John (24:39)

So we all made mistakes, right? But owning up to them, it's the right thing to do. But we all know Degree Cool Rush deodorant well. Last year they changed the formula and it did not go over well with the fans. The grease, whole thing. It turns up sweat and other protection when you turn up the effort. And good thing it does because Cool Rush fans really turned up the effort to bring back the OG formula. One guy even started an online petition and degree listen they admitted they effed up and are bringing back that OG Cool Rush scent back. And it's exactly how you remember it. Cool, crisp and fresh. It's back at Walmart, Target and other stores for under $4. There's a reason why it's been the number one men's antiperspirant for the last decade. It's the same reason why people are not happy when the recipe was changed. So listen, if you've never tried, it might be a good time to try what the fuss is about. Head to your local Walmart or Target and try the OG Degree Cool Rush for yourself.

Colin (25:29)

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For more details on rates, fees and and other Gemini credit card terms, see Rates and Fees. Ugh. Spam calls Sound familiar? Introducing Line two Get a second phone number right on your existing phone. Imagine discounts, appointments online, forms. Handle it all without giving out your personal number. It's like having a secret weapon against spam. And when those unwanted calls sneak through, Boom. Blocked. No more interruptions, no more stress. Stay connected, stay protected. Keep your main number safe and out of harm's way. Ready to take back your phone? Visit line2.com audio or download line2 in the app Store today. I'm from Wisconsin. Work with high school polters. Tough little word to say the state just allowed high schoolers to accept nil. Sounds like a lot of states have already moved in this direction. In your opinion, is nil gonna step too far to potentially allow 15 year olds to start signing their likeness away? Or is it positive to get involved in business side in sports? Younger I I don't know about like the Olympic sport, you know, who's giving them money? You know, is it because they have a big social media following? Because if I am just a very talented 16 year old, I can start a business, I can make money. So what's wrong with those people making money? Right? I think we get so consumed as like this is bad for their mental health. It's like, yeah, maybe. But I've known a lot of people that were, you know, very successful entrepreneurs that are 60 years old that said they started starting businesses when they were like 14. No one had an issue with that. So if someone's willing to give you money, what are they supposed to say? No, I think it's just you could argue both sides. I think you can't put the toothpaste back in the tube at this point. What's a pole vaulter even worth? And you could argue like, you know, the top college basketball players or football players have always kind of been taken care of. Now it's at a different level. But how many of those individuals actually exist? I mean it's a pretty small percentage that are going to be like LeBron James driving a Hummer to high school. Like that's, that's not really going to exist most places, I don't think. But maybe I'm out of the touch and out of the loop. I don't know. I'm not bothered by it. Huge fan of The POD and your takes. My question is about the Niners and their lack of investment and concern around the O line. I know they have concentrated on the D line with the draft and may make trades, but barring Williams and Puni, Kyle and John haven't really hit on other picks or signings during their time with the Niners. Putting the D line need aside, we see how many teams like the Lions and the Eagles have done. I just wanted to hear your take on what their plan is moving forward. Not the biggest fan of this individual. Like I wouldn't have given him $50 million guaranteed. But they did draft Mike McGlinchey in the top 10 and he started for him for five years at right tackle. So was it the right pick? Would you rather have Colton Miller? I mean but he's a starter not just for them on teams that went to the super bowl. But then he starts for the Broncos now the last couple of years of playoff team. So like they've hit. They hit on that guy. But after doing that maybe they thought, I mean they didn't extend them that they're like they've got out of that business. Listen, I think their approach for defensive line is commendable. They invest in it constantly. I mean they have invested so many high picks over the years. Some whiffed, some hit. They double down again. This year they have no issue with taking. They take 10 defensive linemen. But for whatever reason Kyle does not believe that much in the offensive line. He just doesn't. So unless you're Trent Williams, maybe It was the McGlinchey thing rattled them, but he believes plug and play, random guards and centers and even Colton McKivits. And that ain't going to change. Like that's. I don't know what to say. Like I don't agree with it. You don't agree with it. Howie and Andy Reid wouldn't agree with it, but that's what he does. So it's like I don't. He's not going to change. Question for the pod do you think the Saints should just cut ties with Derek? Didn't they change his contract? I saw rap sheet. Maybe it was during the draft, maybe a Schefter. I think both those guys have talked about it that however they mess with his contract like it's his $40 million this year is fully guaranteed. So they could cut him but they still have to pay him $40 million and I think his dead cap would like accelerate to 60. So listen, the shoulder situation, he's given a sermon in Vegas acting like he's some victim. It's like, bro, relax. It's not that big a deal. Is your shoulder okay or not? He clearly is mad at them. Kellen Moore clearly isn't that big of a fan of his. They draft a quarterback really high in the second, which it feels like they're going to be comfortable playing. I guess you could. I would, I would be a little stunned if he's not there in the next couple weeks. Now, you know this, you know, I don't care who you are, this hurts your heart. His wife had, you know, a tragic situation the other day where she had a, you know, I think, I don't know how many weeks she was pregnant, but he had to rush her to the hospital and they had a miscarriage. It's part of the reason he hadn't been there. I had someone in Fresno, like made the local news there and then became. I saw it on the Internet yesterday. So I think maybe that's delayed some of the interaction between them and the. Or him and the organization. Listen, I was around Derek of Fresno State. I've always thought he was probably more talented when he was young than he got credit for. But this same situation when they signed him, let's face it, has been a disaster. Like if they could do it over again, they would not. He's got to be the only player in NFL history who's going to. I mean, after this $40 million this year, he'll have amassed like 235 million DOL. He's never won a playoff game. He does have a lot of pro Bowls, but like half