The Rich Eisen Show

Actor-Director Kevin Connolly and guest host Ryan Leaf discuss his new venture ‘Victory the Podcast’ and the early days of HBO’s ‘Entourage,’ how the iconic HBO series would be VERY different if it was rebooted today, how he, a Long Island native, grew up a Miami Dolphins fan, and that night he and TJ Jefferson almost got carjacked in Wilmer Valderrama’s SUV.   Ryan shares his amazing story about his recruiting trip to visit the Miami Hurricanes involving limos, cutoff jeans, Warren Sapp…and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.   Ryan wraps up the hour giving Rich Eisen thanks for the guest hosting opportunity and reflects on what 9 years of sobriety has meant to his life after years of personal turmoil. And please check out Rich's other podcast every Friday: Just Getting Started with Rich Eisen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Basketball Hall of Famer and Lakers Analyst James Worthy and guest host Ryan Leaf discuss the impact of injuries to LeBron James and Anthony Davis on L.A.’s title hopes, the chances the Lakers could miss the playoffs altogether, if there’s any help available on the buyout market for someone like Andre Drummond or LaMarcus Aldridge, and who should portray him in the upcoming Showtime Lakers miniseries.  ESPN NBA Analyst Tim Legler tells Ryan which teams surprised him the most at the NBA Trade Deadline by making and not making moves, which deadline trade will have the biggest impact, if the Lakers are in real trouble with LeBron and AD out with injuries, why the Nets are still the team to beat, and the best fits for Andre Drummond and LaMarcus Aldridge and how the flurry of deadline deals “saved the league” this season.    Ryan and the guys wrap up the hour reacting to the breaking news about the blockbuster trades that have gone down in the NFL today that have the 49ers moving up to the #3 spot in the NFL Draf

NFL Network Analytics Expert Cynthia Frelund and guest host Ryan Leaf discuss her latest Mock Draft and explains why NFL teams don’t always draft with the goal of winning right away, why she loves what the Patriots have done this offseason, if Dak Prescott’s ankle injury will limit him next season, and who has the analytical edge in the Saints’ Jameis Winston vs Taysom Hill QB competition.    Ryan wraps up the hour sharing a story about how he and his brother spent an eventful New Year’s Eve in Las Vegas one year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Guest host Kirk Morrison kicks off the hour reacting to the Bears’ failed attempt to land Russell Wilson and if Chicago fans should have faith in Andy Dalton and the team’s front office. Sports Illustrated Senior Writer Chris Mannix and Kirk discuss the NBA Trade Deadline and how the Nuggets improved by trading for Magic forward Aaron Gordon, if the Nets are still the team to beat in the East, and LaMelo Ball’s chances to win Rookie of the Year if he misses the rest of the season because of a broken wrist. Kirk wraps up the hour recounting his transition from NFL linebacker to a career in broadcasting and his appreciation of this first booth partner, Dick Stockton, who announced his retirement today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Houston Chronicle’s Texans writer Aaron Wilson and guest host Kirk Morrison discuss the latest in the mushrooming Dehsaun Watson saga, the unusual tactics Watson’s accusers lawyer, Tony Busby, has taken to influence the court of public opinion, how Texans fans have reacted to the Watson allegations and the long-term impact on his playing career and legacy, and how the Watson controversy will impact the way the Texans move forward with their roster. Kirk reflects on his journey to the NFL including what his pre-draft experience was like, why he panicked on draft day, the emotions he felt during his first game as a pro, and what he learned being in the same locker room as Hall of Famers Warren Sapp, Randy Moss and Charles Woodson.  Kirk wraps up the hour reacting to Chris Brockman’s “Ryan Fitzpatrick Belongs in the Hall of Fame” case and says why the ageless QB still keeps playing football. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Guest host Kirk Morrison tips of the show discussing the latest in NBA Trade Deadline with Chris Brockman and TJ Jefferson, and ponder how much injuries will effect the playoff seedings for teams like the Lakers and Sixers.  NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport and Kirk discuss the NFL’s new Covid protocols for his year’s draft, if the Bears could draft a QB despite the recent signing of Andy Dalton, if the Seahawks would still trade disgruntled QB Russell Wilson after turning down Chicago’s huge offer, why Aaron Rodgers has been reluctant to restructure his Packers contract and Tom Brady’s influence on the mindset of top NFL QB’s, who has the upper hand in the Saints’ QB competition, how the NFL Draft will shake out regarding the top quarterbacks available, and if Jadeveon Clowney can expect to sign a long-term deal this offseason. Kirk and the guys wrap up the hour reacting to breaking news of Aaron Gordon’s trade to the Rockets, what Rajon Rondo would bring to the Clippers in a trade, and George Hills trade to

