Best of The Herd

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – "Best of The Herd"

Release Date: February 5, 2025

Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

Description: The Herd with Colin Cowherd offers a thought-provoking and opinionated exploration of the day's top sports stories. In the "Best of The Herd" episode, hosts Steve Covino and Rich Davis fill in for Colin Cowherd during Super Bowl Week in New Orleans, delivering an action-packed show featuring NFL linebacker Fred Warner.

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1. Show Kickoff and Setting the Stage (02:28 – 05:03)

Steve Covino and Rich Davis open the episode with excitement about Super Bowl 59 in New Orleans. They highlight the vibrant atmosphere at Media Row, mentioning celebrity sightings and the general buzz surrounding the event.

Notable Quote:

• "We're here at Media Row for Super Bowl 59 New Orleans. What's going on?" – Steve Covino [02:30]

2. Introducing Fred Warner (05:03 – 07:17)

The hosts welcome Fred Warner, a standout linebacker for the Los Angeles Rams. They delve into Warner's experiences during the Super Bowl, focusing on his emotional investment and the challenges his team faced.

Notable Quotes:

• "It's been a good week so far. What's it like for you being here?" – Puka Nakua [05:11]
• "Letting down our team is not the best feeling." – Fred Warner [05:20]

3. Team Dynamics and Matthew Stafford Rumors (07:17 – 10:03)

Discussion turns to rumors about Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford potentially moving teams. Warner expresses his admiration for Cooper Kupp, highlighting the strong leadership within the Rams organization.

Notable Quotes:

• "I love that guy, Cooper Kupp." – Fred Warner [06:36]
• "We've had seasons in the past where we had slow starts... but we couldn't overcome a lot of the things that we were dealt with." – Fred Warner [25:27]

4. Personal Interests and Offseason Plans (10:03 – 16:19)

Warner shares his passion for basketball and pickleball, contemplating playing overseas post-football career. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining physical fitness and balancing his diet, admitting to occasional indulgences in fast food.

Notable Quotes:

• "I still have basketball. It's how I try to stay in shape." – Fred Warner [10:31]
• "I'm 95% sure I'm going to play overseas basketball somewhere." – Fred Warner [11:17]

5. Fan Interactions and Public Appearance (16:19 – 22:26)

Warner discusses his interactions with fans, particularly the joy of seeing young fans in his jersey. He reflects on his upbringing without professional sports in Las Vegas and Utah, appreciating the support he receives now.

Notable Quotes:

• "It's the best feeling... driving to SoFi Stadium and seeing fans with my jersey." – Fred Warner [09:31]
• "I love the conversations. Everybody always has to come up with a smile." – Fred Warner [08:43]

6. Defensive Techniques: Punching Out the Football (22:26 – 35:05)

A significant portion of the discussion centers on modern defensive strategies, particularly the emphasis on "punching out the football" to force turnovers. Warner explains the meticulous training required to perfect this technique and its increasing prevalence in the NFL.

Notable Quotes:

• "It's the way to get in and start a conversation is just to kind of come ask for a picture." – Fred Warner [08:43]
• "In today's game, you can't hit, you can't tackle a certain type of ways. So the most important thing in football is the ball." – Fred Warner [54:28]

7. Relationship and Personal Life (35:05 – 39:16)

Warner opens up about his relationship, recounting how he met his girlfriend through social media and their first date at In-N-Out. He balances discussions about personal life with insights into maintaining focus during professional challenges.

Notable Quotes:

• "We went to In-N-Out and we just sat there and talked for hours." – Fred Warner [32:18]
• "I didn't have time to reminisce on losing. Every week is go." – Rich Davis [48:44]

8. Vince Wilfork's Segment (42:17 – 57:39)

Vince Wilfork, a two-time Super Bowl champion, joins the show to share his experiences and insights. He reflects on his career highs and lows, the significance of team dynamics, and the emotional impact of Super Bowl losses. The segment includes humorous exchanges about grilling and pop culture references.

Notable Quotes:

• "Losing the Super Bowl is the worst time in my career. It's like someone taking your girl in front of you." – Rich Davis [50:54]
• "We have to stay locked in and stay focused on what you're doing because anything is possible." – Rich Davis [45:46]

9. Pop Culture and Social Media Integration (57:39 – 59:54)

The hosts interweave discussions about popular podcasts and social media trends, highlighting the intersection of sports and entertainment. They promote other shows and encourage listeners to engage with various media platforms.

Notable Quotes:

• "Listen to Lots to Say with Bobby Bones and Matt Castle on the iHeartRadio app." – Vince Wilfork [21:49]
• "Jon Stewart is back at the Daily Show and bringing his signature wit." – Puka Nakua [21:51]

10. Final Remarks and Show Promotion (59:54 – End)

Covino and Davis wrap up the show by thanking guests and listeners, promoting their regular programming, and emphasizing the interactive nature of their broadcast. They also highlight upcoming guests and events, ensuring listeners stay engaged with future content.

Notable Quotes:

• "We talk about everything. Life, sports, relationships, what's going on in the world." – Steve Covino [37:18]
• "Remember, we're still doing our regular show, 5 to 7 on the east, 2 to 4 on the west, later today." – Rich Davis [42:17]

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Key Takeaways:

• Emotional Resilience: Fred Warner emphasizes the emotional toll of high-stakes games like the Super Bowl and the importance of using setbacks as motivation for improvement.

• Team Leadership: The Rams' strong leadership, particularly the influence of players like Cooper Kupp, plays a crucial role in team dynamics and performance.

• Defensive Innovation: Modern NFL defenses are increasingly focused on techniques like punching out the football to secure turnovers, requiring rigorous training and adaptability.

• Work-Life Balance: Warner discusses maintaining personal interests and relationships alongside a demanding sports career, highlighting the importance of mental and physical well-being.

• Pop Culture Synergy: The episode illustrates the blend of sports with broader entertainment trends, demonstrating how athletes engage with media and fans beyond the field.

Overall Conclusion: This episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd delivers an insightful and engaging exploration of NFL dynamics, personal athlete experiences, and the ever-evolving strategies within the sport. Through candid conversations with Fred Warner and Vince Wilfork, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the emotional and technical aspects that define professional football.

Transcript

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[Rich Davis]

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[Rich Davis]

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[Rich Davis]

Now let's get this party started.

[Puka Nakua]

You're listening to Fox Sports Radio.

[Steve Covino]

Yo, what an honor. What an honor to fill in for Colin on the Herd. Super Bowl Week New Orleans.

[Puka Nakua]

So pumped. We're Covino And Rich Fox Sports Radio again in for Colin on the Herd. Media row New Orleans, Super Bowl 59. Super pumped to be here. And we have an action packed show. A triple doozy of awesome. We're joined.

[Steve Covino]

Yeah, it's a triple doozy.

[Puka Nakua]

I just made that up. You like it? Vince Wolfork stopping by, excited about that. Fred Warner stopping by.

[Steve Covino]

As a Niners fan, I'm abnormally pumped about that.

[Puka Nakua]

Relax, man. Keep it in the pantalones.

[Steve Covino]

I'll try. I'll try. Thank you.

[Puka Nakua]

Yeah, no slow roasters. Too early for all that.

[Steve Covino]

Sorry.

[Puka Nakua]

And we're joined by Puka Nukua. And when you think about it, we got Puka and Luka in the news. So lots to talk about today on Cavino and Rich Fox Sports Radio.

[Steve Covino]

You know what, what's interesting is Puka the coup is a great guest to have today because there's a lot of ram news. A lot like Matthew Stafford was even in the news today. Like, are they possibly thinking about moving him? And that just makes zero sense.

[Rich Davis]

Ram it all night.

[Puka Nakua]

Yeah, you, you got to bring that up with him too, man. We have lots of questions for Puka Nakua, so stick around and get involved. Thank you guys for hanging out with us. Going to turn your hump day into a hump night. And not only three hours of Colin, we got two hours of our regular show. Two to four on the west, five to seven on the east. Covino and Rich. So five hours of fun from radio row. And just as Puka approaches. Want to explain that the vibe is so good today? Starting to build on this Wednesday. We were here Monday and Tuesday. Obviously it's a little slow. People are starting to come now getting excited for the Super Bowl. There's a buzz in the air. I feel celebrities are walking around. Spotty was in the bathroom with Gronk earlier.

[Steve Covino]

Like, oh, what are they doing in there?

[Puka Nakua]

I mean, he just happened to see him in there. I don't know if he was gazing or anything, but look, the stars are here. Stars. We're gonna talk to them and we're gonna have a lot of fun. And I see Puka Nico, Mark Ingram, the great New Orleans saint was getting.

[Fred Warner]

Coffee with us at Starbucks.

[Puka Nakua]

Yeah, that's the, that's the vibe. It's Super Bowl New Orleans again. Super pumped to be here. I'm Steve Cavino. That is Rich Davis, Danny G. Super producing and making it, man. Man, he's handsome. It's great to see him again. He's getting his headphones on. Let's welcome Puka Nakua.

