Just Wondering... with Norm Hitzges

Just Wondering, Norm Hitzges sits down with longtime Dallas Morning News columnist Tim Cowlishaw for a wide-ranging conversation about the state of Dallas sports — and whether anyone is fixing the right problems. They open with the Dallas Cowboys’ offseason dilemma: should Jerry Jones pay big money to keep George Pickens… or invest that cash in repairing a defense that ranked among the franchise’s worst? Tim makes his case clearly — championships are won with defense, not another $30-million receiver. From there, the discussion expands: Is Jerry Jones too attached to star power? Has NIL and the transfer portal permanently broken college football? Are the Texas Rangers “fragile” heading into the season? Can Kumar Rocker finally deliver on his promise? Is the NBA’s tanking problem worse than the league admits? How bright is the Mavericks’ future? And how long does a seven-decade writing career last? It’s smart, candid, and classic Norm — thoughtful questions, sharp opinions, and no wasted time. 🌴 Thinking About Getting Away? Let’s make the offer: Get your free Belize trip plan at 👉 bucketlistbelize.com/norm Use promo code NORM and receive a $200 experience credit on tours or the spa with a five-night stay. Direct link: https://bucketlistbelize.com/norm-hitzges-podcast Laid-back luxury. Sand, sea, and zero tanking. ⏱ Chapters 00:00 – The George Pickens Debate: Pay Him or Trade Him? 06:30 – Why Defense Wins (Again) 07:51 – Tim Cowlishaw at 70: How Much Longer? 14:03 – Does Jerry Jones Really Know How to Win? 17:49 – Is College Football Irreparably Broken? 20:15 – The Rangers Are… Fragile 22:59 – Life After Bochy and Maddox 24:48 – Can the Stars Finally Break Through? 26:35 – The Mavericks’ Long Rebuild 28:30 – The NBA’s Tanking Problem 33:25 – The Seven-Decade Writer Question 37:24 – Why Kumar Rocker Might Decide the Rangers’ Season Check us out: patreon.com/sunsetloungedfw Instagram: sunsetloungedfw Tiktok: sunsetloungedfw X: SunsetLoungeDFW FB: Sunset Lounge DFW Just Wondering is a long-form sports commentary podcast hosted by longtime broadcaster Norm Hitzges, offering thoughtful, numbers-driven analysis of the NFL, college sports, the NBA, and the business and culture surrounding them. Each episode blends experience, history, and curiosity to explore why things happen — not just what happened. New episodes feature clear-eyed perspective, context you don’t hear elsewhere, and questions worth sitting with a little longer. 📍 Follow & Listen Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube Subscribe, rate, and review to help others find the show. Sports podcast · NFL analysis · College football · Dallas sports · NBA commentary · Salary cap · NIL · Sports media · Long-form sports talk

Today on Just Wondering with Norm Hitzges, Norm tackles three stories that couldn’t be more different — but all revolve around one word: fairness. First, the NBA’s double standard. Norm breaks down why tanking teams like the Utah Jazz are fined heavily for sitting players, while championship contenders routinely rest stars late in the season with zero consequences. Is there really a difference between protecting draft position and protecting playoff legs? Or does the league simply protect the powerful? Then Texas Rangers legend Eric Nadel joins the show to talk Rangers baseball — from the Mackenzie Gore acquisition to bullpen concerns, the departure of pitching coach Mike Maddux, and whether Seattle has officially replaced Houston as the team to beat in the American League West. Eric also discusses his 14th Annual Birthday Benefit at the Longhorn Ballroom, supporting the Grant Halliburton Foundation, and reflects on a broadcasting career that nearly became a law career instead. Finally, Norm closes with what may be the most bizarre Winter Olympic controversy in years — allegations that male ski jumpers are using hyaluronic acid injections to qualify for larger competition suits and gain aerodynamic advantage. Yes. That happened. It’s sports integrity, roster construction, broadcasting nostalgia, and an Olympic scandal that makes your skin crawl — all in one episode. ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 – The NBA’s tanking double standard 02:35 – Utah fined $500,000 vs Indiana’s $100,000 04:49 – Why contenders rest stars without punishment 05:47 – Sponsor: Bob’s Steak & Chop House 06:41 – Full Moon Healing Balm 07:58 – Eric Nadel joins the show 09:53 – Mackenzie Gore trade analysis 10:51 – Rangers bullpen concerns 14:14 – Is the lineup better this year? 20:56 – Losing pitching coach Mike Maddux 22:37 – Eric’s Plan B: unhappy lawyer 25:27 – Cuba travel challenges 28:04 – Mel Allen, Marv Albert & career inspiration 31:37 – Winter Olympic controversies 34:10 – The ski jumping hyaluronic acid allegations 36:44 – Final thoughts Check us out: patreon.com/sunsetloungedfw Instagram: sunsetloungedfw Tiktok: sunsetloungedfw X: SunsetLoungeDFW FB: Sunset Lounge DFW Just Wondering is a long-form sports commentary podcast hosted by longtime broadcaster Norm Hitzges, offering thoughtful, numbers-driven analysis of the NFL, college sports, the NBA, and the business and culture surrounding them. Each episode blends experience, history, and curiosity to explore why things happen — not just what happened. New episodes feature clear-eyed perspective, context you don’t hear elsewhere, and questions worth sitting with a little longer. 📍 Follow & Listen Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube Subscribe, rate, and review to help others find the show. Sports podcast · NFL analysis · College football · Dallas sports · NBA commentary · Salary cap · NIL · Sports media · Long-form sports talk

