Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd

Episode: 3 & Out - USA BEATS Canada, Is there value to going to the Combine, Chicago MOVING to Indiana?

Date: February 23, 2026
Host: John Middlekauff

Episode Overview

This episode is a dynamic solo show with John Middlekauff, focusing on three major topics:

• Team USA’s stunning hockey win over Canada in the Olympics
• The shifting value and logistics of the NFL Scouting Combine
• The developing story of the Chicago Bears’ potential move to Indiana

The tone throughout is energetic, conversational, and candid, with Middlekauff blending sports analysis, personal observations, and industry insights.

1. USA's Olympic Hockey Victory Over Canada

[Start—24:00]

Key Discussion Points

• Sports as Unscripted Drama:

  • John kicks off by reflecting on the power and unpredictability of sports.
  • Cites the emotional resonance of Team USA’s unexpected hockey victory over a heralded Canadian team:
    "Sports is special, man… That was really, really cool." [03:30]

• America’s Relationship with Hockey:

  • Middlekauff admits hockey isn’t his number one sport but expresses deep respect for the athletes, comparing his attitude toward hockey to his view of UFC fighters:
    "I don't watch the NHL… I couldn't have any more respect. Their respect level for me is a 10 out of 10." [05:10]

• Rawness and Purity vs. Scripted Reality TV:

  • Draws a parallel between the unscripted drama of sports and the manufactured drama of reality TV, noting how authenticity draws viewers in:
    "These [reality] shows...there are moments...this isn't raw and real. This is fake...But there's a purity to [sports]." [08:00]

• Underdog Narrative & Pride:

  • Discusses the pride and emotional investment evoked when a team that's “not supposed to win” prevails.
  • Highlights the perseverance and connection among Team USA players, which resonated with viewers outside the typical hockey community.

• Memorable Related Stories:

  • Recalls NFL narratives such as Sam Darnold’s redemption arc (from “laughingstock” to Super Bowl starter), illustrating the unpredictability and relatability that sports uniquely offer:
    "Sam Darnold is just a fun story to root for. He's a relatable individual." [20:10]

• Global Context and Aspirations:

  • Contrasts the NFL’s reach with soccer’s global appeal, referencing a recent EPL match watched by 750 million people compared to the Super Bowl’s 150 million.
  • Credits the Olympics for channeling national pride and creating rare genuine moments.

Notable Quotes

• “Jack Hughes, who scores the game-winning goal, is interviewed after—he's missing a tooth and bleeding. That's the thing: everyone…lays it all on the line.” [14:45]
• "[The] hockey team…all seem like…between 25 and early 30s—to be everything we've always wanted… That hurts every single human…" (referencing the tragic passing of Johnny Goudreau) [18:45]
• “Sports is still one of the last areas in society where it just draws so many people from so many different walks of life, from so many different beliefs, from so many different economic statuses…” [22:30]

2. Is There Value to Going to the NFL Combine?

[26:03—42:30]

Combine’s Location & Experience

• Indianapolis vs. LA:
  • Middlekauff describes why Indianapolis is ideal logistically (all major venues and hotels are interconnected to avoid harsh winter weather).
  • Notes recent league discussions about moving the Combine to bigger cities, possibly Los Angeles, but underscores why many football people fight to keep it in Indy.

Changes in Team Participation

• Coaches & GMs Skipping the Event:
  • Increasing trend: Teams like the Jaguars and Rams (and coaches like Shanahan and McVay) opting out, viewing parts of the event as less essential.
  • Some believe in-person Combine creates “bias” and prefer virtual interviews.

Why the Combine Still Matters

1. Free Agency Market Setting:

   • Middlekauff emphasizes that Combine week is critical for understanding the market for current and free agent players by directly interacting with agents:
     "You gauge the market...the number one thing is...how much are players on my team that are free agents going to cost?" [27:00]

2. Trade Talks:

   • Combine is an opportunity for informal discussions on potential trades, especially for high-profile players like A.J. Brown and Maxx Crosby.
   • Explains that some rumored trades may never materialize (e.g., Maxx Crosby likely to stay due to his relationship with the new defensive coordinator).