Guest host Ryan Leaf starts the hour breaking down the Patriots’ off-season moves and if they will have any impact on the Bills’ chances to repeat as AFC East champions, and if Mitchell Trubisky will get another shot at career redemption. Leaf weighs in on the Buccaneers bringing back more of their top free agents and what that means for their chances to repeat as Super Bowl champions. Indianapolis Colts Owner Jim Irsay reveals to Ryan just how close the team came to choosing him over Peyton Manning in the 1998 NFL Draft, his close friendship with the late writer Hunter S. Thompson including a recording of the famed writer leaving him a scathing voicemail, why he reached out to Leaf after his the former NFL quarterback’s post-playing career troubles with addiction, and how much of the bad buzz surrounding Leaf before the ’98 Draft got back to him.  The guys wrap up the hour revealing their final choices for their ‘Breakfast Club’ detention group. And please check out Rich's other podcast every Friday: Just Ge

FS1 NBA Analyst Ric Bucher and guest host Ryan Leaf discuss the possibility Lonzo Ball gets moved before the NBA Trade Deadline and which teams are in the market for a new point guard, how injuries to LeBron James and Anthony Davis will impact the Lakers at the trade deadline and their title defense hopes,   Oregon State Head Basketball Coach Wayne Tinkle and Ryan discuss the turning point for this team in a season that saw them lose to lowly Portland and then go on to reach the Sweet 16, what kind of player Leaf was coming out of high school and if defense was a big part of his game (it wasn’t), and how he’s keeping his team loose during the long week off in the NCAA Tournament’s Indianapolis bubble. Ryan wraps up the hour recounting his NFL Draft experience in 1998 and reveals which salacious stories about his pre-draft behavior are true and which were just fabrications. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Guest host Ryan Leaf kicks off the hour sharing a great story about how he and his father painted Manhattan red on the night of the 1997 Heisman Trophy Award ceremony.  ESPN NFL reporter Jeff Darlington and Ryan discuss the impact the mounting allegations against Deshaun Watson will impact his trade market and possibly his football future, why he’s still not convince Russell Wilson will be on the Seahawks come Week 1, and his reaction to the NFL deciding on having a live draft with fans in attendance in Cleveland this year. Ryan and the guys wrap up the hour paying to tribute to the ‘Breakfast Club’ by naming an athlete, actor and musician they’d most like to be stuck in Saturday detention with. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Guest host Dan Hellie kicks off the hour reacting to Jameis Winston’s emotional statements on Drew Brees’ retirement which leads to a debate on who will be the Saints starting QB next season, Winston or Taysom Hill? Dan and Chris Brockman discuss the Jets’ options with the #2 pick in the NFL Draft and debate if it makes more sense to stick with Sam Darnold or draft Zach Wilson or another QB. Now that the Sweet 16 field is set, Dan and the guys give their picks for the dark horse team that could rise up to knock of top-seeded Gonzaga. The hour wraps up with Oregon Head Coach Dana Altman and Dan discussing the Ducks’ reaching the NCAA Tourney’s Sweet 16, the impressive season from his guard Chris Duarte, and how he’s keeping his team on-point during the long week off before their next game.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Athletic’s Senior NBA Writer Sam Amick and guest host Dan Hellie discuss the Lakers approach at the Trade Deadline in the wake of injuries to LeBron James and Anthony Davis, which difference-makers like Aaron Gordon and Kyle Lowry could be on the move before the deadline, if the Nets are the team to beat for the NBA Title, if the Warriors are likely to land Lonzo Ball, and the growth of the NBA’s G League.    USC Head Basketball Coach Andy Enfield and Dan discuss reaching the NCAA Tournament’s Sweet 16 and if they used some “uncalled for” criticism by a CBS Sports analyst as motivation in the Trojans’ blowout win over Kansas, the challenge of coaching hoops at a football school, and why the Pac 12, 10-1 in this year’s Big Dance, deserves more credit on the national stage. Dan and Brockman wrap up the hour debating if Mike Tyson should have accepted $25 Million to fight Evander Holyfield again and if there really is an audience for long-retired athletes to come out of retirement to compete again.  Learn mo

