Best of The Herd

Summary

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

Podcast Information

• Title: The Herd with Colin Cowherd
• Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
• Description: A thought-provoking, opinionated, and topic-driven journey through the top sports stories of the day.
• Episode: Best of The Herd
• Release Date: March 14, 2025

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Introduction

In the "Best of The Herd" episode, Colin Cowherd delivers a comprehensive analysis of current sports topics, primarily focusing on NFL predictions, player performances, and an in-depth interview with Mark Few, the renowned Gonzaga basketball coach. Throughout the episode, Colin engages with guests Max Crosby and JMac, dissecting various aspects of sports analytics, team dynamics, and personal stories of overcoming adversity.

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NFL Predictions and Analysis

AFC vs. NFC Showdown

Colin initiates the discussion by contrasting the predictability of the AFC with the unpredictability of the NFC, emphasizing the influence of star quarterbacks in the AFC. He states:

“Generally a little easier because you have more star high-end quarterbacks in the AFC. We know it's a quarterback-centric and generated league.”
[03:00]

Key Team Predictions

• Steelers as a Betting Favorite: Colin expresses skepticism about betting on the Steelers to win the Super Bowl, highlighting their recent performance and the potential impact of acquiring Aaron Rodgers and DK Metcalf.

  “That's the House. Almost always wins for a reason.”
  [14:33]

• Division Insights: He delves into predictions for the AFC East, North, South, and West, examining team strengths, coaching prowess, and player capabilities.

  “The AFC West is the best coach division of all time?”
  [08:47]

Player Performance and Impact

Colin critically analyzes the performance of players like Steph Curry and Jimmy Butler, discussing their influence beyond mere statistics.

“Jimmy Butler generates double teams. He's creative, he gets guys' shots. He is an attacking player.”
[04:30]

He also touches upon Aaron Rodgers' potential move to the Steelers, expressing doubts about the effectiveness of such a trade given Rodgers' recent passer ratings and the Steelers' late-season performances.

“Aaron Rodgers... he did not last last night and they blew out another team.”
[09:00]

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Interview Segment: Mark Few

Personal Journey and Overcoming Adversity

Colin welcomes Mark Few, the Gonzaga basketball coach, to discuss his personal struggles and triumphs over addiction. Mark shares pivotal moments in his life:

“I wouldn't be here in this position if I didn't make that decision for myself and my family to get healthy and put myself first.”
[30:09]

He emphasizes the importance of being open about personal struggles to help others:

“There's millions of people suffering from addiction. So being very open and honest about it... it's the most important thing.”
[31:14]

Coaching Philosophy and Team Dynamics

Mark discusses his approach to coaching, focusing on building a culture of winning and fun, inspired by figures like Pete Carroll and LeBron James.

“Pete Carroll... everywhere he's been, has created a culture of winning and fun.”
[31:24]

He elaborates on his strategies to maximize player performance, drawing parallels with NBA superstars and their impact on games.

“Every quarterback is different. It's an ultimate mind game more than anything.”
[32:55]

Team USA and Collegiate Insights

Mark shares experiences from coaching Team USA and how it intersects with his collegiate coaching, highlighting the importance of adaptability and competitive spirit.

“You have to have a guy like that going down the stretch of the games. Analytics has nothing to do with that.”
[54:15]

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Key Insights and Discussions

Analytics vs. Intangibles in Sports

A recurring theme is the balance between analytical statistics and the intangible qualities of athletes that drive success. Colin and his guests argue that while analytics are valuable, they often miss critical elements like player motivation, grit, and on-the-fly adaptability.

“Analytics do not measure all this stuff... It's because everybody wanted to beat the Golden State Warriors because of this guy.”
[07:00]

Betting and Public Perception

Colin critiques the general public's betting behaviors, especially regarding teams like the Steelers, suggesting that many bets are based more on brand allure than informed analysis.

“It's insanity. That's why the House always wins.”
[14:33]

Player Development and Longevity

Discussions also touch upon player development, particularly focusing on how players like Trevor Lawrence and Cooper Flag are perceived in terms of their potential and current performance metrics.

“He's gonna have a huge impact from day one, but it's gonna be one of those impacts. He does everything well.”
[49:45]

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Colin Cowherd on Analytics and Player Impact:

  “Analytics do not measure all this stuff. Wing players, 18 a game. No, totally different players.”
  [07:00]

• Mark Few on Overcoming Addiction:

  “I had to make that decision for myself and my family to get healthy and put myself first.”
  [30:09]

• Colin Cowherd on Betting the Steelers:

  “It's insanity. That's why the House always wins.”
  [14:33]

• Mark Few on Coaching Philosophy:

  “Pete Carroll has created a culture of winning and fun. Everybody enjoys showing up every single day.”
  [31:24]

• Colin Cowherd on Player Motivation:

  “Jimmy Butler generates double teams. He’s creative, he gets guys' shots. He is an attacking player.”
  [04:30]

• Mark Few on Team USA Experience:

  “Competitiveness and having a strong belief in themselves is something analytics has nothing to do with.”
  [54:15]

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Conclusion

In this episode of "Best of The Herd," Colin Cowherd masterfully navigates through intricate sports analyses, blending statistical insights with personal narratives. The interplay between data-driven predictions and the human elements of sports provides listeners with a nuanced understanding of the current sports landscape. The heartfelt interview with Mark Few adds depth, highlighting the resilience and personal growth that underpin successful coaching and athletic performance. Overall, this episode serves as an engaging and informative journey through the multifaceted world of sports.

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Notable Exclusions:
Advertisements, introductory segments, and non-content sections were omitted to maintain focus on the core discussions and insightful exchanges between Colin Cowherd and his guests.

Transcript

[Colin Cowherd]

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[Colin Cowherd]

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[Colin Cowherd]

To you by Apple Card. Apple Card is everything a credit card should be. It's easy to manage, built to be secure and gives users up to 3% daily cash back on every purchase. The best part about Apple Card is applying is quick and easy. Apply in the Wallet app on iPhone and see your credit limit offer in minutes. Subject to credit approval. Apple Card by Goldman Sachs Bank USA Salt Lake City Branch Member FDIC terms and [e-mail] thanks for listening to the Best of the Herd podcast. Be sure to catch us live every weekday on Fox Sports Radio and noon to 3 Eastern, 9am to noon Pacific. Find your local station for the [e-mail] or stream us live every day on the iHeartRadio app by searching Fox Sports Radio or FSR. This is the Best of the Herd with Colin Cowher on Fox Sports Radio. Here we go on a Friday and a good one it's gonna be. Mark Few Gonzaga coach selection weekend. Here we go, Selection Sunday. Max Crosby of the Raiders. Yesterday I made my NFC predictions. Those are the difficult ones. The AFC one hour from now. Generally a little easier because you have more star high end quarterbacks in the afc. We know it's a quarterback centric and generated league. So that happen in one hour from now. So JMac. So I, I, I got three different samples. I watched first quarter of the warriors with friends, listen to the second quarter driving and watch the second half at home by myself. And they good. This thing is getting really, really interesting.

