10 NFL Players & Teams With the MOST to Prove in 2026 (Ep. 2071)

June 30, 2026

AI Summary

5 min read

The episode opens with a somber note: the hosts discuss Chris Johnson’s recent ALS diagnosis, which has already left the former Titans star unable to speak. Andrew Erickson notes a Boston University study that found 38 confirmed ALS cases among 19,000 former NFL players since 2021, and the conversation turns to the likely link between head injuries and the disease. Pat Fitzmaurice says he will never begrudge NFL players their money “because of what they subject themselves to,” and the segment serves as a reminder that the violent game fans enjoy comes with a real human cost. The hosts then pivot to the main topic: which players and teams have the most to prove in 2026.

Quarterbacks at a Crossroads

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What you'll learn

1 (00:40) **Show Open & Guest Intro** - Joe P. welcomes Andrew Erickson and Pat Fitzmaurice (filling in for Derek Brown) to the Tailgate.
2 (02:52) **Topic Introduction: 2026 Players & Teams with Something to Prove** - Joe sets up the main topic of the episode: players and teams facing pressure in the upcoming season.
3 (03:08) **Headlines: Chris Johnson ALS Diagnosis** - The show opens with a somber discussion of Chris Johnson's ALS diagnosis and his recent public appearance.
4 (09:04) **Buy or Sell: Camp Buzz** - The panel evaluates recent training camp reports for fantasy relevance.
5 (17:26) **Players with the Most to Prove in 2026** - The panel identifies individual players facing a critical season.
6 (43:40) **Teams with the Most to Prove in 2026** - The panel shifts to discussing entire organizations under pressure.
7 (56:23) **Show Wrap & Call to Action** - Joe thanks the guests, promotes the Hard Rock Bet sponsor, and encourages audience interaction.

+ Full timestamped outline available in the app

Guests on this episode

Andrew Erickson Pat Fitzmaurice

Show Notes

Which NFL players and teams have the most to prove heading into the 2026 season?

Joe Pisapia is joined by Andrew Erickson and Pat Fitzmaurice to break down the biggest pressure situations across the league

The crew discusses whether CJ Stroud can bounce back after a disappointing finish to last season, why Jalen Hurts and Baker Mayfield are entering pivotal years, and whether Kyler Murray can resurrect his reputation in Minnesota. They also debate which franchises are under the most pressure, including the Chiefs, Lions, Ravens, Chargers, Bears, and Buccaneers.

Before diving into the main discussion, the guys react to the heartbreaking news surrounding Chris Johnson's ALS diagnosis and examine the latest NFL training camp buzz, including the Browns' plans for KC Concepcion, Rashid Shaheed's expanding role in Seattle, George Holani's rise, and the Jets' rookie wide receivers making noise.

Timestamps: (May be off due to ads)

Intro - 0:00:00

Pristine Auction Giveaway - 0:01:51

NFL Headlines, Chris Johnson has ALS - 0:02:19

Camp Buzz: buy or sell? - 0:08:25

Players With the Most to Prove - 0:16:47

CJ Stroud - 0:17:20

Kyler Murray - 0:20:48

Alec Pierce - 0:29:58

Jalen Hurts - 0:33:40

Baker Mayfield - 0:39:22

Teams with something to prove, Buccaneers - 0:41:32

Baltimore Ravens - 0:42:15

Chiefs and Lions - 0:44:03

Chargers, Bears - 0:49:50

Hard Rock Bet - 0:54:33

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