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Summary

The Herd with Colin Cowherd: 3 & Out — Massive Mailbag Part 2 (April 7, 2026)

Episode Overview

This episode of 3 & Out with John Middlekoff is a dedicated “Mailbag Part 2” installment where Middlekoff fields a wide array of listener questions about the NFL, other sports, personal advice, and the evolving sports media landscape. The episode is rich in candid opinions and practical life insights, blending in-depth football analysis with thoughtful takes on societal trends and personal development. Delivered in Middlekoff’s trademark unfiltered and conversational tone, the mailbag features direct responses, quick pivots, and honest reactions to a diverse set of fan messages.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Buffalo Bills: Super Bowl Contenders?

Timestamps: 03:42–05:18

Listener Question: Why are the Bills your pick to win the Super Bowl with an unproven HC and defensive needs?
Middlekoff's Rationale:
- The Bills have “been so close” in recent seasons and sometimes need “a spark” or “new blood” in coaching.
- Betting on Jim Leonhard to elevate the defense, and belief in Joe Brady as an offensive mind.
- “They have one of the best quarterbacks I’ve ever seen. So to me, if he’s healthy, they have as good a shot as anyone.” (John Middlekoff, 04:47)
- Acknowledges first-year coach risk but is “buying stock” in the Bills this year.

2. Spring Football Leagues & NFL Development

Timestamps: 05:26–08:12

Listener asks: Is there a future for spring football leagues (UFL/XFL)? Could the NFL benefit from a minor league?
Middlekoff’s Take:
- The product “is just not a great product,” struggles to be profitable.
- Viewership is low compared to NFL, but respectable compared to smaller sports.
- Logistical and injury risks mean NFL teams won't risk high-value prospects or scheme fits in these leagues.
- “It’s a league where nobody wants to be there…so it’s a tough deal.” (Co-host, 07:42)
- While NFL personnel still scout these leagues for fringe talent, there’s no scalable solution for player development akin to the G-League or minor league baseball.

3. Chasing Jerry Rice: The Wide Receiver GOAT Debate

Timestamps: 08:45–10:15

Listener asks: Can any current WR surpass Jerry Rice as the GOAT?
Middlekoff’s Analysis:
- Jerry Rice’s Super Bowl wins and insane longevity set him apart.
- “In terms of production and longevity and winning and being a contributing player on some of the best teams of all time, [Rice has] a lot of things going for him. So I would say no.” (John Middlekoff, 10:02)
- Modern stars (e.g., Justin Jefferson, Jamar Chase) don’t have the combo of elite QB play, championship runs, and sustained health.

4. Rule Change Proposals: Limiting Three-Point Shots in Basketball

Timestamps: 10:47–12:54

Listener proposes: Limit each basketball team to a set number of three-pointers per game.
Middlekoff’s Reaction:
- Not a fan of restricting certain plays simply by volume—“either outlaw it, modify it, but you can’t put a limitation on a number.” (John Middlekoff, 11:56)
- Draws analogies to other sports (e.g., limitations on defensive shifts in baseball) and prefers more systemic rule adjustments over arbitrary limits.

5. Locker Room Chemistry: Eagles, AJ Brown, and Jalen Hurts

Timestamps: 13:20–17:10

Listener asks: Is Jalen Hurts becoming “Russell Wilson 2.0” regarding locker room perceptions? What is AJ Brown’s standing?
Middlekoff's View:
- Differs personalities: Hurts is quieter, Russell Wilson was “let’s be great” in an overt, occasionally grating way.
- Compares their “false sense of strengths and weaknesses,” notes reluctance to run from both QBs.
- “Part of football is doing things you’re uncomfortable with...to take a step back or to take three or four steps forward.” (John Middlekoff, 16:01)
- Expects Eagles’ offense to run Shanahan-style under-center scheme, possibly outside Hurts’ comfort zone.

