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- [00:00]
Colin Cowherd
You can count on T Mobile to help keep you connected from big cities to small towns on America's largest 5G network. Switch the T Mobile keep your phone and they'll pay it off up to 800 bucks per line via prepaid card. Learn more@t mobile.com heap and switch up to four lines via virtual prepaid card. Allow 15 days qualifying unlock device credit service port in 90 plus days with device and eligible carrier and timely redemption. Acquired card has no cash access and expires in six months. Welcome to a day in the life of an AMEX gold card member. 7:00am Iced coffee with up to $84 back annually at Dunkin locations 12:00 pesto zoodles with four times Membership Rewards points on purchases at US restaurants up to $50,000. This is so good. And to finish strong, the freshest sushi spot with up to $100 back annually on eligible purchases at US resi restaurants. What a day. That's the powerful backing of American Express. Terms apply. Learn more@americanexpress.com withamx Virgin Voyages isn't your average cruise. It's a masterclass in luxury all in. Voyage pricing includes over $1,000 in value, Wi fi, tips, entertainment, even specialty dining. No hidden fees, no surprises. The cabins are next level private terraces, virgin red hammocks, unbeatable sea views. Add in the adults only factor. No kids? That's right, just relaxation. It's no surprise they're award winning. And the destinations Caribbean this winter, Iceland, North America and the Mediterranean in 2025 and 2026. Virgin Voyages is where luxury meets travel. Book it and see what you've been missing. Learn more@virginvoyages.com or contact your travel advisor. Banking with Capital One helps you keep more money in your wallet with no fees or minimums on checking accounts and no overdraft fees. Just ask the Capital One bank guy. It's pretty much all he talks about in a good way. He'd also tell you that this podcast is his favorite podcast too. Oh really? Thanks. Capital One Bank Guy what's in your wallet? Terms apply. See capitalone.com bank capital1na member FDIC thanks for listening to the Herd podcast. Be sure to catch us live every weekday on Fox Sports Radio and noon to 3 Eastern, 9am to noon Pacific. Find your local station for the herd@foxsportsradio.com or stream us live every day on the iHeartRadio app by searching Fox Sports Radio or FSR.
- [02:42]
Paul Pierce
Now let's get this party started.
- [02:44]
Colin Cowherd
You're listening to Fox Sports radio. Oh, here we go. First hour flew by. That's what happens when you get in arguments. When my wife's mad at me, the time just flies by, which is often live in Los Angeles, it's the herd. Wherever you may be, however you may be listening for making us part of your day. So a lot of stuff happened in the NFL. It's official, like Wednesday, the free agency. But you're going to hear stuff drop. And as I said earlier, this is really the week in which you can grade front offices. A lot of people making moves that feel like desperation heaves and Hail Marys. And then you get the Devonte Adams move to the Rams, which feels smart to me because I trust the Rams culture. And Devonte's probably got two really good years left. That's exactly how many Matt Stafford has. So we do it every Monday at this time. Where Colin was right, Where Colin was wrong, plenty of both. And here we go. Where Colin was right. Well, Sam Darnold's not, despite the rumors and reports, gonna be a Minnesota Viking. As we predicted, he has a market. Seattle's the leader in the clubhouse. Pittsburgh also interested. Sam's only 28 years old and has not had a lot of injuries. And he's coming off a massive season. He can move, he's got a big arm, he's a playmaker. I think of all the quarterbacks on the market, he's the best version. And there were reports for three weeks the Vikings were interested. I didn't think that make any sense. I thought they were trying to do him a solid within the organization to show everybody hey Sam's great. We're considering re signing him. And I think in the end it never made a lot of sense. Where Colin was wrong. Apparently Aaron Rodgers and the Steelers are talking. This doesn't work for me as a fit at all. First of all, Aaron's a California cool guy. And the Steelers culture is defense. It's super conservative. They can't get their offensive line right. I don't like that for Aaron. I mean I'm sure he respects Mike Tomlin, I get that. But this is not how like if Aaron went to the Vikings and followed, you know, the FARB trajectory, like that would make sense. Good left tackle, great receiver, good offensive coach, stability in the organization. I don't get Pittsburgh at all. I, I read this and I think it's. That's a miss to me. Where Colin was right. Steph Curry now 11 and 1. When Jimmy Butler. I'm going to give myself another right. I had said a month before the move. Just sign him. Anytime Steph's had a legitimate one or a two around him, the team is a Western Conference finals or at least competitive it Steph now is shooting 42% on threes since Jimmy Butler arrived and to me it feels like Jimmy Butler has been a B12 shot in the hip for Steph Curry. Not like he just learned how to play. But when you're on a treadmill to a play in game for a superstar that's 37 years old. Nah, that's not it. This move is perfect top to bottom. Where Colin was wrong. I don't think this is a bad move at all. But Geno Smith getting another big contract in the NFL surprised me. He was 21st last couple of years in QBR, which isn't the be all end all. He, you know, he throws a lot of picks and Pete Carroll doesn't like those. But where I will say it makes sense. He's an adult, he's accurate, he gets a lot of yards and the Raiders have no stability at coach and quarterback. So Pete Carroll and Geno Smith, you know, it suddenly feels sort of like Seattle. You get your way into the playoffs, tough division maybe. But I it caught me off guard that Geno may get another three or four year big money deal where Colin was right. Pay your great players early. The Bills signed Josh Allen, but they've moved off Von Miller. I never got the Von Miller deal. In fact, since he arrived their defense actually got worse. Three straight seasons he was injured a lot. I thought the Rams moved off him at the perfect time. He became sort of a pass rush specialist which for what they were paying him, doesn't make a lot of sense. I just, my people around the league didn't think it was a good move. I didn't. And I mean they got some sacks out of it and he's a big play guy. But for the money and the injuries, it never made sense where Colin was wrong. I thought when the Mavericks made the Luka AD deal I said, you know what, you can bang on the Mavericks, but short term they'll probably be better. Better. I like the roster. Yeah, but I'm wrong since the entire roster is hurt. P.J. washington, Kyrie Irving, Anthony Davis, Daniel Gafford, Derek Lively. They are now lost five straight. They're a mess. Everything's bad. The karma, the injuries. Watch them a little this weekend. Yeah, I, I, I thought for a year to two years you would kind of look and go, did Dallas get the better part of this deal? No not at all where Colin was right. I've said when you get a gift in life, accept it. And I've been critical of the WNBA because they got Caitlin Clark, their Steph Curry and they're fighting it. They did it again this weekend where apparently top players want to go on strike. Angel Reese, we should go on strike. The league's never made a profit. It's been subsidized by the NBA. This has been my knock on the wnba. It's a league that was growing and then Caitlin Clark was that once in a generation, jet fuel, like a Michael Jordan, a Steph Curry, a LeBron. You just don't get those. When you get a gift like Tiger woods to the PGA Tour, you put your arm around it. You put them on tv. You understand that it's generational, a complete outlier. And what has the WNBA done? Complain about it. Strike. You go on strike when you have massive leverage. The league doesn't turn a profit. It's paid for by the NBA. This league just can't commissioner down. Can't get it right. Can't get it right. And it's too bad because the quality of play today in the WNBA much better than eight to 10 years ago. Much better. Be sure to catch live editions of the Herd, weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am Pacific on Fox Sports Radio, FS1 and the iHeartrade hard radio app. It's the last game of the season.
- [09:16]
Paul Pierce
And with amex, you can save time.