In this episode of Just Wondering with Norm Hitzges, Norm takes a look at two very different stories that somehow share the same theme: risk. First, the future of the Dallas Mavericks under new ownership. The Adelson family didn’t buy 73% of the franchise just to sit courtside. Norm walks through what’s really at play — the push to legalize casino gambling in Texas, the millions spent on political influence, and the long game behind a potential new arena and entertainment complex once the current lease expires in 2031. The big question isn’t whether they want a casino in Dallas. It’s whether Texas will ever allow it. Norm breaks down the politics, the timing, and whether the Mavericks are ultimately a basketball investment… or a much larger business play. Then the show pivots to the Winter Olympics — and one of the strangest medal-stand moments you’ll ever hear about. A Norwegian biathlete wins bronze and decides the podium is the perfect place to publicly confess to cheating on his girlfriend and beg for forgiveness. Norm asks the obvious: Is there ever a good time for that? And was that it? It’s sports, business, politics, ego, and human vulnerability — all in one episode. Sometimes the biggest gambles aren’t the ones made with money. ⏱️ Chapters 00:01 – Why the show is moving to once a week 02:23 – Who really owns the Mavericks now? 03:01 – The Adelsons and the casino connection 03:57 – Can Texas ever legalize gambling? 06:20 – Why legislation keeps failing 08:09 – What happens when the lease expires in 2031? 09:35 – Sponsor: Bob’s Steak & Chop House 10:15 – Full Moon Healing Balm 11:44 – Winter Olympics recap 12:46 – The Norwegian biathlete’s podium confession 15:41 – The girlfriend responds 16:13 – Final thoughts Check us out: patreon.com/sunsetloungedfw Instagram: sunsetloungedfw Tiktok: sunsetloungedfw X: SunsetLoungeDFW FB: Sunset Lounge DFW Just Wondering is a long-form sports commentary podcast hosted by longtime broadcaster Norm Hitzges, offering thoughtful, numbers-driven analysis of the NFL, college sports, the NBA, and the business and culture surrounding them. Each episode blends experience, history, and curiosity to explore why things happen — not just what happened. New episodes feature clear-eyed perspective, context you don’t hear elsewhere, and questions worth sitting with a little longer. 📍 Follow & Listen Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube Subscribe, rate, and review to help others find the show. Sports podcast · NFL analysis · College football · Dallas sports · NBA commentary · Salary cap · NIL · Sports media · Long-form sports talk

In this episode of Just Wondering with Norm Hitzges, Norm and Mary Hitzges tackle two heavy but necessary topics: what the Dallas Cowboys should have learned from the Super Bowl — and what America should be learning from the rise of hate in sports. Norm begins with the numbers. The Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots built Super Bowl teams around defense and balanced salary cap management. Seattle allowed just 17 points per game. New England allowed 18. Meanwhile, the Dallas Cowboys allowed over 30. The bigger story? Cap construction. Dallas’ nine highest-paid players account for $239 million of a $300 million cap, leaving little room for what Norm calls the “middlemen” — the $8–15 million players who build roster depth and championship resilience. By contrast, Seattle and New England distribute money far more evenly, creating flexibility and defensive depth that wins in January. Norm then shifts to a broader issue: the rise of hate in American sports. From racial chants and religious slurs to recent incidents involving BYU athletes and Oklahoma State fans, Norm questions whether fines and soft punishments are enough — and whether sports can remain a unifying force when hostility keeps escalating. It’s an episode about accountability — financial accountability in the NFL, and moral accountability in sports culture. Defense wins championships. But something else seems to be winning off the field. ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 – Did the Cowboys notice what won the Super Bowl? 02:26 – The stat that won’t go away: 49 of 60 Super Bowls 03:04 – Dallas allowing 30+ points per game 03:49 – $239M for nine players: the Cowboys’ cap problem 05:19 – How Seattle structures its salary cap 06:50 – New England’s middle-tier roster advantage 07:44 – Jerry Jones and the love of star power 08:35 – Former Cowboys thriving elsewhere 09:24 – Sponsor: Bob’s Steak & Chop House 10:18 – Full Moon Healing Balm 11:38 – The rise of hate in America 13:35 – Hate moving into sports arenas 14:18 – BYU chants and Oklahoma State’s response 14:58 – Is $50,000 enough? 15:46 – “On the love-hate scoreboard, hate seems to be winning.” 16:08 – Closing thoughts Check us out: patreon.com/sunsetloungedfw Instagram: sunsetloungedfw Tiktok: sunsetloungedfw X: SunsetLoungeDFW FB: Sunset Lounge DFW #JustWondering #NormHitzges #DallasCowboys #DefenseWins #NFLSalaryCap #SportsCulture #SuperBowl Just Wondering is a long-form sports commentary podcast hosted by longtime broadcaster Norm Hitzges, offering thoughtful, numbers-driven analysis of the NFL, college sports, the NBA, and the business and culture surrounding them. Each episode blends experience, history, and curiosity to explore why things happen — not just what happened. New episodes feature clear-eyed perspective, context you don’t hear elsewhere, and questions worth sitting with a little longer. 📍 Follow & Listen Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube Subscribe, rate, and review to help others find the show. Sports podcast · NFL analysis · College football · Dallas sports · NBA commentary · Salary cap · NIL · Sports media · Long-form sports talk

In this episode of Just Wondering with Norm Hitzges, Norm and Mary Hitzges break down Super Bowl 60 and the message it delivered — again — to the rest of the NFL. The final score shows Seattle Seahawks 29, New England Patriots 13, but Norm explains why the game was never that close. Seattle’s defense controlled the afternoon from start to finish, confusing young quarterback Drake May with late-shifting coverages, constant pressure, and disciplined execution. Norm points out that this win adds to a now overwhelming trend: the team with the better defense has won 49 of the 60 Super Bowls. From there, Norm turns his attention to the Dallas Cowboys — and doesn’t mince words. He argues that Dallas continues to ignore the most obvious lesson in football history, investing heavily in offense while hoping defense will somehow catch up. Norm lays out exactly what the Cowboys should do: use early draft picks and available free-agent money on five or six defensive players who can contribute immediately. The episode also highlights Seattle’s overlooked advantages, including elite special-teams play from kicker Jason Myers and punter Michael Dixon, who consistently flipped field position. Norm praises head coach Mike McDonald’s brilliant game plan, noting how Seattle built a championship defense without relying on massive salaries — instead emphasizing smart drafts, mid-tier contracts, and cohesion. It’s a familiar lesson, delivered once again on the biggest stage: offense sells hope, but defense still wins championships. ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 – Did Super Bowl 60 send Dallas a message? 01:25 – Why the final score doesn’t tell the story 02:12 – 49 of 60 Super Bowls: the defense statistic that won’t go away 03:06 – Seattle’s defensive domination explained 04:02 – New England’s stalled possessions and short drives 05:51 – Befuddling Drake May with late-shift defenses 06:29 – Turnovers, sacks, and constant pressure 07:18 – Seattle’s special teams flip the field 08:11 – Why Kenneth Walker deserved MVP 09:03 – Mike McDonald’s brilliant defensive blueprint 10:39 – How Seattle built a championship defense 11:29 – Cowboys Organization: did you get the message? 12:14 – Sponsor message: Bob’s Steak & Chop House 12:40 – Full Moon Healing Balm 14:14 – Subscribe, follow, and final thoughts Just Wondering is a long-form sports commentary podcast hosted by longtime broadcaster Norm Hitzges, offering thoughtful, numbers-driven analysis of the NFL, college sports, the NBA, and the business and culture surrounding them. Each episode blends experience, history, and curiosity to explore why things happen — not just what happened. New episodes feature clear-eyed perspective, context you don’t hear elsewhere, and questions worth sitting with a little longer. 📍 Follow & Listen Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube Subscribe, rate, and review to help others find the show. Sports podcast · NFL analysis · College football · Dallas sports · NBA commentary · Salary cap · NIL · Sports media · Long-form sports talk

