Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – "Best of The Herd" (Released July 8, 2025)

The Herd with Colin Cowherd, hosted by iHeartPodcasts and The Volume, delivers a comprehensive and engaging exploration of the top sports stories of the day. In the "Best of The Herd" episode released on July 8, 2025, hosts Colin Cowherd, Jonas Knox, and LeVar Arrington delve into significant NFL narratives and pivotal developments in college football, providing listeners with in-depth analysis, spirited debates, and insightful commentary.

1. Kirk Cousins' Transition to the Atlanta Falcons

A substantial portion of the episode centers on Kirk Cousins' controversial move from the Minnesota Vikings to the Atlanta Falcons, a decision that has sparked considerable debate among fans and analysts alike.

Discussion Highlights:

• Cousins' Regrets and NFL Dynamics: The conversation begins with an examination of Kirk Cousins' reflections on his transfer, highlighted by his remarks in Netflix's Quarterback Season Two. Cousins expressed that had he possessed more information about the Falcons' quarterback drafting strategy, he might have reconsidered his move:

  "Had I known that maybe I wouldn't have made that move." [05:22]

• Host Perspectives: Colin Cowherd challenges the notion of Cousins feeling misled, emphasizing the harsh realities of the NFL where players must constantly prove their worth. He asserts that:

  "You are paid as a starter... You played your way out of the job." [07:09]

• Performance and Injury Impact: Jonas Knox discusses the compounded issues Cousins faced, such as adapting to a new offensive system and recovering from an injury similar to Aaron Rodgers':

  "He can say all the right things... adding that on top of the fact that you drafted a quarterback as high as you did..." [07:09]

• Contractual Security: The hosts debate whether Cousins' lucrative contract cushions him from the fallout of potential underperformance, with Cowherd arguing that:

  "He got the contract... What type of bad spot is he in?" [10:52]

• Long-Term Implications: Jonas Knox posits that Cousins' situation resembles an NFL "perfect season" derailed by unforeseen circumstances, leading to his current predicament as a starter struggling in Atlanta:

  "He could have walked away and said... And now he's in a bad spot." [15:56]

Notable Quotes:

• Colin Cowherd at [05:22]:

  "In this league that you're not entitled to anything. It's all about being able to earn your spot and prove yourself."

• Kirk Cousins at [05:22]:

  "Wasn't expecting us to take a quarterback so high at the time. It felt like I had been a little bit misled..."

2. The Evolution of College Football Recruiting and NIL Deals

Transitioning from the NFL, the episode features a deep dive into the shifting landscape of college football recruitment, particularly focusing on Texas Tech's maneuvers in securing top-tier talent amidst the evolving Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) regulations.

Guest Insight:

Bruce Feldman, a seasoned college football reporter with The Athletic and Fox Sports, joins the discussion to shed light on Texas Tech's recruitment strategies and the broader implications of NIL deals.

Discussion Highlights:

• Texas Tech's Recruitment Controversy: The conversation kicks off with the recruitment saga of Felix Ojo, where conflicting reports emerged about the value of his contract. Initially reported at $5.1 million over three years, Feldman clarifies:

  "The deal right now is... three years at 775K each." [46:51]

• Agent Influence and Market Reset: Feldman explains how certified and uncertified agents are influencing the market, often inflating contract values on social media to set benchmarks:

  "It's a way for that agent to try to set the market or reset the market." [49:00]

• Sustainability and NCAA Regulations: The hosts and Feldman debate the sustainability of such high-value deals within NCAA's framework, questioning whether the current infrastructure can support these financial commitments without leading to systemic issues:

  "It's unsustainable. It's going to be a mess because they know that's not the... it's not like the people involved are not different." [53:32]

• Future of College Football Contracts: The episode explores potential future scenarios where college athletes might enter into collective bargaining or face stringent compliance checks, with Feldman expressing skepticism about the immediate effectiveness of governing bodies in regulating these deals:

  "I'm going to believe it when I see it. Just because we've seen... it's not very easily to understand." [58:57]

Notable Quotes:

• Bruce Feldman at [45:27]:

  "There's always workarounds when it comes to college sports... We want to look at it."

• Colin Cowherd at [58:11]:

  "Isn't there a governing body just real quick.... where does that fall in?"

3. Chiefs' Dynasty and Patrick Mahomes' Leadership

The episode also touches upon the Kansas City Chiefs' ongoing dominance in the NFL, analyzing Patrick Mahomes' role in maintaining the team's elite status and the broader implications for the franchise's future.

Discussion Highlights:

• Current Dynasty Status: Colin Cowherd and Jonas Knox discuss the Chiefs' status as a modern dynasty, recognizing their consistent Super Bowl appearances and championship wins:

  "They have more talent this year and they probably do feel less pressure because winning one Super Bowl feels very different than trying to win the third in a row." [26:45]

• Team Dynamics and Future Prospects: The hosts speculate on the team's strategies to balance offense and defense, especially with the potential return of dynamic players and the importance of Mahomes' health:

  "If Patrick Mahomes stays healthy, you got to assume the process is in play... that's solidified." [34:57]

• Fan Base Comparisons: A humorous yet poignant comparison is made between the Chiefs' perpetual success and other teams' struggles, highlighting the unique position of the Kansas City fan base:

  "The Chiefs are so unrelatable to just about every single fan base and organization in the league." [29:10]

Notable Quotes:

• Colin Cowherd at [26:45]:

  "They are still... the gold standard of what a team is supposed to be."

• Jonas Knox at [29:10]:

  "The Chiefs are so unrelatable to just about every single fan base and organization in the league."

4. Light-Hearted Moments and Personal Stories

Interspersed with the heavy analysis are moments of levity and personal anecdotes from the hosts, offering listeners a glimpse into the camaraderie and playful banter that defines The Herd. Highlights include humorous exchanges about past NFL experiences, fictionalized stories of player interactions, and jokes about the hosts' transition from active sports to broadcasting roles.

Examples:

• Recollections of Past Games: The hosts reminisce about memorable playoff moments, including feats like Colin Cowherd’s supposed interaction with Chris Sims:

  "I forced a fumble... That's a hell of a game. That's an MVP performance." [32:02]

• Humorous Self-Deprecation: Jonas Knox playfully teases Colin about his move to radio, leading to laughter and light-hearted exchanges:

  "He looks like Dracula and Lavar." [04:14]

Conclusion

In "Best of The Herd," Colin Cowherd and his co-hosts deliver a multifaceted exploration of current sports narratives, blending critical analysis with engaging dialogue. From dissecting Kirk Cousins' strategic career move to unraveling the complexities of college football's evolving recruitment landscape, the episode offers listeners a thorough and entertaining insight into the dynamic world of sports. The addition of guest Bruce Feldman enriches the discussion, providing expert perspectives that underscore the episode's depth and relevance.

Listeners who missed this episode can look forward to future installments featuring more expert guests, in-depth analyses, and the trademark lively discussions that The Herd is known for.

Notable Quotes Recap:

• Kirk Cousins: "Wasn't expecting us to take a quarterback so high at the time. It felt like I had been a little bit misled..." [05:22]

• Colin Cowherd: "You are paid as a starter... You played your way out of the job." [07:09]

• Bruce Feldman: "There's always workarounds when it comes to college sports... We want to look at it." [49:00]

• Jonas Knox: "The Chiefs are so unrelatable to just about every single fan base and organization in the league." [29:10]

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the essence of the "Best of The Herd" episode, providing a detailed overview for those who seek to stay informed about pivotal sports discussions without listening to the entire podcast.