[Steve Covino]

What's up, my friend?

[Puka Nakua]

Rich show in for Colin on the Herd. Thanks for your time, man.

[Fred Warner]

Man, appreciate you guys. How you doing? Has been a good week so far?

[Puka Nakua]

It's been great. I want to ask you that. How are you doing, man? Because I know you wish you were playing, but you're here and you look excited. Everybody's excited to see you. What's it like for you being here?

[Fred Warner]

Shoot, I get, yeah, it's just trying to get a, a grasp of what the offseason looks like now going into year two and stuff like that. But yeah, definitely. Hopefully, yeah, planning on not being here next year at least doing a different type of media. Hopefully get to wear one of the jumpsuits. I just barely saw those guys in. And the Rams will be ready to roll.

[Puka Nakua]

Nice.

[Steve Covino]

Now, how does it feel when, you know it's only a few weeks ago, you know, the ball is to you on a play that could, you know, win the game. Do you still carry that like you were so close? The team that's in the super bowl, we were in Philly in the snow and you got that close. Is that, have you mentally moved past that or is it still, like, you know, bothering you?

[Fred Warner]

I definitely. It's still bothering me. I think it'll probably bother me the rest of the offseason and it'll be the motivator for the many motivators that come in the offseason. Yeah, it's been kind, I think about two years in a row how we finished off in Detroit. Our last offensive possession was the last passed on to me and then the same thing here in Philly. So I can't let that happen again if the opportunities are coming my way. Man, letting down our team is one of is not the best feeling.

[Steve Covino]

Yo, Puka, I got to ask because, you know, you get that close. The team that's in the super bowl on Sunday could very well have been beaten by you guys at home a couple of weeks ago. What's with the Cooper cup stories? What's with the Matthew Stafford rumors? I, I saw you even put on social media that I thought that only happened in the NBA. Have you talked to Cooper Cup?

[Fred Warner]

Yeah, we've, we've had some conversations and Coop had reached out to us kind of before that news had broke. But, I mean, I just feel like I'm so blessed and I, I, I love that guy, Cooper cup. From the moment I went walked into the ranch facility, he's been the leader and the mentor that I, I've needed In. In my career and also in my life to be able to see him be a father in the off seasons and the. What The. The husband that he is. And, uh, it's been, uh, such a cool thing to watch and, uh, I freaking love that guy. I'm gon.

[Steve Covino]

Even your girlfriend. Your girlfriend. Didn't your girlfriend also post that she's gonna miss the cup family?

[Fred Warner]

Yeah, yeah, it's. I mean, I feel like I try to be. Be involved as much as he would allow us and. Yeah, just to be a part of that guy's life. And. Yeah, it's been a. It's been an interesting week.

[Puka Nakua]

Yeah, I can say you guys were very close. I'm sorry to hear that. Because on a personal level, that's gotta suck. Not just as a teammate, but as a friend. He's gone. How's training gonna be different moving forward because you guys train together?

[Fred Warner]

Yeah, I think. Yeah, we still got to figure it out. I got to figure out some of the things and be like, man, he's been showing me the way. I've been able to watch him and how he prepares for the football season in season and then how he's prepared out of season. So trying to make sure that, man, I take out. Take down some of those notes for myself because I got to be able to continue to get better.

[Puka Nakua]

On a positive note, though, is it a chance for you to step up and now be a mentor and maybe grow some more now that he's not there? Like, you're the guy.

[Fred Warner]

I think so, 100%. I think that's what has been the blessing. And I look back on, man, what are all the things that he's taught me and what are the things that I've learned, the things that I've already built in my routine of being able to be with him for the past two years? And yeah, just the man that I've watched lead this. This group of the Rams organization for many years. And it's an exciting challenge and it's a privilege to be able to be in that role.

[Puka Nakua]

We're here with Puka, Nakua, Kavino and Rich in for Colin on the herd. Looking handsome. He's got the glasses on, he's got the hair pulled back, the baggy jeans and everything. Handsome young man with a lot of money. Dude, do they train you on how to fight the ladies off? You have a girlfriend, but what?

[Steve Covino]

Sort of like thinking there's training into the.

[Puka Nakua]

I would imagine, though, like, when you're out and about, like, what's your approach with that, there's puking the cool. You know, a lot of ladies want to approach a dude if he's at a party just to take a picture. Like, what's your mindset when it comes to all that stuff?

[Fred Warner]

Yeah, I guess that, now that I think about it, that's probably. Is the way to get in and start a conversation is just to kind of. Kind of come ask for a picture. Because I would say I'm the worst at saying no. That's something I haven't learned as well as I probably should. But, I mean, football fans, I'm so appreciative. I grew up in Las Vegas and then in Utah, so there was no professional sports teams for the idea to go to see an NFL player. For me at Sprouts or something. That's a privilege that these guys have. We're living in Southern California, so I never want to rob somebody of that moment because I didn't have that moment. And I don't want them to be like, oh, I saw Pukin at the store. Then he said I couldn't take a picture. So I'm always saying yes. But I would say I try not to avoid anybody. I love the conversations. Everybody always has to come up with a smile. So I'm like, if somebody's. If somebody's come up trying to mean, mug me, I probably wouldn't be as recipient. But they always got a big smile on their face.

[Steve Covino]

Puka, is there any bigger thrill when you see a little kid wearing your jersey?

[Fred Warner]

No, it's the best. It's the best feeling. It still doesn't feel real and like going to driving to Sofi Stadium. When you're driving through Inglewood and you're pulling up to the game and there are people on the sidewalk and they got a 17 jersey, it feels awesome.

[Steve Covino]

Now you're Puka, LA's now got a Luka. How do we feel about this? Puka and Luka. Is our podcast coming?

[Fred Warner]

Hopefully. I don't know if I'm in the market now for season two tickets.

[Steve Covino]

We've seen you ball. You're a basketball guy as well. How do you feel about this? Is this big for la? Do you like this?

[Fred Warner]

I love it. I think it's huge. I think it's an ability to take LeBron, I think, kind of off the ball and have somebody who's the. Who's in their prime right now to be able to lead the kind of team. But it's super exciting. You have two superstars and somebody who. I love good basketball. So it's going to be fun to watch.

[Puka Nakua]

You get a jersey or what?

[Fred Warner]

Oh, I got to. I posted right after I saw. I text. I texted one of our offensive linemen who wears 77. I was like, I need that jersey now.

[Puka Nakua]

You can still slam or what? Last time we talked to you, you were slamming you still.

[Fred Warner]

I still got basketball. Basketball is. I feel like how I try to stay in shape.

[Steve Covino]

For sure, people know, you know, he's one of the most elite wide receivers. Do you like to show off your basketball skills so people like, oh, damn, Puka could play?

[Fred Warner]

Who I wish. I mean, I always say after I'm done playing football, I want to go play overseas basketball somewhere. I'm like, I want to be able to go on a team where I can get 25 shots up a night.

[Puka Nakua]

It's funny you brought that up. I did want to ask you about that because there was a story today about J.D. martinez, the baseball player, wanting to get into pickleball after his career. I mean, you're young and you're in the middle of it now, but what do you see yourself doing in the future?

[Fred Warner]

I would love to play sports if I could continue if it was basketball. Yeah, I do play a little pickleball. I wouldn't say I'm as good to go pro. I've definitely seen some people in the kitchen and then they go absolutely crazy, and I'm like, I'm not as good as I think I am, really.

[Puka Nakua]

But continue maybe with something else.

[Fred Warner]

Yeah, I 95% sure I'm going to play overseas basketball somewhere. I mean, if I go to a country where everybody's five'ten I can go.

[Steve Covino]

It's a good game plan. That's a good game plan.

[Fred Warner]

I could go get 25 shots up a night.

[Steve Covino]

That's true, right?

[Puka Nakua]

You could be like the LeBron of, like, another league.

[Fred Warner]

Yeah, I could go pull the Jordan roll and be the GM coach and play. I'm like, hey, so Puka's getting 25 shots and that coach. What do you mean? I'm like, Puka's getting 25 shots.

[Puka Nakua]

That's great.

[Steve Covino]

Let me. Let me ask you, as you. You know, we all look forward to Sunday. I know it's a little tough not being in the game. Could anyone stop Saquon Barkley when you watch him? I mean, the Rams have a good defense, and there's no one seems to have an answer for this guy. How does it happen?

[Fred Warner]

Yeah, I think, man, when you.

[Steve Covino]

How is he finding that hole, that gap?

[Fred Warner]

How is he doing it when they got. They got some big guys up in their foot on their offensive line and. But you think of the size and the speed that he has, the ability to have contact, balance, and then the acceleration is some of that. Man, you're watching the game live and I'm like, holy cow. He was just standing next to everybody, and now he's 25 yards past everybody. And the acceleration and the speed, he's somebody. It's definitely super exciting to watch, and I think it definitely will be a challenge to slow him down.

