It is now official. Bo Nicks is QB one out of the gate in Denver. We will tell you why Sean Payton and the Broncos believe their rookie is ready. This now makes three rookie quarterbacks set the start.

It is now official. Bo Nicks is QB one out of the gate in Denver. We will tell you why Sean Payton and the Broncos believe their rookie is ready. This now makes three rookie quarterbacks set the start.

In Week one? Could we end up making it for why?

In Week one? Could we end up making it for why?

Grodmeo says there is no decision yet on whether it's Jacoby Brissett or Drake May for the Patriots. Well, also, you got your fantasy drafts coming up. Well, our expert Michael F. Floria is going to be here to tell you some names you absolutely cannot miss if you want to win your league. And yes, he'll get more creative than just saying. Christian McCaffrey and CJ. Stroud Welcome Inside with the Insiders, presented by Best Buy, alongside Ian Rappaport, Judy Batista and Mike Garafalo.

Grodmeo says there is no decision yet on whether it's Jacoby Brissett or Drake May for the Patriots. Well, also, you got your fantasy drafts coming up. Well, our expert Michael F. Floria is going to be here to tell you some names you absolutely cannot miss if you want to win your league. And yes, he'll get more creative than just saying. Christian McCaffrey and CJ. Stroud Welcome Inside with the Insiders, presented by Best Buy, alongside Ian Rappaport, Judy Batista and Mike Garafalo.

I am Tom Peliserro. You know who else is on the show tonight?

I am Tom Peliserro. You know who else is on the show tonight?

Jeremiah Owusu Cormo just got paid by the Browns. He's live in just a little bit here with Alsocott Chargers linebacker Daon Henley, a rising player. You're gonna want to hear about his story and his journey to the NFL.

Jeremiah Owusu Cormo just got paid by the Browns. He's live in just a little bit here with Alsocott Chargers linebacker Daon Henley, a rising player. You're gonna want to hear about his story and his journey to the NFL.

But right now, let's get to some news.

But right now, let's get to some news.

And the big news out of the day out of Denver, where Sean Payton talked to his quarterbacks after practice, told each one of them what was expected is now official. It will be Bo Nicks out there September eighth when they open up the schedule at Seattle, a guy who started more games than anybody in college football history. He was the twelfth overall pick. Certainly earned it with the work he did in the preseason. So on the field, both, you know, it was really cool.

And the big news out of the day out of Denver, where Sean Payton talked to his quarterbacks after practice, told each one of them what was expected is now official. It will be Bo Nicks out there September eighth when they open up the schedule at Seattle, a guy who started more games than anybody in college football history. He was the twelfth overall pick. Certainly earned it with the work he did in the preseason. So on the field, both, you know, it was really cool.

It's uh, you know, not every day too to get that news, but obviously, you know, as a room, we've been working hard and you know, putting a lot of good things on film, putting a lot of good things, you know, on the practice field, and so to get that that news is definitely a great, great, you know, great thing, and so I'm super excited, and you know, you get back to work again, You go back to it and start again when you.

It's uh, you know, not every day too to get that news, but obviously, you know, as a room, we've been working hard and you know, putting a lot of good things on film, putting a lot of good things, you know, on the practice field, and so to get that that news is definitely a great, great, you know, great thing, and so I'm super excited, and you know, you get back to work again, You go back to it and start again when you.

Start sixty one college games and probably do sixty one postgame press conferences. Ian, I guess you kind of already get used to the how do you really say as many cliches as possible rather than show it our actual emotions about getting this opportunity here. But this is one of many things that the Broncos liked about bo Nicks. He's got so much experience, he's so steady, and even watching him right there talking to the media, you get the sense, just like you do on tape, that this moment's not going to be too big for him.

Start sixty one college games and probably do sixty one postgame press conferences. Ian, I guess you kind of already get used to the how do you really say as many cliches as possible rather than show it our actual emotions about getting this opportunity here. But this is one of many things that the Broncos liked about bo Nicks. He's got so much experience, he's so steady, and even watching him right there talking to the media, you get the sense, just like you do on tape, that this moment's not going to be too big for him.

And that's part of the reason why the Denver Broncos really liked him, targeted him in the draft or sweating whether someone else, the Saints, the Seahawks, whoever was going to come up and try to take him, and why they thought he was the most pro ready quarterback because in a situation where so many people would just think they accomplished everything that ever wanted to accomplish being a starting quarterback in the NFL, he's like, all right, cool, so you know, let's get to work. And the way that Sean Payton did it informing each quarterback before practice in the sort of a matter of fact way, it really speaks to how clear this decision was. You're wondering why the Broncos made this decision. How did bo Nicks go from being third stream quarterback or whatever to starter, it's really pretty simple. Every test he passed, the rookie minichamp to OTAs to training kit, the games on platform, those off platform thows. It's a really really complex offense. He seems to have devoured it and deciphered it. It is all good now for the Denver Broncos. Everything they thought Bonnicks was going to be right up until now he has been.

And that's part of the reason why the Denver Broncos really liked him, targeted him in the draft or sweating whether someone else, the Saints, the Seahawks, whoever was going to come up and try to take him, and why they thought he was the most pro ready quarterback because in a situation where so many people would just think they accomplished everything that ever wanted to accomplish being a starting quarterback in the NFL, he's like, all right, cool, so you know, let's get to work. And the way that Sean Payton did it informing each quarterback before practice in the sort of a matter of fact way, it really speaks to how clear this decision was. You're wondering why the Broncos made this decision. How did bo Nicks go from being third stream quarterback or whatever to starter, it's really pretty simple. Every test he passed, the rookie minichamp to OTAs to training kit, the games on platform, those off platform thows. It's a really really complex offense. He seems to have devoured it and deciphered it. It is all good now for the Denver Broncos. Everything they thought Bonnicks was going to be right up until now he has been.

And more.

And more.

Well, this seemed to be the way it's been heading for a number of weeks.

Well, this seemed to be the way it's been heading for a number of weeks.

Now.

Now.

It really seemed less a quarterback competition in the last month and much more sort of a race against the clock, like how fast could bo Nicks absorb this offense? Because all the way back, really all the way back to the spring, we were hearing how impressed people in Denver were with his maturity and his decision making and it's confidence.

It really seemed less a quarterback competition in the last month and much more sort of a race against the clock, like how fast could bo Nicks absorb this offense? Because all the way back, really all the way back to the spring, we were hearing how impressed people in Denver were with his maturity and his decision making and it's confidence.

So you knew he had all of that.

So you knew he had all of that.

And then once you got into training camp, and certainly in these preseason games you have seen that then he was getting the command of the offense. Don't forget Sean Payton described his quarterback room at one point as orphan dog. So this was Boonix competing with you two journeymen I mean, Zach Wilson is sort of a reclamation project, and Jared Stidham is a journeyman quarterback, so he exerted himself. Certainly, his vast college experience as a quarterback gave him a leg up here, and he has done really well with Sean Payton's offense. And I think now the real question is what becomes of Zach Wilson.

And then once you got into training camp, and certainly in these preseason games you have seen that then he was getting the command of the offense. Don't forget Sean Payton described his quarterback room at one point as orphan dog. So this was Boonix competing with you two journeymen I mean, Zach Wilson is sort of a reclamation project, and Jared Stidham is a journeyman quarterback, so he exerted himself. Certainly, his vast college experience as a quarterback gave him a leg up here, and he has done really well with Sean Payton's offense. And I think now the real question is what becomes of Zach Wilson.

