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The Rich Eisen Show. Earlier on the show. NFL network insider Tom Pellisero. Coming up. NFL draft prospect Jennings Dunker.
California Redwoods midfielder Ramar Dennis. Dallas Renegades head coach Rick Newheisel. And now, it's Rich Eisen. Friday show is on the air. 844-204 Rich is the number to dial.
I'll have the phone lines all completely lit right here on the program. Rick Neuheisel, who sues you and I go way back in a car seat, also on this show. Didn't you guest host with Rick Neuheisel? I did a long time ago. It had to have been 10 years ago.
Had to have been.
Well, he's about to join us. He's involved in UFL football, and of course, college football will chat with Rick in our number three of this program. What's more likely will be coming up here as well. But right now, let's get to our next guest right here on the program. It was just at this point last week.
Was getting ready for his on-field workouts at the Combine on Sunday. He's one of the top offensive linemen available in this year's draft, and he caught my eye. His mullet really had me at him. And I talked about it so much, so it got picked up and went viral, I guess. The mullet did, or me just being fascinated by it.
Ladies and gentlemen from Iowa football, Jennings Dunker is here on the program. How are you, sir? Good to see you, man. Good to see you. How are you doing?
I'm doing fine. Did you see our coverage of your flow? Jennings, did you? I've seen a little bit of it. I had some guys send it to me.
It was definitely pretty entertaining.
Okay, because you were hustling and then flowing all at the same time. And I guess, if you don't mind me starting with this, because as somebody like myself, I am fascinated. With everything here, because you never used you didn't show up to Iowa with the mullet. Why did you decide to have the party in the back? Jennings.
Yeah. Yeah, so I kind of did a case study on my guard, Connor Colby, if you know who that is. He got drafted by the Niners last year.
So Khan came into Iowa. He had a mullet, so he was a freshman, All-American. And then he cut it. You know, he had a good year, but not, you know, fresh and all American. And then we grew it out together because he was my guard and I was his tackle.
You know, he got drafted by the Niners.
So I was kind of like, well, maybe this is part of his success.
So I figured I'd just keep rocking it. I was hoping to help me block better.
So that was kind of my strategy.
Okay, so it's Samson-like, it's like your strength? Is that what you're saying? I think so. I mean, I think it really helps you block better. Like, you know, I wish we had more of our, you know, tight ends and fullbacks rocking it.
You know, it's kind of a fullback thing. We used to. Pottabom had one. It was awesome. If you know who that is, Monty Potterbomb.
Okay, sure. That hair was sick. Yeah. And how does, how do you. How do you maintain?
Walk me through your maintenance. Jennings? Honestly, I never brush it. I'll use shampoo if it's available. Like in the hotel for the combine, I actually ran out of shampoo.
So when we were the day of the workouts, I just threw body wash in. I was like, screw it. You know, it's probably the same thing.
So you just body wash or shampoo. I don't use conditioner. I don't know. I mean, like, I don't even know if it does anything. I kind of think it's a scam.
So, yeah.
Okay. All right. That's a hot take. The conditioner is a scam. But listen, we're all paying rent in your world right now.
Um, when was the last time did you cut it? When did you cut it last? How often do you. Do you trim? The haircut.
So I actually got a haircut. Let's see. I would have left on Wednesday or Tuesday. I got a colour the day before because I was trying to look kind of professional. I didn't get the back cut.
I got the sides cut.
So then the mustache trimmed up too. I kind of need to trim it again. But yeah, I was trying to look professional.
Okay. By the way, you sound like Kittle a little bit. Do you have any relationship with George Kittle? Jennings at all? I've talked to him after a special teams meeting one time, but.
I haven't seen him for a for a while.
Okay. I I assume he would approve All of what you've said, and all of how you look, and all of how you represent Iowa football. I imagine you would approve of all of it. Jennings, you know? I hope so.
Yeah, yeah. All right. When you first showed up, what did Kirk Ference have to say about this? To look. Anything?
He honestly doesn't really say anything too much about her hair.
Okay. Sounds like. One time I had like a, what's it called? Like the magician's mustache and like little goatee thing. What?
I can't remember what it's called, but I rocked that one time.
Okay. All right. And that was like for a week, and I did not play well that week, so then I shaved it off. But yeah, so I mean, yeah, just kind of having fun. I love it.
So you're all about how this. supports the actual football play and getting to the combine and getting to be a professional football player is essentially what you're saying. Did I get that right? Yeah, I mean, I don't think. I think if I didn't have this hair, I don't know if I'd be, you know, at this position at the Combine.
So I think it's definitely a huge help. All right. So at the Combine, how did you feel it all went for you? Jennings. Honestly, pretty good.