of those are the fake ones where like someone drops out. It's like Peyton Manning's out, right? Mahomes is out. Josh Allen's going to Pebble Beach. Derek's like, I'm in question for the bag. What do you think of the Texans draft? I know Kasario is a high level GM, but looking back at 24, the moves for Diggs and mixing, does it make sense given the 25 draft of the two wide receivers in a deep running back draft? Well, listen, you take swings on guys like Diggs. I have no problem with making moves like that. Like philosophically. Now we can argue over the individual player, but moves like that happen constantly. Older veterans who have been high level players who are kind of expensive, you have some cap room and you make a swing on the commanders. Just did it with Debo. Right. I totally understand moves like that. Some work, some don't. And the dig situation, obviously he wasn't quite as good and then he tears. Acl. You know, I think part of it, I think they take what, two wide receivers with their first three picks. Tank Dell was an excellent player, so it looked like him and Nico Collins, like, you got a dominant little wide receiver crew with your young quarterback. I, I'm not trying to be Debbie Downer here, but I mean, there's a chance he's never really able to play football again. And definitely not impactful football. So the moment that happens, you got to draft some wide receivers, you know, So I, I think they, they took two Iowa State guys. I'm just off. I looked at it earlier today because of when I took the screenshot and they took an offensive tackle, which I think the Minnesota offensive tackle, which a lot of people liked. But a lot of people like the Iowa State receivers too. I mean, those guys, I don't know, the 49ers are really interested in them. A lot of teams I saw brought them in for visits. I got no issue with it. I really don't. Because you have to look at it like Tankdale doesn't exist anymore, which sucks to say. I mean, who talking with a buddy with the Texans, like, they love Tankdale. They love those two guys. I mean, I think Nico Collins and who doesn't is a monster. I mean, that guy, honestly, he's got one of the best contracts in the league, but when Tankdale has that situation where he's laying in the back of the end zone back to back years, it's one thing to break your leg, it's another thing that that injury. I mean, guys are in tears. It's. I think you just got to bank on it never being the same, which sucks. But I'm a pretty laid back guy and generally laugh and roll my eyes at the outrage culture all over social media. I agree, but I feel like an old man. I'm so pissed off at Abdul Carter. I just can't get over the sheer audacity of asking for lt's number. It reeks of arrogance and disrespect. And I won't lie, I'm rooting for this guy to fail. There's been so many draft busts throughout NFL history that this guy will always be the fool that asked for lt's number. Here's the one thing I think you're overestimating. I don't know how. I'm guessing you're a little older than me, because I don't really remember. I mean, no, I don't remember at all watching LT play. By the time I really came into a football watcher that I can remember, like 93, 94, 95, when I was like, you know, 9, 10, 11 years old, he was done. Obviously. He's widely considered the best defensive player ever. You know, Belichick swears by him. But Abdul Carter, I think sometimes when you get a kid, his respect level for, for lt, if he had been. This might not be a perfect example, but Abdul Carter was born in 2004. I feel like a pretty young guy. Like, I feel pretty young. I was a sophomore in college when this guy. Actually, I was a freshman in college when this guy was born like that. That's. I'm 40 years old. This guy, like, not only never saw Lawrence Taylor play, it's hard to put in context people that were born way before you kind of came into your. Your own, whether it's a fan or a player. So I, I get it. Like, I think if, if, if LT had been Vaughn Miller, like Von Miller had been this great player, and they, you know, it's. His number was he had helped the Giants win a Super bowl or even. Let's just say Abdul Carter wanted Eli Manning's number. You know, something that he could contextualize. I think it would feel a little different to him, and maybe he wouldn't say it, but I, I think it's harder to judge a young person. It's like, when I was a kid, it's like trying to think of athletes, you know, whether it was Jerry west or Rick Barry or Mickey Mantle or Jim Brown's. Like, I have no context of these. I can Google it all I want, but it's not the same as watching it. Would he have asked for it if it was Vaughn Miller or Aaron Donald or someone like that? Probably not. Hopefully. If he would, then I'm with you. Kind of douchebag material. But I give you a little, like, what. What year did you think LT stop playing? Like, I'll be honest. I mean, I do this for a living. So, I mean, you just talk about football and these guys so often when you say the word Lawrence Taylor, when you say Lawrence Taylor, you know, the first thing I think about is not sacks, it's crack. I mean, I think of a guy that's widely considered the best player ever that dominated while doing crack. He retired over a decade before this guy was even born. So I, I hear you. I would get the outrage if I was of age. Like, if someone, if Bo Nix had asked for Peyton Manning's number, I'd be like, what the Other thing is, what's the point of retire now? In football it's a little harder. Unlike some of these other sports where you got, you know, basketball, you got 10 guys that are that play max. And only a guy that would ask for a number would be like an elite player that would want a legends number. So there's a lot of options in football. There's not as many as you think. But if you retire a number isn't that kind of retired. Like that number is now is untouchable. It's like, hey, I'm just calling, you know, like Joe Montana or John Elway or whoever was like, that number's off limits, guys. Now do you get to a point where you have 25 numbers retired, you have a problem. How do teams adjust for salary cap? They're forced to sign players because of injuries. I think I've been asked this question. I would assume most teams get enough money back from voided contracts, non guarantees that it would significantly outweigh signing backups. I'm not a, you'd have to get a cap guy to explain that. I, I don't know and I definitely don't know how to articulate that. So that's all. I've been asked that a couple times. Great question. Question for the pod. I'm a recent Iowa State grad. As I've been working my first full time job. Congrats, welcome to the workforce. I've been considering starting my own YouTube channel/podcast and hopefully turn that into my full time job. What recommendations would you give? Thanks for reading my message. It's a good question. I would say I'm gonna assume you're working kind of a 9 to 5, because if you're working a job, let's say like my first job was in football. I mean there was, I was gone. I wouldn't have had any time to do a side job. So if you have time to do a side job, the one