The Rich Eisen Show

The Fire Pit Collective golf writer Alan Shipnuck tells Rich why there’s a growing schism among PGA Tour players at the top of the food chain and the tour’s middle class and Tiger Woods’ “shadow commissioner” role in keeping players from defecting, why Open Championship winner Cameron Smith joining the Saudi-backed tour brings big-time legitimacy to the upstart league, and why LIV Golf is here to stay due to bottomless financial backing.  Rich explains why the LIV Tour isn’t going away and if a compromise can be reached between the league and the PGA Tour, then reveals his new list of Top 5 NFL Things He’s Talked Himself into including takes on Kirk Cousins, the AFC East, the Chiefs’ offense, the Seahawks, and the Steelers’ QB competition.  Rich makes a big announcement about the future TV home of the show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Three-time Super Bowl champion Julian Edelman joins Rich in-studio where he reveals why he’s missing football now more than ever and if he’d consider a comeback of Tom Brady called, discusses his new ‘Games with Names’ podcast that revisits some of the most famous games and plays in sports history, weighs in on the Patriots’ “vanilla” offense that has been unimpressive in the pre-season so far, why he’s picking the Las Vegas Raiders to win the AFC West, imagines what a Patriots version of HBO’s ‘Hard Knocks’ would have looked like, and in a game of ‘Edelman True or False’ reveals how he came to conduct the Boston Pops Orchestra once, wrote three children’s books, and the real story behind Rob Gronkowski putting a dent in the Lombardi Trophy at Fenway Park when he tried to use it as a bat.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rich previews the Chiefs 2022 outlook and says pundits who are predicting a step back for Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City offense after the departure of Tyreek Hill to the Dolphins could turn out to be very wrong. Rich and the guys get into a heated candy debate including Red Vines vs Twizzlers, Jelly Bellies vs Jelly Beans and some hot takes on Starburst and Skittles. NFL Network Reporter Tom Pelissero tells Rich why the NFL Management Council issued a tampering warning memo regarding the trade demand of disgruntled Chicago Bears LB Roquan Smith, if the Jets should be worried about the long-term prognosis for QB Zach Wilson after his latest knee injury, how the Seahawks’ and Steelers’ QB competitions are shaping up, where Jimmy Garoppolo could possibly land once the 49ers part ways with him, and more. Rich and the guys debate the best landing spots for Jimmy Garoppolo as he waits in limbo for his release or trade from the 49ers, and break down the latest Bill Belichick Press Conference Moment of the Day.

NBCSN Boston’s Patriots Insider Tom Curran tells Rich why Bill Belichick’s attempt to streamline the Patriots’ offense play calling is actually causing more confusion with Matt Patricia and Joe Judge both involved in the process, says if he was surprised by the Tom Brady/Miami Dolphins tampering that came to light in Brian Flores’ lawsuit and why Brady soured on the coaching staff toward the end of his time in New England, and more.  Rich and Jeff in Detroit react to Dan Campbell’s featured role in the season premiere of HBO’s ‘Hard Knocks’ and explains why he’s buying what the energetic head coach is selling.  Rich and Brockman recap the thrilling end to the FedEx St. Jude Championship where Will Zalatoris captured his first PGA Tour victory and react to the latest twist in Roquan Smith’s demand to be traded from the Chicago Bears. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Seahawks All-Pro WR D.K. Metcalf and Rich discuss Seattle’s QB competition between Geno Smith and Drew Lock, says he’s surprised Russell Wilson and Bobby Wagner are no longer on the team, reveals how close he came to demanding a trade before signing his big extension to stay in Seattle, and reveals how he landed an acting role in the new Owen Wilson movie ‘Secret Headquarters’ and makes it not secret he wants to co-star in a comedy movie with Kevin Hart.  Bills WR Gabriel Davis and Rich discuss getting over Buffalo’s crushing playoff loss to the Chiefs and what the team’s expectations are for this season, why he and the rest of the team have 100% confidence in Josh Allen in the huddle, and why he strives every day to prove his doubters wrong, especially the coach who once told him he was too slow to play wide receiver.  Rich and the guys react to the latest Bill Belichick press conference and break down the Patriots’ offensive woes.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jets fan Rich reacts to Zach Wilson’s latest injury and wonders when the “curse” hanging over his favorite NFL team will ever end.  In his ‘Overreaction Monday’ segment Rich has more to say about Zach Wilson’s injury, the Steelers’ 3-way QB competition among Kenny Pickett, Mitchell Trubisky and Mason Rudolph, the Dallas Cowboys’ sloppy play, Jalen Hurts and the Eagles’ chances to win the NFC East, Deshaun Watson’s suspension’s impact on his football skills, the Panthers’ QB battle between Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold, if Drew Lock or Geno Smith starts Week 1 for the Seattle Seahawks, and why Bill Belichick’s Patriots offense already has New England’s season in jeopardy.  Michigan alum Rich recaps his epic trolling of Ohio State when he hosted the recent Pro Football Hall of Fame Induction Weekend Dinner. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