Oh, it's a great question. We'll probably answer it by this time next week.

Oh, it's a great question. We'll probably answer it by this time next week.

Final cuts coming up for the Denver Broncos and all teams in the NFL. We will have your coverage that day and we'll see what happens with Zach Wilson. But definitely Sean Payton made bow Nicks earn this from starting as third on the depth chart to kind of you know, Hammon and Holland. And I'm not ready to commit like you wanted to make sure that Bonicks earned his way up and wasn't handed this job.

Final cuts coming up for the Denver Broncos and all teams in the NFL. We will have your coverage that day and we'll see what happens with Zach Wilson. But definitely Sean Payton made bow Nicks earn this from starting as third on the depth chart to kind of you know, Hammon and Holland. And I'm not ready to commit like you wanted to make sure that Bonicks earned his way up and wasn't handed this job.

He was not handed this job. He won this job.

He was not handed this job. He won this job.

But Ian's right, they had high expectations coming for him. I'm just as I this was finalized today.

But Ian's right, they had high expectations coming for him. I'm just as I this was finalized today.

I went through the early part of the schedule.

I went through the early part of the schedule.

I can't wait to see bo Nicks and Sean Payton against some of these defensive coordinators and defensive minded head coaches that they're going to see early in the season. You got Mike McDonald with the Seahawks right out of the gate. Then you got Mike Tomlin and Terrell Austin with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Todd Bowles week three, jeff Oldbrick and Robert Solo and the Jets. Week four, Patrick Graham with the Raiders, Jesse Minter with the Chargers, and at some point down the line.

I can't wait to see bo Nicks and Sean Payton against some of these defensive coordinators and defensive minded head coaches that they're going to see early in the season. You got Mike McDonald with the Seahawks right out of the gate. Then you got Mike Tomlin and Terrell Austin with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Todd Bowles week three, jeff Oldbrick and Robert Solo and the Jets. Week four, Patrick Graham with the Raiders, Jesse Minter with the Chargers, and at some point down the line.

He's going to see Steve Spagnolo twice.

He's going to see Steve Spagnolo twice.

So really interested to see how Bownix handles his rookie season now that he's got the job from week one.

So really interested to see how Bownix handles his rookie season now that he's got the job from week one.

Not saying he should be scared.

Not saying he should be scared.

I'm just saying it's the NFL now, and you're going to see some good defensive coordinators and schemes.

I'm just saying it's the NFL now, and you're going to see some good defensive coordinators and schemes.

No I'm not.

No I'm not.

Jared Sidham was listed as QB one on that initial depth chart for whatever that was worth, which of course ended up not beat a whole lot here. Jack Wilson also on the roster. Certainly some decisions that need to be made around the league that cut down deadline that Mike just mentioned. Next Tuesday, August twenty seventh, four pm Eastern time. We'll be here live at the deadline. We'll be here all next week as well, But we still got to do more of this shows. So let's talk about what's going on in New England right now. They have not yet named a starting quarterback for this season. They took Drake May nine spots before the Broncos took Bow Knicks. May was also the guy who, through the pre draft process, everybody said, coming from that kind of dumb down North Carolina offense, how young he is, he probably had the furthest to go of any of those six quarterbacks that ended up going in the top twelve. Having said that, May played very well in his second preseason outing, Jacoby Brissett and the starting offense have not exactly lit the world on fire to this point. So Drod Mayo, speaking again today, said the guys should know by Monday night who the starting quarterback is going to be. Why Monday night, Well, they don't play until Sunday night, which is a very weird thing with how this preseason now works out, as you have some teams played a Thursday game five days till the cutdown. Teams like New England and Washington. Her play in you less than forty eight hours away from the cutdown deadline. So everything, the medical, the roster decisions, those all get sped up. But Judy focusing here on the quarterback position for the Patriots. It's always seemed logical that Jacoby Preset's the guy, but obviously Drowd Mayo wants to see a little more before he finalizes this decision.

Jared Sidham was listed as QB one on that initial depth chart for whatever that was worth, which of course ended up not beat a whole lot here. Jack Wilson also on the roster. Certainly some decisions that need to be made around the league that cut down deadline that Mike just mentioned. Next Tuesday, August twenty seventh, four pm Eastern time. We'll be here live at the deadline. We'll be here all next week as well, But we still got to do more of this shows. So let's talk about what's going on in New England right now. They have not yet named a starting quarterback for this season. They took Drake May nine spots before the Broncos took Bow Knicks. May was also the guy who, through the pre draft process, everybody said, coming from that kind of dumb down North Carolina offense, how young he is, he probably had the furthest to go of any of those six quarterbacks that ended up going in the top twelve. Having said that, May played very well in his second preseason outing, Jacoby Brissett and the starting offense have not exactly lit the world on fire to this point. So Drod Mayo, speaking again today, said the guys should know by Monday night who the starting quarterback is going to be. Why Monday night, Well, they don't play until Sunday night, which is a very weird thing with how this preseason now works out, as you have some teams played a Thursday game five days till the cutdown. Teams like New England and Washington. Her play in you less than forty eight hours away from the cutdown deadline. So everything, the medical, the roster decisions, those all get sped up. But Judy focusing here on the quarterback position for the Patriots. It's always seemed logical that Jacoby Preset's the guy, but obviously Drowd Mayo wants to see a little more before he finalizes this decision.

Yeah, let's be clear. Let's get some context here. Jacoby Presett has taken all but a very few snaps with the first team. Drake may has not. He got a few snaps according to the reporters who were at practice today. He got a few snaps with starting center David Andrews today, but those are a few and far between. It's been Jacoby Brissett with the first team all along. As you pointed out, Jirov Mayo has been consistent really from the beginning that it was Jacoby Brissett. As QB one having said that Drake may was very impressive in this second preseason game. He has certainly looked good, especially later on in training camp. He really has come on, and so he has made this a conversation another thing to keep in mind though, as they go through the decision making process, the first half of the Patriots' schedule is absolutely brutal. They open against the Bengals, they have the forty nine ers, They played the Jets twice, They played the Miami Dolphins, they play the Houston Texans, the Jacksonville Jaguarts. It is a very difficult slate out of the gate, and so they need to make the decision of even if you're impressed with Drake may and you think he has come on strong, which he certainly have has in the second half of training camp, is he ready to take that on now? Girodmeyo said one hundred percent. He thought he could operate a huddle. He's confident in him. But that is the decision they have to make. Can he get far enough in the next week before they make the decision to take the job from Jacoby brissett.

