Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd (3 & Out)

Episode: Justin Jefferson and Kendrick Bourne Join the Podcast

Date: February 5, 2026
Host: John Middlekoff (from Radio Row / "Podcast Row" during Super Bowl week)

Episode Overview

This episode of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" features John Middlekoff, live from Super Bowl Radio Row, as he dives into both deep NFL nostalgia and current league storylines. Two high-profile wide receivers—Justin Jefferson (Minnesota Vikings) and Kendrick Bourne (San Francisco 49ers)—join as special guests. The conversations center on their individual journeys, navigating adversity, evolving in the NFL, quarterback relationships, reflections on their careers, and unique insight into playing for iconic coaches like Kyle Shanahan and Bill Belichick.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Super Bowl Week Vibes, Historical Perspective, and Ronnie Lott Appreciation

• [00:19 – 03:42] John Middlekoff reflects on his experience at the 1989 49ers “Night of Champions” event.
  • He highlights the star-studded company (Ronnie Lott, Joe Montana, Chris Berman).
  • Ronnie Lott is described as “the most underappreciated player in the history of sports”:

    “I freaking love Ronnie Lott...Football’s built on guys like that.” — John Middlekoff [02:57]

  • Lott is compared to legendary athletes (Mickey Mantle, Wilt Chamberlain), lamenting that he’s not brought up enough in “all-time greats” conversations.
• Commentary on changing Bay Area weather, quirky local culture, and anticipation for the Super Bowl.
  • Imagines how surreal it would be if “Sam Darnold becomes Super Bowl MVP” alongside legends like Brady and Montana.

    “Imagine if Sam Darnold wins the Super Bowl MVP...People wouldn’t even believe you.” — John Middlekoff [04:45]

Justin Jefferson Interview

[12:49 – 19:37]

Broadcasting Future & Media Presence

• Jefferson discusses comfort with media/fan scrutiny and hints at possible future in sports broadcasting.

  • “That’s definitely something I might look into...but as of right now, I’ma keep playing until it’s all said and done.” — Justin Jefferson [12:49]

Handling Pressure and Rumor Mill

• Addresses how every statement gets “blown up” in the media landscape.

  • “Anything you say right now...it’s everywhere you look, right?” — John Middlekoff [13:23]

• Jefferson remains unfazed and honest in interviews:

  • “I really tell what it is and tell them what I’m looking forward to...those questions do hit a little bit harder.” — Justin Jefferson [13:46]

• Reflects on having to answer tough questions due to quarterback uncertainty in Minnesota.

Quarterback Connections & Locker Room Dynamics

• Praises Sam Darnold’s growth and leadership, describing the journey this season.

  • “He bounced back and had an even better one this year...A lot of people counted him out.” — Justin Jefferson [14:22]

• Emphasizes relationship building on and off the field, especially when key injuries hit (referring to when “JJ went down”).

Maturity, Public Perception, and Leadership

• Admits this was his most challenging year — external expectations, staying true to himself, supporting teammates.

  • “Just really staying true to myself, staying true to the guys that’s...in that building.” — Justin Jefferson [15:28]

• Talks about patience with public/media dissecting his every move.

  • “It comes with the game...they want to win, they want answers...from the face of the franchise.” — Justin Jefferson [16:26]

On Draft Day & Slot Receiver Myth

• Revisits 2020 NFL Draft, Philadelphia Eagles passing on him for Jalen Reagor.

  • “Minnesota actually called me during their pick. So I thought it was Philly calling.” — Justin Jefferson [17:52]

• Corrects misconceptions about being pigeonholed as only a “slot receiver.”

  • “If you really study my game, I’m definitely far more than a slot receiver.” — Justin Jefferson [18:30]

Kendrick Bourne Interview

[19:53 – 28:39]

Navigating NFL Journeys: From Undrafted to Playoff Mainstay

• Discusses being released then returning to the 49ers after time with the Patriots.

  • “Getting released is tough, but took it on the chin...Could see the story writing itself.” — Kendrick Bourne [20:21]

• Shares about signing in Week 2, missing the Seattle game, then stepping into an unexpected starting role with Mac Jones due to injuries.