I mean, I wish that 40 was a little faster. You know, I ran that 40 and I was like, holy smokes! Like, that was flying. Like, it'd be like five flat when I got the call, and it's like 518. And I was like, ah, boss.
But, you know, I gave her a rip. And I thought the onfield stuff was pretty good too. I mean, it's kind of hard to kind of measure and evaluate because you don't get like an exact score from it like you would from like a pro-agility or something. But I am happy that I out-vertical jumped Logan Jones.
So I've been letting him have it about every day. I like it. A little bit of competition. Look at that right there, man. I love it.
Look at you. Yeah. Yeah. That should be a new. That's a new Jordan.
I was about to say, you should call, have somebody, somebody in your camp call up. Nike and say this is the new dunker. I mean, what would you call it? Mullet Man?
Well, I mean, you know, that's a good dunker. It's right there. Yeah. What do you think? I think you could also reach out to Cirque de Soleil with that.
Yeah, it's a little Cirque de Soleil. You're like, you're up there, Jennings. I love that, man. I was trying. I was letting it rip.
And so who did you meet with? at the combine. Which teams did you meet with? Honestly, I usually meet with kind of almost every team, like whether it's the formal, the informal.
So, like the formal is like, you know, with the head coaches and the O line coaches and then like the informal will kind of be kind of whoever's there.
So, right. I know we do we do a lot of meetings. And what was the what was the strangest question you got asked in these meetings? You know, I was really fired up for a strange question. I was pumped up, but I didn't really get any strange questions, unfortunately.
I was fired up for it.
Okay. Excited, but.
Okay. Well, I've got some strange questions for you, Jennings. We've only done this once with a college football. Uh I guess figure, star, whoever. We did this with Kurt Signetti.
of Indiana football. A celebrity true or false. We have a segment that we do with our celebrity guests. of which you are definitely one now. I'll take it.
Okay. And it's called Celebrity True or False, where we ask things that we've read about the subject on the internet to see if they're true or false. Are you ready to play this, Jennings Dunker? I think I should be, yeah.
Okay, here we go. We've got production value to start it. Hit it, please. Celebrity true or false? You can't have it.
Handle the truth. All right, there we go. Jennings Dunker, celebrity true or false from the front. This first time we've ever done this with somebody sitting in the front seat of their car behind the steering wheel, zooming into the program. True or false, Jennings, Iowa came to your Illinois high school to recruit someone else.
And found you because you walked up to one of the coaches with red tennis shoes and asked a question. Is that true or false? I would say somewhere in the middle.
So they did come to recruit someone else. And then my high school coach kind of, you know. He kind of set up the meeting, and then I had like huge feet. Like, I think I had like size 17 shoes, and I was like. You know, 200 pounds.
So I kind of looked like a clown. But yeah, talked to Coach Ference in the cafeteria was awesome.
So your Coach Ference was there to recruit someone else, and your coaches are like, you need to talk to. to Kirk Ference. Exactly, 'cause I graduated with like fifty fifty some kids. I mean, my hometown's like twenty six hundred, so it So it was a small group that they would even be there. What was that moment like for you to talk to Kirk Ferrens?
Did you realize this was it? For you, I mean, it's kind of unreal because, like, I grew up watching the Hawks, like, I grew up a Hawk fan. Like, I was born in Iowa. I lived until I was like eight or nine. Like, my folks are from Iowa.
So, it's kind of unreal. Like, I grew up watching Coach Ferris. I was like, oh my gosh, like, is in my high school. Right. I was like, what's going on?
And you had red tennis shoes on. You can confirm that. You did. I honestly can't remember, but I think I did because I think they were like the flat, like Metcon lifting shoes. Yeah.
Okay. Yeah. All right. I got another one for you here. True or false?
Jennings Dunker, you let a flock of ducks loose as a prank in a hallway. And your principal at high school said you would not get your diploma unless you cleaned up the mess. Is that true or false? That is definitely true. We let him loose the whole high school.
Yeah, that was kind of a senior prank. I was. I was thinking of good ways to have a senior prank that would kind of be harmless, and I kind of settled on that. I mean,. It was kind of awesome looking.
It was funny looking back. How many ducks did you let loose in the hallway of your high school? I want to say like five of them. Like they were like feeder ducks, and they were like the bigger ducks.
So it was kind of, it was awesome.
So if they're bigger ducks, they left a bigger mess, is what you're saying. Absolutely. Yeah, there was like, it was everywhere. It took a while to clean up. I had to get some help from my classmates.
I'm glad they helped me out because it would have taken me a while.