Yeah, let's be clear. Let's get some context here. Jacoby Presett has taken all but a very few snaps with the first team. Drake may has not. He got a few snaps according to the reporters who were at practice today. He got a few snaps with starting center David Andrews today, but those are a few and far between. It's been Jacoby Brissett with the first team all along. As you pointed out, Jirov Mayo has been consistent really from the beginning that it was Jacoby Brissett. As QB one having said that Drake may was very impressive in this second preseason game. He has certainly looked good, especially later on in training camp. He really has come on, and so he has made this a conversation another thing to keep in mind though, as they go through the decision making process, the first half of the Patriots' schedule is absolutely brutal. They open against the Bengals, they have the forty nine ers, They played the Jets twice, They played the Miami Dolphins, they play the Houston Texans, the Jacksonville Jaguarts. It is a very difficult slate out of the gate, and so they need to make the decision of even if you're impressed with Drake may and you think he has come on strong, which he certainly have has in the second half of training camp, is he ready to take that on now? Girodmeyo said one hundred percent. He thought he could operate a huddle. He's confident in him. But that is the decision they have to make. Can he get far enough in the next week before they make the decision to take the job from Jacoby brissett.

I also thought it was telling that Girod Mayo said this is going to organizational decision. Elliott Wolf, who's the director of scouting, will be a part of that process. Alex Van Pelt and some of the coaches. You have to look realistically, if you're the Patriots, at what do we have on the offensive line?

I also thought it was telling that Girod Mayo said this is going to organizational decision. Elliott Wolf, who's the director of scouting, will be a part of that process. Alex Van Pelt and some of the coaches. You have to look realistically, if you're the Patriots, at what do we have on the offensive line?

What is this team?

What is this team?

Is it the best thing to thrust the future of the franchise into this type of situation? Certainly some interesting conversations to come here in the coming days. There's one other team that hasn't named the starting quarterback. You might have heard about it. Pittsburgh's got a.

Is it the best thing to thrust the future of the franchise into this type of situation? Certainly some interesting conversations to come here in the coming days. There's one other team that hasn't named the starting quarterback. You might have heard about it. Pittsburgh's got a.

Couple of them. It's Russell Wilson, it's Justin Fields.

Couple of them. It's Russell Wilson, it's Justin Fields.

Mike Tomlin speaking again today, that's a short winded by Tomlin standards, still saying there is no decision not only on who's going to be the starter come Week one against the Falcons, but even how he's going to divide up the reps between those two quarterbacks in their preseason finale coming up this weekend, all of which ian fits with kind of the theme of this Steelers camp, going back to when Russell Wilson popped his calf in a conditioning drill, Justin Fields took those snaps out of the gate. Neither guy yet has seized that job, and so, at least to some extent right now, it seems like Mike Tomlins you have to make up his mind.

Mike Tomlin speaking again today, that's a short winded by Tomlin standards, still saying there is no decision not only on who's going to be the starter come Week one against the Falcons, but even how he's going to divide up the reps between those two quarterbacks in their preseason finale coming up this weekend, all of which ian fits with kind of the theme of this Steelers camp, going back to when Russell Wilson popped his calf in a conditioning drill, Justin Fields took those snaps out of the gate. Neither guy yet has seized that job, and so, at least to some extent right now, it seems like Mike Tomlins you have to make up his mind.

And if you, if you kind of tracked the way this has gone. It certainly seemed like in this spring this was Russell Wilson's job. He was really really good, He was commanding, he acted as if the starting quarterback, and from what I understand in these spring drills specifically really played like you get the training camp obviously had the calf injury, and then Justin Field's coming in and really comes on strong and acts like the starter and kind of gets people there thinking maybe this guy is going to come out of the gate to be the starter and take the job from Russell Wilson, who, of course we know by now had pole position there. And then you got to the games and the offensive line's been kind of up and down, and the run game has been kind of up and down, and they'rebviously good for another weapon at receiver, and neither quarterback has really taken this thing and grabbed it. And so if you're Mike Tomlin, one, I would imagine this is probably a little frustrating the training camp at the quarterback position is not gone as you thought. But two, you really to have an open mind for what are you going to see in this game? And does anyone jump out at you and say this guy has to be the starter. I would also add that this looks like a situation where we are probably going to see both quarterbacks on the field at some point in this season, maybe on the field at some point in the same game, maybe multiple times. A very unsettled quarterback situation, and that looks like that's the way it's going to be this year, judging by.

And if you, if you kind of tracked the way this has gone. It certainly seemed like in this spring this was Russell Wilson's job. He was really really good, He was commanding, he acted as if the starting quarterback, and from what I understand in these spring drills specifically really played like you get the training camp obviously had the calf injury, and then Justin Field's coming in and really comes on strong and acts like the starter and kind of gets people there thinking maybe this guy is going to come out of the gate to be the starter and take the job from Russell Wilson, who, of course we know by now had pole position there. And then you got to the games and the offensive line's been kind of up and down, and the run game has been kind of up and down, and they'rebviously good for another weapon at receiver, and neither quarterback has really taken this thing and grabbed it. And so if you're Mike Tomlin, one, I would imagine this is probably a little frustrating the training camp at the quarterback position is not gone as you thought. But two, you really to have an open mind for what are you going to see in this game? And does anyone jump out at you and say this guy has to be the starter. I would also add that this looks like a situation where we are probably going to see both quarterbacks on the field at some point in this season, maybe on the field at some point in the same game, maybe multiple times. A very unsettled quarterback situation, and that looks like that's the way it's going to be this year, judging by.

Camp, one of the longest running storylines we've had this offseason. Another one also sort of involves the Pittsburgh Steelers Brandon Ayuk. Here it is August twenty first, we do not yet have a resolution on where Ayuk is going to be playing football in twenty twenty four. As we've all reported, I believe Ayuk and the forty nine Ers have re engaged in talks over the past couple of weeks. It does not sound like they have been particularly far apart, But Mike, we all know, until deals are done, a lot of possibilities exists, particularly one with as many twists and turns as we've seen between Brandon Ayuk, the forty nine Ers, and a Steelers team that's shown trade interest.

Camp, one of the longest running storylines we've had this offseason. Another one also sort of involves the Pittsburgh Steelers Brandon Ayuk. Here it is August twenty first, we do not yet have a resolution on where Ayuk is going to be playing football in twenty twenty four. As we've all reported, I believe Ayuk and the forty nine Ers have re engaged in talks over the past couple of weeks. It does not sound like they have been particularly far apart, But Mike, we all know, until deals are done, a lot of possibilities exists, particularly one with as many twists and turns as we've seen between Brandon Ayuk, the forty nine Ers, and a Steelers team that's shown trade interest.

Where do we stand right.

Where do we stand right.

Now day thirty of the brand and ayuk saga and many of those thirty days.

Now day thirty of the brand and ayuk saga and many of those thirty days.

I have gotten on.

I have gotten on.

It's only been thirty day. I mean, if you don't count everything back in the spring. But yeah, many of those thirty days I have come on the air here and I've said that there's been progress, there's not been progress, but there is no deal either to trade him or a country.

It's only been thirty day. I mean, if you don't count everything back in the spring. But yeah, many of those thirty days I have come on the air here and I've said that there's been progress, there's not been progress, but there is no deal either to trade him or a country.

This is going to be another one of those days right here.

This is going to be another one of those days right here.

But having said that, yes, there has been communication within the last couple of days between the team and ayuk and now really also between ayuk IU's agent Ryan Williams and the team as well. But since we told you the forty nine Ers made their last Z for goshows over a week ago, the numbers haven't moved. So, yeah, Tom, they are close, and they're within striking distance, then it could happen at every moment, but it hasn't happened. And they're right by the goal line and they're kind of staring at each other across the goal and there's been no movement. But we're following up you talked about the Steelers, because the Steelers trade still remains in play and brand and ayuk seems like he is ten tones.

