Colin Cowherd Podcast - Nick Wright: Russ Signs With The Giants, Diggs Gets Payday From Pats, Who Drafts Shedeur? Chalk Dominates March Madness

Summary

Summary of "Colin Cowherd Podcast - Nick Wright: Russ Signs With The Giants, Diggs Gets Payday From Pats, Who Drafts Shedeur? Chalk Dominates March Madness"

Release Date: March 26, 2025

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, host Colin Cowherd engages in a comprehensive and insightful conversation with guest Nick Wright. The discussion primarily revolves around significant NFL offseason moves, draft strategies, and the broader implications for team dynamics. Additionally, the podcast touches upon personal anecdotes, team brand evaluations, and the intricacies of sports gambling, providing listeners with a well-rounded analysis of current sports events.

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1. Key NFL Offseason Moves

Russell Wilson Signs with the New York Giants

At the outset ([04:01]), Colin Cowherd highlights the major signing of quarterback Russell Wilson to the New York Giants with a $10 million guaranteed contract. This move is seen as a strategic enhancement for the Giants’ offense.

Stefon Diggs Contracts with the New England Patriots

Shortly after, the conversation shifts to wide receiver Stefon Diggs’ signing with the Patriots. Diggs secured a $69 million contract with $26 million guaranteed ([04:04]). Colin expresses concerns about the Patriots overpaying, suggesting that both Diggs and defensive tackle William are being compensated "double what they're worth" due to the team's ample cap space ([04:01]).

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2. Analysis of Contract Implications

Colin’s Take on Overpaying Players

Colin Cowherd argues that while the market can bear hefty contracts, it doesn't always translate to value. He remarks, “I wouldn’t have paid for Stefan Diggs, although I do think now he's probably a very capable two” ([04:04]). This suggests skepticism about the long-term value of such high-paying contracts.

Nick’s Perspective on Diggs’ Value

Nick Wright counters by highlighting Diggs' capabilities and potential, despite recent performances. He questions whether the Patriots' investment will pay off, especially considering Diggs' injury history and off-field behavior. Wright states, “He’s also a pretty wild guy off the field” ([07:15]), expressing doubts about Diggs maintaining peak performance.

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3. Patriots’ Strategic Approach Under Mike Vrabel

Nick introduces a theory about Patriots’ head coach Mike Vrabel’s strategy, suggesting that Vrabel prioritizes finding a stable offensive line and culture over high-risk, high-reward players. Colin adds, “Vrabel knows what cost him his job in Tennessee” ([05:31]), implying that Vrabel is cautious about future signings to avoid past mistakes.

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4. New York Giants’ Draft Strategy and Shedeur Sanders

Debate on Drafting Quarterbacks

A focal point of the discussion is the Giants’ potential draft pick Shedeur Sanders. Colin confidently asserts, “I still think you draft Shedeur Sanders” ([12:12]), emphasizing his belief in Sanders’ abilities despite concerns about the offensive line and run game.

Impact on Other Teams

Nick Wright explores the ramifications of the Giants’ signings on other teams, particularly the Cleveland Browns. He posits that the Browns might feel pressured to draft a quarterback regardless of their preference, given the Giants' aggressive moves ([14:22]).

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5. Evaluation of Team Brands: Steelers and Cowboys

Pittsburgh Steelers Struggle

Colin criticizes the Pittsburgh Steelers, stating, “I cannot believe Steelers… they’re not close to a Super Bowl team” ([25:32]). Despite their strong brand, the Steelers are perceived as struggling due to poor offensive strategies and quarterback performance.

Dallas Cowboys’ Decline

Similarly, the Cowboys' brand is scrutinized. Nick Wright discusses the decline in their performance and fan satisfaction, noting, “It's a complete agreement within the Cowboys” ([28:15]). Both teams are highlighted as examples of how even traditionally strong brands can falter without strategic management.

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6. Personal Anecdotes and Career Insights

Nick Wright’s Career Path

Nick shares his journey of securing a prominent radio position by meticulously preparing and presenting himself as a valuable asset. He recounts creating a detailed Houston sports encyclopedia for an interview, demonstrating his dedication and strategic thinking ([56:23]).

Colin Cowherd’s Professional Experiences

Colin reminisces about his own interviews and the importance of preparation, highlighting how strategic self-presentation can lead to career advancement. This segment underscores the podcast’s recurring theme of proactive career management.

