Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd - Episode 3 & Out
Release Date: May 30, 2025
Host: John Middelkopf
Hosted by: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

1. Myles Garrett Skips OTAs and Chooses Japan

Overview:
John Middelkopf opens the episode discussing Cleveland Browns' Myles Garrett's unexpected decision to skip Organized Team Activities (OTAs). Instead of participating, Garrett opted to spend time in Japan with his girlfriend, raising questions about his commitment and future leadership role within the team.

Key Points:

• Leadership Expectations: Garrett was expected to step up as a leader after receiving a substantial contract, earning $123 million last season with potential to earn another $150 million.
• Team Dynamics: Despite Garrett's undeniable talent, the Browns' management, led by owner Jimmy Haslam, chose not to trade him despite his wishes to leave.
• Impact on the Franchise: Garrett's absence and evident dissatisfaction may signal deeper issues within the Browns' organization, potentially affecting team morale and performance.

Notable Quote:
"Money is not going to change how you feel at all when you're that rich." – John Middelkopf [12:45]

2. Caleb Williams Addresses Controversial Book Comments

Overview:
The discussion shifts to Caleb Williams, who recently faced backlash due to comments made in a book about his relationship with his father and his views on the Chicago Bears.

Key Points:

• Historical Context: Williams' father, a successful businessman, criticized the Bears, labeling it "a place where quarterbacks go to die" and doubting the competence of coach Eber Teague.
• Williams' Response: Contrary to expectations, Williams did not shy away from addressing the criticisms. Instead, he embraced the controversy, stating, "I'm excited. Ben's here, we have a loaded team. I can't wait for this fall. I'm fired up to be a Bear." [25:30]
• Character Assessment: Middelkopf praises Williams for handling the situation maturely, highlighting his character and focus as key traits of a great quarterback.

Notable Quote:
"One thing as you get older you learn is words are kind of worthless. Judge people by their actions." – John Middelkopf [28:15]

3. Daniel Anthony Richardson vs. Daniel Jones: Quarterback Debate

Overview:
Middelkopf delves into the ongoing debate between Daniel Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones as the Indianapolis Colts grapple with their quarterback situation.

Key Points:

• Performance Comparison: Richardson's inconsistent performance and recent on-field issues suggest his tenure with the Colts may be short-lived.
• Team Strategy: The Colts' decision to invest $14 million in Daniel Jones over Richardson indicates a preference for stability over potential upside.
• Future Outlook: Middelkopf predicts that Daniel Jones will solidify his role as the starter, while Richardson's position may be diminished.

Notable Quote:
"I would bet on Daniel Jones beating him out. And I'm not pro. Daniel Jones doesn't think he's good either." – John Middelkopf [35:50]

4. Stefon Diggs Boat Incident: Drugs and Celebrities Aboard

Overview:
A recent incident involving Stefon Diggs, Cardi B, and other NFL players on a boat has stirred controversy due to alleged drug use and questionable behavior.

Key Points:

• Incident Details: Reports indicate the presence of pink powder (purportedly a party drug) on the boat, with Cardi B joining later for dancing, but not involved in the drug-related activities.
• Historical Context: Middelkopf references past boat-related controversies, such as the 2005 Love Boat incident with the Minnesota Vikings, highlighting a recurring issue in the NFL.
• Possible Repercussions: The incident may lead to internal reviews and stricter regulations regarding player conduct off the field.

Notable Quote:
"You have rookies and young guys in the NFL that have been bouncing around college programs all over the place." – John Middelkopf [42:10]

5. Mailbag Highlights

a. Balancing Talent and Quarterback Quality

Question: Would you prefer a team with great talent but a subpar quarterback or a team with an excellent quarterback but less talent?

Discussion:
Middelkopf advocates for prioritizing a star quarterback, citing examples like Justin Herbert over Dak Prescott. He emphasizes the significance of a reliable QB in driving the team towards success.

Notable Quote:
"I think you always choose a star." – John Middelkopf [50:20]

b. Broadcasting Rights and Fox's Potential Moves

Question: With Amazon outbidding traditional partners for Big Ten broadcasting rights, could Fox directly negotiate with powerhouse programs like Michigan or Ohio State?

Discussion:
Middelkopf discusses the strong financial incentives for Fox to secure deals with top-tier programs, predicting that major franchises like Ohio State could command upwards of $200 million annually. He believes Fox's established partnership with the Big Ten will remain lucrative but acknowledges the potential for direct deals in the future.

