Bald Guys On The Bench
Bald Guys On The Bench
Eric Meichtry: From Pro Tours to Senior US Open
Recorded June 30th, 2025
What happens when competitive fire meets life experience? Eric Meichtry's journey from tournament champion to respected golf coach offers a fascinating glimpse into how professional golfers evolve throughout their careers.
Fresh off competing in the US Senior Open at the Broadmoor, Eric joins hosts Graham Cohen and Scott Wasco to share the highs and lows of his remarkable career. The conversation takes us back to 2002 when Eric arrived at SCGA Members Club and promptly shot a course-record 62 in his first Golden State Tour event. From winning the 2000 Hooters Tour Championship to qualifying for the 2005 US Open at Pinehurst, Eric's playing credentials speak for themselves.
But the most compelling moments come when Eric reflects on his transition to teaching. "The mistakes that I make now, I didn't make when I was playing full-time," he admits with refreshing candor. Unlike many former pros who view teaching as a fallback, Eric embraces his role as a coach with genuine enthusiasm. "I'm so happy with what I do that I wouldn't want to play a full schedule," he explains, describing how his competitive experiences now benefit his students.
The episode features hilarious stories from the 2005 US Open, including a practice round with Jason Gore, Colin Montgomery, and Scott McCarron that culminated in Gore intentionally topping a drive – prompting Montgomery to quip, "Well, that was an American thing to do." These behind-the-scenes glimpses reveal the camaraderie and characters that make professional golf special beyond the competition itself.
For Eric, the highlight of his recent US Senior Open appearance wasn't his performance but "having my whole family there" – a perspective that reflects how priorities shift throughout a career in golf. From the singular focus on performance to valuing relationships fostered through the game, Eric's journey offers valuable insights for players at all levels.
Want to improve your game with lessons from Eric? Reach out through his Instagram @ezegolf60 and learn from someone who truly understands both the technical and mental aspects of golf excellence.
Have you experienced a similar evolution in your golf journey? Share your thoughts in the comments or on social media!
#baldguysonthebench #graboneancrackone #ericmeichtry #ezegolf60
welcome to another episode of the bald guys on the bench podcast, with your hosts graham cohen and scott wasco what's up everyone and welcome back to another episode of the Ball Guys on the Bench.
Scott:You know that fun comedy sports podcast you guys all love, so we're having a little guest on tonight. We're doing things a little different. My boy, Eric Maitry, fresh off the US Senior Open in Colorado Springs, right, Yep yep. At the Broadmoor Graham what you got, bro?
Graham:Hey, I got this nice cold beer. Eric, why don't you join us? Let's grab one and crack one. Let's go.
Eric Meichtry:Oh, God, we're waiting for this Fuck.
Scott:Right. It always takes forever to get this shit going. It's like, oh man, can I crack this God?
Eric Meichtry:damn, I haven't had a beer in like 37 minutes.
Scott:I'm like okay, shit, I gotta wait to crabber and crackling with the boys, right? So first off, eric, I know you're in tahoe with the family and drinking, doing the whole thing cooking. You obviously took the time off the grill and you don't even think about my boy, boy Eric's grill status, but that's another topic we'll get into it another time, but thank you for you know taking a few minutes away.
Scott:Yeah, um, just thought it would be cool to have you on after playing in the senior open. You know, your first one and you know, let the world get to know Eric Maitrey. Yeah, you know, let the world get to know eric miktree. Yeah, yeah, so just real quick, I'm I don't dude. When did we meet? When did you move to murietta? Uh, kristen and I were trying to think about that.
Eric Meichtry:So I got there in o2. Um, august of o2, we moved from northern California down to the eight fairway at, uh, SCGA members club Right, and uh, I needed a place to play in practice. So so Pat Kimball was there and you were there, and uh, so that was August of oh two and then October of oh two. I played in, I think, my first Golden State Tour event and shot 62 in the first round. You guys basically gave me the keys to the place. You can do whatever the fuck you want to do. I just set the new course record.
Scott:Pretty much. I mean, I don't remember when you moved there I started SCGA July of 02. Yeah, you were brand new. Yeah, kristen and I got married of june of 02, right, so you were freshies.
Eric Meichtry:I mean, oh yeah, I was a little pup dude yeah, yeah, and you came out on the the second round. I remember the second round, um, on the 13th hole is whatever, I think it's like 585 and I had driver from I think I had about 285 into the into that right hole location. I hit driver off the deck and you were in a golf cart out there watching and I remember you're like holy shit, what the fuck did? I just watch and I knocked it on the green and two put it, I think I think, to shoot 100 bar for the day and only win by a couple yeah, I, I think I was 62.
Scott:Thanks for playing, yeah, first round. But I was, you know, looking at everything, thinking about the past with you and I, you know, I texted you last night. I'm like send me your playing resume, like some highlights, and you hit the nail on the head, dude. And I was like not only this guy, amazing golfer, but he's a better man, better father, amazing husband, boys to me, amazing with Kristen. I mean before we had kids.
Scott:You know I'm from Virginia, we didn't have kids. Your family brought us in for Christmas and Easter. Yeah, that's right. I'll never forget hanging out at your parents' house on the hole at scga having christmas dinner and easter dinner. Yeah, that's right. And you know that was nuts, it was awesome. Still remember it, dude, we didn't have family there. Yeah, you know, you were my family. Yeah, even though you're a fucking fuck.