ESPN’s Lindsey Thiry tells guest host Ryan Leaf how concerned the Rams should be about Matthew Stafford’s throwing elbow, if Odell Beckham Jr. could return to the defending Super Bowl champions, why Justin Herbert could win NFL MVP honors and how the Chargers revamped defense makes them a dangerous team in the AFC. The Associated Press’ Josh Dubow tells Ryan why the Raiders will be the AFC West team that’s most hard-pressed to reach the playoffs this season, comments on Tom Brady’s leave of absence from the Buccaneers, Deshaun Watson’s suspension appeal, and why he’s picking a Brady vs Josh Allen Super Bowl. Ryan and Brockman break down the AFC playoff picture and wonder if the Raiders, Chargers, Chief AND Broncos can reach the postseason this year. Ryan discusses his big move to Connecticut and breaks some news about a spinoff from the hit show ‘Yellowstone.’ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Guest host Ryan Leaf and Brockman recap the Patriots-Giants pre-season opener, break down New England’s early-camp offensive struggles, and marvel at reporters continually asking not-wise questions of Pats Head Coach Bill Belichick. In our ‘What’s More Likely’ segment Ryan weighs in on Mac Jones and the Patriots, Ryan Tannehill and Titans rookie QB Malik Willis, says why Jimmy Garoppolo will win more games that Deshaun Watson this season, if Tom Brady can continue to stave off Father Time, and says if Packers QB Aaron Rodgers or 49ers QB Trey Lance is under more pressure to win this season.  Denver Post Broncos Insider Ryan O’Halloran tells Ryan what the Broncos can expect from Russell Wilson and what their new starting QB can learn from Peyton Manning when he arrived in the Mile High City, says why fans will be happy with the deep pockets of the teams new owners and more. In his ‘Big-Ass Grab Bag’ TJ lists his all-time greatest 2nd-overall draft picks in NFL history including Eric Dickerson, Marshall Faulk,

Guest host Ryan Leaf discusses the outreach he does for college football programs each fall where he schools the student-athletes on the perils of fame and expectations that can easily derail their hopes and dreams. Washington State Athletic Director Pat Chun tells Ryan why he’s confident new head football coach Jake Dickert can make the Cougars consistent winners year-in and year-out, how the Pa-12 will move forward following the defections of UCLA and USC to the Big Ten Conference, and more.  Ryan reacts to the NFL correcting its use of ‘race norming’ when denying concussion settlement payments to black players and reveals why most former NFL players live in fear that CTE could be in their future at some point. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tampa Bay Times Bucs Insider Rick Stroud tells guest host Ryan Leaf why even he’s baffled by Tom Brady’s mysterious absence from Buccaneers’ training camp and if it could be a harbinger of something bigger to come for TB12, what Tampa’s expectations are for the 2022 season under new head coach Todd Bowles, and why the new-look Miami Dolphins will be “a problem” for the teams on their schedule this year. Florida State Head Football Coach Mike Norvell and Ryan discuss the challenges of bringing a winning tradition back to the Seminoles after some down years following the Bobby Bowden era and more.   Ryan and the guys react to reports that the Cleveland Browns will pursue Jimmy Garoppolo if Deshaun Watson’s suspension is extended and offer up a solution for Kyle Shanahan in his beef with the NFL who won’t let him choose which hats he can wear during games this season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2-time Super Bowl champion and current Steelers sideline reporter Max Starks tells guest host Ryan Leaf why Mitchell Trubisky has the early lead over Mason Rudolph and rookie Kenny Pickett in Pittsburgh’s QB competition, what Mike Tomlin’s expectations are for his team this season in what should be a very competitive AFC North against the Ravens, Bengals and Browns, how he reacted to the Heinze Field name change to Acrisure Stadium, how the Rooney family’s ownership has been able to maintain nearly a half-century of consistent winning and more. Ryan and the guys discuss their sports fandom and how geography and parents play a huge rule on which teams we root for, and debate how much stock NFL fans should put in those great and not-so-great Twitter videos of their favorite teams’ training camp practices and scrimmages. Ryan revisits his 2021 NFL Draft breakdown where he thoroughly hammered the Bengals for taking WR Ja’Marr Chase over OT Penei Sewell with their 1st round pick. Learn more about your ad choices.

