Best of The Herd

Summary

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

Release Date: February 28, 2025

Introduction

In the "Best of The Herd" episode, host Colin Cowherd and guest Jason McIntyre delve into some of the most compelling sports narratives of the day. From LeBron James redefining his legacy in the NBA to Matt Stafford’s pivotal decision in the NFL, the conversation is rich with insights, personal anecdotes, and expert analysis. This summary captures the essence of their discussions, highlighting key points, notable quotes, and the dynamic interplay between the hosts.

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1. LeBron James: Redefining Greatness in the NBA

LeBron's Current Performance

Colin initiates the discussion by addressing the skepticism surrounding LeBron James' status in the NBA. Despite age-related expectations, LeBron has been defying norms with his exceptional performance.

Colin Cowherd [08:41]: "LeBron in February, 29 and a half points, 10 rebounds, seven and a half assists. Shooting 55% from the floor, 46% on three pointers and playing elite on-ball defense at 40."

Comparative Analysis with Luka Doncic

The conversation shifts to comparing LeBron with contemporaries like Luka Doncic, highlighting LeBron's superior defense and consistent energy.

Colin Cowherd [03:20]: "His defense right now, it looks like he's 27. It's insane. His energy better than Luka. His shooting right now, better than Luka."

LeBron's Legacy and Impact on the Western Conference

Colin emphasizes LeBron's role in strengthening the Western Conference, suggesting that his presence has deepened the competition.

Colin Cowherd [04:10]: "LeBron is reminding everybody right now. Yeah, the west, for 10 years, the east went through me 10, 12 years. However long he was over there, now the west is going to go through me."

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2. Matt Stafford: A Quarterback’s Legacy in Flux

Contract Decisions and Legacy Implications

A significant portion of the episode revolves around Matt Stafford's contract negotiations, his decision to stay with the Los Angeles Rams, and the broader implications for his legacy.

Colin Cowherd [27:30]: "Matt Stafford just reached an agreement with the Rams. According to Diana Rossini, the Raiders only offered two years, which is what the Rams are offering."

Comparisons with NFL Legends

The hosts draw parallels between Stafford and NFL greats like John Elway and Peyton Manning, arguing that another Super Bowl win could cement his status among the all-time greats.

Jason McIntyre [32:18]: "Matt Stafford was better in high school than Aaron Rodgers, much better in college, better his first four years in the NFL and much better now in his last three."

Colin Cowherd [36:07]: "If you put 15, 20, 25 years into being a politician, a talk show host, a quarterback, a landscaper, legacies matter."

Stafford’s Commitment and Fearlessness

Jason highlights Stafford’s fearless nature, especially his willingness to take hits and remain committed to his role.

Colin Cowherd [28:21]: "Matt will sit in there fearless to the last."

Jason McIntyre [29:03]: "He is committed totally to this career. Be hard to walk away if I don't get extra years and an extra 50 to 70 million bucks."

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3. Personal Reflections: Jason McIntyre’s Relationship with Sean Payton

A Story of Support and Friendship

Jason shares a heartfelt story about his relationship with his former coach, Sean Payton, illustrating the profound personal bonds formed in professional sports.

Jason McIntyre [21:04]: "Sean called me to his office and he's like, 'We're taking her plane. We're going to the funeral.' He came up to my hometown with Dan Roshar and helped my family, genuinely had people laughing and smiling at really the toughest time of our lives."

Growth and Mutual Respect

Initially critical of Payton’s coaching style, Jason recounts how their relationship evolved into mutual respect and friendship over the years.

Jason McIntyre [22:04]: "But everything that he taught me in those first four years, it stuck with me, and it taught me what's important. Doing your job, execution. Play after play, game after game."

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4. Steph Curry and the Elite Shooter Rankings

Introducing the "Goat Greatest of Their Era" Podcast

The hosts introduce their new podcast aimed at ranking the top shooters from the 2000s, featuring prominent NBA figures like Steph Curry.

Colin Cowherd [17:35]: "For a new podcast called Goat Greatest of their era and we ranked our top five shooters from the 2000s. Peja 5 Dirk Ford."

Steph Curry’s Impact and Training Ethic

Steph Curry's relentless work ethic and dedication to his craft are lauded as key factors in his standing as the greatest shooter of all time.

Colin Cowherd [25:08]: "What makes Curry so great is that he just always works at his craft. And I think sometimes, and I see this a little with Luca, the harder things are to attain."

Jason McIntyre [25:28]: "To become a fan of Steph Curry is all the noise and for him to use it as fuel and to work, to work, to work to become what he has become."

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5. Defensive Play and Player Matchups

Highlighting the Importance of Defense in Player Performance

The discussion touches on the significance of defensive prowess, mentioning standout defensive players like Miles Garrett and Max Crosby.

Colin Cowherd [26:18]: "NFL's obviously rewarding financially offensive players over defensive players. But there are a handful of defensive players in my life. Reggie White, Lawrence Taylor, Aaron Donald, they're just different."

Challenging Matchups and Game Impact

Jason reflects on his matchups against top defensive players, emphasizing the challenges and physical toll they take.

Jason McIntyre [30:19]: "I’m fearful. Yeah. I don't want to see him. Give me Max. Give me Miles Garrett."

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Conclusion

The "Best of The Herd" episode masterfully intertwines in-depth sports analysis with personal narratives, offering listeners a comprehensive look at current issues in the NBA and NFL. From LeBron James' enduring greatness to Matt Stafford's pivotal career decisions, and from personal stories of resilience to the celebration of elite shooters like Steph Curry, Colin Cowherd and Jason McIntyre deliver a compelling episode that resonates with both avid sports fans and casual listeners.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Colin Cowherd [08:41]: "LeBron in February, 29 and a half points, 10 rebounds, seven and a half assists. Shooting 55% from the floor, 46% on three pointers and playing elite on-ball defense at 40."

