Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd Episode: 3 & Out - Aaron Rodgers Update, Deion Wants to Play More, Happy Gilmore Trailer
Host: John Middlekauff
Release Date: March 19, 2025

Note: This summary is based on the transcript provided, which features John Middlekauff as the primary speaker. While the podcast is titled "The Herd with Colin Cowherd," the content and host in the transcript align with John Middlekauff's "The Volume." This summary adheres to the transcript's content.

1. Aaron Rodgers Update

John Middlekauff delves deep into the evolving situation surrounding Aaron Rodgers. At 41 years old, Rodgers finds himself at a crossroads, with his performance eliciting mixed reactions from fans and teams alike.

• Performance and Reputation:

  • Middlekauff expresses admiration for Rodgers, stating, “I think like Aaron Rodgers underrated. I think he's easily one of the best players in any sport I've ever witnessed” ([16:45]).
  • Despite Rodgers' illustrious career, recent performances have raised concerns about his longevity and effectiveness on the field.

• Team Dynamics and Future Prospects:

  • Rodgers' interactions with potential future teammates, such as Cam Hayward, have been tense. Middlekauff remarks, “It's starting to bleed into his potential future teammates, where Cam Hayward... made some comments today. He's clearly tired of it” ([20:10]).
  • The uncertainty surrounding Rodgers' future has left franchises like the Steelers and Giants in a dilemma, pondering whether his presence can still be a game-changer or if it's time to pivot to younger talents.

• Public and Media Perception:

  • Middlekauff criticizes the media's obsession with Rodgers, comparing it to overhyped narratives in the NBA: “When you talk about the NBA, like, what are the biggest things that happen? They're always like trades or Stephen A. And LeBron yelling at each other.” ([25:30]).
  • He emphasizes that while Rodgers remains a significant figure in the NFL, the focus should return to the game's fundamentals rather than singular personalities.

2. Deion Sanders Wants to Play More

Deion Sanders, the renowned football coach, has stirred conversations with his recent statements about increasing on-field activities.

• Spring Game Advocacy:

  • Sanders advocates for the reinstatement and intensification of spring games, highlighting their importance for team cohesion and player readiness. “Not only do I want to hold a spring game, I want to play another team,” he states ([35:20]).

• Challenges and Logistics:

  • Middlekauff discusses the logistical hurdles Sanders faces, including securing funding and coordinating with athletic departments. “They're trying to convince the powers that be, I. E. My AD and my president, this is a good idea,” he explains ([36:05]).

• Impact on College Football:

  • Reintroducing competitive spring games could revitalize college football programs, providing much-needed entertainment and development opportunities. However, concerns about player safety and academic commitments persist.

3. Happy Gilmore Trailer Release

The anticipation builds as the trailer for "Happy Gilmore 2" is set to debut on Netflix.

• Initial Reactions:

  • Middlekauff shares his skepticism about the sequel, mentioning, “When I saw the trailer today... it honestly seemed a little cheesy. I'm like, I don't think this is going to work” ([45:50]).

• Adaptation to Modern Platforms:

  • Despite reservations, he acknowledges the shift in media consumption habits: “Going straight to Netflix... I will never complain. You can do whatever you want if you make the ability for me to consume your content the moment it comes out from my bedroom.” ([46:30]).

• Comparison with Other Franchises:

  • Drawing parallels with franchises like "Rocky" and "John Wick," Middlekauff debates the viability of reviving classic films decades later. While some succeed, others falter, leaving audiences divided.

4. Bill Belichick's Personal Life

A lighter yet intriguing segment covers the personal life of NFL legend Bill Belichick.

• Public Relationships:

  • Middlekauff observes Belichick's openness about his relationship, stating, “He ain't hiding. He ain't pretending that he's not running around with someone 50 years younger than him.” ([50:15]).

• Media Scrutiny:

  • The media often portrays such relationships unfavorably, but Middlekauff defends Belichick's personal choices: “I don't blame Bill at all for doing this.” ([50:45]).

• Cultural Reflections:

  • This discussion segues into a broader commentary on societal perceptions of age and relationships, emphasizing the importance of respecting personal boundaries and choices.

5. Mailbag: Listener Questions and Discussions

The episode transitions into the mailbag segment, where John addresses various listener-submitted questions related to the NFL and college football.

• Titans and Giants Quarterback Trade:

  • Question: Why aren't the Titans trading up to acquire Cam Ward from the Giants for a first-round pick?
  • Response: Middlekauff explains the complexities of trading up, stating, “Anytime that we assume a trade, it takes two to tango.” ([60:10]). He expresses skepticism about the viability of such a move, considering team needs and draft strategies.

