Best of The Herd

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Best of The Herd Release Date: April 1, 2025
Host: Colin Cowherd
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

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Introduction In the "Best of The Herd" episode, host Colin Cowherd delves into a comprehensive analysis of the current sports landscape, covering significant developments in baseball, the NBA, the NFL, and the burgeoning soccer scene in the United States. The episode features insightful discussions with notable guests, including J. Mac, Terry Francona, and JJ Redick, providing listeners with an in-depth understanding of recent trends and future projections in various sports.

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1. Baseball: Innovations, Torpedo Bats, and Offensive Surge

Colin opens the discussion by highlighting the transformative changes in baseball, particularly the introduction of the torpedo bat. This innovation has significantly bolstered offensive performance across the league.

• Ellie De La Cruz's Impact:

  • "Ellie De La Cruz plays for the Cincinnati Reds and he's one of the great players in baseball that doesn't play for the Yankees or the Mets or the Dodgers or the Phillies or the Atlanta Braves or the Houston Astros." ([03:51])
  • De La Cruz's use of the torpedo bat has been instrumental in increasing home runs and RBIs, exemplifying the positive shift towards more dynamic offensive play.

• League-Wide Offensive Growth:

  • "Ten teams now are averaging six runs." ([04:30])
  • The statistic underscores a league-wide surge in scoring, making games more action-packed and appealing to fans.

• Terry Francona on Technological Enhancements:

  • "When you embrace innovation and don't fight it as a sport... it is just kind of enhancing greatness." ([09:50])
  • Francona praises the integration of technology and new equipment in enhancing player performance while maintaining the sport's integrity.

• Concerns and Comparisons:

  • Colin addresses potential concerns regarding the balance between offense and pitching, noting that the changes have not yet extended game durations significantly.
  • "Baseball decided, you know what we're going to get, we're going to join a Pilates class and be hip." ([05:15])

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2. NBA: Lakers' Unconventional Defensive Strategy

Transitioning to the NBA, Colin examines the Los Angeles Lakers' recent defensive performances under LeBron James' leadership.

• Recent Game Analysis:

  • "The Lakers don’t play defense a lot... but when they do, it’s good. They are 10 and 1." ([07:45])
  • The Lakers have showcased sporadic but effective defensive strategies, leading to significant wins against top-seeded teams like Houston.

• Home Court Advantage:

  • "They need home court advantage. So the Lakers are 29-9 at home. They're a very good home team. Surprisingly awful on the road." ([08:30])
  • Colin emphasizes the importance of leveraging their strong home record to secure a favorable playoff positioning.

• Team Composition and Playoffs Outlook:

  • "These games against Houston... are important because it'll give them a week off with an older roster." ([09:10])
  • The discussion highlights the strategic rest periods and defensive focus that could be pivotal in the playoffs.

• Notable Quotes:

  • "When you watch this game last night, Dorian, Vinnie Smith is on the floor and you only got 36 points total from LeBron and Luka." ([09:00])

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3. NFL: Overtime Rule Changes and Betting Insights

Colin provides an analysis of recent changes to the NFL's overtime rules and shares his insights on over/under betting trends.

• Overtime Modifications:

  • "Both teams now get the ball once. It's going to be 10 minutes." ([43:00])
  • The new rules aim to streamline overtime periods, reducing the number of plays and enhancing game pace.

• Betting Strategies:

  • "Last year we hit big on Denver, the Rams, and Washington. Those were the three teams I thought those are the overs." ([13:27])
  • Colin discusses his favorite over/under bets, providing predictions for various AFC and NFC teams.

• Key Betting Picks:

  • "I would take the Commanders over nine and a half, the Patriots over seven and a half, and the Titans over five and a half." ([49:29])
  • His selections are based on team performance, coaching strategies, and player health.

• Notable Quotes:

  • "You know, it's a good team. They're not the best in the league, but they're very good." ([08:30])

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4. Soccer: Club World Cup and Growth in the United States

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to soccer's expansion in the US, featuring an interview with Gianni Infantino, FIFA President.

• Club World Cup Introduction:

  • "So it's called the Club World Cup. So not this summer. The following summer is the World Cup." ([20:12])
  • Infantino discusses the establishment of the Club World Cup in the US, aiming to crown a true world champion with a billion-dollar prize.

• Growth Statistics:

  • "According to Forbes, the number of United States people who have been soccer fans for five years or fewer... up 57% year over year." ([25:06])
  • The statistics reveal a boom in soccer's popularity, with a 400% increase in first-time fans over a year.

• Impact of Hosting the World Cup:

  • "We know that the two World Cups... will change us fundamentally." ([23:15])
  • Hosting the World Cup is expected to exponentially boost the sport's presence and infrastructure in the US.

• Gianni Infantino's Insights:

  • "You cannot be satisfied to be number 20 in the number one sport in the world." ([27:03])
  • Infantino emphasizes America's potential to lead in soccer, leveraging its status as a global powerhouse.

• Notable Quotes:

  • "The World Cup has 6 billion viewers. This requires a lot of organization and we are here for that." ([24:37])

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5. NFL Draft: Quarterback Selections and Shador Sanders' Status

Colin and J. Mac engage in a detailed discussion about the NFL draft, focusing on quarterback prospects and the uncertain position of Shador Sanders.

• Quarterback Rankings:

  • "Shador Sanders is closer to the pack than he is to Cam Ward." ([53:49])
  • The conversation highlights Sanders' positioning relative to other quarterback prospects, indicating his slip in draft rankings.

• Team Strategies:

  • "The Jets are like, we're not going to take Jalen Milroe." ([55:18])
  • Strategies of teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Jets regarding their quarterback selections are dissected.

• Shador Sanders’ Outlook:

  • "He has to find a fit. He’s going to have to find a fit." ([54:33])
  • The uncertainty surrounding Sanders' draft position suggests a potential move to teams seeking long-term quarterback solutions.

• Notable Quotes:

  • "If you bring in Aaron Rodgers, you are just jamming on the pause button on the J.J. McCarthy era at best." ([48:32])

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6. Concluding Discussions and Future Topics

As the episode wraps up, Colin teases upcoming topics and engages in light-hearted banter with guests about personal preferences and speculative sports scenarios.

• Upcoming Events:

  • "Coming this summer, the Club World Cup before the World Cup, a year out." ([35:51])
  • Expectations for the upcoming soccer events and their potential impact on the sports ecosystem.

• Personal Anecdotes:

  • "I'm jealous of anybody who lives in Zurich and vacations in Italy." ([36:44])
  • Colin shares personal experiences and preferences, adding a relatable touch to the analytical discussions.

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Notable Quotes Extracted from the Episode:

• "Baseball decided, you know what we're going to get, we're going to join a Pilates class and be hip." – Colin Cowherd ([05:15])
• "When you watch this game last night, Dorian, Vinnie Smith is on the floor and you only got 36 points total from LeBron and Luka." – Colin Cowherd ([09:00])
• "You cannot be satisfied to be number 20 in the number one sport in the world." – Terry Francona ([27:03])
• "Shador Sanders is closer to the pack than he is to Cam Ward." – JJ Redick ([53:49])

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Conclusion

The "Best of The Herd" episode provides a multifaceted exploration of current sports trends, emphasizing the transformative changes in baseball, strategic shifts in the NBA, evolving NFL rules, and the rapid growth of soccer in the United States. Through engaging discussions and expert insights, Colin Cowherd and his guests offer valuable perspectives for sports enthusiasts seeking to stay informed about the dynamic world of sports.

