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

Title: The Herd with Colin Cowherd
Host: Colin Cowherd
Episode: 3 & Out - What are the Browns doing, Shedeur's prank caller, Belichick's interview on CBS
Release Date: April 28, 2025
Platform: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

Introduction

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, host Colin dives deep into several pressing NFL topics, including the Cleveland Browns' recent draft strategies, the viral prank calls involving Browns' quarterback Shedeur Sanders, and a noteworthy interview with legendary coach Bill Belichick on CBS. Colin provides a comprehensive analysis, blending personal anecdotes with expert insights to engage both seasoned fans and casual listeners.

Cleveland Browns’ Draft Strategy and Quarterback Conundrum

Colin opens the discussion by addressing the Cleveland Browns' puzzling decision to draft multiple quarterbacks, specifically Shador Sanders and Dylan Gabriel, in the third and fifth rounds respectively. He posits that this strategy may not be purely based on football logic but rather influenced by behind-the-scenes dynamics involving team ownership.

Key Points:

• Ownership Influence: Colin theorizes that Browns' owner Jimmy Haslam may be exerting undue influence on the coaching staff, compelling them to draft quarterbacks that they might not otherwise prioritize. He states, “I don’t think it’s that complicated. It doesn’t make much sense to take multiple quarterbacks in a draft, especially in the third and the fifth round” (07:45).

• Coaching Staff's Dilemma: Head Coach Kevin Stefanski and General Manager Andrew Barry appear to be reluctantly complying with Haslam's demands. Colin observes, “When you work with someone long enough, you know how to play them a little bit” (08:10), suggesting that the coaching staff is attempting to navigate the owner’s expectations without compromising team integrity.

• Player Evaluation: Colin critiques the decision to draft Dylan Gabriel early, arguing that Shador Sanders is a more promising NFL prospect. He notes, “I think Shador Sanders is a better NFL prospect than Dylan Gabriel” (09:20) and questions the value the Browns see in Gabriel compared to other drafted talents.

Shedeur Sanders’ Prank Calls Go Viral

Transitioning to lighter yet impactful content, Colin discusses the recent viral prank calls targeting Shedeur Sanders, the Browns' young quarterback. These incidents have sparked widespread embarrassment and concern within the sports community.

Key Points:

• Incident Breakdown: Colin recounts, “This is something that's gone pretty viral. Embarrassing” (19:50), referring to prank calls where individuals, likely young fans, dialed Sanders’ number, leading to awkward and inappropriate interactions.

• Impact on Reputation: He emphasizes the potential long-term effects on Sanders’ image and mental well-being, drawing parallels to his own past experiences. “Kids do dumb now. I didn't get anyone on the horn. It’s a kid being a yessir” (20:30) illustrates Colin's view that such incidents are irresponsible and detrimental.

• Fan Responsibility: Colin subtly calls for more responsible fan behavior and better security measures to protect players from such unwanted attention.

Bill Belichick’s Unconventional CBS Interview

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to analyzing Bill Belichick’s recent interview with CBS Morning News, which has garnered attention for its unusual presentation and personal revelations.

Key Points:

• Interview Dynamics: Colin describes the interview as “the most bizarre, awkward interview I’ve ever seen” (24:05), highlighting Belichick’s girlfriend, Jordan, who acted as his PR manager during the conversation. This dynamic was unsettling for viewers and sparked discussions about professionalism and personal boundaries.

• Public Perception: He critiques Belichick’s portrayal in the interview, questioning his suitability for continued roles within the NFL. “Belichick’s never working in the NFL again. I don’t think anyone’s hiring this guy” (25:10) reflects Colin’s skepticism about Belichick’s future in coaching.

• Behavioral Analysis: Colin delves into Belichick's behavior during the interview, noting discomfort with his personal life being broadcasted. “This is rough for your current job” (25:50) underscores his belief that the interview highlighted weaknesses in Belichick’s public persona.

• Comparison with NFL Culture: He contrasts the NFL’s generally forgiving nature regarding personal indiscretions with the scrutiny Belichick faced, suggesting a double standard in how off-field behavior is treated.

Additional Insights and Concluding Thoughts

Beyond the main topics, Colin touches upon broader themes affecting the NFL and college football landscapes.

Key Points:

• NFL vs. College Coaching Styles: Colin remarks on the differences between NFL and college coaching, asserting that NFL coaches don’t need to "sell" themselves as college coaches do. “I don't need to sell shit. I sell by what I pay you” (26:30) emphasizes the transactional nature of the NFL compared to the relational aspect of college football.

• Future of College Football Conferences: He forecasts the further consolidation of college football conferences, expressing concern over the potential disappearance of prestigious conferences like the PAC-12. “What's happened to college football? I did not want the PAC 12 to disappear” (30:00) reflects his apprehension about the evolving landscape.

• Player Branding and Career Decisions: Colin discusses the implications of players like Quinn Ewers opting to enter the NFL draft early, weighing the financial benefits against the risks of a potentially short-lived career. “He clearly would have had options. And it’s going to be fascinating to watch how this plays out” (35:45) underscores the uncertainty surrounding such decisions.

Conclusion

Colin Cowherd’s latest episode of The Herd offers a multifaceted exploration of current NFL developments, enriched by his candid opinions and in-depth analysis. From dissecting the Cleveland Browns’ questionable draft moves to critiquing Bill Belichick’s public relations missteps, Colin provides listeners with a thorough understanding of the complexities within professional football. Additionally, his reflections on broader topics like college football’s future and player branding offer valuable insights for fans looking to grasp the evolving dynamics of the sport.

Notable Quotes:

• “I don’t think it’s that complicated. It doesn’t make much sense to take multiple quarterbacks in a draft, especially in the third and the fifth round.” (07:45)
• “This is something that's gone pretty viral. Embarrassing.” (19:50)
• “Belichick’s never working in the NFL again. I don’t think anyone’s hiring this guy.” (25:10)
• “What has happened to college football? I did not want the PAC 12 to disappear.” (30:00)

For fans seeking a detailed and engaging analysis of the latest NFL stories, Colin Cowherd's The Herd remains an invaluable resource, blending expertise with relatable commentary.