Just Wondering... with Norm Hitzges

Norm Hitzges breaks down the Dallas Cowboys' key victory over Philadelphia, revealing how a newfound offensive balance and a critical late-game defensive stand may have unlocked a new identity for the team. Then, longtime Dallas Mavericks TV voice Mark Followill joins the show for an in-depth conversation covering rookie head coach Dusty May's learning curve, Kyrie Irving's future with the franchise, Cooper Flagg's young and rebuilding roster, and Dereck Lively II's recovery timeline. Packed with sharp NFL and NBA analysis, this episode is a must-listen for Cowboys and Mavericks fans alike.

Norm Hitzges breaks down the Dallas Cowboys' ugly loss to Green Bay, where a struggling offense joined an already shaky defense to leave Jerry Jones staring down in stunned silence at Lambeau Field. Norm revisits the Cowboys' brutal history against the Packers, dissects why Dallas can't run the ball under head coach Brian Schottenheimer, and grades the players who disappointed most. Plus, find out what the World Cup might really be costing fans and hear the bizarre, almost unbelievable NFL crime story involving 49ers owner Jed York.

Norm Hitzges breaks down why the Cowboys 2-3 start is even more alarming than it looks, exposing a Doomsday defense ranked dead last in the NFL and questioning Mike Schottenheimer's baffling fourth-quarter decision to go for two against Tampa Bay. Plus, old friend Mike Rhyner joins to dissect the Texas Rangers disastrous season, their lack of farm system depth, and whether stars like Corey Seager and Jacob deGrom can turn things around. Norm also recaps OU's stunning upset over number one Texas in the Red River Rivalry and what it means for Arch Manning's NFL draft stock.

Norm Hitzges breaks down the Cowboys' 34-30 win over the winless Texans, questioning whether the media's "statement win" narrative holds up against a defense allowing a league-worst 6.4 yards per play. Then legendary DFW sportscaster Dale Hansen joins for a wide-ranging conversation covering Jerry Jones' coaching track record, Troy Aikman's uncertain future at ESPN, the decline of sports journalism, and why retirement has been both a relief and a challenge after his storied career. A candid, opinionated look at Cowboys football and the state of sports broadcasting from two Dallas media veterans.

Norm Hitzges breaks down the Cowboys' gut wrenching loss to the Ravens in Brazil, exposing a defense that still can't stop the run or get pressure on the quarterback despite an offseason overhaul. Plus, the Texas Rangers' season ends in disaster in the worst division in MLB history, and Norm calls out the NFL's blatant hypocrisy over gambling money, beer sponsorships, and touchdown celebration fines. Tune in for sharp analysis on the Cowboys defense, CJ Stroud and the Texans preview, the Rangers' collapse, and five 0-3 NFL teams facing must win games.

Norm Hitzges breaks down the Cowboys gut wrenching loss to the Ravens in Brazil, dissecting a defense that still can't stop the run despite an offseason overhaul, plus previews the crucial road matchup at Houston. He also delivers a scathing recap of the Texas Rangers embarrassing collapse in the worst division in MLB history, and calls out the NFL's blatant hypocrisy over gambling and beer sponsorship money versus player punishments. Tune in for sharp sports analysis and just wondering commentary from Norm and Mary Hitzges.

Norm Hitzges breaks down the Dallas Cowboys 37-20 win over Washington, exposing a controversial officiating call that overturned what looked like a touchdown catch, plus deep concerns about the Cowboys defense including zero sacks, a struggling secondary, and a run defense ranked near the bottom of the NFL. Norm also covers a rough weekend for Texas college football powers Texas A&M, SMU, and North Texas, plus why the surprisingly mediocre Texas Rangers still sit atop the AL West playoff race. Tune in for sharp analysis on NFL officiating controversies, Cowboys coaching concerns, and the latest in Texas sports.

Norm Hitzges breaks down the Dallas Cowboys' ugly 28-20 season-opening loss to the New York Giants, dissecting a defense that couldn't stop the run, a coaching mismatch against John Harbaugh, and costly penalties that doomed Dallas from the start. Plus, Norm shares four of his favorite weird sports history stories, including the worst NFL game ever played, the league's chaotic 1920 founding, how Elgin Baylor got his name, and boxing's fastest knockout on record. Tune in for sharp Cowboys analysis and quirky sports trivia you won't hear anywhere else.