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Listen to the Full Episode: For a more detailed analysis and additional insights, tune into the full episode of "Best of The Herd" on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or your preferred podcast platform.

Transcript

[Colin Cowherd]

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[J. Mac]

Yeah.

[Colin Cowherd]

So Ellie De La Cruz plays for the Cincinnati Reds and he's one of the great players in baseball that doesn't play for the Yankees or the Mets or the Dodgers or the Phillies or the Atlanta Braves or the Houston Astros. Ellie De La Cruz, couple of home runs, seven RBIs. Last night he used the torpedo bat. And now listen, the Minnesota Twins use the torpedo bat this weekend and got swept and scored six runs. So it's like Harry Potter. The wand is choosing the Wizard. All right, but it's another win for baseball. More runs, more, more action, more base runners. Ten teams now are averaging six runs. So last week I had Rob man for the commissioner of baseball and I said, you've got parody. The only problem is the pitchers are dominating hitters. You have too many teams hitting.240 like half the league. This morning you got seven teams hitting over.290 and it's not slowing the game down. Last night Cincinnati scored 14 runs. It took 2 hours and 25 minutes. So unlike when pitching dominates and pitching changes and you go to the bullpen and you bring on the fifth guy, those games get into three hours and 15 minutes. It's a Tuesday, Wednesday night. Nobody has that time. Takes you 40 minutes to get to the ballpark, 55 minutes to get home. People have lives. 81 home games. You got to create urgency. So we're now getting more offense, more hitting. And again, not everybody is using the bats. And you know, steroids was different. This is like legal hgh. Steroids would take guys that were non home run hitters. And I don't even need to mention names and suddenly they were in the race for the American League mvp. Now, it also helped guys like Barry Bonds allegedly, right. Or other guys, but they. You felt like a lot of times you were taking like AAA players and they were making the big leagues because of hgh. This is totally legal. And it's amazing when you embrace innovation and don't fight it as a sport. And baseball, man, baseball is heater crease, the size of the bases, you know, end extra inning games faster, speed the game up, defensive shift, torpedo bats, more offense, more guys stealing bases, more action. And, you know, it's like grandpa got a sports car. Baseball decided, you know what we're going to get, we're going to join a Pilates class and be hip. And of all the sports, baseball now is doing more stuff, right? And again, Ellie De La Cruz is great, but if you give Gordon Ramsay fresher seafood and better ingredients, you get a five star meal and that's what you're getting here. So, I mean, I, Aaron Judge and Ohtani are not using it yet and I'm not sure they have to. But this, this is not creating greatness. That was the illegal stuff, you know, that this is just kind of enhancing greatness. Ellie De La Cruz is amazing. Like now, he's amazing. Plus, and the Yankees led baseball last year in home runs and they're going to lead it with home runs. Plus, they're not making something again, there is clear magic in these bats, but it's helping Gordon Ramsay more than the guy at Applebee's. It's not making the Applebee's guy, you know, a Michelin chef, but it's taking the really good players and they are just harder to get out. But it's not extending the length of the game so far. And here's Terry Francona after. I think it's more of the player than the bat. I really meant that before the game. I still do. Yeah, yeah, I know it is, but it's for real and you better embrace it. I don't care if it's the one and done. The transfer portal. I don't care if it's three point shots. Don't get rigid on this stuff. It works. Order the bats now. So the Lakers won last night, but it was very unconventional. So the Lakers don't play defense a lot. Luke is not good at it. Austin reeves is okay. LeBron picks and chooses ones he wants to play defense. So the Lakers last night, they beat Memphis the other night and the reason it's a big deal is they just beat Houston Last night, a two seed and they beat Memphis, a five seed. And why that's a big deal, because the Lakers really pick and choose one. They want to play defense. LeBron's old Luca doesn't like it, and Austin Reeves is limited. So they pick and choose when they play defense. And here comes Houston last night, and Houston is fast, they're young, they're twitchy, and they're the kind of team that would give the Lakers fits. And the Lakers held them under 100 points. And this Laker team, when they decide to play defense is good. They're 10 and 1. They just don't play it a lot. And when you watch this game last night, Dorian, Vinnie Smith is on the floor and you only got 36 points total from LeBron and Luka. So this was one of those games where guys, the guys aren't humming at the top. We got to play defense. And I will say this about the Lakers is they need home court advantage. So the Lakers are 29, nine at home. They're a very good home team. They're not the best in the league, but they're very good. They're surprisingly awful on the road. They're sub 500. Generally, top six or seven teams in the NBA can be.500 or better on the road. Boston Celtics, by the way, often play better on the road than at home. That's when the warriors were great. Remember when they went into that final against the Celtics? They played their best game in Boston cross country, tired, older players. So the Lakers are not, not a very good road team. I'm not exactly sure why, but this is the way it's sizing up. So the Lakers need a few things. They need to be. They need to have a home court series in the playoffs. They're also, and they know it. These games against Houston, like last night in Memphis, are important because it'll give them a week off with an older RO. LeBron is an older player. It'll give them a week off to watch the playing stuff. But when they play defense, it's a real team they've got now. And I've been very critical of the Lakers front office. But right now, offensively, they can match up with anybody in the league, maybe, except Boston. That's probably about it. Boston is so deep, so many shooters, but the Lakers have three playmakers, I think four guys I would trust to take a big shot, two defensive specialists and an excellent coach. And last night, when you watch them play defense, and this is probably the effort you will get in the playoffs, pretty Good team. Here's JJ Redick. After, I think the.

[JJ Redick]

The competitive spirit and togetherness, we had to play really hard tonight to put.

[Terry Francona]

Ourselves in a position to win the basketball game.

[JJ Redick]

You know, we weathered some missed shots.

[Terry Francona]

Did a good job of taking care of the basketball. Empty the tank on the defensive end.

[Colin Cowherd]

It was fantastic. For the record, just for fun, we're going to make some assumptions here, but the playoffs, if they were to end today and we're making a couple of playing assumptions, kind of work in the Lakers favor. Okay, so there are teams that match up with the Lakers. Clippers are actually a pretty good matchup with. They've got a legit big. They've got a great coach. Well, the Clippers would open up with a Thunder that series. That's not going to work for them. Also, Lakers would open up with the Grizzlies, a team that's got kind of a mess right now. The coaching staff, they just fired their coach. You don't trust. I mean, John Morant's not having a good year shooting Memphis right now. You want to peak at the end of a year. They're a mess at the end of the year. That's great for the Lakers, Nuggets, Warriors. Nuggets going to win that series. That's a bad matchup for the Warriors. But you know what? I wouldn't want to face Steph and Jimmy Butler either. That would be one of the few teams the Lakers could face that has as much playoff experience. The warriors are going to get knocked out by the Nuggets. They cannot stop Jokic. They just do not match up at all. Draymond Green's great. He acknowledges it. We can't do anything. And then Rockets and T Wolves. I don't know who I would take there. That's a go either. I may take the T Wolves. That's a close one. That's a go either way. Series based on health, but it works out. You get the Clippers out, they've got experience. You get the warriors out, they've got experience. And then it's potentially the young Rockets, young okc and a Denver team, which, by the way, the Lakers have beaten this year. They've always played even when Denver was clearly better pre Luca. The Lakers always played Denver close. Now they have the offensive firepower. So just some assumptions here, but that defensive effort last night felt a little bit like a playoff game. Dorian Finney Smith playing a real defense. You know, you're not getting a perfect night from Luke and LeBron, although they gave you 36 points. Austin Reeves was good, but you needed other elements. They were at home. Close game held the team under 100. Very playoff feel for the Lakers. I can't get over the torpedo batch. J Mac. I can't get over it. The whole thing's crazy. It's just. It is.