[Steve Covino]

I know it's still a fresh wound, but the touchdown he scored against you in the snow where he's banging his helmet, he said that's his favorite play of his career. Do you have favorite plays of your career? Like, do you look back, be like, yo, that was a sweet touchdown. That was my favorite.

[Fred Warner]

I think the one we had a screenplay against the Bills this year. It was like a high scoring game. Just walking out on the field and be like, yo, we got to score points to win this game. And we were able to match them. And we had a screen coup block the guy. We get it out one on one and being able to spurt off and be in the end zone and be like, yeah, we kind of sealed the game, even though they. They pushed it and they made it feel close a little bit after. But that's a. That was a fun one for me.

[Puka Nakua]

We saw a clip where Jaden Daniels was saying that he's not that bitter. He'll probably watch the Super Bowl. You're definitely watching, right? Or are there mixed feelings? Like, I don't even want to watch.

[Fred Warner]

It is mixed. Honestly, I haven't watched since we lost.

[Puka Nakua]

Really? So you're just tuned down?

[Rich Davis]

Yeah.

[Fred Warner]

I mean, this is the offseason. That's why I feel like that's been some of the advice I've got from the veterans. I'm like, man, when it's. Enjoy your offseason because it goes by fast. So I figured if. If I'm in the offse, I'm watching the NBA every. I got NBA League pass. Now I'm tuned into every game they got.

[Steve Covino]

What's in the NFL Must be. It must be like watching like an ex with a new dude. Like, I don't want to see it.

[Fred Warner]

I don't want to. I don't. I don't. I. Yeah.

[Puka Nakua]

So do you just show up to a party or do you have a party? You're not really watching any. Tune in for Kendrick Lamar, maybe? Is that.

[Rich Davis]

Yeah.

[Puka Nakua]

Is that a Plan?

[Fred Warner]

No, I don't know. Yeah, I mean, I'll see the highlights. I'll be on Instagram or Twitter after. I'll scroll through and see kind of how it all went. See what everybody see the postgame thoughts.

[Puka Nakua]

Okay, you know what? And you brought up social media. I wanted to ask you this, too. We're here asking you a bunch of questions. You're getting hit up constantly by fans asking you questions. How do you tune that out, man? How do you, you know, how do you choose and pick and choose what you want to respond to? Do you take a break ever?

[Fred Warner]

Yeah, I guess. In the. In the. The social media era and the information age that we're in, I think it's. It's exciting. I. I definitely don't say we. In football during season, it's hard to have a lot of interactions with people who aren't in the football facility just because of time constraints and stuff like that. So I enjoy the conversation because normally, yeah, somebody's going to mention football, but it kind of gets you out of your little bubble and, like, man takes you out and be like, man, I'm a normal human being who's going through a dive. Just like them. The fires, I think, were kind of something that kind of put everything in it, football into kind of a different perspective for us. But then also, man, like, the how just a simple hi or hello, how you doing to somebody walking by can make a difference.

[Steve Covino]

Sean McVeigh has this odd skill where he doesn't even, like, remember every play he's ever coached or run. Do you have any weird, odd, like, skills along those lines?

[Fred Warner]

Oh, no, I wish I would say. I mean, definitely football players. I feel like I try to remember, but we were. We were in a meeting. We're installing a. A new play, and he's like, yeah, go back to September of 2016, and we're playing the Falcons in. In LA, and we're on the right hash at the 45, the minus 45. And I'm like, yo, what. What are you talking about? I'm like, how did that.

[Rich Davis]

You weird.

[Fred Warner]

You just told me I needed to run this route, and you're all the way back in 2016 in two seconds.

[Puka Nakua]

We're here with Puka, Nakua, Kavino and Rich. You're talking about how the vets, the veterans are always saying to enjoy the offseason because it goes fast. How often do you work out and what's your, like, regiment like in the off season?

[Fred Warner]

Yeah, off season. I mean, last year we got to follow Coop and kind of going through that first offseason, I mean we're going five days a week and so it's super sad. We'll hit routes and like our conditioning probably to two to three times a week and. And we lift super heavy. Coop loves to lift heavy. So I think that's kind of, kind of what I've got used to. It makes you feel good and strong through the football season. I wish I only had to hit guys who are smaller than me, but that's not just how it works out. So to be able to go in there and throw some weight makes you, makes you feel nice and strong. And yeah, when you take your shirt off you're like, ah, I do this. I lift weights.

[Puka Nakua]

Are you worried about what you eat though all the time or are you able to relax and enjoy?

[Fred Warner]

I definitely have. I've cut down on me. I used to be a fast food goer pretty much every day. I still Enjoy a good 10 piece chicken nugget every once in a while. So that's. Those are some of the things that just make me feel good. It's not necessarily about the food.

[Puka Nakua]

Do people recognize you when you roll up at the fast food?

[Fred Warner]

I think so, sometimes. 100% that.

[Steve Covino]

There he is getting his nuggies.

[Puka Nakua]

Hey man, I think that was Puka Nakuma.

[Steve Covino]

I've said this before. Kamito Puka Nakua. It has me torn because I'm a Niners fan, but it's so hard to not root for you that I have this torn feeling when I think about the NFC West. Looking forward to next year, do you assume the Niners will bounce back 100%.

[Fred Warner]

I think it's one of the best organizations in the NFL. They still got a great quarterback and they still have key players. I think of somebody, I mean I'm a BYU fan. So obviously when you have Fred Warner.

[Steve Covino]

And he's coming by later, we're excited to have more.

[Fred Warner]

So to be able to see that guy out there on the football field is Simon special. So you know their defense is always going to be very strong and obviously they got Bosa in the front so they have playmakers all around. I think it just proves to how hard it is to win in the NFL. It really requires all 11 pieces.

[Steve Covino]

You know, interestingly enough, Fred Warner, a guy that's great at punching out the ball. This is like a theme we've been talking about. Defensively, it seems like people are being coached. Punch out the ball like they're taking boxing lessons.

[Puka Nakua]

Got a stick and move.

[Steve Covino]

I was gonna say is. Is that more in your mind than ever before? That when I get the ball, not. Not even tackling, people are going to be trying to punch out the ball. It seems like it's the emphasis on this.

[Fred Warner]

Yeah, 100%. And especially with how fast the game is just. It's a. It's a. It's a moment of inches of how precise they could be and how precise you can be. So to be able to try to move that ball. But then it's also a scary thing as a ball carrier, to be like, man, I don't. I can't transition the ball to the other arm as soon as I catch to make it my most valuable hand free. Because everybody's coming to punch in there. They're giving their best shot. They don't even care if they tackle you. I'm swinging 1, 2, 3, combo. And they're like, I hope I hit the ball on all three of them. I'm like, oh, my goodness.

[Puka Nakua]

Puka Nakua, we talked to you before. We know you're a Toyota guy, so tell us what's going on with Toyota, man.

[Fred Warner]

Yeah, being a Toyota brand, I'm one of the ambassadors, I guess, who'd say, who's a part of Toyota? And it's a blessing. I drive my Supra every day to the facility, and it's been so sweet to be able to part of some of the different programs that they do. We had Watts Rams, who's one of the smaller football programs down there in Inglewood, to be able to part of them and support the next generation of football players. Just like I had mentioned, I grew up in Las Vegas, and there were. I couldn't go to Sprouts and see who my.

[Rich Davis]

My.

[Fred Warner]

My favorite player at the grocery store. So. So to be able to represent Toyota and how much they impact the game of football on the field and in my life, but then also for other people who want to be around the football game. It's a true blessing.

[Steve Covino]

By the way, Puka, lucky to catch passes from a great quarterback like Matthew Stafford, whose wife has a very popular podcast. Would you be cool if your girl had a podcast and she talked about you?

[Fred Warner]

I think so, yeah. I haven't watched Matthews. She does a good job. Yeah, I've seen some of the clips on Instagram, but I'm not a. I'm not a big podcaster listener unless it's Joe Rogan, so I'm like, that's your guy. Yeah. I dabble every once in a while, so I don't I don't see too much of what's going on, but let.

[Puka Nakua]

Me recommend another one. Cavino and Rim.

[Fred Warner]

Yeah, send it to me in the Droop chat.

[Puka Nakua]

Yeah, I got you, man.

[Steve Covino]

Yeah. Puka, a pleasure having you here. Always good to see you, bro. Always root for you.

[Puka Nakua]

He's the one success, bro.

[Steve Covino]

He's the ram I have to root for. Thank you, brother.

[Puka Nakua]

Thank you.

[Steve Covino]

In for Colin, Covino and Rich, we got more. Next filling for the Herd, live from Radio Row New Orleans. Hang tight.

[T-Mobile Advertiser]

Be sure to catch live editions of.

[Rich Davis]

The Herd, weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am.

[Fred Warner]

Pacific on Fox Sports Radio, FS1 and.

[Steve Covino]

The iHeartRadio app if you love iPhone, you'll love Apple Card.

[Rich Davis]

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[Steve Covino]

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[Rich Davis]

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[Steve Covino]

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[Rich Davis]

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[Steve Covino]

FDIC terms and [e-mail] youm can count.

[T-Mobile Advertiser]

On T Mobile to help keep you connected from big cities to small towns on America's largest 5G network. Switch the T Mobile, keep your phone and they'll pay it off up to 800 bucks per line via prepaid card. Learn more@t mobile.com KeepAndSwitch up to four lines via virtual prepaid card. Allow 15 days qualifying unlock device credit service port in 90 plus days with device and eligible carrier and timely redemption required. Card has no cash access and expires in six months.

[Vince Wilfork]

Hey, it's Bobby Bones. Join me and former NFL quarterback Matt Castle every Wednesday for our new podcast, Lots to say with Bobby Bones and Matt Castle. Between us, we have over 17,500 passing yards, multiple New York Times bestsellers, and one mirrorball trophy from Dancing with the Star. So where else are you going to find a show with that much athleticism and football insight? Based in Nashville, we're more than just your basic NFL show. We talk sports, but we talk pop culture and music and a little bit of everything because we got lots to say. I texted you and you texted me back like now I don't know if you have the update, but like all the little thumbs up and heart and stuff, like it's all colored. They changed it and the heart's a little pink. It felt like I told you I loved you. I'm gonna be honest, it was a.

[Steve Covino]

Little pink There was something sentimental when you like when you send it. It was like, do I send the heart?

[Vince Wilfork]

Now I don't like the color edition.

[Steve Covino]

It's extremely pink.

[Vince Wilfork]

Listen to Lots to say with Bobby Bones and Matt castle on the iHeartRadio app, Apple podcast or wherever you get your podcast.

[Puka Nakua]

Jon Stewart is back at the Daily.

[American Express Advertiser]

Show, and he's bringing his signature wit.

[Puka Nakua]

And insight straight to your ears with.

[American Express Advertiser]

The Daily Show Ears Edition podcast.

[Puka Nakua]

Dive into John's unique take on the.

[American Express Advertiser]

Biggest topics in politics, entertainment, sports, and more. Joined by the sharp voices of the.

[Puka Nakua]

Show'S correspondence and contributors.

[American Express Advertiser]

And with extended interviews and exclusive weekly.

[Puka Nakua]

Headline roundups, this podcast gives you content you won't find anywhere else.

[American Express Advertiser]

Ready to laugh and stay informed.

[Puka Nakua]

Listen on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts.

[American Express Advertiser]

Or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Steve Covino]

Anyone having more fun than us? Super Bowl Week, New Orleans Media Center. What's going on?

[Puka Nakua]

I mean, free food. Sign me up. I love it. And as Rob Parker says, when the company pays, you get fillets.

[Steve Covino]

And that's what you had last night.

[Puka Nakua]

So nothing better than eating out in the dime. And it's always great to be on media row for Super Bowl 59. New Orleans Covino and Rich Richford. Colin on the herd.

[Rich Davis]

Rich had our boss's boy.

[Steve Covino]

I did. You know, we're going to talk about that because I think you guys are ass clowns and I'll explain why. However, no matter where you work, when the company's paying, why does the food just taste better?

[Puka Nakua]

Because it's free. Yeah, it's just how it is.

[Steve Covino]

I love that you don't even have to do the fake reach for the wallet either.

[Puka Nakua]

That's part of it. And that's part of the scene. Again, a lot of boozing and schmoozing. A lot of events and parties leading up to the Super Bowl.

[Steve Covino]

And as you always point out, you know, if you go to a conference for your career, you just bump into people you've met along the way. So for us, it's like, hey, look.

[Puka Nakua]

There'S like a reunion for the industry.

[Steve Covino]

There's Adam Schein, there's Mina Kimes. There's that, like, you see everyone you've worked with over the years.

[Puka Nakua]

So it's Michael Bapchik. Let's kick his ass. Yeah, a lot of people you used to work with, people, you know, a lot of familiar faces that you see on tv, actually, a lot of fun. Everyone busts out their, their new wardrobe, their new gear for, you know, super bowl week and everything. Rocking My Travis Matthew jacket. That's a nice one.

[Steve Covino]

I broke out some new Jordans yesterday. Is it safe to say that 8 out of 10 dudes in this whole convention center bought some new sneakers or shoes in the last week?

[American Express Advertiser]

You got it.

[Puka Nakua]

It's like the first day of school. You don't roll up to the first day of school, beat up dirty ass Air Force Ones. You gotta bring it. That's just part of the deal. And we'll give you the play by play. We got Vince Wilfork stopping by later on the show and Fred Warner this hour, one of Rich's heroes. And a quick reminder again, we're Covino and Rich and we do this Monday through Friday on Fox Sports Radio. So if you dig our show, even if you hate it, follow our podcast for free. Follow rate and review. Just search Covino and Rich. You'd hear Puka Nakua. Here's some of the interviews we had earlier this week. Covino and rich. We're on 24 from LA. So 2 to 4 on the west, 5 to 7 on the east. But always a pleasure to fill in for Colin on the Herd. So we're basically doing five hours of radio today. Now I gotta call Rich out as. Oh, you know what? I see Fred Warner stopping by. I'll call you out right after that.

[Steve Covino]

Save that. You know what?

[Puka Nakua]

Calling you out is what I'm good at. So don't worry, I won't forget.

[Steve Covino]

Hold that thought. And you can call me out at the end of our hang with my dude Fred Warner. Hold on. Yo, what's up, man?

[Puka Nakua]

All right, let's welcome with glory.

[Steve Covino]

Dude, I'm the biggest Niners fan there is, bro.

[Puka Nakua]

He is, man. Let's welcome 49ers linebacker Fred Warner to the show.

[American Express Advertiser]

All right.

[Puka Nakua]

Welcome, man. No, man. Thanks for stopping by. We appreciate you.

[Steve Covino]

I'll try to hide my fanboyness. Listen, I tell you, as a Niners fan this season, I got to know as a player, did you feel what I felt every week where I was like, all right, next week they win three in a row. They'll turn it around, of course, sneak into the playoffs.

[American Express Advertiser]

Yeah. I mean, that was, of course, what we all felt, right? And I hate that the season ended or it even turned out how it did. Right. We've had seasons in the past where we had slow starts, right? And we're three and five or we're. We're on the verge of three and six and we find a way to pull it off and then win out and do all these sort of things. And of course you're yearning for that. But at the end of the day, we couldn't overcome a lot of the things that we were dealt right. So that was the toughest part this niner season.

[Steve Covino]

A weird analogy, but we're feeling it for Colin today. And he does analogies all day.

[American Express Advertiser]

Yeah.

[Steve Covino]

It reminded me of Mike Tyson, Buster Douglas. The whole time you're like, oh, Tyson will. Just a matter of time.

[American Express Advertiser]

That's right.

[Steve Covino]

Each round went on. You're like, buster Douglas is whooping his ass. And then eventually like, oh, damn, Buster Douglas won every week.

[Puka Nakua]

I'm like, I wasn't a big fan of this analogy. I don't know what I have to do with this in this current interview.

[Steve Covino]

But you know what I gotta say, Fred, let's take a look at next year's schedule. I know you can't think that way, but it's pretty light.

[American Express Advertiser]

Yeah. I mean, it's. So here's how the schedule goes. The year that we just finished, everybody's looking at the teams that we've. That we're going to play. We're going off of base, off the past year. Right.

[Steve Covino]

And that means nothing.

[American Express Advertiser]

But what happens? Like all those teams that had poor years, four seasons.

[Steve Covino]

Yeah.

[American Express Advertiser]

They all now have the best picks to pick up the best players, and then they go in free agency and they go get more great players, and then all of a sudden they have a great year next year, and everybody's like, oh, my God, I thought this team sucked. It's like, no, well, they got. They got some reinforcements because nobody wants to stay at the bottom. Right. And so it doesn't matter what the schedule is. I mean, I obviously, I guess you, technically, you want the easiest schedule, but at the end of the day, there is no easy games because it's the NFL. Everybody, Everybody's great. So you got to go out and you got to put the best product on the field every given Sunday.

[Puka Nakua]

Fred Warner here on the Covino and Rich Show. Rich talked about, you know, everybody expecting the season to turn around last year, and it just never really did. So there's a lot of buzz, a lot of talking every day, social media on tv. How do you tune that out? Or does it start to weigh on you after a while?

[American Express Advertiser]

No, you. You tune it out. I think in season is especially important to kind of just keep that stuff outside of whatever you're. Personal things that you're allowing into your life. Right. I think there's a lot of stuff out there that can kind of seep into your mind and sway the way that you think about the game or the way that you approach the game. And I've learned throughout my young, my younger years, as I can say now, is to kind of just put all that aside, man, and just focus on the main thing and that's playing football and preparing as hard as you can week in and week out to put the best product on the field.

