Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Episode 3 & Out: The Herd Update, Jaire Alexander and the Ravens, Caleb Williams and Bryce Young Get Humbled
Release Date: June 24, 2025
Host: John Middlekauff (Guest Host filling in for Colin Cowherd)
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
1. Introduction and Guest Hosting Experience
John Middlekauff takes the reins of "The Herd" as a guest host, filling in for Colin Cowherd during his absence. Middlekauff shares his initial experiences stepping into the role, highlighting the professionalism and high-energy environment of the Fox studios.
- Quote: “It’s a really, really impressive operation. Ton of good people.” [07:15]
Middlekauff reflects on the differences between his podcast and "The Herd," noting the structured and corporate nature of the show compared to his more flexible podcast format.
2. Jaire Alexander’s Move to the Baltimore Ravens
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to discussing Jaire Alexander, a standout cornerback previously with the Green Bay Packers, who has unexpectedly been released and subsequently signed by the Baltimore Ravens.
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Key Points:
- Performance and Contract: Alexander was initially expected to restructure his contract with the Packers but was cut due to concerns over his salary and playing time.
- Impact on Ravens: The Ravens, known for their strong defensive unit, immediately capitalized on the opportunity to bolster their secondary.
- Defense Quality: The Ravens' defense has maintained championship-level performance during Lamar Jackson's tenure, with key players like Roquan Smith and Fred Warner enhancing their prowess.
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Quote: “With the Ravens, their defense has been good now since Lamar Jackson has got there. They have played championship level defense several times.” [25:30]
Middlekauff emphasizes the Ravens' defensive strength and how Alexander's addition fits seamlessly into their system, potentially elevating their chances in the upcoming season.
3. Caleb Williams and Bryce Young: Learning Humility in the NFL
The episode delves into the recent challenges faced by promising quarterbacks Caleb Williams and Bryce Young, highlighting the importance of humility and adaptability in professional sports.
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Bryce Young:
- Performance Struggles: Young, hailed as a top quarterback prospect, faced setbacks early in his NFL career, including being benched and dealing with team-related issues.
- Recovery and Growth: Demonstrated resilience by bouncing back, showcasing improved performance and proving his capability as a legitimate starter.
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Caleb Williams:
- Team Dynamics: Joined a struggling team where his performance was initially underwhelming, leading to public scrutiny.
- Learning Experience: Emphasizes the necessity of adapting to the NFL's complexities, understanding team strategies, and making smarter decisions under pressure.
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Quote: “It's easy to be like, you just got to humble yourself sometimes when you're young and everyone's giving you a reach around.” [35:50]
Middlekauff discusses insights from veteran quarterbacks like Peyton Manning and Eli Manning, advocating for continuous improvement and learning from setbacks to achieve long-term success.
4. The Evolution of Player Contracts and League Dynamics
A comprehensive analysis of the changing economic landscape in the NFL, focusing on inflated player contracts and their implications on team dynamics and player behavior.
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Key Points:
- Inflated Salaries: Examination of how quarterbacks and other star players are commanding unprecedented salaries, affecting team budgets and player movements.
- Player Empowerment: Increased financial stakes have shifted power dynamics, making the league more player-friendly and influencing contract negotiations.
- Impact on Team Strategy: Teams must balance high salaries with overall team cohesion and performance, often leading to strategic decisions regarding player retention and acquisitions.
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Quote: “These contracts are huge. It was like Rafael Devers, like, we don't want to pay anymore. They signed him to a $300 million contract.” [30:10]
Middlekauff explores how these financial trends are reshaping the NFL, with teams like the Ravens and Rams navigating these changes to maintain competitive edges.
5. Leadership Lessons from the Football World
Middlekauff shares invaluable leadership insights gleaned from interactions with prominent figures in football, emphasizing ownership, relentless pursuit of excellence, and the importance of treating people well.
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Pat Hill: Exemplifies immense ownership and pride in his program, inspiring Middlekauff to adopt similar qualities in his professional endeavors.
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Andy Reid and Howie Cowherd: Highlight their relentless nature and ability to adapt, underscoring the necessity of continuous improvement and strategic thinking in leadership roles.
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Quote: “They just have this gravitational pull and I got very lucky. Like they were associated with each other, they had known each other forever.” [58:45]
These leadership lessons are paralleled in Middlekauff’s approach to his podcasting career, drawing parallels between sports management and personal professional growth.
6. Listener Mailbag: Devastating Moments and Player Performance
Middlekauff responds to listener questions, tackling topics ranging from the most devastating moments in sports history to specific player performances and potential future trajectories.
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Devastating Sports Moments: Middlekauff cites the Malcolm Butler Super Bowl interception as unparalleled in its impact.
- Quote: “The Malcolm Butler game for the Super Bowl. It looked like the Pacers could win that game and their star player tears his Achilles.” [59:30]
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Player Analysis: Offers critical evaluations of current NFL players and their potential futures, including discussions on Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, and Justin Fields.
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Advice for Aspiring Podcasters and Athletes: Encourages dedication, continuous practice, and resilience in the face of challenges.
7. The American West Podcast Promotion
Middlekauff briefly promotes Dan Flores' new podcast, "The American West with Dan Flores," which explores the unique histories and stories of the Western United States.
- Quote: “So join me starting Tuesday, May 6, where we'll delve into stories of the west and come to understand how it helps inform the ways in which we experience the region today.” [93:00]
8. Personal Reflections and Closing Thoughts
Middlekauff shares a personal story about losing his father, highlighting the importance of cherishing family and the unpredictability of life. This segment adds a heartfelt dimension to the episode, showcasing the host's vulnerability and relatability.
- Quote: “I wish I could do this again with my dad. I remember being on the couch in my, at my parents house.” [65:50]
He advises listeners to value their time with family and to be present, emphasizing the significance of personal relationships amidst professional pursuits.
Conclusion
In this episode of "The Herd," Guest Host John Middlekauff navigates through a variety of pressing sports topics, employee movements, and personal reflections. Through in-depth analysis and candid conversations, Middlekauff provides listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the current NFL landscape, leadership dynamics, and the importance of personal resilience. The blend of professional insights and personal anecdotes makes this episode both informative and engaging for sports enthusiasts and general audiences alike.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
- “It’s a really, really impressive operation. Ton of good people.” – John Middlekauff [07:15]
- “With the Ravens, their defense has been good now since Lamar Jackson has got there. They have played championship level defense several times.” – John Middlekauff [25:30]
- “It's easy to be like, you just got to humble yourself sometimes when you're young and everyone's giving you a reach around.” – John Middlekauff [35:50]
- “These contracts are huge. It was like Rafael Devers, like, we don't want to pay anymore. They signed him to a $300 million contract.” – John Middlekauff [30:10]
- “They just have this gravitational pull and I got very lucky. Like they were associated with each other, they had known each other forever.” – John Middlekauff [58:45]
- “The Malcolm Butler game for the Super Bowl. It looked like the Pacers could win that game and their star player tears his Achilles.” – John Middlekauff [59:30]
- “So join me starting Tuesday, May 6, where we'll delve into stories of the west and come to understand how it helps inform the ways in which we experience the region today.” – John Middlekauff [93:00]
- “I wish I could do this again with my dad. I remember being on the couch in my, at my parents house.” – John Middlekauff [65:50]
This detailed summary encapsulates the primary discussions and insights from the episode, providing a structured and engaging overview for those who haven't listened to the podcast.