Okay. So you did get your diploma, obviously, because you did clean up the mess. Correct. Yeah, yeah, I got my diploma.
Okay, good.
Next one. I got two more for you. True or false? I think I know this is true, but I got to ask anyway. True or false, you are the two-time champion of the annual Solon Beef Days hay bale toss.
Is that true? Two-time. True, yeah. I actually beat Logan Jones too. I'll get that second title.
It was pretty awesome.
Okay. I still bring that up to him, too. How heavy are these bales of hay? Jennings, how have you It kinda depends on when they get bailed because that'll determine the moisture content of them.
So, I don't know, probably like 40, 50 pounds, I'd say. Oh, yeah, look at those jorts. Jorts! Look at your hair! Dude.
George I think that was the first time Yeah. You did this in shorts. Those are custom jorts, too. I made those. I went to Goodwill and got a pair of jeans and cut them up.
You hiked them up. And so, how heavy is this bale that you're throwing in the air? How healthy that? I'm not even sure. Maybe 50 pounds or so?
Prior that or maybe? All right, so this was year one, and then you defended this moment, is what you're saying? Oh, yeah, it was electric. I mean, the entire town of Solon and everyone, their third cousin came out. It was awesome.
Did you get a trophy for this? I mean, does one get a trophy or a plaque for having this? I'd love to know. You got a trophy? Yeah, so like when I won it, it was like a trophy.
And then my buddy Peep, so my right guard this year, he actually won it this most previous time.
So he has like a WWE belt that says like someone haybald champion on it. It's huge. Yeah. He just keeps it in his truck. I love it.
Last one for you, Jennings Dunker, true or false. You are a self-described bookworm that was on a pre-med track at Iowa and you don't own a television. Is that true? You have a television, but like I do like to read and I also I was pre-mad, yep.
Okay. So you do, because where I read this, I guess it was a couple of years ago, you had not yet owned a television. But you do now. Yeah, I didn't have one in my room because, like, growing up, we didn't have, I didn't have one in my room. And then, like, I got to college, and some of my buddies had them.
I was like, this sounds awesome. Like, I can get a TV in my room.
So, I got one in my room. It's kind of life-changing. What's your favorite book? Man's Search for Meeting by Victor Frankl. Wow.
That's my favorite book. I haven't read it in a while. I gave it to one of my buddies to read, but yeah. I just reread that about three months ago because it's so deep and existential and really kind of helpful for going through the day today. I'm really impressed.
That's so awesome. But I'm not surprised at all to hear so much about your character because, you know, I covered Iowa for a long time on ABC, and it was Chad Greenway and Abdul Hodge. That was the linebacking corps when I was there. And, you know, some of your stories remind me of the stories that we got. Then Chad grew up on a pig farm, I remember, and like he was like, oh, God, please don't ask me about growing up on a pig farm because everybody comes from the networks and asks questions about growing up in some of these small communities.
But I'm just curious about Kirk, and I'm wondering, besides the green, for any of you listening on the radio, I'm getting a really funny view of a very cool green behind you. You're right. I'm just wondering if I messed up. I'm sorry. I do that all the time in the car.
Why do you think Kirk has had such great longevity? And why do you think he's able to get the most out of his players the way he gets The most out of you. Honestly, I just kind of think it's like the person that he is. Like, I mean. Obviously online, like you see, he's a great person, but like, you know.
off online he's even like a better person like He knows every single person's name in our facility. I mean, even like the janitors and the people that come in and cater food and like just how he treats people. Like, I know guys that didn't finish out their career, and he would stay in contact with them like all the time. And like, he really cares about people. Like, he cares about everyone.
And, you know, he's a great man, like, just how he. He kind of teaches us values about responsibility and dependability. And like, so, like, he always builds the man first, and the football player kind of follows.
So, that's how he coaches and teaches people. And I mean, if you talk to anybody from Iowa, like any former player, like they just love him. And he stays in contact with everybody after they leave.
So, he's awesome. Yeah. And again, the character of folks that he builds. One of my favorite moments for every Iowa home game Is when The team turns around, and the fans turn around and wave at the children's hospital that overlooks the stadium. I I it gets me every single time.
You know, because kids are sitting there wondering about what's going on with them, what's going on with their lives. And just to say hi to him like that, dude. I love it, Jennings. Just great stuff. That's awesome.
Yeah. Right. I mean, that you turn around and I don't know if you've ever, you know, met any of these kids, but you mean a lot.
So I appreciate that you do that sort of thing. Jennings. Yeah, like a lot of guys on the team, especially like. They'll go and see kids in the hospital. And if there's different organizations that kind of work with us, and they'll kind of text me and be like, hey, like this kid, you know, he wants to see us, and then we'll make time to go up and see him on our off day.
