The Optimistic Fan Club

Joey Ricottone
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The Optimistic Fan Club is an NFL podcast hosted by Joey Ricottone primarily focusing on the Cleveland Browns, but also on some of the hottest topics in the sports world.

  1. JUN 20

    Shedeur's Speeding Ticket is Being Overblown By the Media

    Shedeur Sander's received two speeding tickets in two weeks, and suddenly the media is out on him as a franchise quarterback. In this episode, I explain why the context of these incidents matter and why both he, and every person, has the capacity to change and mature. 🐥 Follow Me on Twitter: https://x.com/joeyricottone 👕 Buy a Shirt: https://pumpkinhead.shop/

    24 min

  2. JUN 17

    Unpacking the Browns QB Battle, Mason Graham Expectations, + Training Camp Predictions and More!

    🎧Audio Version Here: https://open.spotify.com/show/0idoCjSwOCXpa2LyY5Bntn?si=7amQZA5KQX6p_js0VJ8aUw🐥 Follow Me on Twitter: https://x.com/joeyricottone👕 Buy a Shirt: https://pumpkinhead.shop/ In this episode of The Optimistic Fan Club, we're diving into the madness that was the Cleveland Browns mini camp, answering whether or not stats from mini camp matter, our expectations for Mason Graham in 2025, predicting what will happen in training camp, and touching on the Dolphins and Mike McDaniel's struggles. 0:00 - Intro + Agenda 1:03 - QB Battle in Mini Camp / Do Stats Matter? 24:02 - Expectations for Mason Graham's Rookie Year 32:26 - Training Camp Storylines and Hot Takes 45:36 - Mike McDaniel and the Dolphins are in Trouble

    53 min

  3. JUN 10

    Reacting to Nick Chubb & Why Colin Cowherd is Wrong on Shedeur + Greg Newsome to GB & the Bengals Cheapness

    🐥 Follow Me on Twitter: https://x.com/joeyricottone 👕 Buy a Shirt: https://pumpkinhead.shop/ Welcome to The Optimistic Fan Club, June 10th edition. This week, we're diving deep into some of the most talked-about topics in the NFL. We kick things off by grappling with the bittersweet news of Nick Chubb signing with the Houston Texans. It's tough to see a fan favorite go, and we'll break down the Browns' decision and what it means for their future backfield. Next, we tackle Zac Jackson's intriguing proposal: a trade that would send Greg Newsome to Green Bay in exchange for a Packers receiver. Could Romeo Doubs be the missing piece for the Browns' offense? We'll analyze the potential fit and implications of such a move. Then, we'll dissect Colin Cowherd's latest take on Shedeur Sanders. Is his "impulsive owner" theory truly the reason Shedeur will get a shot in Cleveland, or is there a simpler explanation? We'll challenge Cowherd's narrative and offer our own perspective on the Browns' quarterback situation. Rounding out the show, we turn our attention to the AFC North. We revisit our take on Aaron Rodgers joining the Steelers—can he truly coexist with Arthur Smith and Mike Tomlin, or is friction inevitable? Plus, we'll examine the ongoing contract disputes in Cincinnati with Trey Hendrickson and rookie Shemar Stewart. Is the Bengals' "cheapness" holding them back from true title contention? Tune in for all this and more. 0:00 - Intro + Agenda 1:03 - Reacting to Nick Chubb News 14:15 - Colin Cowherd’s Shedder Take is Wrong 28:05 - Browns Trading Newsome to GB? 37:09 - Aaron Rodgers to Steelers Revisited 44:45 - Bengals Cheapness is Killing Title Contention

    54 min

  4. JUN 6

    Why Aaron Rodgers to the Steelers Won't Work & The 5 Browns with the Most on the Line in 2025

    🐥 Follow Me on Twitter: https://x.com/joeyricottone👕 Buy a Shirt: https://pumpkinhead.shop/Aaron Rodgers has officially signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers, and we're reacting to that news and sharing why it might not work out the way people hope.We're also running through the 5 Cleveland Browns with the most on the line in 2025.0:00 - Intro + Agenda 1:05 - Aaron Rodgers to the Steelers and Why it Might Not Work20:16 - Dawand Jones Weight Loss22:07 - The 5 Browns with Most on the Line in 202525:12 - Martin Emerson28:29 - Zak Zinter and Luke Wypler32:02 - Alex Wright and Isaiah McGuire35:15 - Shedeur Sanders

    39 min

  5. JUN 3

    Deion Breaks His Silence on Shedeur's Draft Slide + PFF Places Browns Dead Last in Roster Rankings

    Deion Sanders finally breaks his silence after the draft — and we’re calling out the critics, including Jason McIntyre, who claim Deion’s handling it wrong. Plus, we unpack why PFF’s decision to rank the Browns’ roster dead last at #32 doesn’t add up. And we react to Zac Jackson’s comments about Dillon Gabriel that have stirred up some controversy.New drama, bad rankings, and even worse takes — we’re covering it all. 0:00 - AGENDA 1:07 - DEION SPEAKS OUT 3:04 - DEION’S COMMENTS ON ASSANTE SAMUEL’S SHOW 13:00 - REACTING TO JASON MCINTYRE’S BAD TAKE ON DEION 30:48 - ZAC JACKSON’S COMMENTS ON DILLON GABRIEL 36:22 - REACTING TO PFF’S ROSTER RANKINGS 44:49 - SHEDEUR WILL GET A FAIR CHANCE.

