Podcast Summary: Best of The Herd with Colin Cowherd Release Date: July 28, 2025

Introduction The "Best of The Herd" episode, hosted by Danny Parkins in the absence of Colin Cowherd, delves into a variety of hot topics across the sports landscape. From surprising NBA rumors and in-depth NFL analyses to top quarterback rankings and significant developments in college football, this episode offers a comprehensive overview of the current sports zeitgeist.

1. NBA Buzz: LeBron James and Nikola Jokic Rumors

Timestamp: [01:23]

Danny Parkins kicks off the episode by addressing a startling Instagram post suggesting that NBA superstar LeBron James might be contemplating a move to the Denver Nuggets. The post features Nikola Jokic's agent on a yacht in the South of France with LeBron James and Maverick Carter, hinting at "big plans for the fall of 2026."

Key Points:

• Skepticism About the Move: Danny expresses doubt about LeBron leaving the Lakers, citing his deep-rooted ties to Los Angeles, including championships, business ventures, and personal life.

  "LeBron James, Denver Nugget. I just don't believe it." ([01:45])

• Comparisons with Jokic and Giannis: He draws parallels between Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo, noting the disparity in public discourse about their potential departures from their current teams.

  "There are way more similarities to Giannis and Jokic, but no one ever talks about Jokic being unhappy in Denver." ([02:10])

• Future Scenarios: Danny speculates that if LeBron were to team up with Jokic, it could create one of the NBA's most formidable duos, although he remains unconvinced about the likelihood of such a move.

  "LeBron is figuring out a way to team up with Jokic, pair him with Luka, make one more run at a championship." ([03:00])

2. NFL Focus: Dallas Cowboys and Micah Parsons’ Contract

Timestamp: [06:00]

Danny shifts the conversation to the NFL, honing in on the Dallas Cowboys and their superstar linebacker, Micah Parsons. He provides a critical analysis of the team's management and the ongoing contract negotiations surrounding Parsons.

Key Points:

• Micah Parsons’ Value: Emphasizes Parsons' significance to the Cowboys and predicts a substantial contract, potentially exceeding $41 million annually.

  "He'll probably try to get to 44, 45 million a year." ([06:30])

• Jerry Jones’ Media Strategy: Danny critiques Cowboys owner Jerry Jones for his relentless media presence, likening the team's operations to a "soap opera" that keeps the franchise in the public eye without necessarily contributing to on-field success.

  "It's a soap opera 365 days a year. That is his business model." ([08:15])

• Comparative Analysis: He contrasts the Cowboys' media tactics with other NFL franchises, highlighting that no other owner engages with the media to the same extent.

  "No owner in the NFL calls into local radio every week." ([09:00])

• Future Projections: Danny anticipates that Parsons will secure a lucrative deal, positioning him above other elite pass rushers in the league.

  "Micah Parsons will be a Dallas Cowboy. He will get another contract. He will top TJ Watts." ([10:00])

3. Top 10 NFL Quarterbacks: Rankings and Insights

Timestamp: [17:07]

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to ranking the top 10 quarterbacks heading into the 2025 NFL season. Danny provides a nuanced evaluation of each quarterback's performance, potential, and impact on their respective teams.

Key Highlights:

• Josh Allen (#2):

  • Performance Metrics: Second in wins, passing yards, and touchdowns, trailing only Patrick Mahomes.

  • Potential: Argues that Allen is poised to surpass others if he secures a Super Bowl win.

    "Josh Allen is the second best player in football. This is your second best quarterback." ([18:30])

  • Legacy Consideration: Discusses the emotional and psychological aspects of Allen striving to dethrone Mahomes.

    "He has the emotional maturity to understand I'm doing everything I can." ([20:00])

• Patrick Mahomes (#1):

  • Dominance: Maintains his position as the top quarterback with double-digit win seasons and multiple Super Bowl appearances.

    "Mahomes is still on that Brady track. Through eight seasons, he's still there." ([21:15])

  • Future Prospects: Predicts continued success and trophy additions for Mahomes' legacy.