• Colin Cowherd [03:20]: "His defense right now, it looks like he's 27. It's insane. His energy better than Luka. His shooting right now, better than Luka."

• Colin Cowherd [27:30]: "Matt Stafford just reached an agreement with the Rams. According to Diana Rossini, the Raiders only offered two years, which is what the Rams are offering."

• Jason McIntyre [21:04]: "Sean called me to his office and he's like, 'We're taking her plane. We're going to the funeral.' He came up to my hometown with Dan Roshar and helped my family, genuinely had people laughing and smiling at really the toughest time of our lives."

• Colin Cowherd [17:35]: "For a new podcast called Goat Greatest of their era and we ranked our top five shooters from the 2000s. Peja 5 Dirk Ford."

• Jason McIntyre [25:28]: "To become a fan of Steph Curry is all the noise and for him to use it as fuel and to work, to work, to work to become what he has become."

• Colin Cowherd [26:18]: "NFL's obviously rewarding financially offensive players over defensive players. But there are a handful of defensive players in my life. Reggie White, Lawrence Taylor, Aaron Donald, they're just different."

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This episode of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" offers a rich tapestry of sports discourse, combining statistical analysis, personal experiences, and forward-looking perspectives that provide a comprehensive understanding of the current sports landscape.

Transcript

[Colin Cowherd]

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[Jason McIntyre]

It's the last game of the season and with amex you can save time with card member entrances at select venues and go straight to the action so you can catch every moment. That's the powerful backing of American Express.

[Colin Cowherd]

Terms apply.

[Jason McIntyre]

Learn [e-mail] with AmEx these days it.

[Colin Cowherd]

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NFL season ends. We take a vacation, come back. There's going to be NBA March Madness free agency. But the NBA did us a solid this year. Jimmy Butler to the warriors has been 7:1. It's a new staff and a new team. And LeBron and Luca now converging in Los Angeles. They beat another good western team. The west is much deeper than the East. So you start beating these, Dallas, Kyrie, you start beating Denver, you start beating Minnesota. These are impressive wins. A little bit. A little bit. Lakers are decent. Yeah, they're pretty good. So I'm going to start with this. Luke is not playing that well. Let's just say it out loud. He's not in great shape. Never been a good defender. Looks a little soft. One for nine last night on shooting threes and everybody sort of hedges their bet. We've all been doing this, myself included, for the last two years. We've all been doing this in the media. We just don't want to say, you know, is LeBron like the second best player in the league? Nobody wants to say that. Right? It's hey, Jokic, Giannis. I have watched LeBron in the last week outplay Ant Edwards, Luca Jokic and Kyrie Irving. He has been the best player in the NBA in the last week on every single night. Is LeBron the best player in the league? No. On any given night, is LeBron the best player in the league? Yeah. His defense right now, it looks like he's 27. It's insane. His energy better than Luka. His shooting right now, better than Luka. His on ball defense, his scoring. LeBron at 40 years old has better consistent energy than any other Laker. Now Austin Reaves is close. Austin plays hard all the time. But LeBron's fourth quarter energy, it doesn't even make sense. His on ball defense right now, this is the best defense he's played in eight years. He's a better defender at 40 than Luka is at 26. His energy, I'm telling you right now, is LeBron showing off. And I'll get to Steph in a second. It feels like Steph is kind of showing off. The Jimmy Butler, like, listen, old man, you know, and I feel when Tom Brady beat Mahomes at Arrowhead Stadium in the AFC Championship and then he beat him in the super bowl, everybody by then was falling in love and sort of was saying it, you know, like Brady's old Brady, you know, not a lot left in the tank for old Tommy. Mahomes is the new king and Brady beat him twice in Arrowhead and overtime and in the Super Bowl. Tom Brady reminding you. Yeah, it goes through me. And LeBron is reminding everybody right now. Yeah, the west, for 10 years, the east went through me 10, 12 years. However long he was over there, now the west is going to go through me. So at minimum, and I understand that Luka got hurt, hadn't played for a long time, he's playing himself back into shape. Like, I get it. And he'll be a better shooter. His jumper right now is short consistently. That's like cardio. That's legs. His jumper short. But at 40 years old, LeBron James last year had. Last year, at 39 years old, LeBron had 84 dunks. When Michael Jordan was 39, MJ had 21. Four times the dunks of a guy known for dunks. Michael Jordan at the same age. And I think LeBron this year is better than LeBron last year. And the other thing is, because AD was traded to Dallas, LeBron is hyper aware that he has to play better defense because Luca is a lousy defensive player and Austin Reaves is Limited. So LeBron is like, oh, oh, you need me to do that too? All right. His defense is insane. So he's averaging 25, 8 and 9. That's not what, that's not the part that's blowing me away. It's the energy and the defense. And you know, this. It's. I feel like, and I've said this for years, I think the NBA playoffs should be a three game first round and then five games, even through the finals. I think create urgency. I mean, March Madness. College basketball doesn't have much talent and it gets tremendous ratings. Why there's urgency? I mean, you know, Cooper flag, take him off Duke. They got a couple of decent players. But a Duke game with Cooper flag against Xavier will get a better rating maybe than like the Western Conference or Eastern Conference finals. Because it's like you have to watch. You got two and a half hours, somebody's out. Could be Duke and Cooper flag. And so I think there needs to be no more urgency. And I also think in the NBA regular season, I'd cut it down to 68 games, start it six weeks later, get away from college and pro football, you know, start playing Christmas, start playing Christmas, not your first TV game. Start playing then. So I understand that if you're LeBron, you're Steph Curry and you're not with a championship team, you're on a treadmill to nowhere. It is so clear between Stefan LeBron that these moves have absolutely energized these guys and just watched LeBron's defense, it is elite and he has outplayed Ant, Luka, Kyrie and Jokic in the last week. He has been the best player on the floor. And Here is, here's LeBron after.