[Puka Nakua]

Well, you could focus on yourself, right? You're in control of that. But you start to feel the tension building within the locker room. Like because you are a family of sorts. When things get tough, do you start to notice that and try to keep it calm?

[American Express Advertiser]

I think, I honestly think that we have a locker room that's made of the right type of guys. I don't think that, you know, our gm, John lynch and Kyle Shanahan, our head coach, they don't bring guys that are made of the right things. And so we all stay together through all the hardships. And it has nothing to do about the pressure from the outside. If anything, there's more pressure from the inside because there is a standard of winning in our organization. So when it's not being upheld, then that's when you start to feel okay, like we need to right the ship. And so it was a miserable season because we didn't, we didn't do that.

[Steve Covino]

Fred Warner hanging with Kavino and Rich in for the herd, Robert Sala. As a fan, I was pumped. Who cares about what I think when you are hearing the rumors and then it happens. Is that your guys at a nice reunion?

[American Express Advertiser]

Unbelievable. I can't even, I can't speak to how amazing that is right here on this, on this set because. Because of how much coach Salah means to me and my progression as a young player. I mean from the moment I got drafted to starting me as a young rookie who didn't never played off the ball backer before and sticking with me through the rough patches of that rookie season and me being able to ascend in this league. So I'm so grateful to him for what he's given me. And now being able to have him back now in these different points in our careers is going to be unique but in such the right ways. I mean he's such a great teacher and leader man. I'm so excited to have him back.

[Puka Nakua]

And he seems like such a good dude. So what were your thoughts when you saw how he was treated and what went on with the jets and everything?

[American Express Advertiser]

Well, look, I don't, I don't even know exactly what went on over there? Obviously I can only speak to. You'll get scooped up. You know, when I do sit down and talk with him, I'm sure I'll have a little bit more information. But by then I might not be able to get back on the set with you guys. But yeah, man, I'm obviously, I'm just excited that he is. However it all unfolded, he's back with us. And so that's what makes me excited and hopeful for the future.

[Steve Covino]

Now. Brock Purdy, other side of the ball. But it seems like I love how you have his back back. I'm not saying it's disingenuous, but do you have to have your quarterbacks back or do you really believe in what he could deliver?

[American Express Advertiser]

Yeah, no, I can, I can honestly say that if I did had a certain sort of way that I felt about a player, like I would jump around a question.

[Steve Covino]

Right.

[American Express Advertiser]

Like I'd kind of find a way to say something nice about him when you know, in reality it's probably not the right guy. Like, I don't know, how much time do we have on the set? Like we could sit down. But at the end of the day, this is a cat that was the last pick of the draft, right. And you don't even hear about these guys who, they don't even pan out in the NFL. I want people to understand this. The last pick of the draft doesn't usually make it on a roster. This is the guy who is our franchise quarterback.

[Fred Warner]

Right.

[American Express Advertiser]

You know, and is just made of the complete right stuff and has continued to, to prove week in and week out that he is that guy. You know, he led us to a Super Bowl. Unfortunately, we didn't win that Super Bowl. But that's not his fault. It's a team game, right? He made enough plays in that, in that game to win us the game. He finished with the ball with us having more points than the other team. It was our job to stop their offense. So at the end of the day, man, he just is the complete right guy for the position. And I love him. I love the way that he competes in the way he approaches it.

[Steve Covino]

Not to throw Trey Lance onto the bus, but there were rumblings early on that even, even in like early practices it was like, take a look at Purdy.

[American Express Advertiser]

Yeah, Purdy as the. Well, you're the third string guy and you're obviously Mr. Irrelevant Last Pick in the draft. You're not going to have a lot of opportunities to get out there on the practice field. So the times where he was getting reps was in training. Campbell. We're in the PM practice out there. No helmets, no pads.

[Steve Covino]

Were.

[Fred Warner]

Walk.

[American Express Advertiser]

It's a walkthrough. But he's out there treating it as if it was a game. And I'm like, how. Like, this guy is. How does he even know how to do this? Like, you're a rookie. Like, everything just stacked against you. And he just knew exactly what to do from the moment he came on the team.

[Puka Nakua]

It's kind of lame, but it's sort of the story of the ugly duckling. Right? Like, no one, like. And he turned into a beautiful swan leading your team to victory.

[Rich Davis]

Right?

[American Express Advertiser]

No, he's phenomenal.

[Puka Nakua]

Look what he turned into.

[Steve Covino]

He's talking about Purdy's game. I want to talk about your game, but not on the field.

[Puka Nakua]

Your wife.

[Steve Covino]

He met her by sliding into the dm.

[American Express Advertiser]

That's right. Yeah. I got a little. I got a little something, man.

[Puka Nakua]

Yeah. So how cool is that, though? I'm imagining you're watching tv, you saw her and you're like, I like her.

[American Express Advertiser]

Is that how it was a unique situation, but at the end of the day, yeah. I mean, I see her. She's gorgeous. She's beautiful. I didn't know what it was going to turn into. I did sign the DMS and she somehow answered back. I didn't think she would.

[Puka Nakua]

Right.

[American Express Advertiser]

And we. We met in la. This was right before COVID happened. She was there for business and got in super late. The only thing that was open was an In N Out. And we. So we went to In N Out and we just sat there. We talked for hours. And the. The similarities within each other just. It was a match made in heaven.

[Puka Nakua]

But you met her at In N Out.

[American Express Advertiser]

Out, basically.

[Steve Covino]

Really?

[American Express Advertiser]

That was the f. That was the first date. Yeah.

[Puka Nakua]

That's wild, dude. And by the way, if you guys don't know the story, she was on Bachelor season 24. So I'm assuming you're a fan and you're just watching and you're like, I. You point at the tv, Sydney. Huh? Something.

[Steve Covino]

So you guys are great on social media together. Honestly, like, my wife's like, they're so cute.

[American Express Advertiser]

I appreciate it, man. Thank you.

[Steve Covino]

Now, I got to ask. This whole season, you played her hurt? I mean, I'm not saying that's. You know, I know everyone's a little hurt, but you were hurt.

[American Express Advertiser]

Yeah.

[Steve Covino]

Are you. Is this off season going to be just the perfect rest? You need to come back even stronger?

[American Express Advertiser]

Absolutely. And you know, I hate to kind of just put this. I don't. I don't ever want to put the spotlight on myself because I know that everybody's dealing with something at some point. It was a very hard and unique season for myself because I hadn't had to push through something like that before. But I'm proud of the way that I was able to fight through it, even through the circumstances. And I'm excited. Yeah. To get back healthy this offseason, to ultimately get back to form going into next season.

[Puka Nakua]

Are you more concerned this offseason about working on your right hook, trying to knock that ball out? Like, I don't know if that's part of the training.

[American Express Advertiser]

Now I gotta start working on my left. Yeah, that's the. That's the problem.

[Fred Warner]

Right.

[Puka Nakua]

And are you still hitting the weights? Because when I searched Fred Warner, I was just doing some research on your stats, the first thing that come up came up was how many times could you bench 225?

[American Express Advertiser]

Ah, yes. Yes. What did it say?

[Puka Nakua]

It said 41. Is that.

[Rich Davis]

Wow.

[Puka Nakua]

Oh, my God.

[American Express Advertiser]

That's absolutely not right.

[Puka Nakua]

Do you still care about that stuff? Do you?

[American Express Advertiser]

No, not at all. I mean, I do care about the weight room, but don't get that. Let's not get that wrong. Like, the weight room is very important for ultimately performance and longevity in this league. But do I care about how many times I Ben. Shoot my wife? No.

[Steve Covino]

What is he, 17?

[American Express Advertiser]

Yeah, those times are. Those times were good while they lasted. They weren't. But it was, you know, it was. It was part of the process. And now it's just about just being the best version of myself for Sundays.

[Steve Covino]

Fred, we had a PUK in the KUA here earlier.

[American Express Advertiser]

Awesome.

[Steve Covino]

And he's a good dude.

[Puka Nakua]

He says hello.

[Steve Covino]

We're talking about the culture now of, like, you can't really tackle guys the way you used to. Is there such an emphasis on punching out the ball? Is that something like defensive specialists are telling you, like, we got to do this?

[American Express Advertiser]

Yeah, I think that is for absolutely something that teams are honing in on now. It's not. It's not easy, though. You know, some guys have more of a knack for it than others. But at the end of the day, as long as you practice something, you.

[Puka Nakua]

Gotta hitch the sleep bag, man.

[American Express Advertiser]

You gotta do it every single day. You gotta practice it every day to make it. Muscle memory. And that's what I've done. I added it to my game in my second season and first game, being out there with Quan Alexander, I go and I punch a ball out. Right. And so that was just how it all unfolded.

[Puka Nakua]

Again, we're here with Fred Warner, and I know you're here with Experian.

[American Express Advertiser]

That's right.

