Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd Episode: 3 & Out - Honey Badger Hangs It Up, Could J.J. McCarthy's Job Be on the Line, Packers Need to Win
Release Date: July 23, 2025
Host: John Middlekauff
Network: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

1. Introduction and Highlights

John Middlekauff opens the episode by announcing the retirement of NFL player Tyron "Honey Badger" Matthew. He emphasizes the symbolic significance of Matthew's career, particularly highlighting how non-high draft picks can evolve into team leaders and stars.

Notable Quote:
"Honey Badger's story is very symbolic of so many guys in the NFL, guys that are not super high draft picks that become stars and the impact on teams." — John Middlekauff [00:56]

2. The Challenge of Building an NFL Team

Middlekauff delves into the complexities of constructing a successful NFL team, focusing on the draft process. He discusses how general managers and head coaches are often tasked with turning around underperforming franchises by identifying and nurturing talent from the draft.

Key Points:

• Drafting players is not just about skills but also about character and team fit.
• The evolving perception and legality of substances like weed impact player evaluations and draft outcomes.
• Middlekauff uses Tyron Matthew's experience of being expelled for synthetic weed use as an example of how off-field issues can affect a player's draft stock.

Notable Quote:
"The stigma around weed, even though it technically is legal in some places, makes it hard to run a business because of it not being federally legal." — John Middlekauff [10:35]

3. Success Stories from Later Draft Rounds

Highlighting success stories like Tyron Matthew and Zach Tom, Middlekauff illustrates how mid-to-late-round draft picks can become pivotal players for their teams. He praises organizations like the Arizona Cardinals and Green Bay Packers for maximizing the potential of their drafted players.

Key Points:

• Zach Tom: Originally a fourth-round pick, Tom's outstanding performance led him to secure a nearly $100 million contract with the Packers.
• The importance of team environment and coaching in player development.
• Comparing the NFL's unpredictability to other sports like the NBA, emphasizing the unique human element in football.

Notable Quote:
"There's no other sport that can produce that quite like football. It's like this grand human experiment and the power of coaching, the power of these organizations." — John Middlekauff [22:00]

4. Job Security and Future Prospects

Middlekauff shifts focus to the potential job insecurity among NFL personnel, including quarterbacks, coaches, and general managers. He speculates on which individuals might be at risk by 2026 based on current performances and team dynamics.

Key Points:

• J.J. McCarthy (Packers): Middlekauff expresses uncertainty about McCarthy's future, noting the high expectations and pressure to perform.
• Kyler Murray and Trevor Lawrence: Discussions around their performances and the likelihood of them retaining their positions or being replaced.
• The impact of team performance on coaching and management positions.

Notable Quote:
"If JJ can't succeed in Minnesota, he's not going to succeed anywhere. And this thing is going to get intense from the jump." — John Middlekauff [28:30]

5. The Draft's Unpredictable Nature

Emphasizing the unpredictable outcomes of the NFL Draft, Middlekauff discusses how draft positions don't always correlate with player success. He cites examples of players like Trey Lance and Anthony Richardson, who were high draft picks but faced early setbacks.

Key Points:

• The importance of organizational support and player development.
• How injuries and team changes can derail promising careers.
• The contrast between quarterbacks drafted for their potential versus those evaluated on their current performance.

Notable Quote:
"There's no Jerry Jones, there's no Bob Kraft, there's no Jeffrey Lurie. Ed Policy is essentially the boss." — John Middlekauff [65:29]

6. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In his closing remarks, Middlekauff reflects on the unique challenges and opportunities within the NFL. He underscores the significance of team culture, leadership, and the human element in determining a player's success and job security.

Key Points:

• The critical role of head coaches and general managers in shaping team success.
• The balance between player talent, character, and the ability to adapt to team dynamics.
• Optimism about finding hidden gems in the draft and the ongoing nature of team building in the NFL.

Notable Quote:
"The NFL is weird. Weird shit happens. Things go sideways really, really quick. And obviously some of these quarterback situations, given the pressure of modern day football and the microscope that's on it, you better buckle up because this thing can get weird fast." — John Middlekauff [65:14]

Summary

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, John Middlekauff provides an in-depth analysis of NFL team building, focusing on the unpredictability of the draft and the emergence of late-round picks like Tyron Matthew and Zach Tom. He explores the pressures faced by quarterbacks such as J.J. McCarthy and discusses the potential job insecurities among NFL staff by 2026. Middlekauff emphasizes the human element in football, highlighting how team culture and leadership play pivotal roles in determining a player's success and longevity in the league. The episode offers valuable insights for sports enthusiasts interested in the intricate dynamics of NFL team management and player development.