[J. Mac]

Can we get one on set this week? Can you put a special order in? I'd love to feel it and swing it just to see what it's like.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah, it's, you know, people are. I've said this. If the Twins or Orioles were using them and that was it, nobody would care. Some of this is the Yankees. It's like the tush push. If Jacksonville was doing the tush push, nobody would really care. It's the Eagles. They're dominating. Nobody can stop it. There's, you know, we all know this. Everybody roots against Duke, yet everybody watches Duke. Everybody hates the tush push. But the ratings for the super bowl set a record. We know how the world works. Sports fans in America work. But it is, it is crazy what it's doing.

[J. Mac]

Well, it's weird. There is a gambling parallel. You know, sometimes you'll find a slight edge in gambling for a little while and you'll beat the market and then everybody will piggyback. For instance, Lakers first quarter bets. Well, guess what? Then the teams adjust. I'm curious how the pitchers will adjust to the torpedo bats if this keeps up. Like, are there radical adjustments to be made? I don't know.

[Colin Cowherd]

All right, next hour at the top of the hour. You know, I love over and unders in Vegas, so I'll take the entire NFL. There are three teams that are going to hit the over and three teams that are going to hit the under. This is my favorite part. I know, it's weird. I love the NFL schedule release. I'm obsessed. Even though I know who everybody plays next year already, I love. I like to see when it's in order. And the over unders. Last year we hit big on Denver, the Rams and Washington. Those were the three teams I thought those are the overs. So there's a couple obvious overs and there's a couple obvious unders. You don't want to be a sucker and just take the optimism route. There's a couple of obvious unders as well. That's going to come up in 50 minutes. 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, 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? 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. Omaha Steaks delivers the world's best steak experience and it brings people together with more than 100 years of family owned expertise as America's original butcher. Omaha Steak's legendary filet mignons are extra aged to maximize tenderness and are tested to the highest standards to maintain the coveted distinction of USDA certified tender. And now during their semi annual sale, you can get 50% off site wide at Omaha steaks.com plus our listeners get an extra $30 off with the promo code herdherd at checkout. This weekend was a great time to bust open my Omaha Steaks assortment. Pack air Chilled boneless chicken breasts, ribeye and steak burgers, gourmet jumbo franks. They're great butcher's cut top sirloins and for dessert, caramel apple tartlets. It doesn't get better than this. From legendary steaks to classic comfort food, bring home that exceptional handcrafted flavor and convenience of Omaha Steaks. Every steak perfectly aged. Five generations of uncompromising quality. Omaha Steaks has been America's original butcher since 1917. Don't miss the semiannual sale at Omaha Steaks. Visit OmahaSteaks.com for 50% off site wide and for an extra $30 off, use the promo code herdherd at checkout. That's 50% off at OmahaSteaks.com and an extra $30 off with a promo code herd at checkout. The finals are here. And the only thing for sure, it's the last time to bet on college basketball. This season been an amazing ride full of unexpected happenings. Maybe there'll be more. So get in on the action expected and unexpected with DraftKings sportsbook. Live betting promos, exclusive content parlays. I love those. DraftKings is the ultimate college basketball destination for March. So are you ready to make your first bet? Check out the matchups and pick a team to win. It's that simple. First time. Here's something special just for you. New DraftKings customers bet 5 bucks to get 150 bucks in bonus bets instantly. So bet the unexpected with DraftKings sportsbook. You download the Sportsbook app, the code is heard. That's me. H E R D for new customers, get 150 bucks in bonus bets. All you have to do is bet five bucks. That's it. Only on DraftKings. The crown is yours. Gambling problem. Call 1-800- gambler in New York. Call 877-8-Hopeny or text hopeny 467-369 in Connecticut. Help is available for problem gambling. Call 888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org Please play responsibly on behalf of Boot Hill Casino and Resort in Kansas. 21 plus. Age and eligibility varies by jurisdiction.

[Jeremy Hobson]

Void.

[Colin Cowherd]

In Ontario, new customers only. Bonus bets expire 168 hours after issuance. For additional terms and responsible gaming resources, see DKNG CO Audio.

[Jeremy Hobson]

We live in a divided country.

[Colin Cowherd]

I am a lifelong Republican with all.

[Jeremy Hobson]

Kinds of different people.

[Colin Cowherd]

You know, I'm a mother, I'm a grandmother.

[Jeremy Hobson]

That's why we started the Middle with Jeremy Hobson. It's about bringing voices not from the extremes, but from the vast middle into the national conversation.

[JJ Redick]

Anna, I'm calling from Las Vegas.

[Jeremy Hobson]

Each week we bring together an all star panel. Mark Cuban, so great to have you on the Middle.

[JJ Redick]

Thanks for having me. Jeremy.

[Jeremy Hobson]

Neil Degrasse Tyson, welcome to the Middle.

[Colin Cowherd]

Thanks for having me.

[Jeremy Hobson]

And hear from ordinary Americans from all over the country on the most important, important issues.

[JJ Redick]

Hi, my name is Venkat.

[Terry Francona]

I'm calling you from Atlanta, Georgia.

[Jeremy Hobson]

And when you subscribe to the Middle, you also get an episode each week called One Thing Trump did that focuses on just one item from the avalanche of news.

[Colin Cowherd]

We should be examining what our government spends its money on and are these jobs necessary? And what are we doing here? But that doesn't seem to be what we're doing in this situation.

[Jeremy Hobson]

Listen to the Middle with Jeremy Hobson on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Bob Pittman]

Hi, I'm Bob Pippman, chairman and CEO of iHeartMedia. I'm excited to introduce a brand new season of my podcast, Math and Stories from the Frontiers of Marketing. I'm having conversations with some interesting folks across a wide range of industries to hear how they reach the top of their fields and the lessons they learned along the way that everyone can use. I'll be joined by innovative leaders like chairman and CEO of Elf Beauty, Tarang Amin.

[J. Mac]

The way I approach risk is constantly try things and actually make it okay to fail.

[Bob Pittman]

I'm sitting down with legendary singer, songwriter and philanthropist Jewel.

[Colin Cowherd]

I wanted a way to do something that I loved for the rest of my life.

[Bob Pittman]

We're also hearing how leaders brought their businesses out of unprecedented times, like Stephane Bonsell, CEO of Moderna.

[Terry Francona]

It becomes a human decision to decide.

[Colin Cowherd]

To throw by the window your business strategy and to do what you think.

[JJ Redick]

Is the right thing for the world.

[Bob Pittman]

Join me as we uncover innovations in data and analytics, the math and the ever important creative spark, the magic. Listen to math and magic stories from the frontiers of Marketing on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcast.

[Colin Cowherd]

Well, the next year and a half in the United States, we are going to be the centerpiece of the world's greatest soccer. Gianni Infantino is the President since 2016 of FIFA. Not only a global citizen, seven different languages, a world traveler. I am jealous, I will admit. And you are joining us. So now it's called the Club World Cup. So not this summer. The following summer is the World Cup.