But having said that, yes, there has been communication within the last couple of days between the team and ayuk and now really also between ayuk IU's agent Ryan Williams and the team as well. But since we told you the forty nine Ers made their last Z for goshows over a week ago, the numbers haven't moved. So, yeah, Tom, they are close, and they're within striking distance, then it could happen at every moment, but it hasn't happened. And they're right by the goal line and they're kind of staring at each other across the goal and there's been no movement. But we're following up you talked about the Steelers, because the Steelers trade still remains in play and brand and ayuk seems like he is ten tones.

Down, ten toes down, as they like to say.

Down, ten toes down, as they like to say.

On these things and not moving and feels like he's got a bottom line that he's waiting for the forty nine ers to meet, and if they're not willing the meet, he will continue to push for the trade to say to Pittsburgh, excuse me, so that deal is done. The trade and the contract feel like they're done and can be done just like that. We're waiting for this thing to resolve one way or another. It has not day thirty waiting on day thirty one, and.

On these things and not moving and feels like he's got a bottom line that he's waiting for the forty nine ers to meet, and if they're not willing the meet, he will continue to push for the trade to say to Pittsburgh, excuse me, so that deal is done. The trade and the contract feel like they're done and can be done just like that. We're waiting for this thing to resolve one way or another. It has not day thirty waiting on day thirty one, and.

The Steelers have essentially been bystanders for the past couple of weeks just seeing if this is going to work out with the forty nine Ers. I would say this too. The closer we get to the start of the regular season, and knowing that Brandon Ayuk has not been practicing this entire time, there does come a point in which the value of the trade on which they have agreed to at least a framework, as Een reported a week or so ago, that would potentially change. In other words, if the players not ready to play or not have a full time role in the early portion of the season, that impacts the compensation. So a lot of move parts, some very important days ahead here for Brandon you the forty nine ers and maybe steal the Steelers. All right, let's take a break here because coming up right after this, we've got a very exciting guest.

The Steelers have essentially been bystanders for the past couple of weeks just seeing if this is going to work out with the forty nine Ers. I would say this too. The closer we get to the start of the regular season, and knowing that Brandon Ayuk has not been practicing this entire time, there does come a point in which the value of the trade on which they have agreed to at least a framework, as Een reported a week or so ago, that would potentially change. In other words, if the players not ready to play or not have a full time role in the early portion of the season, that impacts the compensation. So a lot of move parts, some very important days ahead here for Brandon you the forty nine ers and maybe steal the Steelers. All right, let's take a break here because coming up right after this, we've got a very exciting guest.

I got you got oh a few million.

I got you got oh a few million.

Dollars here recently, more than that, actually, Jeremiah Owusu Cora Moa. What are his expectations for the Browns in twenty twenty four?

Dollars here recently, more than that, actually, Jeremiah Owusu Cora Moa. What are his expectations for the Browns in twenty twenty four?

What's he seeing on the other side of the ball. We'll get into all that one.

What's he seeing on the other side of the ball. We'll get into all that one.

Jay Okay joined us live next on The Insiders Presented by best Buy. It's been a nice little NFL journey so far for Jeremiah Owusu Cora Moa on the left. That's the second round pick, fifty second overall in the twenty twenty one NFL Draft.

Jay Okay joined us live next on The Insiders Presented by best Buy. It's been a nice little NFL journey so far for Jeremiah Owusu Cora Moa on the left. That's the second round pick, fifty second overall in the twenty twenty one NFL Draft.

On the right, the guy who.

On the right, the guy who.

Signed a monster contract extension just days ago. So why did Cleveland pay their Pro Bowl linebacker? Well, they sit up themselves earlier today. That guy is a certified dog. He is also a certified guest and now friend of this show. Welcome back to The Insiders presented by best Buy. It's Tom Pellisero, Ian Rappaport, Judy Battiste to join now by the guy known as Joka. First of all, Man, congrats on the contract extension. What's it feeling like now that you have that weight off your shoulders and how excited are you to get rolling here and play some real football.

Signed a monster contract extension just days ago. So why did Cleveland pay their Pro Bowl linebacker? Well, they sit up themselves earlier today. That guy is a certified dog. He is also a certified guest and now friend of this show. Welcome back to The Insiders presented by best Buy. It's Tom Pellisero, Ian Rappaport, Judy Battiste to join now by the guy known as Joka. First of all, Man, congrats on the contract extension. What's it feeling like now that you have that weight off your shoulders and how excited are you to get rolling here and play some real football.

Yeah, first of all, Man, I appreciate you guys with having me for me. You know, a contract extension its process, right, It's a time where you.

Yeah, first of all, Man, I appreciate you guys with having me for me. You know, a contract extension its process, right, It's a time where you.

And your family can get together.

And your family can get together.

You and can get together and they can tell you how much they value and you can tell you You tell yourself how much you value them. So you know, I really give thanks for that and can't wait for the season the start up so I can answer to that call that Cleveland has that distinction.

You and can get together and they can tell you how much they value and you can tell you You tell yourself how much you value them. So you know, I really give thanks for that and can't wait for the season the start up so I can answer to that call that Cleveland has that distinction.

So yeah, of course with a big contract does come some more eyeballs and I don't know if it's pressure and opportunity. More people are going to be taking a look at you. This defense which should be really really good. You are obviously a huge piece of it. Tell us what you have seen in practice and how good this defense can be.

So yeah, of course with a big contract does come some more eyeballs and I don't know if it's pressure and opportunity. More people are going to be taking a look at you. This defense which should be really really good. You are obviously a huge piece of it. Tell us what you have seen in practice and how good this defense can be.

Yeah, well, our defense really since it is the wrong personality centers around the person then, so you know what we do at the Browns, coach Swarts is really a certain type of culture. The coachure that as you said, that Highlights wants to fly around the culture that wants to have fun out there, but also to be free defense that allows everybody to express their personality, whether it's versutility, whether it's power, or there's whatever that may be.

Yeah, well, our defense really since it is the wrong personality centers around the person then, so you know what we do at the Browns, coach Swarts is really a certain type of culture. The coachure that as you said, that Highlights wants to fly around the culture that wants to have fun out there, but also to be free defense that allows everybody to express their personality, whether it's versutility, whether it's power, or there's whatever that may be.

The coach swarts be able to allow us to tap into those things. Every that's.

The coach swarts be able to allow us to tap into those things. Every that's.

We are coming off a Pro Bowl season, You're going into year four. Where do you think your game can evolve?

We are coming off a Pro Bowl season, You're going into year four. Where do you think your game can evolve?

Where do you.

Where do you.

Think you as a singular player can go.

Think you as a singular player can go.

Yeah, well, first and foremo, this is about correcting the mistakes you know the time. Uh, you know, with a time and experience in the game, you have nowhere to go but to go up and see. So as as it's already understanding the scheme even more, some of those maybe some of those inmates make go away, some of those things that you know may have been those little ticks that you know, okay, this IQ play these things that I may have seen before. You know, how do I pay play the trap or played the win a little bit better? Just about really fine tuning those those minor mistakes ultimately to be the best player that can be.

