and and for meetings and things that 551 00:25:26,306 --> 00:25:28,746 Speaker 1: will hop around here. But jump, I can that process 552 00:25:28,786 --> 00:25:31,386 Speaker 1: before the combine starts to be prepped on those guys 553 00:25:31,426 --> 00:25:33,346 Speaker 1: and do does a great job. They're already moving full 554 00:25:33,386 --> 00:25:35,746 Speaker 1: speed ahead there at the Senior Bowl, and US as 555 00:25:35,786 --> 00:25:38,026 Speaker 1: coaches will catch up sooner rather later. When I said 556 00:25:38,026 --> 00:25:40,186 Speaker 1: it on on Good Morning Football last week, going into 557 00:25:40,226 --> 00:25:42,226 Speaker 1: the game and we announced the finalists for Coach of 558 00:25:42,266 --> 00:25:44,306 Speaker 1: the Year, and I know you're not one for look 559 00:25:44,346 --> 00:25:47,466 Speaker 1: at me, and that's certainly not in your but I 560 00:25:47,466 --> 00:25:49,626 Speaker 1: don't know. Man, start off the season oh in two, 561 00:25:49,746 --> 00:25:52,306 Speaker 1: losing on Halloween, four and four, go through the Damar 562 00:25:52,426 --> 00:25:54,706 Speaker 1: Hamlin thing right, alof tense, straight wins, win in Buffalo. 563 00:25:54,986 --> 00:25:57,506 Speaker 1: I'd sell you had a pretty good year yourself. Neck well, 564 00:25:58,266 --> 00:26:00,506 Speaker 1: we we we want to win championships. That's what drives 565 00:26:00,586 --> 00:26:02,946 Speaker 1: us and UM to get those numbers on the wall. 566 00:26:03,106 --> 00:26:07,506 Speaker 1: You know of Division champs. We wanted waves champs. Didn't 567 00:26:07,546 --> 00:26:09,826 Speaker 1: work out for us, but those are the things that 568 00:26:09,986 --> 00:26:12,786 Speaker 1: really motivate us. Hey, I appreciate you taking the fifteen 569 00:26:12,826 --> 00:26:14,426 Speaker 1: minutes here and talk with me and wrap it up 570 00:26:14,466 --> 00:26:16,266 Speaker 1: the season. Best of luck to you. I will see 571 00:26:16,306 --> 00:26:18,826 Speaker 1: you Combine. I imagine the next time i'll see you, 572 00:26:19,226 --> 00:26:22,506 Speaker 1: I'll be there for four days. Yes, so alive, so alive, 573 00:26:22,506 --> 00:26:24,826 Speaker 1: my friend. We'll see each other at to Shake Shack 574 00:26:25,146 --> 00:26:27,066 Speaker 1: or whatever they call it was that shaking shaking steak. 575 00:26:27,466 --> 00:26:29,946 Speaker 1: You want shape, no way. If you want to go 576 00:26:29,986 --> 00:26:31,906 Speaker 1: to different restaurant, I'll meet you there, but I'm gonna 577 00:26:31,906 --> 00:26:35,866 Speaker 1: stay away from Zach Taylor, congratulations on a great season 578 00:26:36,026 --> 00:26:38,506 Speaker 1: and thanks so much for joining the pod. Awesome thanks, Peter. 