46. Pick Six: Half a Billion Dollars, No Brand Deals & The Girls in the SI Swim Show
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Every Wednesday, Victoria breaks down the six stories in and around the NFL that you actually need to know about. This week's debut Pick 6 covers Patrick Mahomes' historic half-billion dollar contract, Fernando Mendoza turning down NIL money (and why Victoria actually gets it), Rashee Rice's 30-day stay in one of Texas's most notorious jails over a THC probation violation, a roundup of NFL arrests the league really needs to address, your favorite players spotted in the wild, the chaos unfolding at Browns minicamp with Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders, and the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Show proving once again that NFL women are the main characters. Victoria gives her takes, defends Shedeur's honor, makes a case for Justin Fields, and climbs exactly one soapbox about domestic violence in the league.
00:00 — Welcome to Pick 6
Season 2 is here with a brand new format. Victoria breaks down what Pick 6 is, why she built it, and how to send in your hot takes and listener questions.
03:48 — Patrick Mahomes Just Signed a Half-Billion Dollar Deal
The most valuable contract in NFL history: $504.75 million through 2033, with $239M in new money and the first four years guaranteed. Victoria breaks down his career stats, makes a case for Justin Fields getting a real shot while Mahomes rehabs his ACL, and gives Brittany Mahomes her flowers for co-founding the Kansas City Current before Patrick ever joined the investment.
10:14 — Fernando Mendoza Is Turning Down Money, and Victoria Kinda Gets It
The Raiders' golden boy reportedly turned down NIL deals worth up to $500K — and the internet had opinions. Victoria's initial eye roll turned into understanding once she looked at his $57.2M fully guaranteed contract, the fact that he just relocated to Las Vegas, and that his mom has MS. He's also trademarking "Nandalorian," so he's not exactly off the grid.
15:19 — Rashee Rice Went to Jail for Weed
A THC probation violation sent the Chiefs WR to Dallas County Jail — which, upon Victoria's research, turned out to be one of the most notoriously brutal facilities in Texas. She breaks down the original crash (119 mph, a Lamborghini, four cars, $119K to victims), the felony plea, the probation terms, and why she'd rather it be weed than something worse. Andy Reid handled it with grace. Victoria wants the league to mandate outside therapy.
20:39 — The NFL's Arrest Log Is Getting Long
Stefon Diggs' strangulation charges dropped. Jonathan Cooper arrested twice in one week for DV. Alaric Jackson arrested for felony DV. Brandon Aiyuk posting street racing videos. Nolan Smith arrested for reckless driving. Victoria's call: if the NFL wants to keep its female audience, it needs to publicly account for how it's handling these cases — and therapy mandates from outside practitioners should be non-negotiable.
24:37 — NFL Players Spotted: Lamar, Taylor, Jameis, and More
Puka Nacua and Jackson Dart at the World Cup at SoFi. Lamar Jackson ninja-turtling his way through NYC for a Knicks game. Taylor Swift recording in New York with wedding rumors everywhere. Jameis Winston picking up trash with Japanese fans (and yes, we should all do this). Chloe Kim and Myles Garrett at the TIME100 red carpet doing the most romantic exit of the evening.
26:38 — Browns QB Battle: Watson vs. Shedeur
Deshaun Watson is back at minicamp after two Achilles surgeries and a $230M contract that remains one of the most criticized in league history. Shedeur Sanders fell to pick 144, got the villain edit, and Victoria is firmly Team Shedeur. Being flashy is not a personality flaw. The Browns also shipped out Myles Garrett and Wyatt Teller. It's chaos over there and she's not convinced the front office has a plan.
29:39 — The SI Swimsuit Show Did What Victoria's Secret Couldn't
Claire Kittle, Kristin Goff, and Haley Cavinder represented the NFL world alongside Alex Earle, Lizzo, Tiffany Haddish, Stassi Schroeder, and more. George Kittle was visibly feral about his wife walking the runway and gave the press conference soundbite of the year. Victoria's verdict: SI is finally doing amplification of women right, and the female friendships on display — including Claire and Kristin Juszczyk's YouTube channel — are the content we actually want.
Up Next on The Game:
This Friday, June 19th — Victoria sits down with Ann Marie, Denver Broncos cheerleader. Then next week, a dual pod with the crew at Mind the Snap featuring the Detroit Lions International Fan of the Year. Subscribe so you don't miss either.
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