Joe's Diner (TV Short)
Encyclopedia
Joe's Diner is the name of a sequence of TV Shorts created by and aired on the NFL Network
that feature Joe Montana
and a host of other characters discussing current issues in the NFL from the perspective of the diner's patrons. The short is used as a way for the network to hype up their Thursday and Saturday Night Football
games. New episodes will be generated throughout the season and will include a season finale that will air during the 2008 Super Bowl
The show was produced by the creative team of Triple Double, who say that they took "offense at the way sports fans are typically portrayed on television." The shows are filmed immediately after Sunday’s games and filmed every other Monday.
The shorts are shown on the NFL Network
but can also be seen at the show's website.
The diner discusses Peyton Manning
's frequent appearances in commercials. Episode only shows diner window with voice overs.
Episode 2
The diner discusses Adrian Peterson and the differences between a freak and super freak. Episode only shows diner window with voice overs.
Episode 3
The gang discusses LaDainian Tomlinson
and "Teeders". Episode only shows diner window with voice overs.
Episode 4
The gang compares British Football/Soccer to American Football
. Episode only shows diner window with voice overs.
Episode 5
The first episode that actually shows the inside of the dinner, Matt exposes the Sociological roots of fantasy football
. He comments that it is "unAmerican" that Stan won his fantasy football game with Jeff Garcia
even though Jeff Garcia lost the actual NFL game. This episode ends with Matt accusing everyone in the diner of being a communist.
Episode 6
In this episode, Matt comments on the New England Patriots
perfect season.
Episode 7
At the midpoint of the season, each of the diner patrons pick their sleeper (surprise) teams for the remainder of the season. Matt indicates that "Any team with teal in their uniform counts as a sleeper" while referring to the Jacksonville Jaguars
.
Episode 8
Matt and Stan debate the greatness of Peyton Manning
with Matt equating Peyton pre-snap moves to an Aerobics
instructor.
Episode 9
In this episode, the matchup between Tony Romo
and Brett Favre
is equated to Wyatt Earp
versus Doc Holliday
Episode 10
Stan calls Brett Favre
the greatest ever, causing the diner patrons to bring up Tom Brady
, Bart Starr
, Steve Young, Dan Marino
, and Terry Bradshaw
while notably leaving out Joe Montana
.
Episode 11
Matt argues he could tackle Devin Hester
if he was "loose in the diner".
Episode 12
Discussing the matchup between coaches Gary Kubiak
and Mike Shanahan
, the gang anticipates some "Shanahanagiens" and notes that Kubiak will not call time out immediately before a kicker like Shanahan did early this season to win a game.
Episode 13
The diner debates who is more attractive, Tom Brady or Carson Palmer
. As noted in 's discussion of this episode, it is a play on all the men out there that have a "man crush" on Tom Brady. Matt notes that Brady would be better looking than Palmer even if Brady had Jaundice
.
Episode 14
In this episode, Matt argues that Ben Roethlisberger
should not have shaved his beard because he will need it in the playoffs. Matt cites notable figures in history that have used the "natural grass" including Dan Fouts
, Abraham Lincoln
, and "the guy in the paper towel wrapper".
Episode 15
The diner comments that Tony Romo should have a very pleasant holiday due to everything that is going right in his life despite the fumbled snap from the 2006 playoffs. Joe takes credit for saying that Tony Romo would recover but Matt points out that Joe also said that the Miami Dolphins
would have a great 2007 season.
Episode 16
On the verge of the final game in what could be the New England Patriots
perfect season, the diner reflects on the significance of the accomplishment. Stan states that he hopes the New York Giants
win the game, seemingly just to spite Matt.
, Joe Clifford is a name derived from Joe Montana
's first and middle name. Joe is the current owner of the diner. There is a fictitious "Meet Joe Clifford" documentary on Joe Clifford's life on the show's website. In it, it indicates that Joe initially worked as a bus boy for the diner for his father. As a waiter, he would often sing and dance to the diner patrons. In high school, Joe was a standout in both Basketball and Football and signed with State University to play basketball. In his freshman year, however, he was injured when attempting his tears from heaven dunk shot, thus ending his athletic career. In 1974, Joe moved to California, where he was a drummer for the band 3 Dog Night and even ventured into the movie business. Following this, he traveled the world and enjoyed many adventures. While away, however, Joe found out that the Diner was doing quite poorly after his father had sold it. This inspired Joe to return home and take over the diner.
ancestral home. Owns and operates three Fitzgerald Brothers Auto Washers. All time favorite players: Steve Grogan
, Rodney Harrison
, and Tom Brady
. Matt has a Blog called 'Matty's Pats Blog'
, Pete Gogolak
, and Ted Kwalik. .
NFL Network
NFL Network is an American television specialty channel owned and operated by the National Football League . It was launched November 4, 2003, only eight months after the league's 32 team owners voted unanimously to approve its formation...
that feature Joe Montana
Joe Montana
Joseph Clifford "Joe" Montana, Jr. , nicknamed Joe Cool, Golden Joe, The Golden Great and Comeback Joe, is a retired American football player. Montana started his NFL career in 1979 with the San Francisco 49ers, where he played quarterback for the next 14 seasons...
and a host of other characters discussing current issues in the NFL from the perspective of the diner's patrons. The short is used as a way for the network to hype up their Thursday and Saturday Night Football
Run to the Playoffs
Thursday Night Football is the brand name used by NFL Network for its schedule of live regular season telecasts of National Football League games on Thursday nights. Also included in the package are some Saturday specials....
games. New episodes will be generated throughout the season and will include a season finale that will air during the 2008 Super Bowl
The show was produced by the creative team of Triple Double, who say that they took "offense at the way sports fans are typically portrayed on television." The shows are filmed immediately after Sunday’s games and filmed every other Monday.
The shorts are shown on the NFL Network
NFL Network
NFL Network is an American television specialty channel owned and operated by the National Football League . It was launched November 4, 2003, only eight months after the league's 32 team owners voted unanimously to approve its formation...
but can also be seen at the show's website.
Episodes
Episode 1The diner discusses Peyton Manning
Peyton Manning
Peyton Williams Manning is an American football quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League . Manning holds the record for most NFL MVP awards with four. He was drafted by the Colts as the first overall pick in 1998 after a standout college football career with the...
's frequent appearances in commercials. Episode only shows diner window with voice overs.
Episode 2
The diner discusses Adrian Peterson and the differences between a freak and super freak. Episode only shows diner window with voice overs.
Episode 3
The gang discusses LaDainian Tomlinson
LaDainian Tomlinson
LaDainian Tramayne Tomlinson is an American football running back for the New York Jets of the National Football League. He was drafted by the San Diego Chargers fifth overall in the 2001 NFL Draft. He played college football at Texas Christian.Tomlinson, often referred to by his initials, L...
and "Teeders". Episode only shows diner window with voice overs.
Episode 4
The gang compares British Football/Soccer to American Football
American football
American football is a sport played between two teams of eleven with the objective of scoring points by advancing the ball into the opposing team's end zone. Known in the United States simply as football, it may also be referred to informally as gridiron football. The ball can be advanced by...
. Episode only shows diner window with voice overs.
Episode 5
The first episode that actually shows the inside of the dinner, Matt exposes the Sociological roots of fantasy football
Fantasy football (American)
Fantasy football is an interactive, virtual competition in which people manage professional football players versus one another and that allows people to act as general managers of a pseudo-football team. The players that an individual is able to manage are professional American Football players...
. He comments that it is "unAmerican" that Stan won his fantasy football game with Jeff Garcia
Jeff Garcia
Jeffrey Jason "Jeff" Garcia is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He played college football at San Jose State University....
even though Jeff Garcia lost the actual NFL game. This episode ends with Matt accusing everyone in the diner of being a communist.
Episode 6
In this episode, Matt comments on the New England Patriots
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots, commonly called the "Pats", are a professional football team based in the Greater Boston area, playing their home games in the town of Foxborough, Massachusetts at Gillette Stadium. The team is part of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National...
perfect season.
Episode 7
At the midpoint of the season, each of the diner patrons pick their sleeper (surprise) teams for the remainder of the season. Matt indicates that "Any team with teal in their uniform counts as a sleeper" while referring to the Jacksonville Jaguars
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars are a professional American football team based in Jacksonville, Florida, U.S. They are currently members of the South Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
.
Episode 8
Matt and Stan debate the greatness of Peyton Manning
Peyton Manning
Peyton Williams Manning is an American football quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League . Manning holds the record for most NFL MVP awards with four. He was drafted by the Colts as the first overall pick in 1998 after a standout college football career with the...
with Matt equating Peyton pre-snap moves to an Aerobics
Aerobics
Aerobics is a form of physical exercise that combines rhythmic aerobic exercise with stretching and strength training routines with the goal of improving all elements of fitness...
instructor.
Episode 9
In this episode, the matchup between Tony Romo
Tony Romo
Antonio Ramiro "Tony" Romo is a professional American football quarterback in the NFL for the Dallas Cowboys. Romo's career passer rating - at 95.8 - ranks third-best all time. Tony Romo didn't play in the regular season in 2003, 2004, or 2005...
and Brett Favre
Brett Favre
Brett Lorenzo Favre is a former American football quarterback who spent the majority of his career with the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League . He was a 20-year veteran of the NFL, having played quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons , Green Bay Packers , New York Jets and Minnesota...
is equated to Wyatt Earp
Wyatt Earp
Wyatt Berry Stapp Earp was an American gambler, investor, and law enforcement officer who served in several Western frontier towns. He was also at different times a farmer, teamster, bouncer, saloon-keeper, miner and boxing referee. However, he was never a drover or cowboy. He is most well known...
versus Doc Holliday
Doc Holliday
John Henry "Doc" Holliday was an American gambler, gunfighter and dentist of the American Old West, who is usually remembered for his friendship with Wyatt Earp and his involvement in the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral...
Episode 10
Stan calls Brett Favre
Brett Favre
Brett Lorenzo Favre is a former American football quarterback who spent the majority of his career with the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League . He was a 20-year veteran of the NFL, having played quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons , Green Bay Packers , New York Jets and Minnesota...
the greatest ever, causing the diner patrons to bring up Tom Brady
Tom Brady
Thomas Edward Patrick "Tom" Brady, Jr. is an American football quarterback for the New England Patriots of the National Football League . After playing college football at Michigan, Brady was drafted by the Patriots in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft.He has played in four Super Bowls,...
, Bart Starr
Bart Starr
Bryan Bartlett "Bart" Starr is a former professional American football player and coach. Wearing #15, he was the quarterback for the Green Bay Packers from 1956 to 1971 and head coach from 1975 to 1983, compiling a record of 52–76–3 ....
, Steve Young, Dan Marino
Dan Marino
Daniel Constantine "Dan" Marino, Jr. is a retired American football quarterback who played for the Miami Dolphins in the National Football League...
, and Terry Bradshaw
Terry Bradshaw
Terry Paxton Bradshaw is a former American football quarterback with the Pittsburgh Steelers in the National Football League . He played 14 seasons. He is a football analyst and co-host of Fox NFL Sunday...
while notably leaving out Joe Montana
Joe Montana
Joseph Clifford "Joe" Montana, Jr. , nicknamed Joe Cool, Golden Joe, The Golden Great and Comeback Joe, is a retired American football player. Montana started his NFL career in 1979 with the San Francisco 49ers, where he played quarterback for the next 14 seasons...
.
Episode 11
Matt argues he could tackle Devin Hester
Devin Hester
Devin Hester is an American football wide receiver and return specialist for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League . He played college football at the University of Miami, where he became the first person in the university’s recent history to play in all three phases of American football...
if he was "loose in the diner".
Episode 12
Discussing the matchup between coaches Gary Kubiak
Gary Kubiak
Gary Wayne Kubiak is the head coach for the Houston Texans of the National Football League. Kubiak has participated in six Super Bowls, losing three as a player with the Denver Broncos and winning three as an assistant coach with Denver and the San Francisco 49ers.-High school:Kubiak passed for a...
and Mike Shanahan
Mike Shanahan
Michael Edward "Mike" Shanahan is the 28th and current head coach of the Washington Redskins of the National Football League. Shanahan also holds the title of Vice President of Football Operations with the Redskins, giving him full control over player personnel with the team. Shanahan previously...
, the gang anticipates some "Shanahanagiens" and notes that Kubiak will not call time out immediately before a kicker like Shanahan did early this season to win a game.
Episode 13
The diner debates who is more attractive, Tom Brady or Carson Palmer
Carson Palmer
Carson Palmer is an American professional football quarterback for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals first overall in the 2003 NFL Draft. He played collegiately at the University of Southern California and won the Heisman Trophy in 2002...
. As noted in 's discussion of this episode, it is a play on all the men out there that have a "man crush" on Tom Brady. Matt notes that Brady would be better looking than Palmer even if Brady had Jaundice
Jaundice
Jaundice is a yellowish pigmentation of the skin, the conjunctival membranes over the sclerae , and other mucous membranes caused by hyperbilirubinemia . This hyperbilirubinemia subsequently causes increased levels of bilirubin in the extracellular fluid...
.
Episode 14
In this episode, Matt argues that Ben Roethlisberger
Ben Roethlisberger
Benjamin Todd "Ben" Roethlisberger , nicknamed Big Ben, is an American football quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Steelers in the first round in the 2004 NFL Draft...
should not have shaved his beard because he will need it in the playoffs. Matt cites notable figures in history that have used the "natural grass" including Dan Fouts
Dan Fouts
Daniel Francis Fouts is a retired Hall of Fame American football quarterback in the National Football League. Fouts played his entire professional career with the San Diego Chargers from 1973 through 1987...
, Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln
Abraham Lincoln was the 16th President of the United States, serving from March 1861 until his assassination in April 1865. He successfully led his country through a great constitutional, military and moral crisis – the American Civil War – preserving the Union, while ending slavery, and...
, and "the guy in the paper towel wrapper".
Episode 15
The diner comments that Tony Romo should have a very pleasant holiday due to everything that is going right in his life despite the fumbled snap from the 2006 playoffs. Joe takes credit for saying that Tony Romo would recover but Matt points out that Joe also said that the Miami Dolphins
Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins are a Professional football team based in the Miami metropolitan area in Florida. The team is part of the Eastern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
would have a great 2007 season.
Episode 16
On the verge of the final game in what could be the New England Patriots
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots, commonly called the "Pats", are a professional football team based in the Greater Boston area, playing their home games in the town of Foxborough, Massachusetts at Gillette Stadium. The team is part of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National...
perfect season, the diner reflects on the significance of the accomplishment. Stan states that he hopes the New York Giants
New York Giants
The New York Giants are a professional American football team based in East Rutherford, New Jersey, representing the New York City metropolitan area. The Giants are currently members of the Eastern Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
win the game, seemingly just to spite Matt.
Joe Clifford
Played by Joe MontanaJoe Montana
Joseph Clifford "Joe" Montana, Jr. , nicknamed Joe Cool, Golden Joe, The Golden Great and Comeback Joe, is a retired American football player. Montana started his NFL career in 1979 with the San Francisco 49ers, where he played quarterback for the next 14 seasons...
, Joe Clifford is a name derived from Joe Montana
Joe Montana
Joseph Clifford "Joe" Montana, Jr. , nicknamed Joe Cool, Golden Joe, The Golden Great and Comeback Joe, is a retired American football player. Montana started his NFL career in 1979 with the San Francisco 49ers, where he played quarterback for the next 14 seasons...
's first and middle name. Joe is the current owner of the diner. There is a fictitious "Meet Joe Clifford" documentary on Joe Clifford's life on the show's website. In it, it indicates that Joe initially worked as a bus boy for the diner for his father. As a waiter, he would often sing and dance to the diner patrons. In high school, Joe was a standout in both Basketball and Football and signed with State University to play basketball. In his freshman year, however, he was injured when attempting his tears from heaven dunk shot, thus ending his athletic career. In 1974, Joe moved to California, where he was a drummer for the band 3 Dog Night and even ventured into the movie business. Following this, he traveled the world and enjoyed many adventures. While away, however, Joe found out that the Diner was doing quite poorly after his father had sold it. This inspired Joe to return home and take over the diner.
Matt Fitzgerald
Matt has been a longtime diner patron and unapologetic Patriot fan. Though he's lived in Centerville since age 9, he retains the thick accent of his Worcester, MassachusettsWorcester, Massachusetts
Worcester is a city and the county seat of Worcester County, Massachusetts, United States. Named after Worcester, England, as of the 2010 Census the city's population is 181,045, making it the second largest city in New England after Boston....
ancestral home. Owns and operates three Fitzgerald Brothers Auto Washers. All time favorite players: Steve Grogan
Steve Grogan
Steve James Grogan is a former American football quarterback for the New England Patriots of the National Football League. Grogan played for the Patriots for his entire NFL career, from 1975 to 1990.-High school and college:...
, Rodney Harrison
Rodney Harrison
Rodney Scott Harrison is a retired professional football player of the National Football League. Harrison played safety for the San Diego Chargers and New England Patriots...
, and Tom Brady
Tom Brady
Thomas Edward Patrick "Tom" Brady, Jr. is an American football quarterback for the New England Patriots of the National Football League . After playing college football at Michigan, Brady was drafted by the Patriots in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft.He has played in four Super Bowls,...
. Matt has a Blog called 'Matty's Pats Blog'
Stan
An Assistant General Manager of Human Resources and father of two, Stan still finds the time to hold down the corner seat at Joe's Counter. Stan enjoys fantasy football, rollerblading with his wife, and collecting live progressive rock recordings..Machine
An adjunct professor at Centerville Community College, Steve "Machine" Osieczank has been working on his doctoral thesis in Political Commitment in 20th century literature since 1998. All time favourite players: Ed PodolakEd Podolak
Edward Joseph Podolak is a former professional American football player. He played quarterback and halfback at the University of Iowa before being selected by the American Football League's Kansas City Chiefs in the second round of the 1969 Common Draft.During a nine-year career from 1969 to 1977,...
, Pete Gogolak
Pete Gogolak
Peter Kornel Gogolak is a retired American football placekicker in the National Football League for the New York Giants and in the American Football League for the Buffalo Bills. He is widely considered the chief figure behind the game's adoption of soccer style placekicking...
, and Ted Kwalik. .