Scott:I mean just to rattle off a couple of quick things. You know we're here to learn more about Eric Maitry the man. I mean golf, everybody's got highlights and shit. But you know, 2000 Hooters Tour champion 2005, california State Open champion 2005, played in the US Open at Pinehurst. One of my favorite memories ever I mean especially you know this is 2005. I talked to you about it a couple weeks ago, the longest day in golf. There was no smartphones back then. All I knew was you were in a playoff to get there and I'm like, hitting refresh on my damn computer, over and over and over, the phone rings, it's you and I'm like, oh god, oh god, oh god, and I answer it. And it's your wife and and I'll never forget it she's like so you're ready to go to Pinehurst?
Scott:yeah, that's right, I remember that phone call, dude, and do you remember my response?
Eric Meichtry:Uh, like fuck yeah exactly.
Scott:Yeah, you nailed it. You nailed it. Yeah, fuck. Yeah, that was so sick, it was awesome. Yeah, then your dad menace out there.
Graham:Good old T-bone.
Scott:Yep.
Eric Meichtry:So, eric, uh, talking about the uh Oh5 us open at pinehurst, tell us this little story about what happened on your practice round on wednesday with you, jason gore, colin montgomery and scott mccarron like what on the 18th remember, on the 18th hole on 18, yeah, oh, the greatest, yeah, it was Scott McCarron hit one and the grandstand was huge just behind the tee or on the side of the tee, and McCarron pipes one and nobody really did anything. And McCarron's like dude, what the fuck you guys? I just striped one down this tight-ass fairway and nobody clapped. So then I stripe one. Everybody goes crazy, everybody's cheering. And then Jason Gore one. Everybody goes crazy, everybody's cheering. And then jason gore steps up, he goes I can watch this, I'm gonna top it.
Eric Meichtry:So mccarron goes to the crowd, he goes. You guys really want to see somebody hit it. Watch this guy hit it. He just freaking, just lays over and just full tops it and crowds like what the hell you know? And montgomery walks off the tee as we're walking off and he goes.
Eric Meichtry:Well, that was an american thing to do, right, just over ripping him yeah, it was, uh, it was cool man, it was such a cool experience. And uh, in 05, and then to see a lot of the same guys back here last week at the broadmoor um was pretty cool. I haven't seen a lot of them in a long time.
Scott:I will never forget. After Gore, your mom looks at me and she goes. He did that on purpose, right, and I'm like yes 100%.
Eric Meichtry:It's hard. It's hard to top a golf ball on purpose well well, on purpose, graham, yeah, on purpose, graham, yeah on purpose.
Scott:One of the fun stories about that week. I mean just real quick. After the practice round we're sitting there at the pool at your hotel and, like you said, my dad came down and we're sitting there at the pool and I'll never forget Gorg looking at us and being like I'm scared to death. I hit three fairways in three days of practice rounds. And then he's in the last group with Goosen. Yeah, not going to say what he shot in that last round, that's not important, but whatever.
Eric Meichtry:Let's just say he won the 84 Lumber Classic a couple weeks after that, exactly, exactly, exactly. Couple weeks after that, exactly, exactly, exactly. So it was cool because one of my students qualified for the 2019 USM, which was back at Pinehurst Right. So I went, I went back with him and caddied for him and it's the first time I've been back to Pinehurst since, since 05. And we're in the player dining area and I got this big guy over my shoulder, you know, kind of breathing on me like dude, what the hell.
Eric Meichtry:And it was jason gore because he was working for the usga at that time and I'm like no way, dude. So we we jumped in a golf cart one of the afternoons and rode around pinehurst number two and just talked and memories and flashbacks, and it was so cool man to spend, you know, spend a couple hours with him back there and then, you know, then he qualified for uh, when I saw he qualified for broadmoor, I text him that afternoon. I go, dude, I know you're kind of a big deal, but can we get a practice on monday at the broadmoor? So we never we hooked up but we didn't play. We kind of our schedules kind of didn't Okay, yeah, it didn't, didn't blend, but we did get together for a good hug.
Scott:That's good. Yeah, that's awesome. Graham, you're going to ask him. Oh yeah, I don't know if you know this, but you're going to die and it's going to be a hundred percent.
Graham:So just backtracking back to the oh five at Pinehurst. Did Scott ever tell you the story about, uh how he got into the player dining lounge and had some beers and was uh messed with David Toms?
Scott:No, dude, you, you gave me the player family badge and remember one of them two of my boys from college were there. My dad and you're making the turn and I go in the player dining room and I'm literally stuffing my shorts full of Miller Lights and as I'm doing it, David Toms is walking past me and he looks at me and he's like first time at the US Open, son. Yeah, Just kept on going, dude, We'll never forget it. Nice, oh man. Yeah, but you know, now you're spending a lot more time. You know teaching people, right? Yeah, I mean, I follow you on Instagram and how has the transition been from being that guy that's chasing the dream and still are to helping players?
Scott:I mean, um, myself as a PGA member who runs golf courses and teaches, I love helping the young and gotten more into teaching the better players. Yeah, you as a player, and I always told my dad I'm like if Eric was a baseball player, he'd be on a major league roster. If he was a football player, he'd be on a roster. There ain't room on golf tours. Yeah, you know somebody with your caliber, it's. I mean, look at Jason Gord, you know. Yeah, he's hot and wins a couple events and that's the thing. How have you transitioned?