In this episode of Just Wondering with Norm Hitzges, Norm and Mary Hitzges look backward and forward at the same time — tracing the remarkable evolution of the Super Bowl while unpacking a franchise-shifting decision by the Dallas Mavericks. Norm begins with Super Bowl 60, revisiting how the game went from an awkward, half-empty afternoon in 1967 to the most powerful annual spectacle in American sports. From $12 tickets and $42,000 commercials to today’s $8–10 million ad slots, Norm explains how the Super Bowl’s growth mirrors the transformation of sports, television, and money itself. Along the way, he shares unforgettable history — including Max McGee’s hungover heroics in Super Bowl I and the astonishing reality that neither network bothered to save the full game tape. The episode then shifts to the present, where Norm breaks down the Dallas Mavericks’ decision to move on from Anthony Davis, effectively closing the book on the Luka Dončić era. Norm explains why the trade wasn’t about talent — Davis was still productive when healthy — but about flexibility, criticism fatigue, and long-term cap strategy. With Dallas now projected to have $44 million in cap space, Norm outlines how the Mavericks may follow a patient, Oklahoma City–style rebuild built around flexibility, draft assets, and opportunistic trades. It’s a thoughtful episode about growth, money, patience, and perspective — from the Super Bowl’s unlikely beginnings to a franchise trying to find its next identity. Just Wondering_1.mp3 ⏱️ Chapters (YouTube-Friendly) 00:00 – Super Bowl Sunday questions and today’s themes 01:26 – The origin of the Super Bowl name 02:10 – From $12 tickets to $10M commercials 02:58 – 32,000 empty seats at Super Bowl I 04:57 – Why the full game footage was never saved 05:53 – Max McGee’s hungover Super Bowl legend 06:49 – Super Bowl 60 matchup and betting context 08:02 – Why defense still wins Super Bowls 08:56 – Transition to the Mavericks’ big move 11:09 – Anthony Davis traded and what it really means 11:54 – Criticism fatigue and why Dallas wanted out 13:20 – What the Mavericks actually received 14:15 – The real prize: $44M in cap flexibility 15:40 – Following the Oklahoma City rebuild model 16:21 – Pieces Dallas still likes going forward 17:18 – What Dallas ultimately got for Luka 18:27 – Sponsors and closing thoughts 19:19 – Final sign-off Check us out: patreon.com/sunsetloungedfw Instagram: sunsetloungedfw Tiktok: sunsetloungedfw X: SunsetLoungeDFW FB: Sunset Lounge DFW Just Wondering is a long-form sports commentary podcast hosted by longtime broadcaster Norm Hitzges, offering thoughtful, numbers-driven analysis of the NFL, college sports, the NBA, and the business and culture surrounding them. Each episode blends experience, history, and curiosity to explore why things happen — not just what happened. New episodes feature clear-eyed perspective, context you don’t hear elsewhere, and questions worth sitting with a little longer. 📍 Follow & Listen Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube Subscribe, rate, and review to help others find the show. Sports podcast · NFL analysis · College football · Dallas sports · NBA commentary · Salary cap · NIL · Sports media · Long-form sports talk

In this episode of Just Wondering with Norm Hitzges, Norm examines two modern sports realities that feel completely different — but are driven by the same idea: pushing systems beyond what they were designed to handle. Norm starts with the Dallas Cowboys’ looming 2026 salary cap crisis. With the NFL cap projected to exceed $300 million, the Cowboys are already $30 million over, before accounting for key players they want to keep. Norm walks through the uncomfortable math surrounding contract restructures, deferred money, and why the Cowboys’ familiar strategy of “robbing Peter to pay Paul” makes today easier — and tomorrow much harder. From Dak Prescott’s ballooning cap numbers to the impossible situation surrounding defensive tackle Kenny Clark, this is a clear-eyed look at how Dallas keeps betting on the future while borrowing against it. Then the episode shifts to college football, where the definition of a “career” is quietly being rewritten. Norm breaks down the unprecedented case of Miami linebacker Mohamed Ture, who is returning for an eighth season of college football at age 25. Thanks to redshirts, injury waivers, COVID eligibility, and NIL deals, Norm explains why some players can now make more money staying in college than entering the NFL — and why this trend may only accelerate. It’s a thoughtful, numbers-driven episode about consequences, incentives, and what happens when leagues solve today’s problems by moving them into tomorrow. JWw-NH SL Ep 95 ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 – Just wondering about another Cowboys salary cap mess 01:27 – The 2026 NFL salary cap: $300M and Dallas is already over 02:08 – “Robbing Peter to pay Paul” explained 02:53 – Cutting players to create cap space 03:38 – Why Kenny Clark’s $21M cap hit can’t happen 04:29 – The backlash if Dallas lets Clark walk 05:11 – Nine players, $259M, and nowhere to go 06:01 – Why the math simply doesn’t work 06:40 – March 11: the real NFL deadline 07:21 – How Dak Prescott’s cap hit ballooned to $74M 08:04 – Zach Martin, retirement, and dead money 08:55 – “Busting the budget” for a Super Bowl run 09:41 – Sponsor break 11:39 – College football’s newest oddity 12:26 – Mohamed Ture returns for an eighth season 13:26 – ACL injuries, NFL risk, and NIL math 14:13 – Making a career out of college football 14:53 – Final thoughts and sign-off Check us out: patreon.com/sunsetloungedfw Instagram: sunsetloungedfw Tiktok: sunsetloungedfw X: SunsetLoungeDFW FB: Sunset Lounge DFW #JustWondering #NormHitzges #DallasCowboys #NFLSalaryCap #CowboysNation #CollegeFootball #NIL #TransferPortal #SportsPodcast #SportsEconomics Just Wondering is a long-form sports commentary podcast hosted by longtime broadcaster Norm Hitzges, offering thoughtful, numbers-driven analysis of the NFL, college sports, the NBA, and the business and culture surrounding them. Each episode blends experience, history, and curiosity to explore why things happen — not just what happened. New episodes feature clear-eyed perspective, context you don’t hear elsewhere, and questions worth sitting with a little longer. 📍 Follow & Listen Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube Subscribe, rate, and review to help others find the show. Sports podcast · NFL analysis · College football · Dallas sports · NBA commentary · Salary cap · NIL · Sports media · Long-form sports talk