[Jason McIntyre]

We know we could have been a lot better offensively but you know, we've been hanging our hat on our under defensive end and you know when you don't shoot the ball well, you got to be able to get stops. And they made a run. They're really good team. We saw what they did a couple nights ago against OKC when it was down big and those young guys came in, sparked them, gave him good energy. So you know, they cut it down to three I believe at one point. But we was able to execute after that, get some timely stops and was able to come out with the win.

[Colin Cowherd]

So LeBron in February, 29 and a half points, 10 rebounds, seven and a half assists. Shooting 55% from the floor, 46% on three pointers and playing elite on ball defense at 40. At 39, he had 84 dunks. At 39, MJ had 21. Like you're watching, this is unprecedented. You know, we're always looking ahead. Don't just live in this moment. What you're watching doesn't make any sense. It makes, it's, it's Brady in Tampa. It makes no sense that Brady was that year first, second best quarterback in the league. All right, so I want to give you an update this. According to Diana Rossini, the Rams are meeting with Matt Stafford at their facility in person today regarding the future. So the Raiders and the Giants and I think the Raiders are in play here, have discussed a two year contract that includes 90 to 100 million guaranteed and a decision is expected soon. So I was thinking about this. I think if it's only two years and the Raiders are not giving you a third, then I would stay with the Rams and take less. If the Rams can get you to 75, 80, 85, I would take that over 100 on a two year deal. If they're both offering two years, Raiders go to a third year. 45 million, no state tax. I'd probably consider that, but it's really interesting and what I'm about to say won't. You'll think it's ridiculous initially, but just think about this. The Rams are not far off from winning a Super Bowl. They're, they're really close. They had, they were driving to beat Philly in a snowstorm and that defense got better every other week and they're all coming back and they're super talented. So you're not going to score a lot of points on the Rams going forward. If they get a corner in the draft of the first pick or second, they don't have a hole. That defense is good everywhere and young and cheap. If Matt Stafford stays and wins a second super bowl, and I know legacies are all about ego, but if you put 15, 20, 25 years into being a politician, a talk show host, a quarterback, a landscaper, legacies matter. You want to be remembered fondly, not just as a husband and as a dad, but what did you do professionally in your community? If he wins a second super bowl, that's the same as Elway, Peyton Manning and Big Ben, but it's more than Aaron Rodgers, Steve Young and Favre. And I've said this for years, Matt Stafford was better in high school than Aaron Rodgers, much better in college, better his first four years in the NFL and much better now in his last three. Now there were 10 years where he was in dysfunctional Detroit and put up a lot of stats but didn't get much to the playoffs and do much. And meanwhile, Aaron Rodgers was in Green Bay, highly functional, great draft and develop organization, good coaching and had a better Midd of 10 years. But if you had to put Aaron in Detroit and Matt in Green Bay, I think he has more than one ring. But my take is legacy matters. If Stafford wins a second Super bowl, that means he would go 40 in the playoffs. In the super bowl, he would have more rings than Aaron, he'd have a better playoff percentage than Aaron, he would be better late than Aaron, better early than Aaron. As a former number one pick, there's a real argument you'd take, you take Matt Stafford, more Super Bowls, I mean Super Bowls alone are going to get Eli Manning eventually into the hall of Fame. And he was an average regular season quarterback. How a movie ends and how a quarterback's career ends absolutely shapes how we think of you. When Brady went to Tampa and 1 50% of you watching and listening for years and I saw it on Twitter, well, it's a system. Quarterback, he left New England one Belichick regressed. Brady is unquestionably the goat. Beat Mahomes last two times they played. He is head and shoulders above the crowd. John Elway, never forget Elway03 and Super Bowls got hammered. John can't win the big game. Last two years, two super bowl wins with Terrell Davis the running back. And we viewed him number two all time to Joe Montana. Peyton Manning Goes to Denver. Let's be honest. He goes to Denver. His reputation was. He's not good in big games. One Super Bowl, Brady owns him. All of a sudden, he beat Brady in a playoff game or two wins in Denver. And now that Brady Manning thing is like, oh, Peyton kind of got the best of him last couple years. If, man Stafford stays nil, you're not getting a ring with Las Vegas, you're not getting a ring with the Giants. It makes those franchises respectable and probably winning franchises very quickly. Matt Stafford has a chance to get to another level. As many Super Bowls as Elway and Peyton Manning, in that class and. And more than far of an Aaron Rodgers. And so to me, when you put. I mean, think about when Matt Stafford started playing football. Six years old, seven years old, he's 38 years old. He has given 30 years of his life to football. Number one high school player, number one pick out of Georgia. Had to endure a lot of nonsense in Detroit. The idea that if he could get another super bowl in the next two years with the Rams and people, a lot of people would look at him and there's an argument he's better than Steve Young, Aaron Rodgers, maybe Favre. That'd be hard for me to walk away from. I know it's just legacy, and a lot of people think that's vanity. I don't care if you're a mailman, a quarterback, a politician, a landscaper, a lawyer. It matters. You want to be remembered for committing to something, and when you've been doing it at a high level like Stafford, you're going to whiz it away for money in Vegas. That'd be hard for me. So if the Raiders are not going to give you three years, I don't care if it's more money. I think the legacy matters too much to a guy that's totally been committed to football, sits in the pocket till the end, takes more shots than almost anybody in the league. I mean, that's the thing about Stafford and Aaron. Aaron didn't want to get hit anymore. I get it. I get it. Brady didn't want to get any hit anymore. Stafford sits there and gets hammered every Sunday. Some part of him is always banged up or bleeding. He is committed totally to this career. Be hard to walk away if I don't get extra years and an extra 50 to 70 million bucks. All right, J. Mac, Steph Curry put on a little clinic last night. He was okay. 56.