Eric Meichtry:I'm so happy with what I do that I wouldn't want to play a full schedule. If I got status, I'm not going to go to the Champions Tour Q School. I don't want that life. I enjoy being around my family. I enjoy being around my family, enjoy being around my students. The things that I've learned in my career it's for my students at this point. So the transition was tough, of playing full-time and I coached soccer for 10 years as I was still playing and starting to teach golf. All of those experiences just made me a better golf coach. And even this past week at the Broadmoor it's going to make me a better golf coach, you know.
Eric Meichtry:So the desires to like, chase the dream and play I don't have those desires. I'd love to play a handful of tournaments a year on the champion store Nothing, nothing less than that. I don't need to go back and play in the Long Beach Open. I don't need to play in the State Open. I've won all that stuff at those levels. I don't need to play a Corn Fairy event. You know, playing in the same arena as the best old guys in the world, dude, it's so fucking cool man. That to me was a highlight. You know, I didn't do shit to prepare. I mean, I did some, but prior to the April 29th first qualifier at goose Creek, I think I'd probably played like four times, you know, this year prior to that and practice like very little, you know. And then between April 29th and June 2nd for the second one, I played maybe twice and practiced a little bit and then, from you know, getting in a couple of weeks that I had, I then played a little bit more and practiced a little bit more.
Eric Meichtry:But yeah yeah, so the of course you know my schedule's pretty full with teaching and I freaking dig it from all levels, all ages, that's people, brand new, good players. Players want to turn pro. I'll take them all.
Scott:If you're a good person, I'll teach you how to suck less at golf I love it, and what I really love is I don't know who was doing the instagram live the other night. Yeah, my future son the guy buying a beer for me.
Scott:Dude, I'll venmo you. It was awesome. Kristen and I are sitting here watching it on a friday night in virginia you know I'm screen reporting it because my dad doesn't have a clue on how to get on there and it was. It was awesome, dude, it was cool to see you back in that arena, and the first shot I saw you hit when it was instagram live. I'm like man, he's got the same swing, but but it's gotten a little shorter.
Eric Meichtry:It's gotten a little shorter.
Scott:My guy's getting old. Yeah, that's it. I'm like my guy's getting old. I'm like holy shit man yeah it's shorter. It was awesome, dude. You had your hat on backwards and you know it was just you being you.
Eric Meichtry:You know, know, it was awesome, it was cool.
Scott:So lee quigley, the guy with, the jet that flies us a bunch of cool places. Yeah, yeah, who's this guy and how do I get on board with this?
Eric Meichtry:yeah, I like taco dude. So we we flew. We were in the fairway, middle of fairway. It's par five, the ninth hole. On friday and I had 210 to the hole and I'm hitting five iron. He turns to all the. You know we had like 20 friends and family following and he goes, he goes. Hey, if he doesn't fucking make birdie on this hole, he's flying Southwest home tomorrow. So I'm like, I'm like, come on, man.
Eric Meichtry:I got to make birdie Cause he had the. He had the jet lined up for Saturday morning, you know. So we flew from Colorado Springs to French Valley and dropped him off, and then he extended the plane for us to fly us to Reno, to get our car to come over to Tahoe on Saturday. Wow yeah, and that was with Ange and the girls and both their fiancées. So, yeah, he's been a good friend for about six years and you know he's on the bag. Yeah, yeah, whatever I do.
Scott:I saw was your brother, Caddy.
Eric Meichtry:No, that was Lee, that was Lee Quigley.
Scott:Oh okay. Okay, yeah, I couldn't tell who was Caddy, but it was awesome. I said on the instagram live I'm like hey, tell ang, I see she's not on the bag. Tell ang scotty and kristin say hi and whoever. Somebody was like who's scotty, why yeah? Kristin I'm like come on, guy, I'm one of the ogs, that's right.
Eric Meichtry:I'm like scared I'll tell him he's here with us right now.
Scott:Yeah, okay, good. So I know you didn't do what you wanted to do. I mean, you know, like you said, you played three or four rounds of golf, but what was the moment of the week at Broadmoor?
Eric Meichtry:playing with those guys. Playing with those guys, I mean, I played with Jerry Kelly on Wednesday, oh nice. I played with Len Matisse and Jeff Sluman, so I wasn't trying to play practice rounds with big names. I've seen those guys for so many years and they're so cool to play with Yep being on the range, seeing Miguel Angel, andernard, longer and ernie and all the greats dude, it was like it's. And then lee, my caddy, as we're hitting balls he's like dude, they don't hit it any better than you do, right? So, uh, not at all. No, not at all and no, not at all. And the difference is they're playing every week.
Eric Meichtry:I'm teaching golf every week, so the mistakes that I make now, I didn't make those when I was playing full time, you know. So it's just I'm not as sharp as I used to be. But the highlight, dude for the week was was having my whole family there my kids, their fiancees, my mom, my sister, my brother, you, you know, my dad passed six years ago, you know. So I'm really obviously missing him. But having you know, my uncle, one of my students, cade, and his mom drove out, spent time with us. I got him inside the ropes on the putting green, so that the highlight for the entirety of the week was being able to share it with my friends and family. Hands down, you know I felt like I could be.
Scott:That's the guy you've always been since I met you.
Eric Meichtry:Yeah.
Scott:You know 100%. Yeah, I mean and caddying for you. I'll never forget. You called me and you were like hey, I'm playing in the nationwide event up at empire lakes. I played shitty first round. Can you caddy tomorrow? And I'm like wait, what you're firing and?