Chris Brockman and guest host Dan Hellie tip off the hour reacting to the Giants latest free agent signing, Adoree Jackson, with Dan saying it’s “put up or shut up time” for New York.  Dan and the guys also debate if the concerns are valid about the weight of Heisman Trophy-winning wide receiver as the NFL Draft approaches. Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio and Dan discuss Deshaun Watson’s snowballing legal troubles and what advice he, as a lawyer, would give the Texans QB, what options the NFL has in terms of possible punishment for Watson if the allegations against him prove true, how the Patriots aced and the Giants fumbled their free agent signings, and why there could be at least 5 QBs taken in the first round of the NFL Draft.   Brockman and Hellie wrap up the hour discussing the sudden explosion in basketball card collecting and how it’s changed drastically over these two decades, and the joy and frustration of assembling a piece of Ikea furniture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.c

NBC Sports’ Peter King tells guest host Dan Hellie why the Patriots fortunes still depend on the QB position despite their recent free agency spending spree, why the Colts deserve a lot of credit for NOT spending a lot of money on free agents, and how Deshaun Watson’s mounting legal troubles will impact his ability to force a trade from the Texans and could eventually keep him off the field if the civil allegations result in criminal charges.    Ohio University head coach Jeff Boals and Dan discuss the challenges his team faced this season in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic, the inspiring story of Bobcats point guard Jason Preston who’s gone from obscurity to rising NBA prospect, and the difference between playing in and coaching in the NCAA Tournament.  The guys wrap up the hour discussing Urban Meyer’s ‘welcome to the NFL’ moment and if the Jaguars have a legitimate chance to win the AFC South next season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Guest host Dan Hellie tells Chris Brockman the preparation necessary to be able to call play-by-play for sports ranging from the NFL to MMA.  Brockman runs through the latest news from the world of sports including the NFL Draft being held live in Cleveland this year, the Giants signing of WR Kenny Golladay and if he deserved a huge contract coming on an injury-plagued season. Dan and the guys break down the big changes in the NFC East and which team should be the frontrunner in the wide-open division for the upcoming season. The guys discuss LeBron James’ sprained ankle and what it means for the Lakers’ playoff outlook if L.A. goes an extended time without their two best players. Loyola Chicago head coach Porter Moser tells Dan how this year’s Ramblers compares to his recent Final Four team, how he gets his players to buy in to playing tenacious defense, why 101-year-old Sister Jean is MUCH feistier than she looks (and if you don’t believe it, see what happens when you don’t return one of her emails), and mu

Chris Brockman and guest host Dan Hellie tip off the hour breaking down the wild opening weekend in the NCAA Tournament that was chock full of amazing upsets and Cinderella teams crashing the party at the expense of #1 seeds and blue-blood programs. Oral Roberts hoops head coach Paul Mills and Dan discuss the Golden Eagles’ improbable run to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament and how he keeps his players from believing all the hype surrounding them, the surprising way he and his team will be spending their down time this week, and if he could be in for a change of scenery as a result of his Tourney success this year. Dan breaks down the NFL’s announcement that this year’s Draft will take place in Cleveland with fans and players in attendance, and why we’re likely to see 4 quarterbacks go off the board within the first 7 or 8 picks. Brockman and Dan wrap up the hour debating which Cinderella team has the best chance to reach the Elite 8. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rich kicks off the hour breaking down the latest on the NFL Free Agency front including JuJu Smith-Schuster re-signing with the Steelers for one year instead of taking more money to play with Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs.   Rich dusts off his ‘4 Downs’ segment weighing in on WFT’s reversal of fortune after adding Ryan Fitzpatrick and Curtis Samuel, the Pats not standing pat after missing the playoffs last season, how the Bucs are running it back and how the Chiefs are rebuilding their O-Line, and why Emmanuel Sanders to the Bills might turn out to be the best free agent signing of the off-season. Emmy Award-winning actor Martin Freeman and Rich discuss the news season of his FX comedy ‘Breeders,’ why he, a cast member on the original BBC version of ‘The Office,’ was initially resistant to the idea of an American version of the comedy, what drew him to the first season of the TV version of the classic Coen brothers film ‘Fargo,’ why he was saddened and shocked by the unexpected passing of ‘Black Panther’ co-