- [09:18]
Colin Cowherd
With card member entrances at select venues and go straight to the action so you can catch every moment. That's the powerful backing of American Express. Terms apply. Learn more@american express.com With Amex, you can count on T Mobile to help keep you connected from big cities to small towns on America's largest 5G network. Switch the T Mobile Keep your phone and they'll pay it off up to 800 bucks per line via prepaid card. Learn more@t mobile.com heap and switch up to four lines via virtual prepaid card. Allow 15 days qualifying unlock device credit service port in 90 plus days with device and eligible carrier and timely redemption required. Card has no cash access and expires in six months. I'm Colin Coward from the Herd. For many, the American dream means starting your own business and working for yourself. If you're a small business owner, launching a company or dreaming of starting one, then you'll not only want to make sure you're using a platform like Intuit QuickBooks, but you also want to check out season three of Mind the Business small business success stories from iHeartMedia's Ruby Studio and Inuit QuickBooks. In every episode, hosts Austin Henkwitz and Jenice Torres talk to small business owners about how they've grown and maintained their business and tackle the hurdles and challenges that come with being your own boss. From tracking money in and out to cutting through the complexity with an all encompassing platform like QuickBooks, you don't want to miss these inspiring stories of small business journeys. Listen to Mind the Business Small business success Stories on the iHeart app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. This is Nikki Glaser from the Nikki Glaser Podcast. On a more serious note, I'm still thinking about that commercial with Tom Brady and Snoop Dogg hating on each other. Because when you listen to the reasons for hating someone or something, you realize just how stupid they really are. There is too much hate in this country and it's gotta stop. So join us at iHeart in standing up to it. If you see hate, speak up, call it out and you can learn more by following at what's up with Hate? So here we go. I'm gonna start today, NFC, tomorrow AFC. Now you got to have four minimum total new playoff teams. The average is about six over the last like 20 years. I have, I will tell you, I've got four or more. And here we go. So we start with the NFC East. The Commanders had a very good free agency period. I like their gm. I think Eagles commanders will battle down to the end. A lot of free agent losses for the Eagles. They still have the deepest roster. I'll pick them over the Commanders, but I think the Commanders Laramie Tunsil, Debo Samuel is a win now acquisition. They kept guys like Zach Ertz so I think that's a very close competition. I'll take the better roster to win. Dallas third, not active in free agency, still going to pay. Micah up against the cap, Dak Prescott off a second lower body injury. Giants. It doesn't matter. Really matter if Aaron goes there, Russell Wilson goes there. I think there's going to be so much pressure on the organization to win now. I'll pick the Giants for 4th NFC North. This is the toughest division for me in football. The Lions have the best roster. I'll pick them one. The Vikings have the worst roster. I'll pick them four. But and yes, Chicago's got a tough road schedule, no question. But they literally went and got Pro Bowlers on their interior O line. And again, if they can get a running back with their first pick, the coaching upgrade at Chicago from what they were to what they are is going to be like the quarterback upgrade from Will Levis to Cam Ward. Like it's going to change outcomes. I have Chicago second. Here's Green Bay's tough for me because I've got to be totally honest about this. I really fell for Jordan Love. But last year against playoff teams, dude completed 60% of his throws with a passer rating at 81 and was 2 and 6 in the building at the end of the year. I watched the way they coached him. I think they lost some confidence in him. So I think Bears, packers is down to the final week of the year to figure out who gets into the playoffs. NFC South. I believe in Michael Penix. I don't like him not having Grady Jarrett, but I, I. And I don't like him losing Drew Dahlman, the center. The Bucks are getting old. They're bringing back the entire offense. Sometimes that's good, sometimes it's not. I like the trajectory of Atlanta and I'm a big Michael Penix fan. Carolina will be better, but an average roster. Saints up against the captain. Kind of rigid there. I just don't like their direction. NFC west. So I have the Rams winning it. I have no problem with that. Devonte Adams, one of the smartest acquisitions that will work their defense could be the best in the league this year if they can get a corner in the draft somewhere. Great coaching. Okay. Seahawks, Niners. I would love to watch the draft. Niners have 12 picks. Seattle's got to upgrade on the offensive line. But if you look at Seattle schedule, NFC South, AFC south, that Seahawks schedule is screaming 10, 11 wins. Niners, meanwhile, 12 draft picks with a very complicated offensive system means I think they could be kind of trying to figure out what the heck they are till Thanksgiving. That is a lot of new players on the roster. And they lost really good players. Seahawks, Niners, like Bears, Packers, I think play down to the final weekend to see who gets into the playoffs. Arizona, no massive upgrades are what they are. So my division winners, Eagles, Lions, Falcons, Rams, Falcons are a new playoff team. Wild card commanders, Bears, Seahawks, both squeak in. So I have three new playoff teams. The Falcons, the Bears and the Seahawks. You gotta have four new ones every year, minimum. Closer to six. So I don't think, you know, listen, Atlanta, before Kirk Cousins fell apart, they beat Tampa twice. I don't think I'm taking a big swing here. I like Pennocks a lot. There you go, one more herd. The herd streams 24 hours a day, seven days a week, within the iHeartRadio app search herd to listen live or on demand whenever you'd like. Hey Steve Covino and I'm Rich Davis and together we' on Fox Sports Radio. You can catch us weekdays from 5 to 7pm Eastern, 2 to 4 Pacific on Fox Sports Radio. And of course, the iHeartRadio app. Why should you listen to Covino and Rich? We talk about everything. Life, sports, relationships, what's going on in the world. We have a lot of fun talking about the stories behind the stories in the world of sports and pop culture. Stories that, well, other shows don't seem.
- [16:27]
Max Crosby
To have the time to discuss.
- [16:28]
Colin Cowherd
And the fact that we've been friends for the last 20 years and still work together, I mean, that says something, right? So check us out. We 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 Ko Vino Enrich wherever you get your podcasts and of course on social media. That's Covino and Rich. It's the last game of the season.
- [16:59]
Paul Pierce
And with amex you can save time.
- [17:01]
Colin Cowherd
With card member entrances at select venues and go straight to the action so you can catch every moment. That's the powerful backing of American Express. Terms Apply. Learn more@american express.com With Amex, you can count on T Mobile to help keep you connected from big cities to small towns on America's largest 5G network. Switch the T Mobile keep your phone and they'll pay it off up to 800 bucks per line via prepaid card. Learn more@t mobile.com heap and switch up to four lines via virtual prepaid card. Allow 15 days qualifying unlock device credit service port in 90 plus days with device and eligible carrier and timely redemption required. Card has no cash access and expires in six months. I'm Colin Coward from the Herd for many, the American dream means starting your own business and working for yourself. If you're a small business owner, launching a company or dreaming of starting one, then you'll not only want to make sure you're using a platform like Intuit QuickBooks, but you also want to check out season three of Mind the Business small business success stories from iHeartMedia's Ruby Studio and Inuit QuickBooks. In every episode, hosts Austin Hencwitz and Jenice Torres talk to small business owners about how they've grown and maintained their business and tackle the hurdles and challenges that come with being your own boss. From tracking money in and out to cutting through the complexity with an all encompassing platform like QuickBooks, you don't want to miss these inspiring stories of small business journeys. Listen to Mind the Business small business success Stories on the iHeart app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. This is Nikki Glaser from the Nikki Glazer Podcast. On a more serious note, I'm still thinking about that commercial with Tom Brady and Snoop Dogg hating on each other. Because when you listen to the reasons for hating someone or something, you realize just how stupid they really are. There is too much hate in this country and it's gotta stop. So join us at iHeart in standing up to it. If you see hate, speak up, call it out and you can learn more by following at what's up with hate? Let's bring on Paul Pierce, basketball Hall of Fame co host on the show. What's up? What's up? What's up, my man? Great seeing you as fellas.
- [19:20]
Paul Pierce
Oh, what up? What up? I'm checking in the game, coach. Let's go.
- [19:25]
Colin Cowherd
So I, I'm watching a little Celtics sga.
- [19:28]
Paul Pierce
Yeah.
- [19:29]
Colin Cowherd
And SGA is just going to score on everybody.
- [19:32]
Paul Pierce
You can't stop him at all.
- [19:35]
Colin Cowherd
So he's not as vertical as Michael or, or that dynamic. Did you have a guy in, in the NBA? If, maybe, maybe it was you. A guy that just got his. You know who. I'll throw a guy. Do you remember Bernard King?
- [19:49]
Paul Pierce
Yes, I do.