6. Golf Simulators and Changing Access to the Game

Timestamps: 17:17–19:24

Listener asks: Thoughts on indoor golf simulators and TGL’s impact?
Middlekoff:
- Generally pro-simulators for increased access, especially in big cities.
- “Part of golf…it’s a socializing aspect for me…part of that is you get outside, you’re in a cart with someone, you have a couple cocktails, brewskis, and just kind of enjoy yourself.” (John Middlekoff, 19:06)

7. Gambling’s Impact on Sports Media & Fandom

Timestamps: 22:43–28:15

Listener concern: Gambling focus in sports coverage detracts from in-depth analysis.
Middlekoff’s Stance:
- Admits he likes gambling and always has, but maintains he can separate gambling conversation from pure sports analysis.
- Recognizes the gambling boom has created media personalities who can only talk about “lines,” but sees both perspectives.
- “If you got money on [the game], it just changes your perspective…But if you don’t, I can thoroughly enjoy a game.” (John Middlekoff, 27:06)
- Assures fans: “We just talk about it pretty organically…But I can separate the two.” (John Middlekoff, 28:15)

8. NFL Franchises: Futility, Coaching, and Hope

Timestamps: 28:26–31:57

Jets Fan asks: Is there hope for this franchise?
Middlekoff’s Take:
- Jets are “just a bad, unwatchable product.”
- Emphasizes coaching as the key to changing a franchise’s fortunes.
- “The most important thing you can do in football is really not the quarterback, it’s getting a good coach. Because if you get a good coach…they will make things happen.” (John Middlekoff, 29:39)

9. Bills' Playoff Woes—Offense or Defense to Blame?

Timestamps: 32:08–33:10

Listener wonders: Is the Bills’ problem their wideouts, or just McDermott’s defense?
Middlekoff:
- Draws parallel to mid-2010s Packers (great offense, defense let them down).
- “The offense has showed up in the playoffs while the defense has allowed over 27 points.” (John Middlekoff, 32:15)
- Thinks McDermott is a good coach but understands the move—it “was time.”

10. “Dad Diaries” – Candid Relationship & Parenting Real Talk

Timestamps: 33:32–36:45

Listener asks: Is it normal for a couple to go six months without sex after having a baby?
Middlekoff’s Response:
- Initially, postpartum period means weeks on “injured reserve,” but “six months…that’s beyond egregious.”
- Shares that “never stop dating” mindset is critical post-kids.
- “You guys can’t find like five minutes?...That’s insane to me.” (John Middlekoff, 35:11 & 35:40)

11. NFL Draft/Prospect Insights: Small School Players & North Dakota State

Timestamps: 36:45–38:36

Discussion: Scouting FCS prospects and North Dakota State’s move to the Mountain West.
Middlekoff:
- Relays a coach’s story: “He’s a freak…43 speed, great ball skills.”
- Expects the player to go on Day 2.
- Thinks NDSU will compete in the Mountain West “unless they’re in like the SEC or the Big Ten.”

12. Behind the Scenes on “The Herd” & Sports Media

Timestamps: 38:52–41:08

Listener asks: Is The Herd pre-recorded, and did the crew move with Cowherd to Chicago?
Middlekoff Explains:
- The show is fully live; the early prep is just a pre-show “think tank.”
- Paints the behind-the-scenes atmosphere as “a high functioning operation.”

13. Denver Broncos Bold Moves

Timestamps: 41:08–43:30

Listener asks: About Broncos’ trade for Waddle, Davis Webb calling plays as OC.
Middlekoff:
- The move to make Webb the OC was partly to keep him from being hired away.
- "Sean Payton has been calling plays his entire career…in a big game, if they're down 10 to the Chiefs, is he really going to let Webb keep letting it rip?" (John Middlekoff, 42:38)

14. Podcasting Process & Authenticity

Timestamps: 43:41–46:10

Listener asks: Does Middlekoff listen back to his own episodes for self-critique?
Middlekoff:
- Not anymore; too much content to review, relies on gut sense of episode quality.
- Values authenticity, “Part of this podcast is like what you hear from me is what I said, you know. And that’s what thrives, I believe.” (John Middlekoff, 46:10)

15. Raiders, Tight Ends, & Fastest Upward Mobility Picks

Timestamps: 46:10–50:04

Topics: Raiders playoff hopes, TE targets, “worst-to-first” candidates.
Middlekoff’s Calls:
- Raiders could be a surprise (win total double-up), Saints picked as a playoff team.
- On Michael Mayer: He’d keep him, noting Bowers is essentially a WR, and Kubiak will like multiple TEs.

16. Drake May, NFL Young Guns & Staying in the MVP Conversation

Timestamps: 54:31–55:58

Listener asks: Can Drake May stay in the MVP conversation?
Middlekoff:
- Sees a bright future: “I’d be very bullish—if Drake May was a stock, I’d continue to buy.”

17. Advice for Entering Your 30s

Timestamps: 55:58–57:49

Listener asks: For advice starting their 30s and seeking individual growth.
Middlekoff:
- Recommends proactively building and diversifying social networks—exposes growth and new perspectives.

