Hi Folks,
We do a ton of insightful, thoughtful, and serious features here at Footballguys with smart people thinking deeply for you.
This is not one of those features.
This is Random Shots, and it's a few pages of me downloading my brain that gets stuffed with way too many random items from too many hours watching, reading about, and listening to football every weekend and throughout the week. It's the only way I manage. Here's hoping it has some value for you.
We'll see. Now, let's get to it.
J
First thing. I'm thankful beyond words for all the incredibly kind messages in response to last week's Random Shots, where I talked about the death of my Dad. Y'all are so kind, and you humble me. Thank you.
It's been a wild week, and while I'm sad, I'm also super grateful. Thank you so very much.
Follow up on my post about my dad passing. This is from a person who works now at our old Bryant Boats building. The business has changed hands twice in the last seven years since we owned it. And still, they thought that much of my dad. pic.twitter.com/L4v2fu5v9l
— Joe Bryant (@Football_Guys) December 4, 2023
I still don't know how long the Tommy Devito train will roll, but I'm here for it.
Rating Italian Food with Cugine.
Tommy Cutlets 🤌
— New York Giants (@Giants) December 7, 2023
Blindly ranking Italian foods with @meals_by_cug pic.twitter.com/QhIR1EGC4X
For managing expectations, here's Brian Daboll with a voice of experience.
"We're four games in."
Brian Daboll shutting down Tommy Devito & Tom Brady comparisons pic.twitter.com/cHprJKhAKW
— Talkin' Giants (Benton Whitley Pod) (@TalkinGiants) December 12, 2023
One more time.
TRAVIS KELCE LATERAL TO TONEY GETS CALLED BACK ðŸ˜
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 11, 2023
(via @NFL)
pic.twitter.com/KIYYNAopAy
Travis Kelce talked about it with his brother.
Two things struck me.
1. It wasn't a planned lateral. That is insane.
2. For all the shade thrown at Toney, Kelce seems sincere when he says he loves the guy.
Travis broke down the craziest lateral that didn't count
— New Heights (@newheightshow) December 13, 2023
NEW EPISODE PREMIERES NOW: https://t.co/V0MlHQdHEg pic.twitter.com/xlpWJMgFV3
"Sorry Joe" is part of Footballguys legend. The story is that I ask our podcast folks to keep things PG-rated. My long-time guys, Cecil Lammey and Sigmund Bloom, are so kind to me and respect my asking for our shows. But every once in a while, something slips, and they say a quick "Sorry, Joe." It's a sweet picture of how, instead of them grumbling about me being Mr. Rogers, they have fun with it and embrace it. I love those guys.
Mavericks guard Luka Doncic had his "Sorry Joe" moment last week.
"I said before the game, you know, we just can't fuck around, and, uh....ah shit..." - Luka Doncic 😂 pic.twitter.com/icGGfSa16m
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) December 7, 2023
Although he does have the excuse of English not being his first language...
And just in time for the Holidays, we've got "Sorry Joe" shirts.
Plus, grab one of the "Joy, Peace, Fantasy Football" shirts for Christmas.
New Holiday Gear!https://t.co/IJP7xwRttU
— Joe Bryant (@Football_Guys) December 13, 2023
Ahead of his time.
"The Cowboys are passing more on first down as a result of the new analytics crew" is funny when you realize they could have saved a bunch of money by remembering Bill Walsh told us all 1st down was the best down to throw the football on 30 years ago. pic.twitter.com/8W6uYxzgrd
— Aaron Nagler (@AaronNagler) December 8, 2023
Listen to Dak Prescott. Good on him. Get tested and listen to your doctor.
Plus, it's a great ad.
Probably gonna get a lot of $h!t for this. @LeadFromBehind pic.twitter.com/lcwEtDJ3PP
— Dak Prescott (@dak) December 8, 2023
I'm a capitalist, and I'm not opposed to companies making money. But this feels a bit too accurate.
These are getting out of hand pic.twitter.com/5YTap44kJd
— Joey (@JoeyMulinaro) December 9, 2023
College basketball obviously doesn't have the same level of athletes as the NBA, but it's fun.
The "Silent Night" game at Taylor University is a great example.
Once the game starts, the crowd is quiet. Until Taylor University scores its 10th point...
The moment the silence was broken 🤫
— Ethan Dahlen (@ethanjdahlen) December 9, 2023
One of the coolest environments I have ever been in for college sports, more video on Taylor University's "Silent Night" to come!
(Video via @taylortrojans) pic.twitter.com/IH4hmgwV6I
Later on, the crowd sings Silent Night.
Imagine being in the crowd of the Silent Night game at Taylor University 😯pic.twitter.com/mJVTbn6ng8
— CBS Sports College Basketball 🀠(@CBSSportsCBB) December 9, 2023
Michael Penix didn't win the Heisman Trophy, but he gave us a great example of why he's loved.
This guy gets it.
Washington QB Michael Penix Jr. arrived at the Heisman ceremony tonight wearing a jacket that featured the names of all his teammates and coaches on the inside.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) December 10, 2023
This is so awesome. 🔥
(📸 @mikevorel) pic.twitter.com/QF2LwMxGKh
At this point, I'm not sure what to say. This is ridiculous.
Here's another angle on the play that led to the biggest fine of the week: a $43,709 tab for Breece Hall, who makes $61,931 a week on his rookie contract. The latest running back to pay a steep price. https://t.co/dYdlOctTKk pic.twitter.com/In3h2A8ute
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) December 9, 2023
I'm with J.J. Watt; this is stealing from players. I know some will say they don't feel too bad for a guy making $60,000 a week. But his salary doesn't make it any less wrong.
Some people think Justin Fields isn't good. Some think he's great.
At least we can all agree his visor game is next level.
Elite visor aesthetic from Justin Fields. pic.twitter.com/bV9Q1XOTav
— NFL Fashion Advice (@fashion_nfl) December 10, 2023
ACLs, Achilles, High Ankle Sprains. I don't think I understand injury recovery timelines anymore.
Trevor Lawrence going through his warmup just 6 days after suffering a high ankle sprain 💪
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) December 10, 2023
(via @Sara_Walsh)pic.twitter.com/QNu5jPszhU
Still Elite.
Joe Flacco 😎
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) December 10, 2023
(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/ejZi8KrNnB
I hope this wasn't you.
Me after watching Flacco and Njoku turn into prime Brady and Gronk when they play me: pic.twitter.com/8MbhtMFR0m
— Sleeper (@SleeperHQ) December 10, 2023
Like Magic.
What happens when the Jets beg Zach Wilson to play pic.twitter.com/DD9ljOA4tA
— Bookmakers Review (@BMRReviews) December 10, 2023
When defensive tackles dream...
Big man INT!
— Sunday Night Football on NBC (@SNFonNBC) December 10, 2023
(Via: NFL, FOX)pic.twitter.com/YueUJB36hH
I'm not one of those fans who thinks a game has to be all offense to be good. I like defense. But this was a bit much.
The first half of the Texans-Jets game 😬
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) December 10, 2023
HOU: PUNT
NYJ: PUNT
HOU: PUNT
NYJ: PUNT
HOU: PUNT
NYJ: PUNT
HOU: PUNT
NYJ: PUNT
HOU: PUNT
NYJ: PUNT
HOU: PUNT pic.twitter.com/l4YEba2JNB
Not sure what he saw here.
Lamar Jackson threw that football right at Aaron Donald's head 😂pic.twitter.com/AuC5Sfe1UK
— NFL on ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsNFL) December 10, 2023
The Music Notes are always random, but this one is out there. Like lots of guys my age, my first favorite band as a kid was KISS. Much to the dismay of my saintly mother. It all worked out ok.
"She" is a classic from the Dressed To Kill album released in 1975.
But I think my favorite version is Anthrax's cover here. They hit another gear about the 3:20 mark, and the last two notes are perfect.
I bet you didn't have "Anthrax covers a KISS song" on your bingo card for today's listening.
Baker Mayfield was fired up.
Leverett was, "Bruh".
Helmetless Baker firing up his linemen after White's TD, headbutts Leverett 😂 #Buccaneers #Falcons @Football_Guys pic.twitter.com/iEwhNVEu6N
— Joey Wheeler (@realjoeywheeler) December 10, 2023
Thanks to Joe Wheeler for that one.
Dave knows.
Imagine trading three firsts and guaranteeing Deshaun Watson a quarter of a billion dollars when you could have just signed Joe Flacco off the street.
— Dave Kluge (@DaveKluge) December 10, 2023
These guys are built different.
The Ivan Pace Jr.backflip pic.twitter.com/qlmv8G8G3D
— Vikings Blogger (@firstandskol) December 11, 2023
CLYDE EDWARDS-HELAIRE 🰠pic.twitter.com/2I0k4VDxig
— NFL Retweet (@NFLRT) December 10, 2023
One of the best football players in the world is eating McDonalds before Monday Night Football and you think your 13th cold tub this week is going to help you answer emails better 🤣 pic.twitter.com/q77ylehVQN
— Pomp 🌪 (@APompliano) December 11, 2023
Utility Player.
Josh Metellus wore a RANGE of hats on the field for this season 😤
— NFL on ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsNFL) December 10, 2023
Versatility 📈 pic.twitter.com/zmFu0HfY6l
The Vikings may be on their third QB, but the defense is having fun.
Keg stand celly from the Vikings' defense pic.twitter.com/gAbP2g6Dk3
— Will Ragatz (@WillRagatz) December 10, 2023
Look Good, Play Good.
Dak Prescott and Jason Kelce...which game day style do you prefer? 😎
— Sunday Night Football on NBC (@SNFonNBC) December 10, 2023
(via Cowboys, Eagles) pic.twitter.com/C66m3RXPRS
Two in a row!
2 Wins In A Row! 🥹🕺🻠- A @ChicagoBears SUPERFAN Parody Song#DaBears #NFL pic.twitter.com/eBQnhOcLfi
— Dave Swerski (@DaveSwerski) December 11, 2023
Yup.
Dumpy old, stale, out-of-touch Mike McCarthy becoming awesome is one of the best storylines of the year.
— Joe Bryant (@Football_Guys) December 11, 2023
Zach Wilson playing with house money.
Zach Wilson playing carefree 💪
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 11, 2023
(via @RichCimini) pic.twitter.com/s6cHZhWDFg
Things were different in 1971.
OTD 1971
— Old Time Football 🈠(@Ol_TimeFootball) December 11, 2023
Mike Curtis upholds a "city ordinance" by levelling a fan who had run on the field and grabbed the 🈠#Colts#ForTheShoe pic.twitter.com/dyvOtQqlgB
It was that kind of night for Kansas City. Part of the ceiling fell down during Chris Jones' post-game presser.
The ceiling collapsing at Arrowhead last night was pretty fitting pic.twitter.com/3bcQ4bsJgL
— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) December 11, 2023
Kansas City plays the Patriots next week.
Just saying.
I knew he was up to something for next week pic.twitter.com/YnyeShK75w
— SoCal1186 (@SoCal1186) December 11, 2023
Bill Goldberg as a Falcon.
How it started.
Bill Goldberg, aka Goldberg, as an Atlanta Falcon in 1992 #WCW #WWE #InBrotherhood #NFL pic.twitter.com/mRLvVUZHcN
— Seb 🇱🇰 (@CJ28MTL) December 13, 2017
How it's going.
Absolutely epic moment from Bill Goldberg @WWE #DirtyBirds pic.twitter.com/7hrs0JSMuD
— Maria Martin (@Ria_Martin) December 10, 2023
A handy guide.
Important flowchart for Joe Flacco conversations w friends and loved ones pic.twitter.com/uqz8GUtHP4
— PFT Commenter (JMU bball undefeated) (@PFTCommenter) December 11, 2023
Morgan Moses scoring those Dad Points.
After the game Morgan Moses went up to Puka Nacua and asked for his jersey. He says his three boys love him and "they couldn't come to the game today so my job my number one task, besides protecting Lamar, was to make sure I got his jersey." #RavensFlock #RamsHouse @AsapPuka… pic.twitter.com/t2adG3Djax
— Bridget Condon (@BridgetCondon_) December 10, 2023
Joe Burrow still winning.
Joe Burrow gifted his suite to Jake Browning's family and friends today. I asked @jake_browning about having his family present for the win vs the Colts⬇ï¸
— Olivia Ray (@OliviaRayTV) December 10, 2023
"First of all. That is not MY box...Very expensive."#Bengals | @WLWT pic.twitter.com/sx0txW0yR5
As is Kirk Cousins.
Kirk Cousins is two things:
— Omaha Productions (@OmahaProd) December 11, 2023
1) Absolutely ROLLING in Kohl's Cash
2) Coming on the ManningCast tonight pic.twitter.com/NkGkmX5YTh
Alabama star recruit Dre Kirkpatrick Jr., son of former Alabama and NFL corner Dre Kirkpatrick, posted a sweet video of coach Nick Saban and his Ferarri.
Nick Saban showed off his Ferrari to Alabama DB commit Dre Kirkpatrick Jr.🔥
— On3 (@On3sports) December 10, 2023
(via @KirkpatrickDre) https://t.co/19jjaVhP77 pic.twitter.com/zt1jXOT6VU
The perfect caption from Nick The Builder, "I bought your daddy one of these back when he played for me."
Should have known.
Tommy DeVito is throwing for 500 and 5 tonight 🤌🤌 pic.twitter.com/RWNavix7iN
— Jay Felicio (@GMenJay) December 11, 2023
Kadarius Toney was offside. Full Stop. But I completely understand the frustration with inconsistency.
Jaylen Waddle lined up exactly where Kadarius Toney lined up, no flag! Oops!!! #ChiefsKingdom pic.twitter.com/gjmrZ00xET
— Starcade Media (@StarcadeMediaKC) December 12, 2023
Knowing he's had to put up with this kind of thing for as long as he has, I sort of understand why Belichick is the way he is.
Can Bill Belichick help Courtney get tickets to this weekend's Patriots game and possibly meet Taylor Swift? pic.twitter.com/JMOTP1J5Vd
— The Greg Hill Show (@TheGregHillShow) December 11, 2023
Everything eventually connects to Dodgeball.
The ending of Chiefs-Bills was straight out of Dodgeball pic.twitter.com/hegpOSOB4T
— NFL Memes (@NFL_Memes) December 12, 2023
On that note, are we sure Will Levis isn't Steve the Pirate?
@will_levis and Pirate Steve from Dodgeball are the same person. @Buccaneers, don't miss this opportunity with the 50th pick. pic.twitter.com/JJ7pXg9SMm
— James Weber (@JamesWeber) April 28, 2023
Thanks to Rick Prest for that one.
While I'm on movies, Prince Akeem called this one.
Prince Akeem nailed it. pic.twitter.com/ob3AMbCVtd
— Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) December 12, 2023
Wrapping with this one. I don't know his music, but the winner of the Country Music Association's New Artist of the year was Jelly Roll. Here's one of his popular songs. Whether one likes his music isn't my point here, though. The point is he's 39 years old and won "New Artist."
The last 30 seconds of this are straight preaching, and he brings the fire.
New artist of the year at 39.
— Damin Altizer (@DaminAltizer) November 9, 2023
And last 30 seconds of straight 🔥 for anyone going through it.
pic.twitter.com/lSm2MGcT8m
Don't give up. And don't let setbacks and discouragement get you down. Rock on.
Thank you for being part of this goofy journey with us.
And thanks to Footballguys Keith Overton, Jake Bryant, and Clayton Gray for the help. If you've got a Random Shot of your own, email me at bryant@footballguys.com.
Thanks for playing along, and I hope you make the most of whatever you're doing in your life. Love your neighbor and stick together.
Peace and Grace to you.
J