[Terry Francona]

Correct.

[Colin Cowherd]

We know about that. Harry Kane, Mbappe, our best players. The Club World cup is on our soil. We're lucky enough. Explain who will be involved in that. Do I get the best of the best?

[Terry Francona]

You get the best of the best. Well, Harry Kane and Mbappe will be there as well. So Leo Messi and many, many others, the 32 best club teams in the world.

[Colin Cowherd]

Now what's at stake? What kind of money are we talking about?

[Terry Francona]

Well, first of all, what is at stake is this incredible trophy here, which is beautiful, but the money we are talking about is one billion US dollar prize money which is there for grab for the winning team. First time we organize an event like that. First time there will be a club truly crowned world champion by FIFA.

[Colin Cowherd]

So we are seeing in Major League Baseball and we've seen it. Over the course of my life, Latin America has furnished us with great players Now Asian players coming over. The Dodgers have a pipeline to it, and it's absolutely helped the game. Ohtani is our biggest star. How is the United States viewed globally in soccer? Because I always felt. I remember the Kyle wrote junior days in the 70s. My mom was British. I went over there when Netherlands and England in the 70s were dominating Johan Cruy and the great British teams. And, you know, we were kind of clunky and our players weren't as aesthetically pleasing. How are we viewed now in the States?

[Terry Francona]

Well, I think what is. What is seen from outside of the United States is that, of course, in America, other sports are more important than soccer, which is the most important sport all over the world.

[Colin Cowherd]

Right.

[Terry Francona]

In every other country.

[Colin Cowherd]

Right.

[Terry Francona]

However, I think that the two World Cups, the one this summer of the team, of the clubs, and the next one of the countries next year, will change us fundamentally.

[Colin Cowherd]

Since you have been the president, what do the numbers say about the growth in the country? Because generally, when a World cup is hosted by us, even if it's not, but if it is, there tends to be exponential growth. So have you seen growth in your run as a FIFA president, United States, or.

[Terry Francona]

Definitely. We basically double the revenues when it comes to FIFA and the World cup by organizing it here. But what is important is that what happens here in America has an impact all over the world. So the growth figures cannot just be measured in the United States, but all over the world. And when it comes to both women's football, actually, and men's football, whenever we do something here, it has such an important global impact that, you know, it's just incredible for the game.

[Colin Cowherd]

When you look right now, I think I've said this before, I think this is the most talented group of players we've ever had. Now, we're young. When we got beat by Netherlands, clearly they had older, more senior players. We weren't at that level. That was almost aspirational a goal. I look at our team, it's kind of a golden age of soccer. The academy system, we have many players over in Europe.

[Terry Francona]

Yeah.

[Colin Cowherd]

Are we viewed in the world now as a serious soccer country?

[Terry Francona]

Well, definitely. I think that the work that has been done with the MLS in the United States and Canada, the work with the academies that has been put forward is really impressive. You have a good team, you have good players. You have a great coach as well, Mauricio, who is really fantastic. And these players, they play now for the best teams in the world or in Europe, if you want, and the world can see that. Combine this with the fact of playing a World cup at home, well, it's quite an explosive combination, isn't it?

[Colin Cowherd]

Is it harder? I mean, because of security reasons, among others, and technology, is it harder to put on a World cup than it was eight years ago?

[Terry Francona]

Well, to put on a World cup is obviously always quite a challenge. Especially the next World cup will be 48 countries participating instead of 32. So we increase the number by 50%. We'll have 10 million people coming to the U.S. these are incredible things. We'll have 6 billion people watching it all over the world. This requires a lot of organization and we are here for that. And we team up with you for that as well.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah, that doesn't hurt. Where is soccer now? It's growing. I looked at a number this morning which was amazing. According to Forbes, the number of United States people who have been soccer fans for five years or fewer. So this is our newest fans, has gone up 57% year to year and over. And the number of first time fans is up 400% year over year. So over five years it's 57%. So something has happened in the last year where there's been an explosion in the United States. So when I think of soccer, I think of Spain and I think of Germany and I think of the Netherlands and I think of Italy and France and I do think of the United States selfishly. Where is this game growing? That would surprise me. Is it growing everywhere?

[Terry Francona]

It is. It is growing everywhere. It's growing in the Middle east, it's growing in East Asia. But I think the big surprise will be the growth here in North America. When you see every child, girl or boy, now plays soccer, what happens then is that the most talented players, they go to other American sports. Right? Because they maybe don't see a path to glory through soccer, but they will see it now. This year with the club World cup with the best teams in the world. Next year with the World cup with the best countries in the world. They will see that there is a path to glory. A path to something incredible. And this will make a big difference. When the US organized the 94 World Cup, 85% of the Americans a couple of months before didn't know that the World cup was happening.

[Colin Cowherd]

Wow.

[Terry Francona]

Today it's the other way around. 85% of Americans, they know that the World cup is coming already one year ahead. So these are signs that things are changing. Plus, one more thing, if I may. You know you are the United States of America, right? The greatest country in the world. You are number One in kind of everything you do.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah.

[Terry Francona]

You cannot be satisfied to be number 20 in the number one sport in the world.

[Colin Cowherd]

That's right.

[Terry Francona]

You want to be number one in the number one sport. So let's go for it.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah. No, you're listening. You're preaching to the choir here, believe me. I grew up in the Pacific Northwest. My mom was British, so when I was a kid, I went to England. At the time, the English team was battling for the World cup, like 1972, 73. And again, Netherlands was great. So I, when I was a kid, I was introduced to it. Then I moved to the Pacific Northwest, which. Seattle and Portland are great soccer markets. So I think I. I got an advantage. My, my, my. Seattle Sounders made the NASL championship game against the New York Cosmos. Of all the great players you've dealt with over your. Not just at FIFA, but you're a global citizen. There is something special about soccer players. There is there. I like the global feel to it. There's a graciousness and a gratitude for what soccer presents. It's the happiest sport and nothing against football players and baseball guys, but that is. Is that something you within FIFA that you talk about, that it's the world's game and it's very welcoming.

[Terry Francona]

It is. You're absolutely right. It is the world's game. It brings happiness. I mean, look at this, what we brought for you. You can see this. This is yours? Yeah, A gift. Can I give it to you?

[Colin Cowherd]

Absolutely. By the way, he has a small ownership and a small soccer team.

[Terry Francona]

It has your name. Look at that. And now this is the official match ball of the FIFA Club World Cup. Now look at your face. You're smiling. You see why? Because this ball is a magic object. It's much more than just a ball. It is magic. It brings smiles to faces of children of girls all over the world. It's a very simple sport. It's the world number one sport for that. And that's why we are investing all over the world of the revenues we generate. We invest them in Africa, in Asia, in America, everywhere in the world to make sure that the game can.

[Colin Cowherd]

If American soccer, if you could say. And Gianni Infantino is joining us, the President of FIFA. He has been since 2016. If you could. If I may, I'll put you on the hot seat. If you could make one change to U.S. soccer and just nudge them to do something there. Is there anything that you're frustrated a little with USA Soccer?

[JJ Redick]

Yes.

[Colin Cowherd]

Okay.

[Terry Francona]

They should listen to me.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yes.

[Terry Francona]

And then they become number one league in the world.

[Colin Cowherd]

But anything in particular that you would.

[Terry Francona]

Push, they are a little bit too, how shall I say? Too communist. Can I say that word? Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. Too much regulation, too much limits. You know, be America, open up, bring the best, invest money. And the return of investment will be just incredible.

[Colin Cowherd]

Because it's interesting, our other pro leagues are global and spend nothing but money, but you think we could open up the pocketbook a little bit more, 100%.

[Terry Francona]

And the impact will be global because your other leagues, I mean, look at the super bowl, which is fantastic, right? It has what, 120, 130 million viewers. Right. The World cup has 6 billion viewers.

[Colin Cowherd]

Crazy.

[Terry Francona]

So a World cup is 104 Super Bowls in one month. It's three Super Bowls a day. And this happens from here. And this can happen every week. If you have the best league in.

[Colin Cowherd]

The world, you know, you travel the globe. Give me something about America that you really love. You live in Switzerland and Italy. If I could choose two places that would be close to it. World offices in Zurich. You have a Miami office now. So obviously United States soccer is growing. You now have a Miami office. What's something when you travel the globe that you love about America?

[Terry Francona]

Can I say burger?

[Colin Cowherd]

Yes, you can say burger.

[Terry Francona]

No, but, but I, I would say burger, definitely. But what I think as well here, and this is really, it's not to flatter anyone, but the, it is really the land of opportunity. I mean, there are so many opportunities here for so many people, which is why I still don't understand why soccer has not become the number one here as well.

[Colin Cowherd]

400% year to year of new soccer fans. Gianni Infantino, a pleasure. Thank you so much.

[Terry Francona]

Thank you so much, Howard.

[Colin Cowherd]

To next, be sure to catch live editions of the Herd, weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am Pacific, on Fox Sports Radio, FS1, and the iHeartRadio app.

[Jeremy Hobson]

We live in a divided country.

[Colin Cowherd]

I am a lifelong Republican with all.

[Jeremy Hobson]

Kinds of different people.

[Colin Cowherd]

You know, I'm a mother, I'm a grandmother.

[Jeremy Hobson]

That's why we started the Middle with Jeremy Hobson. It's about bringing voices not from the extremes, but from the vast middle into the national conversation.

[JJ Redick]

Anna, I'm calling from Las Vegas.

[Jeremy Hobson]

Each week we bring together an all star panel. Mark Cuban, so great to have you on the middle.

[JJ Redick]

Thanks for having me. Jeremy.

[Jeremy Hobson]

Neil Degrasse Tyson, welcome to the Middle.

[Colin Cowherd]

Thanks for having me.

[Jeremy Hobson]

And hear from ordinary Americans from all over the country on the most important issues.

[JJ Redick]

Hi, my name is Venkat.

[Colin Cowherd]

I'm calling you from Atlanta, Georgia.

[Jeremy Hobson]

And when you subscribe to the Middle, you also get an episode each week called One Thing Trump did that focuses on just one item from the avalanche of news.

[Colin Cowherd]

We should be examining what our government spends its money on and are these jobs necessary and what are we doing here? But that doesn't seem to be what we're doing in this situation.

[Jeremy Hobson]

Listen to the Middle with Jeremy Hobson on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Bob Pittman]

Hi, I'm Bob Pittman, chairman and CEO of iHeartMedia. I'm excited to introduce a brand new season of my podcast, Math and Stories from the Frontiers of Marketing. I'm having conversations with some interesting folks across a wide range of industries to hear how they reach the top of their fields and the lessons they learned along the way that everyone can use. I'll be joined by innovative leaders like chairman and CEO of Health Beauty Tarang Amin.

[Colin Cowherd]

The way I approach risk is constantly.

[J. Mac]

Try things and actually make it okay to fail.

[Bob Pittman]

I'm sitting down with legendary singer, songwriter and philanthropist Jewelry.

[Colin Cowherd]

I wanted a way to do something that I loved for the rest of my life.

[Bob Pittman]

We're also hearing how leaders brought their businesses out of unprecedented times, like Stefan Bonsell, CEO of Moderna.

[Terry Francona]

It becomes a human decision to decide.

[Colin Cowherd]

To throw by the window your business strategy and to do what you think.

[JJ Redick]

Is the right thing for the world.

[Bob Pittman]

Join me as we uncover innovations in data and analytics, the math, and the ever important creative spark, the magic. Listen to math and magic stories from the frontiers of Marketing on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast.

[Colin Cowherd]

I'm Camila, Ramon, Peloton's first Spanish speaking cycling and tread instructor. I'm an athlete, entrepreneur and almost most importantly, a Parrero enthusiast. And I'm Liz Ortiz, former pro soccer player and Olympian. And like Kami, a Parrello enthusiast. Come on, who is it? Our podcast, Hasta Bajo is where sports, music and fitness collide and we cover it all, the Arriva hasta sit downs with real game changers in the sports world like Miami Dolphins CMO Priscilla Shumate, who is redefining what it means to be a Latina leader.

[Jeremy Hobson]

It all changed when I had this.

[Colin Cowherd]

Guy come to me. He said to me, you know, you're not Latina enough. First of all, what is that? My mouth is wide open. Yeah. History makers like the Sucar family who became the first Peruvians to win a Grammy. It was very special moment for us. It's been 15 years for me in this career.

[Jeremy Hobson]

Finally, things are starting to shift into a different level.

[Colin Cowherd]

Listen to Asta aho on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Presented by Capital One, founding partner of iHeart Women's Sports. You have to be very careful with tradition because sometimes tradition is just dead people's baggage.

[J. Mac]

I'm Jemele Hill, host of the SP sports and politics podcast Spolitics. On this week's episode, I talked with comedian and CNN host Roy Wood Jr. About the lack of African American star power in Major League Baseball.

[Colin Cowherd]

Baseball needs an Anthony Edwards, and I don't know who that could be. Mookie Betts is Steph Curry. He's exceptional and likable. Million dollar smile, that's important. But you also need chaos Negro. You need.

[J. Mac]

So you think Anthony Edwards is a chaos agent.

[Colin Cowherd]

He told. He talked. You saw the clip of him talking to Obama. He was talking to Obama like that was his little brother. Oh, yeah, you. Oh, what you did? You killed Bin Laden. That's what's up.

[J. Mac]

Listen to spoletics on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yep, coming this summer, the club World cup before the World Cup, a year out. So great to have the FIFA president on, by the way. The US Will have two teams. Seattle Sounders and Miami will both be in. Those will be the two teams. And then is it 32 other teams or 30 other teams involved in the club World cup winner? A billion dollars in versus a billion dollars. So it's like a pre World cup with the world's best club teams. All the best players. Mbappe will be here. Messi Harry Kane, all the best players in the world will be here. So it's going to be a pre World Cup. And there's clear evidence that anytime a World cup is in the United States, massive popularity swings in merchandising and fandom happen.

[J. Mac]

You know, listen, I can't take full credit, but I do. Like, I know you like soccer and college basketball, but Colin, you have to admit you're starting to nudge a little more in the direction of those sports since the addition of your boy.

[Colin Cowherd]

I'm jealous of anybody who lives in Zurich and vacations in Italy.

[J. Mac]

I've heard good things. I've never been to either.

[Colin Cowherd]

Zurich's got my favorite airport in the world. It's like a. It's like a great Swiss watch. It is perfect. The trains are on the second. The food, the cleanliness it's great. If I can, oh, anytime I can connect through Zurich, do it. Spend an afternoon marveling at the airport.

[J. Mac]

Okay.

[Colin Cowherd]

Okay. So we're going to go to the NFL, you know, winner meetings here pretty quick. But the over and unders are now with all the betting companies are coming out, you know, Vegas over, unders. So these numbers are how many games do you think a team can win? And you know, as you know, they always come in half. Seven and a half, eight and a half. And you as a consumer bet the under or bet the over. Now most fans bet the over. They're optimistic. I tend to find unders, but I found three unders and three overs that are interesting. So let's go to the conferences first. The one that jumps out to me, let's start in the AFC for our radio audience. Bills 11 and a half, Dolphins eight and a half. Jets five and a half. The Patriots at seven and a half to me feels like an over. Massive upgrade on coaching staff. Also they were 3 and 6 in one score games with a rookie quarterback. So there's, there's going to be an ascension. They're going to be a better one score game team. They spent almost 200 million in free agency. I would bet the over on the Patriots. Let's go to the Ravens, Bengals, Steelers, Browns. Nothing jumps out to me. Ravens 11 and a half. Bengals 9 and a half. Steelers 8 and a half. Browns 5 and a half. Nothing seems underwhelming or overwhelming. The next division projected win totals AFC South. This is one of my favorite overs. So the Texans at nine and a half, Colts Jag seven and a half wins. The Titans at five and a half. Bet the over Brian Callahan. Listen, he was so frustrated. Will Levis arguably gave three wins away last year. So Cam Ward, there's just not going to be. Nobody's going to quite know what to do until he has an offseason. Remember C.J. stroud came in and it kind of feels like everybody's kind of waiting for CJ Stroud to fall apart and he didn't. So I think Cam Ward, the upgrade Cam Ward to Will Levis is going to get you to seven or eight or nine wins in this division. Just a very weak AFC South. Chiefs, Broncos, Chargers, Raiders. I think Kansas City under 11 and a half is one of my favorite bets. Broncos nine and a half, Chargers nine and a half, Raiders six and a half. I'd probably go over Chargers, but the under on Kansas City, remember they were 11 and oh in one score. Games like recovering fumbles, regression is coming even if they go 8 and 3 nobody goes 11 and oh in one score games. Also they're they're still trying to figure out their offensive line. Joe Tooney left their best offensive lineman and and they don't you know they're using somebody's backup at left tackle. They're an injury away in the O line from being a complete mess. They're also getting older in key spots. Now we go to the nfc. One of my I have an over and under bet in the same division so Eagles 11 and a half. That's about right. I'm going to take the over on the Commanders and the under on the Cowboys. So listen, Jaden Daniels is the real deal. I just talked to somebody, a friend who was at an event Jaden Daniels was at in the last couple of weeks. The kid's unbelievable. They spent money the coaching nine and a half. I mean they're going to go two and oh against the Cowboys and two and oh against the Giants. So I think the commanders is I mean 10 and 7 with the Lamar Jackson of the NFC at quarterback shock anybody? Also the Cowboys I would bet the under they want. I don't think anybody's quite embracing Brian Schottenheimer to me had struggled to remain at the same place as a coordinator. I think they went cheap. They also got to pay Micah again this is a team that's a CD Lamb sprained ankle from, you know, being fairly weaponless. I would take the under. Now we go I nothing jumps out to me at the NFC North. Lions 10 and a half. Packers 9 and a half. Bears 8 and a half. Vikings 8 and a half. Nothing jumps out to me. Everybody wants to bet the Bears in the ogres over. Be careful. Nothing really jumps out to me in the NFC South. Bucks should win. Best roster. Falcons may be a little underserved but I refuse to bet the Falcons on anything. I've lost a fortune over the years. Panthers, Saints both six and a half wins. Now there are two surprises to me in the NFC West. I would take the under on the Niners ten and a half. They are getting old in key spots. You got Christian McCaffrey coming off an injury and then Brandon Aiyuk coming off an injury. They have 12 draft picks. That is a lot of young players. Rookies don't flourish generally except key positions in the NFL. Also they lost Greenlaw and Hufanga. They wanted to keep both. Those are leaders great instinctive players. So we haven't loved their defense for the last couple of years. And when Bosa gets hurt. It's a bad defense so. And he's getting older. I would bet the under on the Niners at ten and a half. I would would bet the over on the Rams at nine and a half. They need a corner outside of that. They are set. They're getting better. The defense got better Thanksgiving on so the Rams I would take the over. So my over and under bets. I would take the Commanders over nine and a half, the Patriots over seven and a half and the Titans over five and a half. My unders are the Chiefs under 11 and a half, the Ram, the Niners under 10 and a half, the Cowboys under seven and a half. I also think the Rams can hit the over. I think the Rams can hit the over. McVeigh, Stafford, Devonte, Adams. They cannot be as physically immobile as they were last year when the offensive line fell apart. That's not going to happen again. They'll have more depth. They're going to draft a tackle early in this draft. So J Mac, anything jump out to you?

[J. Mac]

Too much actually. I know we have a guest coming up. We definitely need to revisit this. I've got some beef with some stuff you're saying. The one thing that really jumped out. So I see Titans five and a half.

[Terry Francona]

Totally agree.

[J. Mac]

But did I see the jets and the Giants are also five and a half meaning those are the three worst teams in the league. Oh my gosh. I didn't know the the jets had fallen that far. Five and a half win total. Gosh, it's Blake.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah, I mean New York football's bleak, terrible. Albert Breer joining us live. Here we go from Palm Beach. Not a bad place to join us live from. Okay. At the NFL owner meetings. Okay, let's get. So I've always had a theory on overtime. You want it to be quick. I don't want my defense on the field for another 14 plays. So the NFL has said, okay, both teams now get the ball once. It's going to be 10 minutes. My question is what if a team gets it to the 9 minute 58 second drive and scores? What do you do then? I mean, I. What your takeaway on the new NFL owner change in overtime?

[JJ Redick]

Well, I, I think there are a couple of factors there. Of course it won't affect, you know, play the playoffs because the playoffs don't play until they have a winner and a loser and, and you know, I think during the regular season or there's the broadcast partners which I think like to keep these games as close to the window they're prescribed to be in as they can, you know, and then I think there's the, the element of adding more plays to the game. And that's a health and safety thing, you know, and that was part of the argument against this sort of thing years ago, was that they didn't want to put that much more damage on players. So I think this is a fair compromise and it does add that element of a very, of strategy to it. You know, I think one thing, if you look back, like Bill Belichick always wanted a timed period, right? And the reason he wanted the time period is because he wanted the clock to be part of, of, of the overtime. I think in doing this you are making the clock part of the overtime, you know, so I, you know, I think from a viewership standpoint, 15 might be better because you're getting the full quarter. But you know, I think when you go to 10 minutes, you're making the clock even a bigger factor in. I think that could interest. That could add like an interesting element of strategy and how teams approach it. I mean, if you're the receiving team, don't you almost, don't, don't you almost automatically go into the four minute offense? I think that's what we're going to be looking at.

[Colin Cowherd]

Okay. Tush push. Packers are very anti Tush push. It's, it's been tabled, meaning they'll do it in mid May and figure out at the mid May meetings what is Green Bay and Matt Lafleur's primary ability objection to the Tush push.