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7. The World of Sports Gambling

Sharp vs. Square Bettors

Colin and Nick delve into the nuances of sports betting, distinguishing between “sharp” bettors (professionals) and “square” bettors (recreational). They discuss how sharp bettors manipulate betting lines to their advantage, a strategy less understood by the general public ([79:22]).

Impact of Legalization on Betting

The conversation explores how the legalization and widespread accessibility of sports betting have transformed the industry, making it more competitive and strategic. Nick explains, “So much of the actual… today is manipulated. Line movement is like people moving the line for themselves” ([79:21]).

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8. Reflections on Personal Development and Public Persona

Influence of Personal Experiences on Perspectives

The hosts reflect on how personal experiences shape their views and professional approaches. Colin emphasizes, “Life’s about reaction, not action” ([62:58]), reinforcing the importance of adaptability and positive response to challenges.

Overcoming Adversity and Maintaining Focus

Nick shares his coping mechanisms for maintaining focus and resilience, drawing parallels between personal life challenges and professional sports dynamics.

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Notable Quotes

• Colin Cowherd on Overpaying Players: “I still think you draft Shedeur Sanders. I still think you do” ([12:12]).

• Nick Wright on Stefon Diggs' Behavior: “He’s also a pretty wild guy off the field” ([07:15]).

• Colin Cowherd on Steelers’ Brand Decline: “I cannot believe Steelers… they’re not close to a Super Bowl team” ([25:32]).

• Nick Wright on Gambling Strategies: “It is really for the folks who are betting highest of stakes and a half point means the world” ([79:22]).

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Conclusion

This episode of The Herd offers a multifaceted exploration of current NFL dynamics, emphasizing the complexities of player contracts, draft strategies, and team branding. Colin Cowherd and Nick Wright provide a blend of analytical insight and personal storytelling, making the discussion both informative and engaging. The conversation extends beyond the gridiron, touching upon the psychological aspects of career development and the evolving landscape of sports gambling, thereby catering to a wide array of sports enthusiasts.

Listeners gain a deeper understanding of how high-stakes decisions off the field, such as player signings and draft picks, directly influence team performance and brand strength. Additionally, the personal anecdotes shared by the hosts offer valuable lessons in preparation, resilience, and strategic thinking, reinforcing the podcast’s role as a thought-provoking sports analysis platform.

Transcript

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[Colin Cowherd]

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[Nick Wright]

Well.

[Colin Cowherd]

I've said it before. Fubo is one of my favorite ways to watch sports. College basketball, NBA. It doesn't matter what the sport is. FuboTV delivers. I watch it constantly on airplanes. If I'm in my car and I'm driving and I want to stay up to date in the game. Fubotv.com Colin you will get $50 off for two months of FuboTV. And the Masters is going to be on it. Major league baseball is going to be on it. It's just in my life, I can't always be in front of a But I want to stay up to date on what's happening in sports. Fubotv.com Colin Fifty bucks off, two months. Fubo all right, we haven't had Nick ride on in a while. You see him Tuesday on the Herd. But this is a looser, kind of a looser engagement, which I always appreciate. And there's a couple pieces of NFL news. Russell Wilson signed with the New York Giants, $10 million guaranteed. Stefan Diggs signed with the Patriots.

[Nick Wright]

Oh my God. Did you see how much money Diggs got?

[Colin Cowherd]

69 million, 26 million guaranteed. Here's my take on this is they made two big overpays. Stefan Diggs and Williams, the defensive tackle. Yeah, both are paid double what they're worth. They had the most cap space. So in both instances, you know, that's what the market bears. I wouldn't have paid for Stefan Diggs, although I do think now he's probably a very capable two. I think what Mike Vrabel. I have a theory on Vrabel. So Vrabel knows what cost him his job in Tennessee. He lost A.J. brown and he walked into New England. However, you lose your job at a previous employer, that will be your first solve at your next job. And his take is, okay, I can figure out the line play, the culture, the intelligence. I can't have a team that can't throw the ball down the field. So they're going to Draft Travis Hunter and they got Stefan Diggs and then they've got guys that can be the 3, 4 and 5. So I think Vrabel looks at it and thinks, listen, this is, this is a pretty easy. I got Drake May, I got a good owner, I got a tough guy roster. I am not going to end up in Tennessee because what would happen if for two years they couldn't score? People would label variable. You know, his teams are tough but they, they can't do anything offensively.

