Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – "Best of the Week on The Herd" (June 21, 2025)
Hosted by iHeartPodcasts and The Volume, "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" delivers a comprehensive and opinionated analysis of the week's top sports stories. In the "Best of the Week" episode released on June 21, 2025, Colin Cowherd and his co-hosts delve into major developments across the NBA and NFL, highlight standout performances, discuss coaching strategies, and examine significant ownership changes in professional sports.
NBA Highlights and Player Performances
The episode kicks off with an engaging discussion on recent NBA performances, focusing particularly on Caitlin Clark's remarkable return to the WNBA. Colin Cowherd praises Clark, stating, "This is not anti anything. It's pro Caitlin Clark. She came back, you could not turn the TV off" (12:40). The hosts analyze her impact on viewership, noting a 55% drop in ratings when she was absent, underscoring her draw as a star player.
Additionally, the conversation shifts to the Oklahoma City Thunder's impressive defensive stand against Indiana. Colin remarks, "It was one of the most impressive defensive performances for a brief stand that I've ever seen" (10:35), highlighting the Thunder's resilience in clinching the game despite early struggles.
NFL Discussions and Player Analysis
Transitioning to the NFL, the hosts examine quarterback performances and team dynamics. A significant portion of the discussion centers around Shador Sanders, a quarterback whose off-field behavior has come under scrutiny. Colin expresses concern, saying, "Legendary 100 miles an hour judgment is 50% of being a quarterback" (60:07), reflecting on Sanders' recent speeding ticket and previous incidents in college football. This segment underscores the importance of player conduct and maturity in professional sports.
In contrast, Joe Burrow receives commendation for his leadership and performance. Colin draws parallels between Burrow and Andrew Luck, emphasizing Burrow's role in holding organizations accountable: "Joe Burrow is doing what I wish Andrew Luck would have done in his career in Indy" (10:35).
Shohei Ohtani's Stellar Performance
One of the episode's highlights is the in-depth analysis of Shohei Ohtani's extraordinary dual-role performance in baseball. Both Colin and co-host J. Mac express awe at Ohtani's abilities, with J. Mac stating, "He's in a rhythm. Everything he does is to create the rhythm" (46:25). They discuss his seamless transition between pitching and hitting, noting his consistency and the magnetic presence he brings to the game. Ohtani's performance is lauded as unparalleled, positioning him alongside sports legends like Michael Phelps and Serena Williams in terms of versatility and impact.
Coaching Insights with Jim Harbaugh
The episode features an insightful interview with Jim Harbaugh, head coach of the LA Chargers. Harbaugh discusses the team's cultural transformation under his leadership, stating, "We've made some great additions... we are in a better place now than we were last year" (33:38). He emphasizes the importance of leadership within the team and the role of meticulous recruitment in building a competitive roster. The conversation also touches on the challenges of coaching in a highly competitive division, with Harbaugh highlighting the necessity for continuous preparation against top-tier coaching strategies.
Lakers Ownership and Organizational Changes
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the recent sale of the Los Angeles Lakers. Colin Cowherd enthusiastically analyzes the implications of the team's $10 billion acquisition by a group already invested in the Dodgers. He asserts, "Yesterday was a great day to be a Laker fan" (35:44), arguing that the new ownership brings strategic advantage through enhanced financing and superior management practices. Colin contrasts the new owners' approach with previous less effective ownership models, suggesting that the Lakers are poised for future success under the new regime.
Player Behavior and Draft Concerns: Shador Sanders
Delving deeper into player behavior, Colin and Nick Wright discuss Shador Sanders’ off-field issues, particularly his recent speeding incident. Colin articulates a shift in his perspective, stating, "This is just a speeding ticket. It's not the end of the world... But when you stand there... it's a bad look" (59:24). They debate the impact of such behaviors on a player's draft prospects and long-term career, comparing Sanders to other quarterbacks who faced similar challenges but emerged successfully, like Dak Prescott. The conversation underscores the delicate balance between talent and personal conduct in professional sports.
Conclusion and Future Topics
In closing, Colin Cowherd previews upcoming topics, including the intense Padres-Dodgers rivalry, Christine Brennan's new book on Caitlin Clark, and further analysis of significant trades and player performances across leagues. The episode wraps up with an optimistic outlook on the sports landscape, emphasizing the continual evolution and excitement that defines professional athletics.
Notable Quotes:
- “This is not anti anything. It's pro Caitlin Clark.” — Colin Cowherd (12:40)
- “It was one of the most impressive defensive performances for a brief stand that I've ever seen.” — Colin Cowherd (10:35)
- “Shohei Ohtani can do everything Aaron Judge can do.” — Colin Cowherd (65:14)
- “We've made some great additions... we are in a better place now than we were last year.” — Jim Harbaugh (33:38)
- “Yesterday was a great day to be a Laker fan.” — Colin Cowherd (35:44)
- “This is just a speeding ticket. It's not the end of the world...” — Colin Cowherd (59:24)
For listeners seeking an expert-driven analysis of the week's most compelling sports narratives, "Best of the Week on The Herd" offers a nuanced and engaging exploration, combining passionate commentary with insightful evaluations of player performances, team strategies, and organizational developments.