[Max Crosby]

Wow, another tomato can that the warriors beat up. Another nice victory.

[JMac]

Yeah.

[Max Crosby]

Beat nobody.

[Colin Cowherd]

Steph Curry was asked about retirement and a great quote. He said it's, it's not about stats or anything. It will be. Can I still dominate a game? Here's the good news. He didn't last night and they blew out another team. I want you to think about this. Think about this. So they traded, got him out of town. Andrew Wiggins, wing player, 18 points a game in his career. They brought in Jimmy Butler, wing player, career, 18 points a game. That shouldn't radically change the team, right? 18 points leaves 18 points arrives. Nope. Our hunch, My hunch was right. Totally different players. Wiggins is soft, empty calories, floats around, forgettable. And Jimmy Butler is intentional, intense, physical, impactful. There's a gravity. Analytics does not measure all this stuff. Wing players, 18 a game. No, totally different players. Butler generates double teams. He's creative, he gets guys shots. He is an attacking player. Every possession he creates advantages. Wiggins benefited from advantages created by other players and that is the big difference. Jonathan Kaminga returned last night. Oh, another 20 points a game. Last night you had eight guys in double figures. Butler wasn't even one of them. Steph didn't even play well. But it shows the hole in a lot of analytics and a lot of stats. 18 a game leaves. 18 a game arrives. Totally different team, 8 guys in double figures. They got a guy from like the Netherlands, a big who has a nice shooting touch. And warriors are now 13 and one with Jimmy Butler and again he did not play last night particularly well. But this thing is real. I know you're saying, well, it's a lot of tomato cans, but when your two best players don't play well and you blow people out, just, it's an incredible influence. We all know Steph has always had a Massive influence on the history of basketball. Combine that with the influence Butler has with the warriors, and here's Shaq after him. The last three, four years, everybody has been running three, three, three man weave at the top of the key. Every team is shooting threes and they want to blame my analytics. It's because everybody wanted to beat the Golden State wars because of this guy. Yep. It's a real thing. And by the way, not only is it influencing the warriors and influencing basketball, it's influencing ratings. The ratings in the last three weeks. A big part of that, because LeBron's not playing again. And I still don't contend. Luke is the TV draw. I think LeBron and Steph are the TV draws. Warriors with another dominating win last night. So I saw this. If you want to know why they keep building casinos and companies like DraftKings are doing well. The Steelers have attracted the second most Super bowl bets this week. That's the, that's the appropriate response. Laughing. This is why the house always wins. So memo to the people betting the Steelers to win the Super Bowl. Aaron Rodgers, last 30 starts, he's 11 and 19. Passer rating under 90, completing 63% of his throws and has not won a playoff game since like 2021. He'll be joining a head coach that hasn't won a playoff game since 2016. And by the way, but, but there is a, there is a lure, an allure to Aaron Rodgers, because who was the most bet team last year in 2024 to win the Super Bowl? Chiefs? No. Bills? Nope. Niners? Nope. Lions? Nope. Eagles? Nope. Race? It was the New York jets with Aaron Rodgers. So Tomlin is tone deaf to offense and Aaron's past is prime. So that's just not saying. That's not even saying playoffs. That's not saying playoffs. So. And I. Here's something that doesn't get talked about with the Steelers, and this is why I've said Aaron Rodgers should go to the Giants. Better left tackle, offensive coach, great weapon, you'll have more power. And, and the rosters aren't that different. They're really not. Pittsburgh's just better. They're not that different. Pittsburgh doesn't have a left tackle. Giants do. But have you ever noticed this? And I never hear anybody talk about this. So everybody knows in the business, Mike Tomlin's a motivator. Right? That's why his teams play well as underdogs, but not as favorites. He's. He's a great motivator. But. But when does motivating not work? In the playoffs because everybody's motivated, right? But for a long, tedious regular season, the guy that can bark, boy, September, October, November, it can help. But if you go to the last 12 Steeler games, they're three and nine and a lot of blowout losses. Motivation is nonsense. Screaming and yelling and getting guys fired up doesn't mean anything in the playoffs. Guys are ready to go, they got their bonuses ready, they want a trophy. Everybody's doing the same thing, focusing on that moment. Sudden death football, you don't need motivation, you need analytics. You know, you need circumstantial greatness, situational brilliance. And so, and what's doubling down on this, The RA RA becomes Ruh Roh for Pittsburgh every year at the end of the year. If you go back and look at a stat, the Steelers in December or later, the last two seasons have been one of the worst teams in the NFL. Five of the last seven seasons, the Steelers have lost three plus games in a row late in the year. Why is this? Because as the game has gotten smarter and more offensive, the motivating defensive coach, that stuff wears out by December. You can only give the same speeches so many times, it falls on deaf ears. So the Steelers have become one of the bad NFL teams at the end of seasons. That motivation stuff, it's great early, it's great over a long season. It's great when you're an underdog. It doesn't mean anything against the Ravens, Bills or Chiefs or Tom Brady in his prime. When it's, you know, January, it doesn't mean anything. So the Steelers, five of the last seven seasons, Russell Wilson could tell Aaron Rodgers if he goes there, it gets old. Nobody wants to hear it. It doesn't have the same impact. So, you know, they are the second most bet team. Just the idea of Aaron Rodgers and adding DK Metcalf for $150 million and DK Metcalf says, I don't even care who's quarterback here.

[Mark Few]

They made me feel, felt welcome first off. And then secondly, they made me feel like they had the, they had the right decision, you know, with who to be throwing me the football. And you know, I'm not making a decision in the quarterback room. So I'm just going to try to do the best of my abilities to, you know, help whoever they have out there throwing the football. So, you know, they, they make the correct decisions, you know, to bring the quarterback in here. So I'm just going to roll with that.

