Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd Episode: 3 & Out - Jerry Jones has no filter, What's going on with the Bengals, Will Levis out for the season
Release Date: July 22, 2025
Host: John Middlekoop ("Three and Out")
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

1. Introduction and Overview
Timestamp: 02:42 - 04:00

John Middlekoop kicks off the episode by setting the stage for the upcoming football season, acknowledging the anticipation among fans as teams prepare for the new NFL year. He briefly mentions the Hall of Fame Game featuring the Lions and Chargers and teases the main topics of discussion: Jerry Jones' outspoken nature, the ongoing turmoil within the Cincinnati Bengals organization, and the unfortunate injury of quarterback Will Levis.

2. Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys' Management Style
Timestamp: 04:00 - 21:39

John delves deep into the management style of Dallas Cowboys' owner Jerry Jones, drawing parallels between Jones and the late Al Davis of the Raiders. He highlights that despite the Cowboys not being up for sale—unlike the highly valued Lakers—Jerry Jones remains a central figure whose business acumen has kept the team financially robust and globally recognized.

Notable Quotes:

• "I admire Jerry the businessman because... they have some cojones... they've had to make big decisions and put their nuts on the table." (06:45)
• "Jerry's ego got in the way. And you could argue his ego's been in charge ever since." (19:30)

John praises Jones for his initial investment and relentless drive that transformed the Cowboys into a powerhouse. However, he also criticizes Jones for being excessively involved in day-to-day operations, which can create chaos within the organization. The discussion touches on how Jones' lack of a filter on social media and public statements disrupts internal dynamics and negotiations, particularly concerning player contracts.

John emphasizes that while Jerry Jones is a savvy businessman, his inability to adapt to modern negotiation tactics and the evolving landscape of professional sports management hampers the Cowboys' potential success on the field. He contrasts this with other teams where the ownership remains hands-off, allowing GMs and coaches to handle negotiations more professionally and effectively.

3. The Turmoil within the Cincinnati Bengals
Timestamp: 21:39 - 39:37

Shifting focus to the Cincinnati Bengals, John outlines the persistent chaos plaguing the organization. Despite making strategic draft picks and boasting a talented roster, the Bengals struggle due to internal conflicts and poor management decisions, particularly those stemming from owner Mike Brown.

Key Points:

• Multiple player holdouts, including their star rookie pass rusher, hinder team cohesion.
• Mismanagement and lack of effective negotiation strategies similar to those criticized in the Cowboys.
• Comparison with the Kansas City Chiefs, highlighting the Chiefs' ability to maintain stability and capitalize on their draft picks, such as Trent McDuffie and George Karloftis, who have become cornerstone players for their defense.

Notable Quotes:

• "Even Shemar Stewart's agent said today... he shouldn't be talking. He's not running point on this negotiation." (27:15)
• "You can tell me Joe Burrow throws 50 touchdowns. I'd be like, yeah, it's still going to be tough for them to overcome the Mike Brown operation because that's not changing." (34:20)

John expresses skepticism about the Bengals' prospects, attributing their struggles to ongoing mismanagement and the inability to foster a stable and supportive environment for their players. He contrasts this with the Chiefs, who despite occasional controversies, manage to maintain a winning culture through effective leadership and strategic player management.

4. Will Levis' Injury and Future in the NFL
Timestamp: 39:37 - 40:53

The conversation shifts to the unfortunate news regarding Will Levis, a promising quarterback who suffered a shoulder injury, effectively ending his season with the Tennessee Titans.

Key Points:

• Will Levis was a strong contender for the number one draft pick but has struggled with performance inconsistencies.
• His injury not only impacts his career but also raises questions about his future with the Titans and potential in the NFL.
• John predicts that Levis may struggle to secure a backup position due to perceived shortcomings in his gameplay and decision-making skills.

Notable Quotes:

• "Will Levis got a shoulder surgery today. He's out for the season. Unofficially, it ends his Titan career." (38:30)
• "He's just too terrible. Kind of a screw around guy. And honestly, your backup quarterback, you would just want to be really, really limited and understand that." (40:05)

John's assessment is critical, suggesting that Levis lacks the instinct and consistency required to thrive in the NFL, and his recent injury may mark a significant downturn in his professional trajectory.

5. Additional Discussions
Timestamp: 40:53 - End

Towards the end of the episode, John touches upon various topics, including the evolution of baldness stigma in popular culture, the retirement of Philip Rivers, and reflections on modern sports media personalities.

Notable Quotes:

• "We've come a long way. The stigma of being bald no longer exists." (35:15)
• "I always enjoyed Philip. I saw within the last couple of weeks that Drew Brees is going to call one of the Netflix games on Christmas." (37:40)

He shares personal anecdotes and opinions on how public figures in sports manage their image, emphasizing the importance of adaptability both on and off the field.

Conclusion
Timestamp: N/A

John wraps up the episode by reiterating the key issues facing the Cowboys and Bengals, emphasizing the critical role of effective management and leadership in achieving team success. He invites listeners to engage with the show through social media and subscribes to future episodes for more in-depth sports analysis and discussions.

Overall Insights:

• Leadership Matters: Effective and adaptive leadership is crucial for team success, as evidenced by the contrasting management styles of Jerry Jones and Mike Brown.
• Financial Power vs. Management Efficiency: While financial strength is important, it cannot compensate for poor management and organizational instability.
• Player Development and Retention: Consistent and strategic player management, exemplified by the Chiefs, can build a strong foundation for long-term success.
• Health and Longevity of Players: Injuries like Will Levis' can dramatically alter a player's career trajectory and impact team dynamics.

Key Takeaway:
Successful NFL teams require a balance of strong financial backing, effective and adaptable management, and strategic player development. Organizations that fail to adapt to modern sports management practices risk internal chaos and underperformance, regardless of their financial prowess.

Quotes for Reference:

• "I admire Jerry the businessman because... they have some cojones... they've had to make big decisions and put their nuts on the table." – John Middlekoop at [06:45]
• "Jerry's ego got in the way. And you could argue his ego's been in charge ever since." – John Middlekoop at [19:30]
• "Even Shemar Stewart's agent said today... he shouldn't be talking. He's not running point on this negotiation." – John Middlekoop at [27:15]
• "You can tell me Joe Burrow throws 50 touchdowns. I'd be like, yeah, it's still going to be tough for them to overcome the Mike Brown operation because that's not changing." – John Middlekoop at [34:20]
• "Will Levis got a shoulder surgery today. He's out for the season. Unofficially, it ends his Titan career." – John Middlekoop at [38:30]
• "We've come a long way. The stigma of being bald no longer exists." – John Middlekoop at [35:15]
• "I always enjoyed Philip. I saw within the last couple of weeks that Drew Brees is going to call one of the Netflix games on Christmas." – John Middlekoop at [37:40]

For More Episodes and Insights:
Subscribe to "Three and Out" on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or your preferred podcast platform. Follow John Middlekoop on Instagram @johnmiddlekoop for updates and to send in your questions for future discussions.