[Jason McIntyre]

Yeah.

[Colin Cowherd]

Not bad at all. Be sure to catch live editions of the Herd, weekdays at noon. Eastern, 9am Pacific on Fox Sports Radio, FS1 and the iHeartRadio app. Hey, Steve Covino. And I'm Rich Davis and together we're Covino and Rich on Fox Sports Radio. You can catch us weekdays from 5 to 7pm Eastern, 2 to 4 Pacific on Fox Sports Radio. And of course, the iHeartRadio app. Why should you listen to Covino and Rich? We talk about everything. Life, sports, relationships, what's going on in the world. 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. And the fact that we've been friends for the last 20 years and still work together, I mean, that says something, right? So check us out. We like to get you involved too. Take your phone calls, chop it up, as they say. I'd say the most interactive show on Fox Sports Radio, maybe the most interactive show on planet Earth. 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. And if you miss any of the live show, just search Covino and Rich wherever you get your podcast. And of course, on social media, that's Covino and Rich.

[Jason McIntyre]

It's the last game of the season and with amex, you can save time with card member entrances at select venues and go straight to the action so you can catch every moment. That's the powerful backing of American Express.

[Colin Cowherd]

Terms apply.

[Jason McIntyre]

Learn [e-mail] with Amex, you can count.

[Colin Cowherd]

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.

[Jason McIntyre]

Make some noise for the greatest shooter.

[Colin Cowherd]

Of all time, Steph Curry. We went live from All Star Weekend.

[Jason McIntyre]

For a new podcast called Goat Greatest of their era. And we ranked our top five shooters from the 2000s. Peja 5 Dirk Ford.

[Colin Cowherd]

Paja is elite.

[Jason McIntyre]

Okay, okay.

[Colin Cowherd]

And I'm mad him.

[Jason McIntyre]

I left him off my list, but I still like my list. You won't believe who Steph left off his list. That's so tough. That's why we have these conversations. Love it. Steph talked about what separates the truly elite NBA shooters. When you have a scouting report and you're on the list as not just a shooter, but we have specific rules for how we guard you. There's a fear factor that's associated with anytime you're wide open. Like you might as well just count that and get on back on defense. Listen to Goat G O T e greatest of their era on the iHeartRadio.

[Colin Cowherd]

App, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Wake the neighbors, tell your friends you want to watch the next 20 minutes. To Ron Armstead, 12 years in the NFL, a five time Pro Bowler, started with the Saints. To the Dolphins, one of the great multi left tackles. Pass blocking, run blocking in the NFL for a long time. Could play. Still available. We'll get into that in a second. This guy's full of personality. You know what's always interesting? I'm fascinated by this. How in the hell did you end up being overlooked by SEC teams? It didn't take you very long to be good in the NFL. You went to Arkansas, Pine Bluff.

[Jason McIntyre]

I did.

[Colin Cowherd]

I know where Arkansas is. I don't know where the Pine or the Bluff is at. Why were you a late bloomer?

[Jason McIntyre]

I think my area was just overlooked. My high school was behind the times as far as exposure.

[Colin Cowherd]

Okay.

[Jason McIntyre]

Putting the eyes on guys and getting the tape to where it was available. You know, I was still vhs. Very, very. A lot of static.

[Colin Cowherd]

Like Josh Allen. Same thing.

[Jason McIntyre]

Oh really?

[Colin Cowherd]

Oh no. I mean literally didn't get a single college offer.

[Jason McIntyre]

Oh, wow.

[Colin Cowherd]

Played out in the sticks in Northern California.

[Jason McIntyre]

Well, same situation. Yeah. So if you were watching my film, you would have to kind of figure out which of those dots were me. And we liked that guy and it didn't happen for me.

[Colin Cowherd]

Did you know, did you go to the combine?

[Jason McIntyre]

I did.

[Colin Cowherd]

Okay. When did you know? I'm better than that guy. I'm better than that guy. Like when did you know I'm going to play in this league?

[Jason McIntyre]

I wouldn't say the combine was that that situation for me. Combine helped me get more eyes and more exposure. I had broke the 40 yard dash record for the offensive lineman. Ran 4, 6, 5 too. So look at that. Yeah. So that, that just helped me get my name out and got more people to watch my film. My college film had some static too, but it was more dvd. It wasn't VHS no more, so it's hard to see that too. But combine helped me tremendously. But as far as like which guy that I feel like I could play against or I'm better than never really been my thing. I went to the East West Shrine Game and then got invited to the Senior bowl the next week. So those two weeks were probably the most revealing for me as far as level of talent, because I kept hearing that through the process, your level of talent that you played against is going to be different than the SEC guys. So first one on one, I'll tell you a quick story. First one on one at the Senior Bowl, I got there late. I line up, it's a DM from Georgia. I don't remember his name. And I'm like, this is my moment. I jumps at him, threw his ass five yards and jumped on him. Everything. Like, I. I blacked out. And that was my. My, like, right. Right then and there was my moment of, you can do this. You can play at this level.

[Colin Cowherd]

I love stories like that. I love that stuff. The. You know, it's funny, we were talking during the break. I love Sean Payton. Sean Payton FaceTimed me last night in Indy, and you played for him for years. And he. He is very blunt, for sure. He and Russell Wilson. Russell's Mr. Optimism, Sean's Mr. Authentic Honesty. Like, it. It clashed.

[Jason McIntyre]

Yeah.

[Colin Cowherd]

You didn't like Sean early?

[Jason McIntyre]

I didn't. I didn't like him at all my first three, four years. But I appreciated him. Like, I appreciated his coaching style. He's very direct, he was very aggressive, but he wasn't personable at all. Like, he. I couldn't say nothing to him. Couldn't make a suggestion or opinion or anything. Only time he talked to you was if you messed up, that was it. Like he did. He was not a pat on the back guy at all. So as a young player coming from Arkansas, Pine Bluff, yeah. I was looking for a little. You know what I mean? A little something.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yes.

[Jason McIntyre]

But everything that he taught me in those first four years, it stuck with me, and it taught me what's important. Doing your job, execution. Play after play, game after game. I couldn't. I can't thank the man enough. And then later on, my last five years together, we became best friends. And I love him to death. The stories that he has and the moments that we've shared together. He went the extra mile for me. 2020. During COVID my brother passed away and we couldn't travel. So, you know, it was looking like I wouldn't be able to go to the funeral. And I'm like, I'm driving if that's the case. But it's Middle of the week. And Sean called me to his office and he's like, Mrs. Benson. I told her the situation. We're taking her plane. We're going to the funeral. I'm like, what you mean, we? He's like, I'm coming with you. Like, we going to the. And he came up to my hometown. Me, him, Dan Roshar. He just signed with the Bears as the O line coach. Alvin Camara and Latavius Murray. And we all went to the funeral together. And Sean was amongst the people, and he helped my family, like, genuinely had people laughing and smiling at really the toughest time of our lives. So forever, forever grateful for that, man.

[Colin Cowherd]

By the way, the. Somebody said on the staff, they said, hey, Tehran is going to give you crap about Steph Curry, who dropped 56 last night. What. What are you going to say to me? I was very complimentary today of Steph Curry.

[Jason McIntyre]

Yeah. No, so now you. Now that you mentioned it, and it's about eight years ago that you said this.

[Colin Cowherd]

Eight years ago.

[Jason McIntyre]

Yeah. I've been holding on to that. I've been waiting for you. Yeah.

[Colin Cowherd]

So eight years.

[Jason McIntyre]

I honestly don't even remember what you said. I just know at the moment I didn't like it. Didn't like it one bit.

[Colin Cowherd]

What'd I say?

[Jason McIntyre]

It was. Is he. Is he. Can he win a championship, you know, by himself? Does he need X, Y and Z to do it? It was. It was something crazy. Just. Just outrageous.

[Colin Cowherd]

And it just bothered you?

[Jason McIntyre]

It bothered me so bad.

[Colin Cowherd]

But you know what? It's funny about Steph Curry. He goes to Davidson, so none of us watch him. Small school. You and him have something in common. He has ankle issues. Ankle issues. He's not very good defensively at all.

[Jason McIntyre]

My ankles. My ankle's pretty good. I heard everything else, but ankles were good.

[Colin Cowherd]

But he was. He had to develop into something.

[Jason McIntyre]

Yeah, I know what you mean.

[Colin Cowherd]

And there was. There were talk they were going to keep Monte Ellis and. And move him, like, there. That was Jerry west is like. Like, we're not doing that. I think it was Jerry west or somebody in the organization. And the truth is, is that I do think the jet fuel to players like you and Curry. And I've said this about this year's quarterback draft. They're all getting crushed.

[Jason McIntyre]

Yeah, it.

[Colin Cowherd]

This is them all.

[Jason McIntyre]

That's a fact.

[Colin Cowherd]

And what makes Curry so great is that he just. He just always works at his craft. And I think sometimes, and I see this a little with Luca. Luca was so good at 16, beating European men. He's still not in good shape. Like with. The harder things are to attain.

[Jason McIntyre]

Yeah.

[Colin Cowherd]

The more it fuels you for the rest of your life. Steph Curry will be Competitive golfing at 74.

[Jason McIntyre]

That's a fact.

[Colin Cowherd]

Because of Davidson.

[Jason McIntyre]

That's a fact.

[Colin Cowherd]

And go into your life, the fact you were doubted even today.

[Jason McIntyre]

Yeah.

[Colin Cowherd]

Does it tick you because you were, I think you were graded top four, third best top three tackle last year.

[Jason McIntyre]

Yeah.

[Colin Cowherd]

Does it still drive you crazy? Do you feel disrespected by that?

[Jason McIntyre]

I do. I do. And that. That to your point, that's what drew me to Steph Curry. Like, to be. Become a fan of Steph Curry is all the. The noise and for him to use it as fuel and to work. Like to work, to work, to work to become what he has become. I took the same approach. I had to work overtime to go from Arkansas, Pine Bluff and be a small school guy, underachiever, all those things. Whatever. To be a five time Pro Bowler All Pro. You know what I mean? And it's still like you say to this day, third rate tackle this year, whatever. Whose grades or metrics. But I just always got to prove myself. And I'm okay with that because I love the grind, I love the work, I love getting better, I love the progression. It's just a part of who I am.

[Colin Cowherd]

So I've said this before. NFL's obviously rewarding financially offensive players over defensive players. But I've said there's a handful of defensive players in my life. Reggie White, Lawrence Taylor, Aaron Donald, they're just different. Miles Garrett is pretty close to that. And my argument is if you give him a winning environment, he'll play even better. Like LeBron looks better now that Luke is there for sure. I mean, Steph's playing better. Jimmy Butler's there. It's like they're showing off. Okay. Everybody's watching my games now. How many times have you faced Miles Garrett and. And physically he should have more body fat at that size. Is he a tough matchup even for you?