Cowboys season predictions kick off this episode as Norm Hitzges breaks down the schedule, key concerns at offensive tackle and cornerback, and why the NFC East race could hinge on games against the Giants, Washington, and Arizona. Plus, the fallout from Dallas cutting quarterback Joe Milton, the Tyler Smith thumb injury and trade speculation, and a look at NFL coaching hires around the league. Norm also covers the Clippers salary cap scandal and Kawhi Leonard punishment, and explains why Stan Kroenke's purchase of the Angels spells trouble for the Texas Rangers.

Norm Hitzges sits down with longtime Cowboys radio analyst Babe Laufenberg for an in-depth preview of the 2025 Dallas Cowboys season, digging into Jerry Jones, Dak Prescott, the revamped defense under Christian Parker, and the biggest injury concerns heading into Week 1. The episode wraps with two hard-hitting football stories: the official death of the NFL Pro Bowl and a sobering look at CTE research following the passing of former Cowboys guard John Nyland. A must-listen for Dallas Cowboys fans wanting expert analysis before kickoff.

Norm Hitzges kicks off college football season by breaking down the preseason rankings, why the Big Ten and SEC dominate the top teams, and which schedules could derail a national championship run. Plus, a candid interview with Cowboys Ring of Honor legend Cliff Harris on his undrafted journey to Dallas, the brutal toll of old-school football, and why he thinks Charlie Waters deserves recognition too. Norm also digs into why Jerry Jones seems suddenly willing to trade away future draft capital to chase a Super Bowl now.

Norm Hitzges breaks down 10 sharp reactions to the Dallas Cowboys preseason opener against Seattle, digging into roster battles at running back, tight end, cornerback, and edge rusher while flagging concerns about the pass rush and offensive tackle depth. He also examines the Texas Rangers late-season collapse and looks ahead to a payroll crunch that could shape the 2027 roster, then closes with an inspiring college football story of Montana linebacker Solomon Tuiasopupu, a ninth-year player who battled back from five lost seasons to injury. Packed with Cowboys analysis, Rangers commentary, and NFL and college football betting insight, this episode delivers Norm's...

Norm Hitzges dives into the Cowboys ongoing left tackle saga involving Tyler Guyton, Tyler Smith, and Nate Thomas, plus an update on the stalled Protect College Sports Act in Congress. The heart of this episode is a raw, wide-ranging conversation with Cowboys Super Bowl champion and Oklahoma legend Tony Casillas, who opens up about playing for Barry Switzer and Jimmy Johnson, battling anxiety and mental health struggles in the NFL, the long-term toll of football on the body, homelessness advocacy, and the devastating recent loss of his wife. Norm also pays tribute to former Mavericks head coach Don Nelson, who...

In this episode of Just Wondering, host Norm Hitzges delivers sharp, contrarian takes on the Dallas Cowboys heading into training camp, breaking down offensive line concerns, cornerback depth, and why this may truly be a Super Bowl-or-bust season for the team. Norm also questions why Tom Brady, worth an estimated half a billion dollars, is willing to cheapen his legacy by getting involved in WWE-style theatrics with the Paul brothers. Plus, the Texas Rangers looked like trade deadline buyers just days ago, but a brutal five-game losing streak exposed the same maddening problem that has haunted them all season: an...

In this episode of Just Wondering, host Norm Hitzges dives into the chaos gripping college football, from runaway NIL payments and transfer portal madness to lawsuits and congressional attempts at reform. Norm then sits down with legendary jockey Perry Ouzts, 72 years old and still riding, who shares the remarkable story of a 53-year career that includes more races than any American jockey in history and a passion for the sport that has never dimmed. The episode wraps up with a trio of bizarre and entertaining sports history stories, including a Cleveland Indians team that forgot how many outs were in...

Discover what's reshaping the Dallas Mavericks, what's ahead for the Cowboys, and why Rangers fans can't find their team on TV. Norm Hitzges breaks down the Mavs' bold youth movement under Masai Ujiri and new GM Pete Smits, welcomes veteran Cowboys beat reporter Clarence Hill for a candid camp preview covering Dak Prescott's legacy, the defense's biggest question marks, and George Pickens' future in Dallas, then tackles the growing chaos around Rangers broadcasting as the team's latest TV carrier switch leaves thousands of fans in the dark.

In this episode of Just Wondering, hosts Norm Hitzges and Mary Hitzges break down the biggest stories in sports at the MLB All-Star break, grading the Texas Rangers' first-place standing in the AL West and the challenges they face heading into the second half of the season. Norm also delivers a critical assessment of the US Men's National Team's World Cup performance, analyzing whether American soccer has truly made progress on the international stage. Plus, Norm calls out the boxing and MMA industry after the Conor McGregor vs. Max Holloway fight left fans wondering if they got their money's worth...

In this episode of Just Wondering with Norm Hitzges, host Norm Hitzges breaks down why the Dallas Stars may actually be getting worse because of too many high-paid stars, explaining how the NHL's hard salary cap is forcing the team to trade promising young talent like Maverick Bork just to make room for Jason Robertson's next contract. Then Norm sits down with extraordinary endurance athlete Darren Miller, who became the only person in history to complete all seven of the world's great ocean swims on his first attempt, sharing jaw-dropping stories of swimming through shark-infested waters, box jellyfish, and near-hypothermic...

In this episode of Just Wondering, host Norm Hitzges breaks down the Dallas Mavericks' quietly executed NBA Draft strategy, examining how new leadership duo Masai Ujiri and Mike Schmitz are building a youth movement around Cooper Flagg with picks like Morris Johnson, Sergio de la Reyes, and an international wildcard — plus what a potential Kawhi Leonard addition could mean for the franchise's future. Norm also traces the stunning collapse of quarterback Brendan Sorsby, whose gambling scandal has left him with $5 million, no team, and nowhere to play. Finally, he captures the growing soccer fever sweeping America as the US men's na...

In this episode of Just Wondering, hosts Norm Hitzges and Mary Hitzges break down the Dallas Mavericks' NBA Draft strategy, including whether trading up for Arkansas guard Darius Acuff could be the key to building around Cooper Flagg, plus a look at the coaching search and what Masai Ujiri's quiet approach really means. They also dig into the surging US Men's National Team at the FIFA World Cup and whether the early excitement deserves a reality check heading into tougher competition. Finally, Norm examines whether LIV Golf is on its last legs as Saudi funding dries up and marquee players...

Join legendary sports host Norm Hitzges for episode 501 of Just Wondering as he poses a provocative hypothetical: would you rather have Luka Doncic or Jalen Brunson back on the Mavericks roster? Norm breaks down surprising stats comparing the two guards while also exploring what's left for downtown Dallas after the Mavs and Stars move to new billion-dollar arenas, plus his take on college football's expansion to a 24-team playoff and why the Rangers' problems might go beyond just offense. Get ready for sharp analysis and bold takes on Dallas sports' biggest storylines.

Discover the critical decisions facing the Dallas Mavericks as they navigate a crucial rebuild with limited draft picks until 2031, plus meet Craig Ferguson, a passionate Scotland soccer fan walking 3,300 miles across America in a kilt to support his team at the World Cup. Host Norm Hitzges also exposes FIFA's controversial money-grabbing tactics that are pricing out fans with $33,000 tickets and excessive fees. From NBA draft strategies to inspiring charity walks and sports corruption, this episode covers the highs and lows of professional athletics.

Discover why Dallas Mavericks coach Jason Kidd was really fired despite his solid playoff record, and meet Egyptian adventurer Omar Nok who's traveling around the world without flying - depending on strangers' kindness to get from Egypt to Mexico and beyond. Host Norm Hitzges also reveals the new "record holder" for fastest speeding athlete after an NFL player's shocking arrest. Get ready for sports controversy, incredible travel stories, and surprising records in this episode covering basketball coaching drama, world travel adventures, and athletic mishaps.

Join host Norm Hitskas for an honest breakdown of why the Dallas Cowboys' 2024 schedule analysis is meaningless, plus an exclusive interview with Dallas Stars GM Jim Nill about their playoff disappointment and upcoming roster challenges. Nill discusses potential moves to re-sign key players like Jason Robertson within salary cap constraints, Jamie Benn's uncertain future, and Tyler Seguin's injury recovery timeline. The episode also covers why early NFL schedule predictions fail and examines the Rangers' survival through a tough start despite emerging red flags.

Discover why Saudi Arabia just pulled billions from LIV Golf after their 5-year, $6 billion attempt to revolutionize professional golf, and whether their "sports washing" strategy to improve their global reputation actually worked. Host Norm Hitzges explores the shocking connection between the Jamal Khashoggi assassination and Saudi sports investments, plus dives into boxing's latest cash grab with upcoming Mayweather-Pacquiao and Jake Paul fights. Learn about bizarre sports anniversaries including a boxing match where no punches were thrown for over an hour and why bowling had a color barrier until 1950.

Dive into the shocking end of the Dallas Stars' Stanley Cup hopes with legendary NFL writer Rick Gosselin's insider take on the Cowboys' draft strategy and why defense wins championships. Host Norm Hitchkes breaks down how a controversial NHL playoff format doomed the Stars' season, explores Dallas Cowboys' defensive overhaul under new coordinator Christian Parker, and reveals why the Mavs' meaningless season finale win could cost them their coveted point guard in this year's NBA draft. Get expert analysis on draft philosophy, salary cap management, and the brutal reality of Dallas sports disappointment.

Get an in-depth breakdown of the Dallas Cowboys' 2024 NFL Draft with veteran sports analyst Norm Hitzges and longtime Cowboys beat reporter David Moore from The Dallas Morning News. Discover why first-round safety Caleb Downs could be a game-changer, analyze the team's controversial picks including edge rusher Malachi Lawrence, and explore whether new defensive coordinator Christian Parker can transform one of the league's worst defenses. Plus, get insider insights on George Pickens' franchise tag situation and whether the Cowboys' defensive makeover can match their successful 2021 rebuild that featured Micah Parsons.

As the NFL Draft approaches, one question keeps coming up… are the Dallas Cowboys overlooking a critical need? 
 
In this episode of Just Wondering, Norm and Mary Hitzges take a hard look at the Cowboys’ draft strategy—specifically the growing concern at left tackle, where Tyler Guyton’s performance raises serious questions about protecting Dak Prescott’s blindside. 
 
While most projections have Dallas focused on defense, Norm wonders if the real issue is being ignored—and what that could mean for the team’s future. 
 
But this episode isn’t just analysis. 
 
Norm brings back one...

Discover why the Dallas Cowboys' upcoming NFL draft is absolutely critical as host Norm Hitgez breaks down their draft board, potential trades, and the specific players they're targeting at picks 12 and 20. Learn how the Mavericks' season-ending win over Chicago actually hurt their future by damaging their draft position in their quest to build around superstar Cooper Flagg. Get insider analysis on Cowboys draft prospects like Sonny Stiles and Caleb Downs, plus why sometimes winning games can be the worst thing for a rebuilding team's championship aspirations.

In this episode of Just Wondering, Norm reflects on over 50 years in sports media while diving into today’s biggest conversations across the sports world. From Shohei Ohtani’s historic dominance and $700 million contract to the ongoing frustrations surrounding the Dallas Cowboys, this episode blends perspective, humor, and hard truths.

Joined by legendary voices like Mike Reiner and insight from Mark Cuban, the conversation moves from the early days of sports broadcasting and streaming to modern-day chaos in college sports, boxing spectacles, and the ever-changing business of professional sports.

There are moments that are hilarious, mome...

In this episode of Just Wondering with Norm Hitzges, Norm explores how bold vision and big ambitions are shaping the sports world — from college football sidelines to NBA ownership and the dreams of one of the NFL’s most famous owners.

Norm begins by examining the recent wave of college football coaching firings across major programs. According to Norm, the ripple effect may trace back to one coach: Curt Cignetti. With a remarkable record of turning struggling programs into winners, Cignetti’s success has forced major schools to rethink what’s possible — and sparked a nationwide search for the ne...

 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 a...

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...

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...

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...

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 t...

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 unforgett...

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...

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...

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...