Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Episode 3 & Out - Massive Mailbag

Release Date: July 4, 2025
Host: John Middelkoff
Platform: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

Introduction

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, host John Middelkoff takes the reins to dive deep into a plethora of listener questions, primarily focusing on NFL dynamics, player careers, team strategies, and broader sports-related topics. Despite initial technical difficulties with audio quality, John delivers a comprehensive and engaging discussion, enriched with insightful perspectives and candid opinions.

1. Player Contracts and Team Dynamics

Discussion Points:

John delves into the complexities of NFL player contracts, emphasizing the moral and financial dilemmas players face when considering team changes. He uses Darren Waller's career as a case study, pondering how his trajectory might have differed had he played alongside quarterbacks like Drew Brees, Patrick Mahomes, or Joe Burrow instead of Carson Wentz and Daniel Jones.

Notable Quote:

“I think morally, players should stop taking these massive contracts from bad teams that overpay because they suck and go to a place that will elevate them to new heights. I think that's easier said than done.”
— John Middelkoff [08:45]

Insights:

• Financial Security vs. Career Advancement: Players are often locked into lucrative contracts that may not align with their career growth, making financial incentives a significant barrier to switching teams.

• Long-Term Impact: John highlights that while switching teams might offer better career prospects, the immediate financial benefits can be hard to relinquish, especially when nearing contract completions.

2. Strategic Team Decisions: Kyle Juszczyk and the 49ers

Discussion Points:

The 49ers' decision to re-sign Kyle Juszczyk despite his high age and previous release sparks a discussion on the balance between player versatility and financial considerations. John explores the underlying reasons, including team cohesion, offensive versatility, and financial pragmatism.

Notable Quote:

“He knows the offense, he's a versatile player. He also, at this point in time, given that they've done a bunch of pay cuts, is a cheap player and he took a discount because he was offered more to go to Pittsburgh.”
— John Middelkoff [12:30]

Insights:

• Versatility as a Value Proposition: Juszczyk’s ability to adapt to different offensive schemes makes him a valuable asset beyond his age and salary.

• Financial Strategy: By re-signing Juszczyk at a discounted rate, the 49ers mitigate financial risk while retaining a player who enhances team dynamics and performance.

3. The UFC Debate: Popularity and Perception

Discussion Points:

Listener questions about the UFC's growth touch upon barriers such as pay-per-view models, late-night scheduling, and the general American aversion to violence in sports. John provides a balanced view on the UFC's mainstream appeal and inherent challenges.

Notable Quote:

“Even people like me that should be in the demo. 40-year-old guy who watches sports and likes violence and they can't get me to buy the pay-per-views.”
— John Middelkoff [16:20]

Insights:

• Audience Limitations: The violent nature of UFC may limit its appeal, confining its fan base to those who inherently enjoy such spectacles.

• Scheduling Challenges: Late-night event timings on the East Coast deter widespread viewership, making it harder for the UFC to achieve mainstream popularity comparable to other sports.

4. The Legacy of Julio Jones and Player Comparison

Discussion Points:

Julio Jones's retirement prompts a comparative analysis with other elite wide receivers like Calvin Johnson and Antonio Brown. John debates Jones's ranking among the all-time greats, considering both talent and production.

Notable Quote:

“I’d say he’s probably top 10 talent of all time. But it just in terms of production, I mean, when you look, he had some weird years where he didn't score touchdowns.”
— John Middelkoff [20:00]

Insights:

• Talent vs. Consistency: While Julio Jones is acknowledged for his exceptional talent, fluctuations in his performance metrics, such as touchdown rates, impact his standing among the top receivers.

• Comparative Achievements: Comparisons with peers highlight the subjective nature of player rankings, balancing individual brilliance with team contributions and longevity.

5. Hierarchy in NFL Organizations: Coaches vs. General Managers

Discussion Points:

The episode explores the organizational structures within NFL teams, specifically the dynamic between head coaches and general managers (GMs). John addresses questions about salary hierarchies, decision-making power, and the influence of leverage during hiring processes.