- [19:49]
Colin Cowherd
Okay. I remember Dominique Wilkins telling me, I love Garden. Mj. It was fun. He goes, I didn't sleep with Bernard King. Were there guys in the NBA and you were a great defensive player. Were there guys that you did not like to play? Because I think Boston looks up and goes, he's getting 36. There's nothing we can do about it.
- [20:06]
Paul Pierce
I mean, what's that?
- [20:08]
Colin Cowherd
I didn't like you didn't love the guard that just stylistically he just got 28. Every time you play every time.
- [20:15]
Paul Pierce
I mean, I think my error had better athletes at the perimeter. When I start looking back at like Vince Carter, Ray Allen, Tracy McGrady, Kobe Bryant, you know, you even had Glenn Robinson. Oh, man. Maybe Jamal Mashburn. But Mashburn played out the post a lot. A lot of guys who scored 30 in our league like that was very athletic. And not to say he's not athletic. He Just knows how to get to the spot and like the league that we earn today. How they talking about three and layups? Nah, he like, I'm playing an old school style. I'm still mid range. He might be the best mid range shooter in the league if you gave.
- [20:48]
Colin Cowherd
Kawhi Leonard his touch. It feels a little bit that Kawhi is a stronger player defensively, but SGA is good defender. It just, it's. He's one of those guys. If I said to you, Kiki Vandaway on steroids.
- [21:01]
Paul Pierce
Okay, okay.
- [21:03]
Colin Cowherd
Footwork.
- [21:03]
Paul Pierce
I learned a lot of my footwork from Kiki Vanderway coming up.
- [21:06]
Colin Cowherd
Kiki was 26 a night.
- [21:08]
Paul Pierce
Yes, that's a good one.
- [21:10]
Colin Cowherd
Kiki Vandaway, but on steroids, I mean.
- [21:13]
Paul Pierce
I'ma give him more like Kobe without the athleticism. Yeah, I mean, just gets to the line, pivots one way, pivots the other way, then shoots over you, gets to the middle.
- [21:23]
Colin Cowherd
Now, now, I, I have said this before. I'm going to take Boston to win again. I think the biggest obstacle is Cleveland, but they don't really have a weakness. Here's.
- [21:30]
Paul Pierce
They do have a weakness though.
- [21:32]
Colin Cowherd
Huh?
- [21:32]
Paul Pierce
They have a weakness.
- [21:33]
Colin Cowherd
What's their weakness?
- [21:34]
Paul Pierce
I mean, we saw it last night and this is the one thing that concerns me. So when the shots aren't falling, they gotta find other ways to score. Because like when you look at the best scorers in the league that don't have a great shoot night, but you look up, they still got 30, it's because they got to the line. They got to the line like 15 times.
- [21:53]
Colin Cowherd
We saw that doing that. Yeah.
- [21:55]
Paul Pierce
You look up like James Harden have Bill be 5 for 20 but 30 points because he made 18 free throws. So you got to do something that just like negates you having a bad shooting good night. And that's what I see from Boston. So when you look up and they only have nine free throws because they're not being aggressive now, the threes they take are, are good threes and that's who they are. That's their identity.
- [22:17]
Colin Cowherd
But they don't manufacture enough free throws and scoring beyond the three.
- [22:22]
Paul Pierce
Yeah, because it's going to be nice like that where the shots ain't falling. We saw that a night ago. So I just hope they keep in mind just to find a better, a better balance. Because I knew at nights when I didn't have my shot going, if I missed my first two threes, I might not take another three the rest of the game. Like that just was My mentality because I'm like, you're driving.
- [22:41]
Colin Cowherd
They know LeBron's like that.
- [22:43]
Paul Pierce
Yeah. Like, unless I'm just like wide open, I'm not like forcing no more threes. You know what I'm. Because I got to my mid range, I got to my mid post and I'm attacked the paint and I knew where I could be effective. So you know, it's just a fine line. And you got to stay true to who you are because Boston's a three point shooting team.
- [22:59]
Colin Cowherd
That's right.
- [22:59]
Max Crosby
That's right.
- [22:59]
Paul Pierce
You got to stay true to who you are. But you got to sell some nights that listen sense. We gotta change the game plan. Let's start attacking. We got advantages everywhere. We can attack. Yeah.
- [23:07]
Colin Cowherd
I, I, I would give SGA the MVP over Jokic. Why? Because I think SGA is arguably the second best player in the year in the league. Jokic the best player. But A, SGA's team is much better. B, his number two player, Chet Holmgren gets hurt a lot. C, it's the third youngest team in the league. He's babysitting these guys. I do.
- [23:27]
Paul Pierce
They were the number one team last year in the west. They were. Yeah. So coming in, they were the favorite to be number one. But you give it to him. Not because of he's averaging leading the league. And yeah, I mean he, he playing with two all stars. Joker is not, doesn't have another all star. So you can't just eliminate them. But the reason you give SGA the MVP is because he has the signature moments. Like last night was a signature moment. The other night versus Denver. Signature moment. 40, 40 prime time. 40 points on prime time. You look at those deals.
- [23:58]
Colin Cowherd
Right, Right.
- [23:58]
Paul Pierce
You know what I'm saying?
- [23:59]
Colin Cowherd
Sunday I was, I went to the game.
- [24:02]
Paul Pierce
Yeah.
- [24:02]
Colin Cowherd
I'm like, okay, this, I'm gonna make my MVP decision on the game.
- [24:05]
Paul Pierce
National televised game. Oh, he got 40. Oh, he sealed it.
- [24:09]
Colin Cowherd
That's right.
- [24:09]
Paul Pierce
You know what I'm saying? But then Joker comes back and the next one he has a big game. So like, oh, not so fast. But then you come back versus the Celtics on the road without your second leading score plan and you deliver. So right now he got the advantage.
- [24:25]
Colin Cowherd
So the Knicks team is not as good as your Celtics team, but they have one thing in common is that one. I wish. So basically, Mikhail Bridges went to Tibbs and said, you got play us less. I had heard because kgu, Ray Allen and Rondo, I had heard Doc Rivers and you tell me if I'm wrong. Santa Road trip. If we win the opener, no practice, you can just play the next game. Yeah, that doc would basically, guys, give me everything you got in the opener. And if we keep winning, I won't give you practice. Is that true?
- [25:01]
Paul Pierce
Yeah. I mean, we would do more walkthroughs once we got on the road, once the season started, you know, you win the game because we. Are we going to stay true to who we were, a defensive unit, we going to play the same way versus everybody. The league is a lot different now. You know, we don't play the same defensive principles where the defensive principles are different. And so win the game on the road. All right, we'll get the next night off, but then on game day, the next day, we're going to have shoot around and walk through. So we'll still get to get, get to the game plan, but there's no need to practice and run up and down and bang with each other. When your season is toward the end of the season and you need healthy bodies.
- [25:37]
Colin Cowherd
I mean, I watch the Knicks and the Blazers. I do. Here's the advantage for The Knicks being 0 and 10 against the best teams. The advantage is everybody in the building knows we need another dude. Like in the NBA, you get in trouble when the GM thinks one thing, the owner thinks another, the coach thinks another. Everybody knows we probably got to upgrade off Cat or some piece. Do you think there is a piece in the league right now? Who would you part with to get another piece in New York? Oh, so they move Randall to get Cat. Cat's the easier, more effortless offensive player. Randall's better defense. Is there a guy you like? Like, I'll give you the one. I got one kd.
- [26:21]
Paul Pierce
I mean, Katie can help anybody who's right on the line.
- [26:24]
Colin Cowherd
Don't they kind of need a catch and shoot?
- [26:26]
Paul Pierce
They can use kd, but I was thinking more like Zion Williamson.
- [26:31]
Colin Cowherd
That's interesting.
- [26:33]
Paul Pierce
That would be because, you know, Cat can still stretch the floor. The way he shoots the ball, like you have those two imposing big guys, and he brings some star power to New York, and I think he needs some fresh air anyway out of New Orleans.