[Colin Cowherd]

Mid March, no idea who the quarterback is. Does that sound like A Super bowl team. We don't even know who the quarterback is. We got like four guys. We got offers out. Four guys now. It's interesting. So I've been saying this week, my hunch, he signs with the Steelers, I would sign with the New York Giants. I would sign with the Giants. I think the Giants have more pieces that work for Aaron. Offensive coach, young star receiver, excellent left tackle, and a couple of wins over the Cowboys. I think the idea of going to Pittsburgh, you got Joe Burrow twice, you got the Ravens twice. Cleveland's got a great coach and a very good roster. No thanks. I mean, Pittsburgh doesn't have a left tackle now. Miles Garrett, probably Hendrickson coming off the edge and whoever Baltimore has this year. So it'll be interesting to watch. But. But to me, the idea that the second most bet team, it's just the allure of the Steelers brand, the allure of the alpha, Mike Tomlin, the allure of Aaron Rodgers. Their bet to win the super bowl more than the team. Teams that we almost feel, it's an automatic. They win their division. It's crazy. That's the House. Almost always wins for a reason. Cowboys are fighting. The process in Philadelphia is officially over. And the Lakers once again, even with Luka and Austin Reeves playing great, are awful and get blown out. Did you notice that?

[Max Crosby]

Listen, you were doing so good and then you had to throw in that jab at the Lakers. Unnecessary. It's like a flagrant foul right there.

[JMac]

Come on.

[Max Crosby]

They were missing three starters. Colin. But real quick to go back to the Steelers. Can you just give me the thought process what you think people are betting on the Steelers and it can't just be Aaron Rodgers and DK Metcalf.

[Colin Cowherd]

Oh, I think so. Here's what I think. Like when people bet bitcoin, I mean, there's no centralized bank in America that acknowledges the Warren Buffetts, who, by the way, ditched $80 billion of Apple stock and bought bonds a year ago. Looks pretty smart today, right? They don't buy it at all. Right. Most of the top financial people, they appease the bitcoin crowd. But when you buy bitcoin coin, you're buying hope you're buying essentially, hey, I'm ahead of everybody else. Buying the Steelers is, hey, I'm going to buy them before they get Aaron Rodgers and watch them pop. But it's just why. It's why the house wins. Aaron, in the last 30 games, two conferences, two coaches, both LaFleur and Mike Tomlin, considered above average. He's 11 and 19 passer rating in the 80s. That's what he is. That is exactly what he is. And Tomlin, between Aaron and Tomlin, they do not perform well late in the year. The numbers don't lie. Yeah, so it's, I think it's, it's the bitcoin crowd. You're betting that you're smarter than everybody else and you're getting in on something before it truly explodes.

[Max Crosby]

And that would be 41 year old Aaron Rodgers. That, that's what you're betting on.

[Colin Cowherd]

Hope with DK Metcalf. Oh, wow.

[Max Crosby]

DK Metcalf. He's going to swing the title odds right there.

[Colin Cowherd]

Well, again, DK Metcalf is probably worth half a point a game.

[Max Crosby]

This is why the House always wins. Because the general public is not that smart. Huh? Like, that's a straight up dumb bet. If one of my friends was like, hey, Steelers, to win the title, like, what are you talking about? That, that's insanity.

[Colin Cowherd]

So now in 45 minutes, I will give you my AFC predictions. I'll tell you, I'm looking at the AFC West. Is that the best coach division of all time?

[Max Crosby]

I hope you have the Broncos in the playoffs.

[Colin Cowherd]

Andy Reid, Sean Payton, Jim Harbaugh, Pete Carroll. You know, like they always say when you, when you sit down at a poker table, if you can't spot the markets, you, who's the mark? I mean, that, that, that's just super bowl trophies everywhere, or at least getting to them. I mean, that is a three super bowl trophies and a natty trophy and a Super bowl appearance in Jim Harbaugh. That division's hard. My guess, on the AFC west this year, nobody wins more than 12. Nobody wins fewer than eight. It is just going to be all jammed up. I think the NFC north is almost as good, but we just don't know if J.J. mcCarthy can play. I mean, I can say what you want about Geno Smith. I know he can play. I don't know what J.J. mcCarthy is in Minnesota, so I have no idea. Be sure to catch live editions of the Herd, weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am Pacific, on Fox Sports Radio, FS1 and the iHeartRadio app. This podcast is brought to you by Pfizer. If you're 50 or older, getting sick can keep you away from where you need to be. You don't want surprises like pneumococcal pneumonia or invasive pneumococcal disease. You're 6.4 times more likely to get pneumococcal pneumonia compared with adults 18 to 49 it's recommended that people 50 or older get vaccinated. Being sick could get between you and the people who rely on you, so schedule your [e-mail] with Amex.

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[Colin Cowherd]

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Savings and Apple Card by Goldman Sachs Bank USA Salt Lake City Branch Member FDIC terms and [e-mail] so yesterday in the much harder to predict NFC I had three new playoff teams. Today we do the afc. Now that's a much easier conference to predict. Last year I went four for four on division winners Mahomes, Allen Lamar, C.J. stroud. Pretty easy. So I think the AFC is much, much easier to predict. Yesterday. You know you're throwing darts on some of it. I don't know how how well the Niners draft I don't know. How good is Darnold in Seattle? I don't know. I think I know. I don't know. So today we go to the AFC again. I think this is an easier, easier, much easier conference to predict. Let's start with the AFC East. If Josh Allen is in his prime like Brady was, he will win this division going away. Front office coach. They've added Joey Bosa, Josh Palmer, a couple good linebackers. It's the best team going away. They got the star quarterback, the star back, the left tackle. You know they're going to be fine. And a good edge rusher, capable coach. Patriots, one of my surprise teams in the league. I think they have the second most talented quarterback in the division. I don't think it's particularly close in Drake May they got to get him weapons in the draft, but it's a very good tight end running back. Draft and they upgraded with Mike Frable at coach from Gerard Mayo who just didn't work and they spent a lot of money. So it's going to be a different team. I think they will double their win total. No question. Dolphins third. No notable upgrades, but smart coach, capable quarterback. If Tron Armstead retires at left tackle, that is a problem. That is a problem. And the Jets, I mean it is what it is. I got a new coach, downgraded quarterback from Aaron of Justin Fields. It is what it is. I think this is an easy one. Bills, Patriots, Dolphins, Jeffs, AFC north. Great division. I'm gonna go Ravens, Bengals, Steelers, Brown. Okay, the Ravens. The only thing I worried about is is Ronnie Stanley, the left tackle coming back? Answer is yes. Bengals. Cheap franchise. Their three best players, Burrow, Ja'marr, Chase, Hendrickson, even T. Higgins are four best players. Aren't particularly happy. Very, very top heavy. But this year I think basically Burrow and their star receivers will lead them narrowly to a wild card berth whether or not Aaron Rodgers goes to Pittsburgh or not. They are tone deaf offensively and over the last five years they just consistently get bad late in the year. Steelers third. And I like the coach in Cleveland. They got Miles Garrett re signed but you know what do they fish rot from the top or the head or something like that? What's the saying? I just don't trust the organization, ownership, AFC south. So I think Tennessee will be the most improved team. I'm going to take the Texans, Titans, Colts and Jags. Now the Texans are rebuilding the O line. They moved off three guys so I think they had to. They fired Bobby Slowik. But again, I get the best quarterback. I get arguably the best coach. So I'm going to go with the Texan C.J. stroud. I mean, again, I'm going to do it again this year. Best quarterback in the division wins. I think Cam Ward actually is pretty electric. And wins some games for the Titans and will arguably be the second best quarterback in the division. And also, you're kind of guessing on him. You don't know what he is. So generally you need an off season to figure out what a quarterback is. I think Cam Ward comes into some backyard football, but J. Mac likes the Titans as a surprise team. I do, too, potentially as a playoff team. I like the Colts roster, but they're going into camp with a quarterback competition that sounds very collegiate. Daniel Jones and Anthony Richardson don't love either. Like the coach, the gm, the roster. Colts third. I don't know what to make. Trevor Lawrence hasn't been what we thought. They've got a new coach again. Do you trust the front office? I'll watch their draft. It is what it is. Finally the best division in football. I mean, you get literally everybody. I'm gonna go. Chargers win the AFC West. Kansas City's the wild card team. Broncos third. Raiders four. So I'm gonna lean into Jim Harbaugh. I think Najee Harris is the perfect running back for this offense. They brought Mike Williams back, a physical receiver. I thought their improvement last year was remarkable. I think they'll keep improving. We've got to be honest about Kansas City. They're not winning all those close games again. Their offensive line is in total flux. At left tackle. They're going to start a left tackle that's never started. They let go of Joe Tuney, their best offensive lineman. I think Denver made two big swings on defense with Hufunga and Greenlaw. I think they both pay dividends. I think. I think. I even think the Raiders will be viable. Geno Smith. They got their O line set. Pete Carroll, Chip Kelly, Max Crosby. I think their defense has some players. They were all banged up last year. They gave the Chiefs fits twice this division. I don't think the winner of this division WINS More than 12, whoever it is. And I don't think the fourth place team wins fewer than eight. So I think this is the best division going away in football. I mean, the coaching is Jim Harbaugh, Andy Reid, Sean Payton and Pete Carroll. And Pete's got Chip Kelly and Andy Reid's got Spags and Kansas. And then all of a sudden you got the Chargers have Jesse Minter on defense with Harbaugh. This is arguably the best coach division in the history of the NFL. So my division winners. I'm going to do it like last year, with one exception. Bills, Ravens, Texans, Chargers wild card teams are the Patriots, Bengals and Chiefs. So I have five new playoff teams. Two in the AFC here, Patriots, Bengals, and three in the NFC. So I have five new playoff teams. There have been at least four and often more for 35 years in a row. So some of you fanboys are going to be upset, but you have to have minimum four new playoff teams. So my new playoff teams, yesterday I had Seattle in the playoffs. I didn't make it last year I had Atlanta winning their division. I believe in Michael Penix. That was a new playoff team. Here I've got the Patriots and Bengals. I'm forgetting somebody in the nfc. So, and, and I, I, I, wherever Aaron Rodgers lands, if he goes to Minnesota, oh, I had the Bears yesterday. My bad is a wild card team. So wherever Aaron goes, if he goes to Minnesota, my guess is he's a backup. By like October they're going to start J.J. mcCarthy. If he goes to New York, they're not getting past Philly and Washington. If he goes to Pittsburgh, he probably is worth a game over Russell Wilson. But Russell Wilson was really good until the end and all the rah rah stuff just doesn't pan out at the end of the season. And so I don't think Aaron's going to change the dynamics of any division in football at this point. Again, last 30 games he's 11 and 19. His passer ratings under 90. That's with Matt La Flure. You know, that's with like, okay, it was the Jets. Well, it was also Green Bay. So most of those games, majority of them or close to majority or half, they were Green Bay games with Matt La Flure. So he didn't make the playoffs last year they lost to Detroit at home. Remember that? The, the last was the last game of the regular season.

[Max Crosby]

So you want, you want some pushback or no?

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah, I do.

[Max Crosby]

Of course this is tough because I like this team a lot. I was just drilling down on the Chargers a little bit. You know how many teams they beat last year that made the playoffs? One, Denver twice. That's it. They did not beat anybody good all season. And I look at the Chargers off season. Colin who, how, where have they upgraded Najee Harris? Is that an upgrade? Mike Williams bringing his corpse back to run run down the field. I don't see the improve. I don't see how the roster's gotten better.

[Colin Cowherd]

What have we said about Jim Harbaugh first three years in the NFL.

[Max Crosby]

I know, I know.

[Colin Cowherd]

Did you see their draft last year? A lot of guys that could play.

[Max Crosby]

I guess my, my disagreement would be like, I think the Broncos have improved Their team dramatically. And the Chargers, I don't think they're like status quo.

[Colin Cowherd]

Well, I said the winner will not win more than 12 games and the loser will not win less than fewer than eight. I think the division goes down to the last three weeks. I think health. What worries me about the Broncos, hunger and Greenlaw struggle to stay healthy. Well, yeah, that's, that's a real thing. And by the way, Garrett Bowles has had some health stuff at left tackle. So a lot of their guys, like the Niners last year. I worry about Denver staying healthy for 18 weeks.

[Max Crosby]

I am a little to go to a last place team. Not the jets, the Jags. You have just sold all of your Trevor Lawrence stock.

[Colin Cowherd]

So you're done. Done.

[Max Crosby]

You're off Lawrence?

[Colin Cowherd]

No, no.

[Max Crosby]

There was a time where you would not take a call on him. He was in that group and it's over.

[Colin Cowherd]

Well, you know, it's funny. So Greg Cosell for years and years kept telling me over and over, the tape tells you he is not close to Josh Allen, that he, he doesn't see the field as well as he should. He tends to run sometimes to a fault. He gets banged up and listen, there was always a question about Trevor Lawrence. Here was the knock. He really likes football. Does he love it? That was the Andrew Luck criticism. Andrew Luck had a big broad life. He really enjoyed football. He didn't live for it. He wasn't Brady. He wasn't obsessed. He's not obsessed like Brady or Breeze, just obsessed. Trevor Lawrence is good at it and likes it. But he said when he got drafted, it's not the beginning and the end of my. My. It's not. It doesn't define.

[Max Crosby]

It doesn't define me.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah, well, I kind of want, I want football too at some point as a quarterback. To define you for. I'm not asking forever. I'm just saying for like 12 years. It's got to be kind of the center point. I mean, I'm not, I'm not asking football players to not have a life and be happily married and have counting. But for the 10, for the eight years you're in your prime, I need you to really be focused, really care deep.