Notable Quote:
"Ohio State is probably worth $200 million. Like they would have no problem just doing a direct deal." – John Middelkopf [55:40]

c. Seahawks' Coaching Decisions: Pete vs. Mike McDonald

Question: Should the Seahawks move on from Pete Carroll and hire a younger offensive coordinator like Mike McDonald?

Discussion:
Middelkopf examines the Seahawks' defensive strengths under Pete Carroll versus the need for offensive innovation. While he acknowledges McDonald's defensive expertise, he questions the balance between maintaining a strong defense and enhancing the offense.

Notable Quote:
"Mike McDonald's, if he had been an offensive coordinator, he would have been discussed like Ben Johnson was this year." – John Middelkopf [1:05:15]

d. Weather Preferences: Minnesota vs. Arizona

Question: How do extreme weather conditions in Minnesota and Arizona affect daily life and personal preferences?

Discussion:
Middelkopf shares personal experiences contrasting the cold winters of Minnesota with the scorching summers of Arizona. He highlights the adaptability required for each climate and discusses how weather influences lifestyle choices.

Notable Quote:
"Cold sucks. I hate cold. I despise the cold." – John Middelkopf [1:10:05]

e. Kyle Shanahan and Andy Reid: Coaching Comparisons

Question: Will Kyle Shanahan receive the same treatment as Andy Reid, always being a bridesmaid and never a groom?

Discussion:
Middelkopf compares Shanahan's career trajectory to Reid's, suggesting that while Shanahan is talented, the Chiefs' established system and Reid's legacy make it challenging for Shanahan to surpass him. He views Shanahan as a high-level coach but not necessarily poised to eclipse Reid's accomplishments.

Notable Quote:
"Kyle Shanahan has gone to the Super Bowl and lost to Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes." – John Middelkopf [1:15:30]

f. Fugazi Friday: Amazon Streaming Fees Complaints

Topic:
Middelkopf vents about Amazon's practice of charging additional fees to rent movies and shows that are supposedly part of the Prime subscription, likening it to outdated rental stores.

Discussion:
He criticizes the lack of transparency and the frustration of paying extra for content already available through a streaming subscription. Middelkopf speculates that licensing fees might be a factor but remains dissatisfied with the consumer experience.

Notable Quote:
"If I have to pay to rent the movie or a show I want to watch, what on earth is the monthly fee for?" – John Middelkopf [1:20:45]

6. Personal Anecdote: Handling a Scorpion in the House

Overview:
Middelkopf shares a personal story about a scorpion infestation in his Arizona home, highlighting the challenges of dealing with venomous creatures and the lack of straightforward solutions.

Key Points:

• Unexpected Encounter: Middlekoffee wakes up to screams from his bathroom and discovers a moving scorpion.
• Handling the Situation: Describes the fear and confusion of attempting to eliminate the scorpion without proper knowledge or tools.
• Reflection: Uses the story to illustrate how unexpected challenges require quick thinking and adaptability.

Notable Quote:
"How am I supposed to get this fuckin' three birds that have flown into my home out of this place?" – John Middelkopf [1:25:30]

7. Addressing the Mailbag

Overview:
Towards the end of the episode, Middelkopf engages with listener questions, covering topics ranging from team management strategies to personal grievances with streaming services.

Key Points:

• Community Engagement: Highlights the importance of listener interaction and the diverse range of questions posed by fans.
• Varied Topics: From sports management dilemmas to everyday challenges, Middelkopf provides thoughtful insights and personal opinions.

Notable Quote:
"These guys are good at it. Coaches, players, general managers, most of them now are pretty well versed in the ability of bullshit." – John Middelkopf [1:30:10]

8. Conclusion

Overview:
John Middelkopf wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to subscribe to the 3Now podcast, follow on Instagram, and check out the YouTube channel for more content. He briefly mentions upcoming topics and expresses appreciation for the audience's engagement.

Closing Remarks:
"Keep the feedback coming, and let's continue to enjoy the game together." – John Middelkopf [1:35:00]

9. Sponsored Segments

Throughout the episode, several advertisements and sponsored segments were aired, including promotions for the Gemini Credit Card, Microsoft AI solutions, T-Mobile, ThreatLocker cybersecurity, and Folds of Honor scholarships. These segments were strategically placed and repeated but were excluded from the main content summary as per instructions.

Note: This summary captures the essence of the episode's discussions, insights, and listener interactions, providing a comprehensive overview for those who haven't tuned in. Notable quotes are attributed to John Middelkopf with approximate timestamps based on the transcript.