• Impact of NIL and Transfer Portal on Draft Stock:

  • Question: Does a player's frequent transfers or NIL deals affect their draft prospects?
  • Response: Middlekauff argues that while NIL and transfers add new dynamics, they don't directly correlate with scholarships or draft stock. He emphasizes the importance of character and consistency: “The scholarships are paid by the school. You get the place of my hundred-man roster.” ([65:30]).

• Colts Drafting Quarterbacks in the Second Round:

  • Question: Should the Colts consider drafting a quarterback in the second round to bolster their roster?
  • Response: Middlekauff discusses the risks and benefits, highlighting examples of successful and failed quarterback drafts. “When you draft a high quarterback or quarterback really high and you miss, you are 99% of the time screwed.” ([70:45]).

• Ravens' Team Building and Fandom:

  • Question: How important is sharing team fandom in personal relationships?
  • Response: Reflecting on his own life, Middlekauff underscores the benefits of shared fandom. “Sharing the fandom and passion of your favorite team may not necessarily be a requirement, but it's without a doubt a bonus.” ([75:20]).

• Happy Gilmore vs. Other TV Shows:

  • Question: What are your thoughts on modern TV show revivals compared to classics like "The Sopranos" or "Breaking Bad"?
  • Response: Middlekauff offers a personal take, expressing indifference towards some revivals while appreciating others. “Whenever I see people say that Breaking Bad... not for me.” ([80:10]).

6. Chasing Challenges: Washington Commanders' Dilemma

In a segment sponsored by Microsoft, Middlekauff explores the strategic challenges faced by the Washington Commanders, particularly focusing on their recent acquisition of Laramie Tunzel.

• Trade Implications:

  • Middlekauff analyzes the Commanders' decision to trade significant draft picks for Tunzel, a veteran left tackle. “It's an economic exercise... if you give a first-round pick for an older player, that first-round pick... is eight, nine years of player for you.” ([90:30]).

• Player Performance and Team Fit:

  • He assesses Tunzel's capabilities and potential pitfalls, emphasizing the need for him to adapt to the Commanders' system. “Extremely talented player, one of the best pass blockers... but he's going to be over 30 years old.” ([91:15]).

• Financial Considerations:

  • The financial strain of such trades is highlighted, with Middlekauff questioning the long-term benefits versus immediate performance boosts.

7. Additional Highlights

Throughout the episode, Middlekauff touches on various other topics, including:

• Bill Belichick's Coaching Strategies:

  • “He doesn't pick the players and he doesn't dictate the scheme. I was talking to someone... How do you evaluate the coach quarterback duo?” ([100:50]).

• NFL vs. College Football Dynamics:

  • Discussing how the evolution of offensive and defensive strategies impacts player roles and draft decisions. “The game has changed a lot... it's why the NFL has added a lot of those concepts to the offense.” ([105:30]).

• Fan Engagement and Team Success:

  • Emphasizing the importance of team success for fan engagement, especially in metropolitan areas. “But family involvement in fandom... is a bonus.” ([110:20]).

Conclusion

John Middlekauff offers a comprehensive analysis of current NFL and college football narratives, blending personal insights with strategic evaluations. From the uncertainties surrounding Aaron Rodgers to Deion Sanders' ambitious plans and the Washington Commanders' strategic maneuvers, the episode provides listeners with a nuanced perspective on the ever-evolving landscape of American football. Additionally, the inclusion of listener questions enriches the discussion, fostering a community-driven dialogue.

Notable Quotes:

1. “I think like Aaron Rodgers underrated. I think he's easily one of the best players in any sport I've ever witnessed.”
   — John Middlekauff [16:45]

2. “Not only do I want to hold a spring game, I want to play another team.”
   — Deion Sanders [35:20]

3. “He ain't hiding. He ain't pretending that he's not running around with someone 50 years younger than him.”
   — John Middlekauff [50:15]

4. “Anytime that we assume a trade, it takes two to tango.”
   — John Middlekauff [60:10]

5. “The scholarships are paid by the school. You get the place of my hundred-man roster.”
   — John Middlekauff [65:30]

6. “When you draft a high quarterback or quarterback really high and you miss, you are 99% of the time screwed.”
   — John Middlekauff [70:45]

7. “Sharing the fandom and passion of your favorite team may not necessarily be a requirement, but it's without a doubt a bonus.”
   — John Middlekauff [75:20]

8. “Whenever I see people say that Breaking Bad... not for me.”
   — John Middlekauff [80:10]

9. “It's an economic exercise... if you give a first-round pick for an older player, that first-round pick... is eight, nine years of player for you.”
   — John Middlekauff [90:30]

10. “He doesn't pick the players and he doesn't dictate the scheme. I was talking to someone... How do you evaluate the coach quarterback duo?”
    — John Middlekauff [100:50]

This summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the episode, providing a cohesive overview for those who haven't listened to the podcast.