Scott:and I'm like I don't know, I'm not, I'm not, I'm not messing with ang, like ang's gonna whip my ass yeah no, come caddy, and I'm like and I remember doing it and I was like, oh my God, I'm going to triple my dick. And you know, I don't want to screw this guy up.
Graham:But it was. You know, that's just the guy. Scott. When was the last time you walked 18 holes?
Eric Meichtry:2002 at Empire Lakes.
Announcer:That's my point.
Scott:Well, I went to Scotland in 2004 and I walked everywhere out. So yeah, yeah, but anyhow, eric, anybody that's listening to us a lot of people in the inland empire area. If they want to get lessons from you and not only that, but, you know, get coached by you, because you're more of a coach than a teacher. You can give them experiences and stuff. How do they get in touch with you?
Eric Meichtry:um, I don't even know my instagram easy e golf 60. Yeah, I don't know if you could post it somewhere.
Scott:My same with my youtube yeah, we'll tag you in ours and when we send this out, the episode apple podcast, spotify the whole thing. You know, we'll send it to you, throw it on your instagram and let's get you some more business, because we obviously know inland empire california is a hotbed for golfers yeah, max yeah, but, dude, thanks for taking time out on your little family vacation. Yeah, oh, and I said hi, yeah, and sam and chris, the girls, are engaged yeah dude, the girls are.
Scott:Uh. Thanks for making me feel old, uh huh yeah I got a couple shithead son-in-laws.
Eric Meichtry:Yeah, dude, I'll be 56 next month, man.
Graham:What.
Eric Meichtry:Yeah.
Scott:Yeah, wow, like I told you the other night, you were like family looks good. I'm like, yeah, I got two high school kids. Yeah, never, it's crazy. You look just as old as I do, damn Just as old as you. Hey, hold on.
Graham:Since you're getting off pretty soon. I got to end with this, since we are talking about how old you are when I had to send you the link to do the podcast who the fuck? Still uses AOL.
Eric Meichtry:I don't change my shit. I don't change my golf swing. I hardly change my underwear. My email is the same since it's been in the 90s.
Graham:He said that to me and I was like what the?
Announcer:fuck is this?
Eric Meichtry:Dude, I get that all the time and I'm keeping it just because of the reactions I get from people.
Announcer:That's awesome yeah.
Scott:Eric, real quick as we get off. I got to ask you, dude, these young kids, the dude that won yesterday on the tour. Yeah, eric, real quick as we get off, I got to ask you, dude, these young kids, the dude that won yesterday on the tour. Yeah, average ball speed 195 plus. Yeah, what the shit man. Yeah.
Eric Meichtry:Insane. The thing now, like we see it in soccer, right, we're seeing girls soccer. There's athletes coming from different sports that are tapping into soccer, so it's changing the speed of the girls' game. So now we're getting these athletes that are playing golf. So when we get these fast-twitch athletes and get a club in their hand and get their golf swings organized, we're seeing these ball speeds. So, yes, the equipment's great, but these great athletes that would normally go play baseball, football, basketball, whatever it is, now they're playing golf. So we're seeing these great athletes come into our sport that are just like wow, we've never seen that shit before because we got all the nerds we got all the band kids and the nerds playing golf right when we were young, because golf was gay. So so now all these great athletes are trans, they're not, they're just skipping over all the traditional sports and they're just diving right into golf. So, and they have fast twitch movements that you know, that we haven't seen and we're starting to see it.
Scott:It's like holy shit they're hitting it a ton as I'm watching it. Yesterday, you know, when I texted you about tonight, all I could think about they kept showing this hot guiders grip and his strong ass grip and all I can think about is the dude giving you range balls on the range at Piners and saying to you nobody's ever been successful with a strong grip.
Announcer:Right.
Scott:And I'm like really dude, this guy's handed my guy range balls and he's criticizing his group.
Eric Meichtry:You're right. Does he know? His face is closed.
Scott:The next year Zach Johnson wins the Masters and I'm like, oh yeah.
Eric Meichtry:Yeah, you have a strong grip, uh-huh.
Scott:I mean this Aldrich guy. I mean how's he hitting these little bleeders with that grip?
Eric Meichtry:I don't get it, but it's nuts.
Scott:Yeah, pretty cool. Anyhow, dude, thanks for coming on. I appreciate it. I'll send you the episode. Dude, thanks for coming on. I appreciate it. I'll send you the episode. So, as Eric takes off, I just have to say thank you for him coming on and spending a few minutes with us on his vacation with the family. It was awesome. I had a blast reminiscing with someone that I've had a lot of fun times with, with someone that I've had a lot of fun times with, and you know I know you don't know him very well, but you know you can obviously tell in a 20-minute conversation just how fun of a guy he is Facts and amazing golfer. But you know, like I said at the beginning, we're doing things a little backwards. We had a guest on Graham. How was your weekend Good?
Graham:Well, the weekend's been very chill, you know, just been dedicating it to working on my tan, finding a new job and just watching some golf. A lot of fireworks happened, although not over the weekend, which you know. We've said this many times before, but I'm a firm believer in things happen for a reason. And it was kind of a good thing that we didn't do the podcast last night, because, boy oh boy, was there some news that happened today, Talking about the Pittsburgh Steelers baby. And let me tell you, you know, Scott thinks either I live under a rock or I sleep until 4 pm because I finally texted him and he's like bro, are you just waking up now?
Graham:and I was like no I didn't see any notifications on my phone. I'm like what's going on? This is hot news, a trade that happens at like what? 10 am east coast time no 11 dude.
Scott:I'm literally giving a lesson to one of my little juniors and we're done on the range and we're getting ready to go on the course. I grab my phone and I'm like I'm sorry, what? And I texted you at 11 10 my time am. I'm like, wow, that's crazy, because the first notification did not include Johnny Right, and that's why I said well, that's odd. And I don't get a response from you until 7 o'clock my time. And I'm like okay, are you alive? I mean, we'll get into that in a minute.
Graham:Yeah, craziness, but you know enough about me. How was your weekend, brother?
Scott:It was great. You know you and I were on the phone Saturday night. We both made a couple live bets on the tour. You know we took Max Gracerman. I had a free $10 bet, gracerman had 7-1. I had a free $10 bet, gracerman had 7-1,. Had another free $10 bet, took Chris Kirk at 8-1.
Scott:And they end up being in a three-way playoff and I'm like all right, I got two of the guys in the playoff and homeboy Aldridge Guider decides he's going to win. And was it four or five-hole playoff? I mean I'm loving my chances. You know I knew you had Max because I was talking to you about him, right, and I was like all right, I'll take Max, I'll root for Max Kirk misses that short putt on. I don't know what playoff hole it was. I'm like okay, still got it. And then the end. I mean, but whatever, played some, you know, watched some golf.
Scott:One of my students you know the chick I've talked to you about 14-year-old girl had an amazing round, a couple firsts for her, it was awesome Went and had some beers with Billy, it was fun. I was stressed out for a second round. And you know, yesterday, as I'm hanging out at home, not leaving the house, because it's a million degrees here. She played her ass off dude, I'm super excited. And she took the step, you know, the next step. And this afternoon played nine holes, with her being her versus my assistant and her grandpa a little nine-hole match and she hit it great and obviously the good guys won the match. And, dude, I'm excited you know, I've talked to you about it, my dad and all my buddies. She's really good, and by really good I mean really good. She will play in college. She's an upcoming freshman. I'm certainly more excited by the way she played I mean, dude, not to go off on a tangent, but I was looking at a couple things yesterday she played the back nine it was a 36-hole event, so she played the back nine.
Scott:She had four birdies, two eagles, two doubles and a bogey and played the back nine in two days, three under.
Graham:What.
Scott:With two doubles and a bogey.
Graham:That's insane. It was awesome. I mean, the real question is this Not throwing any jabs at any and particular people but the real question is for how good she is, do you think she could play from the tips and beat a 20 handicapper?
Scott:Not even a question in my mind. 14-year-old girl 100%.
Graham:Gotcha.
Scott:I mean she hits it 220. I mean yesterday it was her best round ever, day one she was 74. And we chatted Saturday after her first round and I'm like, hey, remember, one shot at a time. I know that was her best round ever. Have fun, you know, do your thing. She literally made it eight on the first hole yesterday. And when I talked to her after a round, I mean she shot 44 on the front, nine. Yeah, and I told Kristen I was worried about yesterday's round because it was her career best. I mean, what do they always say on the tour? Dude goes out and shoots 61. What's coming up the next day? It ain't going to be easy 75?
Scott:Right, yeah, it ain't going to be easy 75, 77. Yeah, and literally she shoots 44 on the front and then she goes out on the back and shoots even par with a double and a bogey and I was pumped. I mean she's heat off at 1145 and it was like four 30. I'm like, all right, she hasn't texted, she hasn't called. I'm looking up the score online. It's driving me insane. Looked it up, then she texted me, call me when you got a chance. And I'm like sorry I cheated. All right, you know, like your score, but you know I was pumped, dude. I mean, after an eight on the first hole, it's very easy, and shoot 44 on the front, it's very easy to be like I'm out, but so getting, I'm stoked. Eighth grader, it's not even high school yet, dude, it's awesome.
Scott:But it was a fun weekend. We had our boy, mike Tree, on. Like I said, when we were talking to him I watched the Instagram live. You know, friday night it was sick, it was awesome, brought back memories of hanging out with him and, you know, go to work today and, you know, give him a lesson. And then all of a sudden, the notification comes up about your Steelers. And as soon as I saw it, you know, like I said, the first notification was Minka for Ramsey, Right, and I'm like, wait what? I didn't get it. And then it came out that it was Minka for Ramsey and Jonu Smith and I was like, all right, I kind of get it. Arthur Smith coached Jonu in Tennessee and I think in Atlanta, yeah, and he's a big fan of John U nothing against Friar Muth, but John U has been a stud. But the craziest thing to me was remember back in the day the Dolphins traded Minka to the Steelers, not with Steelers trading him back.
Graham:It's like 2018. First round pick.
Scott:It's crazy yeah.
Graham:It's crazy to think that, you know. It's funny looking back on Steelers' previous first round picks and how we said in previous episodes how within the last like six or seven years we've only re-signed one of our first-round picks, which is insane to think. And now to think, wow, we gave up a first round to get Minka, which we did re-sign. So I mean that works out. I'm still happy we made the trade. He was a great player for us.
