January 10, 2024 • 24 mins
Will Selva and MJ Acosta-Ruiz are back for another episode of El Huddle! The season has come to an end and moves are being made. But first, we talk about MJ's recent appearance on the Kelly Clarkson show and the special guest she met.
We then take a look at some of the biggest coaching moves from around the league, such as the surprising one up in Seattle. Rams rookie guard Steve Avila joins us to discuss his rookie year, Stafford's return to Detroit and how he's managed to play all 18 games this year.
Finally, we look at the playoff games for this weekend.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:04):
All Huddle is a production of the NFL in partnership
with iHeartRadio.
Speaker 2 (00:11):
Miami for quinc.
Speaker 1 (00:15):
And Muya Ratica and Corpest for Miami.
Speaker 3 (00:29):
Bello ol Getal. What's good, everybody, bim Benitos. This is
the l Huddle Podcast.
Speaker 2 (00:37):
Welcome to the Vermilia. I'm Will Salva alongside.
Speaker 3 (00:40):
My Edmana, My Prima, My Prima Ermanna, MJ Casa Ruiz.
Speaker 2 (00:46):
Fresh off of the Kelly Clarkson Show.
Speaker 3 (00:49):
I was able to tape the show and I saw
you was so proud. The crowd was energized, Kelly Clarkson
was energized, and you telling your story. I was proud
of you, Premier Mana, you you made me proud.
Speaker 1 (01:06):
Thank you Primo. It was It was incredible, you know,
to have a platform, to be able not to just
share part of my culture, but part of my story.
My favorite part though, was that we were able to
surprise this amazing young woman. She's twelve years old. Her
name is Ali and she's an aspiring sports analyst who's
chiefs fan. Actually there she is phenomenal. She had no
(01:28):
idea that I was there, but she had flag to
production when they were telling her that they wanted her
to come on for her love of football, that I
was one of the people that she that she really
admired and followed, which really warmed my heart. She's a
mihikana Latina, so that was another big reason why I
continue to say how important representation is and that we're visible.
(01:51):
And for this young lady to say that I am
one of the role models for her, it just it
really solidifies why we're in Laluta right, why we keep
pushing for our representation and for our communidae. And so
she and I have started our mentorship sessions. She's so
she's already a professional, Like she came in for the
(02:13):
first one and she's like, I have notes and she
had a fullest of questions and she's going in like
she's talking about coaching changes, she's talking about schemes, like
she wants to know everything. She wants to understand really
how to get here. And I'm just so incredibly impressed
by her. And I told her when she owns her
own network, like don't forget on TMJ, like please, But
(02:38):
it's it's really refreshing to see to see the future
of this world of sports. And I'm I'm just so
honored to be able to play a small part in
her development. I'm like, she's like another little niece now,
like I'm obsessed. I'm obsessed with her. So that was
for sure for me the highlight. And also Kelly Clarkson
as advertised, cause hell super humble, down to earth, like
(03:00):
she just made me feel so welcomed and so awesome,
Like it was one. It was a really really special base.
I'm very grateful.
Speaker 3 (03:06):
Yeah, well, a special day for a special person. It
was awesome to see. I know Kelly Clarkson, she hosted
NFL Honors, a huge Cowboys fan, huge boh, this is
now her jam to see the Cowboys in the postseason.
But let's see if they could actually do something. It
has been a crazy busy week with these coach firings,
(03:30):
and I thought that Mike Rable being out in Tennessee
was a big deal. He'd been there, synonymous with the city.
Speaker 2 (03:37):
He was a Coach of the Year.
Speaker 3 (03:38):
In twenty twenty one, guided the team with Derrick Henry
and Ryan Tannehill to the AFC Championship Game, so on
the precipice of a Super Bowl appearance, and so I
thought that was a big deal. And then the Pete
Carroll being out in Seattle just blew me away because
(03:59):
it didn't seem like he was going to leave.
Speaker 2 (04:02):
He'd been there for fourteen years, MJ.
Speaker 3 (04:05):
But now he's no longer going to be chopping on
his gum and Roman the sidelines.
Speaker 1 (04:11):
I know, I know, I said right that potentially he
was going to stay on as an advisor or something
with a team, but in his capacity as head coach.
The peak Carol era is done in Seattle, which is
so strange to see, right because that's, like you said,
it's synonymous with the Seahawks at this point, and there's
been so much transition over there. But you know what
(04:33):
a career for Pete Carroll and everything that he's done
as a head coach. You know, remember him from his
his USC days, Like this is a ten yured just
one of those coaches that everyone knows. But times are
a change and it's a little crazy, isn't it.
Speaker 2 (04:52):
Yeah, a legendary head coach.
Speaker 3 (04:54):
He got the team a Super Bowl win, got them
win the hair of another and I think that play
is obviously going to still kind of hunt him seas, right,
But he brought a culture there that was needed and
he came from USC and people thought, how's this going
(05:15):
to work out? But in mind, this was his second
stint as an NFL head coach. He was a head
coach in New England and didn't go the way it
was planned, goes to USC. When he was hired on,
people didn't think much of the higher In fact, they
thought this guy is going to run their program down
to the ground. He did the exact opposite, and then
(05:35):
he develops the legion of Boom defense is his calling card.
There's gonna be guys on that defense that are going
to be headed to Canton. And they did a great
job of drafting and developing players, even this current crop
of players that they have in Seattle, Zach Charbonay, Kenneth Walker,
(05:56):
Rieke Wolan, They've got some players up there is just now,
what are they going to do with you know, Smith's
team friendly contract and are they going to go in
a different direction with the head coach going more offense.
So either way, if Pete Carroll stays on in an
advisory position or maybe maybe as it was suggested by
(06:17):
our producer Randy, he goes to Alabama and he takes
over for Nick Saban, who oh, by the way, retired, MJ.
Speaker 1 (06:25):
I mean talk about the end of an error, right,
a changing of the guard. I don't know. I mean
I feel like Pete, take your bubble gum, double gum,
get yourself a nice, nice little retirement spot and put.