Guest host Ryan Leaf and Brockman discuss Tom Brady’s mysterious absence from the Buccaneers’ training camp for at least the next week and ponder if there’s a chance the 7-time Super Bowl champion doesn’t return by Week 1, and the guys debate the incident today at the FedEx Playoffs where Scottie Scheffler walked across the putting line of Cameron Smith to send a message about the Open Championship winner’s rumored intention to defect to the LIV Golf tour.  The Fantasy Footballers’ Co-Host Andy Holloway tells Ryan who are his top 5 players in fantasy football this season, names his favorite sleepers and says which players to stay away from, says how Deshaun Watson’s suspension will impact fantasy drafts, and says why Trey Lance and Jalen Hurts could post huge fantasy numbers this fall. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

‘Go Long’ NFL writer Tyler Dunne tells guest host Ryan Leaf why the Buffalo Bills and Josh Allen won’t see a drop off despite losing Offensive Coordinator Brian Daboll to the New York Giants, why the Bengals are poised for another successful season, that the Jets are trending upwards despite the season-ending injury to OT Mekhi Becton, and if the Miami Dolphins can reach the playoffs under rookie head coach Mike McDaniel and newly-acquired All-Pro WR Tyreek Hill.  Golf Channel Host & Senior Writer Rex Hoggard tells Ryan how LIV golfers suing the PGA Tour made it personal for players who haven’t defected to the upstart Saudi-backed league and if Open Championship winner Cameron Smith will also make a jump to join the LIV Tour after the Fed Ex Cup Playoffs. Ryan and the guys debate if NFL teams’ investments in big wide receiver contracts, like Deebo Samuel’s and Tyreek Hill’s, will pay off in wins this season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Guest host Ryan Leaf takes calls from viewers thanking him for being a role model for them on their road to recovery from substance addiction.  Cleveland Browns Insider Mary Kay Cabot tells Ryan when she’s expecting a decision on the Deshaun Watson’s suspension appeal, how head coach Kevin Stefanski is preparing his back up QBs for Watson’s absence, and more. Ryan and the guys break down the AFC North and predict how thing will shake out among the Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Baltimore Ravens this season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Guest host Ryan Leaf recounts his first-ever NFL training camp experience with the Chargers after being selected #2 overall in the 1998 NFL Draft and sets the record straight about a hazing incident involving Junior Seau that has been widely misreported over the years. Ryan and the guys recap the first episode of HBO’s ‘Hard Knocks’ and debate the effectiveness of the fiery in-your-face style of Detroit Lions head coach Matt Campbell. Baylor Head Football Coach Dave Aranda tells Ryan what expectations he has for his team this season after winning a Big 12 title in 2021, explains why “you don’t have to be an a-hole to win” in college football and more. Ryan breaks down the College Football Coaches’ Poll, remarks on the impact Lincoln Riley has already made at USC and predicts how many games the Trojans will win this season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Guest host Ryan Leaf and the guys debate if it’s harder to find 32 good Ks or 32 good starting QBs in the NFL with Ryan revealing how he feels (STRONGLY) about kickers.  The guys react to Serena Williams possibly retiring after the upcoming US Open and marvel at her remarkable tennis career and overall impact on sports. Actor Javon “Wanna” Walton joins Ryan in-studio to reveal what it was like making his upcoming movie ‘Samaritan’ with Sylvester Stallone, reveals what the future holds for his beloved Ashtray character on HBO’s ‘Euphoria’ and how boxing keeps him humble despite finding stardom before he was old enough to drive a car. Ryan reveals which teams would be better off swapping out their current starting QB for soon-to-be-ex-49er Jimmy Garoppolo. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kansas Head Football Coach Lance Leipold tells guest host Ryan Leaf what cultural change is necessary to transform the Jayhawks from also-rans to respectability year-in and year-out, how he’s approaching possible Big 12 expansion, why he embraces being a football coach at a blue blood college basketball school, and much more.  The MMQB’s Andrew Brandt tells Ryan how Deshaun Watson’s agent was able to land the most lucrative, fully-guaranteed contract with all the misconduct allegations hanging over his head, if NFL teams are wise to hand over big contracts to receivers like the ones Deebo Samuel, DK Metcalf, Christian Kirk and others recently received, and his reaction to Bears LB Roquan Smith’s trade demands. Ryan and the guys debate if WRs deserve to get paid or if teams should spend money on other key positions such as the offensive line. Patriots fan Chris Brockman and Ryan discuss the disappointing showing by Mac Jones and the Pats’ offense in training camp so far.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visi