One year later, the Luka Dončić trade still gets talked about — just not completely. In this episode of Just Wondering with Norm Hitzges, Norm Hitzges revisits the shocking deal that sent Luka Dončić from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers, and explains why most retrospectives still leave out the most important details. Yes, Luka was a brilliant offensive force. Yes, Dallas fans adored him. And yes, the trade wrecked the Mavericks almost immediately. But Norm lays out three realities that rarely get mentioned: Dončić never improved defensively in his six-and-a-half seasons in Dallas, he consistently showed up to seasons overweight, and the financial commitment looming over the franchise was staggering — five years, $345 million guaranteed. Norm argues that Dallas would have accepted the turnovers, the shooting inefficiencies, and even the injuries — if Luka had simply taken conditioning seriously while he was there. Instead, that lack of commitment quietly shaped the Mavericks’ decision in ways fans and analysts still resist acknowledging. Then, just when the conversation feels heavy, sports does what it always does — it delivers something you couldn’t make up if you tried. Norm tells the unbelievable story of heavyweight boxer Jarell Miller, a career full of suspensions, comebacks, and one unforgettable Madison Square Garden moment when a perfectly timed uppercut sent Miller’s toupee dangling — and then flying — into the crowd. It’s classic Just Wondering: hard truths, missing context, and a reminder that sports will always find a way to surprise you. Chapters 00:00:00 – One year later and still wondering about the Luka trade 00:01:29 – Revisiting the shock of Dončić to the Lakers 00:02:13 – What most trade recaps leave out 00:03:03 – Luka’s playoff defense problem 00:03:52 – The $345 million elephant in the room 00:04:43 – Conditioning, injuries, and missed games 00:05:30 – Why Dallas would have paid him anyway 00:06:07 – “If he’d just gotten in shape…” 00:06:55 – Sponsor break: Bob’s Steak & Chop House 00:07:35 – Full Moon Healing Balm and aging realities 00:08:20 – Enter Jarell “Big Baby” Miller 00:09:02 – A heavyweight career full of suspensions 00:10:17 – Failed drug tests and strange explanations 00:11:49 – Comebacks, casinos, and global fight stops 00:12:38 – Madison Square Garden and the toupee incident 00:13:25 – The ammonia bleach explanation 00:14:20 – Why boxing always delivers the unbelievable 00:15:15 – Sponsors and closing thoughts 00:15:37 – Final sign-off

Eventually, the bill always comes due. In this episode of Just Wondering with Norm Hitzges, Norm Hitzges and Mary Hitzges walk through two modern sports realities that look very different — but are built on the same idea: pushing limits until something breaks. Norm begins with the Dallas Cowboys’ looming 2026 salary-cap crisis. With the projected cap sitting just over $300 million, the Cowboys are already $30 million over, before accounting for key free agents they want to keep. Norm explains how Dallas has once again boxed itself into a corner by restructuring contracts, pushing money into the future, and concentrating massive cap hits among a small group of stars. The discussion centers on the uncomfortable math surrounding Kenny Clark’s $21 million cap hit, the franchise’s reliance on “robbing Peter to pay Paul,” and why restructuring deals feels easy now — and painful later. From there, the episode shifts to college football, where the definition of “career” is quietly being rewritten. Norm breaks down the unusual case of Miami linebacker Mohammad Ture, who is returning for an eighth season of college football at age 25. Thanks to redshirts, injury waivers, COVID eligibility, and NIL money, Norm explains why staying in college can now be more financially rewarding — and less risky — than going pro for some players. It’s an episode about consequences, incentives, and systems stretched well beyond what they were designed to handle — whether it’s an NFL salary cap or the idea that college football is still just for college kids. Chapters 00:00:00 – Just wondering about another Cowboys cap problem 00:01:27 – The 2026 NFL salary cap: $300 million — and Dallas is over 00:02:08 – Who still needs to be paid 00:02:34 – “Robbing Peter to pay Paul” explained 00:03:23 – Cutting contracts to create cap space 00:04:12 – Kenny Clark’s $21 million problem 00:04:56 – Why letting Clark walk creates backlash 00:05:37 – Nine players taking up $259 million 00:06:26 – Doing the math — and realizing it doesn’t work 00:06:43 – The March 11 free-agency deadline 00:07:23 – Pushing Dak’s money down the road 00:08:08 – Zach Martin’s retirement and dead money reality 00:09:01 – Can “busting the budget” actually lead to a Super Bowl? 00:09:48 – Sponsor break: Bob’s Steak & Chop House 00:10:14 – Full Moon Healing Balm 00:11:26 – College football’s newest oddity 00:12:19 – Mohammad Ture returns for his eighth season 00:13:18 – How eligibility rules made this possible 00:13:56 – Why the NFL isn’t as attractive anymore 00:14:14 – Making a career out of college football 00:14:55 – Sponsors and closing thoughts 00:15:36 – Final sign-off Check us out: patreon.com/sunsetloungedfw Instagram: sunsetloungedfw Tiktok: sunsetloungedfw X: SunsetLoungeDFW FB: Sunset Lounge DFW

