Overview of Chris Berman In Studio And We’re Live From Super Bowl Week In San Francisco
This episode of Part of My Take (Pardon My Take) is a Super Bowl–week special recorded in San Francisco. The hosts (PFT, Big Cat, Hank, Max, Zach and Memes) run through national sports news, Super Bowl previews, travel/Spyglass golf trip stories, sponsor bits, and—most notably—an extended in-studio interview with broadcasting legend Chris Berman. The episode mixes light-hearted show banter (Hank Week, napping lore, flight drama) with substantive football analysis (Seahawks vs. Patriots preview, coaching hires, Vikings GM firing, Hall of Fame debate).
Guests & segments
- Main guest: Chris Berman (in-studio). Long conversation about Super Bowl history, teams, coaching, Hall of Fame, and personal anecdotes.
- Regular show segments: host banter, “Who’s Back of the Week,” Pepsi Zero Sugar blind taste test, sponsor reads (Chevy, DraftKings, Twisted Tea, Bumble, etc.).
- On-location coverage: Spyglass trip (golf), Super Bowl–week prep in San Francisco.
- Notable callbacks: “Hank Week” (Hank-centric shows/promo), pre-order promotion for Part of My Book (Barstool anthology).
Key topics & main takeaways
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Chris Berman interview (highlights)
- Berman’s perspective: loves the chaos of playoff/snow football, proud to be part of ESPN’s rise (and the network hosting the Super Bowl), and firmly believes Bill Belichick belongs in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
- Game read: Berman leaned Seahawk-heavy in tone—predicted a tight, physical game; sample Swami score given around 26–17 (or similar). He emphasized Seattle’s stout defense, special teams impact, and the Patriots’ power to control by running and limiting mistakes.
- Sam Darnold take: Berman noted Sam’s maturity, authenticity, and the supportive environment around him—saw genuine confidence after conversations off camera.
- On NFL unpredictability: pointed out how seasons swing wildly (unexpected conference champions, coaching changes, etc.) and how single plays (e.g., past Super Bowl swing moments) can alter legacies and narratives.
- Views on neutral-site playoff games/domes: Berman dislikes sanitizing weather/road disadvantages—he values home-field/“snow” football as part of the game’s character.
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NFL coaching jobs & front-office movement
- Mike LaFleur reportedly hired by an NFC team (Arizona Cardinals discussed).
- Clint Kubiak seemed likely to become Raiders HC (references to Shanahan coaching “tree” influence).
- Brian Flores remained without a job amid ongoing litigation — suggested this affects hiring chances.
- Vikings GM firing: discussed the fallout around the Vikings GM (transcript references “Plessy/Questy” — likely Kwesi Adofo‑Mensah). Hosts debated whether the firing stemmed from lineup/quarterback choices (JJ McCarthy vs. Sam Darnold) or criticisms over taking paternity leave that surfaced after the firing.
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NFL/league controversies & national news
- Jeffrey Epstein–related emails: hosts discussed reporting showing communications between Epstein and various wealthy figures/owners; reactions were condemning and shocked (mentions of “Tish” and Josh Harris context).
- Paul George suspension/disciplinary matter: referenced a suspension/fine connected to taking a substance (mental-health/medication angle discussed).
- College hoops aside: Rick Barnes quoted worrying about gambling/players (odd, headline-making quote).
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NBA and other sports headlines
- Giannis trade rumors: hosts flagged recurring rumors linking Giannis to teams like the Warriors or Bulls—speculation ramped up ahead of trade deadline.
- Tennis: Djokovic comeback vs. Sinner; Carlos Alcaraz also discussed as “Who’s Back” candidate.
- Esports: LAN Call of Duty event recap—Team “Bush” made a deep Losers’ bracket run and finished second to a Saudi‑backed team; commentary on the return of in‑person competitive gaming.
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Travel, Spyglass and show banter (lighter content but recurring)
- Flight drama: a delayed flight / rebooking confusion and a “weight limit” reason cited by airline staff — Max was ultimately bumped; hosts recap frantic texts, photos, and airport banter.
- Zach “napping” incident: Zach briefly fell asleep pre-show; used for recurring jokes.
- Spyglass golf trip: PFT & crew played Spyglass; highlights included close hole-in-one miss and Hank being elated—great birthday golf for a host.
Notable quotes & moments
- Chris Berman: “Belichick should be in the Hall of Fame.” (firm stance; Berman discussed the voting system and optics around a possible non‑unanimous or delayed induction)
- Berman on playoff unpredictability: single plays can rewrite team dynasties—referenced Seahawks–Patriots and Norwood kick hypotheticals.
- Host banter catchphrases: “Hank Week” (celebration of Hank Lockwood), frequent jokes about napping policy and “Swami” predictions.
- Memes’ Pepsi Zero Sugar blind taste test: Memes correctly picked Pepsi Zero Sugar over Coke Zero Sugar.
Practical takeaways / recommendations
- Super Bowl betting/picks: hosts will finalize picks later in the week; as of the episode, the hosts were split but leaned on Seattle’s defense and special teams as a deciding factor.
- For listeners:
- Pre-order Part of My Book on Amazon (hosts promote it as a collective Barstool/podcast history).
- Try promoted sponsor offers: Pepsi Zero Sugar (blind taste claims), DraftKings Predictions (promo code TAKE mentioned for bonuses), Twisted Tea for game day, etc.
Sponsors & calls-to-action (mentioned)
- Chevy (ad read about Silverado)
- DraftKings Predictions — promo code TAKE
- Pepsi Zero Sugar (blind taste test)
- Twisted Tea (big-game beverage pick)
- Bumble, Tropical Smoothie Café, TaxAct, GNC — short sponsor reads sprinkled through the show
- Part of My Book — pre-order on Amazon (book excerpt contributions from hosts)
Episode highlights / quick timeline
- Opening banter: “Hank Week,” Super Bowl week logistics, quick headlines.
- National sports rundown: coaching hires, Vikings GM firing & paternity‑leave angle, Paul George news, Epstein email fallout.
- Spyglass recap & flight drama: Zach nap, Max bumped, airport restaurant tour lore.
- Sponsor segment: Pepsi Zero Sugar taste test (Memes passes).
- Main event: extended interview with Chris Berman — history, Super Bowl preview, Hall of Fame discussion, memorable NFL moments.
- Closing: more show banter, Who’s Back segments (tennis, Giannis, Esports), sponsor reads, and promos.
If you want a super-condensed takeaway: this ep is a mix of classic Pardon My Take humor (Hank Week, flight/nap stories, Spyglass) and serious football conversation anchored by an extensive, insight-rich interview with Chris Berman—must-listen for anyone tracking Super Bowl narratives, Hall of Fame debates, and how coaches/GM moves shaped the season.