- [26:44]
Colin Cowherd
The other thing is, because of his injuries, you wouldn't have to give up the farm, right?
- [26:49]
Paul Pierce
Yeah. He might be, you know, somebody you can kind of steal from.
- [26:53]
Colin Cowherd
What's the average? 45, 55 games a year. So you think Zion, I'll take a chance.
- [26:58]
Paul Pierce
A high risk, high reward for New York. And then it brings some excitement.
- [27:02]
Colin Cowherd
That's really good. So tonight the warriors get Kaminga back hang. It's a TNT game. So coming. You know, because Paul, the NBA is so young now. You know, in the NFL, you're drafting guys that have played three to four years. They're married, they're 23.
- [27:21]
Paul Pierce
Right.
- [27:21]
Colin Cowherd
College basketball, you're getting Cooper Flag for a year, dude, he's 18, 19, coming to the league. So it's a developmental league.
- [27:28]
Paul Pierce
Right.
- [27:29]
Colin Cowherd
And so we've all kind of been waiting on Kaminga. Now, for the record, he's 20 a game this year, but I feel like I've been waiting forever to get to 24. SGA was a guy the Clippers bailed on and he. And he literally became a star. Did you get a sense, even with young guys, could you sense by the second year of a young guy, this guy's ceiling is 16, like, it's coming.
- [27:58]
Paul Pierce
Should be able to.
- [28:00]
Colin Cowherd
Does Kaminga have another level?
- [28:02]
Paul Pierce
What year is he?
- [28:03]
Colin Cowherd
Is he four?
- [28:07]
Paul Pierce
Wow, that's a good question. Because usually you know who somebody is by, like, if they're going to be a star. Star. By the second, third year.
- [28:15]
Colin Cowherd
Kevin Garnett.
- [28:16]
Paul Pierce
Yeah.
- [28:17]
Colin Cowherd
By the All Star game, second year, I'm like, oh, this is gonna work.
- [28:20]
Paul Pierce
Yeah.
- [28:20]
Colin Cowherd
For a long.
- [28:21]
Paul Pierce
Yeah, you see it early with the guys who are up there now. Can Kaminga be like an All Star one day in a good situation? Maybe he has that type of potential. He has athleticism, and it seems like his game is starting to come around. You know, he's shooting, shooting the ball better. We already know his athleticism is high level, long athlete. So he has the tools to be really, really good.
- [28:43]
Colin Cowherd
Are you surprised Jimmy Butler has been this important?
- [28:48]
Paul Pierce
Yeah, I didn't know he was going to have this type of impact. It's like it gave Steph a jolt in the arm. It's like he took a shot and was like, oh, I'm re. Energized. But you know what Jimmy brings? He brings a level of toughness to the physicality that I noticed. Yeah, for sure. I would say, like, Jimmy is one of my comparables, actually, because of his attitude, the way he plays. He's under control and his demeanor, you know, so he brings a physicality to the team on the offensive end, and then you got Draymond on the other, on the other end giving you that defensive physicality. And that's what the warriors needed, because I looked at them before Jimmy got there as like a finesse team, you know.
- [29:25]
Colin Cowherd
No, they didn't get to the line.
- [29:26]
Paul Pierce
No, they were a finesse team. They're hit or miss, you know, and then it's going to be nice. Step will be on, and most nights he'll be on, but then those nights are off. There's no physicality brought to the game, and he's bringing that, and that's going to be dangerous. And then you're going to have Steph close you out. He keep it close. Keep it like Jimmy is like the guy in the box. Arena just give you body blows, you know what I'm saying? It's like it just starts wearing on you. You know what I'm saying? By the 10th round, you just can't take it no more.
- [29:52]
Colin Cowherd
So I said, this OKC will be a good home team in the playoffs. I don't trust young guys on the road. Go to your Celtics teams. Tell me the. Okay. Remember the Bulls with Derrick Rose? Everybody kept telling me, oh, and I was like, they play so hard in the regular season because they got no trophy.
- [30:12]
Paul Pierce
Yeah.
- [30:13]
Colin Cowherd
Was there a team when you played that you knew you'd beat him in a playoff series? But, man, they brought. Brought an intensity on a Tuesday night. And they were, you know, they were a really good team in the regular season, but it never quite translated, man. Remember that Cleveland team Jordan used to face all the time? That hot rod? Remember that? Mark Price?
- [30:37]
Paul Pierce
Mark Price and those guys?
- [30:39]
Colin Cowherd
Oh, dude, they chew people up. They could never get past Chicago. Oh.
- [30:43]
Paul Pierce
I mean, the young Cleveland team with LeBron was like that.
- [30:46]
Colin Cowherd
Were they.
- [30:47]
Paul Pierce
Yeah, they were really good. Like, even the. In the last year we went to the finals, they were still young and fast, and they were the number one team in the east. And we were like. We actually lost some games. We. We. We could have been, like, saw them in the conference finals or second round. We chose to lose a couple games to see them in the second round because we knew we could get them in a playoff set.
- [31:08]
Colin Cowherd
Right.
- [31:09]
Paul Pierce
So you know that that's. They remind me of that team right there because Cleveland was. This was 2010. Right. And this is when Cleveland was number one seed in the East. They won, like, 60.
- [31:17]
Colin Cowherd
Okay. So I'm. I'm gonna throw a crazy theory at you.
- [31:20]
Jason McIntyre
You.
- [31:21]
Colin Cowherd
Okay. I want you to have an open mind to my theory.
- [31:24]
Paul Pierce
Okay.
- [31:25]
Colin Cowherd
So LeBron at 40 years old, was carrying the Lakers. They make the move to get Luca. He's not in shape. He's playing in shape. Then Jackson Hayes and Rui get banged up, and Austin Reeves and LeBron goes to play. The Celtics has a great first half. Boston pulls away. He feels a little tweak in his groin. And LeBron says, Daddy's going to take some time off. You young guys get healthy. I'm looking at the schedule. It's outrageous.
- [31:57]
Paul Pierce
Yeah.
- [31:57]
Colin Cowherd
And that LeBron could play. And I am defending LeBron on this. It's like a baseball team in August. The starter's like, yeah, my elbow's a little sore. I'll wait till the playoffs. And I'm not saying LeBron's dogging it, but I'm saying he's like, you know, it's a little tweak. I've been carrying you guys for three and a half months.
- [32:18]
Paul Pierce
Yeah. I look at it like. I mean, it's pretty brilliant, actually, because he said, all right. You know, they were in the fourth or fifth seed. Luca comes, they make a push. They push all the way to the second seed. They're like, all right, we got some cushion. All right, we have a month, three weeks left. You know what? Second seed is great. But the most important thing is we need to be healthy. So we don't even care. We made our push. We're going to be in the playoffs as long as we're not in the play in. So now if we slide all the way to five, we don't mind, because if we go into the playoffs as a healthy team, the Lakers are still going to be dangerous.
- [32:55]
Colin Cowherd
Yes.
- [32:56]
Paul Pierce
You know, because look who's ahead of them. Who do you trust ahead of them? Even at 5, who do you trust? Houston?
- [33:02]
Colin Cowherd
No, I trust Golden State.
- [33:03]
Paul Pierce
Okay, but they won't play Golden State.
- [33:06]
Colin Cowherd
That's right.
- [33:06]
Paul Pierce
You know, Golden State will probably come in at that six. But Memphis, you trust them versus the Lakers.
- [33:14]
Colin Cowherd
Huge.
- [33:15]
Paul Pierce
Yeah. The only team that you're like, I mean, okc, they're young. Like, come on, you gotta understand, listen, as a young team, when. When the production start and what I call the production. It's the playoffs. It's the production. Now you go, okay, see, y'all gonna go from like two or three reporters in your locker room to see all these reporters. Now they're going, when y'all play the Lakers, there's gonna be a hundred of them now. And I just remember this when I was in the playoffs, just like, whoa, so many cameras, so many lights. And that can overwhelm a young team. Just the bright lights.