Graham:I mean, look, I'm still in shock a little bit about the trade because the thing was I knew Pittsburgh was going to make another move you know it is the quote unquote NFL's on vacation and I'm air quoting folks but I knew they were going to make another move. What it was, who knows. I mean, I figured John New might be in it, I figured Ramsey might be in it, just because of the rumblings that has been going on. But to make a move in which we got both of those guys, because I'm thinking to myself, I'm like, before this trade happened, what would need to happen for Pittsburgh? Who would they get rid of? Right, like, who would they trade to get these guys? And I wouldn't have done a straight up Ramsey for Fitzpatrick.
Scott:Minka's younger right Two years, like I was talking to you about earlier. Before we got on air. Ramsey and Derwin are best friends, obviously. They both played at Florida State, the Chargers. They always said Derwin wants to play with Ramsey and Ramsey getting up there in age and Ramsey saying he wanted to play on the West Coast and the Chargers podcast guys were like it ain't going to happen. Folks because, uh, you know nickel safety plays in the box and ramsey, as he's getting older, is basically the same guy. You know corners. As they get old they transition them to a safety right playing in the box. They're both big physical guys and I was like never thought about that. And then the trade happens and I'm like all right, the Steelers are getting rid of Minka for Ramsey.
Graham:I mean you have some decent corners but you still get Ramsey in return, but you get John it right that, plus the fact that one of the biggest positions we needed to fill we did in the offseason. I mean we need to help a corner. We got that, you know getting Bly but that nickel corner spot has been an issue for us for the last X amount of years. You know we've just been drafting guys, rotating guys, you know free agent guys, and it's just like now, because the NFL is getting to such a pass happy offense and they're throwing the ball so much more, you need those extra quote unquote cornerbacks or guys that will transition from the outside to the inside and to give you that same level of competition, basically, and to get a guy like Jalen Ramsey, who for how many years was considered the number one corner in all of football and look yeah he's 30 years old, I get it.
Graham:Is he what he was four years ago?
Scott:No, I remember back when he was someone out of college, florida State I wanted him more. I think he was in Bosa's draft class. I think Didn't he get drafted by the Jaguars? I wanted Ramsey more than I wanted Bosa, I think at pick four.
Graham:I don't know why it's sticking out in my head. It was like pick four. I mean it was early, real early.
Scott:I mean, I think Bosa went three.
Graham:Wow, that's crazy.
Scott:And I wanted Ramsey. Remember Kevin, my boy from the Chargers, him and I sitting on my back porch at our last house in California and Kristen was inside inside and the TV was on delay draft night and we announced Bosa and I was Kevin and I were like Kristen saw it earlier, but dude, ramsey just died, right, I mean and people will say what they want to say about him recently the contract is what was killing it. Yeah, but, dude, he's going to be solid.
Graham:He is going to be solid. And look, as you're talking about the contract, he's not going to play a straight corner. No, and that's fine.
Scott:He's going to play the Derwin role as being that safety nickel in the box kind of guy, and that's what I want. And that's the best thing. That's the best thing that happened to the Chargers once. Beanie head, I don't even remember the ass hats Stadium head coach, don't even matter why you got to say that.
Announcer:Once the Haley left.
Scott:Tori, how'd you get out of the bedroom? My dog's running around now. Tori, how'd you get out of the bedroom? My dog's running around now? That's the best thing that happened once Jesse Minner got there was Derwin was around the ball Right, and I can see Ramsey filling that same role with you guys. I mean, Minka got hurt a couple games last year. The only thing that I question is y'all are taking I don't know what the dolphins are eating in a salary, but like you said earlier, they gave him a little bit of a raise. What's going to happen with?
Graham:Watt. We got money, we had money to spend and, like I said earlier, we were paying Minka a buttload of cash as well. So the swap was really I don't want to say it evened each other out, but Minka was getting paid in the at least $20 million a year. I want to say around $25. And this is all off the top of my head, folks, so don't kill me in the comments and you know Ramsey's in that like $25 to range, so it's not that much of a difference. I was kind of surprised. I saw, dude, we fully guaranteed Jono Smith at, I think, $12 million, which is pretty good for a tight end. I mean, who's to say at this point? But look, we still got to sign. Tj Pittsburgh had money to spend.
Graham:But look, the owner, art Rooney, was just like hey, he said to Tomlin the previous year look, get your shit together. We are the Pittsburgh Steelers, we are a storied franchise. We can't be good enough to make the playoffs and have first-round Like. We need to do something about it. And last year they did Like they made moves. You know we brought in Russ, we brought in Justin Fields, we brought in you know, some other pieces. You know Patrick Queen and things like that, which helped, but it didn't get us over the hump per se. And what I mean by that is, you know, not even a deep run. How about just a win? Can we start with a playoff win? I mean, I'm not greedy right now, but last year was last year, this year is this year, right, and I think this year, because everyone's talking about, oh, the quarterback, the quarterback situation, what's Pittsburgh going to do? I mean, look, the whole Aaron Rogers situation rubbed everyone except the internal core people of the upper management of Pittsburgh Steelers the wrong way, like, oh, what do you mean? You're not gonna sign? What do you mean you're not gonna tell us anything? What do you mean?
Graham:I really think it came down to the communication between Art Rooney, but more especially Mike Tom, mike Tomlin, between Aaron Rodgers, where he's just like look, I'm going to be here. I still like, I'm not technically committed, but I'm going to let you know I'm going to be here. I got things that need to take care of. We'll just keep it on the DL, we'll let time ride out, but I'll be here for right. And and look, everyone was giving him shit prior to the draft, after the draft, that two months that it was. And look, did he sign? Yes, is everyone happy at first, but him being in the building and him coming to OTAs, the voluntary OTAs it really showed a lot. No-transcript. Look, we got John Hugh Smith, who's technically a tight end but I mean he plays more or less like a wide receiver. I like him as a great complement to the other wide receivers, and by wide receivers I mean tight ends and Fry ends and Friar Muth.