[Puka Nakua]

So. Yeah, tell us about it, man.

[American Express Advertiser]

Yeah. No, listen. Experience. All about saving everybody time and money, right? And so you download the Experian app, they help you cancel all your subscriptions that you don't use, that you don't need. Everybody falls victim to it. Right.

[Steve Covino]

A lot of people pay. I. I was checking my bills once, like, babe, we're still paying for our peloton. Exactly.

[American Express Advertiser]

It's like, man, we don't even have a peloton anymore.

[Puka Nakua]

You don't even know how that thing.

[American Express Advertiser]

Broke like, like three years ago.

[Puka Nakua]

Okay.

[American Express Advertiser]

Why are we still paying for this? So, you know, we all fall victim to it, where things just go unnoticed, but they do all the heavy work, all the heavy lifting of. Of doing all that for you and saving you time and money.

[Steve Covino]

I think my mom was still paying for aol, by the way, I. I gotta ask.

[Puka Nakua]

Which is true.

[Rich Davis]

It.

[Steve Covino]

Because it hurt me as a fan and I. And I hate to compare because I'm just a fan.

[American Express Advertiser]

Yeah.

[Steve Covino]

I was there both times against the Chiefs. Does this make you want to see them lose? Are you pulling for the Eagles? Are you not watching some guys, like, I don't even want to watch. Like, what's your. What's your thoughts?

[American Express Advertiser]

I'm not the cat that doesn't watch. I'm. I'm a complete fan of the game, so I'm absol. Going to be tuned in. But I. I'm not pulling for either team. I. I don't. I dislike both teams, honestly.

[Puka Nakua]

Same.

[American Express Advertiser]

Yeah.

[Puka Nakua]

And your wife hates the Eagles fans. I heard right.

[American Express Advertiser]

Oh, well, I wouldn't say hate, but it. It wasn't.

[Steve Covino]

It wasn't the most.

[American Express Advertiser]

It wasn't the most cordial, you know, encounter when we went out there that one time. But, yeah, I dislike both teams, so I hope they both lose.

[Steve Covino]

Yeah.

[American Express Advertiser]

You know what I'm saying? I don't know how that works, but we can. We can figure.

[Steve Covino]

Well, there was that. There was that meme where it's like, who's rooting for who? And it's like meteor strike was the number one answer.

[Puka Nakua]

I mean.

[American Express Advertiser]

Yeah, it let the light shut out again like they did back when. Was that when we played the Ravens?

[Puka Nakua]

Oh, yeah. Richard tripped on it was the same stadium.

[Steve Covino]

I'm 03 as a fan. Can we change this next year? Next year.

[American Express Advertiser]

And Levi's.

[Steve Covino]

Come on. Let's do it.

[American Express Advertiser]

Yeah.

[Steve Covino]

Fred, a pleasure having.

[American Express Advertiser]

You know, you gotta run, but pleasure's all mine, man.

[Puka Nakua]

Thank you.

[Steve Covino]

Always, always.

[Puka Nakua]

It's a pleasure to meet you.

[American Express Advertiser]

Thank you, man.

[Puka Nakua]

Fred Warner on the Covino and Rich show in for Colin cowherd, Super Bowl 59 New Orleans. We got more. Next.

[T-Mobile Advertiser]

Be sure to catch live editions of.

[Rich Davis]

The Herd, weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am Pacific on Fox Sports Radio, FS1 and the iHeartRadio app.

[Steve Covino]

Hey, it's Steve Covino and I'm Rich Davis.

[Puka Nakua]

And together we're Covino and Rich on Fox Sports Radio.

[Steve Covino]

You can catch us weekdays from 5 to 7pm Eastern, 2 to 4 Pacific on Fox Sports Radio. And of course, the iHeartRadio app.

[Puka Nakua]

Why should you listen to Covino and Rich?

[Steve Covino]

We talk about everything. Life, sports, relationships, what's going on in the world.

[Puka Nakua]

We have a lot of fun talking about the stories behind the stories in the world of sports and pop culture. Stories that, well, other shows don't seem to have the time to discuss.

[Steve Covino]

And the fact that we've been friends for the last 20 years and still work together, I mean, that says something, right?

[Puka Nakua]

So check us out. We like to get you involved, too. Take your phone calls, chop it up, as they say.

[Steve Covino]

I'd say the most interactive show on Fox Sports Radio, maybe the most interactive show on planet.

[Puka Nakua]

Be sure to check out Covino and Rich live on Fox Sports radio and the iHeartradio app from 5 to 7pm Eastern, 2 to 4 Pacific.

[Steve Covino]

And if you miss any of the live show, just search Covino and Rich wherever you get your podcasts. And of course, on social media, that's Covino and Rich.

[T-Mobile Advertiser]

You can count on T Mobile to help keep you connected from big cities to small towns on America's largest 5G network. Switch the T Mobile, keep your phone and they'll pay it off up to 800 bucks per line via prepaid card. Learn more@t mobile.com Keep and switch up to four lines via virtual prepaid card. Allow 15 days qualifying unlock device, credit service port in 90 plus days with device and eligible carrier and timely redemption required. Card has no cash access and expires in six months.

[Vince Wilfork]

Hey, it's Bobby Bones. Join me and former NFL quarterback Matt Castle every Wednesday for new podcast Lots to say with Bobby Bones and Matt Castle. Between us, we have over 17,500 passing yards, multiple New York Times bestsellers, and one mirror ball trophy from Dancing with a Star. So where else are you going to find a show with that much athleticism and Football Insight. Based in Nashville, we're more than just your basic NFL show. We talk sports, but we talk pop culture and music and a little bit of everything because we got lots to say. I texted you and you text me back. Now, I don't know if you have the update, but like, all the little thumbs up and heart and stuff, like, it's all colored. They changed it and the, the heart's a little pink. It felt like I told you I loved you. I'm going to be honest. It was a little pink.

[Steve Covino]

There was something sentimental when you, like when, when you send it, it's like, do I send the heart now?

[Vince Wilfork]

I don't like the color edition.

[Steve Covino]

It's extremely pink.

[Vince Wilfork]

Listen to lots to say with Bobby Bones and Matt castle on the iHeartRadio app, Apple podcast or wherever, wherever you get your podcasts.

[Puka Nakua]

Jon Stewart is back at the Daily.

[American Express Advertiser]

Show and he's bringing his signature wit.

[Puka Nakua]

And insight straight to your ears with the Daily Show Ears Edition podcast. Dive into John's unique take on the.

[American Express Advertiser]

Biggest topics in politics, entertainment, sports, and more. Joined by the sharp voices of the.

[Puka Nakua]

Show'S correspondence and contributors.

[American Express Advertiser]

And with extended interviews and exclusive weekly.

[Puka Nakua]

Headline roundups, this podcast gives you content, content you won't find anywhere else.

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[Puka Nakua]

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[Steve Covino]

What's going on, everybody? This is Justin Pennock from John Boy Media, the host of the Football Today podcast alongside Bobby Skinner and Chris Rose. We're rolling three times a week, on Mondays, on Wednesday, on Fridays, breaking down everything you need to know about the NFL. We're talking about the MVP race. Is Josh Allen going to pull it out? Lamar Jackson? Can Saquon Barkley even break the rushing record? Can the Steelers keep up their momentum? We talk about everything, we break it down. Stats, analytics. And of course, Chris Rose is bringing his perspective on being a pro in the media world as well. Listen to football Today on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts and you will be glad you did. Hope you could join us for the postseason run. Surprise, surprise, surprise. Covino and Rich. And for Colin on the herd, you heard surprise.

[Puka Nakua]

Mos Covino, Steve Covino, Elombre Maswampo from Union, New Jersey. That's Rich Davis. He put the square in Franklin Square, Long Island. We joined forces to create the Voltron of radio with Danny G. And the whole team. In fact, I'm gonna give some shout outs again. Covino enrich and for calling on the Herd. Live from Media row, Super Bowl 59, New Orleans. Sager and Elijah, the video team doing a stellar job. Incubus style, stellar job. You can see at Covinoenrich all the videos and OXSports Radio Check, Fox Sports Radio's YouTube page. Back at the studio, we got Ryan Burch and Perfect. And thank you guys, Fox Sports Radio Nation and everyone who listens to the Herd. We appreciate you guys hanging out with us. Remember, we're still doing our regular show, 5 to 7 on the east, 2 to 4 on the west, later today. And you never know who's gonna stop by. But it's a pleasure bringing you into the room where it happens. We're here at the convention center. There's a buzz in the air and we're just pumped, man, just to look around. I saw Paige Spranek again.

[Steve Covino]

Don't do that.

[Puka Nakua]

I saw Bert Kreischer. You know, we're waving at people. We saw Jake Glazer walking by. It's just that Gronk was over there.

[Steve Covino]

It's nice to bump into people on and off the earth.

[Puka Nakua]

It's very, very, very cool to be here.

