PMT DB
PMT DB
Chris Berman on ESPN History, Nicknames, and Super Bowl Week
The vibes are officially high as the crew has touched down in Los Angeles for Super Bowl week. Big Cat and PFT welcome the road dogs back into the fold after their cross-country trek in the Chevy Silverado. While the trip was mostly smooth, Billy Football seems to have undergone a spiritual transformation somewhere between Memphis and Amarillo. Between white-knuckling through ice storms and failing a 72-ounce steak challenge, Billy has emerged as "Wild Bill," a man who claims the open Western sky has permanently altered his DNA.
Billy FootballMy cross-country road trip changed my life
It unlocked something in my brain that I don't think will ever go away. We just discover a lot about myself, which... [the road trip] saved, it changed my life.
Who’s Back: Harambe and Nightclub Etiquette
Who's Back of the week brought some heavy hitters, including the sudden resurgence of Harambe memes thanks to Sam Hubbard and the Bengals. Big Cat noted that we have reached the mathematical threshold for five-year-old jokes to become peak comedy again.
Big CatFive years is the official amount of time for a meme to become funny again
It's the perfect time for it to come full circle. Cause we've, we've predicted, we've had this conversation off air many times. Like when do you think Harambe jokes are going to be funny again? I think five years is now officially the amount of time when something can become fun again.
They also touched on the news involving Alvin Kamara in Las Vegas. Big Cat pointed out a recurring pattern in how these stories are reported, specifically the nomenclature used for the locations of these incidents.
Big CatAthletes only get into fights at 'nightclubs,' never at 'bars'
Have you ever noticed that when it's an athlete getting into a bar fight, it's always a nightclub. Yeah. And it's never like, they never just say like at a bar it's like at, at a local nightclub establishment.
Meanwhile, Jake Marsh is officially done with Coach K’s antics. Following Duke's recent matchup against UNC, Jake called out the legendary coach for his refusal to participate in the standard halftime interviews that every other coach in the country manages to handle.
Jake MarshCoach K is a hypocritical fraud for refusing halftime media interviews
Whoa. Are you, are you just realizing now that huge [hypocrite] fraud? Well, no. Jake is just realizing now because it's about halftime interview with the media. He never does halftime because he plays, plays on the roof. That's crazy. Like I understand he's a legend for whatever, but just take the interview.
On a more positive note for the Dolphins, the hire of Mike McDaniel has the guys optimistic. With the NFC landscape shifting rapidly due to legendary retirements, there is a vacuum of power waiting to be filled.
Jake MarshMike McDaniel is the perfect personality to save Tua Tagovailoa's career
Dolphins hired a new head coach, Mike McDaniel. Watch that clip of his, he seems very media friendly guy, big personality. He's going to save Tua [Tagovailoa].
Big CatThe NFC is wide open for the next few years
Tom Brady just retired. Aaron Rodgers may go to the AFC who the fuck knows where he's going to end up. Like the NFC is going to be wide open for a little bit.
The Swami: Chris Berman
One of the most anticipated interviews in show history finally happened as Chris Berman sat down for an 80-minute masterclass in sports broadcasting. From showing off his legendary "snake" wallet to explaining the origin of the "Whoop," Boomer lived up to every bit of the hype. He shared incredible stories about how George Brett essentially saved his career by demanding the return of his nicknames during an interview and how he nearly left ESPN to become the voice of the San Francisco Giants.
Chris BermanBert 'Be Home' Blyleven is my best nickname ever
Bert Blyleven cause that's 'Be Home' Blyleven. Because you don't have to see... a kid and you heard from your parents 'be home by 11.' And as a parent you've told your kid 'be home by 11.' You don't have to be a genius to figure these out. That's probably the best.
Berman’s love for the game is infectious, and he drew several parallels between the modern NFL and the classic eras he covered. He specifically sees a lot of the 1988 Buffalo Bills in this current Cincinnati Bengals squad, noting that Joe Burrow is on the verge of an incredible historic run.
Chris BermanThe 2021 Bengals-Chiefs AFC Championship game reminds me of the 1988 Bills
I actually thought these Bengals, except they've now gone to the Super Bowl, reminded me of the 88 Bills. Like I wasn't sure they were going to get past Kansas city, but they've already announced we're here for awhile. Like we're really good.
Chris BermanJoe Burrow can win the Super Bowl just two years after winning a National Title
Two years ago [Burrow] won the national title and now he can win the Super Bowl... he might win. It's crazy.
To wrap things up, the conversation shifted to classic rock and Boomer’s personal friendships with legends like Glenn Frey and Bob Seger. When pressed on the ultimate debate of the greatest band to ever do it, the Swami didn't hesitate to pick the guys who have outlasted everyone else.
Chris BermanThe Rolling Stones are the greatest rock band of all time
If you're asking me a rock and roll honest question would have to be the [Rolling] Stones. I just think I would, because they're still doing it. And the songs from the sixties, they still could come out today. They they're, you know, 'Under My Thumb'...
It was a perfect start to the biggest week of the year, proving that no one circles the wagons like the Buffalo Bills, and no one does an interview like Boomer.
Stick a fork in us, we're heading to the Super Bowl.