So, like, a lot of players do that. And obviously, it's not public, it doesn't get posted, which is kind of how you want it. But yeah, I mean, guys are definitely really involved with the Children's Hospital. I got smoked in like the Super Smash Bros game on the Nintendo Switch by one of them.
So, yeah, I mean, it's awesome.
Well, listen. Thanks for the time. Best of luck to you. I really will keep my eye on you as you go about your. pro days and things of that nature and visits.
And then once you get drafted, look out for my call. You know, if the team will let you. hop on because once they get a rookie in their in their house they kind of Make sure that the first things are first before they talk to somebody like me. But I really would love to. Keep up with you.
And before I let you go, you know, there's already a who wore it better. Conversation involving your mullet. I don't know if you saw this during the NFL network combine coverage, but there it is. What do you think, Jennings? What do you think?
I love it.
I think you might be rocking a little better. I like how it's pretty sweaty and looks like you've been working. Yeah, well, the guy on the right doesn't believe in conditioner either. But it's because I don't use it. You know what I mean?
I don't need the conditioner. Rich, can I? Can I caution Jennings about one thing, though, by saying conditioner is a scam? Because, bro, I see you making so much money. Doing shampoo commercials that maybe you don't want to say conditioners a scam.
Maybe you should just, you know, go roll with it and then like let the money come in, bro, because they're going to come for you. Yeah, like Tori Palomala with head and shoulders. There you go.
So much money with those locks. I'm going to tell you this right now as somebody who really believes in the power of deep conditioning. I mean, there are a few things I really believe in more. Go with it. Try it.
Experiment. Don't be afraid of the conditioner.
Okay. And then collect the check. That's right. And then send me, and then send me some of the free stuff you get without talking about. There you go.
Yeah, gotcha. I can swing that.
Okay, see, we see you. And we hope the best for you, Jennings Dunker. Thank you for the time. Greatly appreciated. Appreciate it.
Go forth, sir. Go flow. Go do your thing. You be well. You too.
Jennings Dunker, everybody. Delightful chat with the guyowa prospect who dominated the combine. Yes. Dominated. Fun stuff.
You didn't even tell him that you've got a whole line of gingers adjacent to you. I mean, he could fit in with Lee and Emily. My brother? Yeah. Who fits in with me?
You know. He doesn't use conditioner either. He doesn't need it. He doesn't need it either. But yeah, a whole line of redheads in my family.
Did not know that. Yeah, how about that? You know, there's layers. We're learning a lot. There are layers to me, Jay.
But that was fun right there, man. Doesn't he sound like Kittle? Is he hating talking about him? Yeah. You know, and just dropping sort of dry, funny.
Yep. You know, I got smoked by some kid, you know, at the children's hospital. And what was that?
Some video game, I imagine? Smash Brothers.
Okay, there you go. And as someone who spent some time in Iowa, I can tell you that I've definitely seen dudes with the Jorts and the cut-off flannel. Throwing 50-pound bales of hay. But I definitely saw them rolling around Cedar Rapids. And you know the book that he was referring to?
Oh, yeah. I mean, have you never they didn't give that to you in Michigan? Oh boy. Wow. It's the Harvard of the West, Seuss.
It is. It is. This is a very deep book about surviving the Holocaust. I mean, this is not just, you know, reading on a vacation. He's talking about next level existential thinking.
But, by the way, That's really cool. And I got it out of him. I know that. And you know, there are so many sometimes you hear scouts like, I just want a guy who only wants to talk about football or be about football 24-7, 365. I obviously feel differently.
Great stuff. Phone lines are lit. And a what's more likely is still to come right here on the Rich Eisen Show. The Rich Isa Show Podcast. Back here on the Rich Eisen Show, radio and television all together.
On the radio side, we just showed a video of George Kittle's appearance from. Two years ago, where he took a pillow with my face on it back home, and as a postscript. Uh the Kittle family dog urinated on it. Yep. Um and I don't think the pillow's around anymore.
So, that actually happened. I think that says about how this dog. Look at this pillow raise.
Well, I think what it what it means is you know I'm a dog person and dogs dogs, you know. Uh find me uh relieving. Yeah. All right. 844-204 Rich is the number to dial here on the program.
Gabriel in Washington is first in, first up. What's up, Gabriel? Hey, how you guys doing? How are you? I just say ladies and gent lady and gentlemen, how you guys doing?
Well done, Gabriel. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Glad to have uh Susie on. I don't think I ever called when Susie was sitting in. Hey, Gabriel, nice to talk to you.