- [33:44]
Colin Cowherd
Also, when you play poorly, you get ripped all night on TV and radio.
- [33:48]
Paul Pierce
Oh, my God. And that. That type of pressure, you know, as a young team can get to them, you know, and the aura that the Lakers bring. So I'm looking at okc, Lakers only team that can cause the Lakers. I think trouble is the Denver Nuggets.
- [34:01]
Colin Cowherd
Yeah.
- [34:01]
Paul Pierce
Size because of what they've done in the past.
- [34:03]
Colin Cowherd
They can't stop.
- [34:04]
Paul Pierce
Yeah. So it's gonna get interesting. LeBron rest up. You know, I would even rest up Luca on the rest of this trip. Let's just, let's get healthy. Let's get healthy.
- [34:14]
Colin Cowherd
Yeah.
- [34:14]
Paul Pierce
And come back home and get these gimme gangs that we supposed to get after this road trip.
- [34:18]
Colin Cowherd
Get back to a three seed.
- [34:20]
Paul Pierce
Yeah. I mean it don't matter. They could drop the five. Go ahead. They just want to be healthy.
- [34:24]
Colin Cowherd
LeBron and Luka can win on the road.
- [34:26]
Paul Pierce
Yes.
- [34:26]
Colin Cowherd
OKC. I got my questions with Houston. I got my questions with.
- [34:29]
Paul Pierce
Right.
- [34:30]
Colin Cowherd
Paul Pierce is always great. Speak after us Live in la, it's the Herd. Be sure to catch live editions of the Herd. Weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am Pacific on Fox Sports Radio, FS1 and the iHeartRadio app. So yesterday in the much harder to predict NFC, I had three new playoff teams. Today we do the AFC now that's a much easier conference to predict. Last year I went 4 for 4 on division winners Mahomes, Allen, Lamar, CJ Stroud. Pretty easy. So I think the AFC is much, much easier to predict yesterday. You know, you're throwing darts on some of it. I don't know how, how well the Niners draft, I don't know. How good is Darnold in Seattle? I don't know. I think I know. I don't know. So today we go to the AFC again. I think this is an easier, easier, much easier conference to predict. Let's start with the AFC East. If Josh Allen is in his prime like Brady was, he will win this division going away. Front office coach. They've added Joey Bosa, Josh Palmer, a couple good linebackers. It's the best team going away. They got the star quarterback, the star back, the left tackle. You know they're gonna be fine. And a good edge rusher, capable coach. Patriots, one of my surprise teams in the league. I think they have the second most talented quarterback in the division. I don't think it's particularly close in Drake May they got to get him weapons in the draft, but it's a very good tight end running back draft and they upgraded with Mike Frable at coach from Gerard Mayo who just didn't work and they spent a lot of money. So it's going to be a different team. I think they will double their win total, no question. Dalton Dolphins third. No notable upgrades, but smart coach, capable quarterback. If Tron Armstead retires at left tackle, that is a problem. That is a problem. And the Jets, I mean, it is what it is. I got a new coach, downgraded quarterback from Aaron to Justin Fields. It is what it is. I think this is an easy one. Bills, Patriots, Dolphins, Jets, AFC north, great division. I'm gonna go Ravens, Bengals, Steelers, Brown. Okay, the Ravens. The only thing I worried about is is Ronnie Stanley the left tackle coming back? Answer is yes. Bengals, cheap franchise. Their three best players, Burrow, Jamar, Chase, Hendrickson, even T. Higgins are four best players. Aren't particularly happy. Very, very top heavy. But this year I think basically Burrow and their star receivers will lead them narrowly to a wild card birthday. Whether or not Aaron Rodgers goes to Pittsburgh or not. They are tone deaf offensively. And over the last five years they just consistently get bad late in the year. Steelers third. And I like the coach in Cleveland. They got Miles Garrett re signed but you know what do they fish rot from the top or the head or something like that? What's it saying? I. I just don't trust the organization, ownership, AFC South. So I think Tennessee will be the most improved team. I'm going to take the Texans, Titans, Colts and Jags. Now the Texans are rebuilding the O line. They moved off three guys, so I think they had to. They fired Bobby Slowik. But again, I get the best quarterback. I get arguably the best coach. So I'm going to go with the Texans. C.J. stroud. I mean, again, I'm going to do it again this year. Best quarterback in the division wins. I think Cam Ward actually is pretty electric and wins some games for the Titans and will arguably be the second best quarterback in the division. And also you're kind of guessing on him. You don't know what he is. So generally you need an off season to figure out what a quarterback is. I think Cam Ward comes into some backyard football, but J. Mack likes the Titans as a surprise team. I do too, potentially as a playoff team. I like the Colts roster, but they're going into camp with a quarterback competition that sounds very collegiate. Daniel Jones. Jones and Anthony Richardson don't love either. Like the coach, the gm, the roster, Colts third. I don't know what to make. Trevor Lawrence hasn't been what we thought. They've got a new coach again. Do you trust the front office? I'll watch their draft. It is what it is. Finally the best division in football. I mean, you get literally everybody. I'm going to go Chargers win the AFC West. Kansas City's the wild card team. Broncos third Raiders four. So I'm going to lean into Jim Harbaugh. I think Najee Harris is the perfect running back for this offense. They brought Mike Williams back, a physical receiver. I thought their improvement last year was remarkable. I think they'll keep improving. We've got to be honest about Kansas City. They're not winning all those close games again. Their offensive line is in total flux at left tackle. They're going to start a left tackle that's never started. They let go of Joe Tuney, their best offensive lineman. I think Denver made two big swings on defense with Hufanga and Greenlaw. I think they both pay dividends. I think, I think, I even think the Raiders will be viable. Geno Smith. They got their O line set. Pete Carroll, Chip Kelly, Max Crosby. I think their defense has some players. They were all banged up last year. They gave the Chiefs fits twice this division. I don't think the winner of this division WINS More than 12, whoever it is. And I don't think the fourth place team wins fewer than eight. So I think this is the best division going away in football. I mean the coaching is Jim Harbaugh, Andy Reid, Sean Payton and Pete Carroll. And Pete's got Chip Kelly and Andy Reid's got Spags and, and Kansas. And then all of a sudden you got the Chargers have Jesse Minter on defense with Harbaugh. This is arguably the best coach division in the history of the NFL. So my division winners, I'm going to do it like last year with one exception. Bills, Ravens, Texans, Chargers. Wild card teams are the Patriots, Bengals and Chiefs. So I have five new playoff teams. Two in the AFC here, Patriots, Bengals and three in the NFC. So I have five new playoff teams. There have been at least four and often more for 35 years in a row. So some of you fanboys are going to be upset. But you have to have minimum four new playoff teams. So my new playoff teams yesterday I had Seattle in the playoffs. I didn't make it. Last year I had Atlanta winning their division. I, I believe in Michael Penix. That was a new playoff team. Here I've got the Patriots and Bengals. I'm forgetting somebody in the nfc. So and, and I, I, I, wherever Aaron Rodgers lands, if he goes to Minnesota. Oh, I had the Bears yesterday, my bad as a wild card team. So wherever Aaron goes, if he goes to Minnesota, my guess is he's a backup by like October they're going to start JJ McCarthy if he goes to New York, they're not getting Past Philly and Washington. If he goes to Pittsburgh, he probably is worth a game over Russell Wilson. But Russell Wilson was really good until the end and all the rah rah stuff just doesn't pan out at the end of the season. And so I don't think Aaron's going to change the dynamics of any division in football at this point. Again, last 30 games he's 11 and 19. His passer ratings under 90. That's with Matt LaFleur. You know, that's with like, okay, it was the Jets. Well, it was also Green Bay. So most of those games, majority of them or close to majority or half, they were Green Bay games with Matt LaFleur. So he didn't make the playoffs last year. They lost to Detroit at home. Remember that? The lab was the last game of the regular season.
- [42:16]
Jason McIntyre
So you want, you want some pushback or no?
