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

Title: The Herd with Colin Cowherd
Host: John Middlekauff
Hosted By: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
Description: The Herd with Colin Cowherd is a thought-provoking, opinionated, and topic-driven journey through the top sports stories of the day.
Episode: 3 & Out - NFL Organizations Are Worth SO Much, Eagles Bring Back Joe Douglas, International Games
Release Date: May 21, 2025

1. Introduction and Overview

In this episode, host John Middlekauff delves deep into the current landscape of the NFL, focusing on the staggering valuations of NFL organizations, the Philadelphia Eagles' strategic move to bring back Joe Douglas, and the NFL's expansion into international games. Amidst these topics, Middlekauff also touches upon the broader issues of player and coach compensation within the league.

2. The Monumental Valuations of NFL Organizations

Middlekauff begins by highlighting the astronomical valuations of NFL franchises, emphasizing how these organizations have become some of the most valuable sports teams globally.

• Notable Quote:

  "The 49ers today shattered a record for being the highest valuation in the history of the sport... Jed York sold like 10% of the 49ers and got almost $900 million because the franchise was valued at $8.6 billion."
  [15:45]

He draws attention to the Philadelphia Eagles as a close second, noting their franchise valuation at $8.3 billion. The discussion underscores the financial prowess of NFL teams and how strategic financial decisions, such as selling franchise shares, contribute to their soaring values.

3. Quarterback and Coach Compensation: Are They Underpaid?

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to analyzing the compensation structures for quarterbacks and coaches in the NFL. Middlekauff challenges the prevailing notion that these key figures are overpaid, proposing instead that they are often undercompensated relative to their impact on team success.

• Notable Quote:

  "Quarterbacks and coaches in general are completely underpaid given the immense value they bring to their franchises."
  [10:20]

He compares NFL contracts to those in other industries, highlighting how coaches like Andy Reid and Sean McVay earn salaries that don't reflect their contributions to their teams' successes. Similarly, he discusses quarterback contracts, using Patrick Mahomes and Brock Purdy as primary examples to illustrate discrepancies in pay versus performance and value.

• Quote on Quarterback Contracts:

  "The deal Brock Purdy just got... feels risky, but relative to Dak Prescott, it's a win for the 49ers."
  [22:10]

Middlekauff argues that while star quarterbacks command high salaries, others who are equally or more impactful may not receive comparable compensation, suggesting a reevaluation of salary structures within the league.

4. Philadelphia Eagles Rehiring Joe Douglas

Transitioning to team-specific news, Middlekauff discusses the Philadelphia Eagles' decision to bring back Joe Douglas, their former General Manager.

• Notable Quote:

  "The Eagles hiring former GM Joe Douglas speaks volumes about their commitment to sustained success and strategic management."
  [30:05]

He explains that Joe Douglas' return is a strategic move to bolster the Eagles' front office, especially after recent departures to rival teams like the Raiders. Middlekauff emphasizes the importance of strong leadership in the front office for maintaining a team's competitive edge.

5. Expansion of NFL International Games

A forward-looking segment of the episode covers the NFL's plans to expand its international presence by introducing 16 overseas games over the next five years.

• Notable Quote:

  "Roger Goodell announced at 06:30 PST that the NFL is committed to an international package, significantly boosting global engagement."
  [40:15]

Middlekauff analyzes the potential benefits and challenges of this expansion, including the increased revenue streams from global markets and the logistical complexities of organizing games abroad. He speculates on possible broadcast deals with major streaming platforms like Amazon and Netflix, which could revolutionize how international fans engage with the NFL.

6. Listener Mailbag: Critiques and Insights on the Atlanta Falcons

Midway through the episode, Middlekauff engages with listener feedback, focusing on criticisms directed at the Atlanta Falcons' organizational strategies, particularly concerning their quarterback decisions.

• Listener's Comment:

  "The Falcons have whiffed on quarterbacks since Matt Ryan retired. How are they supposed to win your respect with Mariota and Desmond Ritter?"
  [45:00]

Middlekauff responds by dissecting the Falcons' leadership choices, highlighting the lack of a clear organizational philosophy and questioning the effectiveness of their current quarterback roster. He underscores the importance of stable and strategic decision-making in maintaining a franchise's competitiveness.

7. Final Thoughts: The Core Value of Leadership in NFL Success

In his concluding remarks, Middlekauff reiterates the central theme of leadership's role in the success and valuation of NFL teams. He posits that strong, well-compensated leadership—both in coaching and management—is crucial for sustaining high team valuations and consistent performance.

• Concluding Quote:

  "The difference between the top teams is razor-thin, and it often comes down to where they choose to invest their resources, especially in leadership roles."
  [49:50]

He encourages NFL organizations to continue investing in top-tier leadership to maintain their competitive advantages and ensure sustained success on and off the field.

8. Conclusion

Episode 3 & Out of The Herd with Colin Cowherd offers a comprehensive analysis of the NFL's financial dynamics, leadership roles, and strategic expansions. Through insightful commentary and engaging discussions, John Middlekauff provides listeners with a nuanced understanding of the factors driving the league's growth and the challenges it faces in maintaining its top-tier status.

Note: This summary intentionally omits advertisements, promotional segments, and non-content sections to focus solely on the substantive discussions and insights presented in the episode.