3. Draft Prospect Interviewing:

   • Stresses the importance of “meeting the guy” even for 15–20 minutes, especially crucial for drafting the right character and fit.
   • Draws a parallel with the business world:
     "Talking to people face-to-face will always have value... It's no different in football." [33:10]

4. Medical Evaluations:

   • The Combine provides all teams access to standardized, comprehensive medical information and physicals—sometimes revealing previously unknown, even life-saving, medical issues.
   • Acknowledges the subjective nature of team doctors’ opinions and the impact on draft boards.

5. On-the-Field Workouts:

   • “Underwear Olympics” (athletic drills) are less influential today, but testing still impacts draft stock and team comparisons.
   • Emphasizes tape is king, but testing verifies physical benchmarks.
   • Acknowledges some top prospects will skip drills, which is now accepted by teams (“The world has changed. It used to really bother teams. Not as much in 2026.”) [41:30]

Notable Quotes

• "Belichick's big thing...we’re not signing guys to lift 225 pounds. We're signing guys to play football." [39:45]
• “The physical testing determines your market value in the draft. It does not determine if you're going to be a good player or bad player.” [40:55]
• “There’s still a lot of value with the Combine. There’s still a lot of interest with the Combine.” [42:18]

3. Chicago Bears Moving to Indiana?

[47:40—56:58]

The Situation Unpacked

• Geographical Context:

  • Clarifies the move to Indiana would only take the Bears approximately 30 miles from their current location, though Chicago traffic can make it feel much further.

• Relocation: Who, Why, and How:

  • Draws on experience covering the Raiders’ move (and the Rams and Chargers) to explain that team relocations are always financially driven.
  • Breaks down why franchise owners might seek public/private partnerships when building stadiums.

• The Cash Conundrum:

  • Bears’ owners (the McCaskey family) are not flush with cash—a contrast to other NFL owners like David Tepper or Steve Ballmer, who can self-fund billion-dollar facilities.
  • "They do not have the cash to spend $3–4 billion, which I’m sure that’s what it would cost in Chicago." [50:30]

• Taxpayer Politics:

  • Highlights political hesitation to use public funds (“our taxpayer dollars are not going to go toward a team”), which has driven organizations to leave cities in the past (Raiders/Oakland, 49ers/SF).

• NFL’s Stake:

  • Predicts the league (Roger Goodell) will get involved—Chicago is too important to abandon, implying some creative solutions or partial sale may be necessary.

Potential Outcomes and Fan Impact

• "My take is the Chicago Bears gotta play in Chicago… I don’t think that would change." [55:45]
• Suggests the situation will get “a lot more bizarre before we ever get, ‘oh, they've just figured something out. All is well with Chicago Bears’.”
• Expresses empathy for fans, noting how exhausting these relocations are for local supporters.

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• On the purity of sports:
  “Ultimately sports is entertainment. But there’s a purity to it… That was pretty special. I don’t know what else to say.” [13:55]

• Reflecting on sports’ cultural place:
  “Sports is still one of the last kind of areas in society where it just draws so many people from so many different walks of life… We all sat there and watched these games and had a similar reaction.” [22:30]

• On NFL business realities:
  “The McCaskeys do not have the cash to spend 3, 4 billion dollars…they cannot do it on their own.” [50:30]

• On the league’s priorities:
  “If I’m Roger Goodell, I gotta have the Chicago Bears in Chicago. So we got to figure out a way to make this happen.” [52:32]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Opening Personal Reflection / Olympic Hockey (USA v. Canada):
  [02:26–24:00]
• NFL Combine Logistics, Value & Trends:
  [26:03–42:30]
• Chicago Bears Relocation Rumors:
  [47:40–56:58]

Conclusion

John Middlekauff delivers a compelling episode that weaves heartfelt sports storytelling with sharp NFL analysis. Whether describing the unifying moment of Team USA’s hockey win, demystifying the changing landscape of the NFL Combine, or breaking down the economics behind potential franchise moves, his perspective blends insider knowledge, an appreciation for sports culture, and relatable personal anecdotes.

For fans and casual listeners alike, the episode underscores the drama and unpredictability of sports—and the business realities shaping the games we love.