Speaker 2 (06:40):
Your feet up.
Speaker 1 (06:40):
You've done a lot. Now, that's from my perspective at
forty years old. I would love to be able to
do that. But maybe Pete still got a little something
in him, you know.
Speaker 2 (06:48):
Yeah, who knows.
Speaker 3 (06:50):
But we've also seen like in Chicago they fired the
entire staff and Matt eber Flus is there, so they
face a mass decision with Justin Fields and what they're
going to do, and Ryan Pold's general manager said, we're
going to be looking at everything. He certainly got better
in talking about Justin Fielder. I hold that number one pick.
(07:11):
Do they go and take Caleb Williams or do they
surround Justin Feels with more weapons around him.
Speaker 1 (07:18):
I hope this around him, because I think we can
see that the talent is there and he just hasn't
had the correct structure in terms of playmakers and a
Marria out of other things in Chicago, and we can
still see the talent that he has, so I really
hope that they pour into him and not just erase
this whole thing, because I think he is one of
(07:39):
the more talented quarterbacks and we just haven't been able
to see him at his full capacity yet for sure.
Speaker 3 (07:44):
But you know who we have seen in our full
capacity is our guest Steve Avila.
Speaker 2 (07:49):
He is the rookie left guard for the Rams.
Speaker 3 (07:51):
We had him on this podcast back in March.
Speaker 1 (07:55):
A million years ago.
Speaker 3 (07:56):
It feels absolutely like a million bazillion years ago. But
he's going to be back on again and he'll talk
a little bit about his journey if he thinks that California.
Speaker 2 (08:07):
Mechs is better than tex Mex.
Speaker 4 (08:12):
Controversy, chaos, controversy, chaos, all that coming up on the
Alheado podcast.
Speaker 5 (08:33):
Jotravez Winsla Cari Cartons, The Carson Wins Delos Run says
not Partino Como.
Speaker 3 (08:46):
From the Rams big win over the forty nine ers
in Week eighteen, and our next guest had a big
part of that win. He has played in eighteen games
this season, started all of them, played every single snap.
Speaker 2 (09:02):
He is now a return earned guest now Huddle podcast.
Speaker 6 (09:07):
We remember when he was just a pop. Well he
was just an innocent draft choice. But now here is
he's with us, rookie left guard for the Rams and
stem On Steve Hobby.
Speaker 7 (09:23):
Thanks for having me, guys, thanks for having me.
Speaker 3 (09:28):
You're here with us, man, so I know you just
came off the practice field.
Speaker 2 (09:33):
But I have to say I am jealous of you
and m J boy. You both have good hair.
Speaker 1 (09:38):
Yeah, we got hey.
Speaker 7 (09:41):
I'm telling you, I need I need some new ones.
Speaker 1 (09:43):
I got you.
Speaker 8 (09:44):
It's my trademark now some of it's kind of coming
out the helmet, so you see.
Speaker 1 (09:49):
Yes, I love this for us. I love this for us.
But like you mentioned that Will started every single game.
We were just talking to you before we started recording,
like you gotta get to recovery, you gotta get in there.
But for you as a rookie, only that you have
played such a pivotal role that you have been there
every single game. I mean, look, we always talk about this.
(10:11):
The O line does all the work. It's very low credit.
All right, How has it been for you adjusting not
just to the pace of the NFL, but really in
your very important position.
Speaker 8 (10:21):
Yeah it was. I feel like it was a smooth transition.
But when I first got here, I mean it's nerve wracking.
It is, because you know, everybody has expectations for you
have expectations for yourself.
Speaker 7 (10:30):
And I remember one of the things.
Speaker 8 (10:31):
That I told myself was the first thing was just
to not be a bumb and that's what I just
kept telling myself.
Speaker 7 (10:38):
And I just felt like that's kind of helped me,
you know.
Speaker 8 (10:40):
I felt like it steered me, you know, from to
do the right things like recover and watch film and
you know, just try to get better where I can.
But yeah, when you have that foundation going in, you know,
it helps you. And I feel like it's helped me
to where I'm at right now.
Speaker 7 (10:55):
It's crazy.
Speaker 2 (10:55):
I'm Jay, I see Steve here with us. It's like
that's our guy.
Speaker 7 (10:59):
I remember our guy. Yeah, when was our When did
we first have the other?
Speaker 1 (11:06):
Like twenty seven years ago? But it really was just
like six months ago probably.
Speaker 7 (11:10):
Yeah, yeah, it was during the whole years. Yeah, this
year has flown by for me.
Speaker 8 (11:15):
It's like I just remember being in camp and like
I'm in week eighteen nineteen. I just think it's just insane.
But you know, it's a journey. So I'm excited that
I'm able to you know, tell stories and stuff.
Speaker 3 (11:25):
Well, it's been fun for us to see you on
this journey and having a little little part of it.
You've also been part of the journey of Puka Nakua,
who was a fifth round pick and totally took the
league by storm. What has it been like to have
the front row seat to see him ball out this year?
Speaker 7 (11:45):
Yeah, and it's been amazing.
Speaker 8 (11:47):
I mean, I just feel like his success is also
just a testament of just the rookie class that we've had.
You know, we all came in knowing that there's high
expectations for us. I know for myself, you know, the
old line you know, struggled with injuries last year and
a big part of the reason why they drafted me
is because they needed me to come and contribute. You know,
they got rid of some guys last year, and you
know that's why we had so many rookies come in.
(12:08):
So we just all had that mindset of you know,
being that person to you know, start and get the
job done. And you know, as you can see, you know,
Pup is doing an amazing job at that. But you know,
it's been nice talking to him. You know, I had
a conversation with him, just him going through the draft
process and stuff. But he always had that mindset of,
you know, I feel like I'm the best receiver there
is coming out of the class. So I just feel
(12:29):
like that's just pushed him so far, and you know,
he's out here breaking records.