thing I would say is all the energy you have put into it and just be consistent with it. It's going to take a while. It's not going to be easy. It's safe to say the market is oversaturated, with a bunch of people trying to do that. So it's easy to get down. But I think the only way to make any progress in any side hustle is you got to be consistent with it. Whether it's like a business selling shoes, whether it's a side Internet business, whether you're trying to start a YouTube channel. You can't just do it, like, once a week or three times a month. Like, you got to have consistency to it. It's the only chance. And you're not guaranteed to have success, but that's the only chance you have to have success. I would say, in anything consistently showing up, you know, it's cliche, and people laugh at it. It's like, you know, you just. You kind of end up out. Like, if you just show up, like, you'll take out, the percentages change. Some people say 50% of the competition, some say 70% of the competition. But just by showing up every single day, consistently on time to whatever you're doing, you will just bypass people. That doesn't even count being good or bad at whatever you're doing. Question for the mailbag. Do you think Mel Kuiper's credibility will ever return? Will he ever be able to live down the way he acted during the draft about Sanders? I mentioned this the other day, and I was thinking, like, I don't know if I quite articulated it that well. Probably sounded kind of like a douche talking about it. That, like, you know, in any of these people's jobs, like the one I have, obviously guys like Colin, Stephen, a. Whatever, their job is not to be right or wrong. They're. They're in the entertainment business. Like, that's what they're in. They're. And if you're a GM, I was watching Joe Ortiz today on McAfee. Like, his only job is to pick and sign good players. Like, that's his job. And the more good players he signs and the more bad ones he bypasses, he'll be good at his job. His job's not to be a politician. His job's not to be happy all the time. His job's not to entertain people. It's just, like, know the right football players to sign, right? This job to make money is people that are advertising on this show, you know, push their product by having a large audience and people that come back over and over that, you know, listen to what I say. That that is literally the job, right? And I think Mel Kuiper's job, whether he's right or wrong, is completely irrelevant. He's never had a team take the field on Sunday. His job is to entertain. Now, you could argue, like, has he been there too long, right? Is. Is he overstayed as welcome? Like, does he still have the same juice? And you'd say probably not, right? But I'd say when you think NFL draft, he is clearly not just a pioneer, but he's one of the more legendary figures, non drafting like part of the production of football in the history of sports. Right? There is no more person in America that is more synonymous with an event than like the NFL Draft on ESPN. You think Mel Kuiper, you don't think the GMs, the coaches, even the player. You think Mel Kuiper first and I disagreed. I use freaking out. But his job is not to be right or wrong. It's really not. His job is just kind of to entertain. Now I think he tell you like I do think he believes it. I don't necessarily know about the Shador. That felt a little weird. But I mean, he's had these takes before. He compared jamarcus Russell to John Elway. He loved Jimmy Clausen. And listen, we're all going to like players, but specifically we remember the quarterbacks. Like you don't remember where he screwed up at db. No one cares. You don't remember the guard, that he has a first rounder that was out of the league in two years. No one cares. Think about the players that we hold these guys on TV accountable for. In football, it's the quarterbacks. Like you love Jon Gruden, love Johnny Manziel, right? No one can talk about the receivers or the linemen that he liked or didn't like. So I think we overvalue, like credibility. Like he's not in the credibility business, as crazy as that sounds, because he ranks draft players, he's an entertainer. I mean, that's, that's honestly what he is. He can rank and talk about draft picks all he wants, like he's there to entertain. It seems to me that very rarely trade with the intention of getting high picks in better drafts. Why do we, why don't we see this more, for instance, team trading 25 first round picks for multiple 26 picks, which is supposed to be a better draft. Not saying it never happens. I'm just surprised I don't hear about it more. P.S. your previous episode, you've gotten into some Bravo shows, but you've never mentioned Vanderpump Rules. You and possibly Maria are missing out if you've never seen. Oh, she's seen it. I've. I've watched it. It's. That's. We went to last summer when we were in Tahoe. She really, really wanted to go to Wolf, which is Lisa's restaurant in South Lake Tahoe in the casino. And obviously Lisa's a restaurateur, which I think Vanderpump is the restaurant which all these people worked at which the restaurant was really good. I. I'll say that the drinks were a little. A little foofy, but the food was elite. It was. It was really. If you're ever in South Lake Tahoe, I don't know, the Harris, the Harvey's, what? I remember we were leaving and you don't have a chance. I think you have to. We had to valet our car. And I remember the guy came back to me and was like, I can't find your keys. I'm like, you got my keys? I mean, I don't have them. I. You guys valeted my car. And then it turned out like, I don't even think they ever moved my car just sat there and the keys were in it. But yeah. Lisa, restaurant was good. Your question? Well, it takes two to tango. I think teams definitely later in the draft will never have a problem making that move. I also think sometimes it's tough to convince a coach, if they like a player, that we're not going to get a pick. We talked about this yesterday. Coaches are looking at the depth chart. So it's like as a gm, as an owner, as a scouting staff, you're like, hell yeah, we got two first round picks next year. Sweet. And the coach goes, well, what about those four guys that we could have drafted right there? Pick 24, sweet running back, a sweet defensive tackle, a sweet corner. So, you know, part of it is like, you need someone willing to do that, which half the people, if you're saying that out loud, well, they're thinking it too. So you need someone desperate. And then you also need the coach to agree, which. Look at the two teams that did it. The Browns, I mean, the reason that they feel comfortable doing that is the DeSean Watson situation. They're a disaster. And two, the Rams, I mean, have a coach on scholarship for as long as he wants to coach there. Hey, John. It's been a pretty quiet around the Bengals since they resigned the receivers. And no one's really asking about Joe Burrow. What are the expectations for him in this team this year. The division looks weaker if Burrow stays healthy. It's hard to see them missing the playoffs. Worst case, they're second in the North. Only real concern seems to be the defense, especially with Hendrickson still not locked up long term, I think the expectation is for him to be MVP caliber and the team offense to be elite and the defense to not be as bad. Right. You draft the A and M pass rusher, who's a freak athletically, who I think people would say leaves A little something to be desired on the field. Al Golden. I saw some clips. Who's the new dc? You know, he's the Notre Dame defense. I mean he's big time defensive coordinator. But Lu Amaruno was good. I know he had a bad on defense. Like you need the players. So I think figuring out the Hendrickson thing is kind of important. Like is he just not going to show up? It's already got kind of contentious, right? Brown's daughter came out and said like he should just. This is not verbatim but basically like shut up and just come show up and play. I don't know, it just. Whatever her comments were, he clear was pissed because then he went on McAfee. So that to me is interesting to watch offensively. They. They should be unreal. 