[Steve Covino]

Now, listen, earlier today, caught up with a really good dude. And when I say really good dude, I assumed we'd have a fun time talking to him, but. But Vince Wilfork, a guy that's been to four Super Bowls, one of the greatest defensive players of our lifetime, New England Patriot. We loved him and we want you to hear it. So this is our hang earlier today with Vince Wilfork on the Herd. Cavino and Rich.

[Puka Nakua]

It's Covino and Rich on Fox Sports Radio. We are joined by two time Super bowl champion, y'all. 516 tackles, one of the greatest nose tackles of all time. Time. Vince Will for intro.

[Rich Davis]

What's going on?

[Puka Nakua]

What up?

[Rich Davis]

That's pretty cool.

[Puka Nakua]

You like that?

[Rich Davis]

I feel good.

[Puka Nakua]

Nice.

[Rich Davis]

You should be happy with you guys.

[Puka Nakua]

Yeah, man, looking good, too.

[Rich Davis]

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

[Puka Nakua]

You know, I'm looking at your stats and again, 516 tackles, one defensive TD. Do you still think about that one? Tell us about that one, man.

[Rich Davis]

That one. I fell on the ball in the end zone. All right. But still, yeah, it's a touchdown. It goes down into touchdown, right? Yeah, that's what it was. I mean, I was on the bottom of the pile and it took about five minutes for everybody to get off me.

[Puka Nakua]

Is that scary, man, where you're the guy underneath?

[Rich Davis]

But you know what? I never thought about it when I was up Underneath there. I was like, cuz, you know, got the face mask and I was just face down, like, oh. And I'm telling everybody I got the ball. Will fork. Got the ball, Got the ball. I was just having fun and making jokes about it. I got the ball, ref. I got the ball. Wilful.

[Steve Covino]

That scares, that scares the hell out of me. I mean, if you're claustrophobic at all. Yeah, all those big dudes are piled on you. That's not a fun moment. I mean, you gotta touch them. But yeah, those moments being under the pile, not fun.

[Rich Davis]

But the thing is, if you, if you own the pile, be face down.

[Steve Covino]

Right?

[Rich Davis]

Don't, don't, don't face up. Like no, you know, like that. Now that would have creeped me out, right? Yeah, that was face down. I couldn't see nothing but the ground.

[Steve Covino]

Other grown ass man. Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Puka Nakua]

But you try to figure out am I in the end zone, right?

[Rich Davis]

Yeah, I don't know. But I got the ball. I got the ball.

[Steve Covino]

By the way, Vince Wilfor no stranger to this week, super bowl week, I gotta ask about the highs and lows of a Super Bowl. When you win or when you lose because of the games you've been in. They're all close. Like, you're on the sideline thinking, ah, crap, the Seahawks got us. Yeah, you win, you're on the sideline thinking, we got the Giants, they win. Like, how, how are those emotions?

[Rich Davis]

Well, during the game, you just locked in, you know, even the Seattle game, it's like we. I always thought we had a shot in every game we played, no matter what it looked like, because of 12 and because of Bill Belichick. Right. Because so I, you know, always thought that way. So that Seattle game, like them marching and all that stuff, it really didn't dawn on me that we was going to lose the game. Like it is what it is. Because my mind said, okay, okay, worst can happen to us. They score, we get the ball back to Tom and he gonna do what he got to do in two minutes. Because mind you, Tom torched him up, what, over 350 yards passing that game.

[Steve Covino]

Yeah.

[Rich Davis]

So I wasn't worried about that. So when you're in it, you don't really think about it. It's just like being in battle where no matter what's going on around you, you have a job to do. You won't got. You have to stay locked in and stay focused in what you're doing because anything is possible. Right. And Malcolm ended up making that play. You Know.

[Steve Covino]

And do you love him forever because of that play? Like, you gotta love him.

[Rich Davis]

That's a great, That's a great football play. Like, you just have to chalk that up because 10 out of 10 times it's incomplete. Right. You know, it's an incomplete ball, but for some reason, man, a good man was on our side without a hell of a catch and hell of a. Just a hell of a football player. And guess what? I was on the opposite end of that. With the helmet catch.

[Puka Nakua]

Yep.

[Rich Davis]

And with the, the. The. The scene route. No, the, the. The. The route that I think many hands against Eli, third and long, backed up on the sideline, cover two, perfect ball right on sideline. So I was, trust me, I had it twice. Two I lost and two I won. So it says you have to take it and you have to just chalk it up to a good football player. And those plays, like that helmet catch, I mean, it is what it is, like 10 out of 10 times incomplete, right?

[Steve Covino]

Yeah.

[Rich Davis]

You know, but that pass on the side, like that many through to many hand, whatever cover, that was cover two. Perfect thrown ball, perfect coverage, perfect catch, perfect location.

[Puka Nakua]

Vince Wolfork. Let's talk about the two wins again. You were at the Patriots from 04 to 2014, then the Texans after that. What was the difference in super bowl wins? I think you and Brady were the only two to win in 04 and 14. Two different decades. So what were the difference in wins? One earlier in your career, one later in your career?

[Rich Davis]

Well, I think the difference was one I was a rookie and one I was a veteran. You know, rookie year. I basically came in. Yeah, I played and all of that stuff, but that really wasn't my defense or my team. You know, I was, you know, I wasn't that. You know, I had others in front of me. I was waiting my time. Now my last one, that was my team.

[Puka Nakua]

Did you not feel as part of it, though, looking back?

[Rich Davis]

Yeah, because, I mean, I was a young buck, like I was a rookie. You know, I had guys around me that's been in the game for so long, like, you know, Drabel, I got Willie McGinnis and, and Brusky.

[Puka Nakua]

Right.

[Rich Davis]

Rodney Harrison. So I had guys around me that's been playing for, you know, a good while. That, that was their, their team and their deal. So they were veterans.

[Puka Nakua]

And you're sort of like cheering with them. You're still part of it.

[Rich Davis]

I'm still part of it. The last one was, that was my team. That was my defense. Those guys, I basically Brung up. We, I, I helped them, I taught them. You know, there was my linebackers, there was my secondary. When I spoke, it was like I was like the big brother in.

[Puka Nakua]

You got. You got a little taste of everything. You know, winning young, winning older, losing Super Bowl. Yeah, you got a little bit of everything.

[Steve Covino]

When you watch, like a documentary man, in the arena, Tom Brady, do you get emotional watching those old highlights when it's all in slow motion and they tell, like an emotional story along with the games?

[Rich Davis]

Well, a lot of times we don't realize some stories behind things. Things, you know, and watching stuff like that, he's like, man, we did that dang. Like, dang. Tell him you like it. It puts you in awe because you don't realize how great things were.

[Puka Nakua]

Yeah.

[Rich Davis]

Until you retire and you look back on your career because you have to understand as you plan, it's go, go, go, go. I don't have time to reminisce on the play that I made. You know, I don't got time to re. I don't have. I don't have time to reminisce on losing. Every, every, every week is. You have to go. But once you retire and sit back and you'd be like, wow, we did that, or, man, I did that. That's crazy. That's when you could kind of reminisce on your career, what it meant for you, the teammates. You had stuff like that and being certain situation. You thought it was one thing, but you find out it was so much other stuff going on. He's like, man, I didn't have no clue. So. So it's bittersweet, you know, it's bittersweet, but it's always cool to look back and just realize what we accomplished over that span.

[Steve Covino]

When you see what Mahomes is doing right now, do you get defensive of 12 of Tom Brady?

[Rich Davis]

No.

[Steve Covino]

Or do you. Or do you admire what Mahomes is?

[Rich Davis]

I admire him. I admire him because, you know, Mahomes won me over last year when, you know, Chiefs was not looking like the Chiefs, and, And, you know, they, they hit a stride and McHolm's game changed. And you see when his game changed, the team, game change, he basically put that team on his back. He said, I'm going to get it. And I, I became a Mahomes fan then, you know, but 12 is 12. That's just what it is.

[Puka Nakua]

That's just what it is. Yeah, he's different now. Speaking of Mahomes, you know, he's going for the three Piece. Something that Brady hasn't done. But Jalen hurts, doesn't want to lose again. Right? Especially to the Chiefs. You've lost in a Super Bowl. Can you tell us about the motivation factor? Rich and I have been arguing all.

[Steve Covino]

Week because I feel like both teams want it. He's like, the Eagles may want it more.

[Puka Nakua]

It's not about that. I keep saying, what's a greater motivator to win again? Like, you've been fed already or haven't gotten one yet and you've lost. Like, what's a greater motivator? Losing or going for the 3P?

[Rich Davis]

Losing. Losing. Because, you know, 3P. I mean, it's 3P. Yes. Cool. It's history and all that. But if. If I lost the Super Bowl, I know that feeling. See, people don't understand.

[Puka Nakua]

Tell us the feeling.