Yeah, well, first and foremo, this is about correcting the mistakes you know the time. Uh, you know, with a time and experience in the game, you have nowhere to go but to go up and see. So as as it's already understanding the scheme even more, some of those maybe some of those inmates make go away, some of those things that you know may have been those little ticks that you know, okay, this IQ play these things that I may have seen before. You know, how do I pay play the trap or played the win a little bit better? Just about really fine tuning those those minor mistakes ultimately to be the best player that can be.

So we're pretty confident I think, based on recent history, you guys gonna be really good on defense. In my mind, one of the most fascinating mysteries of this NFL season is not any about your offense as a whole.

So we're pretty confident I think, based on recent history, you guys gonna be really good on defense. In my mind, one of the most fascinating mysteries of this NFL season is not any about your offense as a whole.

It's one guy. It's DeShawn Watson.

It's one guy. It's DeShawn Watson.

He started a grand total of twelve games over the past three seasons. He probably played the best game he's played in the Browns uniform last year at Baltimore with a broken shoulder that then required season ending surgery. You're on the other side from him every day you see that guy in practice. What version of the Shawn Watson are we all going to see in twenty twenty four?

He started a grand total of twelve games over the past three seasons. He probably played the best game he's played in the Browns uniform last year at Baltimore with a broken shoulder that then required season ending surgery. You're on the other side from him every day you see that guy in practice. What version of the Shawn Watson are we all going to see in twenty twenty four?

Wow, I would say the best version. I mean, he's done the work for the all season. He's put in a lot of work, not only with himself, but also with the relationship game. Part of being a quarterback, and the big thing about being a quarterback is about being an injury and he does that in his relationship bility, being able to tap in one on one, you know, calling the guys up, being able to communicate with them, understanding them most right, because you want to understand guys wise, you want to understand what motivates guys.

Wow, I would say the best version. I mean, he's done the work for the all season. He's put in a lot of work, not only with himself, but also with the relationship game. Part of being a quarterback, and the big thing about being a quarterback is about being an injury and he does that in his relationship bility, being able to tap in one on one, you know, calling the guys up, being able to communicate with them, understanding them most right, because you want to understand guys wise, you want to understand what motivates guys.

He does a great job with that as well.

He does a great job with that as well.

But as far as play, this guy has really developed it and worked on himself and he's in there every day, first, first one in, last one out. So I'm excited to see the sign that that truly pops up here in twenty twenty four, twenty twenty top.

But as far as play, this guy has really developed it and worked on himself and he's in there every day, first, first one in, last one out. So I'm excited to see the sign that that truly pops up here in twenty twenty four, twenty twenty top.

So Jeremiah, Football obviously is important. We talk about it a lot on this network in our lives as well. I don't want to talk about football. I want to talk about the way you walk into football games. One of the more elaborate and stylishly dressed football players we really have.

So Jeremiah, Football obviously is important. We talk about it a lot on this network in our lives as well. I don't want to talk about football. I want to talk about the way you walk into football games. One of the more elaborate and stylishly dressed football players we really have.

I mean, are you kid me?

I mean, are you kid me?

Look at this?

Look at this?

Now you got we got more money, You got more money for outfits?

Now you got we got more money, You got more money for outfits?

First of all, what goes into some of those unbelievable choices? And how are you going to up the ante based on what we've seen previously?

First of all, what goes into some of those unbelievable choices? And how are you going to up the ante based on what we've seen previously?

Yeah, well, each piece that you see is a combination of not only the tapestries and wolves and fabrics, but it's thousands and thousands of years the people's tradition, thousands of year ago, people's culture, things that I think be proverbs, thinking that they have a high symbology amongst the people Boo and it's all about imalagine their heritage.

Yeah, well, each piece that you see is a combination of not only the tapestries and wolves and fabrics, but it's thousands and thousands of years the people's tradition, thousands of year ago, people's culture, things that I think be proverbs, thinking that they have a high symbology amongst the people Boo and it's all about imalagine their heritage.

I mean, those outfits each each week has something very important in those things. Whether I'm going to the African Fatigue or.

I mean, those outfits each each week has something very important in those things. Whether I'm going to the African Fatigue or.

I may have a designer and maybe Ghana or synagogue, whatever it may be. It's just about really representing an entire people, doing that with pride, doing that with integrity, and really doing such a big stage as a pre game here.

I may have a designer and maybe Ghana or synagogue, whatever it may be. It's just about really representing an entire people, doing that with pride, doing that with integrity, and really doing such a big stage as a pre game here.

I know you've also been involved with NFL Africa with the program to sort of grow the sport in Africa. What have you seen there in terms of the growth of the sport and what do you get from being involved in that?

I know you've also been involved with NFL Africa with the program to sort of grow the sport in Africa. What have you seen there in terms of the growth of the sport and what do you get from being involved in that?

Yeah, I mean again, I think especially as players at the level that we are, with the platform that we have, it's our responsibility to get back.

Yeah, I mean again, I think especially as players at the level that we are, with the platform that we have, it's our responsibility to get back.

It's our responsibility.

It's our responsibility.

Now. We had a situation where we just feel comfortable and we say well the game is where the game is that and we don't look to expand it. I mean, look at the Olympics, right, we have the Olympics coming in twenty twenty eight. Flag football it has to almost has to be an international sport now. So as the NFL Africa expands its reach and my role into it is just doing my one to eleven, as we will call it on the football field, is doing my responsibility, and my responsibility is to give that to my community.

Now. We had a situation where we just feel comfortable and we say well the game is where the game is that and we don't look to expand it. I mean, look at the Olympics, right, we have the Olympics coming in twenty twenty eight. Flag football it has to almost has to be an international sport now. So as the NFL Africa expands its reach and my role into it is just doing my one to eleven, as we will call it on the football field, is doing my responsibility, and my responsibility is to give that to my community.

Find ways to grow the game, but not just the game.

Find ways to grow the game, but not just the game.

Right, the game has very core principles of life into it. Sacrifice, teamwork, duty, responsibility. These are things that can allow use to really learn life through sports and do something that may seem trivial but has a big impact.

Right, the game has very core principles of life into it. Sacrifice, teamwork, duty, responsibility. These are things that can allow use to really learn life through sports and do something that may seem trivial but has a big impact.

I don't believe you're twenty four. You don't look twenty four, You definitely don't sound twenty four.

I don't believe you're twenty four. You don't look twenty four, You definitely don't sound twenty four.

Like.

Like.

This is the deepest stuff we've ever had on the Insiders here, Jeremiah. We appreciate you being your last thing for you before we let you go. So your Week one game is going to be a big deal for multiple reasons. Obviously, you guys were very good team playoff team last year. You're facing the Cowboys, They're always a massive story. Tom Brady, it's gonna be his first game in the broadcast booth as well. A lot of the country is going to see that. So what can they expect? What are we going to get from the Cleveland Browns here?

This is the deepest stuff we've ever had on the Insiders here, Jeremiah. We appreciate you being your last thing for you before we let you go. So your Week one game is going to be a big deal for multiple reasons. Obviously, you guys were very good team playoff team last year. You're facing the Cowboys, They're always a massive story. Tom Brady, it's gonna be his first game in the broadcast booth as well. A lot of the country is going to see that. So what can they expect? What are we going to get from the Cleveland Browns here?

Well, it's one thing on what you're gonna expec from the Cleveland Browns. But you may hear Tom Brady, you know, give us some hard time, you know, because we beat him.

Well, it's one thing on what you're gonna expec from the Cleveland Browns. But you may hear Tom Brady, you know, give us some hard time, you know, because we beat him.

You know they're at home there. No, But I mean I can't really, I can't wait for the first game.

You know they're at home there. No, But I mean I can't really, I can't wait for the first game.

I can't wait, not only for our team and our organization, not only for uh this city, but for each and every person that's really involved.

I can't wait, not only for our team and our organization, not only for uh this city, but for each and every person that's really involved.

I mean, we've come a long way.

I mean, we've come a long way.

As a as a team, you know, as an organization, just finding ways to build and build and build. And you know, that first game is our our light to be able to show the world, you know, exactly how we have developed and the culture that we're building here at the Browns. So I cannot wait to the first game and allowing us to fly around and show.

As a as a team, you know, as an organization, just finding ways to build and build and build. And you know, that first game is our our light to be able to show the world, you know, exactly how we have developed and the culture that we're building here at the Browns. So I cannot wait to the first game and allowing us to fly around and show.

Everything that we have built upon here at the Browns.

Everything that we have built upon here at the Browns.

One more preseason game, first Browns at Seahawks, live here on NFL Network ten pm on Saturday. I know everybody is going to be watching that. You probably won't see much of this guy, but you will see him in week one.

One more preseason game, first Browns at Seahawks, live here on NFL Network ten pm on Saturday. I know everybody is going to be watching that. You probably won't see much of this guy, but you will see him in week one.

J Okay, thanks a ton for being here.

J Okay, thanks a ton for being here.

Man.

Man.

That was awesome.

That was awesome.

Thank you, man, I.

Thank you, man, I.

Thank you. Another guy who's.

Thank you. Another guy who's.

Gonna have a lot of eyeballs on him come Week one.

Gonna have a lot of eyeballs on him come Week one.

Caleb Williams.

Caleb Williams.

Of course, we've known since oh, I'd say February was going to be the starter for the Bears right out of the gates. How's he been looking here all the way through the off season? How ridyou is he for this moment our? Stacy Dales had thut around that team throughout the off season. She joins us next on The Insiders presented by best Buy.

Of course, we've known since oh, I'd say February was going to be the starter for the Bears right out of the gates. How's he been looking here all the way through the off season? How ridyou is he for this moment our? Stacy Dales had thut around that team throughout the off season. She joins us next on The Insiders presented by best Buy.

Welcome back to the Insiders presented by best Buy. This guy has looked awesome in the preseason.

Welcome back to the Insiders presented by best Buy. This guy has looked awesome in the preseason.

Caleb Williams. We are not going to.

Caleb Williams. We are not going to.

See him in the preseason, Finaley, we don't expect, but we're certainly going to see a lot of him in Week one and beyond. He has been slated as the Chicago Bears starter. Really since for the draft, we knew and we can't wait to see him in the regular season. And now it's time for Go Bigger presented by best Buy. With my friends Stacy Gills and Jeffrey Chidia. Stacy, let's start with you and the first overall draft pick, because again, he has looked phenomenal in the preseason. Everybody is so excited to see what he looks like in the regular season. But you've been watching him because you were there in Chicago really since the day he got here. So give us a snapshot of his arc since he arrived to where he is now.

See him in the preseason, Finaley, we don't expect, but we're certainly going to see a lot of him in Week one and beyond. He has been slated as the Chicago Bears starter. Really since for the draft, we knew and we can't wait to see him in the regular season. And now it's time for Go Bigger presented by best Buy. With my friends Stacy Gills and Jeffrey Chidia. Stacy, let's start with you and the first overall draft pick, because again, he has looked phenomenal in the preseason. Everybody is so excited to see what he looks like in the regular season. But you've been watching him because you were there in Chicago really since the day he got here. So give us a snapshot of his arc since he arrived to where he is now.

That's a great tee up, Judy, because the arc has been everything that was expected and more, I would say, and it's just building and there's so much optimism around this young man. I would describe the entire Bears organization right now as both energized and hungry. Remember there's only one player on this roster that actually has won a Super Bowl. That would be Coleman Shelton, who did that with the Rams with the offensive line in twenty twenty one. This is a hungry bunch and it all starts with him. And you mentioned it, Judy. We're not going to see him against the Chiefs in their final preseason game. That's a good thing because the Bears have liked enough of what they've seen in these back to back last two preseason games Buffalo Cincinnati. I was there Saturday. They were only actually supposed to play about a quarter, but it took them to quarters because they wanted to see more and they have. That is progress. That is his operation at the line of scrimmage. We know the movement is there when he can break the pocket, but all the intangibles again have exceeded expectations. I think the arm talent, his ability to throw off different platforms has really wowed some of the coaches on this Bear's staff, in addition to his ability to move and the way that Shane Waldron, the offensive coordinator, is using him with all those play actions, the boots, all of that stuff, the movement out of the pocket, but his ability to speed up his feet, change his pace when he breaks pocket and throw with such precision and accuracy again, I think has really wowed this staff. The sky's a limit for him with a really good defense. Judy and jeff to go along with it.

That's a great tee up, Judy, because the arc has been everything that was expected and more, I would say, and it's just building and there's so much optimism around this young man. I would describe the entire Bears organization right now as both energized and hungry. Remember there's only one player on this roster that actually has won a Super Bowl. That would be Coleman Shelton, who did that with the Rams with the offensive line in twenty twenty one. This is a hungry bunch and it all starts with him. And you mentioned it, Judy. We're not going to see him against the Chiefs in their final preseason game. That's a good thing because the Bears have liked enough of what they've seen in these back to back last two preseason games Buffalo Cincinnati. I was there Saturday. They were only actually supposed to play about a quarter, but it took them to quarters because they wanted to see more and they have. That is progress. That is his operation at the line of scrimmage. We know the movement is there when he can break the pocket, but all the intangibles again have exceeded expectations. I think the arm talent, his ability to throw off different platforms has really wowed some of the coaches on this Bear's staff, in addition to his ability to move and the way that Shane Waldron, the offensive coordinator, is using him with all those play actions, the boots, all of that stuff, the movement out of the pocket, but his ability to speed up his feet, change his pace when he breaks pocket and throw with such precision and accuracy again, I think has really wowed this staff. The sky's a limit for him with a really good defense. Judy and jeff to go along with it.

Can't wait to watch him.

Can't wait to watch him.

Jeffrey again, we all knew that Caleb Williams was going to be the first overall pick, but I think the entire league and a whole lot of us as reporters, said like, you've got to be kidding when the Chiefs were able to draft Zevier Worthy, the fastest guy in combine history. So how they incorporated him into that offense, Well.

Jeffrey again, we all knew that Caleb Williams was going to be the first overall pick, but I think the entire league and a whole lot of us as reporters, said like, you've got to be kidding when the Chiefs were able to draft Zevier Worthy, the fastest guy in combine history. So how they incorporated him into that offense, Well.

They've been excited about the way he's developed.

They've been excited about the way he's developed.

Judy And really had a slow start because he had a hamstring injury back in the preseason Ltas and really had a slow start to training camp because he was.

Judy And really had a slow start because he had a hamstring injury back in the preseason Ltas and really had a slow start to training camp because he was.