[JJ Redick]

They don't think it's a football play. And you know, one thing that was interesting to come from the room now, you know, a couple days ago when they first met on this, you know, Jim Harbaugh and Mike Vrabel brought up some of the holes in the way the rule is written. And can you, I mean the most Harbaugh thing ever, can you put two extra guards on the field and line them up behind the guards and push the guards because you're not pushing behind the center. Variable has the same thing. Can you take the quarterback and move him behind the guard and then push him behind the guard? So there are some holes in how the rule was written. Howie Roseman was passionate about this in the room and saying that there's no injury data that says it's more dangerous. The league comes back and says, well, actually we think based on the posture of the player that this could lead to major head and spine injuries. Not that it hasn't yet, but that certainly is a concern. So, you know, you put all this in and I think, you know, now how do you. How do you rewrite it? And one thing that happened inside the room today, earlier this morning was, you know, Rich McKay, the chair of the competition for me, said, why don't we go back to the 2004 rule or at least look at that rule and how it was written, and maybe we adopt that. So I think around, somewhere around 20 teams were in favor of looking at that rule as potentially something could be the framework of something that boat on in May. And it's interesting column. Like when they took the rule out 20 years ago, the reason they took the rule out was because what was happening downfield, and you'll remember this, is there were guys getting pushed into the end zone downfield, and when they flag it, it was hard to tell if you had a scrum downfield, whether or not, you know, an offensive player coming in was trying to block the defensive player, push his teammate across the line. So is that less of a concern now? Is there a way to address that and how you write the rule? I think it was just there were too many things on the table and too many concerns to pass it now. But the fact that they're tabling it until May shows the league has a real desire to get something done before the season.

[Colin Cowherd]

I just saw a headline this morning. Steelers are very comfortable with Mason Rudolph as their starter. And I thought, oh, boy, if I was a Steeler fan, that's pretty discouraging. So I have made the argument with Aaron Rodgers that he ideally wanted Minnesota, knew the division, loved the coach, loved Justin Jefferson, and that I think deep down he knows Pittsburgh can't get the O line right. It's a defensive culture. He's done the East Coast. He'd probably like to drift back to the West. And my guess is I don't think he's stalling or being obnoxious. I don't think deep down he wants to go to Pittsburgh, but I do think he loves football and wants to play and was pretty good last year. What is your vibe on what you're hearing about Aaron Rodgers?

[JJ Redick]

Yeah, so my vibe would be a. I think you're absolutely right that he doesn't want to go out the way that he went out last year. I. I know he, you know, and coming back from the Achilles, like, wanted to really appreciate the sport and, you know, rediscover his love for the game. And despite how hard everything was last year on the jets, like, I think he did do that to a certain degree. So I think he does want to play. And I. I think, you know, if you're in his spot, you say, okay, I got one year left. You're looking for the perfect place. The perfect place would have been Minnesota. Minnesota wants to get a LONGER look at J.J. mcCarthy. And again, we've been over this before, Colin. Like, if they bring in Sam Darnold or Daniel Jones, like, that's much different than bringing in Aaron Rodgers.

[Colin Cowherd]

Where.

[JJ Redick]

If you bring in Aaron Rodgers, you are just jamming on the pause button on the J.J. mcCarthy era at best. And how. No, how. How do you figure that's going to affect his development? There are a lot of things that. That go into that, you know, and so I think now it's sort of going through the situation with the Steelers. I think one thing the Steelers have going for them, the young offensive line's gotten better. They also have peers of his on his team that are going to be operating with the same level of urgency. Veteran players, guys like T.J. watt, who will be 31, make if it's Patrick, will be 20, 29. Cam Hayward, who I believe is going into his 14th year as an NFL player. D.K. metcalfe, now on his third contract. This is jumping on a moving train. This is not a team that needs to be lifted up. They've been in the playoffs. They need somebody to come help bring, take them over the top. So ultimately, I think he does wind up there, but I think. I think you're right when you say, like, this isn't the perfect situation. It's a really good one. And I think that's what he's considering right now.

[Colin Cowherd]

Okay, so West Palm beach looks like the breakers, if I. If I may guess.

[JJ Redick]

Yeah, yeah.

[Colin Cowherd]

Pretty good. Pretty good place.

[JJ Redick]

And I don't. And I. And I don't normally wear sunglasses. I think it's kind of douchey to wear sunglasses on the air, but it is so bright out here, and I'm not saying that to make anybody back home jealous, but it is so bright out here, it actually hurt my eyes to be sitting here.

[Colin Cowherd]

That's okay. So let's wrap it up with this. We've got Cleveland's owners saying, yep, swinging a miss on to Sean. We've got the Giants getting Russell with Wilson and Jameis Winston. There's a lot of move, and we're all trying to play like Inspector Clouseau and figure out with the clues what's going to happen, who's going to pick a quarterback. And then there's other reports on mock draft people that, oh, Shador is dropping out. Well, we know Cam's going one the Giants and the Browns. Do you believe Shador Sanders goes to either Cleveland or the New York Giants?

[JJ Redick]

If you put a gun to my head today, I would say Abdul Carter at 2 to Cleveland, Travis Hunter at 3 to the Giants. I think the Giants have protected themselves so they don't have to force anything at quarterback. And I do think, you know, like the idea of taking Travis Hunter and then maybe a day two quarterback where you're not tied to that guy for the next 10 years, but you get it, you're taking a shot at it might work better for them. I think Cleveland could take a similar approach here and maybe working out a trade for Kirk Cousins the Friday after the draft. And it's, it's an interesting thing here. So Jimmy Haslam, J.W. johnson and Andrew Barry had dinner on Thursday night in State College, Pennsylvania with Abdul Carter. Kevin Stefanski wasn't there. Kevin Stefanski was actually in Oxford, Mississippi for Jackson Darts pro day. And the fact that they would take their head coach and put him there in Mississippi rather than sitting down with Carter tells me they're at least thinking about the idea of taking Carter at 2 and either sitting there at 33 and Drake and taking one there or maybe moving into the bottom of the first round and taking one at that point. And I think if you do that then Cousins comes into play because the relationship between Stefanski and Cousins. So I think there are a lot of moving pieces with both those teams. I my guess right now would be that neither of them take Shador and then it becomes anywhere's guess where should your goes? Because like I said to you last week, like he's sort of like Bo Nicks to me like this, like this this year's version of Bo Nix where last year or very few teams that had Bo Nix as a first round pick, he had to find a fit and he obviously found that in Denver. No one cares or anybody had him anymore because he played great for the Broncos. I think that's sh door this year where a lot of teams don't look at him as a first round talent and he's going to have to find a fit.

[Colin Cowherd]

Wow, that is really, really. And then you get down to the Raiders where they've got Geno who by the way play action passing because I think they're going to take genty. And the reason I think that is Pete Carroll's best years were with Reggie Bush at SC and Marshawn lynch in Seattle and he. And they need a run but running back and this is a star running back and all. Also Geno on play action passes was, it's like his passer ratings 106 since he's been in Seattle. So he's not a guy that's going to play from behind and sling it 45 times. So that is really interesting on Shadour. So what you're basically saying is the draft guys think there's not a big gap between Shadour and Kyle McCord and Jackson Darton, Jalen Milro, so what's the point of tying yourself to a guy, right? Is that what you're saying?

[JJ Redick]

I think it's, I think I would say this. I think for most people I've talked to and I still have a ton of phone calls to make over the next three or four weeks, but I think the consensus that I'm getting from people who evaluate this stuff for a living is that Cam Ward, talent wise, there's a bigger separation, talent wise between Cam Ward and Shador Sanders than there is between Shador Sanders and Jackson Dart. Again, that does not mean Shador Sanders can't go to top 10 is because there could be a team that sees him as the perfect fit. And if you see him as a long term answer quarterback, you swallow hard and take him same way the Broncos did at 12 last year with Bonix. Even though if the Broncos didn't take him at 12, he may have slipped out of the first round altogether. But yeah, I, I think Shador is closer to the pack, if that's what you're asking. He's closer to the pack than he is to Cam Ward. From a talent perspective, when you talk to all, all these NFL people, wow.

[Colin Cowherd]

I kind of look to, I like the sunglasses. I can be honest with you. It makes you look more mysterious and like you have better information. You're hiding something from us. I like it.

[JJ Redick]

Better information with the sunglasses on.

[Colin Cowherd]

I don't know, there's, there's something. When you get those shades, you got like a detective look to you. I like you're out there behind bushes trying to get scoops from NFL owners. I like the look, my man.

[JJ Redick]

Yeah.

[Colin Cowherd]

All right, maybe, maybe, maybe, maybe.

[JJ Redick]

I'll try it again next week. We'll see.

[Colin Cowherd]

Okay. Albert Bird, good seeing you, buddy. That's really, that's really interesting. Basically, Cam's the star and Shador is more middle of the pack. He's, he's in the mill row. Kyle McCord, Jackson dart class. So it's like, you know, if you take a quarterback first round, you got to play him. If you take a quarterback in the second round, you can sit him. Nobody's going to complain. For two or three years.

[J. Mac]

I had totally forgotten what he said about Bo Nix, how the Bo Nicks wasn't loved by a lot of teams. You just need one team to love him. But here's the thing. Bo Nix was pretty damn good as a rookie. They got to the playoffs. Their win total, you just flashed was nine and a half. Did this idea that people are passing on Shador because he may not be a good fit. I'm stunned. I got it. I'm flabbergasted.

[Colin Cowherd]

You know, it's interesting. It was a very good quarterback draft class last year, Bo Nix was like. But people thought he had a lower ceiling now. Sean loved him. That's the Jalen Milroe thing. I hear Pittsburgh and the jets both really like Jalen Milroe now with the jets. This is. This is a gut feeling. So the jets are like, we're not going to take Jalen Milroe.

[J. Mac]

Not at seven.

[Bob Pittman]

No.

[Colin Cowherd]

Aaron Glenn's like, I just came from a stacked roster. We have a good roster here. Jets at seven, go. We'll trade down. Somebody will trade up. And all of a sudden you get down to 12 and you get an extra second or third round pick. Then you're like, okay, we could do. And then you begin. You let the. You answer the phone, don't. I. I'm. I'm dead serious on this. When you get a new coach in, like a variable or an Aaron Glenn, a lot of those guys, they want their own players.

[JJ Redick]

Yeah.

[Colin Cowherd]

They want more draft picks. They want their own cult. They want their. Privately, I mean, Aaron Glenn said to Aaron Rodgers, not interested, by the way.

[J. Mac]

They did like you said, they just fired, what, 150 people in the building.

[Colin Cowherd]

Like, no Aaron Glenn. New coaches generally want their guys.

[J. Mac]

Time to take out the trash, as they like to say.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah. So I could see the jets trading down. And if they trade down, and I mean even going down to a 13, 14, then you take Melro and it's like, you can argue it's a little hot. You're not taking them at seven, Right. I'm pro.

[J. Mac]

Melro again, I know he's. The tape's not great. I just want to know, because I think Klatt's coming on later, right? I think I saw that most of the season. We said Shador is going to be one or two in the draft, yes. And now all of a sudden he's dropping like a rock. Colin, something's not adding up here. Is he not interviewing? Well, something's got to be going on.

[Colin Cowherd]

Like Caleb Williams. There were some moments people questioned maturity.

[J. Mac]

He's a 21 year old kid in front of 22. Whatever.

[Colin Cowherd]

We never questioned that with Jaden Daniels or Bo Nix and we never saw it in the NFL. So there was a little question about Caleb. There's a little question. We don't see it with Milroe. So you know, you like with Milroe, you don't see any immaturity. Bo Nix, Michael Penix. You saw a little with Caleb. I defended him. And you see a little with Shador. The difference is Caleb is a much better athlete than Shador Sanders. It's not close. So what people may be saying is he doesn't blow you away as an athlete and he got some of the Caleb maturity stuff we worry a little bit about.

[J. Mac]

Well, I mean, do you think he's not as good of an athlete as Bo Nixon?

[Colin Cowherd]

I'm gonna tell you something right now.

[J. Mac]

I know Bo Nix has some.

[Colin Cowherd]

Bo Nix is way more mobile than anyone. He wants to adjust.

[J. Mac]

Joe needs to start running a 40. He needs to do some activity. I need to see something. I haven't seen anything from him in months.

[Colin Cowherd]

Right.

[J. Mac]

Since the end of the season. I feel bad for the kid a little bit, but I mean, people are.

[Colin Cowherd]

Saying he doesn't blow you away physically. And then you throw in some stuff where you're like a couple times. I don't love some of the things he did. And I defended Caleb on it when he jumped into the stands or he painted his fingernails. I did have an executive in the NFL say they hated the fingernail thing, thought it was really juvenile and really stupid, whatever. But, but, but that stuff matters.

[J. Mac]

That's like me saying, I hate your hat backwards. Take, man. I just. I can't do it. I count on. I can't.

[Colin Cowherd]

The rest of the country loves it. That's all I know.

[Jeremy Hobson]

We live in a divided country and our media couldn't be more polarizing. That's why we started the Middle with Jeremy Hobson. It's about bringing voices not from the extremes, but from the vast middle into the national conversation. Each week we hear from ordinary Americans from all over the country. And when you subscribe to the Middle, you also get an episode each week called One Thing Trump did that focuses on just one item from the avalanche of news. Listen to the Middle with Jeremy Hobson. On the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts you feel in.

[Colin Cowherd]

This too is a horror anthology podcast. It brings different creators to tell ten vile. No, no, no, no, no, no, no. Grotesque.

[JJ Redick]

Oh, my God.

[Colin Cowherd]

Horrific stories on what scares them the most. Please go away. You feeling this too? Listen on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. What's up, everyone? Julie Swerbinks here along with former NHL player Nate Thompson.

[JJ Redick]

We're doing a new podcast together. Here we go.

[Colin Cowherd]

The name Energy Line with Nate and jsb.

[JJ Redick]

Each week we'll get together and talk about hockey life. All topics are fair game, right?

[Colin Cowherd]

Exactly. And you'll never know who will drop by to join us.

[JJ Redick]

Julie is pretty well connected. She has text threads going that you wouldn't believe.

[Colin Cowherd]

Listen to Energy Line with Nate and jsb on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. You have to be very careful with tradition, because sometimes tradition is just dead people's baggage.

[J. Mac]

I'm Jemele Hill, host of the sports and politics podcast Spolitics. On this week's episode, I talked with comedian Roy Wood Jr. About the lack of African American star power in Major League Baseball.

[Colin Cowherd]

Baseball needs an Anthony Edwards, and I don't know who that could be. Mookie Betts is Steph Curry. He's exceptional and likable. Million Dollar Smile. But you also need Chaos Negro.

[J. Mac]

Listen to spoletics on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcast.