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.

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]

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.