[Max Crosby]

He's distracted. Right. It's not like he's like, oh, I love sports cars or whatever. He just. The football is like, yeah, I'm playing football.

[Colin Cowherd]

Cool.

[Max Crosby]

It's not like Tom Brady's obsessive.

[Colin Cowherd]

You know what? Most people in my Steve Jobs was obsessed and he changed the world. You know, most people that are obsessed all these devices we have, they're built by obsessed people. So I know everybody wants you to be balanced and healthy. I like people that deeply care about stuff.

[Max Crosby]

I think quietly, Trevor Lawrence is like, probably one of the ten most interesting figures heading into the season. Because, Colin, there was talk like, do we even extend him? Like, how much money do you give him? Because he hasn't been the number one pick you thought he'd be. He was supposed to be generational.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah, well, that's why the NFL is great. You can be a second, third, fourth, fifth round pick like Max Crosby, who's joining us live. Six years for Pro Bowls, leads the NFL and tackles for loss over the last four seasons. You know, I've told you this before. I love you, man. And I. You did something this week that I think you are very willing to talk about. The demon that you've overcome, you've been very willing. There was a picture you put on your Instagram, so I'll ask you about it because you put it out there first. I wouldn't otherwise, but I've talked to you about this before, and there are people right now in this country struggling with what you were struggling with. Do you remember the day that you just said, I'm over this. I'm going to change my life? Do you remember that day?

[Mark Few]

Absolutely. Absolutely. First off, Collins, great to see you always. You know, you're my guy. But yeah, man, I'll never forget it. You know what I mean? That was the biggest day and most important day of my life, you know, besides the day I married my wife and the day my daughter was born. I wouldn't be here in this position if I didn't make that, make that decision for myself and my family, you know, to get healthy and put myself first and get the help I needed. So, yeah, man, it's been a. It's been a hell of a journey ever since. It's been five years already. It's crazy how time flies.

[Colin Cowherd]

Do people ever come up to you and thank you for your messaging and willingness to talk about it?

[Mark Few]

Yeah, all the time. You know, my first year, once I got a year sobriety, that's when I came out public about it. Yeah. Because honestly, I had, you know, I had a guy like Darren Waller in my locker room who was very public and open about it, and I was kind of terrified to, you know, tell people that, you know, I was an addict and I was going through what I was going through. But seeing a guy like that and seeing and talking to other people, a big influence you know, talk about their struggles, be open about it. I think it was super important because of my platform and how I can impact others and give back. Because, you know, a lot of people don't like to talk about it, but there's millions of people suffering from addiction. So very open and honest about it. And I think that's the most important thing. You know, you live one life and you know, as many people as you can help is, is the best thing you could possibly do. So that's what it's all about.

[Colin Cowherd]

So you are now in the best division in football. It's crazy. I mean, look at the coaches. Sean Payton, Andy Reid, spags, Jim Harbaugh, Jesse mentor. Now you have Pete Carroll and Chip Kelly. So when Pete speaks to the team or you individually for the first time, what was Pete Carroll's message?

[Mark Few]

Compete. You know, he talks about it all the time. No matter what we're doing, we're going to compete. We're going to have fun when we do it. And the culture is first and foremost. You know, Pete, everywhere he's been, has created a culture of winning and fun. And it doesn't mean you're not working hard. It means that everybody enjoys showing up every single day. We have one of the hardest jobs in the world. There's a reason why there's only 1500 NFL players on the planet. You know what I mean? There's 8 billion people and there's only a tiny, tiny group of people that can really do it every day. So you have to enjoy the process. And that's something that he's big on. I've talked to a ton of people that he knows and has coached. They've reached out to me from, you know, Marshawn lynch to Richard Sherman, Michael Bennett, all those guys, they all the, the wording and how they approach me about how Pete is and how he operates are all so consistent and they absolutely love, love him. So I'm super excited. You know, me and Pete have only known each other for a couple months now, but I can't wait to continue, you know, building that relationship and continue to do it together and build a winner here.

[Colin Cowherd]

You know, it's funny the quarterbacks that you pursue, so you got Mahomes who moves really well and throws control left handed. Bo Nix is smaller, but way more athletic than people think. Justin Herbert. Justin Herbert's a bit of a house. When you rush, do you. Is that useless? You don't care? Or do you like, are there angles you take on guys? Do you think differently when rushing Bo, Justin and Patrick.

[Mark Few]

Absolutely, absolutely. You know, they all have their strengths, strengths and weaknesses. And it's up to me to figure out the best approach every single week. Because every quarterback is different, every team is different, every coach is different. And the schemes that I gotta, you know, go against change weekly, you know what I mean? I know I'm being circled every week and they're gonna double team me, triple team me, Chip and all that. So for me, it's like an ultimate mind game more than anything, because I'm trying to figure out how to break that, Break that code. And it's become more and more of a challenge, but it's become more and more exciting, you know what I mean, over the years. Because it's like, I take it, you know, I take it as like a sign of respect, you know, that teams are coming after me, but you gotta, you gotta be so locked in and you gotta find those couple plays in the game, okay? If they get in this formation, this is how I'm gonna approach this. And this is where I'm gonna change the game. Like, that's literally how I'm watching the film. Like, I'm watching my film all, you know, leading up to it. How can I improve? How could I be the best version of myself? And then, okay, where is this? These little windows I can, I can capitalize on. So, yeah, every quarterback is different. You know, Pat is, I mean, Pat is one of one. He's different. You know, he's going to try to make every single play. You know, guys like Josh, Allen, Lamar, even Herbert, like, Herbert's going to, you got to, you got to smack him over and over and over again because he's going to literally, like, he'll be on it damn near on his back, and he's still trying to get rid of the ball and make play. So, yeah, it's. It's all, you know, it's ultimate respect at the end of the day. But they know, like, my job is to, is to kill them. And they're the ones, you know, trying.

[Colin Cowherd]

To try to play quarterback.

[Mark Few]

But also they know I'm. I'm trying to take their head off at the same time.

[Colin Cowherd]

So I've said before, there are very few defensive players that lead teams that are the soul of the team. And when you were talking about contract, I had said on this show, I said, when I think Raiders, Even in the 70s and 80s, I think of Max Crosby. He looks like a Raider, he plays like a Raider. You talk a lot of trash. Is that to fire you up or is it to intimidate others? Because you, you. You should be in my business. You never stop talking. Who's that for?

[Mark Few]

I think it's a mixture. And I do appreciate that, Con. I know your boy over there. I seen one of the clips. I. I'm gonna keep, I'm gonna keep my opinion to myself, but I know you know football. Colin, I don't know about your boy over there, but I would just keep it like this, you know, for me, I get fired up. It just depends. Like, honestly, sometimes if you're just in a that day, you can't predict how you're going to feel every single day. Sometimes you're going to be in the best mood ever. Some days you're going to be in a dark place. Like, that's just what comes with it. And I just, Sometimes I just talk to kind of like get myself going. You know what I mean? Like, try to get myself. Like, if I feel like I'm not 110% myself, I might just start a fight in the middle of practice just to get myself going. You know what I mean? So it just kind of depends on where my mind's at and what space I'm at, you know, I don't like to try to chase a feeling because some, you know, like, if you have a great game, some guys will go be like, okay, I need to feel like that again. And how do I get to that? You can't chase. There's never going to be that exact feeling. You know what I mean? You just have to go with the flow and be where your feet are and find whatever space you're in and maximize that. Because that's just reality. That's how life is. Some days you wake up, you got the big smile on your face, hey, I'm gonna have a great day. Some days your body's sore, you're hurting, but you still have to find a way to be at your best. So I just feel like there's no perfect recipe to it. You just have to. You can't try to overthink it and try to make something that it isn't. I just try to go with the flow. And some games I'm quiet. I might not say a single word. I'm just laser focus. Some games I'm just something pissed me off, or I'm, you know, trying to get myself going and I'm just on somebody, like, Ravens game, like, I was talking the whole game. Some other games, I've had some of the best games in my career, and I'M sitting there smiling the whole game, not saying a word, not talking, just, I just, I just go with the flow, you know what I mean? I don't try to force any type of vibe or energy.

[Colin Cowherd]

Finally, for about a week, you were the highest paid non quarterback in the world. And I know you're not about a money guy. Every time I see you, jeans, T shirt, you're watching ufc. But do you ever. That day when you signed that contract, who'd you think about? What'd you think about that one day that where money was like a big discussion in your life?

[Mark Few]

Yeah. Honestly, you know, this, you know, being the second time that I've gotten an extension, you know, the first time was like, oh my God, you know what I mean? Like, it was just crazy. Like I did it, I, you know, I got this huge contract and I always like had that in the back of my head, how would that feel? And I feel like the first time it was like this big thing and for the outside world, you know, I was like the third or fourth highest paid end at that time. And I'm like, I'm a top five guy now, blah, blah, blah. And it meant a lot more to me then, then I felt like it to the outside world. But this time around, like set in history, you know, resetting history, being the highest paid non quarterback. I feel like the outside world is like a huge, huge response. And for me it was just like another day. Like, I can't even explain it, you know what I mean? Like, I'm so laser focused right now, being at my best and getting back healthy and preparing for this next season. I got so many goals and things I want to accomplish. I truly, like, I just wanted to get, get to a point where I was happy and where I'm comfortable and my family's comfortable and I'm, it's the same as usual. I was literally the day I signed my contract, I'm in there boxing with the guys and getting my work in. Before I went inside, my contract, my agents and all them are looking at me like, I'm like, I got to get my work in first. I'm going. You know what I mean? Like, this is most important. I wouldn't, I wouldn't have the deal if I'm not putting in the work. So it really, it's unbelievable. Don't get me wrong. Like, it's, it's an absolute blessing. Like I am set beyond set and my kids are set and all that is incredible. But truly right now, like, I'm just focused on building, you know, trying to win a Super bowl, most importantly, and building a Hall of Fame resume. And that's. That's my focus every single day.

[Colin Cowherd]

Hey. Hey. Do you meet Gino yet? Geno Smith. Have you met him yet? Yes, I have.

[Mark Few]

He was. He was in the building a couple days ago. So the second, like, the news broke, I had been on FaceTime with him, like, five minutes before he called me with a big smile and was all fired up. So, yeah, I was super fired up. I'm super happy that he's a part of our. Part of this team now, and I just have heard nothing but great things about him. So just taking it one day at a time. You know, we're building our relationship, and I've been a fan from afar for a long time. I think Geno, you know, people have opinions, you know, how the beginning of his career went and things like that. But look what he's done as he's gotten, you know, as the years have gone by, and he truly is a really, really, really good quarterback. And I know he's still far from satisfied. So, yeah, we've had some great conversations, and, you know, we're definitely excited to get to work together.

[Colin Cowherd]

It's so great seeing you. I'll be going to more UFC fights now here in the next couple of months. It's always great to see you. Congrats to you and your family and sharing some personal stuff. I sometimes. I don't know if I should ask those questions, but you're always very appreciative and you give great responses, and there's people out there that have dealt with what you did, and you're five years free of it, and it's amazing. And I just love seeing you, man. I appreciate you coming on the show.

[Mark Few]

You're the best brother. And, Colin, I see all your clips, man. All the love and respect you show. It truly means a lot, man. You're one of the best in the game. So I appreciate you. I'll be seeing you soon.

[Colin Cowherd]

All right, Max Crosby, and I've said this before, there are very few defensive players. Lawrence Taylor's one. He defined the Giants. It was not Phil Sims. It was a Lawrence Taylor. Define the Giants. The toughness. Max Crosby's the Raiders. Like, you have to be like Lamar Jackson to me, I would argue this Mahomes does not define the Chiefs. I think Andy Reid shares in that. Spag shares in that. I think Lamar Jackson is the Ravens. Like, he's the soul in the fabric. I cannot see him playing for any other team. Max Crosby's a Raider. And then if you followed the NFL since the 70s, 80s, 90s, you go back to Lyle Alzado and Matuszak and all the tough guys with the Raiders and Jack Tatum and even their offensive guys, you know, tough guys. Crosby's a raider. One more herd the herd streams 24 hours a day, seven days a week within the iHeartRadio app. Search herd to listen live or on demand whenever you'd like. Hey, it's 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.

[Mark Few]

To have the time to discuss.

[Colin Cowherd]

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, 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. This podcast is brought to you by Pfizer. Let's Talk health. You may not know about pneumococcal disease, but if you're 50 or older or 19 or older with certain medical conditions like diabetes, you're at risk. And it could turn your plans, big or small, into a hospital visit. So get vaccinated. It's one action you can take to help protect against pneumococcal pneumonia, an invasive pneumococcal disease. Keep enjoying everything you're looking forward to, even if it's just a podcast. Schedule a [e-mail] welcome to a day.

[Jonas Knox]

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[Colin Cowherd]

This is so good.

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[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. This is Jonas Knox from two Pros and a Cup of Joan. Today's podcast is brought to you by Ferguson Home. Whether you're a homeowner working on a remodel or a pro managing multiple projects, Ferguson Home is where great ideas become stunning spaces. It's designed for the way you want to shop. Explore the best selection of kitchen, bath and lighting products online. Or visit a local Ferguson Home showroom and get one on one support from an expert consultant. Go to FergusonHome.com to shop the latest styles from top brands like Kohler or find a showroom location near you. It's one of my, it's one of the guys I love in this business. Mark Few Gonzaga basketball coach, Team USA Good Lord. Yeah, I listen, I listen. I watched and listened to that St. Mary's game and they were pushing you around and getting a whistle. Yeah. And you know, it's funny about this. You've got a bit of a formula, the international stuff. Washington State, you got a little bit of a formula. And you know, it's interesting that guys now come to you. I mean, Chet Holmgren, like, like it used to be you were banging on doors and guys now come to you. So I was talking to a friend the other day. I said the downside to that is you got to be more selective because more people want. That's right. Like it used to be. If they come, I'll take. So do you get into situations now where you're like, oh, he's really good. We don't, we don't have a spot for him.

[JMac]

Yeah, I think it's the biggest thing. Colin is just kind of staying true to your culture. I mean, and you can get tricked a lot of Times just on chasing talent. And we stand. It still happens to this day. But I think in the end, what we found up here, like, what fits us is just staying true. I mean, we have to have somebody that really, really loves basketball and wants to work, and then also just values team and. And then in some cases, sometimes we have to teach our transfers that a little bit. We've kind of had to do that this year. I think it's taken a while for some of our guys to kind of really latch on to that and figure out that's what needs to be done. But I'll give this group a lot of credit. Man, we lost a ton of games in the last one or two possessions this year, and it has not broke their spirit. They were very, very driven down the stretch. And, you know, the other night, I think it all came to fruition.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah. What I was thinking about this. Has your experience with Team USA helped you at all in the Nil world, which is kind of like semi pro in college? Like, what do you take from. Because everybody looks at college and pro as two different worlds. Is there anything they share that you've learned? Have you pulled something from college that can help you, Team USA, when you're dealing with LeBron and Steph or vice versa?

[JMac]

Oh, hey, tons of it. I think my players are so tired of me referencing them. And I was listening earlier to your show and just a great take on LeBron. I reference him so much with our team on just how he impacts winning. I mean, he is just all about winning and his preparation and how much film he watches. He watches as much film as the coaches, how he takes care of his body. And then to your point, how he communicates on the floor. I talk to my team time and time again. I mean, he hits the floor, he's calling out every ball screen, he's calling out every coverage. He's talking on offense. It's amazing. And I think that's why he's one of the greatest winners in the history of all sports, if you ask me. When you see the impact that he has. But then I'll reference Steph on his routine every day and how great he was at the end of every practice, no matter how hard we went or how long it been, he's in there just repping out his shots and he's going to take in games. And, yeah, I think the players are probably a little tired of it, but it's been a great source for me. And then conversely, I shared with the USA guys, like, hey, you know, you you know, you watch that quarter gold series. This is one and done. This is not a seven game series. And you guys, you know, this is my world now. And you can't have. We can't have a bad day. And to their credit, man, their competitive will shine bright in the. In the biggest moment for us to be able to get that gold and get it done.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah. Hey, by the way, so I'm going to throw my hat and by the way, rip me to shreds if I'm wrong. Because you know, you know a million times more than I do. I said the other day, I said cooper.

[JMac]

Well, you were wrong on the, on the hair, like hair product comparison to making the athlete get stronger in the, in the weight room or whatever.

[Colin Cowherd]

Earlier.

[JMac]

Whatever. Thought that was a strange analogy. A great take on LeBron hair product. Yeah, I didn't quite. I didn't grasp that one. I'm usually right on with you, pal, but you lost me there.

[Colin Cowherd]

Okay, so we were talking about Cooper Flag, and he just does everything well, score and transition, can use his body. And I said, he's got some Jayson Tatum to him where there's nothing. I look at Jayson Tatum and say he can do kind of everything. Who is the comp for Cooper Flag? Because I think Duke's really good and I think this kid Mark, he's ready to play in the NBA. It feels to me like right away and can score right away.

[JMac]

Yeah, well, he showed that this summer. He scrimmaged against us and he was ready to go from the jump and went right at us. You know, it was just a scrimmage. It was our first scrimmage. Our guys were just getting off the beach and everything with Team USA and vacation. But yeah, he was very, very impressive. And the great thing about him, man, is he's. He's. He like, to your point, he does everything well. I mean, he can score if he has to. He's got a great feel for the game. I mean, he's got tremendous positional size. John's done a great job with him, I think. And he played for a great coach in Kevin Boyle at Montverd. And he really understands defense and he impacts the game in a big way on the defensive end. So, yeah, he's gonna. He's gonna have a huge impact from day one, but it's gonna be one of those impacts. Like he does everything well. You know, I think people are gonna pick up the paper and look at the stats, and it's not always about that. It's a little bit like LeBron. He impacts winning in a big way.

[Colin Cowherd]

Has there been a team. I ask you this every year and tell me. A team that none of us talking heads talk about and that you've seen them or watched them or scouted them and you're like, yeah, I'd rather avoid them in the tournament. I don't have any real interest. Has there been a little bit of a sleeper that, you know, sometimes we talk about the Dukes and the Gonzaga and the Carolinas. A little bit of a team that you think is better than people quite realize.

[JMac]

I mean, I think people realize how good they are. I do. But listen, what Houston's doing, what Kelvin's been able to do and to go through that league, I think they went 19 and one in that league is just remarkable. And the intensity that they bring and the physicality that they bring and, and now, you know, their offensive efficiency is better than it's been. I had a chance to watch them last week a little bit and was just came away just. I mean, I've always been impressed, but was really impressed with them. That's probably one that jumps out. I don't know if that really counts as an under the radar team though.

[Colin Cowherd]

Hey, you told us. I remember when Chet Holmgren was coming out and I said, he's skilled, little skinny. And you said, oh no, this guy's tough. This guy's a fighter.

[JMac]

Yes.

[Colin Cowherd]

And I gotta tell you, he's good. He is a fighter. He is tough. By the way, sga, I saw him in college. I'm like, what is that skinny? That kid's developed into something that's insane.

[JMac]

My goodness. He torched us. Not this summer, but the year before in usa. And I mean, got to see him up close and personal in that. Just, he's one of those guys. You know how Steph changed the analytics back in the day with shooting threes? I'm telling you, sga, with that pull up jumper in the tough two. I mean, watching that firsthand, it was funny. I mean, I was sharing that with Ty Lu, like, okay, our drop coverage isn't going to work.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah.