[Rich Davis]

Yeah, I can. I can never explain it to the point that you would get it, because you have. That's something you have to experience. Losing the super bowl is the worst, worst time in my career. You understand other team confetti hitting you. You walking off the field. You got to go do media. You don't want to talk to media. You're pissed off because everything you put into it, losing a game, a Super bowl, it's like someone taking your girl.

[Steve Covino]

In front of you. You have to watch.

[Rich Davis]

You have to watch. You can't do nothing. You have to respect it. So I always think losing is a bigger deal than three people, because three Pete, you got two already, and then you might not three peat, but you might can, you know, lose one and go. You got a chance to do another, but you losing, it's a big deal. So he was. It's a huge deal. So I think the Eagles looking at. In the aspect of, hey, we remember this feeling, how we felt losing before. We don't want that feeling ever again. Like, we know we don't want that feeling.

[Puka Nakua]

And everybody's so focused on the 3P. And I'm like, yo, they're pretty motivated, too, and they got Saquon bar, by.

[Steve Covino]

The way, as a defensive legend. And are you seeing how this guy looks unstoppable?

[Rich Davis]

I fell in love with Barkley. Listen, what he's done this year. I fell in love. I became. I don't know if you called me an Eagles fan or whatever it may be, but I fell in love with him just the way he approaches the game, and I want them to win it for that, you know, before him, you know, and people doubting him or he's not the same and this, that or other. He came back and had a month monster year. Like one of the best years of running back and have in the history of this game.

[Puka Nakua]

And he seems like a good dude.

[Rich Davis]

And he seems like a great guy. It seems like when you have, when you have a guy like that, it's easy to play and rally around a guy like, like listen.

[Puka Nakua]

Yeah.

[Rich Davis]

And not. Let's not talk about the Eagles, their, their defensive front or their offensive front. Like they have what it takes to win. They do. They are, I believe they're the most physical, physical team. I think they have more depth all on defensive line and they have playmakers on a defensive line that can ruin the game.

[Puka Nakua]

Well, as a defensive guy, how would you stop him? How would you stop this Barkley? Everyone's saying don't, you can't bet against Mahomes. But they're all saying you can't stop Saquon Barkley. So how would you approach that man?

[Rich Davis]

Hey, it's big boy game.

[Puka Nakua]

Yeah.

[Rich Davis]

Because I can't, I can't dedicate eight in the box.

[T-Mobile Advertiser]

Yeah.

[Rich Davis]

Because guess what? I have these guys on an outside.

[Steve Covino]

You got AJ Brown, you got devontae Smith.

[Rich Davis]

So we have these guys, these playmakers on the outside into my tight end in the back, out the backfield. I can't do that because if you do that, I'm over the top. I got a speech to run a 4:1 that can get down the field in two seconds. Like you putting so much stress on your second. Like, no, you can't do that. So you gonna have to play smart Schematic. You're going to have to do some things differently. Show them some different looks, disguise.

[Puka Nakua]

You know, you made me think of something. Speaking of doing things differently, I know it's always been a part of the game, but do you think there has been an increase in knocking the ball out, punching the football? What are your thoughts on that? Are they taking boxing lessons? How are they so accurate in today's game? Knocking the ball out, punching it out.

[Rich Davis]

I think it's just practice more, right? Yeah. They took, they took something that was very successful and just implement it. And it just practices and practices because I just look at it as nowadays with NFL, you can't hit, you can't tackle certain type of ways. So the most important thing in football is the ball, right.

[Steve Covino]

Turnovers.

[Rich Davis]

So if I can't knock your head off, how can I get this ball? I can't hit you and get it off. So what, what else I can say?

[Puka Nakua]

Sometimes the accuracy so impressive. Like hitting the moving. It's like a puncher.

[Steve Covino]

A whole new part of the game.

[Rich Davis]

Yeah, but me, I'll be like, man, I'm getting too close. I need to do something. But this patient, patient power, you know, it's, it's a credit to the coaches that's coaching it and it's credit to the players that's taking that part of their game and elevated it because it make a huge game.

[Puka Nakua]

Mike Tyson's going to be a football coach next. Exactly. I'm working with the Raiders now.

[Rich Davis]

Yeah, yeah. Punt it out, you know.

[Puka Nakua]

Dude, that's crazy.

[Rich Davis]

Eat your face.

[Steve Covino]

I love it. Yeah. Vince, Wil, I gotta ask you because you're here with Kingsford, right?

[Rich Davis]

Yes, yes, yes.

[Steve Covino]

So I'm here all week and we're having a Super bowl party at my house when I get back to California. And my wife said, babe, this week while you're gone, I want to buy a new smoker and a new grill and I want to experiment with new.

[Puka Nakua]

Food for the party.

[Steve Covino]

And I'm like, babe, that's not the time to start thinking you smoking meats or even cheese.

[Puka Nakua]

Right.

[Steve Covino]

Should be taking on this task the week before this event.

[Puka Nakua]

But you know what?

[Rich Davis]

Look here, Keems would make it very easy for you, buddy. Kingsford original is the choice of championship.

[Steve Covino]

Look at that.

[Rich Davis]

Just get you some Kingsford. Because you know what?

[Steve Covino]

What?

[Rich Davis]

You know, some people think grilling is just all about a seasonal thing. Grilling is all year round. I, I cook all the time. And because it's, it's the flavor, it's the smell, it's bringing people together, family, friends. And we was talking earlier, just growing up, going to the park and just having that aroma smell, you knew what time it was. So it is perfect time. This is perfect time for you and your wife. All right? Get key on board. Go get to Kingsford for game day preparations and make. But it makes it so, so simple and easy because it just, it brings so many people together. Food and football. It's like amazing collab, you know, when it comes to that.

[Steve Covino]

Vince, I gotta ask you, what happens if someone tries to man your grill?

[Puka Nakua]

Is that a foul?

[Steve Covino]

Can you take over another man's grill?

[Rich Davis]

That's a listen here, man.

[Puka Nakua]

You gotta be pretty bald to make that man listen.

[Rich Davis]

That's, that's right up there how I feel about boiling ribs. Like, we don't do that. You don't touch. You don't touch my grill. You don't touch another man's radio. You don't do that. So there's nobody coming, peeking. Like, we're not doing that. That's fighting. Right, right, right. So I'm very, very protective over my grill and my setup and how I do things. Like, if stay in the house, I'll let you know when the food is done.

[Puka Nakua]

You know, speaking of the Kingsford stuff, too, you're working with Jason Kelsey. I'm just wondering what it's like working with this guy. He's so popular now. Is it crazy to see one of the Beatles or something?

[Rich Davis]

You know, it was cool. We had a good time having it. We had a great time on set. Set. And amazing, amazing guy, you know, And I was happy to bring him on to the Kingsford Felon to teach him a little something. Something about being the king of the grill, you know, so he's learning. He. He's almost there. He'll probably tell you he's there, but, you know, it's a work in progress. But I'm happy with him. And we. We had a great time. It was Kingsford and, And Jason and myself, like, man, we. We've done amazing things, you know, and. And we're going to. Hopefully we can continue to do this stuff and bring you guys some more good stuff. Goodness, I love it, man.

[Steve Covino]

Man. A pleasure having you, Vince Wilfor.

[Rich Davis]

Thank you guys. What a good deal, man.

[Vince Wilfork]

Hey, it's Bobby Bones. Join me and former NFL quarterback Matt Castle every Wednesday for our new podcast, Lots to say with Bobby Bones and Matt Castle. Between us, we have over 17,500 passing yards, multiple New York Times bestsellers, and one mirrorball trophy from Dancing with the Stars. So where else are you going to find a show with that much athleticism and football insight? We talk sports, but we talk pop culture and music and a little bit of everything. Listen to Lots to Say with Bobby Bones and Matt castle on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Puka Nakua]

What's up, everyone?

[Steve Covino]

It's Justin Pennock from John Boy Media, the host of the Football Today podcast with Bobby Skinner and Chris Rose. We roll three times a week. On Mondays, on Wednesdays, on Fridays. Breaking down everything you need to know about the NFL. We're gearing up for the NFL playoffs. I hope you can join us. Join in with us three times a week. Listen to Football Today on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts, and you will be glad you did.

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[Puka Nakua]

Don't miss your chance to see Brooks and Dunn Thomas Rhett, Rascal Flatts, Cole Swindell, Sam Hutt, Megan Maroney, Bailey Zimmerman, Nate Smith.

[T-Mobile Advertiser]

Tickets are on sale [e-mail] Happy Holidays.

[Puka Nakua]

From me, Michael Rapaport, and my gift.

[Steve Covino]

To you is a free subscription to.

[Puka Nakua]

The I Am Rapoport Stereo Podcast, where I discuss entertainment, sports, politics, and anything and everything that catches my attention. I am here to call it as I see it, and there's a whole lot of things catching my eyes these days. Listen to the I Am Rappaport Stereo podcast on the iHeartRadio app Apple podcast, and wherever you get your podcast.