[Jason McIntyre]

Yeah. Yeah. I've played him three times. I would say. I think we played the first time in 2018. That is a top three, one on one O line versus D line battle. I went and watched it again probably two months ago. It's a. It's a. It's a dog fight. I won. I did. I'm gonna just put that out. I won. But if you go back and watch that game, I got no help.

[Colin Cowherd]

He.

[Jason McIntyre]

He got no help. He lined up here. I lined up here. And we went at it for the entire game. 2018. Go watch that.

[Colin Cowherd]

So the next day when you wake up, be honest with me.

[Jason McIntyre]

Right.

[Colin Cowherd]

Is it hard to get out of bed when you play somebody at that level?

[Jason McIntyre]

For sure. For sure. That you get a physical dog fight like that, Somebody that's like. Really? It's like a train wreck. For sure. It says you feel every part of it. Your neck, back, shoulders. For sure. No question about it.

[Colin Cowherd]

By the way, Matt Stafford just reached an agreement with the Rams.

[Jason McIntyre]

Oh, wow.

[Colin Cowherd]

So the Raiders came after him. But it was interesting. According to Diana Rossini, the Raiders only offered two years, which is what the Rams are offering. So the trade speculation talk is done. The first significant off season quarterback domino has fallen. The Rams and Stafford, according to Adam Schefter, have reached an agreement on a restructured deal. My guess is two years. I'm not sure about the money. Stafford's pretty unique. You know what I always appreciate about Stafford? A lot of these older quarterbacks don't want to get hit.

[Jason McIntyre]

Yeah.

[Colin Cowherd]

Matt will sit in there fearless to the last. Last half.

[Jason McIntyre]

Second, fearless.

[Colin Cowherd]

You've hit him a few times. I mean, you've. You hit him. You've been in games against Stafford.

[Jason McIntyre]

Yep.

[Colin Cowherd]

Are there. Is there a secret code? The quarterbacks, like, Breeze was a smaller quarterback as he got older. Tell me what it's like to protect like Tua.

[Jason McIntyre]

Right.

[Colin Cowherd]

We got concussions. He don't want to get. He don't want to get hit. Do you feel a responsibility because of Tua's concussions? Does that add pressure to you?

[Jason McIntyre]

It's pressure playing that position anyway, being the front line. Like, I had two smaller quarterbacks. I've had two smaller quarterbacks in my career. Drew Brees and Tua.

[Colin Cowherd]

Those have been your guys.

[Jason McIntyre]

Those have been my guys.

[Colin Cowherd]

Those are the comp, by the way. Tua. Brees is Tua's comp for sure.

[Jason McIntyre]

For sure. And for good reason, too. It's not. It's not for nothing. He is that from that cloth. So the stressful part, and it's real life stress, like, it's this anxiety that goes on in pass protection. I. That's like the worst thing in the world is to get your quarterback hit to me. So if I give up a sack, like, no matter how I've played for the rest of the game, it doesn't matter. My day is ruined. It's ruined. I get the quarterback hit.

[Colin Cowherd]

You only gave up three last year.

[Jason McIntyre]

I don't think two of those are on me. So we Got to go back and watch the film. Yeah, that's a lot of factors goes into that.

[Colin Cowherd]

Is there a guy in the league that gave you. You more trouble and he wasn't a high draft pick?

[Jason McIntyre]

Yeah.

[Colin Cowherd]

You know, we've always said this. There are guys in the NBA, they have maybe a weird body or whatever. But if you ask, players are like. I mean, I remember Dominique Wilkins telling me, he goes, I love playing mj.

[Jason McIntyre]

Right.

[Colin Cowherd]

I did not sleep playing Bernard. King Bernard could just say, I'm scoring 54 tonight. He goes, I couldn't stop him because I hated playing him. Is there a guy in the league that you're like. Because Max Crosby talks a lot of trash.

[Jason McIntyre]

He does.

[Colin Cowherd]

And he's a fourth. I think he's a fourth rounder. Is there a guy in the league that you maybe not sleep quite as well the night before?

[Jason McIntyre]

No, I. I would say I feel the same way as Dominique. Like, I would rather block Miles Garrett and Max Crosby.

[Colin Cowherd]

Wow.

[Jason McIntyre]

I would. I would. It's the. It's the guy that just got elevated off practice squad. I'm terrified of him. I'm scared to death. He is. He's in his stance. He got his. His leg is shaking. God damn. He's about to rush with everything.

[Colin Cowherd]

Intimidating.

[Jason McIntyre]

No, no.

[Colin Cowherd]

The scout who you talk.

[Jason McIntyre]

Who's the practice squad guy that just got elevated this week? They told him on Wednesday, hey, you're gonna play this week. You might not get me.

[Colin Cowherd]

Right. Terrifies you.

[Jason McIntyre]

I'm fearful. Yeah. I don't want to see him. Give me Max. Give me Miles Garrett. Yeah. With that practice squad. Got it. Just called up. I don't want no smoke with that young man.

[Colin Cowherd]

He's got nothing but energy.

[Jason McIntyre]

Nothing but energy. He's going to run through my face mask over and over and I throw him to the ground. But I'm like, supposed to. So it's like, you know what I mean? He going to get up and do it again? Would you want to see him?

[Colin Cowherd]

You made your money. You can retire today. Yeah, but you play outside of quarterback, the most important position in the sport. If a good team called you up and said, dude, two years, would you. Would you go play?