Announcer:Darnell.
Graham:Washington, which, by the way, aaron Rodgers loves. Bro, aaron Rodgers, yeah, but he's a blocker yeah, he is. But watch out, hey, you heard it here first Darnell Washington, I'm taking the over in three and a half touchdowns. You heard it here first. Anyway, between those moves, but then this move that they just made, the ceiling is there. I mean, at this point, all it can come down to, and especially how it is in the NFL, what's the number one asset of a player in the NFL?
Announcer:Their health.
Graham:Availability. If the guys that we brought in and our core guys can stay healthy for the whole season, or at least if they do, can we get banged up a little bit in the beginning of the season? But if we can stay healthy, hey, don't. Can us out that defense looking good with the additions that we had through the draft, the offense, Aaron, how smart he is and how he can help run the offense. I just I don't want to sound like a homer I'm going to. I'm not saying we're winning the division, I'm not saying that, but you heard it here first. We're getting a playoff win this year and it might be more than one if we stay healthy. I'm just telling you right now I like our chances.
Scott:So the 2016 draft, when Ramsey was picked, coming out of Florida State Rams took Jared Goff one, eagles took Carson Wentz to. Like I said, chargers took Bosa three, cowboys took Zeke Elliott four. And the Jaguars took Ramsey five.
Graham:I mean.
Scott:And that's when Laramie Tunsell was supposed to be early and he was smoking weed through his gas mask and wow, he went 13 to Miami.
Graham:And then he went to.
Scott:Houston and now he's with Washington. Yeah, how about Derrick Henry? Dude went 45th overall to Tennessee. That's crazy, crazy. But you know, I mean, it all comes down to Aaron Rodgers. Dude Facts. It all comes down to Aaron Rodgers.
Graham:I mean, at this point the pieces are set. I know we still got to sign TJ. It's going to happen, I'm not worried about it. There's no level. Well, I can't say no level, but I mean from everyone that I've been watching online the reporters and different stuff everyone says it's going to happen. So if they say that, I believe it.
Graham:And look, this is it, this is the shot, this is our best chance we've had in a while. And the thing is it's just like I want to do it with our guys. Specifically, I want to do it with the Cam Haywards that have been so good for us for so many years now. I mean, dude, he's I think this is Cam's 14th year, 13th or 14th year, you know TJ's not, unfortunately, getting any younger either. I mean, look, would I have liked to also put Mika Fitzpatrick in this conversation, absolutely, but he gone, so sorry about it. But you know, look, maybe the extra you know playoff experience from Ramsey, you know, on the defense, will help. I just, I mean, the thing is everyone's like oh well, ramsey didn't have that great of a year last year with the Dolphins. Yeah, did you see what the Dolphins did last year? They had no pass rush. Like for anyone that watches the NFL, things have to happen for individuals to succeed. Right, if you're a good corner, like, the reason why you're a great corner is because you have a great pass rush.
Scott:And that goes back to my boy, ben Seeland, from the very first episode of this show when I was complaining about our corners. And Ben C goes. Stop talking fanball, talk football. He goes. Any wide receiver in the league can get open in five seconds, don't care who's covering them, but dude the Dolphins. I just. I don't care who's covering them, but dude the dolphins. I just. I don't understand. I mean, ramsay was a captain, johnny was a captain, calais campbell was a captain. They're all gone.
Scott:What kind of faith can you have in the Dolphins if you're a Dolphins fan right now? I mean, what can you think about the Dolphins? Is it his fault? Is it his fault the GMs traded away everybody? Is it his fault? Tyreek wants out? I mean, remember the year before when the Dolphins played the Bills in the playoffs in Buffalo. Wasn't it their third guy? Fourth guy? I mean I don't know, but I mean, as a fan of an NFL team, I mean, if Herbert goes down, do I really have faith in the success of the future of the season? What, dude? I mean the Eagles, carson Wentz, nick Foles, the Patriots back in the day, through Bledsoe, enter Tom Brady. I agree.
Graham:I agree, you know it's the next man up and the problem is there's a reason why I don't want to say this. So I was listening on NFL radio, on Sirius XM and not this. I'm not going in opposite direction just by saying this, but there was a segment where they were talking about growing the game, especially overseas, and you know they made a good point that it's just like we're not going to have teams overseas, or at least especially like another division overseas, for at least another 20, 30 years. Because think about it, if you had four more teams, are there four more quality NFL starting quarterbacks?
Scott:It ain't happening, they ain't going to.
Graham:Well, I'm just saying like they want to. But I'm just saying like the game hasn't developed enough in other countries to where we can say like there's a reason why there's 10. We'll just say 10 is a round number. There's 10 quarterbacks in the NFL right now that you could be like all right, I'd be fine taking you 10 quarterbacks in the NFL right now. That you'd be like all right, I'd be fine taking you After 10,. You're like, yeah, it'll work, but do I have all the confidence in the world? You can lead us into the playoffs and make a deep run.
Scott:But, lou, I mean I keep saying it and you keep laughing at me. I'm just going to throw it out there. Wouldn't surprise me. I know you all drafted Will Howard late. I know you got Aaron Rodgers, who's already announced this is his last season. Would not be shocked, dude. Kyler Murray is the quarterback for the Steelers next year. Wouldn't be shocked.
Graham:All right yo, if Kyler Murray is the quarterback next year I'll shave my head. All right, bro. I'll tell you. All right yo, if Kyler Murray is the quarterback next year I'll shave my head.
Scott:All right, bro, I'll tell you. All right, everybody. June 30th at 1135. 2025.
Graham:There is no FAA.
Eric Meichtry:Dude, why not? Why not?
Graham:Okay, okay. So if Herbert went down with a career-ending injury, are you getting?
Scott:I'd take him over Will Howard. I mean, he's got starting experience. He's played in a good offense. You know, did they overpay him? Yeah, maybe. Well, he has started a a good offense. You know, did they overpay him? Yeah, maybe. Well, he has started a playoff game.
Graham:You can't look me in the face and say they definitely didn't, but he's got experience. Okay, what? Running around like a little kid in a playground and then throwing the ball up in the air, looking for miracles?
Scott:And he's had success. It's more than Will Howard's done looking for miracles, and he's had success. It's more than Will Howard's done.
Graham:Yeah, he hasn't played a down yet in the NFL.
Eric Meichtry:Give him a chance.
Graham:Hey, you heard it here. Second, I'll take Will Howard over him all day, every day. Dude Yenzers, real Yenzers, want nothing to do with him, nothing. He can't even see over the offensive line. How are we supposed to?
Scott:block for him. How'd that work out? How'd that work out?
Graham:Yeah, well, okay yeah, have you ever heard of a unicorn? They exist, but you know there's a reason why they're few and far between.
Scott:Anyhow, Another crazy trade and another sport my Vegas Golden Knights. Mitch Marner today. Dude from the Maple Leafs Insane. You know, tomorrow starts free agency in NHL and it all came down to if we signed him as a free agent, he could only sign a seven-year deal. If it was a sign-and-trade he could sign an eight-year deal. So Maple Leaf signing and sign-and-trade.
Scott:The worst part about the whole situation is my boy, Nick Waugh you know, spelled R-O-Y is no longer a knight and loves having him on the team, just because everybody knows my nickname is Waugh. But, dude, him and Eichel together let's go Instantly favorites to win the West. What, Dude Marshan re-signed with the Panthers. Panthers are, like I said earlier, dude, they're about to steamroll. The league Would not imagine or would not be surprised if they won again next year with their cap.
Scott:Sam Bennett, I mean, dude, it's insane, Insane. But, Graham, this was one of my favorite episodes. Got to reconnect with Mike Tree and his US Senior Open this past week in Colorado Springs at the Broadmoor. Like I was telling you the other night, it was a blast to watch it on Instagram Live and you know it was super cool. He's a down-to-earth guy, he's one of my favorite people and it was a blast dude people and it was a blast dude. So anybody in murrieta, temecula you know, inland empire that's looking for proper golf instruction you know we're gonna tag him in our episode, instagram, the whole deal. Hit him up, go out there and get better. Hit him up, get out there and get better. Hit him up, get out there and get better. But, Graham, it's the dog days of summer. You know it's about to be the fourth. Have a great holiday everybody. Happy fourth, Be safe. And not sure if you saw it, but the hero of the day, the Disney Cruise. You see the little four-year-old girl that fell off the balcony on the fourth floor of the cruise.
Graham:Dude no.
Scott:Four-year-old girl fell off the balcony of the Disney Cruise and her dad jumped in the water to save her. They had to tread water for 20 plus minutes. Got him Everybody's good and same. That's what a dad does, dude.
Graham:I mean, I'd obviously do the same, but just imagining jumping off a cruise ship. How close you would be to the ship, Wouldn't you be concerned Like you'd get sucked under the?
Scott:ship. When is your four-year-old kid?
Graham:Oh my God, no, I get it, I get it, I get it. I'm just saying. And, by the way, how did we go from Hot Chick?
Announcer:of the Week to Because, dude, that's just insane.
Graham:I was just like no, no, you're definitely right, but you just took me a complete left turn.
Announcer:I was like oh, who are we?
Scott:going to talk about now. I was the hot chick of the week the last couple. Who's your hot chick of the week?
Graham:Well, I mean you normally. You know you're the guy for that, so I didn't know. I had the chance to vote for that.
Announcer:So, folks, next week I got the hot chick of the week. No, no, no, no no, no, not next week Stay tuned.
Scott:Right now on the spot hot chick of the week.
Graham:Yeah, I have. Who is the hot chick of the week? Who am I? I don't know. I finally finished the last two episodes of Full Swing, so we'll bring out your girl again, amanda Bellionis.
Announcer:She's the hot chick of the year, I mean just saying on that note, scott.
Graham:It's always a pleasure doing the podcast. Super appreciative to have Eric on the podcast Today. Can't wait to get this out and show it all over social media. Another great episode. Can't wait to do it again next week. And as the best homie always says, Buh-bye.
Scott:Good night friends. Eric, thanks for coming on tonight. You fucking fuck Amanda Baleonas. You already know, if you don't, my boy Badger will sell you a clue.
Announcer:Bye-bye. This episode of the Bald Guys on the Bench podcast is brought to you by our friends at Northstar Credit Union and Southern Auto, located in Southeast Virginia.
