Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd - Best of The Herd (Released March 19, 2025)
Host: Colin Cowherd
Guest: Jason McIntyre
Platform: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
1. Episode Overview
In the "Best of The Herd" episode, host Colin Cowherd engages in an insightful and dynamic conversation with former NFL tight end Jason McIntyre. The discussion traverses multiple high-profile sports topics, including the latest developments surrounding Aaron Rodgers, Shohei Ohtani's exceptional baseball performance, the NCAA basketball tournament dynamics, and shifts within the tight end position in the NFL. The episode is punctuated with Colin’s characteristic blend of humor and analytical commentary, complemented by Jason’s insider perspectives from his extensive football career.
2. Aaron Rodgers' Future in the NFL
Aaron Rodgers' Team Options and Performance Concerns
Colin initiates the conversation by delving into the uncertain future of Aaron Rodgers following his departure from the Minnesota Vikings. He remarks:
"Once you are out of your great years, you could be a high-end chef, a quarterback, a movie star, a law partner. You lose your fastball."
— Colin Cowherd [05:15]
Jason elaborates on Rodgers' diminished leverage in the market:
"The terms are different now. You know, the terms used to be when you're in your prime and you're great, the terms are your terms. You have the leverage. You have the pole, the levers. He doesn't."
— Jason McIntyre [05:40]
Potential Teams and Retirement Speculations
The discussion touches upon Rodgers' possible destinations, with Jason speculating:
"My guess would maybe be the Steelers."
— Jason McIntyre [39:11]
Colin counters by expressing concerns about team fit:
"You like the Steelers? They don't have a left tackle. That worries me."
— Colin Cowherd [39:14]
Jason reflects on Rodgers' possible preferences and relationships within the NFL:
"I feel like he wants more of just something completely new, completely different, potentially get out of New York."
— Jason McIntyre [39:18]
Character Analysis of Aaron Rodgers
Throughout the segment, Colin and Jason analyze Rodgers' personality traits and their impact on his career trajectory. Colin notes Rodgers' combative nature:
"I think I've said this before, he can be combative, no doubt with his family... that's who he is."
— Colin Cowherd [41:14]
Jason adds a personal perspective, highlighting the complexities of Rodgers' character:
"If you don't really have the time to kind of like sit there and get to know him and be with him on the day in and day out basis, your opinion is probably going to be just like everybody else's opinion that don't really know him."
— Jason McIntyre [40:53]
3. Shohei Ohtani’s Stellar Baseball Performance
Ohtani's Multifaceted Talent
Shifting gears, Colin praises Shohei Ohtani's unparalleled contributions to baseball:
"Is there anybody in sports right now that meets the moment like Shohei?... So, you take him off the Dodgers... You put him on the Dodgers."
— Colin Cowherd [07:20]
Comparisons to Legendary Athletes
Jason draws parallels between Ohtani and other sports legends:
"He's a leadoff hitter. Okay. Why? Because he's so fast. ... He's not even using yet. The pitching part."
— Jason McIntyre [09:00]
Impact on the Dodgers and MLB
Colin emphasizes Ohtani's transformative effect on the MLB and team strategies:
"They're doing it right now without a full lineup. They've got two potential all-star level pitchers, two all-star position players not playing pretty special."
— Colin Cowherd [09:30]
4. NCAA Basketball Tournament and SEC Teams
Tournament Selections and SEC Performance
Colin and Jason dissect the selection process for the NCAA basketball tournament, focusing on the prominence of SEC teams:
"The SEC jump off the TV. More skill from the perimeter, more... balance. Offense, the defense, like the Big Ten."
— Jason McIntyre [26:10]
Impact of Conference Strength on Tournament Outcomes
Jason predicts the potential success of SEC teams based on their rigorous conference play:
"I think the SEC is going to... you’re going to see Tennessee, Florida, Auburn, you're going to see some of these SEC teams that were in incredibly intense, sold out arenas."
— Jason McIntyre [27:38]
Discussion on North Carolina's Tournament Standings
Colin expresses support for North Carolina, critiquing West Virginia's camp:
"If you lead by 40 and are favored over an SEC team, it's not an egregious poll to get North Carolina in again."