I know she's alternate always super friendly to the caller, so I'm uh honored to be on the phone now. I'm happy to have you call. And I want you guys to notice that the collars have expanded since I started sitting in the back. Wow, yeah, you're a factor. I like to empty out all the phone vacations.
You love collars. You're a factor. Thank you. What's up, Abriel? What's on your mind?
Hey, anyways, I was going to call about something else, but since you just had Jenny's Dunker on, I wanted to I'll just mention that my family and I are fans of the Iowa Hawkeyes. I have a nephew that actually went to the children's hospital because he had a little horse gump situation going on. After he was born and uh My little brother's wife has a cousin that's a doctor at that hospital, and that is just a phenomenal school and a phenomenal program, and a great thing they do. My brother was at one of the games when he was over there with his son and uh got to do the whole turn and wave to all the children and it's it's uh But uh yeah, an amazing, amazing school.
So I guess in fourteen years, if you see a An Iowa Hawkeye jersey with the last name Wick on it. That's my next one. All right. We'll keep an eye out for that, Gabriel. Appreciate it.
Anyways, I was calling to talk about mainly Ken Walker being probably the biggest free agent the Seahawks have. And that there's a handful of others that are going to walk, probably because of the Super Bowl attacks. I mean, when the Super Bowl, everyone wants your players, but Um I never bought a canine jersey his first or second year because I'm probably marred by all the injuries that Since Marshawn Lynch, the Seahawks, they they draft running backs and they tend to get hurt. just kind of nature position, but Um, so they're gonna let K-9 walk and all these other guys. I think maybe, I don't know, maybe there's one or two that stays, but I believe And John Schneider and Mike McDonald, that they have their guys pinpointed, and they're going to bring in the right guys.
And keep this thing rolling. I'm with you, Gabriel, and thanks for the call, and thanks for your sentiments and your two cents about everything that we've been talking about here. Kenneth Walker. I I love him, man. He he He Beat the crap out of my Wolverines when he was on Michigan State.
What he scored five times? By the way, in the only. Game that the Wolverines lost that regular season. And so they were. They were um Feeling his wrath.
And then, when the Seahawks drafted him in the second round, I'm like, great, great hire. And then he had some really good games. He sometimes wasn't healthy. And then when they needed him most, he played He played larger than life. Which he's done in big games his whole life and will be a terrific free agent for somebody, but the Seahawks clearly decided.
That um What, franchising him at $14 million and change was just not a good use of their funds. And we'll see what they're going to do over the next few days. Um their name has been floated as a Max Crosby destination a couple times. which I said yesterday would be Quite an uh an aggressive move. Um for a team that Had the pass rush.
I didn't think anybody thought to themselves, boy, Seattle would be much better if they had a better pass rush. They were great because of their rush. and the way that they were able to just keep on churning guys one after another after another. Um That would surprise me, but Things have been crazier. Christian in Toronto, you're on the Rich Eisen Show.
What's up, Christian? Mine too there, Jay. You there, Christian? How's everybody doing? What's up, buddy man?
Hello. Yeah, we're here. What's going on? Before I get into my question, I just wanted to bring up that my friend, who's also named Christian, was able to attend the combine as a guest. And before he made his way to India, I joked and said, Tell Rich Eisen I say hi.
He did. Toronto says hello. He did. And then he calls me and he tells me that he did, and that he recognized me. And I thought that was so cool.
Just wanted to bring that up.
Now, I remember he did that. Part of me just has the devil in me where I'd be like, Christian, who? I don't know that. I don't know, Christian in DeRon. But I didn't do that.
My my default came through, which is I said hello and now I say hello to you again. What's going on? I just wanted to run an idea by you. I think it's interesting.
So if the Dolphins release Tua and he gets designed for the minimum, What do you think of the Rams grabbing him as a backup and letting him sit behind Stafford, like similar to what Sam Darnold did in Sant's Ram?
Okay. Listen, I think anybody would want to be part of Sean McVay's factory. and world. Any quarterback certainly would be. Baker Mayfield still talks about it, being in there for his brief bit and what it meant for him.
uh in the same way that people talk about Shanahan's or Kevin O'Connell's or anything like that. The issue with Tua being a backup. is that he's left-handed. Believe it or not. It's not his talent.
It's not his skill set. It's the fact he's left handed. And the way a ball spins out of a left hander Throw. Is vastly different than a right-handed throw. Ask any receiver.
They will tell you about that. And so if you have a starting quarterback and you got to... backup quarterback coming in the middle of a game in a crucible of a moment. Um It's a factor. It really is.
I know I would do this. If I am a left-handed starting quarterback. Team and I am going to look for a backup. I'd want another left-hander. To be honest with you.