Speaker 1 (12:32):
So there's always a lot of chatter right around the team,
especially when who won a super Bowl recently, when there
is such a huge rookie class, right when there's a
lot of turnover on the team. But to that end,
the Rams have won seven of their last eight games
since the bye week, right, So what do you think
really turned the season around and kept you guys locked
in down the stretch?
Speaker 6 (12:52):
Oh?
Speaker 8 (12:52):
Man, I just I mean, it sounds cliche, but I
mean it's it is a mindset thing. I don't I'm
not even gonna lie to you. I swear, I don't
even remember being three and six like that.
Speaker 7 (13:02):
Didn't even like cross.
Speaker 8 (13:04):
We were lose, like you know, we were it had
a losing record, and I just took it, you know,
one week at a time, and I just felt like
that's what we all did. We attacked the week, we
felt we felt like we did the things that we
needed to do to go win the game.
Speaker 3 (13:17):
You are playing the Lions in Super wild Card weekend.
Speaker 2 (13:22):
This means a reunion for.
Speaker 3 (13:25):
Your quarterback, Matthew Stafford and the Lions.
Speaker 2 (13:29):
What have you noticed differently this week.
Speaker 3 (13:32):
In preparation with that storyline in mind and Matthew's return
to Detroit.
Speaker 8 (13:38):
Yeah, I mean again, like as the team answer, I mean,
we're trying to approach the week, you know, the same
as we've been. Come on, Steve, but no, there is
there is a little bit more, Like you know, this
is this we need to get the job done.
Speaker 7 (13:52):
You know, it would mean a lot. I know it
would mean a lot to Matthew.
Speaker 8 (13:55):
It would mean a lot to me winning this game,
just knowing the season that we had and just the
expectations that people had for us going into the season.
We weren't supposed to be here, and you know, that's
just a great thing to be a part of. So,
you know, I want to come out with this win
for myself, for the team, for the fans, and specifically
for Matthew too.
Speaker 1 (14:13):
So I love that. I mean, it's it's a big,
big deal, especially for you, like your you guys' job
is to keep him protective to keep him upright, especially
against the Lion. Stephen that you know better than anybody
is ruthless there. But now man rookie season going to
the post? Are you kidding me?
Speaker 8 (14:31):
I just do like we finished the last game and
like I was like, it's my my first regular season
is like that, and I just moved my mind.
Speaker 7 (14:40):
It's just it's crazy, you know.
Speaker 8 (14:43):
Hopefully, you know I can continue, you know, have other
great seasons. Healthy, healthy season, So I'm excited for that.
Speaker 3 (14:50):
How has your endurance been given the fact this is
the longest season.
Speaker 2 (14:54):
You've ever had in your career playing football.
Speaker 8 (14:58):
I honestly feel amazing, Like I don't know if it's
because you know, our training staff here is just doing
the right things, and I'm doing the right things, you know,
to keep my body healthy.
Speaker 7 (15:06):
Knock on wood.
Speaker 8 (15:07):
That's why I've had one hundred snaps you know played,
and you know, I feel like I've been doing the things,
you know, the things right. But I also did have
that mindset is I did want to have one hundred
percent of the snaps played, so you know that's something
that meant a lot to me. But going into the playoffs,
you know, I feel I feel good, and I feel
like a lot of the other people on the team
feel feel good. So you know, we're just trying to
give ourselves the best chance, you know, to win this thing.
Speaker 1 (15:30):
You mentioned that moment you had after that last regular
season game making it the playoffs aside. Was there another
point in the season where you were like, oh, snap, like,
oh we're here.
Speaker 7 (15:40):
We did it, man.
Speaker 8 (15:43):
I guess that little streak that we had after the
bye week, I feel like that's just the pivotal moment
for us that after that bye week, you know, we
reflected on ourselves, reflected on the things that we needed
to do, and you know, we went on a winning
streak and I think it was I think we played
the Browns that was after right, Yeah, And I we're
(16:04):
really good, you know, we have really we have the tools,
you know to be a really really good team.
Speaker 7 (16:09):
And I feel like it just comes down to a
game of inches.
Speaker 8 (16:11):
Some of the games that we've lost have come down
to a couple of plays against you know, big name
teams like I know Week two against the forty nine ers,
you know, we held in for a little bit and
you know, they made a couple of plays and that's
just the difference between the loss and win. The same
thing with the Eagles. So I just feel like we
got to carry that momentum and that confidence into the playoffs.
Speaker 3 (16:29):
We had touched upon Pooka and his incredible rookie season,
and after the game, Sean McVay had said that it
was stressful and frustrating because they wanted to get him
the ball so.
Speaker 2 (16:42):
He could get these records.
Speaker 3 (16:44):
What was it like inside the huddle as he was
approaching the history books, man.
Speaker 8 (16:51):
I just so it was we were obviously you saw
we've kind of rested, you know, the starters, but the
starting a line wanted to be in there so we can,
you know, get that record.
Speaker 7 (17:00):
So sure, the.
Speaker 8 (17:02):
Priority at the moment was to get him that record,
and then they started double teaming and stuff like, oh
my god.
Speaker 7 (17:08):
But you know, I mean it means a lot to us,
and I mean, that's history. It's history.
Speaker 8 (17:12):
We're experiencing that. So I'm glad we got to be
a part of that.
Speaker 7 (17:17):
You know.
Speaker 8 (17:17):
As soon as he you know, got that record, I
was right there with him. You know, I congratulated him,
you know, I told him I'm proud of him. So yeah,
it was nice of.
Speaker 1 (17:25):
That rookie love. Okay, definitely want to touch on your
family restaurant back home. I would imagine, or I would
hope that they're going to host some kind of viewing party.
Speaker 7 (17:35):
No, yeah, yeah, we'll see. I haven't as bad as
it sounds. You know, I'm trying to stay as I
get it. You know, I would love.
Speaker 8 (17:44):
To, you know, go back down. It's in Heavenville. A
lot of you don't know where that's. It's very small town.
You know, it would be cool to go back home
and you know, see everybody. So I'll plan on doing that.
Speaker 1 (17:54):
You know, they have to be so excited.
Speaker 7 (17:56):
Yeah, for sure. Sure.
Speaker 8 (17:58):
I mean, I'm telling you it's such a small town.
And it's a funny story. When I go on Facebook,
I see a bunch of Avilas like my last name.
I was like, dude, I've never met you, but they're from,
you know, the hometown. There's just a lot of a
lot of people. So they're all family.
Speaker 7 (18:13):
Though, So suddenly you got all these I'll see a
comment like oh, he's my second cousin. I'm like, dude, I.
Speaker 3 (18:20):
Have twice removed on my Mom's Like, now what what
you don't understand? Steve is that I'm will sell the
Avi La and you're all by MJ.
Speaker 2 (18:31):
CA Ruiza Avila, so we're all.
Speaker 7 (18:38):
There.
Speaker 2 (18:40):
You know, we we.
Speaker 3 (18:40):
Had touched upon this during the draft process, and we
had talked about your love of text Mex and now
that you've been in California for a while now, I
would have imagined that you would have tried some California
Mexican cuisine.
Speaker 8 (19:01):
We think of it in comparison a text Mex trying
to I don't know, you can't do that.
Speaker 7 (19:07):
I feel like I need to get I'm in Texas
all my life.
Speaker 8 (19:10):
I have not left Texas, so maybe I just got
a little bit more time here before I can, you know,
choose between the two.
Speaker 7 (19:15):
But I'm a Texas guy. I love the food back.
Speaker 8 (19:18):
I will say the barbecue in Texas is far superior.
I mean yeah, I feel like I need to visit
a lot more places. So again, if anybody watching this,
y'all have some suggestions, you'll let me know.
Speaker 1 (19:33):
I'll be sure to just have it delivered to the facility.
Speaker 7 (19:38):
I'll be sure to visit those after.
Speaker 1 (19:40):
Oh my god, I love that. I'm so excited for you. Officially,
I can't wait to watch you. What is your outlook
now for the postseason before you we let you go?
Speaker 8 (19:54):
Yeah, I mean I just want to, you know, give
it all I can. I mean, regret sucks not knowing
that you you know, did every or not doing everything
you could and then you end up blue and you're
gonna be able to look back at that moment.
Speaker 7 (20:06):
But man, I could have did more. So I don't
want that.
Speaker 8 (20:09):
So I just want to pour all in because I know,
you know my teammates are doing that. So hopefully we
can get to the super Bowl.
Speaker 2 (20:16):
Wow, that would be something.
Speaker 7 (20:20):
Yeah, that'd be crazy.
Speaker 3 (20:22):
Yeah what hey, listen, we appreciate you coming back again.
It means a lot because it feels like we have
been part of your journey and to make it this
far and to do what you've done is amazing. So
good luck when I sweat it okay in Detroit.
Speaker 2 (20:40):
Give it your all.
Speaker 3 (20:40):
Honestly, you've been falling all season long, man, so keep
it going. You guys are a nice role and hopefully.
Speaker 7 (20:50):
We are friends so much. I appreciate.
Speaker 2 (20:57):
Man, thank you.
Speaker 1 (21:09):
To take a pub.
Speaker 7 (21:12):
Rant.
Speaker 5 (21:13):
I want I want to say that sun see see
the alarm here in the touchdown.
Speaker 1 (21:26):
All right, Well, We've made it to the postseason officially
Super wild Card weekend. You know which game is Dolphins,
Please please please lock this in for the love. You know,
Christmas was in contention for being ruined, but they came through.
Now Chiefs at Kansas City. It's going to be a task.
(21:50):
It's going to be like negative one hundred and five.
We have faith, we have faith if this is gonna
be a big test for the Dolphins to see really
what they have in them and how they can they
can rise to the occasion or not in the postseason.
Cautiously optimistic, Let's see what happens. Will what about you?
Speaker 4 (22:09):
Yeah?
Speaker 3 (22:09):
Yeah, and they have to deal with the injuries and
guys that they just signed.
Speaker 1 (22:13):
Just I can't even van.
Speaker 2 (22:16):
Yeah, that's that's tough. That's tough for me.
Speaker 3 (22:19):
So many good games, but I have to say, going
back to the Rams and Lions, we were talking.
Speaker 2 (22:25):
To Steve Avila about this, and there is.
Speaker 3 (22:28):
Something about that storyline where the football God said, NFL,
this is for you.
Speaker 2 (22:35):
These are storylines abound.
Speaker 4 (22:37):
You know.
Speaker 3 (22:37):
We talked about Matthew Stafford and what that what this
game means for him, but also conversely for you know,
Jared Goff who was let go, was traded, was you know,
bye bye discarded if you want to call it that.
And and then here comes Matthew Stafford and they win
(22:58):
a Super Bowl. So for Jared Goff, this is this
is a big game, a big statement that he can make.
And you know, for the Lions to be hosting their
first home game in many, many years since nineteen ninety three,
and it happens to be against Matthew Stafford, get.
Speaker 2 (23:17):
Out of here.
Speaker 7 (23:18):
I agree.
Speaker 3 (23:19):
I am very excited about that. And Honorable mentioned the
McCarthy Bowl. Yeah, Packers and the Cowboys. I mean the Cowboys,
they've got to get over the hump. But for the Packers,
Jordan love to see what he's done that not even
Aaron Rodgers or Brett farvad done. To come out like
this as a first year starter full time and make
(23:41):
it to the playoffs. Wow, definitely showed me something.
Speaker 2 (23:45):
Talk about a guy who's a perro macho.
Speaker 3 (23:47):
That guy as well, and we'll see what Dak another
federal macho, what he's going to do with that offense.
So those are the games I'll be I'll be keeping
a really close eye on I'll be watching everything. But
those are the ones that really picked my interest.
Speaker 1 (23:59):
We got Saturday, Sunday and Monday football, which means that
Will and I have a lot more research to dig into,
so we will leave you here. Let us know which
games you're looking forward to, and make sure that you'd
like subscribe and share this podcast, send it to a
couple of friends. That's your little homework. That's it. That's
all we ask.
Speaker 2 (24:19):
Well, love you me all right you next.
Speaker 1 (24:24):
Times in Huddle is a production of the NFL in
(24:45):
partnership with iHeartRadio. For more podcasts from iHeartRadio, visit the
iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
All Huddle is a production of the NFL in partnership
with iHeartRadio.
Speaker 2 (00:11):
Miami for quinc.
Speaker 1 (00:15):
And Muya Ratica and Corpest for Miami.
Speaker 3 (00:29):
Bello ol Getal. What's good, everybody, bim Benitos. This is
the l Huddle Podcast.
Speaker 2 (00:37):
Welcome to the Vermilia. I'm Will Salva alongside.
Speaker 3 (00:40):
My Edmana, My Prima, My Prima Ermanna, MJ Casa Ruiz.
Speaker 2 (00:46):
Fresh off of the Kelly Clarkson Show.
Speaker 3 (00:49):
I was able to tape the show and I saw
you was so proud. The crowd was energized, Kelly Clarkson
was energized, and you telling your story. I was proud
of you, Premier Mana, you you made me proud.
Speaker 1 (01:06):
Thank you Primo. It was It was incredible, you know,
to have a platform, to be able not to just
share part of my culture, but part of my story.
My favorite part though, was that we were able to
surprise this amazing young woman. She's twelve years old. Her
name is Ali and she's an aspiring sports analyst who's
chiefs fan. Actually there she is phenomenal. She had no
(01:28):
idea that I was there, but she had flag to
production when they were telling her that they wanted her
to come on for her love of football, that I
was one of the people that she that she really
admired and followed, which really warmed my heart. She's a
mihikana Latina, so that was another big reason why I
continue to say how important representation is and that we're visible.
(01:51):
And for this young lady to say that I am
one of the role models for her, it just it
really solidifies why we're in Laluta right, why we keep
pushing for our representation and for our communidae. And so
she and I have started our mentorship sessions. She's so
she's already a professional, Like she came in for the
(02:13):
first one and she's like, I have notes and she
had a fullest of questions and she's going in like
she's talking about coaching changes, she's talking about schemes, like
she wants to know everything. She wants to understand really
how to get here. And I'm just so incredibly impressed
by her. And I told her when she owns her
own network, like don't forget on TMJ, like please, But
(02:38):
it's it's really refreshing to see to see the future
of this world of sports. And I'm I'm just so
honored to be able to play a small part in
her development. I'm like, she's like another little niece now,
like I'm obsessed. I'm obsessed with her. So that was
for sure for me the highlight. And also Kelly Clarkson
as advertised, cause hell super humble, down to earth, like
(03:00):
she just made me feel so welcomed and so awesome,
Like it was one. It was a really really special base.
I'm very grateful.
Speaker 3 (03:06):
Yeah, well, a special day for a special person. It
was awesome to see. I know Kelly Clarkson, she hosted
NFL Honors, a huge Cowboys fan, huge boh, this is
now her jam to see the Cowboys in the postseason.
But let's see if they could actually do something. It
has been a crazy busy week with these coach firings,
(03:30):
and I thought that Mike Rable being out in Tennessee
was a big deal. He'd been there, synonymous with the city.
Speaker 2 (03:37):
He was a Coach of the Year.
Speaker 3 (03:38):
In twenty twenty one, guided the team with Derrick Henry
and Ryan Tannehill to the AFC Championship Game, so on
the precipice of a Super Bowl appearance, and so I
thought that was a big deal. And then the Pete
Carroll being out in Seattle just blew me away because
(03:59):
it didn't seem like he was going to leave.
Speaker 2 (04:02):
He'd been there for fourteen years, MJ.
Speaker 3 (04:05):
But now he's no longer going to be chopping on
his gum and Roman the sidelines.
Speaker 1 (04:11):
I know, I know, I said right that potentially he
was going to stay on as an advisor or something
with a team, but in his capacity as head coach.
The peak Carol era is done in Seattle, which is
so strange to see, right because that's, like you said,
it's synonymous with the Seahawks at this point, and there's
been so much transition over there. But you know what
(04:33):
a career for Pete Carroll and everything that he's done
as a head coach. You know, remember him from his
his USC days, Like this is a ten yured just
one of those coaches that everyone knows. But times are
a change and it's a little crazy, isn't it.
Speaker 2 (04:52):
Yeah, a legendary head coach.
Speaker 3 (04:54):
He got the team a Super Bowl win, got them
win the hair of another and I think that play
is obviously going to still kind of hunt him seas, right,
But he brought a culture there that was needed and
he came from USC and people thought, how's this going
(05:15):
to work out? But in mind, this was his second
stint as an NFL head coach. He was a head
coach in New England and didn't go the way it
was planned, goes to USC. When he was hired on,
people didn't think much of the higher In fact, they
thought this guy is going to run their program down
to the ground. He did the exact opposite, and then
(05:35):
he develops the legion of Boom defense is his calling card.
There's gonna be guys on that defense that are going
to be headed to Canton. And they did a great
job of drafting and developing players, even this current crop
of players that they have in Seattle, Zach Charbonay, Kenneth Walker,
(05:56):
Rieke Wolan, They've got some players up there is just now,
what are they going to do with you know, Smith's
team friendly contract and are they going to go in
a different direction with the head coach going more offense.
So either way, if Pete Carroll stays on in an
advisory position or maybe maybe as it was suggested by
(06:17):
our producer Randy, he goes to Alabama and he takes
over for Nick Saban, who oh, by the way, retired, MJ.
Speaker 1 (06:25):
I mean talk about the end of an error, right,
a changing of the guard. I don't know. I mean
I feel like Pete, take your bubble gum, double gum,
get yourself a nice, nice little retirement spot and put.
Speaker 2 (06:40):
Your feet up.
Speaker 1 (06:40):
You've done a lot. Now, that's from my perspective at
forty years old. I would love to be able to
do that. But maybe Pete still got a little something
in him, you know.
Speaker 2 (06:48):
Yeah, who knows.
Speaker 3 (06:50):
But we've also seen like in Chicago they fired the
entire staff and Matt eber Flus is there, so they
face a mass decision with Justin Fields and what they're
going to do, and Ryan Pold's general manager said, we're
going to be looking at everything. He certainly got better
in talking about Justin Fielder. I hold that number one pick.
(07:11):
Do they go and take Caleb Williams or do they
surround Justin Feels with more weapons around him.
Speaker 1 (07:18):
I hope this around him, because I think we can
see that the talent is there and he just hasn't
had the correct structure in terms of playmakers and a
Marria out of other things in Chicago, and we can
still see the talent that he has, so I really
hope that they pour into him and not just erase
this whole thing, because I think he is one of
(07:39):
the more talented quarterbacks and we just haven't been able
to see him at his full capacity yet for sure.
Speaker 3 (07:44):
But you know who we have seen in our full
capacity is our guest Steve Avila.
Speaker 2 (07:49):
He is the rookie left guard for the Rams.
Speaker 3 (07:51):
We had him on this podcast back in March.
Speaker 1 (07:55):
A million years ago.
Speaker 3 (07:56):
It feels absolutely like a million bazillion years ago. But
he's going to be back on again and he'll talk
a little bit about his journey if he thinks that California.
Speaker 2 (08:07):
Mechs is better than tex Mex.
Speaker 4 (08:12):
Controversy, chaos, controversy, chaos, all that coming up on the
Alheado podcast.
Speaker 5 (08:33):
Jotravez Winsla Cari Cartons, The Carson Wins Delos Run says
not Partino Como.
Speaker 3 (08:46):
From the Rams big win over the forty nine ers
in Week eighteen, and our next guest had a big
part of that win. He has played in eighteen games
this season, started all of them, played every single snap.
Speaker 2 (09:02):
He is now a return earned guest now Huddle podcast.
Speaker 6 (09:07):
We remember when he was just a pop. Well he
was just an innocent draft choice. But now here is
he's with us, rookie left guard for the Rams and
stem On Steve Hobby.
Speaker 7 (09:23):
Thanks for having me, guys, thanks for having me.
Speaker 3 (09:28):
You're here with us, man, so I know you just
came off the practice field.
Speaker 2 (09:33):
But I have to say I am jealous of you
and m J boy. You both have good hair.
Speaker 1 (09:38):
Yeah, we got hey.
Speaker 7 (09:41):
I'm telling you, I need I need some new ones.
Speaker 1 (09:43):
I got you.
Speaker 8 (09:44):
It's my trademark now some of it's kind of coming
out the helmet, so you see.
Speaker 1 (09:49):
Yes, I love this for us. I love this for us.
But like you mentioned that Will started every single game.
We were just talking to you before we started recording,
like you gotta get to recovery, you gotta get in there.
But for you as a rookie, only that you have
played such a pivotal role that you have been there
every single game. I mean, look, we always talk about this.
(10:11):
The O line does all the work. It's very low credit.
All right, How has it been for you adjusting not
just to the pace of the NFL, but really in
your very important position.
Speaker 8 (10:21):
Yeah it was. I feel like it was a smooth transition.
But when I first got here, I mean it's nerve wracking.
It is, because you know, everybody has expectations for you
have expectations for yourself.
Speaker 7 (10:30):
And I remember one of the things.
Speaker 8 (10:31):
That I told myself was the first thing was just
to not be a bumb and that's what I just
kept telling myself.
Speaker 7 (10:38):
And I just felt like that's kind of helped me,
you know.
Speaker 8 (10:40):
I felt like it steered me, you know, from to
do the right things like recover and watch film and
you know, just try to get better where I can.
But yeah, when you have that foundation going in, you know,
it helps you. And I feel like it's helped me
to where I'm at right now.
Speaker 7 (10:55):
It's crazy.
Speaker 2 (10:55):
I'm Jay, I see Steve here with us. It's like
that's our guy.
Speaker 7 (10:59):
I remember our guy. Yeah, when was our When did
we first have the other?
Speaker 1 (11:06):
Like twenty seven years ago? But it really was just
like six months ago probably.
Speaker 7 (11:10):
Yeah, yeah, it was during the whole years. Yeah, this
year has flown by for me.
Speaker 8 (11:15):
It's like I just remember being in camp and like
I'm in week eighteen nineteen. I just think it's just insane.
But you know, it's a journey. So I'm excited that
I'm able to you know, tell stories and stuff.
Speaker 3 (11:25):
Well, it's been fun for us to see you on
this journey and having a little little part of it.
You've also been part of the journey of Puka Nakua,
who was a fifth round pick and totally took the
league by storm. What has it been like to have
the front row seat to see him ball out this year?
Speaker 7 (11:45):
Yeah, and it's been amazing.
Speaker 8 (11:47):
I mean, I just feel like his success is also
just a testament of just the rookie class that we've had.
You know, we all came in knowing that there's high
expectations for us. I know for myself, you know, the
old line you know, struggled with injuries last year and
a big part of the reason why they drafted me
is because they needed me to come and contribute. You know,
they got rid of some guys last year, and you
know that's why we had so many rookies come in.
(12:08):
So we just all had that mindset of you know,
being that person to you know, start and get the
job done. And you know, as you can see, you know,
Pup is doing an amazing job at that. But you know,
it's been nice talking to him. You know, I had
a conversation with him, just him going through the draft
process and stuff. But he always had that mindset of,
you know, I feel like I'm the best receiver there
is coming out of the class. So I just feel
(12:29):
like that's just pushed him so far, and you know,
he's out here breaking records.
Speaker 1 (12:32):
So there's always a lot of chatter right around the team,
especially when who won a super Bowl recently, when there
is such a huge rookie class, right when there's a
lot of turnover on the team. But to that end,
the Rams have won seven of their last eight games
since the bye week, right, So what do you think
really turned the season around and kept you guys locked
in down the stretch?
Speaker 6 (12:52):
Oh?
Speaker 8 (12:52):
Man, I just I mean, it sounds cliche, but I
mean it's it is a mindset thing. I don't I'm
not even gonna lie to you. I swear, I don't
even remember being three and six like that.
Speaker 7 (13:02):
Didn't even like cross.
Speaker 8 (13:04):
We were lose, like you know, we were it had
a losing record, and I just took it, you know,
one week at a time, and I just felt like
that's what we all did. We attacked the week, we
felt we felt like we did the things that we
needed to do to go win the game.
Speaker 3 (13:17):
You are playing the Lions in Super wild Card weekend.
Speaker 2 (13:22):
This means a reunion for.
Speaker 3 (13:25):
Your quarterback, Matthew Stafford and the Lions.
Speaker 2 (13:29):
What have you noticed differently this week.
Speaker 3 (13:32):
In preparation with that storyline in mind and Matthew's return
to Detroit.
Speaker 8 (13:38):
Yeah, I mean again, like as the team answer, I mean,
we're trying to approach the week, you know, the same
as we've been. Come on, Steve, but no, there is
there is a little bit more, Like you know, this
is this we need to get the job done.
Speaker 7 (13:52):
You know, it would mean a lot. I know it
would mean a lot to Matthew.
Speaker 8 (13:55):
It would mean a lot to me winning this game,
just knowing the season that we had and just the
expectations that people had for us going into the season.
We weren't supposed to be here, and you know, that's
just a great thing to be a part of. So,
you know, I want to come out with this win
for myself, for the team, for the fans, and specifically
for Matthew too.
Speaker 1 (14:13):
So I love that. I mean, it's it's a big,
big deal, especially for you, like your you guys' job
is to keep him protective to keep him upright, especially
against the Lion. Stephen that you know better than anybody
is ruthless there. But now man rookie season going to
the post? Are you kidding me?
Speaker 8 (14:31):
I just do like we finished the last game and
like I was like, it's my my first regular season
is like that, and I just moved my mind.
Speaker 7 (14:40):
It's just it's crazy, you know.
Speaker 8 (14:43):
Hopefully, you know I can continue, you know, have other
great seasons. Healthy, healthy season, So I'm excited for that.
Speaker 3 (14:50):
How has your endurance been given the fact this is
the longest season.
Speaker 2 (14:54):
You've ever had in your career playing football.
Speaker 8 (14:58):
I honestly feel amazing, Like I don't know if it's
because you know, our training staff here is just doing
the right things, and I'm doing the right things, you know,
to keep my body healthy.
Speaker 7 (15:06):
Knock on wood.
Speaker 8 (15:07):
That's why I've had one hundred snaps you know played,
and you know, I feel like I've been doing the things,
you know, the things right. But I also did have
that mindset is I did want to have one hundred
percent of the snaps played, so you know that's something
that meant a lot to me. But going into the playoffs,
you know, I feel I feel good, and I feel
like a lot of the other people on the team
feel feel good. So you know, we're just trying to
give ourselves the best chance, you know, to win this thing.
Speaker 1 (15:30):
You mentioned that moment you had after that last regular
season game making it the playoffs aside. Was there another
point in the season where you were like, oh, snap, like,
oh we're here.
Speaker 7 (15:40):
We did it, man.
Speaker 8 (15:43):
I guess that little streak that we had after the
bye week, I feel like that's just the pivotal moment
for us that after that bye week, you know, we
reflected on ourselves, reflected on the things that we needed
to do, and you know, we went on a winning
streak and I think it was I think we played
the Browns that was after right, Yeah, And I we're
(16:04):
really good, you know, we have really we have the tools,
you know to be a really really good team.
Speaker 7 (16:09):
And I feel like it just comes down to a
game of inches.
Speaker 8 (16:11):
Some of the games that we've lost have come down
to a couple of plays against you know, big name
teams like I know Week two against the forty nine ers,
you know, we held in for a little bit and
you know, they made a couple of plays and that's
just the difference between the loss and win. The same
thing with the Eagles. So I just feel like we
got to carry that momentum and that confidence into the playoffs.
Speaker 3 (16:29):
We had touched upon Pooka and his incredible rookie season,
and after the game, Sean McVay had said that it
was stressful and frustrating because they wanted to get him
the ball so.
Speaker 2 (16:42):
He could get these records.
Speaker 3 (16:44):
What was it like inside the huddle as he was
approaching the history books, man.
Speaker 8 (16:51):
I just so it was we were obviously you saw
we've kind of rested, you know, the starters, but the
starting a line wanted to be in there so we can,
you know, get that record.
Speaker 7 (17:00):
So sure, the.
Speaker 8 (17:02):
Priority at the moment was to get him that record,
and then they started double teaming and stuff like, oh
my god.
Speaker 7 (17:08):
But you know, I mean it means a lot to us,
and I mean, that's history. It's history.
Speaker 8 (17:12):
We're experiencing that. So I'm glad we got to be
a part of that.
Speaker 7 (17:17):
You know.
Speaker 8 (17:17):
As soon as he you know, got that record, I
was right there with him. You know, I congratulated him,
you know, I told him I'm proud of him. So yeah,
it was nice of.
Speaker 1 (17:25):
That rookie love. Okay, definitely want to touch on your
family restaurant back home. I would imagine, or I would
hope that they're going to host some kind of viewing party.
Speaker 7 (17:35):
No, yeah, yeah, we'll see. I haven't as bad as
it sounds. You know, I'm trying to stay as I
get it. You know, I would love.
Speaker 8 (17:44):
To, you know, go back down. It's in Heavenville. A
lot of you don't know where that's. It's very small town.
You know, it would be cool to go back home
and you know, see everybody. So I'll plan on doing that.
Speaker 1 (17:54):
You know, they have to be so excited.
Speaker 7 (17:56):
Yeah, for sure. Sure.
Speaker 8 (17:58):
I mean, I'm telling you it's such a small town.
And it's a funny story. When I go on Facebook,
I see a bunch of Avilas like my last name.
I was like, dude, I've never met you, but they're from,
you know, the hometown. There's just a lot of a
lot of people. So they're all family.
Speaker 7 (18:13):
Though, So suddenly you got all these I'll see a
comment like oh, he's my second cousin. I'm like, dude, I.
Speaker 3 (18:20):
Have twice removed on my Mom's Like, now what what
you don't understand? Steve is that I'm will sell the
Avi La and you're all by MJ.
Speaker 2 (18:31):
CA Ruiza Avila, so we're all.
Speaker 7 (18:38):
There.
Speaker 2 (18:40):
You know, we we.
Speaker 3 (18:40):
Had touched upon this during the draft process, and we
had talked about your love of text Mex and now
that you've been in California for a while now, I
would have imagined that you would have tried some California
Mexican cuisine.
Speaker 8 (19:01):
We think of it in comparison a text Mex trying
to I don't know, you can't do that.
Speaker 7 (19:07):
I feel like I need to get I'm in Texas
all my life.
Speaker 8 (19:10):
I have not left Texas, so maybe I just got
a little bit more time here before I can, you know,
choose between the two.
Speaker 7 (19:15):
But I'm a Texas guy. I love the food back.
Speaker 8 (19:18):
I will say the barbecue in Texas is far superior.
I mean yeah, I feel like I need to visit
a lot more places. So again, if anybody watching this,
y'all have some suggestions, you'll let me know.
Speaker 1 (19:33):
I'll be sure to just have it delivered to the facility.
Speaker 7 (19:38):
I'll be sure to visit those after.
Speaker 1 (19:40):
Oh my god, I love that. I'm so excited for you. Officially,
I can't wait to watch you. What is your outlook
now for the postseason before you we let you go?
Speaker 8 (19:54):
Yeah, I mean I just want to, you know, give
it all I can. I mean, regret sucks not knowing
that you you know, did every or not doing everything
you could and then you end up blue and you're
gonna be able to look back at that moment.
Speaker 7 (20:06):
But man, I could have did more. So I don't
want that.
Speaker 8 (20:09):
So I just want to pour all in because I know,
you know my teammates are doing that. So hopefully we
can get to the super Bowl.
Speaker 2 (20:16):
Wow, that would be something.
Speaker 7 (20:20):
Yeah, that'd be crazy.
Speaker 3 (20:22):
Yeah what hey, listen, we appreciate you coming back again.
It means a lot because it feels like we have
been part of your journey and to make it this
far and to do what you've done is amazing. So
good luck when I sweat it okay in Detroit.
Speaker 2 (20:40):
Give it your all.
Speaker 3 (20:40):
Honestly, you've been falling all season long, man, so keep
it going. You guys are a nice role and hopefully.
Speaker 7 (20:50):
We are friends so much. I appreciate.
Speaker 2 (20:57):
Man, thank you.
Speaker 1 (21:09):
To take a pub.
Speaker 7 (21:12):
Rant.
Speaker 5 (21:13):
I want I want to say that sun see see
the alarm here in the touchdown.
Speaker 1 (21:26):
All right, Well, We've made it to the postseason officially
Super wild Card weekend. You know which game is Dolphins,
Please please please lock this in for the love. You know,
Christmas was in contention for being ruined, but they came through.
Now Chiefs at Kansas City. It's going to be a task.
(21:50):
It's going to be like negative one hundred and five.
We have faith, we have faith if this is gonna
be a big test for the Dolphins to see really
what they have in them and how they can they
can rise to the occasion or not in the postseason.
Cautiously optimistic, Let's see what happens. Will what about you?
Speaker 4 (22:09):
Yeah?
Speaker 3 (22:09):
Yeah, and they have to deal with the injuries and
guys that they just signed.
Speaker 1 (22:13):
Just I can't even van.
Speaker 2 (22:16):
Yeah, that's that's tough. That's tough for me.
Speaker 3 (22:19):
So many good games, but I have to say, going
back to the Rams and Lions, we were talking.
Speaker 2 (22:25):
To Steve Avila about this, and there is.
Speaker 3 (22:28):
Something about that storyline where the football God said, NFL,
this is for you.
Speaker 2 (22:35):
These are storylines abound.
Speaker 4 (22:37):
You know.
Speaker 3 (22:37):
We talked about Matthew Stafford and what that what this
game means for him, but also conversely for you know,
Jared Goff who was let go, was traded, was you know,
bye bye discarded if you want to call it that.
And and then here comes Matthew Stafford and they win
(22:58):
a Super Bowl. So for Jared Goff, this is this
is a big game, a big statement that he can make.
And you know, for the Lions to be hosting their
first home game in many, many years since nineteen ninety three,
and it happens to be against Matthew Stafford, get.
Speaker 2 (23:17):
Out of here.
Speaker 7 (23:18):
I agree.
Speaker 3 (23:19):
I am very excited about that. And Honorable mentioned the
McCarthy Bowl. Yeah, Packers and the Cowboys. I mean the Cowboys,
they've got to get over the hump. But for the Packers,
Jordan love to see what he's done that not even
Aaron Rodgers or Brett farvad done. To come out like
this as a first year starter full time and make
(23:41):
it to the playoffs. Wow, definitely showed me something.
Speaker 2 (23:45):
Talk about a guy who's a perro macho.
Speaker 3 (23:47):
That guy as well, and we'll see what Dak another
federal macho, what he's going to do with that offense.
So those are the games I'll be I'll be keeping
a really close eye on I'll be watching everything. But
those are the ones that really picked my interest.
Speaker 1 (23:59):
We got Saturday, Sunday and Monday football, which means that
Will and I have a lot more research to dig into,
so we will leave you here. Let us know which
games you're looking forward to, and make sure that you'd
like subscribe and share this podcast, send it to a
couple of friends. That's your little homework. That's it. That's
all we ask.
Speaker 2 (24:19):
Well, love you me all right you next.
Speaker 1 (24:24):
Times in Huddle is a production of the NFL in
(24:45):
partnership with iHeartRadio. For more podcasts from iHeartRadio, visit the
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