579 00:26:43,866 --> 00:26:48,226 Speaker 1: Tremendous person, tremendous coach and a great, great ambassador of 580 00:26:48,306 --> 00:26:51,226 Speaker 1: the game. Sack Taylor. Uh, just an awesome convo. I 581 00:26:51,266 --> 00:26:53,466 Speaker 1: love the image of him playing Golden Eye for four 582 00:26:53,506 --> 00:26:57,746 Speaker 1: hours with his family. I got Aaron Kaufman, um, my 583 00:26:57,866 --> 00:27:00,866 Speaker 1: producer right here. Aaron, when you hear you're thinking Tahiti, 584 00:27:01,146 --> 00:27:03,986 Speaker 1: you're thinking Hawaii. No, he's sitting in a basement playing 585 00:27:04,346 --> 00:27:07,226 Speaker 1: slappers only with his kids. You gotta come away from 586 00:27:07,266 --> 00:27:09,746 Speaker 1: that conversation. Love and Zach Taylor. Yeah, I would love 587 00:27:09,786 --> 00:27:11,226 Speaker 1: to get a couple of rounds of Golden Night in 588 00:27:11,306 --> 00:27:14,266 Speaker 1: with him, you know, play complex and Uh. I think 589 00:27:14,266 --> 00:27:19,306 Speaker 1: he was saying they were doing Grenade launch, but yeah, tremendous. Um. 590 00:27:19,346 --> 00:27:22,266 Speaker 1: That's the goal of this podcast, guys. One week we're 591 00:27:22,266 --> 00:27:25,746 Speaker 1: gonna have you know, Dan Quinn as he's about to 592 00:27:25,786 --> 00:27:27,666 Speaker 1: go interview for head coaching jobs. The next week we're 593 00:27:27,666 --> 00:27:29,986 Speaker 1: gonna have Eric stone Street, a diehard fan, talk about 594 00:27:30,386 --> 00:27:33,546 Speaker 1: the audition process in Hollywood and how heartbreaking that can be. 595 00:27:33,866 --> 00:27:35,586 Speaker 1: And then the very next day we're gonna bring in 596 00:27:35,666 --> 00:27:37,506 Speaker 1: Zach Taylor, who was in the Super Bowl last year 597 00:27:37,506 --> 00:27:39,786 Speaker 1: in the a f C Championship Games seventy two hours ago. 598 00:27:40,346 --> 00:27:42,586 Speaker 1: We love doing this podcast. It's a joy and I 599 00:27:42,626 --> 00:27:45,266 Speaker 1: want to thank you Aaron as always uh so good, 600 00:27:45,306 --> 00:27:47,946 Speaker 1: so nimble to to make these happen. I want to 601 00:27:47,946 --> 00:27:51,706 Speaker 1: thank the great Jason English at I Heeart Radio, Matt Schneider, 602 00:27:52,506 --> 00:27:55,346 Speaker 1: Jason Kleinman who has been awesome with the clips. Um. 603 00:27:55,386 --> 00:27:57,506 Speaker 1: I'm getting nostalgia because the season's coming to an end. 604 00:27:57,546 --> 00:28:00,746 Speaker 1: We got one more left before we wrap this season 605 00:28:01,186 --> 00:28:02,746 Speaker 1: and we want to go out with a bank. So 606 00:28:02,786 --> 00:28:04,986 Speaker 1: we have not booked our Super Bowl week guests yet, 607 00:28:04,986 --> 00:28:06,866 Speaker 1: but I want to bring in a big one. Hopefully 608 00:28:06,906 --> 00:28:11,386 Speaker 1: I can uh fulfill expectations. And until then, guys, enjoy 609 00:28:11,466 --> 00:28:15,786 Speaker 1: the weekend, enjoy the Pro Bowl games. Person good by Verizon, 610 00:28:16,426 --> 00:28:18,746 Speaker 1: and uh no doubt. I'll be back next week and 611 00:28:18,786 --> 00:28:21,586 Speaker 1: we'll be talking more ball, Chiefs, the Eagles. It's here, guys. 612 00:28:21,986 --> 00:28:39,386 Speaker 1: Enjoy the season with Peter Schrager is a production of 613 00:28:39,426 --> 00:28:42,466 Speaker 1: the NFL and partnership with I Heart Radio. For more 614 00:28:42,506 --> 00:28:44,466 Speaker 1: podcasts from my Heart Radio, is it the I Heart 615 00:28:44,546 --> 00:28:48,546 Speaker 1: Radio app, Apple Podcasts wherever you get your podcasts,