  • “I could never see that if I just thought that year...God’s plan is always better.” — Kendrick Bourne [21:28]

Career Resilience, Mindset & Advice

• Bourne’s advice for aspiring professionals:

  • “Just keep your head down, work...Life is all about experiences and how you experience them.” — Kendrick Bourne [22:18]

• Reflects with pride on sustaining a near-decade-long career after entering as an undrafted free agent.

College Connections & NFL Networks

• Reminisces on playing with Cooper Kupp at Eastern Washington; expresses joy seeing college friends succeed.

  • “Coop...he helped me a lot in my life...being connected to him so long has helped me.” — Kendrick Bourne [23:44]

On Rivalries, Team Culture, and Free Agency

• Explains dynamic rivalries (San Francisco/Seattle) and respect across team lines—even with former rivals now teammates.
• Open to returning to San Francisco, but emphasizes openness to wherever opportunity is best:

  • “I want to be back in San Fran. That’s my home. But...anybody give me a good opportunity...that’s what I’m looking for.” — Kendrick Bourne [24:35]

Coaching Insight: Shanahan vs. Belichick

• Affirms Shanahan’s challenging but developmental coaching style (“the train runs through us [WRs]...”).
• Has played under a rare coaching tree (Shanahan, Bill Belichick).

  • “Somebody told me a story about me playing for both [Kyle and Bill]. I can’t think of one” — John Middlekoff [25:49].

• Describes sharing positive reviews across coaching legends—showcasing his professionalism and work ethic.

Notable Bill Belichick Reflections

• Bourne offers admiration and gratitude for Belichick’s mentorship and first major contract.

  • “Bill gave me my first payday...He taught me a lot, taught me how to be better in football, better in life, and just my day to day.” — Kendrick Bourne [27:29]

• Credited Belichick for shaping both his football mind and his approach to growth beyond sports.

Memorable Game Stories

• Recalls the infamous “three-pass attempt” Patriots playoff game vs. Buffalo:

  • “That was the most amazing game calls by Josh [McDaniels] I’ve ever seen...run the ball 50 times...” — Kendrick Bourne [26:59]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Ronnie Lott Love: “Football’s built on guys like that. Even Joe Montana...Ronnie Lott, heart and soul of the team.” — John Middlekoff [02:57]
• Justin Jefferson on Handling Scrutiny: “It comes with the game...the only way is to get those answers is from the face of the franchise.” — Justin Jefferson [16:26]
• Kendrick Bourne’s NFL Wisdom: “When I go through lows, when I go through highs...just staying level. You can’t never get too high.” — Kendrick Bourne [22:18]
• On Being Undrafted to Playoff Mainstay: “Being in the super bowl, being undrafted...getting paid...experiencing the whole thing of the NFL has been fun, man.” — Kendrick Bourne [22:18]
• On Belichick’s Legacy: “I think every coach in the league would be the first to tell you he’s incredible.” — John Middlekoff [28:00]
• Kendrick Bourne on Bill Belichick: “Bill gave me my first payday...He taught me a lot, taught me how to be better in football, better in life… I’m thankful for him.” — Kendrick Bourne [27:29]

Key Timestamps for Reference

| Timestamp | Segment / Topic | |------------|-------------------------------| | 00:19-03:42 | Super Bowl week nostalgia, Ronnie Lott, Montana, underrated greats | | 12:49-19:37 | Justin Jefferson interview: media, QBs, leadership, draft day | | 19:53-28:39 | Kendrick Bourne interview: NFL journey, coaching, life lessons | | 26:43-27:18 | Patriots 3-pass game vs. Buffalo (Bourne's perspective) | | 27:29-28:28 | Bill Belichick reflection and legacy |

Overall Tone & Takeaways

The episode blends humor, candor, career reflection, and deep respect for the game's history. Both Justin Jefferson and Kendrick Bourne offer earnest, unfiltered insight into the realities of the NFL—on and off the field. Middlekoff keeps the pace conversational and relatable, often poking fun at classic football tropes and the unpredictability of pro sports. Ultimately, the podcast serves as both a celebration of Super Bowl week and a testament to the perseverance, adaptability, and mental strength required to thrive at football’s highest level.