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

Release Date: May 27, 2025

Introduction

In the "Best of The Herd" episode, host Colin Cowherd, alongside co-hosts Nick Wright and J. Mac, delves into a comprehensive analysis of the current sports landscape. The discussion spans the NBA playoffs, the evolving dynamics of NFL quarterbacks, significant shifts in college football, and the attributes that make NBA players truly exhilarating. This summary captures the essence of their conversations, highlighting key insights and notable quotes with corresponding timestamps.

1. NBA Playoffs Analysis: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) vs. Anthony Edwards (Ant)

The episode opens with an in-depth examination of the ongoing NBA playoffs, focusing on the performances of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) from Oklahoma City (OKC) and Anthony Edwards (Ant) from Minnesota. The co-hosts debate the consistency, maturity, and impact of both players on their respective teams.

• Consistency and Maturity: J. Mac emphasizes SGA's reliability, stating, “[00:XX] SGA is the MVP and you get the same game every night. He doesn’t fall out of his game, regardless of what you throw at him.”

• Performance Under Pressure: The discussion highlights SGA’s ability to maintain high performance levels, contrasting it with Ant’s more volatile scoring patterns. J. Mac notes, “[00:XX] Ant still has volatility to his game. SGA is oatmeal for breakfast, he's a BLT for lunch, and those puppies last forever.”

• Team Impact: The conversation underscores how SGA’s scoring correlates with team success, mentioning, “[00:XX] The Thunder are now 131 this season when he scores 40 plus points. That wasn't the case with Kobe.”

Key Takeaway: SGA is portrayed as a consistent and refined player whose performance directly contributes to his team's success, whereas Ant, though highly talented and dynamic, still shows variability in his game.

2. NFL Quarterbacks and Parental Influence: The Case of Shadour Sanders

Transitioning to the NFL, the hosts discuss the role of parental influence in the development and public perception of young quarterbacks, using Shadour Sanders of the Cleveland Browns as a case study.

• Parental Scrutiny: J. Mac criticizes the overbearing influence of quarterback dads, stating, “[XX:XX] Quarterback dad has become pageant mom. Your heart is in the right place. You have good intent. You are hurting your sons.”

• Comparison with the Manning Family: The conversation draws parallels with the Manning dynasty, highlighting how John Elway succeeded without his father’s public interference. J. Mac remarks, “[XX:XX] What about John Elway? His dad wasn't on TV telling teams, don't draft my son.”

• Implications for Young Quarterbacks: The hosts express concern that excessive parental involvement can hinder the natural development and decision-making skills of emerging quarterbacks. J. Mac concludes, “[XX:XX] Shadour's got it right. It's dad, it's Pops. He got in the way.”

Key Takeaway: While parental support is valuable, over-involvement can lead to unnecessary scrutiny and pressure, potentially impeding the growth and autonomy of young quarterbacks.

3. Aaron Rodgers’ Potential Retirement and Future Moves

The topic shifts to NFL veteran Aaron Rodgers, exploring hints about his potential retirement and future with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

• Retirement Speculations: Colin Cowherd references Rodgers’ recent comments, stating, “[22:25] Aaron Rodgers is going to be a Pittsburgh Steeler. He also mentioned playing for $10 million, indicating that money isn't his primary motivator.”

• Performance Considerations: The discussion touches upon Rodgers’ illustrious career and the challenges he faces in maintaining performance levels. J. Mac notes, “[XX:XX] If you don’t have, if you have one NBA Finals appearance as a coach, but you’ve won the coach of the year four times, I’m putting you below Phil Jackson.”

• Fan and Team Impact: The hosts debate how Rodgers’ potential move could affect both the team dynamics and his legacy. Colin Cowherd questions, “[XX:XX] If I didn’t do it, would that make a difference in how I’m viewed in the Packers eyes?”

Key Takeaway: Aaron Rodgers is at a crossroads in his career, with speculations about retirement intensified by his statements regarding future team affiliations and contractual terms.

4. College Football Evolution: USC, Notre Dame, and Conference Realignments

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the evolving landscape of college football, particularly focusing on the University of Southern California (USC) and its strategies amid conference realignments.

• USC's Strategic Decisions: J. Mac discusses USC’s approach to scheduling and conference play, stating, “[XX:XX] USC has decided to take the cold, calculated route when it comes to playing Notre Dame, prioritizing playoff odds over tradition.”

• Lincoln Riley’s Philosophy: The conversation highlights coach Lincoln Riley’s emphasis on reaching the playoffs rather than adhering strictly to traditional rivalries. J. Mac asserts, “[XX:XX] Lincoln Riley is paid to get to the playoff, not cling to games.”

• Impact of Conference Changes: The hosts elaborate on how the Pac-12’s dissolution and the introduction of new rivalries are reshaping college football dynamics. J. Mac comments, “[XX:XX] Once you introduce big money into anything, it doesn't go backwards, it doesn't retreat.”

Key Takeaway: College football is undergoing significant changes driven by financial incentives and strategic priorities, leading schools like USC to adapt their schedules and rivalries to optimize playoff opportunities.

5. What Makes an NBA Player Exciting? A Historical Perspective

In an engaging segment, the hosts explore the qualities that make certain NBA players stand out as exceptionally exciting to watch, contrasting them with merely proficient players.

• Defining Excitement: J. Mac lists legendary players known for their electrifying playstyles, including Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, LeBron James, and Steph Curry. He states, “[XX:XX] Players that are exhilarating to watch in the history of the NBA include Dr. J, David Thompson, Michael Jordan, Magic Bird, LeBron, Steph, Dominique, Ant, Clyde Drexler, Kobe, Shaq, and Charles Barkley.”

• Contrast with Proficient Players: The conversation differentiates between players who consistently perform and those who offer dynamic, highlight-reel moments. J. Mac notes, “[XX:XX] We've had more SGA's than we've had Ant’s.”

• Player Development and Consistency: The hosts argue that while proficiency is vital, the ability to deliver standout performances consistently defines a player's legacy. J. Mac adds, “[XX:XX] It's hard to quantify Super Bowls, division titles, productivity, winning big games, iconic moments – they all count, but nothing’s everything.”

Key Takeaway: The most memorable NBA players are those who combine consistent performance with moments of exceptional skill and excitement, creating lasting legacies beyond mere statistical achievements.

Conclusion

The "Best of The Herd" episode offers a rich and nuanced exploration of current sports narratives, blending statistical analysis with personal insights. From dissecting the nuances of NBA playoff performances and the developmental challenges of young NFL quarterbacks to examining the transformative shifts in college football, the hosts provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the sports world’s evolving dynamics. Additionally, their reflection on what constitutes an exciting NBA player adds depth to the appreciation of athletic excellence.

Notable Quotes:

1. SGA vs. Ant Discussion

   • J. Mac: “SGA is the MVP and you get the same game every night. He doesn’t fall out of his game, regardless of what you throw at him.” [00:XX]
   • J. Mac: “Ant still has volatility to his game. SGA is oatmeal for breakfast, he's a BLT for lunch, and those puppies last forever.” [00:XX]

2. Quarterback Parental Influence

   • J. Mac: “Quarterback dad has become pageant mom. Your heart is in the right place. You have good intent. You are hurting your sons.” [XX:XX]
   • J. Mac: “What about John Elway? His dad wasn't on TV telling teams, don't draft my son.” [XX:XX]

3. Aaron Rodgers’ Future

   • Colin Cowherd: “Aaron Rodgers is going to be a Pittsburgh Steeler. He also mentioned playing for $10 million, indicating that money isn't his primary motivator.” [22:25]
   • J. Mac: “If you don’t have, if you have one NBA Finals appearance as a coach, but you’ve won the coach of the year four times, I’m putting you below Phil Jackson.” [XX:XX]

4. College Football Changes

   • J. Mac: “USC has decided to take the cold, calculated route when it comes to playing Notre Dame, prioritizing playoff odds over tradition.” [XX:XX]
   • J. Mac: “Lincoln Riley is paid to get to the playoff, not cling to games.” [XX:XX]
   • J. Mac: “Once you introduce big money into anything, it doesn't go backwards, it doesn't retreat.” [XX:XX]

5. NBA Player Excitement

   • J. Mac: “Players that are exhilarating to watch in the history of the NBA include Dr. J, David Thompson, Michael Jordan, Magic Bird, LeBron, Steph, Dominique, Ant, Clyde Drexler, Kobe, Shaq, and Charles Barkley.” [XX:XX]
   • J. Mac: “We've had more SGA's than we've had Ant’s.” [XX:XX]

This episode of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" encapsulates a dynamic range of sports discussions, providing listeners with both statistical insights and personal viewpoints that enrich their understanding of contemporary sports issues.