Guest host Ryan Leaf reacts to Bears LB Roquan Smith demanding a trade and says why Chicago is in danger of becoming the NFC North’s doormat team.   Pac-12 College Football Analyst Yogi Roth and Ryan discuss the huge impact Oklahoma transfer QB Caleb Williams will have on USC, his new ‘5-Star QB’ book aimed at high-level high school players, the future of the conference with UCLA and USC’s defections on the horizon, and how he knew back in college at Pitt that WR Larry Fitzgerald would go on to have a special NFL career.  Ryan and the guys react to the bad news coming out of Jets camp about offensive lineman Mekhi Becton and what it means for New York’s high hopes this season, and Ryan reveals the incredible story of Pro Football Hall of Famer Terrell Owens nearly fight him in a country club parking lot. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In our ‘Overreaction Monday’ segment guest host Steve Weissman weighs in on the Geno Smith-Drew Lock QB competition with the Seahawks, if Brandon Aiyuk will overshadow Deebo Samuel this season, if Saquon Barkley can regain his pre-injury form, if Michael Thomas can be a star again for the Saints, if the Browns should/will trade disgruntled RB Kareem Hunt, while TJ weighs in on the Mets’ World Series odds with Jacob deGrom’s return and Yankees fan Mike Del Tufo weighs in on the Pinstripes’ mid-season slump. Pro Football Hall of Famer and NFL Network Analyst Kurt Warner tells Steve why he’s predicting Justin Herbert will lead the Chargers to the playoffs, why Russell Wilson is the 2nd-best QB in the AFC West, and why he still marvels at 45-year-old time Brady’s exploits on the field.  The guys react to a report that Kevin Durant has told Nets ownership to choose between him and the GM/Head Coach combo of Sean Marks and Steve Nash. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Big Ten Network announcer Lisa Byington tells guest host Steve Weissman her journey from college athlete to groundbreaking broadcaster as the voice of the Milwaukee Bucks, reveals how Giannis Antetokounmpo’s humility is on par with his skills on the basketball court, and previews the Big Ten football season and the Michigan Wolverines’ or Ohio State Buckeyes’ chances to reach the College Football Playoff.  Tennis Hall of Famer Andy Roddick tells Steve if Serena Williams has a chance to win at the US Open, how much longer his on-court nemesis Roger Federer will play before retiring, what it’s like to partner with Peyton Manning on a new bourbon venture, if the fiery Nick Krygios can win the US Open and much more.  The guys get into a heated debate about the AFC West asking is Russell Wilson the 4th best QB in the division and are the Chargers overhyped. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices