August 24, 2025 • 45 mins
Special guest thsi week - Kolby Runager, son of former Eagles' punter Max Runager. Kolby Discusses his father's life and final year's with CTE.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:02):
Yeah, let the big dog hunt Lo again. Everybody. Welcome
to another episode of The Philly Pulse, your city sports beat.
We are back. I'm Joe Stazak, one of the hosts,
of course, Michael Warren Sean Lockner also in the house.
How you doing, Fellas, what's happening?
Speaker 2 (00:17):
You?
Speaker 3 (00:17):
Look a look at.
Speaker 1 (00:21):
Roger they gave me before you know the makeup room.
Speaker 2 (00:24):
Sean.
Speaker 4 (00:24):
Did you notice he's a little closer to the camera
this time. That's not an accident.
Speaker 3 (00:29):
Yeah, I thought maybe he was taking Iazy's recommendations of
getting closer, but no, it's all about the chance.
Speaker 1 (00:37):
Eusy, by the way, doing her school stuff and probably
will join us next week. She's integral in post production
here with the Philly Post. We've got a special guest today.
Eagles fans out there might remember Max Runneger came to
my school actually in seventh grade. Loved him. Was on
the Super Bowl team that lost to the Raiders back then,
but then did win a Super Bowl with the forty
(00:59):
nine ers in eighty four when they were fifteen to one.
We have a son joining us right now. He is
Colby running her and uh. Colby's an actor, screenwriter, screenplay
writer and he wants to he's kind enough to join
us today and here he comes in three two.
Speaker 5 (01:18):
Colby, Hey, guys, how are you good.
Speaker 1 (01:23):
Around with joe Ja, Michael Warren, Sean Locked? How all are if?
I appreciate you showing up.
Speaker 2 (01:27):
Yeah, I'm great. Thanks for having me.
Speaker 5 (01:29):
Sorry, I'm gonna take this in my car because it
just gives me a little more privacy from the kids.
Speaker 4 (01:34):
It actually sounds better than our audio car.
Speaker 1 (01:40):
Those new cars today, do bro, So listen, listen for
the folks out there. I don't know, son of Max
Runninger and uh Max died twenty eighteen.
Speaker 2 (01:51):
Seventeen seventy.
Speaker 1 (01:53):
You guys corrected me, corrected, correct before the show. Correct
at the show, No one question. We were bouncing around
and we're going to get to the CT. And because
you witnessed your father who was your king, and you
talked about what a great man he was, and I
thought he was great when he came to my school
and one of my idols. But what's it like being
(02:16):
the son of an NFL player?
Speaker 2 (02:19):
Uh?
Speaker 5 (02:19):
You know, I think my dad was very deliberate in
in uh mine and my brother's upbringings.
Speaker 2 (02:27):
That it it never felt like.
Speaker 5 (02:31):
Anything I mean, we knew he was special, but it
felt like your your normal upbringing.
Speaker 1 (02:38):
That was that was normalcy for you, growing up in
an NFL house.
Speaker 2 (02:43):
Right, you know.
Speaker 5 (02:43):
I I what's what's unique is, you know, I'll have
these memories. My brothers were born ninety and ninety one,
so they didn't really get much of my dad's career.
But uh, you know, I'm unique in the way where
I have these memories of you know, saying hi to
Joe Montana and Jerry Rice and pretty cool you know,
(03:07):
Ron Dwarski and you know, all these guys being like.
Speaker 2 (03:10):
Oh man, you know, I remember when you were this
big and that was normal for me. And you know,
you get older and you realize that it's pretty special.
Speaker 1 (03:20):
Now. You wanted to quick kind of awareness when you
found out after your father passed away and donated his
brain for so they could study his brain, and they
did find some signs of CTE. And I know some
people questioned, well, he was a punter, how does a
punter get ct Well, he played from age seven to
thirty three or something like that, and played football, took
(03:42):
a lot of knocks growing up before he became a
professional punner. And you also saw kind of like some
strange behavior towards the end, and we relieved when you
found out. Okay, now it kind of makes a little
bit of sense that I'm not saying you're happy about it,
but that they discovered some ct.
Speaker 5 (04:00):
Uh, you know it it is. It is a relief,
you know, because the you know, the the way that
CT behaves is is just so you know, it's just
so tricky. It appears in different ways. It appears in
substance abuse, it appears in depression, it appears in you know,
(04:23):
these these like these ways that don't make you initially
think that it's CTE. It seems like a problem that
anyone could just have and a problem that anyone could overcome.
And this is just kind of, you know, same the
(04:43):
thing happened with my dad. You know, he did a
couple of stints in in rehab and then you know,
just his his behavior. My mom can say to the day,
she can pinpoint the day where she says that my
dad became a different person. So she is really the
one who knows the difference between the the man my
(05:06):
dad was and the man that my dad became. And
then the mystery still is kind of how much of
that was CTE. How much of part did that play, ah,
and how much of it was was depression? Was behavioral issues?
Was you know, alcoholism, substance abuse? Did the CTE lead
(05:27):
to that? Was that gonna happen anyway without the CTE?
Speaker 2 (05:31):
You know? That's that's the that's the tricky part of it.
Speaker 4 (05:35):
Well, obviously not asking a day specifically, like a date,
But do you remember about when your mom says that.
Speaker 5 (05:40):
Is uh, yeah, you know, I was in la I
was living in California at the time. My brothers were
still in high school, so they really took the brunt
of of the trauma of it all. So that would
that would be somewhere in the in the mid two thousands.
Speaker 3 (06:00):
So now, Kobe, your mom said she remembers like to
the day when it happened. Was it just like one
day he was fine and then the next she started
noticing things or did it just a little bit here
and there that led up to okay, this was the
day that he really started to change.
Speaker 5 (06:16):
Yeah, I mean she said, she says it was the
day and she said to him, I hope they find
a tumor or something in your brain because you were
not the man, I'm married.
Speaker 4 (06:27):
Wow, you know.
Speaker 5 (06:27):
And then and then after that, it was last time
I saw my dad in person.
Speaker 2 (06:32):
Ironically, was was my wedding day.
Speaker 5 (06:35):
And and it was like he was off balance, you know,
he is. The way that he behaved was just not
the dad I grew up with. I mean, of course,
of course I was young, I idolized my father.
Speaker 4 (06:51):
You know.
Speaker 5 (06:51):
And this is me, as an adult in my thirties,
being able to take a step back and say, yeah,
I idolized my father. You know, I understand that that
that people have their faults, but this is also this
is a different person. You know, things, you know, things
that happened to to to lead to where it was
(07:14):
understandable then my dad would would be behaving, you know,
in a certain way.
Speaker 2 (07:20):
I mean financial ruin, you know, complete financial ruin divorce.
Speaker 3 (07:28):
Uh.
Speaker 5 (07:28):
You know, I believe that my my mom and my dad,
you know, we're we're like soulmates, you know.
Speaker 2 (07:33):
Of course, I think any kid would want to see that.
But I think, you know, I.
Speaker 5 (07:36):
Don't think that I think the divorce had to happen
more than either of them wanting it to happen. It
was like my mom kind of needed to protect yourself
a little bit, not in like a violent way at all,
not that, but just in you know, in in other ways,
you know, financial and just you know, it was just
like it was a collapse.
Speaker 4 (07:55):
Now. I but lucky enough that I got to read it.
It's really good. And I'm not just kids up to
our guest, but you you wrote a screenplay about this.
Can you tell us a little bit about about the screenplay?
What led you to want to do it, and you know,
just the whole process.
Speaker 5 (08:11):
Yeah, you know, I think the you know, the inspiration
for it was, you know, to ct like knowing that
my dad died with CTE and knowing what I know
now about CTE. It's very lonely, right, It's very isolating
because football in America is like untouchable, right, and then
(08:36):
here I am my entire perspective on the sport that
my dad loved. There was so much a part of
our family that was ingrained in us, you know, completely flipped,
you know, after I kind of did some research, after
I experienced what I did after the implosion of my
family dynamic, and I think I also wanted to kind
(08:57):
of give my father a little redemption because he reached
the pinnacle as far as his football career, and you know,
as far as the family man. You know, it was
it was like the Norman Brockwell painting, uh, and then
just the complete collapse of everything, and a part of
me was like I knew that it wasn't completely his fault,
(09:22):
and so I felt like I needed to tell that story.
But I also needed to tell the story of what
happens to a family because of this, you know, I
feel like so much of what you hear is focused
on the player, focused on the individual, and focused on
like the.
Speaker 2 (09:39):
Disease of CTE.
Speaker 5 (09:40):
But but you don't hear I mean, you might hear
some stories, but you don't really hear the story of
what happens to a family, you know, when it when
it gets like utterly destroyed, and the part that this
displayed in it.
Speaker 2 (09:54):
And so that was kind of yep.
Speaker 1 (09:56):
I'm sorry, dish.
Speaker 5 (09:58):
No, no, that was you know, that was that was
mostly my inspiration. And then you know, the tricky part
was because I wrote, of course, like any writer, multiple drafts.
I had to find a way to show how a punter,
you know, passed away with stage two CTE and how
it affected him and make that believable to an audience
(10:20):
where anyone who knows football is like, you.
Speaker 2 (10:23):
Know, how how does that work? You know, how does
a punter end up with ct.
Speaker 5 (10:29):
But but you mentioned it before when you're playing football,
since you're seven years old and you're not punting your
entire life and the sport. What I mean, all you
have to do is YouTube some clips to know that
football in the eighties was insane.
Speaker 2 (10:43):
It's like, how it's different that even exists?
Speaker 1 (10:47):
Sure, right, well, let me ask you something. COVID and
I believe it's called Real Man played Football. These screenplayers
that are working title? Or is that right?
Speaker 2 (10:55):
Okay, that's the working title.
Speaker 1 (10:57):
Let me ask you this. I read Mike Schilsky article
about you do you harbor any anger towards or I
should say, who do you harbor any anger for the NFL?
Possibly because of I don't know how you view they
pandeled things. I saw a mention of the Nickelodeon, you
know kind of process when they put a show on
(11:19):
Nickelodeon with the booms and the palue. You kind of
said it looked a little bit like batman ish, you know,
with the cartoons back in the day. Your thoughts on
how the NFL has dealt with all this.
Speaker 5 (11:33):
Uh. I mean, the NFL is a corporation, right, so
their job is to make money. Ah, so I think, uh,
I mean, you know, I think that that's their priority.
I think they've had to make some changes the violence
(11:59):
of football so and there's so much money at stake.
But I don't I don't entirely blame the NFL because
what we know about CTE is it starts at a
young age. It's playing football. It's playing tackle football from
(12:19):
the time you're seven years old. The Nickelodeon thing, I
think is absolutely ridiculous. You know, it's a it's an
intentional way to see the numbers slide in youth tackle
football and to find a way, you know, to make
sure that there's not too much of a slip. I know,
I know now with youth football, the number of kids
(12:41):
playing flag football out outnumbers the number of kids.
Speaker 2 (12:45):
Playing tackle football. I believe I looked up that number,
which is great.
Speaker 5 (12:50):
And then and then, like the military, you get to
a certain age you want to play tackle football, go ahead.
But the NF you know, I I I see the
NFL from the side of things on the on the
concussion settlement that they created. How they still want to
keep a distance from CTE. You know, concussion is a
(13:10):
lot safer word for the NFL than CTE. CT is
still not a qualifying diagnosis as far as any financial
payout in the in the concussion settlement that they put together.
Speaker 4 (13:22):
I didn't know that. Yeah, that's crazy.
Speaker 1 (13:26):
Well, they had a guy late July that killed two
people in the NFL officers who claimed he had ct.
Speaker 2 (13:31):
I mean like, well, yeah, I mean you you can.
Speaker 5 (13:34):
But the thing is, you go back to that's one instance, right,
because it's like you keep brushing this issue under the carpet,
you know, and these are going to these instances are
going to continue to happen.
Speaker 2 (13:44):
I mean, you had.
Speaker 5 (13:47):
What's his name Adams right from rock Hill, South Carolina
who did something similar. You had Aaron Hernandez. I mean,
how many players shoot themselves in the chest and then
have their brain donated to leave a note like this
guy did. Yeah, Terry Long drank a gallon of anti freeze,
(14:07):
you know, Terry Long.
Speaker 1 (14:11):
That's a tough way to go with the athleen gleckhole.
Speaker 2 (14:14):
Yeah, I mean the brains. You know, some of these guys.
Speaker 5 (14:18):
We're having you know, four or five concussions a game, right,
so on top of them playing their entire lives tackle football,
and the and the you know, the the environment that
was created, you know, the back then, and that's changed.
So you have to give credit where credits due, you know,
as far as the the amount of hits during practice,
(14:40):
right the hits to the head. You know, the safety
measures that they have taken. They have taken measures, so
I have to give credit to that. But do they
do they want the game of football change? No?
Speaker 2 (14:53):
I doubt it. And then you know, this isn't even
going into like the.
Speaker 5 (14:58):
Pension did the NFL players have and their insurance policies
post career. I mean, Baseball, you play one game and
you're you're covered for life. Football you get like three
to five years. Yeah, so there's a lot I think
that still needs to be worked out.
Speaker 3 (15:19):
What's the biggest thing that you think that you would
love to see that would help put them even further
in the right direction. I mean, obviously it's not going
to go away, like you said, right, but what are
some of the hopes that you would like to see
them instill?
Speaker 2 (15:34):
Ah, you know, I think I think the best thing
that they could do. I mean you're dealing with athletes.
Speaker 5 (15:39):
I mean you're dealing with adults who you have a
lot of these players who even say they'll say things
like it's too late for me, or you'll even see
guys turn down million dollar contracts and retire early. No, see,
these players understand the stakes, right, So on that in
the things, I don't think the NFL is responsible to
like hold these players hand and say it's our job
to protect you. You're an adult, you know this game.
(16:02):
This is the game you love, right, but you're you're
you're deciding to play this game. What they can do
is they can really continue to push flag football. They
can really push to eliminate tackle football for for the youth.
Speaker 4 (16:22):
That might.
Speaker 2 (16:24):
If I was.
Speaker 5 (16:26):
An NFL owner, I would want these these young kids
to be developed as young as possible, right. You know
that's this is your your occupation, this is your livelihood.
You want these guys to play football. But I think
that's where everything all the attention needs to go is
on kids not playing tackle football until I think, uh.
Doctor Christopher Nowitzki, who's the founder of Concussion Legacy Foundation, says, fourteen,
(16:52):
you know it should be the should be the age
where kids should start playing tackle football.
Speaker 4 (16:58):
And that's actually a great point because by that age,
wouldn't you kind of know? Am I good enough to bother?
Speaker 2 (17:04):
Sure?
Speaker 4 (17:04):
I mean, if you're not, go do something else. But
you at least got your feet wet, and you can decide,
because if you are that good, you're like, yeah, I'm
pretty good. I want to keep doing this, right. But
that's a great point. And then one more question. Then
I'll let you go. What's your currently as a fan
observer of the league? What's your current relationship with it?
You take it or leave it? You watch it, don't care?
Speaker 2 (17:28):
Yeah, I mean you know, it's like it's a part
of my life, right, And so I don't want to
be a hypocrite.
Speaker 5 (17:36):
I really I don't. I don't watch it so much.
You know, I'm aware of what's going on throughout the season.
I celebrate when the Eagles win the Super Bowl.
Speaker 2 (17:47):
You know. Uh, it's like, you know, I know that
my dad would be okay with that. You know, my
dad loved football.
Speaker 1 (18:00):
You know.
Speaker 5 (18:00):
I even in my screenplay, I even have him saying,
you know, I love football. This is ingrained in my soul.
This is what I was put on earth to do.
So if my dad could do it all over again,
he'd probably still play football. So I think it's okay
to enjoy the game of football. I just it's just
one of those things where I see a lot of
(18:20):
greed getting in the way of safety.
Speaker 1 (18:24):
In this country.
Speaker 2 (18:26):
Yeah, And I think that's it.
Speaker 5 (18:27):
And I think you know, like, like I said, you're
an adult, you want to play football, that's your decision.
But if you're a kid, you know, and you don't
even you're not aware. I mean, I could go on
a tirade about it. But you're playing in equipment that's oversized,
So not only are you having the head collisions, but
then you're having the the collision with another player, but
then you're having the second collision. That's your helmet that's
(18:50):
too big for you, colliding with your brain. Just scrambled
eggs in there. I mean CTE. You don't have to
play in the NFL to get c to E. They've
had people test, you know, positive for CTE who have
only played high school football, who have died in high school,
who have you know, played college football, who haven't even
gone that far. Because it's all developed in the youth
but you know, I think the NFL has the money.
(19:11):
The NFL should be held responsible for for the safety
of the sport. You know, they're definitely not not strapped
for cash.
Speaker 1 (19:20):
You think thirteen billion a year run it or you
are off the Philly Pols Hotsie. We appreciate you showing up, man, Yeah,
thank you. Tell us real quickly about what's next for
you the screenplay, what's going on with it? And I
know you've been an actor all your life. What you
got going on?
Speaker 5 (19:39):
Yeah, I've had it in a number of top production companies.
So with my literary manager and I, uh, you know,
we just keep shopping it around. I think it's the
the challenge that I have is that, you know, NFL
kind of is a is a big is. You know,
(20:01):
I'm David and and the NFL is kind of Goliath,
and it's and and I don't want to put it
that way because it's not all about, you know, putting
the NFL in the bad light, but just the nature
of the story. You know, there's just some things that
come up where let's say Tom Brady has a production company,
right and he's under contract with the NFL.
Speaker 4 (20:20):
Is this the story?
Speaker 5 (20:21):
He he? You know what's what's to tell. But the
thing is, today there's so many resources to get a
film made. You know, we're seeing the old model kind
of crash and burn and out of the ashes you have,
you know, all these independent options.
Speaker 2 (20:39):
So I do that.
Speaker 5 (20:40):
I've got two young kids and a beautiful wife, so
that's always my top priority. My wife and I have
a fitness company that we run here in Bayside, Queens, so.
Speaker 2 (20:50):
I'm a busy.
Speaker 4 (20:50):
Man. You're better looking, in better shape than all of this. Okay,
we get it a magazine. This is I know, man,
I might be able to give him a run for
his money.
Speaker 5 (21:02):
Actually, this is actually the uh, this is the card
that I carry for the movie. I don't know if
you can see it, but that's my dad nineteen eighty
three training camp for the Eagles.
Speaker 2 (21:12):
Nice.
Speaker 5 (21:13):
And then the guy next to him is Franklin Master. Yeah,
and that little bald baby is me Man.
Speaker 4 (21:22):
Well, gosh, Kobe, you look just like your father.
Speaker 2 (21:24):
Man, you do you say that? You say that, but
wait till you see my mom, didn't you?
Speaker 1 (21:30):
Oh, Kobe, just I'll let you go with this. By
the way, David won in all the papers.
Speaker 2 (21:40):
Oh nice?
Speaker 5 (21:42):
Yeah, And that's what I believe, you know, I believe
that in my heart. So it's just a matter of
being persistent and it'll pay off.
Speaker 1 (21:52):
Appreciate it, Kobe. Thanks for joining us today on phillyp Pouls.
Speaker 4 (21:54):
Thanks gymuch, Kobe. Yeah, take care of absolutely, Kobe. So
you take care Bud.
Speaker 1 (21:59):
It good stuff from Kolbe running Ger. He does look
just like it does.
Speaker 3 (22:04):
He's not just look at I had that picture, but
he showed it up.
Speaker 4 (22:07):
Right, God, And it is kind of annoying when other
guys can tell, like immediately how much better looking you
are than I'm like Jesus, like you said, it's the
dude ound of like a magazine or something, right. I
was like, what happened with the.
Speaker 5 (22:20):
Killing me?
Speaker 1 (22:21):
Killing me? Mike, you're killing me?
Speaker 4 (22:25):
I thought we had a decent looking podcast.
Speaker 1 (22:29):
Man producer on a few months ago. He's another one
and walked out of way.
Speaker 4 (22:33):
I went from a ten to at nine, showing you're
a nine and a half to make, but I didn't show.
I didn't even flash this. I had my veteran stadium
T shirt for game on me.
Speaker 1 (22:46):
Tremendous, tremendous. Well, you have a few minutes here, that's Legals.
They're winding their training camp down. Little banged up, had
a great preseason game against the Bengals, recover the fumble
returned a seventy five yards.
Speaker 4 (23:01):
For Yeah, Makooba and thank you Dylan Gabriel, who he's
not going to be playing every week.
Speaker 1 (23:07):
Yes, it's I don't.
Speaker 4 (23:08):
Think anyone's going to be playing Dylan every week.
Speaker 1 (23:11):
Joe Flacco getting the starting gig shoting job? How long
does you do you think we'll get into the Browns
in a second, but.
Speaker 4 (23:17):
Yeah, whatever, you're ready on that Brown Colts. You get
into the Colts.
Speaker 1 (23:22):
Yeah, oh my god, I'm sure we need That's where
we need is to talk about Anthony Richardson. But Landon
Dickerson also banged up, but whether he doesn't play in
Game one or not, he'll be. It's not a major injury.
They clipped his meniscus. What are your thoughts, I look,
(23:42):
I take I've said this before, I take zero from
preseason games or training camp. That's just like a major injury.
What are your thoughts on what you've seen so far
into the Eagles? They the only thing I know so
far as that they might not have It looks like
mybe a Dory Jackson might be locking up that number
two corner spot. Other than that, they're pretty they're pretty
(24:03):
much set.
Speaker 4 (24:04):
I'll jump in on that real quick because it's what
I do, and I run my mouth. But boy, I'm
glad you mentioned the Dory Keeley ringo yesterday wasn't running
with the twos, he was running with the threes. And
I admit I thought we'd be fine. I thought he's
shown maybe enough that he could become a starter in
this situation. But he has fallen down the depth chart.
(24:27):
So now they're backing up with mac McMillan, the fifth
round pick.
Speaker 2 (24:32):
And a door.
Speaker 4 (24:33):
I mean, this is this went from exciting to uh oh,
could you imagine if something happened to Quinnon?
Speaker 1 (24:41):
How should be? Because people are like, well, well, Cooper
Degenia he played the flot corner a lot last.
Speaker 4 (24:46):
Year and he's playing a lot of safety in camp.
Speaker 1 (24:48):
Yeah, okay, so where's Cooper de gen gonna end up?
And they have to replace Darius Slay who actually had
a really nice season last year and then he got
paid by the I.
Speaker 4 (24:58):
Think you're going to see Cooper all over the field.
He might have to Sean, So think about it. He's
probably gonna be used. Where do we need you? Sure
you could argue safety because Sidney Brown I don't think
is developing the way they wanted to.
Speaker 1 (25:11):
Go to the slot corner. Why do you why, I
know you go out and get a safety.
Speaker 4 (25:15):
Well, I kind of I agree with you. I like
them the same corner. I wouldn't move him given my druthers,
But I think I think Vick.
Speaker 3 (25:22):
Is just kind of looking him as a versatile player
where he can use him in his defense because of
this situation. But I mean, who's gonna Is there any
rumors who might be out there in the cuts because
that's what they're gonna do. They're gonna get somebody else's treasure. Yeah,
should I say no.
Speaker 4 (25:41):
You're exactly right. And that goes on every year.
Speaker 5 (25:44):
You know.
Speaker 4 (25:44):
I feel bad because there's guys that's like, oh, you
made the fifty three, Yeah, well call me Tuesday, exactly.
Speaker 1 (25:51):
Yeah. It's not gonna last long. That's why Sean, I
think you and I were talking about it the other day.
Justin Simmons was out there for a while now with
the Falcons. He played in Fangio's defense.
Speaker 3 (26:00):
Ye when he was a couple a couple months ago.
It was like we all assumed like, yeah, it's gonna
it's eventually gonna happen. He's eventually gonna be here, and
then we didn't hear anything about it. Yeah, exactly, And
then I had to asked you.
Speaker 1 (26:14):
I was like, who did he sign with Falcons? Man?
Speaker 4 (26:18):
I would be less concerned, and I know I'm being
this is total Can we just acknowledge this total first
world problems? We are so spoiled. I would feel better
if our pass rush was deeper and are not. I
think little was expected of them, but it's not sounding
great and had a sack against the Browns, but I
(26:39):
think Joe had a sack against the Browns this past
weekend coming off the edge on the only credit you
for a half sack, which I thought was messed up.
But uh, behind Jylex Hunt and Nolan Smith.
Speaker 5 (26:54):
Uh.
Speaker 4 (26:56):
I mean all right, So that'll bring me to another point.
An A, Okay, That's what I'm getting. So it came
out today that one league executive thinks he told ESPN
he thinks a third and a player. No, you know
what's hilarious. They turned down a second a few months ago,
and now apparently they cannot agree on the guaranteed money,
(27:18):
so they have a number in years they're fine, but
they won't agree on the guaranteed money. Surprise, surprise, the
Brown family is involved. So one of the teams there was.
I heard another report a few days ago about teams
that were rumored to be interested. The Eagles weren't. One
of them was like Panthers, I forget one, and then
Brown's I was like, you have to be joking. We
(27:39):
need two over we need two expensive defensive ends to
go with our six quarterback.
Speaker 1 (27:44):
Are you serious?
Speaker 4 (27:46):
They're terrible? I mean, why would you even be Your
name shouldn't even be floated, even if it's a lie,
it shouldn't be floated. That's so ridiculous. But to get
back to your point about Hendrickson with the Eagles, what
a third and a player do it? Would you give
up a two with the Bengals? Take a two right now?
And would you do it?
Speaker 1 (28:06):
Well?
Speaker 4 (28:06):
I mean, are they like trying their hardest now they
want to do something with him? Because right now you
have a player that's making sixteen million this year, which
he said he's not going to play under. But those
things change, obviously when you start losing checks. They've agreed
on money and years, which I think is three years.
It's probably an annual average around Daniel Hunter, Max Crosby
and Bosa a thirty five thirty six, right, But they're
(28:29):
guaranteed years, so I don't know how stuck they are.
I know the Brown family likes to dig their heels
in and they're coming up on we need to do something.
Speaker 5 (28:40):
Now.
Speaker 4 (28:40):
It's you to get a second round pick for him.
I want to be the first one to interview Joe Burrow.
Maybe maybe he.
Speaker 1 (28:47):
Gets traded for maybe nothing left of Joe Burrow.
Speaker 3 (28:50):
Maybe he goes sound to the Cowboys for Micah Parsons
and a bunch of draft picks.
Speaker 1 (28:54):
Speaking of which Sean brings up a good point, I mean,
are they cause I don't believe any of that hype.
Jerry usually ends up paying his stars, but he might
have already caused so much disdain or distaste and Mike
Michael Parson's eyes. Maybe Michael's like, I'll play out this year,
although I think they could still franchise him next year.
To Michael Parsons, well.
Speaker 3 (29:15):
I was wrong about that that Sunday, if you remember,
I was like, he's going to be signed by Sunday.
Speaker 4 (29:20):
This is all bullshit. Well I was wrong with the mouth,
all right, just like.
Speaker 1 (29:29):
I retired because of his wrist.
Speaker 4 (29:33):
I think I think the Cowboys are in a spot
that they continue to put themselves in. But if you look,
there's parallels to how they operate with the with the Bengals.
I mean, did they waited on on Jamar Chase? They
waited on t Higgins. Burrows the only one they signed
with any normal amount of time. And by the way,
his postgame press conference is if you haven't seen them,
(29:54):
it looks like a hostage video. I got surprised he's
not holding up today's newspaper and stuff like that. Just
there's no way that guy wants to play for him.
And don't forget Carson Palmer said he was going to
retire before he played with them again. And with the Raiders,
you see the pattern. Yeah, it's so weird man.
Speaker 1 (30:14):
Well again, it's not.
Speaker 4 (30:15):
When you consider the source.
Speaker 3 (30:17):
No, for sure, Sorry, Joe, no, I It just it
baffles me that you have NFL teams and owners out
there that act.
Speaker 4 (30:28):
This way like it just it's penny wise pound foolish.
Speaker 1 (30:32):
That's exactly right, Mike, listen, Joe Burrow. In my opinion,
I might have given the MVP to Shaikwana. Know that
it's not popular to give it to a non quarterback
other than that, and I know there's different criteria m
VP most outstanding, blah blah blah. Joe quarterback, won nine
games with a horrific defense, and now they're you know,
(30:56):
they're they're digging their heels in about a guy who's
had chefeen and a half sacks back to back years.
Speaker 4 (31:03):
Well, Burrow, it wasn't just the nine wins, which were
all him and Jamar. He had like forty nine hundred
some yards, forty three touchdowns and nine picks.
Speaker 1 (31:12):
It was awesome.
Speaker 4 (31:13):
They even ran the ball. Okay, that offensive line is terrible.
And by the way, I watched some of that on
Monday night and the guy that kept getting blown up
was the one guy they brought in to fix the line,
which was their third round pick, this guard, Dylan Fairchild.
And I'm like, well, that's what you did to upgrade it,
and he's getting destroyed. Burrow has got to just be beside.
Speaker 1 (31:32):
Himself, beside himself how he did that last year. I
know he's got the marches and marches uncoverable. I mean
he just I don't know how you co's like he's
like Travis Kelsey a little bit. I know he's tell
end but he's unbelievable. But still like how they do that.
I know they start off like h and two every
year and I yes, I think they're like one in
eight in the last first two games. They have to
(31:53):
go off to the better so their defense isn't going
to They're not going anywhere with that defense. So what
do you what are you guys doing? Like you said
penny Wise pound fourlish, I just don't get. I mean
it makes us feel pretty good that we're in Philly
and how he does things early and gets ahead of
the curve.
Speaker 4 (32:09):
You think someone would notice, right, I mean if we
noticed it don't.
Speaker 1 (32:13):
Other teams want to follow the blueprint of.
Speaker 4 (32:15):
The but they've been doing it for twenty five years.
Speaker 1 (32:17):
It's not Bengals have yeah, no, but both of them.
Speaker 4 (32:21):
The Eagles have been operating like this with the sign
the guy early that that's been Judge Joe Banner stuff,
and the Bengals have been doing this dumb stuff for
twenty five years. There's there was an article I read
about twenty five years ago where they the Bengals were
reportedly the only team with one full time scout. How
do you operate?
Speaker 1 (32:39):
Are you kidding me?
Speaker 4 (32:41):
I think they have more now, but that any of
them over and overcare and right and that we know of,
that we know of. Right in two thousand when they
took Peter Warwick fourth overall, the Florida State guy that
I'm sure Joe loves, that was reportedly the first time
they charted a jet for their first und picked to
come into the facility. Like they're so behind the time
(33:04):
by the time.
Speaker 3 (33:04):
Sure, I'm just picturing the Cleveland Indians plane from Major League.
Speaker 1 (33:11):
Yeah. By the way, Peter Warwick vanished in Laburnius Coals.
He was also in the video of them stealing stuff
from like Walmart or wherever they were. He ended up
having a nice career with the Jets.
Speaker 4 (33:22):
He did.
Speaker 1 (33:23):
He did kind of never to be heard from again. No,
and he was dynamite, dynamite, dynamite F s U And
he was dynamite.
Speaker 4 (33:31):
Do you lose that running ability? That's what I want
to know, right, Like what.
Speaker 1 (33:35):
Happens from here to there? The shackles got in the way.
Let's talk little Phillies before we busted out of here. Okay, yeah,
they had a couple of rough spots and then they
kind of turned things around. Let's talk about Kyle Schwarber.
He's I just saw you know in the thread today.
Kenny Bust. Ryan Howard's number fifty. I think he's on
(33:57):
schedule for fifty six if he says saying either way,
he's having an off the hook year. I know the Reds.
I love what they did objectively, like give him the
key to the city when he was in town. And
he's an hour He grew up an hour outside of Cincinnati.
Speaker 4 (34:11):
So they do a lot of things in Cincinnati to
get players when they aren't Bengals.
Speaker 1 (34:18):
What's I mean? His price keeps, the number keeps going
up and up and off. Probably he's thirty two. It's
probably his last contract. He's got a ring, although it
was a long time ago with the Cubs in its
twenty sixteen, but that box at least has checked. He's
been in the mix the last few years. They don't
get it this year. Do you think he maybe wants
to Okay, this is what I wanted to do. I
always wanted to play for the Reds. Growing up. I'll
(34:39):
finish my career here. I know, Sean, you said there's.
Speaker 4 (34:43):
No way to see.
Speaker 3 (34:46):
I mean I I can't see how they possibly not
re sign them. And like if somebody comes and offers. Now, obviously,
if it's like out of this like retorical number, okay,
I'll look a with it. But I mean I threw
that statue guys together earlier. I mean, the Phillies have
a winning percentage of six ninety seven, eighty three and
(35:07):
thirty six in games where Shorber homers. Since he joined
the team in twenty twenty two, he is homered in
fifteen consecutive series.
Speaker 4 (35:16):
That's a record.
Speaker 2 (35:17):
So I mean it's.
Speaker 3 (35:20):
How do you let him walk? I mean, if he yes,
if that's what he wants to do, if he wants
to go play for his home team. I mean, I
wrote an article about it, and it was with the
kids here. It was just too late for me to
put it out there. I thought it was hilarious how
the Reds were just like, I mean, pandering to have
him a part of the team. To bring up. I mean,
(35:45):
when I was driving through Ohio, I was wondering if
I was going to see Kyle Schwarber HOGI Fest billboards
or Welcome Home Kyle, or whatever the case may be.
But you know, none of that happened. I think he's
going to resign here. I definitely think there's it's between
three teams. I think it's either the Cubs, the Reds
(36:07):
or the Phillies.
Speaker 4 (36:08):
You're playing with fire if you let them.
Speaker 3 (36:12):
He's like, and he's gonna test though they're not re
signing him right now. I mean, at this point, why
he must.
Speaker 4 (36:17):
Not want to file? Why would yeah? Why would you?
Speaker 3 (36:21):
Yeah?
Speaker 4 (36:21):
I wait, it's not he does like it here.
Speaker 3 (36:26):
You hear nothing, but you know he's that's what's out there.
Speaker 4 (36:31):
So all things being equal, these guys would rather not
uproot their family unless they were, you know, change schools whatever.
I don't notice kids. Situation is, don't care, but I did.
I did see a stat Yeah, I think it was
Jason Stark said that only two players in Major League
history have more home runs in their first four years
with a new team. That sounds like some Reuben Frank bullshit.
(36:53):
I got you. I understand. You know, coming off of
a night game, he's got the most RBIs on grass,
But is it one hundred and seventy five something like that.
The number wasn't as important as the fact that Babe
Ruth and Mark McGuire were the only ones ahead of him. Jesus,
and I think behind him was a Rod and someone else.
I mean, you got to you got to give it
(37:13):
to Swarber. I mean, he literally worth every penny double
the home runs that harp. Perhaps that he changed his
approach at Aroach. I mean he's hitting singles, he's hitting doubles.
He's oh, absolutely, I mean you can't run thro no, no,
I mean, I.
Speaker 1 (37:32):
Mean it's interesting to put him in left field. Surprised
that Dodgers didn't sound.
Speaker 3 (37:37):
Well, here's the thing. I mean, there's a lot that's
going to be considered here. He's going to be the
first d H since it was put across all the
legs to have a major contract. So, I mean he's
going to set the bar for dhs going forward. Year.
He's a picture though too. Last year I thought he
(37:58):
thought he didn't picture. I mean, he's it doesn't matter.
He's a picture of g Yeah, you know, so, I
mean it's it's going to be interesting.
Speaker 4 (38:07):
And so just to just a needle, Sean, what do
you think of Bom coming back.
Speaker 1 (38:15):
Hey, Hey, the Boom.
Speaker 4 (38:18):
I will say this.
Speaker 3 (38:19):
He'd made a comment the other day about the eleven
thirty start, and he turned to the crew and said, well,
you know the Triple A teams playing up at Buffalo
at one o'clock, if you want to head there instead.
Apparently him doing the stint in the minors, he said
it kind of humbled him a little bit. I mean,
(38:39):
he's been playing pretty damn well since he came back,
so still he's a dick and you hate him.
Speaker 4 (38:45):
I don't like his annex.
Speaker 1 (38:46):
Yeah, I think it.
Speaker 3 (38:47):
I think it's bullshit. When he acts that way, it's
I guess it's the Jeff Fry in me coming out,
and I'm like, stop acting like a baby. Still waiting
for each have to reply.
Speaker 4 (38:57):
By the way, did you guys see today they beat
the Mariners. They got twenty hits.
Speaker 3 (39:02):
Yeah, I mean and again they swept. They swept the
Mariners the other day. That's the first sweep at home
in like two months.
Speaker 4 (39:11):
And I did think of you, Sean, because I thought
this is why I got on you in April when
you were like this is bullshit, Like it's okay, and
you know what they were they were down last week
and they split to the Nationals. There was garbage and
you sent me that text from from what's his name
that the tweet about, Oh this team is not and
this is he's not the only one. Yeah, I can't
(39:34):
do it. I can't do it, like everything is like
this team's not. Seriously, I don't like to be told.
I don't like to be told I'm an idiot if
I think this is a World Series team, I don't.
I don't think it's not either. It's win as many
games as you can and the chips are going to
fall where they may and hope that you're playing well
(39:56):
at the right time. And that's how you do it.
So there's no I don't want to get any more
excited right this second, other than they just swept them.
That's three wins. Great now, I mean, and I think
Zach Wheeler comes out.
Speaker 3 (40:07):
I was going to work. I mean, hold on, there's
another spe keep filled the air as I get this
pulled up.
Speaker 4 (40:16):
But because our four God.
Speaker 1 (40:18):
If Zach Wheeler can't pitch, you think there's team's going anywhere?
Speaker 4 (40:22):
Really, you know what stays act you say that, But
if there's one place you could take it would be
starting pitching now. Nola can't be pulling that crap like
he did the other day. But he does.
Speaker 1 (40:33):
That's the Yeah, that's.
Speaker 4 (40:36):
So I Micah.
Speaker 3 (40:39):
I texted Joe separately, What was it yesterday?
Speaker 4 (40:42):
What did you say about me?
Speaker 1 (40:43):
Nothing?
Speaker 4 (40:44):
All good things? Okay, things, okay, okay, we'll.
Speaker 3 (40:48):
Talk about that later.
Speaker 4 (40:50):
So on a separate text.
Speaker 3 (40:51):
God, damn it, you guys are losing my train of thought.
We were talking about the weirdly think that Zach.
Speaker 4 (40:59):
Wheeler is going to make an appearance in the postseason.
Waits he officially been shut down?
Speaker 3 (41:04):
Or is this No, he hasn't been officially been shut down.
He had a surgery to remove the blood clot. But
I have this It wouldn't surprise me. I have this
weird feeling that he might be back for the postseason?
Speaker 4 (41:17):
Am I the last one to think that he wasn't?
I mean, like, is it?
Speaker 5 (41:22):
Is it?
Speaker 1 (41:23):
Well, the blood clot it's out, what's the problem?
Speaker 5 (41:27):
Well?
Speaker 3 (41:27):
What's his on the Diamondbacks? I wrote about it the
other day. Oh gosh, I'm drawing ares No the picture
he had he had a blood clot and he was
out for the rest of the year.
Speaker 4 (41:40):
So I mean, I'm not saying it can't keep you out.
I'm just saying I hadn't heard is the general consensus
at this point that don't even bank on him? What
you said, I think from the.
Speaker 3 (41:52):
Fan senses, I I think it's the people said that.
Speaker 4 (41:55):
I think that people feel that way on social media too.
Speaker 3 (41:59):
Yeah. Probably.
Speaker 4 (42:01):
But here here's the stat.
Speaker 3 (42:03):
Okay, so they're four to oh since he made since
the announcement came out, forty runs scored ten per game,
sixty hits fifteen per game. Swere as, Sanchoiz and Lozardo
combined nineteen innings, pitched, five earned runs, thirty four strikeouts.
Speaker 4 (42:19):
And two walks. Are you saying screw Wheeler and we
don't need them? No, No, no, here we go because
they're happy that Wheeler's not around anymore.
Speaker 1 (42:30):
And finally, yeah, he's going to hit that as.
Speaker 4 (42:33):
Can you believe Sean said that?
Speaker 5 (42:34):
I know.
Speaker 1 (42:35):
Right.
Speaker 3 (42:36):
Here's my follow up piece to Zach Wheeler Bryce Harper
went without him.
Speaker 4 (42:41):
But back to your point Todayach, I do think this
team could absorb losing Wheeler more than it's eight lost
Hammils that would have been home.
Speaker 3 (42:52):
Absolutely, No, I agree with that, but right, but here's
not to say that someone steps up like Cole Hamills
did into that postseason. I'm hell Cole Hammonds. Cole Hamils
was happening a good year that year, but ost season
he was like comin it. I mean it was just like, uh,
we're not We're gonna win this.
Speaker 4 (43:10):
So you have if you have a four man rotation,
why couldn't Nola, Suarez Sanchez And I'm forgetting I don't
want to do that, Taiwan. No, no, no, no, all right,
we're getting thin. Fine, sure, get a little thin, but
those three you should be able to win. But you
should be able to win the playoffs with those three.
Speaker 3 (43:30):
I mean Losordo pitched well today, he pitched really well.
Speaker 1 (43:33):
But if they hit, like Sean just spewed those number, yes,
but they do that and then boom they hit the wall.
Speaker 4 (43:38):
Right, Oh, absolutely absolutely. It's this is the story of
the Phillies.
Speaker 3 (43:42):
It always has been and it's I mean it pisses
people off, like your boy Ashworth. I mean that's why
I sent that tweet. I was like, oh my gosh,
here he is again. And then like you said, with
the Brody, I mean, thank god he was on during
the time. I texted you guys. I was like, he's
going to keep me up because that voice and just
his whold like panter about it. And then sure enough,
(44:04):
when he got off at two am, I pulled the
car over and took a nap.
Speaker 1 (44:08):
He didn't the point he does, oh my gosh.
Speaker 3 (44:12):
But then on Sunday and cut the grass and he
was on after the game and I was like, yep, nope,
I'm not listening to the post game. I'm listening to music.
His voice is like naw's on a chalkboard.
Speaker 4 (44:24):
Sometimes we should definitely get into some flyers. So I
do love his flyers, though I'm kidding he knows his flyers,
but he does. I love his hockey.
Speaker 1 (44:31):
He's pretty good hockey. He had that rant that was
that the infamous rant last year is pretty good?
Speaker 3 (44:36):
Yeah?
Speaker 1 (44:36):
Was it was it hockey that he ran all last year.
I don't know what happened because he was part of
the what they call that show, the greatest show on.
Speaker 4 (44:47):
Yeah, greast show ever.
Speaker 1 (44:48):
Yeah now II, which is good. I'm happy for him.
He's different. He's definitely different. It's a little bit of
an acquired taste. But you know, everyone, I mean, they're
out there that's the only thing.
Speaker 3 (45:00):
Yeah, that's why everybody needs to make the switch.
Speaker 1 (45:07):
Good stuff boys, good stuff, all right, we got a
wrap u. Yeah, send us all down is and she'll
do her thing post producing it. But we appreciate it,
of course we you know, thanks to Kolby Runninger and
of course Micaeh your connections with him for bringing them
Mom Max Runninger's son, Michael Warren, Shawn Locker, I'm Joe
stay Zach for the Philly Pulse. We'll see you next week.
We appreciate you watching. Folks have a great ones
Yeah, let the big dog hunt Lo again. Everybody. Welcome
to another episode of The Philly Pulse, your city sports beat.
We are back. I'm Joe Stazak, one of the hosts,
of course, Michael Warren Sean Lockner also in the house.
How you doing, Fellas, what's happening?
Speaker 2 (00:17):
You?
Speaker 3 (00:17):
Look a look at.
Speaker 1 (00:21):
Roger they gave me before you know the makeup room.
Speaker 2 (00:24):
Sean.
Speaker 4 (00:24):
Did you notice he's a little closer to the camera
this time. That's not an accident.
Speaker 3 (00:29):
Yeah, I thought maybe he was taking Iazy's recommendations of
getting closer, but no, it's all about the chance.
Speaker 1 (00:37):
Eusy, by the way, doing her school stuff and probably
will join us next week. She's integral in post production
here with the Philly Post. We've got a special guest today.
Eagles fans out there might remember Max Runneger came to
my school actually in seventh grade. Loved him. Was on
the Super Bowl team that lost to the Raiders back then,
but then did win a Super Bowl with the forty
(00:59):
nine ers in eighty four when they were fifteen to one.
We have a son joining us right now. He is
Colby running her and uh. Colby's an actor, screenwriter, screenplay
writer and he wants to he's kind enough to join
us today and here he comes in three two.
Speaker 5 (01:18):
Colby, Hey, guys, how are you good.
Speaker 1 (01:23):
Around with joe Ja, Michael Warren, Sean Locked? How all are if?
I appreciate you showing up.
Speaker 2 (01:27):
Yeah, I'm great. Thanks for having me.
Speaker 5 (01:29):
Sorry, I'm gonna take this in my car because it
just gives me a little more privacy from the kids.
Speaker 4 (01:34):
It actually sounds better than our audio car.
Speaker 1 (01:40):
Those new cars today, do bro, So listen, listen for
the folks out there. I don't know, son of Max
Runninger and uh Max died twenty eighteen.
Speaker 2 (01:51):
Seventeen seventy.
Speaker 1 (01:53):
You guys corrected me, corrected, correct before the show. Correct
at the show, No one question. We were bouncing around
and we're going to get to the CT. And because
you witnessed your father who was your king, and you
talked about what a great man he was, and I
thought he was great when he came to my school
and one of my idols. But what's it like being
(02:16):
the son of an NFL player?
Speaker 2 (02:19):
Uh?
Speaker 5 (02:19):
You know, I think my dad was very deliberate in
in uh mine and my brother's upbringings.
Speaker 2 (02:27):
That it it never felt like.
Speaker 5 (02:31):
Anything I mean, we knew he was special, but it
felt like your your normal upbringing.
Speaker 1 (02:38):
That was that was normalcy for you, growing up in
an NFL house.
Speaker 2 (02:43):
Right, you know.
Speaker 5 (02:43):
I I what's what's unique is, you know, I'll have
these memories. My brothers were born ninety and ninety one,
so they didn't really get much of my dad's career.
But uh, you know, I'm unique in the way where
I have these memories of you know, saying hi to
Joe Montana and Jerry Rice and pretty cool you know,
(03:07):
Ron Dwarski and you know, all these guys being like.
Speaker 2 (03:10):
Oh man, you know, I remember when you were this
big and that was normal for me. And you know,
you get older and you realize that it's pretty special.
Speaker 1 (03:20):
Now. You wanted to quick kind of awareness when you
found out after your father passed away and donated his
brain for so they could study his brain, and they
did find some signs of CTE. And I know some
people questioned, well, he was a punter, how does a
punter get ct Well, he played from age seven to
thirty three or something like that, and played football, took
(03:42):
a lot of knocks growing up before he became a
professional punner. And you also saw kind of like some
strange behavior towards the end, and we relieved when you
found out. Okay, now it kind of makes a little
bit of sense that I'm not saying you're happy about it,
but that they discovered some ct.
Speaker 5 (04:00):
Uh, you know it it is. It is a relief,
you know, because the you know, the the way that
CT behaves is is just so you know, it's just
so tricky. It appears in different ways. It appears in
substance abuse, it appears in depression, it appears in you know,
(04:23):
these these like these ways that don't make you initially
think that it's CTE. It seems like a problem that
anyone could just have and a problem that anyone could overcome.
And this is just kind of, you know, same the
(04:43):
thing happened with my dad. You know, he did a
couple of stints in in rehab and then you know,
just his his behavior. My mom can say to the day,
she can pinpoint the day where she says that my
dad became a different person. So she is really the
one who knows the difference between the the man my
(05:06):
dad was and the man that my dad became. And
then the mystery still is kind of how much of
that was CTE. How much of part did that play, ah,
and how much of it was was depression? Was behavioral issues?
Was you know, alcoholism, substance abuse? Did the CTE lead
(05:27):
to that? Was that gonna happen anyway without the CTE?
Speaker 2 (05:31):
You know? That's that's the that's the tricky part of it.
Speaker 4 (05:35):
Well, obviously not asking a day specifically, like a date,
But do you remember about when your mom says that.
Speaker 5 (05:40):
Is uh, yeah, you know, I was in la I
was living in California at the time. My brothers were
still in high school, so they really took the brunt
of of the trauma of it all. So that would
that would be somewhere in the in the mid two thousands.
Speaker 3 (06:00):
So now, Kobe, your mom said she remembers like to
the day when it happened. Was it just like one
day he was fine and then the next she started
noticing things or did it just a little bit here
and there that led up to okay, this was the
day that he really started to change.
Speaker 5 (06:16):
Yeah, I mean she said, she says it was the
day and she said to him, I hope they find
a tumor or something in your brain because you were
not the man, I'm married.
Speaker 4 (06:27):
Wow, you know.
Speaker 5 (06:27):
And then and then after that, it was last time
I saw my dad in person.
Speaker 2 (06:32):
Ironically, was was my wedding day.
Speaker 5 (06:35):
And and it was like he was off balance, you know,
he is. The way that he behaved was just not
the dad I grew up with. I mean, of course,
of course I was young, I idolized my father.
Speaker 4 (06:51):
You know.
Speaker 5 (06:51):
And this is me, as an adult in my thirties,
being able to take a step back and say, yeah,
I idolized my father. You know, I understand that that
that people have their faults, but this is also this
is a different person. You know, things, you know, things
that happened to to to lead to where it was
(07:14):
understandable then my dad would would be behaving, you know,
in a certain way.
Speaker 2 (07:20):
I mean financial ruin, you know, complete financial ruin divorce.
Speaker 3 (07:28):
Uh.
Speaker 5 (07:28):
You know, I believe that my my mom and my dad,
you know, we're we're like soulmates, you know.
Speaker 2 (07:33):
Of course, I think any kid would want to see that.
But I think, you know, I.
Speaker 5 (07:36):
Don't think that I think the divorce had to happen
more than either of them wanting it to happen. It
was like my mom kind of needed to protect yourself
a little bit, not in like a violent way at all,
not that, but just in you know, in in other ways,
you know, financial and just you know, it was just
like it was a collapse.
Speaker 4 (07:55):
Now. I but lucky enough that I got to read it.
It's really good. And I'm not just kids up to
our guest, but you you wrote a screenplay about this.
Can you tell us a little bit about about the screenplay?
What led you to want to do it, and you know,
just the whole process.
Speaker 5 (08:11):
Yeah, you know, I think the you know, the inspiration
for it was, you know, to ct like knowing that
my dad died with CTE and knowing what I know
now about CTE. It's very lonely, right, It's very isolating
because football in America is like untouchable, right, and then
(08:36):
here I am my entire perspective on the sport that
my dad loved. There was so much a part of
our family that was ingrained in us, you know, completely flipped,
you know, after I kind of did some research, after
I experienced what I did after the implosion of my
family dynamic, and I think I also wanted to kind
(08:57):
of give my father a little redemption because he reached
the pinnacle as far as his football career, and you know,
as far as the family man. You know, it was
it was like the Norman Brockwell painting, uh, and then
just the complete collapse of everything, and a part of
me was like I knew that it wasn't completely his fault,
(09:22):
and so I felt like I needed to tell that story.
But I also needed to tell the story of what
happens to a family because of this, you know, I
feel like so much of what you hear is focused
on the player, focused on the individual, and focused on
like the.
Speaker 2 (09:39):
Disease of CTE.
Speaker 5 (09:40):
But but you don't hear I mean, you might hear
some stories, but you don't really hear the story of
what happens to a family, you know, when it when
it gets like utterly destroyed, and the part that this
displayed in it.
Speaker 2 (09:54):
And so that was kind of yep.
Speaker 1 (09:56):
I'm sorry, dish.
Speaker 5 (09:58):
No, no, that was you know, that was that was
mostly my inspiration. And then you know, the tricky part
was because I wrote, of course, like any writer, multiple drafts.
I had to find a way to show how a punter,
you know, passed away with stage two CTE and how
it affected him and make that believable to an audience
(10:20):
where anyone who knows football is like, you.
Speaker 2 (10:23):
Know, how how does that work? You know, how does
a punter end up with ct.
Speaker 5 (10:29):
But but you mentioned it before when you're playing football,
since you're seven years old and you're not punting your
entire life and the sport. What I mean, all you
have to do is YouTube some clips to know that
football in the eighties was insane.
Speaker 2 (10:43):
It's like, how it's different that even exists?
Speaker 1 (10:47):
Sure, right, well, let me ask you something. COVID and
I believe it's called Real Man played Football. These screenplayers
that are working title? Or is that right?
Speaker 2 (10:55):
Okay, that's the working title.
Speaker 1 (10:57):
Let me ask you this. I read Mike Schilsky article
about you do you harbor any anger towards or I
should say, who do you harbor any anger for the NFL?
Possibly because of I don't know how you view they
pandeled things. I saw a mention of the Nickelodeon, you
know kind of process when they put a show on
(11:19):
Nickelodeon with the booms and the palue. You kind of
said it looked a little bit like batman ish, you know,
with the cartoons back in the day. Your thoughts on
how the NFL has dealt with all this.
Speaker 5 (11:33):
Uh. I mean, the NFL is a corporation, right, so
their job is to make money. Ah, so I think, uh,
I mean, you know, I think that that's their priority.
I think they've had to make some changes the violence
(11:59):
of football so and there's so much money at stake.
But I don't I don't entirely blame the NFL because
what we know about CTE is it starts at a
young age. It's playing football. It's playing tackle football from
(12:19):
the time you're seven years old. The Nickelodeon thing, I
think is absolutely ridiculous. You know, it's a it's an
intentional way to see the numbers slide in youth tackle
football and to find a way, you know, to make
sure that there's not too much of a slip. I know,
I know now with youth football, the number of kids
(12:41):
playing flag football out outnumbers the number of kids.
Speaker 2 (12:45):
Playing tackle football. I believe I looked up that number,
which is great.