I wouldn't want to do that. Thanks for the call, Christian, and hello again, I guess. Because again, at the Combine. One of you know that I hate this drill. The gauntlet drill.
where A Wide receiver starts in the sideline looking this way. Flips around the other way, catches a ball, flips around the other way, catches a ball, and then runs in a straight line as fast as he can. Because they catch it and drop it. And sometimes, you know, I was even joking to bring up Uh Just to have some entertaining quality to a long-ass broadcast, is that they should bring in officials. To go through their own combine to see if it was actually catch two steps and then a football act before they drop it.
Because they catch it and drop it because they need to be ready for the next one, and the next one. And everybody keeps telling me from Michael Irvin to Daniel Jeremiah to Mayok and everybody that there is still a massive upside and helpfulness to this drill. and that I should pipe down. But the reason why I bring it up here. Is that The first two throws, which are the easiest, because you're looking directly at one person and then flipping around and looking directly at another person from a stationary position.
The rest of them, you're. Heads on a swivel, and you're trying to run as fast as you can, and try and run as straight a line as you can. Those are the toughest ones. The easiest are the ones where you're stationary and catching, stationary and catching. One Time.
for one of the wide receiver groups They kept dropping the first easy situational pass. And the reason why, that Daniel Jeremiah pointed out, is it was being thrown by a left-hander. That's interesting. Because the ball it rotates in a different way when you're spinning it from the left hand as opposed to the right.
So I I mean that that's a tough one. That is a tough one to have your right-hander, your starter to be a right-hander. And then in the middle of a game, it's not a lefty coming in. And sure, they'll catch passes, they'll be able to practice with them. But at the end of the day, in the crucible of a you need this third down, You don't want that cropping up.
Regardless of how talented the left-hander is, So You know what also concerns me, and I've talked about this at length, even with Amy Trask, on what the football. We saw so many backup quarterbacks coming in and having to get so much quality time this last season. And what's the concern level that you might have to bring in a backup who has been so concussion prone and I guess an injury prone? And I just feel like you're going to want to look for somebody with a little bit more durability or stability when you're backing up somebody of the ilk of Matthew Stafford. And if you were saying that as the backup, then clearly there's going to be people who have that issue for the starter.
And that's just not the price tag. That's why I don't think Two is going to be traded for. he will be one hundred per cent acquired by a team. and will they make him the starter? based on he's always one snap away, but so is everyone else.
You know, and I I understand what you're saying. He he's a different He's a different player in that regard because we've seen him, and it's happened on big nationally televised games in the most frightening. positions of being prone on the field.
So that's part and parcel of what's going on with Tua that isn't part and parcel of what's going on with Kyler or Kirk Cousins or Geno Smith or Malik Willis or anybody else that could be available as a free agent. quarterback and that's going to be part of the issue of selling himself as a starter somewhere. Him with his abilities, him in the right system, him with his heart and his soul, those are easy sells. Although Dolphins fans will push back, saying sometimes he didn't seem like he was terribly into it. You'll hear that every now and then, they'll call up.
The backup, like I said, if I'm running a team, I do not want a left-handed backup quarterback if my starter is right-handed. If he's left-handed, you got it. They're a bit more. No, and I'm sure there's left-handed quarterbacks that have the backup being right-handed, and it's the same thing. It's the same thing, and that you're not talking about it that way.
But there's not that many of them. There have been less than 40 left-handed quarterbacks. This is why I again I would be concerned about it.
So Also, Rich, about the gauntlet, I love the gauntlet. Yeah, too. But here's one thing I wish they would do: let them wear helmets because that's more accurate. You've got guys firing footballs at their face from like, and also, you're going to have a helmet on when you're playing. I know that, but then, you know, again, at the end of the day, These drills are made to mimic football acts.
and mimic Athletic movements that you're going to have to make on a football field and padding them up and helmeting them up. It's just never going to happen. It is not meant to play football. It is meant to mimic what football acts will look like. And what acts of physical strength will look like.
And what better way you could say, I could see what your reaction is, what better way to? show that they can do it than actually padding them up and putting them in helmets. But the bottom line is, somebody with a helmet on and somebody with pads on is going to do something that could actually get them hurt. 'cause they feel like they are better protected. And it is the I I I've had conversations with scouts about this for over twenty years.
But if it mirrors they're running, dropping, running, dropping, running, dropping. A football act is a catch and then the end of a play and a start of another play.
So in a lot of ways, it doesn't mirror at all. The gauntlet's fast, fast, fast and it's like, what, four or five balls and then they run it out? There was one there was one drill I n I know you were not watching 'cause you were, you know, uh on the East Coast with Zan looking at schools. Um but there was one drill Yeah. Offensive lineman, one of Jennings Dunker's uh combine mates.