[Jason McIntyre]

I'm on a good team, so. No.

[Colin Cowherd]

So you wouldn't. You were not gonna play.

[Jason McIntyre]

I'm on a good team already.

[Colin Cowherd]

Well, I know, but I mean.

[Jason McIntyre]

So nobody else can call me.

[Colin Cowherd]

You would. You're. This is it.

[Jason McIntyre]

I'm. Yeah. Dolphins only. Yeah.

[Colin Cowherd]

And that's it.

[Jason McIntyre]

That's it.

[Colin Cowherd]

But you're. You're. You're kind of pausing.

[Jason McIntyre]

I'm not. I think it's natural, pauses in a conversation. You know what I mean?

[Colin Cowherd]

That's funny. So what do you do now? You're young. How old are you? 33. Okay. You got. You got some money.

[Jason McIntyre]

You've had a career. Yeah.

[Colin Cowherd]

What do you do? What is an. Most people retire. I'm 60 and still working. The average person.

[Jason McIntyre]

Great man.

[Colin Cowherd]

65, 66. You're 33 and can wrap it up. What do you do?

[Jason McIntyre]

I weigh my options. Right. I feel like being in the league for so long, having a successful career, and I've done well financially, it gives me cushion and room to make a decision like this and to see if I want to continue to go out and compete in pursuit of a championship. That's the goal like that. Honestly. Honestly speaking, that is. That's the goal. So it's a lot of factors that goes into that. A lot of health, for sure. But then kids. My kids getting older. My twin girls are about to be teenagers. Pray for me, please. So those type of things are factors for sure. The Dolphins have been incredible and graceful, allowing me this time. I know you've seen the contract restructure that we. We just came to. It worked well for all parties. It allowed me a little bit more time to think and allowed them to do whatever they need to do necessary to. To improve the team.

[Colin Cowherd]

They made you an offer. The Dolphins. Have you said restructured?

[Jason McIntyre]

Yeah, yeah, we restructured. Yeah.

[Colin Cowherd]

You haven't signed it?

[Jason McIntyre]

Not physically.

[Colin Cowherd]

Are you going to?

[Jason McIntyre]

Yeah.

[Colin Cowherd]

Again, you're pausing. What does that mean? You're pausing when I ask you, are you gonna sign the contract?

[Jason McIntyre]

What the restructure is, is like. I took my projected salary down to minimum. Okay. So it allows the Dolphins to do with the new space, cap space, to do whatever they need to do to improve the team. It allows me the time to make a decision whether I want to keep playing or not. So if I decide, hey, we're doing this, I'm locking in. Let's go. Then we have another conversation.

[Colin Cowherd]

Okay. Matt Stafford broke news. You could do it right after.

[Jason McIntyre]

I could, but I want to let Matt have his day. Who would I be to take his shine? And then they only talking about me today, you know?

[Colin Cowherd]

All right. You know, you've. You've had Sean Payton's intensity as a coach.

[Jason McIntyre]

Yeah.

[Colin Cowherd]

Dan Campbell's almost. He's a player who. And now you've got this wizard, this, like MIT. Mike McDaniel.

[Jason McIntyre]

Yeah.

[Colin Cowherd]

Be honest about Mike McDaniel. First time you Saw him. Did you say he's gonna stand in front of us? He's a little different, right?

[Jason McIntyre]

No, not at all. Not at all. My first time I saw him was. I was on a visit, so it was one on one. And he just came in. We came in with energy, man. He was. He was excited. He had just got there three, four days before, you know what I mean? So he didn't know where his pens and papers were.

[Colin Cowherd]

He.

[Jason McIntyre]

Yeah, he is. For sure. He's different. He's different, but that's okay because it's genuinely him and that's what I appreciate. It's not a front, it's not an act. It's him. And you spend time with him, you'll see that and you'll have a deeper appreciation for him.

[Colin Cowherd]

Charon Armstead, you know, you're always welcome.

[Jason McIntyre]

Appreciate it.

[Colin Cowherd]

You can always come by the show.

[Jason McIntyre]

You come to my show, too. I don't have one yet, but one day when I do, you let me tell you something. Free to come through.

[Colin Cowherd]

This is a dead end career. There's no reason to do this. You hang out with your beautiful twin daughters. Are they. Are they athletes?

[Jason McIntyre]

What are they? Yeah, basketball players. Best sixth grade team in the country. Going to AAU nationals again. Yeah. Back to back. We're doing it.

[Colin Cowherd]

What you weigh right now, by the way? That's personal. What do you weigh?

[Jason McIntyre]

About 285.

[Colin Cowherd]

What do you play at?

[Jason McIntyre]

298, 300.

[Colin Cowherd]

Dude, that's a light tackle for you to be that good at that weight.

[Jason McIntyre]

Appreciate it. Strong.

[Colin Cowherd]

What do you. This is a weird question. If I said max reps. Bench. What do you bench? This is. Sorry, it's a weird question.

[Jason McIntyre]

What's. What's bench?

[Colin Cowherd]

Huh?

[Jason McIntyre]

I'm not benching no more.

[Colin Cowherd]

You don't bench?

[Jason McIntyre]

No, not max, ref. No.

[Colin Cowherd]

No. You're just doing light stuff, trying to keep tone.

[Jason McIntyre]

Yeah, I get what I need to get in a lot of Pilates and stuff like that. Really?

[Colin Cowherd]

How about that?

[Jason McIntyre]

Core strength?

[Colin Cowherd]

How about that?

[Jason McIntyre]

Yes. When I grab them, it's. Yeah. No getting away.

[Colin Cowherd]

Okay. Matt Stafford is signed with the Rams. We'll say it again.