Speaker 5 (12:50):
And then and then, like the military, you get to
a certain age you want to play tackle football, go ahead.
But the NF you know, I I I see the
NFL from the side of things on the on the
concussion settlement that they created. How they still want to
keep a distance from CTE. You know, concussion is a
(13:10):
lot safer word for the NFL than CTE. CT is
still not a qualifying diagnosis as far as any financial
payout in the in the concussion settlement that they put together.
Speaker 4 (13:22):
I didn't know that. Yeah, that's crazy.
Speaker 1 (13:26):
Well, they had a guy late July that killed two
people in the NFL officers who claimed he had ct.
Speaker 2 (13:31):
I mean like, well, yeah, I mean you you can.
Speaker 5 (13:34):
But the thing is, you go back to that's one instance, right,
because it's like you keep brushing this issue under the carpet,
you know, and these are going to these instances are
going to continue to happen.
Speaker 2 (13:44):
I mean, you had.
Speaker 5 (13:47):
What's his name Adams right from rock Hill, South Carolina
who did something similar. You had Aaron Hernandez. I mean,
how many players shoot themselves in the chest and then
have their brain donated to leave a note like this
guy did. Yeah, Terry Long drank a gallon of anti freeze,
(14:07):
you know, Terry Long.
Speaker 1 (14:11):
That's a tough way to go with the athleen gleckhole.
Speaker 2 (14:14):
Yeah, I mean the brains. You know, some of these guys.
Speaker 5 (14:18):
We're having you know, four or five concussions a game, right,
so on top of them playing their entire lives tackle football,
and the and the you know, the the environment that
was created, you know, the back then, and that's changed.
So you have to give credit where credits due, you know,
as far as the the amount of hits during practice,
(14:40):
right the hits to the head. You know, the safety
measures that they have taken. They have taken measures, so
I have to give credit to that. But do they
do they want the game of football change? No?
Speaker 2 (14:53):
I doubt it. And then you know, this isn't even
going into like the.
Speaker 5 (14:58):
Pension did the NFL players have and their insurance policies
post career. I mean, Baseball, you play one game and
you're you're covered for life. Football you get like three
to five years. Yeah, so there's a lot I think
that still needs to be worked out.
Speaker 3 (15:19):
What's the biggest thing that you think that you would
love to see that would help put them even further
in the right direction. I mean, obviously it's not going
to go away, like you said, right, but what are
some of the hopes that you would like to see
them instill?
Speaker 2 (15:34):
Ah, you know, I think I think the best thing
that they could do. I mean you're dealing with athletes.
Speaker 5 (15:39):
I mean you're dealing with adults who you have a
lot of these players who even say they'll say things
like it's too late for me, or you'll even see
guys turn down million dollar contracts and retire early. No, see,
these players understand the stakes, right, So on that in
the things, I don't think the NFL is responsible to
like hold these players hand and say it's our job
to protect you. You're an adult, you know this game.
(16:02):
This is the game you love, right, but you're you're
you're deciding to play this game. What they can do
is they can really continue to push flag football. They
can really push to eliminate tackle football for for the youth.
Speaker 4 (16:22):
That might.
Speaker 2 (16:24):
If I was.
Speaker 5 (16:26):
An NFL owner, I would want these these young kids
to be developed as young as possible, right. You know
that's this is your your occupation, this is your livelihood.
You want these guys to play football. But I think
that's where everything all the attention needs to go is
on kids not playing tackle football until I think, uh.
Doctor Christopher Nowitzki, who's the founder of Concussion Legacy Foundation, says, fourteen,
(16:52):
you know it should be the should be the age
where kids should start playing tackle football.
Speaker 4 (16:58):
And that's actually a great point because by that age,
wouldn't you kind of know? Am I good enough to bother?
Speaker 2 (17:04):
Sure?
Speaker 4 (17:04):
I mean, if you're not, go do something else. But
you at least got your feet wet, and you can decide,
because if you are that good, you're like, yeah, I'm
pretty good. I want to keep doing this, right. But
that's a great point. And then one more question. Then
I'll let you go. What's your currently as a fan
observer of the league? What's your current relationship with it?
You take it or leave it? You watch it, don't care?
Speaker 2 (17:28):
Yeah, I mean you know, it's like it's a part
of my life, right, And so I don't want to
be a hypocrite.
Speaker 5 (17:36):
I really I don't. I don't watch it so much.
You know, I'm aware of what's going on throughout the season.
I celebrate when the Eagles win the Super Bowl.
Speaker 2 (17:47):
You know. Uh, it's like, you know, I know that
my dad would be okay with that. You know, my
dad loved football.
Speaker 1 (18:00):
You know.
Speaker 5 (18:00):
I even in my screenplay, I even have him saying,
you know, I love football. This is ingrained in my soul.
This is what I was put on earth to do.
So if my dad could do it all over again,
he'd probably still play football. So I think it's okay
to enjoy the game of football. I just it's just
one of those things where I see a lot of
(18:20):
greed getting in the way of safety.
Speaker 1 (18:24):
In this country.
Speaker 2 (18:26):
Yeah, And I think that's it.
Speaker 5 (18:27):
And I think you know, like, like I said, you're
an adult, you want to play football, that's your decision.
But if you're a kid, you know, and you don't
even you're not aware. I mean, I could go on
a tirade about it. But you're playing in equipment that's oversized,
So not only are you having the head collisions, but
then you're having the the collision with another player, but
then you're having the second collision. That's your helmet that's
(18:50):
too big for you, colliding with your brain. Just scrambled
eggs in there. I mean CTE. You don't have to
play in the NFL to get c to E. They've
had people test, you know, positive for CTE who have
only played high school football, who have died in high school,
who have you know, played college football, who haven't even
gone that far. Because it's all developed in the youth
but you know, I think the NFL has the money.
(19:11):
The NFL should be held responsible for for the safety
of the sport. You know, they're definitely not not strapped
for cash.
Speaker 1 (19:20):
You think thirteen billion a year run it or you
are off the Philly Pols Hotsie. We appreciate you showing up, man, Yeah,
thank you. Tell us real quickly about what's next for
you the screenplay, what's going on with it? And I
know you've been an actor all your life. What you
got going on?
Speaker 5 (19:39):
Yeah, I've had it in a number of top production companies.
So with my literary manager and I, uh, you know,
we just keep shopping it around. I think it's the
the challenge that I have is that, you know, NFL
kind of is a is a big is. You know,
(20:01):
I'm David and and the NFL is kind of Goliath,
and it's and and I don't want to put it
that way because it's not all about, you know, putting
the NFL in the bad light, but just the nature
of the story. You know, there's just some things that
come up where let's say Tom Brady has a production company,
right and he's under contract with the NFL.
Speaker 4 (20:20):
Is this the story?
Speaker 5 (20:21):
He he? You know what's what's to tell. But the
thing is, today there's so many resources to get a
film made. You know, we're seeing the old model kind
of crash and burn and out of the ashes you have,
you know, all these independent options.
Speaker 2 (20:39):
So I do that.
Speaker 5 (20:40):
I've got two young kids and a beautiful wife, so
that's always my top priority. My wife and I have
a fitness company that we run here in Bayside, Queens, so.
Speaker 2 (20:50):
I'm a busy.
Speaker 4 (20:50):
Man. You're better looking, in better shape than all of this. Okay,
we get it a magazine. This is I know, man,
I might be able to give him a run for
his money.
Speaker 5 (21:02):
Actually, this is actually the uh, this is the card
that I carry for the movie. I don't know if
you can see it, but that's my dad nineteen eighty
three training camp for the Eagles.
Speaker 2 (21:12):
Nice.
Speaker 5 (21:13):
And then the guy next to him is Franklin Master. Yeah,
and that little bald baby is me Man.
Speaker 4 (21:22):
Well, gosh, Kobe, you look just like your father.
Speaker 2 (21:24):
Man, you do you say that? You say that, but
wait till you see my mom, didn't you?
Speaker 1 (21:30):
Oh, Kobe, just I'll let you go with this. By
the way, David won in all the papers.
Speaker 2 (21:40):
Oh nice?
Speaker 5 (21:42):
Yeah, And that's what I believe, you know, I believe
that in my heart. So it's just a matter of
being persistent and it'll pay off.
Speaker 1 (21:52):
Appreciate it, Kobe. Thanks for joining us today on phillyp Pouls.
Speaker 4 (21:54):
Thanks gymuch, Kobe. Yeah, take care of absolutely, Kobe. So
you take care Bud.
Speaker 1 (21:59):
It good stuff from Kolbe running Ger. He does look
just like it does.
Speaker 3 (22:04):
He's not just look at I had that picture, but
he showed it up.
Speaker 4 (22:07):
Right, God, And it is kind of annoying when other
guys can tell, like immediately how much better looking you
are than I'm like Jesus, like you said, it's the
dude ound of like a magazine or something, right. I
was like, what happened with the.
Speaker 5 (22:20):
Killing me?
Speaker 1 (22:21):
Killing me? Mike, you're killing me?
Speaker 4 (22:25):
I thought we had a decent looking podcast.
Speaker 1 (22:29):
Man producer on a few months ago. He's another one
and walked out of way.
Speaker 4 (22:33):
I went from a ten to at nine, showing you're
a nine and a half to make, but I didn't show.
I didn't even flash this. I had my veteran stadium
T shirt for game on me.
Speaker 1 (22:46):
Tremendous, tremendous. Well, you have a few minutes here, that's Legals.
They're winding their training camp down. Little banged up, had
a great preseason game against the Bengals, recover the fumble
returned a seventy five yards.
Speaker 4 (23:01):
For Yeah, Makooba and thank you Dylan Gabriel, who he's
not going to be playing every week.
Speaker 1 (23:07):
Yes, it's I don't.
Speaker 4 (23:08):
Think anyone's going to be playing Dylan every week.
Speaker 1 (23:11):
Joe Flacco getting the starting gig shoting job? How long
does you do you think we'll get into the Browns
in a second, but.
Speaker 4 (23:17):
Yeah, whatever, you're ready on that Brown Colts. You get
into the Colts.
Speaker 1 (23:22):
Yeah, oh my god, I'm sure we need That's where
we need is to talk about Anthony Richardson. But Landon
Dickerson also banged up, but whether he doesn't play in
Game one or not, he'll be. It's not a major injury.
They clipped his meniscus. What are your thoughts, I look,
(23:42):
I take I've said this before, I take zero from
preseason games or training camp. That's just like a major injury.
What are your thoughts on what you've seen so far
into the Eagles? They the only thing I know so
far as that they might not have It looks like
mybe a Dory Jackson might be locking up that number
two corner spot. Other than that, they're pretty they're pretty
(24:03):
much set.
Speaker 4 (24:04):
I'll jump in on that real quick because it's what
I do, and I run my mouth. But boy, I'm
glad you mentioned the Dory Keeley ringo yesterday wasn't running
with the twos, he was running with the threes. And
I admit I thought we'd be fine. I thought he's
shown maybe enough that he could become a starter in
this situation. But he has fallen down the depth chart.
(24:27):
So now they're backing up with mac McMillan, the fifth
round pick.
Speaker 2 (24:32):
And a door.
Speaker 4 (24:33):
I mean, this is this went from exciting to uh oh,
could you imagine if something happened to Quinnon?
Speaker 1 (24:41):
How should be? Because people are like, well, well, Cooper
Degenia he played the flot corner a lot last.
Speaker 4 (24:46):
Year and he's playing a lot of safety in camp.
Speaker 1 (24:48):
Yeah, okay, so where's Cooper de gen gonna end up?
And they have to replace Darius Slay who actually had
a really nice season last year and then he got
paid by the I.
Speaker 4 (24:58):
Think you're going to see Cooper all over the field.
He might have to Sean, So think about it. He's
probably gonna be used. Where do we need you? Sure
you could argue safety because Sidney Brown I don't think
is developing the way they wanted to.
Speaker 1 (25:11):
Go to the slot corner. Why do you why, I
know you go out and get a safety.
Speaker 4 (25:15):
Well, I kind of I agree with you. I like
them the same corner. I wouldn't move him given my druthers,
But I think I think Vick.
Speaker 3 (25:22):
Is just kind of looking him as a versatile player
where he can use him in his defense because of
this situation. But I mean, who's gonna Is there any
rumors who might be out there in the cuts because
that's what they're gonna do. They're gonna get somebody else's treasure. Yeah,
should I say no.
Speaker 4 (25:41):
You're exactly right. And that goes on every year.
Speaker 5 (25:44):
You know.
Speaker 4 (25:44):
I feel bad because there's guys that's like, oh, you
made the fifty three, Yeah, well call me Tuesday, exactly.
Speaker 1 (25:51):
Yeah. It's not gonna last long. That's why Sean, I
think you and I were talking about it the other day.
Justin Simmons was out there for a while now with
the Falcons. He played in Fangio's defense.
Speaker 3 (26:00):
Ye when he was a couple a couple months ago.
It was like we all assumed like, yeah, it's gonna
it's eventually gonna happen. He's eventually gonna be here, and
then we didn't hear anything about it. Yeah, exactly, And
then I had to asked you.
Speaker 1 (26:14):
I was like, who did he sign with Falcons? Man?
Speaker 4 (26:18):
I would be less concerned, and I know I'm being
this is total Can we just acknowledge this total first
world problems? We are so spoiled. I would feel better
if our pass rush was deeper and are not. I
think little was expected of them, but it's not sounding
great and had a sack against the Browns, but I
(26:39):
think Joe had a sack against the Browns this past
weekend coming off the edge on the only credit you
for a half sack, which I thought was messed up.
But uh, behind Jylex Hunt and Nolan Smith.
Speaker 5 (26:54):
Uh.
Speaker 4 (26:56):
I mean all right, So that'll bring me to another point.
An A, Okay, That's what I'm getting. So it came
out today that one league executive thinks he told ESPN
he thinks a third and a player. No, you know
what's hilarious. They turned down a second a few months ago,
and now apparently they cannot agree on the guaranteed money,
(27:18):
so they have a number in years they're fine, but
they won't agree on the guaranteed money. Surprise, surprise, the
Brown family is involved. So one of the teams there was.
I heard another report a few days ago about teams
that were rumored to be interested. The Eagles weren't. One
of them was like Panthers, I forget one, and then
Brown's I was like, you have to be joking. We
(27:39):
need two over we need two expensive defensive ends to
go with our six quarterback.
Speaker 1 (27:44):
Are you serious?
Speaker 4 (27:46):
They're terrible? I mean, why would you even be Your
name shouldn't even be floated, even if it's a lie,
it shouldn't be floated. That's so ridiculous. But to get
back to your point about Hendrickson with the Eagles, what
a third and a player do it? Would you give
up a two with the Bengals? Take a two right now?
And would you do it?
Speaker 1 (28:06):
Well?
Speaker 4 (28:06):
I mean, are they like trying their hardest now they
want to do something with him? Because right now you
have a player that's making sixteen million this year, which
he said he's not going to play under. But those
things change, obviously when you start losing checks. They've agreed
on money and years, which I think is three years.
It's probably an annual average around Daniel Hunter, Max Crosby
and Bosa a thirty five thirty six, right, But they're
(28:29):
guaranteed years, so I don't know how stuck they are.
I know the Brown family likes to dig their heels
in and they're coming up on we need to do something.
Speaker 5 (28:40):
Now.
Speaker 4 (28:40):
It's you to get a second round pick for him.
I want to be the first one to interview Joe Burrow.
Maybe maybe he.
Speaker 1 (28:47):
Gets traded for maybe nothing left of Joe Burrow.
Speaker 3 (28:50):
Maybe he goes sound to the Cowboys for Micah Parsons
and a bunch of draft picks.
Speaker 1 (28:54):
Speaking of which Sean brings up a good point, I mean,
are they cause I don't believe any of that hype.
Jerry usually ends up paying his stars, but he might
have already caused so much disdain or distaste and Mike
Michael Parson's eyes. Maybe Michael's like, I'll play out this year,
although I think they could still franchise him next year.
To Michael Parsons, well.
Speaker 3 (29:15):
I was wrong about that that Sunday, if you remember,
I was like, he's going to be signed by Sunday.
Speaker 4 (29:20):
This is all bullshit. Well I was wrong with the mouth,
all right, just like.
Speaker 1 (29:29):
I retired because of his wrist.
Speaker 4 (29:33):
I think I think the Cowboys are in a spot
that they continue to put themselves in. But if you look,
there's parallels to how they operate with the with the Bengals.
I mean, did they waited on on Jamar Chase? They
waited on t Higgins. Burrows the only one they signed
with any normal amount of time. And by the way,
his postgame press conference is if you haven't seen them,
(29:54):
it looks like a hostage video. I got surprised he's
not holding up today's newspaper and stuff like that. Just
there's no way that guy wants to play for him.
And don't forget Carson Palmer said he was going to
retire before he played with them again. And with the Raiders,
you see the pattern. Yeah, it's so weird man.
Speaker 1 (30:14):
Well again, it's not.
Speaker 4 (30:15):
When you consider the source.
Speaker 3 (30:17):
No, for sure, Sorry, Joe, no, I It just it
baffles me that you have NFL teams and owners out
there that act.
Speaker 4 (30:28):
This way like it just it's penny wise pound foolish.
Speaker 1 (30:32):
That's exactly right, Mike, listen, Joe Burrow. In my opinion,
I might have given the MVP to Shaikwana. Know that
it's not popular to give it to a non quarterback
other than that, and I know there's different criteria m
VP most outstanding, blah blah blah. Joe quarterback, won nine
games with a horrific defense, and now they're you know,
(30:56):
they're they're digging their heels in about a guy who's
had chefeen and a half sacks back to back years.
Speaker 4 (31:03):
Well, Burrow, it wasn't just the nine wins, which were
all him and Jamar. He had like forty nine hundred
some yards, forty three touchdowns and nine picks.
Speaker 1 (31:12):
It was awesome.
Speaker 4 (31:13):
They even ran the ball. Okay, that offensive line is terrible.
And by the way, I watched some of that on
Monday night and the guy that kept getting blown up
was the one guy they brought in to fix the line,
which was their third round pick, this guard, Dylan Fairchild.
And I'm like, well, that's what you did to upgrade it,
and he's getting destroyed. Burrow has got to just be beside.
Speaker 1 (31:32):
Himself, beside himself how he did that last year. I
know he's got the marches and marches uncoverable. I mean
he just I don't know how you co's like he's
like Travis Kelsey a little bit. I know he's tell
end but he's unbelievable. But still like how they do that.
I know they start off like h and two every
year and I yes, I think they're like one in
eight in the last first two games. They have to
(31:53):
go off to the better so their defense isn't going
to They're not going anywhere with that defense. So what
do you what are you guys doing? Like you said
penny Wise pound fourlish, I just don't get. I mean
it makes us feel pretty good that we're in Philly
and how he does things early and gets ahead of
the curve.
Speaker 4 (32:09):
You think someone would notice, right, I mean if we
noticed it don't.
Speaker 1 (32:13):
Other teams want to follow the blueprint of.
Speaker 4 (32:15):
The but they've been doing it for twenty five years.
Speaker 1 (32:17):
It's not Bengals have yeah, no, but both of them.
Speaker 4 (32:21):
The Eagles have been operating like this with the sign
the guy early that that's been Judge Joe Banner stuff,
and the Bengals have been doing this dumb stuff for
twenty five years. There's there was an article I read
about twenty five years ago where they the Bengals were
reportedly the only team with one full time scout. How
do you operate?
Speaker 1 (32:39):
Are you kidding me?
Speaker 4 (32:41):
I think they have more now, but that any of
them over and overcare and right and that we know of,
that we know of. Right in two thousand when they
took Peter Warwick fourth overall, the Florida State guy that
I'm sure Joe loves, that was reportedly the first time
they charted a jet for their first und picked to
come into the facility. Like they're so behind the time
(33:04):
by the time.
Speaker 3 (33:04):
Sure, I'm just picturing the Cleveland Indians plane from Major League.
Speaker 1 (33:11):
Yeah. By the way, Peter Warwick vanished in Laburnius Coals.
He was also in the video of them stealing stuff
from like Walmart or wherever they were. He ended up
having a nice career with the Jets.
Speaker 4 (33:22):
He did.
Speaker 1 (33:23):
He did kind of never to be heard from again. No,
and he was dynamite, dynamite, dynamite F s U And
he was dynamite.
Speaker 4 (33:31):
Do you lose that running ability? That's what I want
to know, right, Like what.
Speaker 1 (33:35):
Happens from here to there? The shackles got in the way.
Let's talk little Phillies before we busted out of here. Okay, yeah,
they had a couple of rough spots and then they
kind of turned things around. Let's talk about Kyle Schwarber.
He's I just saw you know in the thread today.
Kenny Bust. Ryan Howard's number fifty. I think he's on
(33:57):
schedule for fifty six if he says saying either way,
he's having an off the hook year. I know the Reds.
I love what they did objectively, like give him the
key to the city when he was in town. And
he's an hour He grew up an hour outside of Cincinnati.
Speaker 4 (34:11):
So they do a lot of things in Cincinnati to
get players when they aren't Bengals.
Speaker 1 (34:18):
What's I mean? His price keeps, the number keeps going
up and up and off. Probably he's thirty two. It's
probably his last contract. He's got a ring, although it
was a long time ago with the Cubs in its
twenty sixteen, but that box at least has checked. He's
been in the mix the last few years. They don't
get it this year. Do you think he maybe wants
to Okay, this is what I wanted to do. I
always wanted to play for the Reds. Growing up. I'll
(34:39):
finish my career here. I know, Sean, you said there's.
Speaker 4 (34:43):
No way to see.