And one of the many great stories that Stacey Dales was telling about all of these players. I don't know how she. figures it out, gets it, is so able to present it detailed, it's all great. one of the uh players was uh the son of a yoga teacher. And one of the drills, which is kind of crazy, an agility drill, where they get up.
And move around and go side to side and side to side and then front to back and then move and get out. and run towards the end zone. It started with them literally prone on their back. And you'd be proud of me, Suze, because back in the day when you were doing yoga a lot and you had me insist that I give it a try. I pointed out that this drill would be perfect for the son of the yoga teacher because he's starting in a shavasana position.
Wow. Next level, right? Which is the the When you do it, it's called the dead man's pose. It's at the end of the uh workout where you're supposed to really find your chi. And me, I would just Be hyperventilating.
We can't wait till this thing is over. But again The reason why I bring it up is If an offensive lineman Is in a position on his back. arms out, palms up, staring at the roof of the stadium. This is bad news for the quarterback he's trying to protect or the running back he's trying to blow open a hole from.
So why are we doing this? And they keep saying it's to see how quickly they can get up and move. That's it.
So, trying to make heads or tails into what's a football act and what isn't. through a combine drill is very difficult and I've spent 20 years trying to figure this thing out. I spent 20 years watching you, Trend. Thank you, sir. I greatly appreciate it.
All right, let's take a break here on the Rich Eisen Show. We're going to punt what's more likely to the top of hour number three before Rick Neuheisel joins us. But when we come back on ESPN Plus this weekend, the championship series for PLL begins. Romar Dennis is hoping to get there, and certainly with the way he plays lacrosse, they will for the Redwoods. He's next right here on the Rich Eisen Show.
The Rich Eisen Show, the podcast. The Rich Eisen show, Pella Windows indoors.
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Discover why, as Pella is a trusted choice for homeowners everywhere. Visit pella.com/slash eyes and today. That's pella.com. Slash eisen. Tonight, the California Redwoods have a chance to advance to the PLL Championship Series on Sunday at 3 p.m.
Eastern on ESPN Plus. And joining us a man who who can Uh along with his teammates, get California there. It is the two-time all-star of PLL and two-time humanitarian award winner. For PLL. Ladies and gentlemen, Romar Dennis is here on the program.
Good to see you, Romar. How are you? Good, good, Rich. Thanks for having me. You bet.
I hope I got your introduction appropriately correct. Um and I guess you appearing on this program right Nim means it's Roamer time. For me. Is that what it means right now? Yeah, yeah, I guess so.
I know. You're too humble. But do you want to explain what Romer time apparently is? Romar time? I mean, that's, I think it's the first time I've heard of that.
Really? Romar time means it means it's you have never heard about the fact that it's called Romar time when you score in overtime? Which is your pension to do? You've never heard that? Honestly, I have not.
That's a purse. Wow. I'm informing. I'm informing. I didn't coin it.
This has been coined maybe behind your back, but it's all positive. You know? I'll take it.
I'll take it.
It's all positive. When did you first pick up a lacrosse stick, Romar? Pre-K. There was a scoopers clinic after school, just picking up the ball and trying to get it in your stick. Then I played baseball and in fourth grade, I joined a team.
In fourth grade.
So you've been playing since Pre-K, when you had a lacrosse stick in your hand and playing since fourth grade, is part of the reason why you played baseball is that your dad was in the Yankees system? Is that true, Romo? Yeah, yeah. He played AAA, a huge Yankees guy. That was a tough conversation the day I quit baseball.
Oh, oh, no.
Okay. Um so what do you feel is your challenge tonight to get to Sunday for your Squad Romar. Yeah, I think they have to win to get in.
So They're going to come out firing, and we can't get lack today's goal here and think that just because the only thing at stake is a buy that we don't have to come out playing hard.
So, right. But you can lock up a one seed. You could lock up a one seed, correct? We absolutely can.
So that's a big opportunity for us. I think the buy in this format is huge. And your teammate Aidan Denenza, he's in the hunt for the golden stick award. What has impressed you about his tournament so far? Yeah, he came into training camp this summer as a training camp designee, meaning he was just holding a spot for someone else, and he just balled out.
Like, he's a jack of all trades. He's a highly intelligent player. He's aggressive. He's a big athlete. And he's earned his keep.
And no one's really surprised at this point, but he just keeps playing better and better the more company he gets. And you're taking on your former team tonight, New York Atlas? You're still friends with some of these guys? On your team? Off the field, yeah, absolutely.