Notable Quote:

“It's based on which one of those guys, when you hire them, either had the leverage, slash use the leverage to make sure that was written in stone. Now, ideally, like John Schneider was hired by Pete Carroll by the middle of their run. Like Pete Carroll relied on him a lot.”
— John Middelkoff [27:45]

Insights:

• Leverage Determines Hierarchy: The negotiation power during hiring processes often dictates whether the head coach or GM holds more decision-making authority and financial compensation.

• Collaborative Success: Successful NFL organizations often feature a harmonious relationship between coaches and GMs, where mutual trust and shared visions drive team performance.

6. Evaluating the Future of G5 Football and Prospects

Discussion Points:

Listener inquiries about the sustainability of Group of Five (G5) schools in college football prompt an examination of recruitment dynamics, talent pipelines, and the potential for G5 schools to form their own leagues.

Notable Quote:

“The NFL has always had an edge over other sports, in part because the regular season games carry far more weight than any other league.”
— John Middelkoff [30:50]

Insights:

• Talent Migration: G5 schools often serve as breeding grounds for Power 5 teams, making it challenging for G5 institutions to retain top talent and build competitive programs independently.

• League Formation Challenges: While the idea of G5 schools forming their own league is intriguing, logistical and competitive disparities with Power 5 conferences hinder its feasibility.

7. NFL's Expansion: Adding an 18th Game

Discussion Points:

The potential addition of an 18th regular-season game in the NFL sparks a debate over its impact on the league's product quality, player performance, and fan engagement.

Notable Quote:

“I don't hate this, but I don't think at the start of the game you're even thinking about overtime. Really the decision to defer or not is based on the start of the second half, which there's still 30 minutes of football left.”
— John Middelkoff [35:15]

Insights:

• Product Dilution Concerns: Increasing the number of games may lead to player fatigue, reduced game quality, and diminished fan interest, paralleling trends seen in the NBA’s average ratings.

• Revenue vs. Quality: While more games can generate additional revenue, balancing this with maintaining high-quality, competitive matches is crucial for sustaining the NFL's popularity.

8. Coaching Transitions and Their Impact on Football Quality

Discussion Points:

The movement of head coaches to coordinator roles and vice versa is examined for its potential to elevate or destabilize team performance and the overall quality of football.

Notable Quote:

“There is a level of like being kind of a crazy asshole on defense, which is always resonated with the consumer, with fans.”
— John Middelkoff [40:50]

Insights:

• Innovative Strategies: Former head coaches transitioning to coordinator roles can infuse teams with fresh strategies and defensive prowess, enhancing game quality.

• Stability vs. Change: While coaching changes can lead to improved tactics, they may also introduce instability if not managed cohesively within the organization.

Conclusion

John Middelkoff's episode of The Herd offers a multifaceted exploration of contemporary NFL issues, from player contracts and team strategies to broader league changes and the interplay between coaching roles. Through addressing listener questions with depth and clarity, John provides valuable insights into the intricate landscape of professional football, making the episode a must-listen for dedicated sports enthusiasts seeking a nuanced understanding of the game's evolving dynamics.

Notable Reiterations and Highlights:

• Listener Engagement: John consistently invites listeners to submit questions, fostering a community-driven discussion.

• Promotional Segments: Throughout the episode, brief promotions for GameTime and other sponsors are integrated seamlessly, ensuring minimal disruption to the content flow.

Final Thoughts:

The Herd with Colin Cowherd episode "3 & Out - Massive Mailbag" stands out for its thorough examination of listener queries, bolstered by John Middelkoff's articulate and thoughtful commentary. Whether discussing the moral quandaries of player contracts or the structural hierarchies within NFL teams, this episode delivers content-rich discussions that resonate with both casual fans and seasoned followers of the sport.