18. Jimbo Fisher’s Future & Packers’ Outlook

Timestamps: 59:27–61:27

Listener asks: Could Jimbo Fisher coach again? What about the Packers’ ceiling?
Middlekoff:
- Jimbo’s career essentially over; influx of hungry young coaches.
- Packers will be solid but prefers Lions and Bears in the NFC North.

19. NFL Compensation & Diversity Initiatives

Timestamps: 63:17–65:19

Listener asks: Why did the Bears not get third-round comp picks for diversity hires?
Middlekoff:
- “NFL is uncomfortable…they don’t want to set precedent” in cases where there’s a football executive above the GM.

20. Jalen Hurts/AJ Brown Relationship

Timestamps: 65:19–66:14

Listener points out: Hurts is godfather to Brown’s daughter—does that change the perception?
Middlekoff:
- Their “very close relationship…immediately worked, then something happened.”
- “You get in fights and spats with your family…part of life. The question is…can these guys figure it out?”

21. College Football Transfers & “Transfer Fee” Idea

Timestamps: 66:20–68:01

Listener asks: Should college football adopt a soccer-style transfer fee to small schools?
Middlekoff:
- No issue with players transferring upwards—“it’s kind of making the kids’ dreams.”
- Not a supporter of transfer fees, views it as the nature of college athletics.

22. AI & The Future of Jobs (Pilot Example)

Timestamps: 68:01–69:53

Listener asks: Will AI make airline pilots obsolete; would Middlekoff fly without a human pilot?
Middlekoff:
- Would “100% not get on a plane with no pilot.”
- AI will reshape some jobs (call centers, data entry), but many roles—especially highly skilled like pilots—are safe for a while.

23. Andy Dalton, Eagles Backup, & West Coast Scheme Transition

Timestamps: 70:28–72:10

Listener asks: Did the Eagles acquire Andy Dalton to mentor Jalen Hurts through a scheme transition?
Middlekoff:
- Likely some of that logic: Dalton's hire aids in "teaching and helping out" as Hurts (and the staff) adapt to a new system.

Memorable Quotes & Moments

On the Bills' Window:
“They have one of the best quarterbacks I’ve ever seen…if he’s healthy, they have as good of a shot as anyone.” (John Middlekoff, 04:47)
On Spring Football Leagues:
"It’s like a league where nobody wants to be there. All the coaches…players…trainers want to be in the higher league." (Co-host, 07:42)
On Limiting Threes in the NBA:
“You either can do it, or you're not…can't put a limitation on a number. To me, in sports, it just can't.” (John Middlekoff, 11:56)
On Coaching’s Importance:
"The most important thing you can do in football is really not the quarterback, it's getting a good coach." (John Middlekoff, 29:39)
On the Reality of New Parenthood:
"You're just trying to survive. Feels like Navy SEAL bootcamp." (John Middlekoff, 34:35)
On Making Friends After 30:
“I never want to be someone that just says, 'I stopped making friends when I was like 35 years old.'" (John Middlekoff, 57:49)

Noteworthy Segments / Timestamps

03:42 Bills Super Bowl pick, rationale, and vulnerabilities
05:26 Spring leagues and NFL “minor league” musings
08:45 Jerry Rice's GOAT status revisited
13:20 Eagles’ locker room dynamics (Hurts/Brown)
22:43 Gambling’s impact on sports coverage
28:26 Jets’ futility and importance of coaching
33:32 Relationship/marriage advice for new parents
46:10 Raiders, tight ends, and “worst-to-first” picks
54:31 Drake May’s future and potential
55:58 Advice for growth in your 30s
59:27 Packers forecast and Jimbo Fisher’s career
63:17 NFL diversity pick denial for the Bears
65:19 Hurts/AJ Brown relationship dynamic
68:01 AI’s impact on pilots and future-proof professions
70:28 Andy Dalton’s role with the Eagles

Final Thoughts

This episode delivers a broad, candid, and insightful take on the NFL offseason's hottest topics, life outside football, and the culture around sports media today. With its open mailbag format, it’s perfect for fans craving direct answers and behind-the-scenes perspective from someone “in the room” but never out of touch with the average listener.

Note: All advertisements, non-content outro/intro, and sponsor messages have been omitted from this summary for clarity and relevance.

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3 & Out - Massive Mailbag Part 2