A little bit banged up as well.

A little bit banged up as well.

But he started to find his stride and you saw it in this Lines preseason game. You see the big catch here thirty nine yard grave. He had a touchdown catch later in that contest, and so they feel like he's really coming along well, understanding all the different paces in the offense, being able to work with Patrick Mahomes on improvising. But Mcole Hartman, a veteran receiver, also advised him that be aware that things are going to change in the regular season. You're going to see better schemes, You're going to see better players. It's going to speed up, so be prepared for that. It's got a big learning curve. They like the way he's growing right now.

But he started to find his stride and you saw it in this Lines preseason game. You see the big catch here thirty nine yard grave. He had a touchdown catch later in that contest, and so they feel like he's really coming along well, understanding all the different paces in the offense, being able to work with Patrick Mahomes on improvising. But Mcole Hartman, a veteran receiver, also advised him that be aware that things are going to change in the regular season. You're going to see better schemes, You're going to see better players. It's going to speed up, so be prepared for that. It's got a big learning curve. They like the way he's growing right now.

Looking forward to that preseason finality there's Chiefs Jeffrey Stacy also look forward to talking to you guys coming up and coming up next on the Insiders when.

Looking forward to that preseason finality there's Chiefs Jeffrey Stacy also look forward to talking to you guys coming up and coming up next on the Insiders when.

We return Crenshaw High School zone.

We return Crenshaw High School zone.

By the way, that's only a few miles from our office at NFL Network and charge of Flying Backers. Day On Henley will join us.

By the way, that's only a few miles from our office at NFL Network and charge of Flying Backers. Day On Henley will join us.

There's day On Handley, nice pass, breakup Hanley in coverage.

There's day On Handley, nice pass, breakup Hanley in coverage.

Got here.

Got here.

I'll be actually to teach me to sw You be holding out, man, I'll be trying to be like Bo.

I'll be actually to teach me to sw You be holding out, man, I'll be trying to be like Bo.

It'd be like be like Bo.

It'd be like be like Bo.

I'm trying to be like both. I told you that already. You just looked at me.

I'm trying to be like both. I told you that already. You just looked at me.

You laugh.

You laugh.

Them high school cheers. If you don't know them, get to know them right now.

Them high school cheers. If you don't know them, get to know them right now.

That is Dayon Henley, the prior to Crenshaw High School in Los Angeles. Hunter his second year as Chargers linebacker. Day On thanks a lot for being here. On The Insiders presented by Best Spot. We got like eighteen days until kickoff against the Raiders.

That is Dayon Henley, the prior to Crenshaw High School in Los Angeles. Hunter his second year as Chargers linebacker. Day On thanks a lot for being here. On The Insiders presented by Best Spot. We got like eighteen days until kickoff against the Raiders.

You're fired up? How we feeling?

You're fired up? How we feeling?

I'm feeling great, man.

I'm feeling great, man.

I mean, it's not a lot of words to express exactly how I'm feeling right now. I was told to say Simmi Fooko and Hayden Hurst them two guys. They wanted me to say that, so I k that out. But all right, nothing but joy, you know what I'm saying. I mean, the excitement within the preseason is only so much you can do in a preseason game. Especially they don't let you roll like you want to. So to get ready to go smackle some Raiders, I can't wait.

I mean, it's not a lot of words to express exactly how I'm feeling right now. I was told to say Simmi Fooko and Hayden Hurst them two guys. They wanted me to say that, so I k that out. But all right, nothing but joy, you know what I'm saying. I mean, the excitement within the preseason is only so much you can do in a preseason game. Especially they don't let you roll like you want to. So to get ready to go smackle some Raiders, I can't wait.

So that was just like the word challenge, like can you can you get those names? Do you have anything to say about them?

So that was just like the word challenge, like can you can you get those names? Do you have anything to say about them?

I mean, is it either compliment him or we can? You know, give my all time.

I mean, is it either compliment him or we can? You know, give my all time.

I could say a lot of great things about Sidney Foioko and a lot more great things about Hidden Hers, But dude, not about it.

I could say a lot of great things about Sidney Foioko and a lot more great things about Hidden Hers, But dude, not about it.

It's about you, Headley.

It's about you, Headley.

I want to talk to you about Let's start out with this you were talking about be like Bo.

I want to talk to you about Let's start out with this you were talking about be like Bo.

You're not talking Bo Jackson.

You're not talking Bo Jackson.

You're talking to your linebackers coach Navarro Bowman, who was one of the underrated players during his career. He had some really good season with the forty nine ers. The times was overshadowed because you know, that guy who's playing next to ended up in the Hall of Fame. What does Bo try to teach you? What are you gleaning from him on a daily basis about playing that position?

You're talking to your linebackers coach Navarro Bowman, who was one of the underrated players during his career. He had some really good season with the forty nine ers. The times was overshadowed because you know, that guy who's playing next to ended up in the Hall of Fame. What does Bo try to teach you? What are you gleaning from him on a daily basis about playing that position?

I mean, the dude is a linebacker genius. He scrapped at the art. So just to be in a room with someone with that mind. Uh, and not only with that mind, but the background that he has seen it every day. Because today we had like a little cut up. He was showing us his cutup of what he was doing at the linebacker position. I mean, it's just amazing to see. And you can do nothing but be a sponge and try to soak up as much as you can from the guy like that. And I can't just man, I just anticipation for this season. Not only is it because the linebacker room is ready to play, but because we got a coach ever ready to play for.

I mean, the dude is a linebacker genius. He scrapped at the art. So just to be in a room with someone with that mind. Uh, and not only with that mind, but the background that he has seen it every day. Because today we had like a little cut up. He was showing us his cutup of what he was doing at the linebacker position. I mean, it's just amazing to see. And you can do nothing but be a sponge and try to soak up as much as you can from the guy like that. And I can't just man, I just anticipation for this season. Not only is it because the linebacker room is ready to play, but because we got a coach ever ready to play for.

Yeah, let's talk about your head coach, John or Jim Harball.

Yeah, let's talk about your head coach, John or Jim Harball.

Wrong Harble, you know already wonder I won't feelings over here.

Wrong Harble, you know already wonder I won't feelings over here.

Man, We've had like what seven years of not mixing them up because Jim has been Now I got to make sure I get my.

Man, We've had like what seven years of not mixing them up because Jim has been Now I got to make sure I get my.

Arm balls straight again.

Arm balls straight again.

But a guy like that who always wants to attack today and like every day, to him, this this quote from this today.

But a guy like that who always wants to attack today and like every day, to him, this this quote from this today.

It's today, not just any other day.

It's today, not just any other day.

Like I went back to bed this morning, I just want feeling it. You can't do that as a Chargers player where you're playing for Jim Harbor.

Like I went back to bed this morning, I just want feeling it. You can't do that as a Chargers player where you're playing for Jim Harbor.

How do you survive like that.

How do you survive like that.

I mean the survival is wanting to be there, you know, the saying you either have to or you want to.

I mean the survival is wanting to be there, you know, the saying you either have to or you want to.

Every day it is a want to do it.

Every day it is a want to do it.

Like we had a saying before training camp started, it's like, what's worse than being in training camp?

Like we had a saying before training camp started, it's like, what's worse than being in training camp?