Speaker 3 (34:46):
I mean I I can't see how they possibly not
re sign them. And like if somebody comes and offers. Now, obviously,
if it's like out of this like retorical number, okay,
I'll look a with it. But I mean I threw
that statue guys together earlier. I mean, the Phillies have
a winning percentage of six ninety seven, eighty three and
(35:07):
thirty six in games where Shorber homers. Since he joined
the team in twenty twenty two, he is homered in
fifteen consecutive series.
Speaker 4 (35:16):
That's a record.
Speaker 2 (35:17):
So I mean it's.
Speaker 3 (35:20):
How do you let him walk? I mean, if he yes,
if that's what he wants to do, if he wants
to go play for his home team. I mean, I
wrote an article about it, and it was with the
kids here. It was just too late for me to
put it out there. I thought it was hilarious how
the Reds were just like, I mean, pandering to have
him a part of the team. To bring up. I mean,
(35:45):
when I was driving through Ohio, I was wondering if
I was going to see Kyle Schwarber HOGI Fest billboards
or Welcome Home Kyle, or whatever the case may be.
But you know, none of that happened. I think he's
going to resign here. I definitely think there's it's between
three teams. I think it's either the Cubs, the Reds
(36:07):
or the Phillies.
Speaker 4 (36:08):
You're playing with fire if you let them.
Speaker 3 (36:12):
He's like, and he's gonna test though they're not re
signing him right now. I mean, at this point, why
he must.
Speaker 4 (36:17):
Not want to file? Why would yeah? Why would you?
Speaker 3 (36:21):
Yeah?
Speaker 4 (36:21):
I wait, it's not he does like it here.
Speaker 3 (36:26):
You hear nothing, but you know he's that's what's out there.
Speaker 4 (36:31):
So all things being equal, these guys would rather not
uproot their family unless they were, you know, change schools whatever.
I don't notice kids. Situation is, don't care, but I did.
I did see a stat Yeah, I think it was
Jason Stark said that only two players in Major League
history have more home runs in their first four years
with a new team. That sounds like some Reuben Frank bullshit.
(36:53):
I got you. I understand. You know, coming off of
a night game, he's got the most RBIs on grass,
But is it one hundred and seventy five something like that.
The number wasn't as important as the fact that Babe
Ruth and Mark McGuire were the only ones ahead of him. Jesus,
and I think behind him was a Rod and someone else.
I mean, you got to you got to give it
(37:13):
to Swarber. I mean, he literally worth every penny double
the home runs that harp. Perhaps that he changed his
approach at Aroach. I mean he's hitting singles, he's hitting doubles.
He's oh, absolutely, I mean you can't run thro no, no,
I mean, I.
Speaker 1 (37:32):
Mean it's interesting to put him in left field. Surprised
that Dodgers didn't sound.
Speaker 3 (37:37):
Well, here's the thing. I mean, there's a lot that's
going to be considered here. He's going to be the
first d H since it was put across all the
legs to have a major contract. So, I mean he's
going to set the bar for dhs going forward. Year.
He's a picture though too. Last year I thought he
(37:58):
thought he didn't picture. I mean, he's it doesn't matter.
He's a picture of g Yeah, you know, so, I
mean it's it's going to be interesting.
Speaker 4 (38:07):
And so just to just a needle, Sean, what do
you think of Bom coming back.
Speaker 1 (38:15):
Hey, Hey, the Boom.
Speaker 4 (38:18):
I will say this.
Speaker 3 (38:19):
He'd made a comment the other day about the eleven
thirty start, and he turned to the crew and said, well,
you know the Triple A teams playing up at Buffalo
at one o'clock, if you want to head there instead.
Apparently him doing the stint in the minors, he said
it kind of humbled him a little bit. I mean,
(38:39):
he's been playing pretty damn well since he came back,
so still he's a dick and you hate him.
Speaker 4 (38:45):
I don't like his annex.
Speaker 1 (38:46):
Yeah, I think it.
Speaker 3 (38:47):
I think it's bullshit. When he acts that way, it's
I guess it's the Jeff Fry in me coming out,
and I'm like, stop acting like a baby. Still waiting
for each have to reply.
Speaker 4 (38:57):
By the way, did you guys see today they beat
the Mariners. They got twenty hits.
Speaker 3 (39:02):
Yeah, I mean and again they swept. They swept the
Mariners the other day. That's the first sweep at home
in like two months.
Speaker 4 (39:11):
And I did think of you, Sean, because I thought
this is why I got on you in April when
you were like this is bullshit, Like it's okay, and
you know what they were they were down last week
and they split to the Nationals. There was garbage and
you sent me that text from from what's his name
that the tweet about, Oh this team is not and
this is he's not the only one. Yeah, I can't
(39:34):
do it. I can't do it, like everything is like
this team's not. Seriously, I don't like to be told.
I don't like to be told I'm an idiot if
I think this is a World Series team, I don't.
I don't think it's not either. It's win as many
games as you can and the chips are going to
fall where they may and hope that you're playing well
(39:56):
at the right time. And that's how you do it.
So there's no I don't want to get any more
excited right this second, other than they just swept them.
That's three wins. Great now, I mean, and I think
Zach Wheeler comes out.
Speaker 3 (40:07):
I was going to work. I mean, hold on, there's
another spe keep filled the air as I get this
pulled up.
Speaker 4 (40:16):
But because our four God.
Speaker 1 (40:18):
If Zach Wheeler can't pitch, you think there's team's going anywhere?
Speaker 4 (40:22):
Really, you know what stays act you say that, But
if there's one place you could take it would be
starting pitching now. Nola can't be pulling that crap like
he did the other day. But he does.
Speaker 1 (40:33):
That's the Yeah, that's.
Speaker 4 (40:36):
So I Micah.
Speaker 3 (40:39):
I texted Joe separately, What was it yesterday?
Speaker 4 (40:42):
What did you say about me?
Speaker 1 (40:43):
Nothing?
Speaker 4 (40:44):
All good things? Okay, things, okay, okay, we'll.
Speaker 3 (40:48):
Talk about that later.
Speaker 4 (40:50):
So on a separate text.
Speaker 3 (40:51):
God, damn it, you guys are losing my train of thought.
We were talking about the weirdly think that Zach.
Speaker 4 (40:59):
Wheeler is going to make an appearance in the postseason.
Waits he officially been shut down?
Speaker 3 (41:04):
Or is this No, he hasn't been officially been shut down.
He had a surgery to remove the blood clot. But
I have this It wouldn't surprise me. I have this
weird feeling that he might be back for the postseason?
Speaker 4 (41:17):
Am I the last one to think that he wasn't?
I mean, like, is it?
Speaker 5 (41:22):
Is it?
Speaker 1 (41:23):
Well, the blood clot it's out, what's the problem?
Speaker 5 (41:27):
Well?
Speaker 3 (41:27):
What's his on the Diamondbacks? I wrote about it the
other day. Oh gosh, I'm drawing ares No the picture
he had he had a blood clot and he was
out for the rest of the year.
Speaker 4 (41:40):
So I mean, I'm not saying it can't keep you out.
I'm just saying I hadn't heard is the general consensus
at this point that don't even bank on him? What
you said, I think from the.
Speaker 3 (41:52):
Fan senses, I I think it's the people said that.
Speaker 4 (41:55):
I think that people feel that way on social media too.
Speaker 3 (41:59):
Yeah. Probably.
Speaker 4 (42:01):
But here here's the stat.
Speaker 3 (42:03):
Okay, so they're four to oh since he made since
the announcement came out, forty runs scored ten per game,
sixty hits fifteen per game. Swere as, Sanchoiz and Lozardo
combined nineteen innings, pitched, five earned runs, thirty four strikeouts.
Speaker 4 (42:19):
And two walks. Are you saying screw Wheeler and we
don't need them? No, No, no, here we go because
they're happy that Wheeler's not around anymore.
Speaker 1 (42:30):
And finally, yeah, he's going to hit that as.
Speaker 4 (42:33):
Can you believe Sean said that?
Speaker 5 (42:34):
I know.
Speaker 1 (42:35):
Right.
Speaker 3 (42:36):
Here's my follow up piece to Zach Wheeler Bryce Harper
went without him.
Speaker 4 (42:41):
But back to your point Todayach, I do think this
team could absorb losing Wheeler more than it's eight lost
Hammils that would have been home.
Speaker 3 (42:52):
Absolutely, No, I agree with that, but right, but here's
not to say that someone steps up like Cole Hamills
did into that postseason. I'm hell Cole Hammonds. Cole Hamils
was happening a good year that year, but ost season
he was like comin it. I mean it was just like, uh,
we're not We're gonna win this.
Speaker 4 (43:10):
So you have if you have a four man rotation,
why couldn't Nola, Suarez Sanchez And I'm forgetting I don't
want to do that, Taiwan. No, no, no, no, all right,
we're getting thin. Fine, sure, get a little thin, but
those three you should be able to win. But you
should be able to win the playoffs with those three.
Speaker 3 (43:30):
I mean Losordo pitched well today, he pitched really well.
Speaker 1 (43:33):
But if they hit, like Sean just spewed those number, yes,
but they do that and then boom they hit the wall.
Speaker 4 (43:38):
Right, Oh, absolutely absolutely. It's this is the story of
the Phillies.
Speaker 3 (43:42):
It always has been and it's I mean it pisses
people off, like your boy Ashworth. I mean that's why
I sent that tweet. I was like, oh my gosh,
here he is again. And then like you said, with
the Brody, I mean, thank god he was on during
the time. I texted you guys. I was like, he's
going to keep me up because that voice and just
his whold like panter about it. And then sure enough,
(44:04):
when he got off at two am, I pulled the
car over and took a nap.
Speaker 1 (44:08):
He didn't the point he does, oh my gosh.
Speaker 3 (44:12):
But then on Sunday and cut the grass and he
was on after the game and I was like, yep, nope,
I'm not listening to the post game. I'm listening to music.
His voice is like naw's on a chalkboard.
Speaker 4 (44:24):
Sometimes we should definitely get into some flyers. So I
do love his flyers, though I'm kidding he knows his flyers,
but he does. I love his hockey.
Speaker 1 (44:31):
He's pretty good hockey. He had that rant that was
that the infamous rant last year is pretty good?
Speaker 3 (44:36):
Yeah?
Speaker 1 (44:36):
Was it was it hockey that he ran all last year.
I don't know what happened because he was part of
the what they call that show, the greatest show on.
Speaker 4 (44:47):
Yeah, greast show ever.
Speaker 1 (44:48):
Yeah now II, which is good. I'm happy for him.
He's different. He's definitely different. It's a little bit of
an acquired taste. But you know, everyone, I mean, they're
out there that's the only thing.
Speaker 3 (45:00):
Yeah, that's why everybody needs to make the switch.
Speaker 1 (45:07):
Good stuff boys, good stuff, all right, we got a
wrap u. Yeah, send us all down is and she'll
do her thing post producing it. But we appreciate it,
of course we you know, thanks to Kolby Runninger and
of course Micaeh your connections with him for bringing them
Mom Max Runninger's son, Michael Warren, Shawn Locker, I'm Joe
stay Zach for the Philly Pulse. We'll see you next week.
We appreciate you watching. Folks have a great ones
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