Aaron Donald Gets the Jitters Back (to play) and the Future of Rams QB Matthew Stafford

Описание: This week we begin with Aaron taking us inside the NFC Championship game and the experience from a retired player’s perspective. Standing for the anthem, feeling the jitters return, and describing that split-second “I could still do this” rush that never really leaves. He reacts to the Rams coming up just short, what it feels like to be that close to the Super Bowl, and why those final red-zone moments decide everything in January. AD also gives Seattle credit for what they did well, from matchup creation to poise under pressure, and he explains what he saw in quarterback Sam Darnold that earned his respect.

From there, the conversation turns to the biggest question in Los Angeles: what’s next for Matthew Stafford? After an MVP-caliber season and a heartbreaking playoff loss, is Stafford coming back for one more run? AD shares the real factors that go into retirement. Todd adds the front-office reality: there’s no dramatic “paperwork deadline” with the league, but teams need honest communication so they can plan for every scenario. Zach presses on timelines, roster-building, and how a franchise prepares for the future at the most important position in sports.

Then the episode pivots into a fascinating breakdown of NFL contract incentives, sparked by the bonus structure in Sam Darnold’s deal. Should incentives become more common moving forward—and should they extend beyond quarterbacks? Zach raises the idea of position-specific triggers (even for kickers), while Todd explains how incentives really function in negotiations. His bottom line: the priority is always “real money” and guarantees first, with incentives as the extra layer—not the foundation. Plus: a candid look at Senior Bowl week, the nonstop NFL calendar, pre-Super Bowl week chaos, and a quick debate on Pro Bowl vs. All-Pro that reveals how reputation, voting, and legacy actually get shaped.
00:00 Welcome to Episode 20
03:24 The jitters of playing return to Aaron Donald
05:56 The Future of Rams Quarterback Matthew Stafford
11:00 Super Bowl Week: The Pressure and Preparation
13:15 How do you let the NFL know you are 'retired'
13:59 AD's Advice to Stafford
17:46 Incentives in Sam Darnold's contract
22:36 The week before the Super Bowl for the players is....
26:46 France: From Senior Bowl to Super Bowl
35:03 Celebrating the Super Bowl and THE party of the week
37:55 Shedeur Sanders to the Pro Bowl !
39:50 Pro Bowl vs. All-Pro: Understanding the Distinction

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