— Colin Cowherd [35:06]
Jason concurs, highlighting the SEC's depth and competitiveness:
"And if you... SEC by the end of this weekend you're going to be like, yeah, so they have 14 teams in the field."
— Jason McIntyre [27:40]
5. Evolution of the Tight End Position in the NFL
Changing Responsibilities and Team Strategies
Jason shares his insights into how the tight end role has transformed over his 19-year career:
"The responsibility of the tight end is changing as time goes on. ... more depth at these different positions to kind of take the workload off of the number one guys."
— Jason McIntyre [29:39]
Strategic Player Rotations
He discusses the strategic use of multiple tight ends to maintain player freshness:
"Like you think of the running backs and you have your guy that runs in between the tackles... but it keeps guys fresh."
— Jason McIntyre [31:27]
Jason McIntyre’s Career Longevity and Mindset
Colin and Jason explore the mindset required for a prolonged career in the NFL:
"I've been playing football since I was 7 years old... my mentality is what sets me apart."
— Jason McIntyre [31:54]
Jason underscores the importance of adaptability and grit:
"It's about the grit and the grind, and that's what I thrive off of."
— Jason McIntyre [33:22]
6. Future Prospects and Personal Anecdotes
Potential Retirement and Career Moves
Jason contemplates his future in the NFL, balancing team opportunities with personal aspirations:
"I'm at 19. Obviously, that's all fine and dandy, but 20, just, you know, where. I don't know where yet."
— Jason McIntyre [37:00]
He expresses a fondness for Chicago, considering it a favorable location for potential team relocations:
"Chicago is probably one of my favorite cities I've ever been in. The architecture, everything... the food is amazing."
— Jason McIntyre [33:30]
Casual Banter about Chicago and the Chicago Bears
Colin and Jason engage in light-hearted discussions about life in Chicago and the Chicago Bears:
Colin: "You're busy. You have a life."
Jason: "I gotta stop by more."
— Colin Cowherd & Jason McIntyre [44:29]
Jason highlights the camaraderie within the Bears' team:
"DJ is like... he's a dude. I love DJ."
— Jason McIntyre [45:19]
7. Closing Remarks and Final Thoughts
As the conversation winds down, Colin and Jason exchange friendly remarks, reflecting on their professional and personal rapport. Colin humorously suggests potential future collaborations:
"Maybe we'll go into business someday. I got a podcast company."
— Colin Cowherd [45:36]
Jason affirms his commitment to excellence and preparedness for future opportunities:
"I'll be ready when that time comes."
— Jason McIntyre [37:25]
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
-
Colin Cowherd [05:15]:
"Once you are out of your great years, you could be a high-end chef, a quarterback, a movie star, a law partner. You lose your fastball." -
Jason McIntyre [05:40]:
"The terms are different now. You know, the terms used to be when you're in your prime and you're great, the terms are your terms. You have the leverage. You have the pole, the levers. He doesn't." -
Jason McIntyre [39:11]:
"My guess would maybe be the Steelers." -
Jason McIntyre [40:53]:
"If you don't really have the time to kind of like sit there and get to know him and be with him on the day in and day out basis, your opinion is probably going to be just like everybody else's opinion that don't really know him." -
Colin Cowherd [07:20]:
"Is there anybody in sports right now that meets the moment like Shohei?... So, you take him off the Dodgers... You put him on the Dodgers." -
Jason McIntyre [29:39]:
"The responsibility of the tight end is changing as time goes on. ... more depth at these different positions to kind of take the workload off of the number one guys."
Conclusion
"The Herd with Colin Cowherd - Best of The Herd" episode offers a rich exploration of contemporary sports narratives, enriched by Jason McIntyre's veteran insights and personal anecdotes. From dissecting Aaron Rodgers' career crossroads to celebrating Shohei Ohtani's extraordinary talents, the episode delivers a comprehensive coverage of pivotal sports developments. Additionally, the discussion on the evolving role of tight ends in the NFL provides valuable perspectives for enthusiasts and aspiring athletes alike. The engaging dialogue, underpinned by notable quotes and authentic camaraderie, makes this episode a must-listen for sports aficionados seeking depth and nuanced analysis.