- [42:18]
Colin Cowherd
Yeah, I do. Of course.
- [42:20]
Jason McIntyre
This is tough because I like this team a lot. I was just drilling down on the Chargers a little bit. You know how many teams they beat last year that made the playoffs?
- [42:29]
Colin Cowherd
No.
- [42:30]
Jason McIntyre
1. Denver twice. That's it. They did not beat anybody good all season. And I look at the Chargers offseason. Colin who, how, where have they upgraded? Najee Harris, Is that an upgrade? Mike Williams bringing his corpse back to run, run down the field. I don't see the improve. I don't see how the roster's gotten better.
- [42:48]
Colin Cowherd
What have we said about Jim Harbaugh? First three years in the NFL. Know.
- [42:52]
Jason McIntyre
I know, I know.
- [42:52]
Colin Cowherd
Did you see their draft last year? A lot of guys that could play.
- [42:55]
Jason McIntyre
I guess my, my disagreement would be like, I think the Broncos have improved their team dramatically. And the Chargers, I don't think they're like status quo.
- [43:04]
Colin Cowherd
I said the winner will not win more than 12 games and the loser will not win less than fewer than eight. I think the division goes down to the last three weeks. I think health. What worries me about the Broncos, Hunga and Greenlaw struggle to stay healthy. Healthy. Well, yeah, that's, that's a real thing. And by the way, Garrett Bowles has had some health stuff at left tackle. So a lot of their guys like the Niners last year. I worry about Denver staying healthy for 18 weeks.
- [43:28]
Jason McIntyre
I am a little to go to a last place team. Not the jets, the Jags. You have just sold all of your Trevor Lawrence stock, huh?
- [43:35]
Colin Cowherd
So you're done? Done?
- [43:35]
Jason McIntyre
You're off Lawrence?
- [43:36]
Colin Cowherd
No, no.
- [43:37]
Jason McIntyre
There was a time where you would not take a call on him. He was in that group. And it's over.
- [43:43]
Colin Cowherd
Well, you know, it's funny. So Greg Cosell for years and years kept telling me over and over, the tape tells you he is not close to Josh Allen, that he. He doesn't see the field as well as he should. He tends to run sometimes to a fault. He gets banged up and listen, there was always a question about Trevor Lawrence. Here was the knock. He really likes football. Does he love it? That was the Andrew Luck criticism. Andrew Luck had a big, broad life. He really enjoyed football. He didn't live for it. He wasn't Brady. He wasn't obsessed. He's not obsessed like Brady or Breeze, just obsessed. Trevor Lawrence is good at it and likes it. But he said when he got drafted, it's not the beginning and the end of my. My. It's not. It doesn't define.
- [44:31]
Jason McIntyre
It doesn't define me.
- [44:31]
Colin Cowherd
Yeah, well, I kind of want. I want football too, at some point, as a quarterback to define you for. I'm not asking forever. I'm just saying for like 12 years. It's got to be kind of the center point. I mean, I'm not, I'm not asking football players to not have a life and be happily married and have. I'm saying. But for the 10, for the eight years you're in your prime, I need you to really be focused, really care deeply.
- [44:53]
Jason McIntyre
He's distracted, right. It's not like he's like, oh, I love sports cars or whatever. He just. The football is like, eh, I'm playing football.
- [44:59]
Paul Pierce
Cool.
- [45:00]
Jason McIntyre
It's not like Tom Brady's obsessive.
- [45:02]
Colin Cowherd
Yeah. You know what? Most people in my. Steve Jobs was obsessed and he changed the world. You know, most people that are obsessed, all these devices we have, they're built by obsessed people. So I know everybody wants you to be balanced and healthy. I like people that deeply care about stuff.
- [45:21]
Jason McIntyre
I think quietly, Trevor Lawrence is like probably one of the ten most interesting figures heading into the season. Because Colin, there was talk like, do we even extend him? Like, how much money do you give him? Because he hasn't been the number one pick you thought he'd be. He was supposed to be generational.
- [45:36]
Colin Cowherd
Yeah, well, that's why the NFL is great. You can be a second, third, fourth, fifth round pick. Like Max Crosby, who's joining us live. Six years, four Pro Bowls, leads the NFL and tackles for loss over the last four seasons. You know, I've told you this before. I love you, man. And I. You did something this week that I think you are very willing to talk about. The demon that you've overcome. You've been very willing. There was a picture you put on your Instagram. So I'll ask you about it because you put it out there first. I wouldn't otherwise, but I've talked to you about this before, and there are people right now in this country struggling with what you were struggling with. Do you remember the day that you just said, I'm over this. I'm going to change my life? Do you remember that day?
- [46:19]
Max Crosby
Absolutely. Absolutely. First off, Collins, great to see you always, you know, you're my guy. But, yeah, man, I'll never forget it. You know what I mean? That was the biggest day and most important day of my life, you know, besides the. The day I married my wife and the day my daughter was born. I wouldn't be here in this position if I didn't make that. Make that decision for myself and my family, you know, to get healthy and. And put myself first and get the help I needed. So, yeah, man, it's been a. It's been a hell of a journey ever since. It's been five years already. It's crazy how. How time flies.
- [46:52]
Colin Cowherd
Do people ever come up to you and thank you for your messaging and willingness to talk about it?
- [46:58]
Max Crosby
Yeah, all the time. You know, my first year, once I got a year of sobriety, that's when I came out public about it. Yeah. Because honestly, I had, you know, I had a guy like Darren Waller in my locker room who was very public and open about it, and I was kind of terrified to, you know, tell people that, you know, I was an addict and I was going through what I was going through. But seeing a guy like that and seeing and talking to other people, a big influence, you know, talk about their struggles, be open about it. I think it was super important because of my platform and how I can impact others and give back. Because, you know, a lot of people don't like to talk about it, but there's millions of people suffering from addiction, so very open and honest about it, and I think that's the most important thing. You know, you live one life and, you know, as many people as you can help is. Is the best thing you could possibly do. So that's what it's all about.
- [47:46]
Colin Cowherd
So you are now in the best division in football. It's crazy. I mean, look at the coaches. Sean Payton, Andy Reid, Spags, Jim Harbaugh, Jesse Minter. Now you have Pete Carroll and Chip Kelly. So when Pete speaks to the team or you individually for the first time, what was Pete Carroll's message?
- [48:07]
Max Crosby
Compete. You know, he talks about it all the time. No matter what we're doing, we're going to compete, we're going to have fun when we do it. And the culture is, is first and foremost, you know, Pete, Pete, everywhere he's been, has created a culture of winning and, and, and fun. And it doesn't mean you're not working hard. It means that everybody enjoys showing up every single day. We have one of the hardest jobs in the world. There's a reason why there's only 1500 NFL players on the planet. You know what I mean? There's 8 billion people and there's only a tiny, tiny group of people that can really do it every day. So you have to enjoy the process. And that's something that he's big on. I've talked to a ton of people that he knows and has coached. They've reached out to me from, you know, Marshawn lynch to Richard Sherman, Michael Bennett, all those guys, they, all the, the wording and how they approach me about how Pete is and how he operates are all so consistent and they absolutely love, love him. So I'm super excited. You know, me and Pete have only known each other for a couple months now, but I can't wait to continue, you know, building that relationship and, and continue to do it together and build a winner here.
- [49:12]
Colin Cowherd
You know, it's funny, the quarterbacks that you pursue, so you got Mahomes who moves really well and throws, can throw left handed. Bo Nix is smaller, but way more athletic than people think. Justin Herbert's. Justin Herbert's a bit of a house. When you rush, do you. Is that useless? You don't care? Or do you like, are there angles you take on guys? Do you think differently when rushing? Bo, Justin and Patrick?