49ers fan. I constantly hear you talk about how much money Brock Purdy deserves. Isn't he better and more accomplished than Dak Prescott? What justifies Dak being the highest paid quarterback but Purdy has to take a pay cut. No one deserves anything, especially in business. You get what you negotiate. I don't think Brock Purdy deserves anything. I don't care one way or the other. He get $100 million, he get a billion dollars. Deserves. I don't give a shit about deserves. I've never ever said that word. So you're misquoting me there because I don't use deserves. Now based on his play and based on what I would feel comfortable playing paying him given how good I think he is. I think Dak Prescott is grossly overpaid. And I think they're in business with him at a number that limits their team because he's not good enough. I think that's bad business. And I look at these situations from a business standpoint. I appreciate the hell out of Dak Prescott, the way he conducts himself, the way he operates in life. I'd say the same thing about Brock Purdy. I admire and respect like those guys stories and what they had to overcome being laid around picks. Everyone thinks they suck and they've both guys have won a lot of, you know, games. Purdy's once a big one. Stack really hasn't in the playoffs, but he's had an incredible career. But I think the Cowboys have handled it poorly financially on their side. And I look at things through like how's this team going to win? And I think paying him what you pay Dak Prescott like is a losing contract for the 49ers. But if he can get it, like did he Deserve it. I don't know. But he negotiated it, so kudos to his agent. Now, if I want to be the. If I'm a 49er fan and want them to continue winning, like, can we find some middle ground? Because, like, we ain't going to win if we got to pay you $250 million guaranteed. And it's not. I mean, based on his play, in what world should he be paid like Dax paid like Joe Burrow and Josh Allen? That's stupid. I mean, that's. That's bad business. That's the way I discuss it. Not deserves Dak. Deserve what? What does anyone deserve? You get what you can get. And his agent got a lot. Considering how offense is choreographed and defense is reactionary, do you think Ben Johnson went heavy on drafting offense this year, knowing the super bowl isn't in the cards so they can develop some chemistry for next year and draft heavily on defense with Dennis Allen? I would say that's a good question. I think it kind of tells you that they're not that high on Cole Comet, Ben Johnson isn't. And Loveland, he. I think he even mentioned this. He saw laporta. I think they invested so much in the offensive line. They didn't need to do that. I think they go, our defense is already good, so Dennis Allen's one of the best coaches. We already have a good defense. Now, could they have taken. Who was there to really take a 10 that they bypassed on defense would be my question. Because let's go to the 2025 draft so they draft Loveland. Mikel Williams goes at 11. I don't think anyone would have complained if they took him. Kenneth Grant, the Michigan defensive tackle, went at 13. Could have taken him. I think you could have taken those two guys there. But I think they go, we're already good on defense. I probably would have been more inclined to take a defensive lineman there, one of those two guys over the tight end. But I think what you're. Because we got Rome, we got DJ Moore, we got Caleb, we already got Cole commit. But I'm telling you, if Cole commits traded, I wouldn't be surprised. This is another question about Kyle Shanahan not liking the offensive line. They seem to not be addressing it. They are literally at Williams, Trent injury away from 32nd best offensive line in the league. No way Kyle assumes he can zone block with me and you at guard. He does. He believes. And listen, I. I'm not disagreeing that it is much easier to find a guard and center than a lot of Other positions like you should be able to find functional guards and centers in the zone blocking scheme, which is much more positional. Right. If I'm a good athlete, it's me getting on your, your edges and just staying in front of you. I don't need to shove you back like I'm Orlando Pace or, you know, Jim Otto. I don't even know if Jim Otto was a power player, but I'm trying to think of centers. You know, Kelsey was kind of unique. He got stronger as he got older, but he was so quick that I just need athletic bodies. But the amount of good interior pass rushers and just interior good players that have come into the league over the last seven, eight years dwarfs what Kyle started off in the NFL. There used to be. When I got in the NFL like 15 years ago, there weren't. I was doing the math. Today I'm like, God, that's, that's a long time ago now. There weren't that many great defensive tackle pass rushers. And then over the course of the 2010s, the Aaron Donalds, the Fletcher Cox, J.J. watts, all these versatile players that can rush over guards and centers came in waves. Look at this year, multiple defensive tackles. Look at the last couple years, defensive tackles, defensive tackles, they can pass rush. So I think that I don't care how good your running game is, you're just going to be in second and nine and third and 10 sometimes. And when you're in third and 10, we know what you're doing. In a tie game in the fourth quarter against the Rams, like, can you block Braden Fisk? Because last year he was giving a lot of people trouble. So it's like, I don't know. The irony is they just admitted it. Like, the reason we love Mikel Williams because he can rush over guards, it's like, well, yeah, you can take advantage of matchups. I don't know, man, I. Beating a dead horse here. Blending Vice's signature dynamic storytelling with the high octane world of sports, Vice sports brings an exciting and diverse range of programming that goes beyond the game, catch action packed live events and exclusive sports documentaries and profiles only on Vice tv. Hey, so we all make mistakes, but owning up is the right thing to do, you know?

John (55:30)

Degree, Cool Rush deodorant.

Colin (55:32)

Well, last year they changed the formula and it did not go well with their fans. Degree's whole thing is it turns up the sweat and odor protection when you turn up the effort. And good thing it does because cool Rush fans really turned up the effort.

John (55:47)

To bring back the original Formula.

Colin (55:49)

One guy even started an online petition and degree listened. They admitted they effed up and are bringing the original Cool Rush scent back. And it's exactly how you remember it. Cool, crisp and fresh. It's back in Walmart, Target and other stores now for under $4. There's a reason why it's been the.

John (56:05)

Number one men's antiperspirant for the last decade.

Colin (56:09)

It's the same reason why people were not happy when it changed. So if you never tried it, it might be a good time to see what the fuss is about. Head to your local Walmart or Target to try the OG Degree Cool Rush for yourself Interested in investing in Bitcoin but not sure how to get started with the Gemini Credit card? You can dip your toes into Bitcoin without even trying. Just spend like you normally do groceries, gas or even a night out and instantly earn up to 4% back in Bitcoin or one of over 50 other cryptos straight to your account with no annual fee. The Gemini Credit Card is a no brainer and right now you can grab a $200 bitcoin intro bonus. Go to gemini.com/card to learn more and start earning today. Terms apply. Again, go to gemini.com/card and start building your Bitcoin stash today. Terms apply. The Gemini Credit Card is issued by Web bank in order to Qualify for the Intro 200 crypto bonus, your application must be approved by June 30, 2025 and spend 3,000 in your first 90 days. Terms apply. Some exclusions apply to instant rewards in which rewards are deposited when the transaction posts this content is not investment advice and trading. Crypto involves risk. For more details on rates, fees and other Gemini Credit card terms, see Rates and Fees. Ugh. Spam calls sound familiar? Introducing line two Get a second phone number right on your existing phone. Imagine discounts, appointments online forms. Handle it all without giving out your personal number. It's like having a secret weapon against spam. And when those unwanted calls sneak through. Boom. Blocked. No more interruptions. No more stress. Stay connected. Stay protected. Keep your main number safe and out of harm's way. Ready to take back your phone? Visit line2.com audio or download line2 in the app Store. Today we live in a divided country. I am a lifelong Republican with all kinds of different people. You know, I'm a mother, I'm a grandmother. That's why we started the Middle with Jeremy Hobson. It's about bringing voices not from the extremes, but from the vast middle into the national conversation. Anna, I'm calling from Las Vegas. Each week we bring together an all star panel. Mark Cuban, so great to have you on the Middle. Thanks for having me. Jeremy, Neil Degrasse Tyson, welcome to the Middle. Thanks for having me. And hear from ordinary Americans from all over the country on the most important issues. Hi, my name is Venkat. I'm calling you from Atlanta, Georgia. And when you subscribe, subscribe to the Middle. You also get an episode each week called One Thing Trump did that focuses on just one item from the avalanche of news.

John (58:57)

We should be examining what our government spends its money on and are these jobs necessary and what are we doing here?

Colin (59:03)

But that doesn't seem to be what we're doing in this situation. Listen to the Middle with Jeremy Hobson on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. What are your thoughts on the Steelers? I was hoping for Shador and became increasingly frustrated as they kept passing on him in the first, third and fourth rounds. Does this mean they're signing Aaron Rodgers or does Tomlin really not understand the importance of having a quarterback not named Mason Rudolph? Yeah, I think Rogers a lock. I was actually sad. This is what I think about in the shower, but I think it's a foregone conclusion at this point. And I think the question is what's the best case? Because I'm just going to assume Rogers is their quarterback. What's the best case scenario for the Steelers? Like could they win 12 games? The running back they drafted from Iowa, that guy's a stud. I think that guy's going to be good. You draft a plug and play defensive tackle early in the draft. Their defense, especially against the run as the season went on was just like. So I, I actually kind of like their draft. But you're getting a 41 year old Aaron Rodgers. They tried to trade George Pickens. Clearly they were making calls. No one would bite. It seems like a few NFL teams are in salary cap crisis every year with the amount of players they with the amount they have to pay players on their team, do they have to worry about paying newly drafted players all that guaranteed money, especially when they have high draft picks every round. Do certain teams have to make roster moves pre or post draft to accommodate the money? Well, you know to start the season you got to be cap compliant, right? Which is usually the first day of the league year. So that's the start of free agency, March 14 this year. And you have to have an idea of your cap compliance, how much you're going to need to sign those guys. Well, none of the rookies, at least that I've seen, have signed yet. So you could still cut a guy to make room if you don't have the space now. But the only way to officially sign that guy if you are have zero cap space is you got to make some room, especially if you have a high pick like the Saints. Big Bills fan. I felt like our secondary has been lacking in recent years. While we've had great players in the past like Tridavius, White and Gilmore, I feel like we've lost the edge that edge in the department in that department. After this year's draft, I'm feeling pretty confident in the players we have in our DB room rattling off the players we drafted the Harrison in the first round. Do you think Harrison, along with the other draft picks we selected this year, gives us a final bit of depth to lead us to a Super Bowl? My issue with the team last year when they upset Baltimore, when it felt like Baltimore was just like the better team, it's like they're just not big enough on defense. So you know, Milano gets hurt. You have some good pass rushers. You know, think about the teams you need to beat, right? The Ravens and the Chiefs. This isn't exactly the 99 Rams. Like you're. You're getting into a physical street fight. And for a team in Buffalo that has actually become a lot more physical on offense, it feels like defensively. And I got no issue with drafting the corner in the first round, but who seems like, I mean that the clip that went viral of him congratulating every guy in the in the green room was pretty cool. Seems like a great kid. I just think sometimes they lack a physicality. And Brandon being their gm, whenever I see him being interviewed, seems like an impressive guy. Sean McDermott is a defensive guy, but I don't know something about physically their bodies, they just. They feel a little smaller sometimes in the big games. But they got Josh and he can make up for it. I'm wondering what it's like for someone to watch a football game casually. Being that you talk about football for a living, do you find it harder to relax and casually watch a game without thinking of talking points you want to bring up on the next podcast? How easy is it to turn your brain off and chill while watching a game? Go, Pack, go. Well, I mean, I don't really. I mean when I watch football, NFL, I mean, I always have a notepad out and taking notes and thinking about shows and takes. I mean, so it's like college football a little bit less. But I do think as that sport grows in popularity and we talk about it more, I'm going to add that I think where I can turn my brain off and not care is less. Like I enjoy thinking about that with football, like it's my market. It's the NBA and baseball and some of these other sports. If they're just on tv, I do not care. Well, unless I'm rooting against the Lakers. But football, no, I can't casually watch. But I don't mind. I mean, what else am I going to be doing? Again, it's also I'm. It's a football game, so it's not. It's not that crazy. It's not. You know, I think this is a throwaway. Okay. I wanted to send this mailbag As a Colts fan regarding Chris Ballard, I think this is a throwaway year for the Colts. Richardson is likely a bust. He was perhaps the biggest wristed quarterback ever drafted in the top five. Trey Lance be up there too. I think the owner looked around and saw GM head coaches having multiple years left on their contracts and no obvious player to pivot at quarterback and decided the easiest, cheapest thing to do is to give this trio another year. Based on how I expect this team to do, I hope the end is near for Ballard. However. Why do so many seem to give him a pass and portray him as one of the better GMs? Is he just a likable person? It's really historic for someone with his resume to be given a ninth year as gm. Their roster isn't nearly as good as people make it out to be. This isn't some of the recent 49er teams where you can say if they just had a quarterback like Luck, they would have won the Super Bowl. The Colts roster has some good players, but not great, particularly at important positions. To me, it's beyond insane that Ballard is still the gm. How do you think this season will go for the Colts? And think of my opinion on Ballard is too harsh. I don't know him personally. Everyone I know that knows him likes him. Obviously Collins been buddies with him forever. Some of my buddies with the Chiefs that worked with him love the guy. Seems like a good guy whenever he talks. Just seems like just your classic football relatable guy you'd be friends with. So I, I think there's some of that. He just. He seems very genuine and maybe I could be wrong. Again, this is a very outsider's point of view. Let's face the Cold situation with the owner is a little weird. I mean the guy's office rocker feels like not even harsh enough. And the family's dynamics now, proud franchise because of Peyton Manning only. I mean how often can you just run an organization where the head coach or I mean the quarterback also becomes like essentially your offensive coordinator. And they had a great, you know, hall of Fame gm Napoleon. So yeah, I mean I think like there's a reason Grigson gets kind of bitter at like the way his general manager tenure is portrayed relative to Ballard when he was winning a lot. And I think most people push back. It's like, well, you had Andrew Lucky and this team has had no quarterback now. I mean they seriously had no quarterback. It is hard to find a quarterback. It's why I saw Jason Light asked about it yesterday. Like how awesome is it going into a draft where you do not need to think about a quarterback? And he just, he just had a smile ear to ear. It's just the best feeling of all time because one, no one has any clue. And like they took a big swing on Anthony Richardson. They were pretty desperate and they were doing a bunch of one year band aid situations with Matt Ryan's and Philip Rivers and Carson Wentz and it was becoming a disaster. So they took a huge swing and it's now blown up in their face. So yeah, I don't know what else to say. I think they're probably in trouble if they miss the playoffs. Now that NFL games are being played outside the country, do you think someday a Super bowl will be played in countries like Germany, Mexico or Brazil at this point in time? I would never say never. But that does feel a little far away as sitting here today now is that 50 years away? Probably not, but like five in the next five, 10 years. Feels like we got a little ways to go. Been watching the pod since Colin. Loved the perspective. I've grown up in Kansas City and been a Chiefs fan forever, but also a huge Tiger fan. So I've loved the Eagles since I was young and they drafted Macklin and had Andy as a coach. Jeremy was a good player. My question, quarterbacks excluded, who would be the top two or three players currently in the NFL that you would want to start a franchise from scratch with and why? I know you value certain positions as ever changing with in the league, the play calling, officiating, but curious who you'd select. You know, obviously if you can't take quarterback, I think you have to start the line of scrimmage. So when you think of the Best tackles, some of them are old. You know, Trent's old, Lane's old. I think you would start with some version of Worfs. I know Darasaw got hurt last year, but it would be some Panay. Sewell would be really high. I think you'd be hard pressed to go wrong taking one of those guys. And if you weren't going to take an offensive tackle first, I think you'd have to think about some sweet defensive linemen. You know, if Jalen Carter, if I could bring a couple of high level veterans to just keep him in line, he'd be hard to pass up. You know, I think Jalen Carter. It feels like most of the best pass rushers are a little older. You know, Miles Garrett, T.J. watt. I'm sure I'm missing somebody. Khalil Max, way older. That Bonito guy's kind of interesting. I don't know if you take him two or three, but I, I think I'd go with tackles and if I had to go with the skill guy, I'd probably be like Jefferson or Chase. Okay, we're gonna end on this. Love the show and 99% of the time I agree with your takes, but I disagree heavily with the Big 12 and that is the fourth in the Power 4 rankings. The ACC does have three big dogs, but Clemson's not. Clemson of five years ago. FSU couldn't beat the bottom feeders in my. Miami didn't even make the conference championship and the rest of the ACC is a joke. I believe if you did an ACC versus Big 12 top to bottom challenge, the Big 12 would come out with more wins. Sincerely, a K State fan whose team has good players in every draft. K State's a really good program and I, I don't, I understand. Being a fan of K State and hearing me say that and going middle. Cough, you're a fucking clown. But let's just bring up the standings, okay? The acc, they had two playoff teams in SMU and Clemson. And I think Clemson is going to be pretty good next year and they're going to be a preseason top 10. They got a good young quarterback, they got multiple, you know, wide receivers. Defense has fallen off a little bit, but I think Clemson, if I had to pick between the two conferences, Clemson would be my number one pick. People are pretty high on SMU now relative to like Penn State, Ohio State, Georgia. Yeah, but like, you know, I know Arizona State had a good year last year. I'm with you on Miami. You know, Syracuse went 10 and three, Miami went 10 and three, but their defense sucked. Louisville went nine and four. Boston College has Bill O'Brien, who's just a good coach. North Carolina hired Belichick. You said Florida State couldn't beat bottom feeders. Two years ago they ran the table. And their quarterback who just retired from the NFL leg snapped in half that program. I mean two of the best players on the Rams are second year players. So I think Florida State, I'm giving them a little reprieve from that year. Arizona State won your conference at 11 and 3. Iowa State's good. BYU solid. Colorado, I mean just lost their two best players. And we saw BYU play Colorado in that bowl game and they beat the shit out of them. I don't think Baylor's that good. Texas Tech spend a lot of money. Here's what I would say. I do think the ACC is much better at the top. And I determine a conference like no one cares about your bottom. Right. The Big Ten's bottom sucks. The SEC's bottom sucks, but has a lot of NFL players on their bottom teams. But I don't judge you on your bottom. Now your mid tier depth like is, is Boston College, Pittsburgh, Virginia Tech, Duke. Would you take tcu, Texas Tech, K State, West Virginia? You know, Kansas had a weird year because they started slow. They're a good program. Cincinnati, Utah had an awful year. Yeah, I think ACC is better at the top, which is what matters. The way we talk about the playoffs, the depth of your conference. Yeah. If we wanted to argue that. Here's what I will say. The gap between the ACC and the Big 12 combined relative to the other two is pretty big. So the best teams in your conference. Arizona State won the conference. They're going to be good again. I bet Iowa State's still really good. BYU is going to be good. I bet Utah bounces back. I mean it's got to be the worst year Whittingham's ever had. God, Arizona State or Arizona was terrible last year. I respect the programs and the coaches in your, you know, in the conference. Just relative to like Georgia, Bama, lsu, Tennessee, I, you know, Ohio State, Michigan, Penn State, there's a gap. Oregon, I mean it's just. That's what I'm talking about. So I like when I talk about the best teams in the NBA. I don't care about the shitty ones you're compared in college football by the cream of your crop. And I do think the top of the ACC is much better than your conference. Okay, before we get out of here, I need to welcome everybody to chasing challenges brought to you by Microsoft. In the NFL, just like in the business world, overcoming obstacles is key to success. Microsoft empowers business decision makers with AI solutions, simplified cloud and data management in trustworthy, responsible technology to turn challenges into opportunities. In this segment, we will explore some of the biggest challenges being faced in the NFL and how they can be overcome. Whatever challenge you're facing, Microsoft empowers you with the expertise to say, bring it on. This week we're discussing the challenge faced by NFL teams when it comes to getting their rookies up to speed. These guys, all these guys that you drafted, have not been working out like they normally do. They have been traveling all over the country doing visits with programs. They have been doing weird private workouts. They like train for the pro day and then they haven't done much since. So when you start your rookie minicamp either this weekend or next weekend, it's not really a normal practice. A lot of these teams now have turned into a glorified walkthrough. But here's what we know. Whether you're the Bills, the Ravens, the Chiefs, the Eagles, the Lions, or you are the Jags, the Titans and the Giants, you are going to depend on rookies to impact your football team. Some are going to start and definitely a lot are going to play. So the key these next 30, 35 days of OTAs in the off season is about teaching these guys the base of your playbook so when they come back for training camp they understand what's going on. It's less about how they look on the practice field right now and more about mentally getting them up to speed because once training camp comes, it is full speed ahead and within a couple days pads are on and you got older players trying to make sure that these guys, you know, do not take their spot. It's a very competitive environment, very dog eat dog and a lot's going on. A lot. You can be overwhelmed. Right now is a very chill time in the NFL. It is a great time when everyone's kind of relaxed, when you can have a lot of one on one time with young players. So your position coaches, if I was a GM or I was a head coach, I'm my position coach. We need to spend extra time, especially with our higher, you know, first three, four round guys, to make sure mentally by the by the time they go to summer break that they at least have a solid base of our offense or defense and then we can build off that when we come back to training camp. It's less about making the mistakes, where to line up and everything on the field. Right now I need you mentally to have just a base understanding of our scheme because I'm going to depend on this player and the only way to depend on a player once the actual games come is I got to know what's going on. Because the more you know what's going on, the easier it is to play free and fast. So while OTAS has become more chill than ever, it is extremely important when it comes to the classroom and teaching these young players because a lot of them are coming from schemes that don't translate at all. We see it with the quarterback when John Gruden looks at Jackson Dart and says give me your your cadence and he does a clap and groon laughs at him. But that's all these guys. So if you're in that offense, you know, your play call might be two words Blue seven, you know, and that tells everyone what to do. Where we see we saw last year in that offseason hard knocks when Brian Dabel was given the quarterbacks play calls we have seen for years. These NFL quarterbacks give out the verbiage like there's a lot going on. So you gotta try to get these guys up to speed as quickly as possible. That's it for this week's chasing challenges. Remember, Microsoft's AI solutions empower you to take bold steps and make informed decisions, sparking new ideas to help drive your business forward. With Microsoft as your trusted partner, you can navigate your journey with confidence, finding innovative solutions and reaching new possibilities. Visit Microsoft.com challengers to learn more. The volume.

John (78:40)

Okay, have you heard about this? Last year, Degree changed the formula for their Cool Rush deodorant. The fans rebelled and wanted the old scent back and degree listened and that doesn't happen often. They admitted they effed up and are bringing the original Cool Rush scent back. And it's exactly how you remember it. Cool, crisp and fresh. There's a reason why it's the number one man's antiperspirant and it's back in Walmart, Target and other stores now for under $4. So try it and see what the fuss is about. Head to your local Walmart Target and try to OG Cool Rush for yourself.

Colin (79:09)

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