    "Explosive offense back with the Spagnolo's defense, he'll just add more to his trophy case." ([22:00])

• Other Quarterbacks:

  • Jalen Hurts (#10): Elevated in rankings due to Super Bowl success.
  • Baker Mayfield (#9): Recognized for his patience and consistent performance.
  • Jared Goff (#8): Praised for adapting to new teams and improving stats.
  • Jaden Daniels (#7): Noted for an outstanding rookie season with potential for MVP contention.
  • Matt Stafford (#6): Commended for his transition to the Rams and leadership.
  • Justin Herbert (#5): Highlighted for his growth under new coaching and offensive schemes.
  • Lamar Jackson (#4) & Joe Burrow (#3): Acknowledged for their unique skill sets and leadership, with Jackson needing a Super Bowl win to elevate his standing.

Notable Quotes:

• "There is nothing that could happen this year that could have Josh Allen passing Patrick Mahomes." ([19:45])
• "Give him that off. Explosive offense back with the Spagnolo's defense, he'll just add more to his trophy case." ([22:05])

4. College Football Spotlight: Deion Sanders’ Health and Colorado Rebuild

Timestamp: [41:21]

Transitioning to college football, the episode covers the recent health update on Deion Sanders and its implications for the Colorado Buffaloes.

Key Points:

• Deion Sanders’ Surgery:

  • Details: Sanders underwent surgery to remove a cancerous tumor from his bladder, marking his 14th surgery in four years.

    "He had his bladder removed because of a cancerous tumor." ([41:21])

  • Public Response: Danny commends Sanders for his bravery in sharing his medical journey publicly, which serves as an inspiration for both the team and fans.

    "It's courageous to be public with anything like that." ([42:00])

• Colorado’s Rebuilding Efforts:

  • Team Dynamics: With the departure of key players like Shador Sanders and Travis Hunter, Colorado faces a significant rebuild.

    "They have new quarterbacks, Kaden Salter and Juju Lewis, and more talent in the trenches." ([43:18])

  • Expectations: Bruce Feldman anticipates a balanced but challenging season for Colorado, emphasizing their physical style of play and the need to adapt without their star players.

    "It's going to be a real physical test for them right out of the gate." ([44:00])

• Upcoming Matchup: The episode previews the high-stakes game between Texas and Ohio State, projecting Ohio State as having a slight edge due to their star players and home advantage.

  "I would give the edge to Ohio State at the start of the year at least." ([45:34])

Notable Quotes:

• "It was kind of a mind-blowing that he's had that many procedures." ([42:50])
• "Replacing not just the leadership but the star power of Travis Hunter is a significant challenge." ([44:20])

5. Additional Highlights: Training Camp Stories and Media Strategies

Timestamp: Throughout

Beyond the main topics, Danny touches on several other noteworthy subjects:

• Training Camp Developments:

  • Kansas City Chiefs’ Offensive Line: The acquisition of Josh Simmons is highlighted as a potential game-changer for the Chiefs' offensive stability.

    "Josh Simmons is your first string left tackle for the Kansas City Chiefs. That is a training camp story that matters." ([15:00])

• Hollywood and Entertainment:

  • Scottie Scheffler in "Happy Gilmore 2": Danny humorously reviews the appearance of golfer Scottie Scheffler in Adam Sandler’s sequel, balancing nostalgia with contemporary humor.

    "It was an Adam Sandler movie in 2025 that hundreds of millions of people somehow will watch it based on the Netflix algorithm." ([12:30])

Conclusion

The "Best of The Herd" episode offers a thorough exploration of current sports narratives, blending analysis with insightful commentary. From the uncertainties surrounding major NBA players and NFL stars to pivotal moments in college football, Danny Parkins effectively captures the multifaceted nature of today's sports world. Notable quotes and detailed discussions ensure that listeners are well-informed, even if they haven't tuned into the live broadcast.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• "LeBron James, Denver Nugget. I just don't believe it." — Danny Parkins ([01:45])
• "There are way more similarities to Giannis and Jokic, but no one ever talks about Jokic being unhappy in Denver." — Danny Parkins ([02:10])
• "Micah Parsons will be a Dallas Cowboy. He will get another contract. He will top TJ Watts." — Danny Parkins ([10:00])
• "Josh Allen is the second best player in football. This is your second best quarterback." — Danny Parkins ([18:30])
• "Mahomes is still on that Brady track. Through eight seasons, he's still there." — Danny Parkins ([21:15])
• "He had his bladder removed because of a cancerous tumor." — Danny Parkins ([41:21])
• "Josh Simmons is your first string left tackle for the Kansas City Chiefs. That is a training camp story that matters." — Danny Parkins ([15:00])

Note: This summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the podcast episode while excluding advertisements, intros, outros, and other non-content segments as per the guidelines.