- [49:38]
Max Crosby
Absolutely, absolutely. You know, they all have their strengths, strengths and weaknesses. And it's up to me to figure out the best approach every single week. Because every quarterback's different, every team is different, every coach is different. And the schemes that I gotta, you know, go against change weekly. You know what I mean? I know I'm being circled every week and they're gonna double team me, triple team me, ship and all that. So for me, it's like an ultimate mind game more than anything because I'm trying to figure out how to break that, break that code. And it's become more and more of a challenge, but it's become more and more exciting, you know what I mean, over the years. Because it's like, I take it, you know, I take it as like A. A sign of respect, you know, that teams are coming after me, but you gotta, you gotta be so locked in and you gotta find those couple plays in the game. Okay? If they get in this formation, this is how I'm gonna approach this. And this is where I'm gonna change the game. Like, that's literally how I'm watching the film. Like, I'm watching my film all, you know, leading up to it. How can I improve? How could I be the best version of myself? And then, okay, where is this, this. These little windows I can, I can capitalize on? So, yeah, every quarterback is different. You know, Pat is, I mean, Pat is one of one. He's different. You know, he's going to try to make every single play. You know, guys like Josh Allen, Lamar, even Herbert, like, Herbert's gonna, you gotta, you gotta smack him over and over and over again because he's gonna literally, like, he'll be on it, damn near on his back, and he's still trying to get rid of the ball and make play. So, yeah, it's, it's all, you know, it's ultimate respect at the end of the day. But they know, like, my job is to, is to kill him. And they're the ones, you know, trying to try to play quarterback, but also they know I'm. I'm trying to take their head off at the same time.
- [51:22]
Colin Cowherd
So I've said before, there are very few defensive players that lead teams that are the soul of the team. And when you were talking about contract, I had said on the show, I said, when I think Raiders, Even in the 70s and 80s, I think of Max Crosby. He looks like a Raider, he plays like a Raider. You talk a lot of trash. Is that to fire you up or is it to intimidate others? Because you, you, you should be in my business. You never stop talking. Who's that for?
- [51:52]
Max Crosby
I think it's a mixture and I do appreciate that. Colin, I know your boy over there. I've seen one of the clips. I, I'm gonna keep, I'm gonna keep my opinion to myself, but I know you know football. Colin, I don't know about your boy over there, but I would just keep it like this. You know, for me, I get fired up. It just depends. Like, honestly, sometimes if you're just in a. That day, you can't predict how you're gonna feel every single day. Sometimes you're gonna be in the best mood ever. Some days you're gonna be in a dark place. Like, that's just what comes with it and I just, sometimes I just talk to kind of like get myself going, you know what I mean? Like, try to get myself. Like if I feel like I'm not 310 myself, I might just start a fight in the middle of practice just to get myself going, you know what I mean? So it just kind of depends on where my mind's at and what space I'm at, you know, I don't like to try to chase a feeling because some, you know, like if you have a great game, some guys will go be like, okay, I need to feel like that again. And how do I get to that? You can't chase. There's never going to be that exact feeling, you know what I mean? You just have to go with the flow and be where your feet are and find whatever space you're in and maximize that. Because that's just reality. That's how life is. Some days you wake up, you got the big smile on your face, hey, I'm. Have a great day. Some days your body's sore, you're hurting, but you still have to find a way to be at your best. So I just feel like there's no perfect recipe to it. You just have to, you can't try to overthink it and try to make something that it isn't. I just try to go with the flow. And some games I'm quiet, I might not say a single word. I'm just laser focus. Some games I'm just something pissed me off or I'm, you know, trying to get myself going and I'm just on somebody like Ravens game, like I was talking the whole game. Some other games, I've had some of the best games in my career and I'm sitting there smiling the whole game, not saying a word, not talking, just, I just, I just go with the flow, you know what I mean? I don't try to force any type of vibe or energy.
- [53:48]
Colin Cowherd
Finally, for about a week, you were the highest paid non quarterback in the world. And I know you're not about a money guy. Every time I see you, jeans, T shirt, you're watching ufc. But do you ever. That day when you signed that contract, who'd you think about? What'd you think about that one day that where money was like a big discussion in your life?
- [54:11]
Max Crosby
Yeah. Honestly, you know, this, you know, being the second time that I've gotten an extension, you know, the first time was like, oh my God, you know what I mean? Like, it was just crazy. Like I did it, I, you know, I Got this huge contract and I always like had that in the back of my head. How would that feel? And I feel like the first time it was like this big thing and for the outside world, you know, I was like the third or fourth highest paid end at that time. And I'm like, I'm a top five guy now, blah blah blah. And it meant a lot more to me then, then I felt like it's to the outside world. But this time around, like set in history, you know, resetting history, being the highest paid non quarterback, I feel like the outside world is like a huge, huge response. And for me it was just like another day. Like I can't even explain it, you know what I mean? Like, I'm so laser focused right now. Being at my best and getting back healthy and preparing for this next season. I got so many goals and things I want to accomplish. I truly like, I just wanted to get, get to a point where I was happy and where I'm comfortable and my family's comfortable and I'm just the same as usual. I was literally the day I signed my contract. I'm in there boxing with the guys and getting my work in before I went inside. My contract, my agents and all them are looking at me like, I'm like, I got to get my work in first. I'm going. You know what I mean? Like, this is most important. I wouldn't, I wouldn't have the deal if I'm not putting in the work. So it really, it's unbelievable. Don't get me wrong. Like it's, it's an absolute blessing. Like I am set beyond set and my kids are set and all that is incredible. But truly right now, like, I'm just focused on building, you know, trying to win a Super bowl, most importantly and building a Hall of Fame resume. And that's, that's my focus every single day.
- [55:51]
Colin Cowherd
Hey. Hey. Do you meet Gino yet? Geno Smith? Have you met him yet? Yes, I have.
- [55:56]
Max Crosby
He was, he was in the building a couple days ago. So the second like the news broke, I had been on FaceTime with him like five minutes before he called me with a big smile and was all fired up. So yeah, I was super fired up. I'm super happy that he's a part of our, part of this team now. And I just have heard nothing but great things about him. So just taking it one day at a time. You know, we're building our relationship and I've been a fan of from afar for a long time. I think Gino you know, people have opinions, you know, how the beginning of his career went and things like that. But look what he's done as he's gotten, you know, as the years have gone by, and he truly is a really, really, really good quarterback, and I know he's still far from satisfied. So, yeah, we've had some great conversations, and, you know, we're definitely excited to get to work together.
- [56:41]
Colin Cowherd
It's so great seeing you. I'll be going to more UFC fights now here in the next couple of months. It's always great to see you. Congrats to you and your family and sharing some personal stuff. I sometimes. I don't know if I should ask those questions, but you're always very appreciative, and you give great responses, and there's people out there that have dealt with what you did, and you're five years free of it, and it's amazing. And I just love seeing you, man. I appreciate you coming on the show.
- [57:06]
Max Crosby
You're the best brother. And Colin, I see all your clips, man. All the love and respect you show, it truly means a lot, man. You're one of the best in the game. So I appreciate you. I'll be seeing you soon. All right.
- [57:15]
Colin Cowherd
Max Crosby, and I've said this before, there are very few defensive players. Lawrence Taylor's one. He defined the Giants. It was not Phil Sims. It was a. Lawrence Taylor defined the Giants. The toughness. Max Crosby's the Raiders. Like, you have to be like Lamar Jackson. To me, I would argue this. Mahomes does not define the Chiefs. I think Andy Reid shares in that. Spag shares in that. I think Lamar Jackson is the Ravens. Like, he's the soul in the fabric. I cannot see him playing for any other team. Max Crosby's a Raider. And then if you followed the NFL since the 70s, 80s, 90s, you go back to Lyle Alzado and Matuszak and all the tough guys with the Raiders and Jack Tatum and even their offensive guys, you know, tough guys. Crosby's a Raider. And by the way, it's two X's, Max with two X's. That's a Raider. Yeah. You notice he said, one guy on this set really knows this.
- [58:16]
Jason McIntyre
My phone is just not won't stop buzzing. People like, Max Crosby hates you. What did you say? I'm like, what did I do? And everybody's pointing to this clip. We talked about his extension.
- [58:25]
Colin Cowherd
Yeah.
- [58:26]
Jason McIntyre
Remember, Max Crosby got the big extension we Talked about on March 5, and all these Raider fans jumped down my throat, angry radio.
- [58:33]
Colin Cowherd
You were like, Well, I don't know if I would pay him. And I'm like. That's like not playing Lamar Jackson.
- [58:38]
Jason McIntyre
We talked about trading Miles Garrett because the Browns weren't in contention.
- [58:41]
Colin Cowherd
You did?
- [58:41]
Jason McIntyre
Yeah.
- [58:42]
Colin Cowherd
You.
- [58:42]
Jason McIntyre
You were on board with that?
- [58:43]
Colin Cowherd
No. What? Oh, no. Miles Garrett.
- [58:45]
Jason McIntyre
Miles Garrett of the Browns.
- [58:46]
Colin Cowherd
Okay.
- [58:46]
Jason McIntyre
Because they're not at contention. So why wouldn't you move off Crosby, who's a. By all accounts?
- [58:50]
Colin Cowherd
Because. Because he's the soul of the team.
- [58:53]
Jason McIntyre
Myles Garrett isn't the soul.
- [58:54]
Colin Cowherd
Well, no, he's the best player on the team.
- [58:56]
Jason McIntyre
Who's the soul of the Browns, then?
- [58:57]
Colin Cowherd
I would say Stefanski. Stefanski got Baker Mayfield. Stefanski has had to deal with nonsense at quarterback, and he last few years, he's won 11 games. In 11 games, he's the soul of the team. Don't confuse best player. Jokic is the soul of the nut, right? Okay.
- [59:14]
Jason McIntyre
Or is it Malone, the coach?
- [59:15]
Colin Cowherd
By the way, LeBron is the soul of the Lakers, not AD or Luca. So it's just the best player isn't always like, Lawrence Taylor was the Giants, Reggie White was the Packer, you know? But I would say when Aaron Donald was with the Rams, McVeigh is the soul of the team. His energy, his intelligence, his culture. McVeigh is the. They can move off any player. McVeigh's the Ram. So.
- [59:41]
Paul Pierce
So.
- [59:41]
Jason McIntyre
But do you think it's fair for Max Crosby, your boy, to jump off the top rope and clobber me?
- [59:46]
Colin Cowherd
Yeah, I kind of like it. Huh. Hey, slow feet. Don't eat. You didn't move very well.
- [59:51]
Jason McIntyre
That was harsh. Now, listen, I do remember seeing Max Crosby at the Super Bowl.
- [59:54]
Colin Cowherd
He's a great guy.
- [59:55]
Jason McIntyre
He's an enormous human being.
- [59:56]
Colin Cowherd
A great guy.
- [59:57]
Jason McIntyre
Seems like a nice guy.
- [59:58]
Colin Cowherd
When we go to UFC fights, there's all these media types who do I hang out with.
- [60:03]
Jason McIntyre
The athletes?
- [60:04]
Colin Cowherd
No, like Max Crosby. We always sit there and have a. Well, I have a beer and he eats. Yeah, he doesn't have slow feet.
- [60:11]
Jason McIntyre
I need to get on his diet to bulk up a little bit so I can.
- [60:15]
Colin Cowherd
But they're just guys. Anybody listening to me, that's over 50. Like, Max Crosby is a raider from the 70s. He. He. That's what the Raiders were like. You know, the tattoo culture is much greater now than it was when I was a kid. Growing up, people with tattoos served in the military. Like, you'd have a Navy guy with it. You could always tell if a guy was in the Navy because he would have a tattoo. Now it's the tattoo culture. But, I mean, Max is like, he's leaning into being a Raider.
- [60:40]
Jason McIntyre
It probably sounds like you're too close to him to be impartial when it.
- [60:44]
Colin Cowherd
Comes, you know, I don't always want to be impartial. I try to be, but you know what?
- [60:49]
Jason McIntyre
When you're not, why you're never going to be a gm, man.
- [60:51]
Paul Pierce
You.
- [60:52]
Jason McIntyre
You can't have a relationship with this guy. Crosby.
- [60:56]
Colin Cowherd
Listen, I try to be fair, but I do like certain players because of the way they respond and react. I can't help it. I mean, I cannot help liking LeBron based on being one of the smartest players in the history of sports. I can't. I mean, I was more of a Tiger guy than a Phil guy, and I love Phil, but there was something about Sundays and Tiger and Buffed and the red shirt and pumping his fist and throwing his clubs. I'm like, that's why I don't like country clubs. I was more of a Tiger than a Phil guy, and I love Phil. If I would. I was always more than a Magic guy, than a Bird guy, and I loved Bird. So it just. There are, you know, this whole impartial thing. Everybody has a bias. I think I'm a moderate. I think I'm a moderate with politics, but on social issues, I've historically gone left. On fiscal issues, I've gone right. We all have biases, but there are some players I root for. He's one of your favorite, by the way. Brady. I love Brady's obsessive nature.
- [61:55]
Jason McIntyre
Who doesn't love Tom Brady?
- [61:57]
Colin Cowherd
But again, am I. I always give Brady the benefit of the doubt. Well, then I'm biased. I was always a Tom guy. Now I know Peyton and love him, but I thought Tom. I thought sometimes Peyton could clinch his teeth in tight spots. I never felt that with Tom. So it's. It's, you know, it's just this idea that all of us are just never have a bias. Well, everybody does. I'm a Max guy.
- [62:21]
Jason McIntyre
I don't really have much of a bias. Just to the jets, but they're irrelevant. So what is it about, like, yeah.
- [62:26]
Colin Cowherd
Yesterday, people are like, you know, like, I'll get a lot of stuff on the Chargers picking them over the Chiefs, folks. The Chiefs were like 10 and one in close games.
- [62:35]
Jason McIntyre
I think they were undefeated. I don't think they lost any close.
- [62:37]
Colin Cowherd
No, that's not going to happen. And their own line's a mess. They just let go of. They don't have a left tackle that's ever started in that in that division. I got Jesse Minter, I got all these pass rushers. You got Max Crosby. Raiders could have beaten them twice last year and now the Raiders have like a grown up quarterback. This is Nikki Glaser from the Nikki Glazer Podcast. On a more serious note, I'm still thinking about that commercial with Tom Brady and Snoop Dogg hating on each other. Because when you listen to the reasons for hating someone or something, you realize just how stupid they really are. There is too much hate in this country and it's gotta stop. So join us at iHeart in standing up to it. If you see hate, speak up, call it out and you can learn more by following OTs upwithhate Hey, it's Ryan Seacrest for Albertsons and Safeway. It's Stock up savings time now through March 25th. Spring in for storewide deals and earn four times the points. Look for in store tags to earn on eligible cleaning items from Charmin, Tide and Downey and dinner essentials from Stouffer's, DiGiorno, Arby's and Violife, plus many more. Then clip the offer in our app for automatic event long savings. Stack up those rewards to save even more restrictions apply. Visit Albertsons or Safeway.com for more details. Famous Smoke's been offering the best selection of premium cigars at the best prices for 85 years and somehow they're still the best kept secret, family owned and stocked with millions of cigars, all delivered fast and fresh to your door. Go online to famous smoke.com and use code CLAY for 20 bucks off your order of 99 or more. Get your favorite brands like Fuente, Romeo, Monte Cristo and Cohiba. Or try something new. Get the best cigars at better prices than your local shop. Famous smoke.com promo code clay what's up everyone?
- [64:24]
Jason McIntyre
It's Greg Rosenthal and I'm teaming up with the King of Spring, Daniel Jeremiah.
- [64:29]
Paul Pierce
He requires me to say that we're going to be bringing you 40s and.
- [64:32]
Jason McIntyre
Free agents, the only podcast you'll need this NFL draft season. From DJs, mock drafts to my top 101 free agents will have it covered for you with all new episodes every Thursday keeping you up to date as we head to the NFL Draft app. Listen to 40s and free agents starting on March 6th on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcast.