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

Release Date: February 19, 2025
Host/Authors: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
Description: The Herd with Colin Cowherd offers a thought-provoking, opinionated, and topic-driven exploration of the day's top sports stories. In the "Best of The Herd" episode, hosts LeVar Arrington, Brady Quinn, Jonas Knox, and Dallas Goddard delve into significant sports topics, including NFL's international ventures, player movements, and standout personal stories.

1. Dallas Goddard’s Journey with Plaque Psoriasis and Otezla

Timestamp: [00:44] – [01:19]

The episode begins with Dallas Goddard sharing his personal battle with plaque psoriasis, a chronic skin condition that presents challenges both personally and professionally as a football player.

Dallas Goddard:
"Being a football player with plaque psoriasis can be challenging. My skin gets flaky and itchy, so my doctor told me about Otezla. It works from the inside out." [00:53]

He emphasizes the transformative impact of Otezla, a prescription medication that has significantly improved his quality of life.

Dallas Goddard:
"Talking to my doctor about a pill was a total game changer." [01:19]

2. NFL’s Continued Expansion to Brazil: Chargers to Open the Season

Timestamp: [04:32] – [22:50]

A major focus of the episode is the NFL's strategic decision to host regular-season games in Brazil, marking the Los Angeles Chargers as the home team for the first Friday night game of the season.

LeVar Arrington:
"The first Friday of the season this year is none other than the Los Angeles Chargers. They will be in Brazil." [07:08]

Discussion Points:

• Previous Year’s Success: The return to Brazil suggests the previous international game was successful enough to warrant continuation.

• Potential Opponents: Hosts speculate on possible opposing teams, considering divisional matchups and recent performance, such as the Packers, Eagles, Texans, Colts, Commanders, Steelers, Vikings, and potentially avoiding recently victorious teams like the Philadelphia Eagles.

• Media Rights and Broadcasting:
  Jonas Knox:
  "NFC is Fox, AFC is CBS, so it would likely be a CBS game unless there are changes to the usual broadcasting rights." [09:00]

• Challenges of International Expansion:
  The hosts discuss the logistical and cultural challenges of introducing American football to a predominantly soccer-focused Brazil. Issues like fan engagement, local market reception, and the financial viability of such ventures are analyzed.

  Dallas Goddard:
  "It's a dilemma and a challenge to try to figure out how do you grow and expand the sport." [20:00]

• Historical Context:
  Reflecting on NFL Europe’s eventual discontinuation, the hosts debate whether the current efforts in Brazil can overcome past shortcomings.

  LeVar Arrington:
  "NFL Euro didn’t work, but there is still an audience abroad that the NFL is targeting." [12:00]

3. Quarterback Speculations for the Chargers: Matthew Stafford vs. Aaron Rodgers

Timestamp: [36:43] – [46:18]

The conversation shifts to potential quarterback transitions within the Los Angeles Chargers, focusing on Matthew Stafford's future with the team and the possibility of Aaron Rodgers taking his place.

Dallas Goddard:
"Your guy, Matthew Stafford, is he to go or not to go? That is the question." [36:43]

Brady Quinn:
"They might bring Aaron Rodgers in to replace Stafford, especially if there are connections through coaching staffs and organizational decisions." [37:03]

Key Insights:

• Stafford’s Performance: Despite speculation, Stafford remains a competitive and effective quarterback with a strong arm and leadership qualities.

• Rodgers’ Potential Fit: Aaron Rodgers could bring a new dynamic to the Chargers, leveraging his extensive experience and success in the league.

• Team Dynamics: The potential shift poses questions about team chemistry, fan reception, and overall strategy moving forward.

4. LeBron James Opting Out of the NBA All-Star Game

Timestamp: [47:57] – [55:29]

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around NBA superstar LeBron James deciding to opt out of the All-Star Game, sparking various theories and reactions.

Brady Quinn:
"LeBron says, here's what I'm gonna do. I'm gonna wreck your All-Star game." [49:59]

Discussion Points:

• Conspiracy Theories:
  Hosts entertain wild theories, including fictional narratives involving league officials and LeBron’s influence over league decisions.

• Impact on the Game:
  The absence of a major star like LeBron could affect viewership, fan engagement, and the overall prestige of the event.

• Media Response:
  The hosts critique how media outlets and league officials handle such decisions, highlighting potential biases and lack of transparent communication.

5. Guest Appearance: Petros Papadakis on Chargers’ Brazil Trip

Timestamp: [30:39] – [43:22]

Petros Papadakis, co-host of "Leave the Gun, Take the Cannoli," joins the discussion to provide insights and commentary on the Chargers' upcoming game in Brazil.

LeVar Arrington:
"Petros Papadakis is here to discuss the Chargers going to Brazil. What's the plan?" [43:12]

Key Insights:

• Fan Base Expansion:
  Petros elaborates on the NFL’s objectives to tap into new markets and expand its global footprint, especially in regions with emerging American football interest.

• Cultural Integration:
  The challenge of blending American football traditions with Brazilian sports culture is addressed, emphasizing the need for strategic marketing and community engagement.

• Future Prospects:
  Discussion on the long-term viability of international games and the potential for establishing permanent NFL presence in Brazil.

6. Closing Remarks and Upcoming Segments

Timestamp: [55:29] – [58:14]

The episode concludes with light-hearted banter among the hosts, addressing upcoming shows, and teasing future content. Discussions touch on various pop culture references and humorous anecdotes, maintaining the engaging and entertaining tone characteristic of The Herd.

Notable Quotes:

• Dallas Goddard on Otezla:
  "Talking to my doctor about a pill was a total game changer." [01:19]

• LeVar Arrington on NFL’s Global Strategy:
  "They are expanding their borders, trying to develop a fan base in South America." [11:36]

• Brady Quinn on Quarterback Changes:
  "I think the pragmatic thing to do is to bring in Matt Stafford again. He's still playing on a high level." [46:13]

• Jonas Knox on International Games:
  "If you normalize the ability to play regular-season games in foreign countries, it brings more excitement to the sport." [14:22]

Conclusion:

In the "Best of The Herd" episode, the hosts provide comprehensive coverage of pressing sports topics, blending insightful analysis with engaging discussions. From personal health journeys and international sports strategies to speculative discussions on player movements and media influences, the episode offers a well-rounded perspective for both avid sports fans and casual listeners.