[JMac]

But this guy, we had to start trapping him because he's just made. That's, that's a layup for him, that little pull up and that's what you give up and drop coverage. But yeah, they've had a terrific, terrific year. Mark, their head coach has done a beautiful job of kind of navigating through that. And Chet, I think that's one thing that's being underrated a little bit Is Chet coming back for them? I mean, you talk about just adding another incredible piece and just an incredible entity. And he's a competitive, competitive dude, man. And he, he's got a big, big, strong belief in himself and he's. His body might not look like it, but that dude is tough as nails.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah. You know, we were talking about this earlier a couple, couple more is that I said I like analytics. I absolutely believe in it. But I always joke, what I really like is, man, analytics, which is when you get into big games. I want Jimmy Butler and Andrew Wiggins. Both average 18. Jimmy Butler is a handful. Like, they're both wing guys that average 18. They're totally different players. Is that when you get into the tournament? Sometimes I like, I always love Jalen Suggs. I like guys that get in your kitchen. I like physical guys. Do you think sometimes with analytics, are there players that you've had or seen at USA and you're like, yeah, I'm sorry, the analytics don't quite get the player.

[JMac]

Absolutely 100%. And I'm so with you on that point. At some point, I mean, it just comes down to who can make a play. And especially as you get deeper into the tournament, you know, and, and deeper into the game, it's going to come down to, you know, do they have that moxie? Do they have that grit? Do they have that toughness? Do they have that. Everybody says they have confidence and swag, but do they really, really have that? I mean, again, I referenced the Team usa, but look at, you know, look at the shots Steph said. Look at LeBron, the shots that he made down the stretch. Look at the, the pull up the KD hit against Serbia. I mean, just monster, monster shots and just happened because those guys are just so good and have such incredible belief in themselves. You have to have a guy like that going down the stretch of the games. And analytics has nothing to do with that. In fact, you got to just throw it out the windows in some cases. Colin, you'll be playing against the guy and the staff will say, well, he's shooting 20% from 3. And I'm like, I don't care. At the end of the game, you know, we are double teaming him because I've, I've seen him time and time again. Just make those shots.

[Colin Cowherd]

Okay. Finally, I'm not a big pill popper, but a week ago, my daughter, I, I'm a crappy sleeper. She said, dad, I said, I can't sleep. She goes, oh, look, she pulled out her pharmacy drawer and she Gave me magnesium. And you're. You're a lousy sleeper, too.

[JMac]

Yes. In season. In season, I'm a bad sleeper.

[Mark Few]

Yeah.

[Colin Cowherd]

Now, have you. And now tell me your magnesium backstory.

[JMac]

Well, first of all, I was listening to that show, and it was the day we were kind of setting this up. Your entire staff was just fit to be tied with you on magnesium. They were saying you were a maniac. And I was saying. I was texting back with them. I was like, I thought that was one of his best shows. So, yes, my daughter came to me and actually shared this thing with magnesium. She had this little oil shed. Rub it on the bottom of your feet, dad. And I was like, come on. And I'm just telling you, I slept for eight hours that night. It's the best sleep I've had in a while. So when you started going off on it, I'm a big believer.

[Colin Cowherd]

Hey, by the way, two Final Fours. You look great. Your energy's through the roof. Jay Wright's a friend of mine. I couldn't figure out why he retired. He probably didn't want that Nil. Nonsense. You should just. Steph Curry said something the other day. Steph said, I'll retire. It's not about stats. When I can no longer dominate a game, I'm out. Is there going to be something with you? Because you. Your energy is insane. You're in great shape. What will be the thing where you're like, all right, I'm going to shut her down and golf and go to my, you know, lake house and hang out?

[JMac]

Yeah. Don't. Don't forget fly fishing there.

[Colin Cowherd]

I know. That's good. That's good.

[JMac]

Yeah. I mean, I think probably when. When you don't feel you're having the. The same type of impact on. On your guys. And then. And then the other thing I would say, Colin, like, I honestly think there's a point where you get to where, you know, other people need to enjoy this spot, you know, and other people need to have the chance to do this, too, you know, that's why I don't see hanging on until you're, you know, I mean, some guys, it's fine if they want to hang on till they're 80, but I just think it's time at some point it's good to share it. I got a great staff here, and it's time for them to experience this as a head coach, you know, at some point. So I think all of those factors go in. But, you know, as long as it's still fun, It's a huge challenge adapting. I mean, we could do a whole nother show on all the adaptations that have needed to be made in the last, like, 12 months in this profession. But, you know, you just, you have to be willing to kind of be flexible. And then I think doing the USA basketball stints have really helped me kind of understand it from maybe the professional side.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah. It's great seeing you, my man. Great seeing you. Yeah, you too, Mark.

[JMac]

You too. You look well rested this week and.

[Colin Cowherd]

You will be in about a month. You'll be well rested in a month. Great theme, Mark.

[JMac]

Yeah.

[Mark Few]

All right.

[JMac]

Take care.

[Colin Cowherd]

All right. He just, you know, he's. He and Coach K have really figured it out. You do a little bit of the Olympic stuff, which is just so fun, so international. And then you, you, you dominate a college landscape. And it's, you know, I went to college right next to Gonzaga, so it's. Spokane's really a beautiful place. Even the winter, it's cold. So what, you're indoors playing basketball. If it was too nice, you'd want to be outside. This podcast is brought to you by Pfizer. If you're 50 or older, getting sick can keep you away from where you need to be. You don't want surprises like pneumococcal pneumonia or invasive pneumococcal disease. You're 6.4 times more likely to get pneumococcal pneumonia compared with adults 18 to 49. It's recommended that people 50 or older get vaccinated. Being sick could get between you and the people who rely on you. So schedule your shot@vax assist.com. 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 at. What's up with Hate? Famous Smoke's been offering the best selection of premium cigars at the best prices for 85 years. And somehow they're still the best kept secret, family owned and stocked with millions of cigars, all delivered fast and fresh to your door. Go online to famous smoke.com and use code CLAY. For 20 bucks off your order of $99 or more, get your favorite brands like Fuente, Romeo, Monte Cristo, and Cohiba. Or try something new. Get the best cigars at better prices than your local shop. Famous smoke.com promo code clay hi everybody. This message is brought to you by the official Whiskey of the Herd with Colin Coward podcast, Green River Whiskey. As you know, we've been having some fun getting to know Green River Whiskey, and we just learned they've launched their first advertising campaign in more than 100 years. You see, it seems the team from Green river in reviving the whiskey have accidentally also revived its resident ghost. So if you want to see the ghost of Green river come to Life, check out greenriverwhiskey on their YouTube channel or head on over to greenriverwhiskey.com here's to green River Whiskey. Raise your spirits. Product of Green River Distilling Company, Owensboro, Kentucky. Alcohol by volume, varies by product. Greenriverwhiskey.com Please drink responsibly.