Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – "Best of The Herd" Release Date: June 11, 2025

1. Aaron Rodgers' Transition to the Pittsburgh Steelers

Timestamp: 03:12

Jason McIntyre kicks off the episode by delving into the recent move of NFL superstar Aaron Rodgers to the Pittsburgh Steelers. He reflects on his past critiques of Rodgers' performance, emphasizing that his concerns remain unchanged despite Rodgers' new environment.

Jason McIntyre [03:37]: "I think he'll be fine. I think he'll miss a couple games. I think he'll go, you know, 8 and 9, 9 and 8, that's fine."

McIntyre analyzes the historical success of veteran quarterbacks transitioning to new teams, categorizing them into two groups: successful and less successful. He cites examples like Tom Brady and Peyton Manning as quarterbacks who flourished post-transition, while others like Aaron Rodgers with the Jets and Russell Wilson in Denver faced challenges.

Jason McIntyre [06:01]: "It’s pretty clear it’s going to be pretty bumpy... Arthur Smith, the coordinator, six years in the NFL, three as a head coach, three as a coordinator, one top 10 offense, and the other five bad, ugly, ineffective."

Jason critiques the Steelers' coaching strategy, suggesting that pairing an aging quarterback like Rodgers with a defensive-minded coach like Arthur Smith may lead to turbulence within the team dynamics.

2. USA Men's National Soccer Team Performance and Challenges

Timestamp: 08:23

Transitioning from football to soccer, Jason and guest Alexi Lawless express deep concerns over the U.S. Men's National Team's (USMNT) dismal performance. Jason highlights the team's poor track record against European opponents, pointing out a series of losses, including a particularly humiliating 4-0 defeat to Switzerland.

Jason McIntyre [11:45]: "It's time once again for Uncle Collins twice annual USA Soccer reality check. Our talent pool. It's interesting. It's the most interesting it's ever been, but it is a really shallow pool."

Alexi Lawless adds that the team's reliance on younger, less experienced MLS players has exposed the depth—or lack thereof—in the USMNT's talent pool. He criticizes the current coaching strategies under Mauricio Pochettino, arguing that the limited pool of players leads to inconsistent performances on the international stage.

Alexi Lawless [14:15]: "The truth is right now, this is A team, the U.S. men's National Team, that is looked upon with criticism. There is plenty of angst associated with it."

3. Impact of Star Players' Absence

Timestamp: 12:40

The conversation shifts to the absence of key players like Christian Pulisic and Sergino Dest due to their rigorous European schedules. Jason questions whether Pulisic's decision to rest reflects deeper issues with the new coaching staff or his own fatigue.

Jason McIntyre [38:16]: "When Pulisic decided not to play now, I would defend him in that he's played 50 match seasons with AC Milan. That's rigorous soccer."

Alexi agrees, suggesting that while Pulisic's decision to rest is understandable, it sends a concerning message about player-coach relationships and the overall direction of the team.

Alexi Lawless [39:05]: "I do think that he generally thinks that he is fatigued and he generally thinks that this is going to help him."

4. Coaching Changes in the New York Knicks

Timestamp: 27:14

Shifting gears to basketball, Jason discusses the New York Knicks' ongoing coaching saga. He criticizes the team's inability to secure interviews with top coaching candidates like Jason Kidd, highlighting the Knicks' leadership under James Dolan as impulsive and lacking a clear plan.

Jason McIntyre [26:29]: "So the top three candidates, high profile, successful coaches. Nope, nope, nope."

Alexi Lawless chimes in, emphasizing that the Knicks' frequent coaching changes disrupt team culture and long-term planning.

Alexi Lawless [36:30]: "This has been an abject failure and certainly over the last couple of games, ultimately he will be judged by the Gold Cup."

5. The Significance of the Gold Cup

Timestamp: 40:31

Back to soccer, the importance of the upcoming Gold Cup is discussed as a pivotal moment for the USMNT to rebuild and regain momentum ahead of the World Cup scheduled for the following year. While both hosts express skepticism about the team's chances, they agree that strong performances in the Gold Cup could spark necessary improvements.

Alexi Lawless [41:44]: "I hope that it does light a fire under their asses and they bring it when it comes to the Gold cup and then obviously for the next year and then that magic happens next summer."

Jason adds that despite the current struggles, there remains hope that the team can leverage the Gold Cup to address their deficiencies and build a more resilient squad for the future.

Jason McIntyre [34:34]: "So, so last night was simply a wake up call. And it was, it was something that he [Pochettino] needed."

6. Concluding Insights

Timestamp: 42:02

As the episode wraps up, Jason reiterates the critical state of both the USMNT and the Knicks, underscoring the need for strategic leadership and talent development. Alexi concludes with a call for greater unity and focus within the USMNT to harness their diverse talent pool effectively.

Alexi Lawless [38:16]: "We have to get ourselves in order. We on the field and to a certain extent, off the field. Because this is coming down the pike and it is coming fast."

Notable Quotes:

• Jason McIntyre [03:37]: "I think it's pretty clear it's going to be pretty bumpy..."
• Aaron Rodgers [07:56]: "I don't need it to keep playing. A lot of decisions that I've made over my career..."
• Alexi Lawless [14:15]: "The truth is right now, this is A team..."
• Alexi Lawless [41:44]: "I hope that it does light a fire under their asses and they bring it when it comes to the Gold cup..."

Conclusion

"The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Best of The Herd" episode provides a critical examination of key sports narratives, focusing on the challenges faced by both the Pittsburgh Steelers with their new quarterback Aaron Rodgers and the US Men's National Soccer Team grappling with poor performances and leadership issues. Coupled with insights into the New York Knicks' coaching turmoil, the episode emphasizes the importance of strategic leadership, talent management, and resilience in overcoming sports-related adversities.