[Jason McIntyre]

Congrats, man.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah, that's. That's. So we said we thought the Raiders were in play, but in the end the Rams wanted that first Raiders pick and probably a second. And the Raiders said that's a little bit too much. So Stafford, whose legacy again, if you give him a second Super Bowl. That's Elway, that's Peyton Manning, that's Big Ben. Don't forget how a quarterback's career ends goes a long way in forming that legacy. Right now, Stafford's considered great. He becomes an all time great with a second super bowl. And the Rams are in that short little window where they could do it. Great meeting you. Herdline News Next Live in la, it's the Herd. Be sure to catch live editions of the Herd weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am Pacific.

[Jason McIntyre]

It's the last game of the season and with Amazon with Amax, you can save time with card member entrances at select venues and go straight to the action so you can catch every moment. That's the powerful backing of American Express. Turn to Fly learn [e-mail] withamx you.

[Colin Cowherd]

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 heap 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.

[Jason McIntyre]

Make some noise for the greatest shooter.

[Colin Cowherd]

Of all time, Steph Curry. We went live from All Star Weekend.

[Jason McIntyre]

For a new podcast called called Goat.

[Colin Cowherd]

Greatest of their Era and we ranked.

[Jason McIntyre]

Our top five shooters from the 2000s Peja 5 Dirk Ford. Paja is a okay, okay, I'm mad him I left him off my list, but I still like my list. You won't believe who Steph left off his list. That's so tough. That's why we have these conversations. Yes, absolutely. Love it. Steph talked about what separates the truly elite NBA shooters. When you have a scouting report and you're on the list as not just a shooter, but we have specific rules for how we guard you. There's a fear factor that's associated with anytime you're wide open. Like you might as well just count that and get on back on defense. Listen to Goat G O T E Greatest of their era on the iHeartRadio.

[Colin Cowherd]

App, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. All right, once again the breaking news happened 30, 25 minutes ago. Matt Stafford staying with the Rams, new contract couple years I guess 100 million guarantee, two years. J Mac says a little tastier than that. I do not know if you're the New York Giants or reportedly now they will shift their attention to Aaron Rodgers. Now my take is I got him with the Rams and I got Aaron Rodgers with the Jets. Like those two, I get. I'm not sure if he wants to go to another franchise that can't get its act together. That is an ugly way to end it for Aaron Rodgers. I don't. I think I would call it a career if the Giants is the only thing I had. Well, remember that day. Bowl historically likes mobile quarterbacks. Josh Allen, Daniel Jones. Rogers isn't mobile. I don't think he fits what the Giants really want to do. Can you turn him into a pocket passer when you can't protect the quarterback? Their offensive line is one of the worst in league. Thomas was good, but other than that and very shaky. I think the Raiders kind of become interesting here. Would he work with the Raiders? Like, yeah, they don't want devonte Adams back, do they? So that's kind of a win. Yeah, that would be awkward. And maybe devonte Adams kind of poisoned the Raiders for Rogers. Knowing what's going on in the organization. Although some things have changed, obviously, right? I. I don't. I just don't. If I'm Aaron Rodgers, I just got my first taste the last two years of a dysfunctional operation. I want to. I want to go to one that's even worse. I mean, at least the jets have a roster that's redeemable. The jets have some players and Aaron played well down the stretch. Even the left tackle, who I like a lot for the Giants, he's had health issues. Yeah, he gets better. Thomas gets banged out.

[Jason McIntyre]

He does.

[Colin Cowherd]

But Pittsburgh Steelers and Aaron Rodgers doesn't fit at all. At all. Culturally. Just doesn't work at all. They can't get their old line right. It's all about defense, prima donna wide receiver stuff. Like, I don't think Pittsburgh and Aaron fit at all. I don't know where he goes. I think Vegas or bust, but I. I'm not. And you could say, well, why would he? Because it's closer west. It's Pete Carroll, it's Chip Kelly, it's Brock Bowers. They've got their left tackle. I think the Raiders actually have some really good pieces. Go watch them play. Go watch the replays of those Kansas City Raider games with bad quarterback play. They went toe to toe with the Chiefs in Arrowhead. So I don't. Aaron Rodgers, Giants. I just do not see that. I don't. I think Aaron could call it a career going out with this. I would want to, but is there a quarterback he could shove out? Maybe in Seattle? Would you dump Geno Smith and get on board with Aaron Rodgers. Does that keep DK DK Metcalf around? There's a lot of chatter about him and Lockett maybe being done in Seattle. I I don't they could be in flux. All worth discussion, but Stafford is a RAM live in la. It's the Hurt. This is Nikki Glaser from the Nikki Glaser Podcast. On a more serious note, I'm still thinking about that commercial with Tom Brady and Snoop Dogg hating on each other. Because when you listen to the reasons for hating someone or something, you realize just how stupid they really are. There is too much hate in this country and it's gotta stop. So join us at iHeart in standing up to it. If you see hate, speak up, call it out and you can learn more by following oupwithhate.

[Jason McIntyre]

Make some noise for the greatest shooter.

[Colin Cowherd]

Of all time, Steph Curry. We went live from All Star Weekend.

[Jason McIntyre]

For a new podcast called Go Greatest.

[Colin Cowherd]

Of Their Era and we ranked our.

[Jason McIntyre]

Top five shooters from the 2000s Asia 5 Dirk Ford Vasia is a leak.

[Colin Cowherd]

You won't believe who Steph left off his list.

[Jason McIntyre]

That's so tough. That's why we have these conversations. Absolutely love it. Listen to Go T E Greatest of Their Era on the iHeartRadio app, Apple.

[Colin Cowherd]

Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.