Rich and the guys revisit TJ’s map-bending sports fandom and get into a heated debate: should you have to root for teams from your hometown or be allowed to adopt teams from other cities?  ESPN College Basketball Analyst and Hall of Fame Sportscaster Dick Vitale and Rich discuss the always-thrilling First Round games of the NCAA Tournament, his incredible journey from failed Pistons head coach to the Basketball Hall of Fame including the great story about how he was hired by ESPN, the Michigan head coach Juwan Howard to the NBA rumors, if a Cinderella team can emerge from this year’s Big Dance field, his DEEP love of the Bucs, Rays and Lighting, and a special birthday message for Mike Del Tufo.   Rich wraps up the hour pointing out the inequities between the NCAA’s treatment of players in the Women’s College Basketball Tournament vs the emphasis placed on the Men’s College Basketball Tournament after an Oregon player posted a Tik Tok video showing the VAST differences between the weight rooms that were made a

Rich kicks off the hour breaking down the NFL’s new TV and Streaming contacts that will go into effect in the 2023 season. (timestamp).      With Mitchell Trubisky signing with the Bills, Rich revisits the Bears’ decision to draft him in the first place and why the people who made that decision still have jobs.   Super Bowl-winning head coach Doug Pederson and Rich discuss his son’s Pro Day at Louisiana-Monroe and his chances to land with an NFL team as a tight end, the Eagles’ mindset when drafting quarterback Jalen Hurts last year, how things unraveled for Carson Wentz in Philadelphia and if he regrets benching him, why Jalen Hurts has the right mindset to succeed in the NFL, and his surprising exit from Philly just 3 years removed from winning a Super Bowl.      Rich and Brockman wrap up the hour debating which was the more compelling watch on Thursday night: the NCAA Tournament play-in games or LaMelo Ball taking on LeBron James for the first time?  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.c

CBS Sports’ College Basketball Analyst Clark Kellogg tells Rich how far Baylor will go in the NCAA Tournament, Patrick Ewing and Georgetown’s chances to make a deep run in the Big Dance, if Gonzaga can pull off an undefeated season and win it all, if Syracuse will even get past the first round, why UCLA vs Michigan State might be the best play-in game of all time, his pick for this year’s Cinderella team, and how the bubble environment will impact this year’s NCAA Tourney. After Chris Brockman and TJ Jefferson agree to a Syracuse vs Georgetown bet, Rich and the guys launch into an examination of TJ’s sports rooting interests that includes the Altoona, PA native rooting for the Dallas Cowboys, L.A. Clippers, Georgetown hoops, the Sixers, New York Mets, Penn State and Florida State. The hour wraps up with ‘Brother form Another’ co-host Michael Smith reacting to TJ’s schizophrenic sports fandom with the most spot-on assessment one could expect: “wait, WHAT???” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoic

Rich opens the hour revisiting Michael Wllbon’s comments that Bears head coach Matt Nagy wants no part of coaching Mitchell Trubisky and what that says about their organization as a whole. Buccaneers All-Pro linebacker Lavonte David and Rich discuss the impact fellow LB Devin White has made on Tampa’s defense, what Tampa DC Todd Bowles has brought to the team and his defensive game plan that shut down Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs’ high-powered offense in the Super Bowl, the Bucs’ home field advantage vs KC, how Tom Brady changed the mindset of the locker room, his reaction to the Packers settling for a field goal late in the NFC Championship game instead of going for a touchdown, Brady’s now famous Lombardi Trophy toss during the Bucs celebration parade and the Bucs’ chances to repeat, and why his foundation is focused on providing financial assistance to college students in need. Rich wraps up the hour discussing the Raiders’ curious decision to blow up their offensive line and how that will impact them an