Every decision has a cost. Some just make that cost easier to see. In this episode of Just Wondering with Norm Hitzges, Norm Hitzges takes on two issues that reveal how the NFL really works when money and principles collide. Norm begins with what may be Jerry Jones’ biggest offseason headache: George Pickens. The Cowboys’ most explosive receiver is now a free agent, coming off his best season and expecting elite money — money that would further tilt Dallas’ budget toward the offense while the defense remains thin. Norm breaks down Pickens’ complicated history, the franchise-tag math, and why committing long-term dollars to another receiver could once again leave the Cowboys patching together the other side of the ball. History, Norm reminds us, still favors defense — even if Dallas keeps betting the other way. The episode then pivots to something bigger than football strategy: free speech in the NFL. Norm reacts to the league fining Houston linebacker Aziz Al-Shaair for writing “stop the genocide” on his eye black during a playoff game. The fine raises uncomfortable questions about where the league draws its lines, what kinds of expression are encouraged, and which ones come with a price tag. Norm contrasts the NFL’s celebration of charitable causes with its punishment of political expression — and wonders aloud what freedom of speech actually costs inside a multibillion-dollar league. It’s an episode about choices — who gets paid, who gets fined, and how often the league’s priorities are revealed not by words, but by numbers. Chapters 00:00:00 – Jerry Jones’ offseason problems and today’s questions 00:01:29 – The George Pickens dilemma begins 00:02:22 – From troubled talent to elite production 00:03:47 – Pickens’ market value and CD Lamb comparisons 00:04:33 – Franchise tag vs. long-term commitment 00:05:30 – Offensive spending and defensive consequences 00:06:15 – Kicking the salary cap down the road 00:07:05 – “Busting the budget” — again 00:07:52 – Why Super Bowl history still favors defense 00:08:59 – Sponsor break and Full Moon Healing Balm 00:10:18 – Freedom of speech in the NFL takes another hit 00:11:10 – Aziz Al-Shaair fined for his message 00:12:07 – NFL Rule 5 and restricted expression 00:13:00 – The cost of saying the wrong thing 00:13:58 – Sponsor break and closing acknowledgments 00:14:19 – Final thoughts and sign-off Check us out: patreon.com/sunsetloungedfw Instagram: sunsetloungedfw Tiktok: sunsetloungedfw X: SunsetLoungeDFW FB: Sunset Lounge DFW

What happens when college sports operate without anyone truly in charge? Exactly what you’re seeing now. In this episode of Just Wondering with Norm Hitzges, Norm Hitzges takes on two developments that point to a looming breakdown in college athletics — and neither one has a clean solution. Norm begins with a court ruling involving former Alabama basketball player Charles Bediako, who declared for the NBA Draft, went undrafted, played professionally, and is now seeking to return to college basketball. A judge has temporarily ruled that the NCAA cannot stop him. Norm explains why this isn’t just about one player — it’s about the precedent. If this door stays open, what stops waves of undrafted football and basketball players from attempting pro careers, failing, and then pouring back into college sports with eligibility intact? From there, Norm pivots to college football’s playoff mess. Despite widespread agreement that a 16-team playoff would have fixed most of this year’s problems, the SEC and Big Ten failed — again — to reach consensus. Instead, financial motivations, conference power plays, and a proposed 24-team playoff loaded with byes killed progress. The result: a flawed 12-team system that left deserving programs out while frustrating fans who just want fairness and clarity. Throughout the episode, Norm returns to one central theme: the NCAA is powerless, university presidents won’t act, and conferences are chasing money at the expense of the sport itself. When no one’s willing to lead, chaos isn’t a surprise — it’s the outcome. Chapters 00:00:00 – Just wondering about chaos coming to college sports 00:01:38 – The Charles Bediako case and a dangerous precedent 00:02:23 – Declaring for the NBA too early — and wanting back in 00:03:12 – A judge says the NCAA can’t stop it 00:04:00 – What happens if this ruling holds 00:05:00 – Undrafted players returning to college football 00:05:58 – “We are talking chaos here” 00:06:57 – The NCAA as a toothless tiger 00:07:48 – Sponsor break: Bob’s Steak & Chop House 00:08:25 – Full Moon Healing Balm and aging realities 00:09:10 – Why this year’s College Football Playoff failed 00:10:11 – Why a 16-team playoff made sense 00:11:20 – The Big Ten’s 24-team proposal and money motives 00:12:20 – Why 24 teams is “way too clumsy” 00:13:16 – Deadlines missed and progress stalled 00:14:03 – Remembering the four-team playoff disaster 00:14:52 – Power brokers vs. fans and the sport itself 00:15:16 – Sponsors and closing thoughts 00:16:08 – Final sign-off Check us out: patreon.com/sunsetloungedfw Instagram: sunsetloungedfw Tiktok: sunsetloungedfw X: SunsetLoungeDFW FB: Sunset Lounge DFW

Sometimes a sports day doesn’t feel loud — it just feels important. In this episode of Just Wondering with Norm Hitzges, Norm Hitzges breaks down two significant moves by Dallas teams that signal intention, urgency, and calculated risk. First, Norm dives into the Cowboys’ hiring of Christian Parker as defensive coordinator. At just 34 years old, Parker arrives with one of the most important credentials in the NFL: five years working under Vic Fangio. Norm explains why Fangio’s defensive philosophy — hybrid fronts, disguised coverages, and confusion by design — could be exactly what Dallas needs, and why the current roster actually fits a transition to a 3–4 defense better than many realize. The challenge now becomes roster construction: linebackers, secondary help, and tough contract decisions that will determine whether the scheme can truly take hold. Then the focus shifts to baseball, where the Texas Rangers make a bold trade to acquire Mackenzie Gore, a former top prospect and All-Star starter with undeniable talent — and a troubling pattern. Norm walks through Gore’s career arc, from elite first halves to second-half swoons, and asks the central question: can the Rangers unlock consistency where others couldn’t? The cost was steep, including top prospects and further damage to an already thin farm system, but the need was undeniable. With an aging rotation, the Rangers are betting upside matters more than depth. It’s not optimism or pessimism — it’s realism. Two big swings by two franchises trying to solve real problems, knowing full well that neither move comes with guarantees. Chapters 00:00:00 – Two major moves in Dallas sports 00:01:28 – The Cowboys hire Christian Parker 00:02:19 – Why Vic Fangio’s influence matters 00:02:55 – The Fangio defensive blueprint explained 00:03:44 – Why the Cowboys’ roster fits a 3–4 defense 00:04:28 – Kenny Clark’s contract and tough cap decisions 00:05:18 – The linebacker problem Dallas must solve 00:06:35 – Draft targets and Sonny Styles’ potential fit 00:07:27 – Why this is a genuinely good day for the Cowboys 00:07:49 – Turning to the Rangers and their pitching need 00:10:11 – Remembering Mackenzie Gore as a top prospect 00:10:52 – How Gore ended up available 00:11:22 – Why the Rangers desperately needed a starter 00:12:10 – Evaluating the current rotation honestly 00:12:47 – Gore’s troubling second-half struggles 00:13:25 – Can the Rangers fix the inconsistency? 00:14:14 – What Dallas gave up in the trade 00:15:43 – The prospects involved and long-term cost 00:18:01 – Why Washington made the deal now 00:18:46 – Gore’s role in the Rangers’ rotation 00:19:27 – The farm system fallout 00:19:48 – Why the risk still makes sense 00:20:42 – Sponsors and closing thoughts 00:21:23 – Final sign-off Check us out: patreon.com/sunsetloungedfw Instagram: sunsetloungedfw Tiktok: sunsetloungedfw X: SunsetLoungeDFW FB: Sunset Lounge DFW

Imagine leaving Earth for two years… and coming back to find Indiana football sitting on top of the college football world. In this episode of Just Wondering with Norm Hitzges, Norm Hitzges takes listeners through one of the most astonishing transformations the sport has ever seen: the Indiana Hoosiers playing for a national championship. A program long defined by losses, obscurity, and broken coaching careers is now on the brink of an undefeated season — something no team in college football history has ever achieved at this scale. Norm breaks down how head coach Kurt Signetti engineered the turnaround, from importing winning culture and key players from James Madison to convincing quarterback Fernando Mendoza to transfer — a move that resulted in a Heisman Trophy winner and a projected No. 1 NFL draft pick. The episode dives deep into the numbers behind Indiana’s dominance, including defensive performances that have held every opponent under 24 points and statistical margins usually reserved for dynasties. Norm also offers context for just how absurd this rise is, comparing Indiana’s long history of losses to its sudden place among college football’s elite. Along the way, Mary Hitzges joins with sponsor messages and reflections, grounding the episode in the familiar rhythm of Just Wondering while the story itself remains anything but familiar. This isn’t hype. It’s perspective — and a reminder that sometimes sports still manage to surprise us. Chapters 00:00:00 – Just wondering about Indiana playing for a national title 00:01:22 – Has college football ever seen anything like this? 00:02:09 – Indiana’s history as a program where careers went to die 00:03:10 – Kurt Signetti arrives and brings a winning blueprint 00:04:04 – From 713 losses to Big Ten dominance 00:05:10 – The numbers that make this season unbelievable 00:06:31 – No opponent scores more than 24 points 00:07:17 – The astronaut analogy: disbelief in real time 00:08:04 – Miami’s puncher’s chance and final test 00:09:01 – Bob’s Steak & Chop House sponsor break 00:09:38 – Full Moon Healing Balm and personal fixes 00:10:16 – Fluent Financial and closing reflections 00:10:38 – Why this story may never be repeated Check us out: patreon.com/sunsetloungedfw Instagram: sunsetloungedfw Tiktok: sunsetloungedfw X: SunsetLoungeDFW FB: Sunset Lounge DFW

How much can one move really fix? In this episode of Just Wondering, Norm Hitzges walks through the cold math of the Cowboys’ offseason and arrives at an uncomfortable conclusion: Dallas likely has enough money to make one meaningful defensive free-agent signing — and that’s it. Even with difficult decisions looming around George Pickens and the franchise tag, the Cowboys’ financial flexibility is minimal, forcing them to be precise instead of hopeful. Norm lays out five realistic defensive targets who could fit Dallas’ needs and budget, including Jacksonville linebacker Devin Lloyd, Seattle safety Kobe Bryant, edge rusher Boye Mafe, and the high-risk, high-reward possibility of injured linebacker Nakobe Dean. It’s a conversation rooted in value, age, availability, and the reality that the Cowboys can’t afford to miss — not financially and not competitively. The episode then zooms out to the bigger picture: a 30-year playoff drought that looks worse the deeper you dig. Norm breaks down just how rarely the Cowboys have even reached the quarterfinals — and how consistently they’ve lost once they got there. Add in bad luck on the draft front, with quarterback Dante Moore choosing to stay in college and shrinking the pool of players who might slide to pick No. 12, and the margin for error grows even thinner. Norm closes with a look at an unusual NFL playoff weekend, where home-field advantage barely matters and parity reigns — a reminder of how far Dallas still is from being part of the real conversation. It’s not angry. It’s not dramatic. It’s just honest. Chapters 00:00:00 – Free agency reality: the Cowboys can afford one move 00:01:29 – The George Pickens franchise-tag dilemma 00:02:12 – Why elite free agents are out of Dallas’ price range 00:02:50 – Focusing on defense and realistic targets 00:03:30 – Devin Lloyd: breakout year, real value 00:04:03 – Can Lloyd blitz and cover? Yes 00:04:53 – Kobe Bryant and fixing safety coverage 00:05:44 – Boye Mafe: affordable edge-rush upside 00:06:27 – Nakobe Dean: talent vs. availability 00:07:59 – Nayshaun Wright and why change matters 00:08:41 – Bob’s Steak & Chop House sponsor break 00:09:27 – Full Moon Healing Balm and personal fixes 00:10:04 – Cowboys playoff history nobody likes to revisit 00:10:46 – Seven quarterfinals, seven losses, thirty years 00:11:42 – Draft hopes hinge on players sliding 00:12:25 – Dante Moore stays in school — and that hurts 00:13:06 – Why the Cowboys’ draft board just got tighter 00:13:54 – An unusual NFL quarterfinal weekend 00:14:54 – Betting lines reveal league parity 00:15:59 – Final thoughts and sign-off Check us out: patreon.com/sunsetloungedfw Instagram: sunsetloungedfw Tiktok: sunsetloungedfw X: SunsetLoungeDFW FB: Sunset Lounge DFW youtube: ⁨@SunsetLoungeDFW⁩

The Cowboys don’t have many chances — and that’s exactly the problem. In this episode of Just Wondering, Norm Hitzges breaks down the Dallas Cowboys’ upcoming draft and explains why the pressure on their two first-round picks couldn’t be higher. With no selections in the second or third rounds, Dallas must hit on picks 12 and 20 to begin fixing a defense that simply wasn’t good enough last season. Norm walks through realistic draft scenarios, evaluates defensive targets like Sonny Styles, Caleb Downs, Harold Baines, and Jermod McCoy, and explains how quarterback movement at the top of the draft could quietly help — or hurt — the Cowboys’ plans. Norm also explores trade-down possibilities at pick 20, outlining how Dallas might regain badly needed draft capital without sacrificing defensive help. The bottom line is blunt: the Cowboys cannot afford another draft miss. There’s no cushion, no waiting around, and no easy fix if they get this wrong. Then the conversation turns to college football — and how the transfer portal has pushed the sport into complete chaos. Norm lays out eye-opening transfer numbers, including massive roster migrations following new coaches, and explains why the system has become unsustainable. The episode culminates with the story of Kansas State head coach Chris Kleiman, a wildly successful coach who retired early, citing the lack of guardrails, agent influence, and constant compensation demands as reasons he simply couldn’t continue. It’s a sobering look at two football worlds — one fighting to rebuild carefully, the other spinning faster than anyone can control. Chapters 00:00:00 – Today’s questions: the Cowboys draft and college football chaos 00:01:29 – Why the Cowboys must fix the defense through the draft 00:02:10 – The massive pressure on picks 12 and 20 00:03:01 – Why missing on these picks isn’t an option 00:03:53 – Sonny Styles and Caleb Downs: ideal defensive targets 00:04:40 – What happens if top targets are gone 00:05:23 – How quarterback movement could help Dallas 00:06:07 – Dante Moore’s draft uncertainty 00:07:02 – Cornerback options at pick 20 00:07:40 – Jermod McCoy and betting on recovery 00:08:18 – Defensive back depth in the mid-first round 00:09:16 – Trade-down scenarios to regain draft capital 00:10:08 – Why Dallas can’t afford another draft mistake 00:11:05 – Transition to college football’s transfer chaos 00:13:58 – Transfer portal numbers that don’t feel real 00:15:26 – Coaches bringing entire rosters with them 00:16:09 – Oklahoma State and Penn State transfer explosions 00:16:59 – Chris Kleiman’s retirement and warning signs 00:17:47 – Kleiman’s coaching resume and success 00:18:44 – Why the stress finally won 00:20:12 – “No one’s minding the store anymore” 00:21:36 – Agents, money, and the future of the sport 00:22:00 – Sponsors and closing thoughts Check us out: patreon.com/sunsetloungedfw Instagram: sunsetloungedfw Tiktok: sunsetloungedfw X: SunsetLoungeDFW FB: Sunset Lounge DFW

Is being likable enough to lead an NFL team? In this episode of Just Wondering, Norm Hitzges takes a thoughtful look at Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer and asks a question many fans are quietly wondering: can a “Mr. Nice Guy” succeed long-term in the NFL? Norm breaks down coaching styles from Tom Landry to Bill Belichick, and introduces the idea of the “thundering velvet hand” — leadership that blends discipline with care — while questioning whether Schottenheimer strikes the balance players need to win. Then the focus shifts to the Dallas Mavericks, where injuries to Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving force a hard reset. Norm lays out a blunt plan: forget the playoffs, invest in young players, and start building for the future. From developing Ryan Nemhard and Brandon Williams to eyeing draft position and long-term roster construction around Cooper Flagg, Norm explains why patience now could pay off later — even if it’s not the plan fans hoped for. It’s a candid, realistic look at leadership, culture, and decision-making in Dallas sports — the kind of thinking that doesn’t chase headlines, but might just point the way forward. Chapters 00:00:00 – Opening thoughts and today’s big questions 00:01:27 – Is Brian Schottenheimer simply too nice? 00:02:53 – Coaching styles: fear, respect, and leadership 00:04:21 – The “thundering velvet hand” explained 00:05:14 – Why likability may not equal long-term success 00:05:14 – Transition to the Mavericks and roster reality 00:07:46 – Anthony Davis injured again and plans unravel 00:08:29 – Forget the playoffs: time to invest in youth 00:09:30 – Building next year’s lineup around Cooper Flagg 00:10:16 – Trade flexibility and long-term roster vision 00:11:02 – Why this plan offers a real future 00:11:13 – Sponsors and closing reflections Check us out: patreon.com/sunsetloungedfw Instagram: sunsetloungedfw Tiktok: sunsetloungedfw X: SunsetLoungeDFW FB: Sunset Lounge DFW

It’s another Cowboys postseason press conference, which means plenty of smiles, sound bites, long explanations… and absolutely no real change. In this episode of Just Wondering, Norm Hitzges breaks down Jerry Jones’ latest round of optimism, focusing on the Micah Parsons trade, the financial gymnastics that come with it, and Jerry’s ongoing belief that he can “bust the budget” his way back to a Super Bowl. Norm questions whether trading elite defensive talent while handing out massive contracts elsewhere actually solves anything — or just pushes problems further down the road. Norm also takes aim at the Cowboys’ strategic contradictions: a defense everyone admits was bad, a running game that actually worked, and an offensive approach that somehow ignored it. If your defense can’t stop anyone, shouldn’t your offense help protect it? Apparently not in Dallas. Then it’s on to the numbers — the strange, fascinating, and occasionally absurd stats from this weekend’s football games. From Carolina winning a division while being outscored, to San Francisco thriving without a pass rush, to Jacksonville’s late-season dominance and the one number that decides whether Houston wins or loses, Norm connects trends, history, and logic in a way only he can. Dreams, data, and disappointment — just another week in Cowboys country. JWw-NH SL Ep 84 Chapters 00:00:00 – Another Cowboys postseason press conference begins 00:01:29 – Smiles, sound bites, and decades of disappointment 00:02:12 – The Micah Parsons trade and why the math doesn’t work 00:03:47 – Paying receivers instead of elite pass rushers 00:05:08 – Jerry picks the next defensive coordinator (again) 00:06:46 – “Busting the budget” and pushing money down the road 00:08:14 – Who pays if this plan fails? 00:09:02 – Protecting a bad defense with smarter offense 00:09:47 – The Cowboys ran well… so why didn’t they run more? 00:10:24 – Passing too much and wearing down the defense 00:11:08 – Jerry the dreamer vs. Jerry the general manager 00:11:53 – Four Super Bowls, ten years, and reality setting in 00:13:35 – What a real GM’s job actually looks like 00:14:26 – Sponsors, healing balm, and practical solutions 00:16:29 – Nick Saban’s massive coaching tree 00:17:21 – Carolina wins a division while being outscored 00:18:04 – Eric Dowdle’s bizarrely identical seasons 00:19:01 – San Francisco wins big without a pass rush 00:19:53 – Jacksonville’s dominant eight-game streak 00:20:49 – Old rivalries and playoff history 00:21:43 – The magic number for Houston: 20 00:22:52 – Final thoughts and wondering what’s next

