Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd Episode: 3 & Out - Best of The Week: REMEMBERING Jim Irsay, Diggs Makes Headlines on a Boat, Myles Garrett NOT at OTA
Release Date: May 31, 2025
Host: John Middlekauff
Platform: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

1. Remembering Jim Irsay

Timestamp: [02:21]

John Middlekauff opens the episode by paying tribute to Jim Irsay, the beloved owner of the Indianapolis Colts, who passed away at the age of 65. Reflecting on Irsay's impact on the NFL, Middlekauff shares:

"Jim Irsay became a pretty major figure in the league... he represented a group of people that just aren't going to be around very soon in the near future." [02:30]

Middlekauff reminisces about the era when NFL owners were prominent personalities, akin to characters in a reality show. He contrasts this with the more reserved nature of contemporary owners, noting:

"Most of these owners do not say a peep no matter how crazy the stuff they do." [07:45]

He highlights Irsay's unique presence in the league, describing him as a "big personality" who wasn't afraid to voice his opinions. Middlekauff laments the loss of such vibrant figures, emphasizing that Irsay's absence leaves a noticeable void in the NFL's identity.

2. Stefon Diggs' Boat Incident

Timestamp: [12:15]

Transitioning to more recent news, Middlekauff discusses Stefon Diggs' involvement in a controversial boat incident that made headlines. He provides a detailed account of the event, which included high-profile individuals and questionable activities:

"There was a lot of athletes and entertainers on that boat, and things got out of hand with some pink powder being distributed." [13:00]

Middlekauff delves into the implications of such incidents for NFL players, particularly those in the spotlight like Diggs. He draws parallels to past events, such as the infamous 2005 Love Boat incident involving Minnesota Vikings players, highlighting a persistent issue within the league:

"These players are in the spotlight, and while it's their personal lives, these incidents can tarnish reputations and create unnecessary distractions." [15:45]

He also touches on the responsibilities of team management in handling these situations, questioning the effectiveness of current protocols in addressing player misconduct.

3. Myles Garrett NOT at OTA

Timestamp: [22:50]

The episode shifts focus to Myles Garrett and his absence from the Organized Team Activities (OTA). Middlekauff analyzes the potential reasons behind Garrett's decision and its ramifications for both Garrett and the Cleveland Browns:

"Myles Garrett told the Browns, 'I want out,' highlighting that even substantial financial incentives may not sway a player's personal desires." [24:10]

He critiques the Cleveland Browns' management, particularly owner Jimmy Haslam, for not facilitating a trade despite Garrett's clear intentions. Middlekauff underscores the significance of Garrett's talent and the missed opportunities for the franchise:

"Garrett is one of the most talented players in the league. Refusing to trade him not only affects team dynamics but also limits the Browns' future prospects." [26:35]

Middlekauff explores the broader theme of money not equating to happiness, especially for high-earning athletes who may prioritize personal fulfillment over financial gain. He posits that Garrett's stance reflects a growing trend among players valuing their agency and well-being over contractual obligations.

4. Historical Perspective on NFL Boat Incidents

Timestamp: [19:30]

Expanding on the theme of NFL players and boat-related controversies, Middlekauff provides a historical overview of similar incidents, drawing attention to their frequency and impact on the league's image:

"The Love Boat incident with the Minnesota Vikings in 2005, where players were involved in unacceptable behavior, set a precedent that we've sadly seen repeated over the years." [20:00]

He recounts specific instances, including charges against players for inappropriate conduct on boats, illustrating a pattern of recurring issues. Middlekauff emphasizes the need for stronger measures to prevent such incidents and protect the league's reputation.

5. The Evolution of NFL Ownership and Management

Timestamp: [08:50]

Further delving into ownership dynamics, Middlekauff contrasts the past and present approaches of NFL team owners. He reminisces about characters like George Steinbrenner of the Yankees, who were as prominent as coaches and players, facilitating a more transparent and engaging environment:

"These owners were as famous as the coach, as the GM... they let you be known, just like Jerry Jones does today." [09:15]

In contrast, he highlights the current trend of silent ownership, where team owners remain uninvolved in day-to-day operations and public discourse. Middlekauff suggests that this shift may contribute to a less personable and more corporate image of NFL franchises.

6. Reflections on Money and Player Satisfaction

Timestamp: [27:20]

Middlekauff ties in the discussion of Myles Garrett's situation with broader reflections on wealth and personal satisfaction. He underscores that immense financial rewards do not necessarily translate to happiness or fulfillment:

"Money changes a lot of our lives, but for someone like Garrett, who has amassed significant wealth early in his career, financial incentives alone aren't enough to change his core desires." [28:10]

He asserts that Garrett's decision to seek a trade is a testament to personal values taking precedence over lucrative contracts, a sentiment that may resonate with many athletes facing similar crossroads.

7. Conclusion and Closing Thoughts

Timestamp: [30:27]

John Middlekauff wraps up the episode by reiterating the significance of the discussed topics, emphasizing the evolving landscape of the NFL in terms of ownership dynamics, player behavior, and the intersection of money and personal fulfillment. He encourages listeners to reflect on these changes and their implications for the future of professional sports.

Notable Quotes:

• On Jim Irsay's Impact:
  "When you say the words Jim Irsay to me, I thought like big personality and a guy who... wasn't afraid to just say what was on his mind." [06:00]

• On Stefon Diggs' Incident:
  "Stefon Diggs handed out some pink powder, and we've seen a lot of different people on the Internet kind of break it down to a party cocktail for your nostrils." [16:20]

• On Myles Garrett's Stance:
  "Even if you pay a guy $150 million, you think he'd show up just for a couple days and get a little sweated... But he told the Browns, 'I want out.'" [25:00]

Overall Insights:

• Changing Ownership Dynamics: The NFL has seen a shift from highly visible and outspoken owners to more reserved and silent figures, impacting the league's public persona.

• Player Conduct Off the Field: Recurrent boat-related incidents highlight ongoing challenges in managing player behavior and maintaining the league's reputation.

• Financial Success vs. Personal Fulfillment: High-earning players like Myles Garrett demonstrate that substantial financial rewards do not guarantee personal happiness or satisfaction with their professional environment.

• Legacy of Influential Figures: The passing of influential owners like Jim Irsay marks the end of an era characterized by larger-than-life personalities who significantly shaped the league's culture and operations.

Conclusion: This episode of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" provides a thoughtful exploration of key issues affecting the NFL, from the legacy of prominent owners to contemporary challenges faced by players and management. John Middlekauff offers insightful commentary on how these dynamics influence both the league's present state and its future trajectory, making it a must-listen for fans seeking a deeper understanding of the sport's inner workings.