    48 min

  6. MAY 30

    Myles Garrett’s OTA Absence, The Media's Shedeur Sanders Overreaction + Jerry Jeudy's 2025 Outlook

    🐥 Follow Me on Twitter: https://x.com/joeyricottone 👕 Buy a Shirt: https://pumpkinhead.shop/ Are Myles Garrett’s OTA absences really a big deal? We dive into why Garrett’s leadership is often misunderstood — and why missing voluntary workouts isn’t the crisis some want it to be (hint: it’s not Stefon Diggs on a boat). We also tackle the absurdity of crowning a starting QB based on 7-on-7s. Colin Cowherd pivoting on Shedeur Sanders? Not surprising — and we break down why anyone doubting Shedeur’s spot on the roster is out of touch.The Browns defense looks elite on paper, but can they deliver when it actually matters? Why 2024 is a legacy year for Jim Schwartz, the early signs from Jerry Jeudy, and what’s really going on with Kyle Pitts' career — including why skipping OTAs while asking for a payday might not be the best look. 0:00 - Agenda 2:05 Reaction to Myles Garrett Skipping OTAs 14:14 - Colin Cowherd's Shedeur Lunacy 25:01 - Reacting to People Saying Shedeur Isn't a Lock to Make Team 29:20 - Browns Defense Has A lot to Prove 37:55 - Why Jerry Jeudy is Poised for a Huge Season 43:03 - Kyle Pitts Can't Figure it Out

    50 min

  7. MAY 27

    Shedeur's Ceiling is High, Why Harold Fannin Will Be Better than Njoku & The Steelers Shaky Future

    🐥 Follow Me on Twitter: https://x.com/joeyricottone👕 Buy a Shirt: https://pumpkinhead.shop/In this episode of The Optimistic Fan Club, we're discussing why Shedeur Sanders has a higher ceiling than Dillon Gabriel, why Harold Fannin Jr. will go on to have a better career than David Njoku, the future of the Steelers as they continue to wait on Aaron Rodgers, and Darrell Doucette's recent comments about team USA flag football.0:00 - Intro + Agenda 2:46 - Pickett vs Gabriel for QB310:03 - Shedeur Has a High Ceiling and Will Improve15:35 - Late Bloomers Dominate Sports20:11 - Harold Fannin Jr Will Be Better Than Njoku32:04 - The Steelers Are Screwed43:33 - Team USA Flag Football Controversy

    50 min

  8. MAY 20

    Why Shedeur Can't Start Week 1 + Purdy's Contract & Caleb Williams vs Shedeur Sanders Draft Drama

    🐥 Follow Me on Twitter: https://x.com/joeyricottone 👕 Buy a Shirt: https://pumpkinhead.shop/ Everyone wants to see Shedeur Sanders start right away—but just because the hype is loud doesn’t mean it’s right. In this episode, I break down why throwing Shedeur or Dillon Gabriel into the fire from Week 1 could be the worst move the Browns make all year. From rookie QBs who've been ruined by early starts (Bryce Young, Justin Fields, Zach Wilson...) to examples of stars who benefited from waiting (Mahomes, Brady, Lamar), I explain the risks of rushing a young QB into the chaos of the NFL too soon—especially behind a questionable O-line. We also dive into: Why Joe Flacco might be the right guy to take the hits early The CU Aunties phenomenon and what Browns fans can learn from them Brock Purdy’s contract and what it reveals about QB value in today’s NFL Caleb Williams vs. Shedeur Sanders media narratives—and the double standards nobody wants to admit Why Carson Schwessinger might just be your best DPOY dark horse at +4000 We’re not anti-Shedeur here—we’re pro-career longevity, confidence, and smart development. And yes, it’s pronounced “Shuh-DOOR.” 0:00 - Intro + Agenda 2:52 - Why Shedeur Can't Start Week 1 23:45 - The CU Aunties 25:29 - Thoughts On Brock Purdy's Contract and NFL QBs 39:02 - Caleb Williams Drama vs Shedeur Sanders' Drama 51:22 - JOK Injury and Carson Schwessinger

    57 min
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About

The Optimistic Fan Club is an NFL podcast hosted by Joey Ricottone primarily focusing on the Cleveland Browns, but also on some of the hottest topics in the sports world.

Information

  • Creator
    Joey Ricottone
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    24
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Joey Ricottone
  • Show Website
    The Optimistic Fan Club