Today on Just Wondering, Norm does what every sports fan secretly wants to do — he makes himself the general manager of the Dallas Cowboys. Fair warning: you’re probably not going to like some of the moves. Norm doesn’t like all of them either. With the salary cap looming and bills coming due, Norm walks through what tough, realistic roster decisions actually look like — who stays, who goes, and why kicking the can down the road eventually turns into a financial brick wall. From Dak’s ballooning number to painful goodbyes on defense, this is a no-nonsense look at what roster discipline really costs. Then, Norm shifts to the Dallas Mavericks and a familiar problem: Anthony Davis. When healthy, he’s elite. When not, he’s unavailable. With a massive extension looming and a rebuild quietly underway, the Mavs find themselves stuck between what they hope Davis can be and what he actually is right now. It’s cap math, uncomfortable truths, and the reminder that being the GM is hard — even when it’s hypothetical. Chapters 00:00:00 - Norm Makes Himself Cowboys GM (You Won’t Like This) 00:02:02 - The Salary Cap Reality Check 00:05:14 - Tough Cowboys Cuts and Contract Decisions 00:07:32 - Who Stays, Who Walks, and Why 00:09:45 - The George Pickens Decision Nobody Wants 00:14:07 - Full Moon Healing Balm and Aging Gracefully 00:15:23 - The Mavericks’ Anthony Davis Dilemma 00:19:40 - Big Picture Decisions and Dallas Sports Reality Check us out: patreon.com/sunsetloungedfw Instagram: sunsetloungedfw Tiktok: sunsetloungedfw X: SunsetLoungeDFW FB: Sunset Lounge DFW

Norm is just wondering… what exactly were the Cowboys trying to accomplish in New York? After another joyless, mistake-filled loss to the Giants, Norm breaks down a season that somehow managed to be worse than it already felt. From a defense that couldn’t stop anything, to penalties, turnovers, and the ever-popular “culture building” excuse, this one had it all—except competence. There’s talk of meaningless records, wasted seasons, free-agent decisions, and the haunting image of Jerry Jones sitting alone in his suite, watching it all unravel. Norm finds a few bright spots (yes, there were some), wonders aloud about the future at quarterback, and questions whether this team has any real path back to relevance. Along the way, Mary joins in, sponsors get their due, and Norm shares a very personal—and surprisingly useful—side story that only he could make work in the middle of a Cowboys rant. Another season down. More questions than answers. And as always… Just Wondering. Chapters 00:00:00 - Just Wondering What That Was in New York 00:00:24 - Sponsor Message: Fluent Financial 00:01:23 - Chasing 8-8-1 and Other Pointless Goals 00:02:16 - Culture Building and the Brontosaurus Egg 00:03:02 - A Defense That Let the Giants Look Competent 00:04:05 - Run Stuffers Who Didn’t Stuff Anything 00:05:30 - Historically Bad Numbers (Yes, Really) 00:06:57 - Penalties, Turnovers, and the Ugly Truth 00:07:35 - The Few Guys Who Didn’t Embarrass Themselves 00:08:28 - Jerry Jones, Alone in His Suite 00:09:29 - Another Wasted Year and What Comes Next 00:10:11 - Sponsor Message: Bob’s Steak & Chop House 00:11:16 - Senile Purpura, Aging Gracefully, and Full Moon Healing 00:12:27 - Sponsor Wrap and Final Thoughts 00:12:49 - Thanks for Listening… Still Just Wondering Check us out: patreon.com/sunsetloungedfw Instagram: sunsetloungedfw Tiktok: sunsetloungedfw X: SunsetLoungeDFW FB: Sunset Lounge DFW

On this episode of Norm Hitzges’ Just Wondering, Norm rings in the new year by wondering whether a breakup everyone saw coming might actually work out—for both sides. The Cowboys officially move on from Trayvon Diggs, and Norm walks through how a once-promising marriage unraveled: injuries, disagreements over scheme, rehab disputes, fines, frustration, and a quiet but inevitable divorce. When Green Bay claims Diggs off waivers, Norm asks the real question—does Diggs still have that star cornerback inside him, and is this exactly what the Packers need heading into the playoffs? From there, Norm shifts gears to remind us that football doesn’t always come down to four quarters, a coaching philosophy, or a season-long narrative. Sometimes, it really does come down to one play—and Norm breaks down a postseason moment where preparation, film study, and perfect execution turned a game on its head. It’s a thoughtful, clear-eyed look at player fit, timing, accountability, and why change—when it finally happens—can feel overdue and perfectly logical at the same time. ⏱️ Chapters 00:00:00 - A New Year and a New Cowboys Question 00:01:33 - Why the Diggs–Cowboys Split Was Inevitable 00:02:18 - Rehab, Fines, and Philosophical Differences 00:03:50 - When Frustration Becomes a Pattern 00:04:36 - Waivers, Green Bay, and a Second Chance 00:05:27 - Is the Old Trayvon Diggs Still in There? 00:06:12 - Why the Packers Are Desperate at Corner 00:07:38 - A Perfect Fit—or Just Convenient Timing? 00:10:06 - When Defense Carries a Team That Can’t Score 00:11:40 - The Rare One-Play Football Game 00:12:30 - Film Study, Preparation, and a Season-Changing Read 00:14:16 - Why One Moment Can Define Everything Check us out: patreon.com/sunsetloungedfw Instagram: sunsetloungedfw Tiktok: sunsetloungedfw X: SunsetLoungeDFW FB: Sunset Lounge DFW