A lot of good guys over there, but that doesn't matter when we're playing them. Tonight, though. There's no friends, is what you're saying. There'll be no friends. Not during the game.
Okay. Not but dapping up before and after is still wide open for you. Maybe after.
Okay. You played college lacrosse with Pat Spencer. who I we we see right now bawling out Alongside Steph Curry, did you ever see him? Having that in him, Romar, in all honesty? Yeah, you know, he mentioned it in 2016.
We're watching the Cavaliers play with LeBron and Dela Godova's playing. He's like, I could do that. You know, just like grab boards, hustle, hit a three every now and then. And we're like, Like guys in the as in, you know, in the NBA. Like, that's We love you, and you're a great athlete.
But he was super confident and always a gifted athlete.
So. It it not that it was shocking, but it it's just been an amazing journey watching him do it. Like if anyone could do it, it's him.
Well, when he when he um gets on a heater, which we see sometimes, he frequently lets the opponent know about it. Was he the same way as a lacrosse player? Oh, yeah. Oh, yeah. He might be the most competitive person I've ever met.
Like anything, anything that was a game, he would get heated and he would put it all out there. It was really, it was really crazy. And La Crosse is going to be in the Olympics here in Los Angeles in 2028. Do you have designs on on going for it? To be on that squad?
Roma, it would be a huge honor. Um, but you know, I think that's a little out of my control. I'm just gonna play my best and try to stay healthy up until then. And if called upon, that would be huge. But yeah, just gonna keep focusing on playing for the Redwoods for now.
Now, what Since I'm uh an NFL guy quite a bit here, uh I'm always focused on the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award winner, which do goes to uh the uh community oriented individual that stands out Amongst a group of community-oriented individuals.
So Being a two-time Wells Crother Humanitarian Award winner. What do you do off the field? I'd love to give the platform to you about what you've done and. and how people can be part of what you do in the communities that uh in which you play. Romer.
Yeah, I'm an advisory board member on a group called Harlem La Crosse in Compton. They're in five cities, but I'm in LA, so Compton is the closest. And they just use lacrosse as an enrichment tool for academics, for after-school activity, building confidence, healthy habits. But there are a ton of groups like that: Brooklyn, Bronx. City Lacrosse, Bridge Lacrosse, Denver, City Lax.
Hope I'm not forgetting too many. Oakland Lacrosse Club. There are a ton that go into demographics that wouldn't be exposed to lacrosse and put sticks in their hands and kind of. Give them another avenue, another outlet from their lives.
So I just have a hard time saying no to those opportunities.
So I do a bunch of stuff like that.
Well, it's pretty cool. Congratulations on that. And why do you feel um you you you do have success when the pressure's on The most. and overtime hits. I know you again, you're being humble.
Romar time is, in fact, a nickname that is said about you. Why do you think This happens.
So often with you. Roma. You know, just even being a kid, you don't imagine winning a game by five. You imagine the three, two, one, countdown buzzer beater. I feel like I've kind of manifested it a little bit.
And then, you know, there's just way harder things to do than play a game and try to win a game.
So I just. try to stay calm and collected and I think about, you know, how much I've dreamt of moments like that and uh try to step up for my teammates.
Well, c uh good luck on getting that number one seed against your former team. And so um and good luck uh when when championship Time hits for you, and I appreciate you spending time on this program. Thanks, Rich. Appreciate it. You got it.
Romar Dennis can be seen tonight, 8 Eastern Time against New York Atlas on ESPN Plus. And then at 3 p.m. Eastern on Sunday, the Championship Series begins. on uh PLL, which we've been talking about um every now and then on this program for a while.
So that's the latest from that on our Family of Networks. and his dad played for the for the Yankees system. Then you had to tell him I'm I'm not playing baseball anymore. And I noticed you mentioned the name Wells Crawther there that kind of popped out at me. If people know the story behind 9-11.
Wells is known as the man in the red bandana because he, former lacrosse player, always had a red bandana in his pocket. And stories came out from one of the towers that there was a man wearing with a red bandana who was helping people escape from the towers in 9-11, and it turned out to be. To be well.
So, when you said that name, that just really popped into my head. Interesting. I appreciate you lending that perspective for that award. And we'll always talk about that on this program. I'm wondering if there's a patch where there's a red bandana that you can wear similar to the The patch that the NFL gives a Walter Payton Man of the Year Award.
I would assume it has to be. There we go. We're just trying to make things better. He's known for that. We can't stop consulting.
Yeah. Even though we're not being consulted. Rick Neuheisel, and what's more likely on our Friday hour three finale right here on the Rich Eisen Show. The Ridge Isa Show Podcast. Mm-hmm.