It's not being at training camp. And we live by that.

It's not being at training camp. And we live by that.

We live by that within the training camp, we live by that within the football season. We live by that by just being in the NFL. Man, this is an opportunity that everyone doesn't get in. Harball is a guy that not only he reminds you of that, but he makes it fun. Bro, Like, you can get lost in the business sometimes, but it's just about Balling being a guy that you've always been and going out there having fun. And every day has been fun with a guy like that, with the coaching, with coaching staff like that, Like just not just about Harble, but just the staff. He Ball is, Man, I get to be goofy, I get to be chill, I get to you know, saying, just be myself.

We live by that within the training camp, we live by that within the football season. We live by that by just being in the NFL. Man, this is an opportunity that everyone doesn't get in. Harball is a guy that not only he reminds you of that, but he makes it fun. Bro, Like, you can get lost in the business sometimes, but it's just about Balling being a guy that you've always been and going out there having fun. And every day has been fun with a guy like that, with the coaching, with coaching staff like that, Like just not just about Harble, but just the staff. He Ball is, Man, I get to be goofy, I get to be chill, I get to you know, saying, just be myself.

You know what I'm saying, get to be on a computer laptop with you guys. You know, great, But it.

You know what I'm saying, get to be on a computer laptop with you guys. You know, great, But it.

Says right on the top line in your X bio on a mission. Your worst enemy is Idle Time, which is a Nipsey Hustle lyric. A lot of guys have rap lyrics in their bios, but you actually knew Nipsy. You've got a fascinating backstory growing up in LA Tell me about it.

Says right on the top line in your X bio on a mission. Your worst enemy is Idle Time, which is a Nipsey Hustle lyric. A lot of guys have rap lyrics in their bios, but you actually knew Nipsy. You've got a fascinating backstory growing up in LA Tell me about it.

I mean growing up in LA.

I mean growing up in LA.

I have a father who has a pretty prominent name, not only in the street business, but like just in the city of Los Angeles itself. And one of those reasons why is because he was known for discovering Nipsey Hustle and like producing a lot of his you know, his fame, you know, helping Nincy get out there. And beyond that, I knew Nipsey as just the human being. He was beyond just the rap name and all of that stuff. He was able to see me grind as a little kid and pop on the football as I was able to see him work in the music studio that was in the basement of our house. So that relationship. The worst part about it is that when he was at the height of his career, when he was climbing the charts and doing all that stuff, I was in college trying to get to the height of my career, you know, getting to the NFL, And we had spoke about that once where he was like, I'm gonna meet you at the top, and I'm gonna see you here. I got to see him at the top, but I didn't get quite meet him there. And now it's just like, you know, I'm trying to do what I can under the light that he's provided.

I have a father who has a pretty prominent name, not only in the street business, but like just in the city of Los Angeles itself. And one of those reasons why is because he was known for discovering Nipsey Hustle and like producing a lot of his you know, his fame, you know, helping Nincy get out there. And beyond that, I knew Nipsey as just the human being. He was beyond just the rap name and all of that stuff. He was able to see me grind as a little kid and pop on the football as I was able to see him work in the music studio that was in the basement of our house. So that relationship. The worst part about it is that when he was at the height of his career, when he was climbing the charts and doing all that stuff, I was in college trying to get to the height of my career, you know, getting to the NFL, And we had spoke about that once where he was like, I'm gonna meet you at the top, and I'm gonna see you here. I got to see him at the top, but I didn't get quite meet him there. And now it's just like, you know, I'm trying to do what I can under the light that he's provided.

Because he was a great dude.

Because he was a great dude.

Not only do you guys see what the world sees, but I got to see what he was doing behind the scenes, and I was like one of the best things about being you know, around him, getting to know him as a person. And my dad was forefront for a lot of that stuff and helped push both of us.

Not only do you guys see what the world sees, but I got to see what he was doing behind the scenes, and I was like one of the best things about being you know, around him, getting to know him as a person. And my dad was forefront for a lot of that stuff and helped push both of us.

Talked about your dad, Eugene Big You was his nickname. You know, he wound up in prison, he re emerged with a you know, new focus on life and wanted to make sure that he passed it on to you. You've talked about it in the past, how much he's been an influence for you and steering clear of maybe some of the mistakes that he had made previously. How much do you still lean on that in these conversations that you have with your.

Talked about your dad, Eugene Big You was his nickname. You know, he wound up in prison, he re emerged with a you know, new focus on life and wanted to make sure that he passed it on to you. You've talked about it in the past, how much he's been an influence for you and steering clear of maybe some of the mistakes that he had made previously. How much do you still lean on that in these conversations that you have with your.

Dad all the time, Man, big U, Eugene, whichever name he goes by these days. You know, he tries to have multiple aliases for you know, who knows?

Dad all the time, Man, big U, Eugene, whichever name he goes by these days. You know, he tries to have multiple aliases for you know, who knows?

What I don't know?

What I don't know?

Is he still running? Who knows? I don't want to put that out there. He's not running.

Is he still running? Who knows? I don't want to put that out there. He's not running.

But now that that's just a guy who like being my dad. That was like his number one mission. And as I grew up with a father like that, he never gave me another option but to be the best version of me, which was always him wanting me to be better than him. That was a mouthful, but hopefully you don't get lost in those words. But he just wanted me to be better than he was because he did so much that he regrets. He just wanted to have another way to show the world and through me like that he's a better human being than what he was. And a lot of parents say they don't want to live through their kids. It's my dad has told me multiple time to live in through you. He was like, I'm.

But now that that's just a guy who like being my dad. That was like his number one mission. And as I grew up with a father like that, he never gave me another option but to be the best version of me, which was always him wanting me to be better than him. That was a mouthful, but hopefully you don't get lost in those words. But he just wanted me to be better than he was because he did so much that he regrets. He just wanted to have another way to show the world and through me like that he's a better human being than what he was. And a lot of parents say they don't want to live through their kids. It's my dad has told me multiple time to live in through you. He was like, I'm.

Living through you. Don't mess this up for me.

Living through you. Don't mess this up for me.

I'm like, no pressure, no pressure, no pressure, I'm gonna get it for us.

I'm like, no pressure, no pressure, no pressure, I'm gonna get it for us.

And I mean, when you look at that, it means a lot like it makes.

And I mean, when you look at that, it means a lot like it makes.

It gives me something to hone on to and and to focus on, like I don't want to mess up for my family. It gives me purpose not only beyond that, but I found purpose within myself, like I love football and.

It gives me something to hone on to and and to focus on, like I don't want to mess up for my family. It gives me purpose not only beyond that, but I found purpose within myself, like I love football and.

I'm enjoying the journey. I'm enjoying the process.

I'm enjoying the journey. I'm enjoying the process.

And I have a father that I look up to, and not only do I look up to him, the world looks up to him. And then he wasn't just a father to me, Like if you look at our community, is he right now? To this day, he's still a proper wanted football coach since I've been long gone from the game, because it wasn't about me. A lot of football coaches stop coaching when their son is where they you know, they're no longer the coach. He has been coaching since I've been going because he wants to be a father figure to a lot of kids who don't have that in my community. And I can't help but just apolve man, big uu Gene whatever other nicknames. He has a many nicknames. I keep saying it, but it is just a good thing to see every day.