The Herd with Colin Cowherd - Episode 3 & Out: Best of The Week

Topics Covered: Derek Carr Retires, NFL Schedule Release, What's Going on in Cincy

Release Date: May 17, 2025
Host: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

Overview

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, host John navigates through some of the most compelling sports stories of the week. The discussions delve into Derek Carr's unexpected retirement, the much-anticipated NFL schedule release, and the latest developments surrounding the Cincinnati Bengals. With insightful analysis and candid opinions, John provides listeners with a comprehensive understanding of these high-profile topics.

1. Derek Carr's Unexpected Retirement

Timestamp: [05:00]

The week opened with the surprising announcement of Derek Carr's retirement from the NFL. John expresses his astonishment, stating, "Not sure I saw that one coming" ([05:10]). He reflects on Carr's career, highlighting his consistency and resilience as a starting quarterback.

Career Highlights and Challenges:
John provides an in-depth look at Carr's journey, noting his unwavering presence in every game he played—169 starts to be exact. He reminisces about Carr's early days with the Raiders, mentioning how Carr outperformed Matt Schaub during training camp, earning his starting position with impressive performances in preseason games. "He scored a touchdown on Cam Chancellor, then two or three more in the first half—Matt Schaub was done," John recalls ([10:25]).

Impact of External Factors:
John discusses the external challenges that may have influenced Carr's decision to retire, such as organizational instability with the Raiders' frequent coaching changes and the transition to the Saints. "There is no disputing he's been one of the more polarizing players over the course of his career," John observes ([18:40]). Additionally, he points out that injuries, like the broken ankle in Carr's third season, significantly impacted his performance and career trajectory.

Financial Considerations:
Highlighting the financial aspect, John mentions, "Derek has made over $200 million playing football," emphasizing that the substantial earnings provided Carr the financial freedom to retire comfortably at 34. "You've made a lot of money. There can't be," he notes ([22:15]).

2. NFL Schedule Release

Timestamp: [20:00]

The release of the NFL schedule was another focal point of the episode. John provides a breakdown of the key matchups and the strategic placement of marquee teams in prime time slots.

Kansas City Chiefs' Domination:
A significant portion of the schedule features the Kansas City Chiefs in multiple prime time games. John remarks, "They have become a behemoth of a cash cow for the league," ([25:00]) highlighting how star players like Patrick Mahomes have elevated the Chiefs' brand to unparalleled heights.

Streaming and Broadcasting Evolution:
John discusses the NFL's shift towards streaming platforms, noting partnerships with Amazon, Netflix, and YouTube. "The NFL has found a way to maximize exposure by leveraging these platforms," he states ([30:45]). He emphasizes how exclusive deals with streaming giants are reshaping how fans consume football, ensuring that high-profile games receive maximum viewership without competing against other broadcasts.

Historic vs. Emerging Brands:
Comparing historic teams like the Green Bay Packers and Pittsburgh Steelers to emerging powerhouses, John analyzes how sustained success and star power influence scheduling decisions. "Mahomes is the biggest star in the NFL. He's the biggest name in the NFL," he asserts ([35:20]), underscoring the Chiefs' strategic advantage in attracting viewership.

3. What's Going on in Cincinnati

Timestamp: [46:01]

The episode delves deep into the current state of the Cincinnati Bengals, focusing on two main issues: contract negotiations with star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson and the performance of their first-round pick, Shemar Stewart.

Contract Negotiations with Trey Hendrickson:
John explores the standoff between Hendrickson and the Bengals, pointing out the complexities involved. "This is a more complicated situation, and it's easy for every swinging dick on television to paint the Bengals as the bad guy," he comments ([50:45]). He elaborates on Hendrickson's outstanding performance over the past two seasons, including 35 sacks, and the Bengals' dilemma in offering a suitable contract that reflects his value without overcommitting financially.

First-Round Pick Shemar Stewart's Performance:
Addressing Stewart's lack of participation in rookie minicamp, John raises concerns about his readiness and the Bengals' drafting strategy. "He did not practice this week at rookie minicamp, which is kind of crazy given that everyone practices if they're healthy," he observes ([46:15]). John suggests that while Stewart possesses remarkable physical attributes, his on-field production hasn't matched expectations, making his future with the team uncertain.

Organizational Challenges:
John highlights the Bengals' broader organizational issues, including negative perceptions and internal dynamics that may be affecting team performance. "The agent of the player does not give a shit about the team," he states ([55:30]), emphasizing the disconnect between player representation and team interests.

4. Additional Insights on NFL Dynamics

Timestamp: [58:00]

Towards the end of the episode, John shares his perspectives on the evolving landscape of NFL team branding and media partnerships.

Impact of Streaming Platforms:
He discusses how the NFL's collaboration with streaming services like Amazon and Netflix is changing the game's accessibility and popularity. "They're stealing games away from traditional networks, and streaming platforms are becoming the new power brokers," John explains ([58:10]).

Future of NFL Broadcasting:
John speculates on the future of NFL broadcasting, questioning how traditional networks like Fox and NBC will compete with the rising dominance of streaming giants. "As these platforms grow, the traditional cable bundles are struggling to keep up," he predicts ([59:45]).

Conclusions and Takeaways

Timestamp: [60:00]

John wraps up the episode by reflecting on the unpredictability of NFL careers and the importance of strategic management within teams. He emphasizes that while external factors often influence outcomes, the role of leadership and organizational stability remains paramount for sustained success.

Key Takeaways:

• Derek Carr's retirement underscores the impact of organizational dynamics and personal health on an athlete's career.
• The NFL schedule reveals a strategic emphasis on star teams and leveraging streaming platforms to maximize viewership.
• The Cincinnati Bengals face critical decisions in contract negotiations and player performance management, highlighting broader organizational challenges.

John concludes with the thought that the ever-evolving nature of the NFL requires teams to be adaptable and forward-thinking to maintain competitiveness and fan engagement.

This summary provides a comprehensive overview of the key discussions from the episode, encapsulating the essential points and insights shared by the host. For those who haven't listened to the episode, this serves as a detailed guide to understanding the latest developments in the NFL.