[Nick Wright]

It's Tomlin, right? That's right.

[Colin Cowherd]

So he's going to solve this. So I get this overpay.

[Nick Wright]

Okay, so I, I understand the logic, Rev. You're saying it assumes Stefon Diggs can still play and wants to play. I don't know that that's true. Diggs last year was fine. He was not great. He was fine, fine. And now he is going to at the start of next season be 10 months, not even a full year removed from the first major injury of his career. It's an ACL. It is I, he, I would not like. The Bills didn't want him back. He's free agent. It's not like they're stacked at receiver now. The Bills could have done the ultimate thing the Patriots used to do, which is build up a player's value, let him leave, get, you know, trade him for value and then bring him back. They didn't want him. 20. This is. If you would have asked me before this show, Diggs is going to sign what is his deal going to be? I would be like, I don't know man, like 10% less than Devonte Adams deal. What did Devonte get? 1 for 15, 3 for 69. Even if it's funny money, 26 million guaranteed is a shitload of money for Stefan Diggs who wears out his welcome. And I don't know if he is good for Drake maybe. And also the other piece of it is I agree with a lot of what you were saying. Why aren't the Patriots the team that traded for Joe Tuney, that one I don't get like the. He used to be there. He won Super Bowls there.

[T-Mobile]

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[Nick Wright]

You know what I mean? There is a real relationship. They had a better third round. Well, it's next year's third round pick. But the Chiefs I would imagine would prefer to have a Patriots third rounder than a Bears third rounder for next season. Why? They're them not addressing the offensive line, missing out on receivers and then having to pay double what I thought Diggs would Cost is a wild turn of events. Listen, if he's good, I get it because the money's. Who cares about the money? You have all the money to spend. I just don't know that Diggs also Diggs is. I could see Stefan dig. Like if Diggs went to a real contender, I could see him locking in for another year. Could I see Stefan Diggs being like retirement job boys. I'm not getting another deal after this one anyway. Like I could and so he's also a pretty wild guy off the field. Like is he he had so there was so there's two things. There is a one of those team videos that just I can't get out of my head. It's when he was with I think the Vikings where like the team social media went around to guys and they were like, hey, who in the locker room would you want your sister to date? And they give a bunch of different answers and then they're like, who would you not want her to date? And every single fucking guy said digs, every single one of his teammates was like, not Stefan, not Diggs. It was the all it was unanimous. Like stay away from him. Then there's also some weird again, I don't traffic and rumors. There's some weird digs and cardi b stuff out there that just feels like, listen the guy again, you can do whatever you want. My point is seems to really enjoy his celebrity and nightlife and all of that. And how well do players like that age at post injury not well getting paid typically. It's not the Larry Fitzgerald path of I blocked. And so that that concerns me a bit if I'm being honest. The Russell Wilson thing that's very interesting to me is Justin Fields got double the guarantee. Triple the what? Justin Fields got 2 for 40 with 30 guaranteed, right?

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah.

[Nick Wright]

Ross just got 1 for 20 with 10 guaranteed. That's interesting.

[Colin Cowherd]

Well, I still think Go ahead. I, I, I, I don't think either is necessarily better than the other. I think you are paying for Justin Fields on a little bit of hope is that there's more to squeeze. There's more juice to potentially squeeze out of this young hardworking player. I think the feeling is, listen, man, this is the last this is the last stop for Russ and and by the way, there's Justin Fields is an example of somebody that will never be a franchise quarterback. But he's a good kid. He is big. He's got a kicks love him.

[Nick Wright]

Yeah.

[Colin Cowherd]

And being a nice guy adds value. Like there are guys that it's like, you know, what if it doesn't work? He's a good dude in the room.

[Nick Wright]

Guys like him, nice guy, low maintenance, isn't going to know 100%. It's always. So here's my question though for you on the Giants, because this is happening like as we're recording. So they gave Jameis a deal, just 4 million bucks. They just signed Ross. Do you think this means there if he's there, they're not drafting Shador.

[Colin Cowherd]

I think, I think my guess is I, I don't hold Joe Shane in high regard. I also hold my own opinions on quarterbacks in pretty high regard and I hold my sourcing on quarterbacks in very high regard. So I trust my own judgment. I didn't like D. I didn't like Zach Wilson. I probably like Sam Darnold too much. But Sam proved what last year, which I believe, which is if you put him in the right spot, he can be incredibly productive, dynamic. I would draft Shador Sanders for a lot of reasons and I talked about one on the show today. He had the worst O line and the worst run game the last two years. Power five college football. And he completed an astounding 74% of his throws. That is insane. Matt Ryan completed 60% for bad teams in college. I mean, Matt Stafford with good Georgia teams completed 61 1/2 percent, 74%. Running for your life, trailing. Everybody knows you're throwing with a battle line and no run game. It's an astounding number. So I, I think you, you, you can talk yourself in and out. I still think you draft Shador Sanders. I still think you do.

[Nick Wright]

So I don't know if this is a sign. This is a sign to me of one of. Because you don't sign Russ and Jameis if you're like, we're definitely drafting a quarterback. Like, you don't need to backups, right? To me, this is a sign that either they, they don't like him or they think Cleveland might take it. You know what I mean? That they think there is a real chance that they don't have the opportunity to get him. Now New England is praying it is not that they don't like him because the only thing that wrecks the Patriots plans is if the draft goes like this. Cam Ward 1. Abdul Carter 2. Travis Hunter 3. In where the Giants are like, you know what? Malik neighbors, Travis Hunter with Hunter, you know, moonlighting as a defensive back. And then the Patriots are sitting there at 4 and are like, Jesus, are we taking the, you know, the short Armed offensive lineman. Are we taking the kid from Missouri? That should go nine at four.

[Colin Cowherd]

Four.

[Nick Wright]

Like the Patriots really, really want two of the first three picks to be quarterbacks. That way they guarantee to get in my opinion. Tell me if you disagree. I think there are take the quarterbacks out of it. I think there are two super blue chip players in this class, Carter and Hunter Y. And then everyone else it. You know, I'm not saying I'm sure other guys will be great players, but there's two guys that are like oh wow, that could be the num a non quarterback. That's the talent of a number one pick. The Patriots I think would be thrilled with either of those two. What they don't want is both of those guys to be gone and them to be stuck drafting offensive lineman that could be there at 12 at 4. And so I'm really curious if this is because the Giants don't like Shador or the Giants have intel that the Browns love Shador.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah. And I think Shador is built for Kevin Stefanski who likes pocket quarterbacks over movers. So I think eventually and the only way to get out of the DeSean Watson disaster is how did the Broncos get out of the Russell Wilson disaster? Hit on a rookie quarterback that you don't have to pay big money for four years. That's the only way to get out of it. And then you just figure out ways around it. The good thing about this is what this is the advantage NFL has over baseball and basketball. A weaker players union. First of all, you win negotiations. The team controls the player, not vice versa. You're not getting 10 year guaranteed deals. You're not getting guaranteed money much. And the second thing is even if you make the worst deal in league history, Deshaun Watson guaranteed in one year or two years, if you just hit on a player at the same position in the draft, you can do it. If you have like one or two good drafts and have like nine starters, you're okay. You're fine. I mean it really comes down to if Andrew Berry drafts well the next last year, this year or next year, they're fine. It doesn't matter if Shador can play, you're out of it.

[Nick Wright]

Which is why I think the Browns maybe this is the logic because according to what you just said it would be the Browns almost have to draft a quarterback even if they don't love him because it's their only path. The only path for them is a competent quarterback that makes no money.

[Colin Cowherd]

That's right.

[Nick Wright]

Because every other like in the midst of this mess, they didn't make the playoffs because they had a competent quarterback who made no money. Except instead of being a rookie, he was my age named Joe Flacco. You know what I mean? Like there was. And so that is interesting. I just. It. I assumed this draft was going to go Cam Ward 1, Abdul Carter 2. Because the Browns would be like man, Miles Garrett. I'll duel Carter on the edge at least that set. And then the Giants being the pivot point, where are they taking Shador or not? Because the other thing for Shador is this. I don't know how much you've looked at it. If he doesn't go three, he might not go in the top 15. Like they're the.

[Colin Cowherd]

Like the Aaron Rodgers year.

[Nick Wright]

Yes. Like the. When you look at. I'm going to pull it up real quick.

[Colin Cowherd]

There's just not many teams. I mean you could say. You could say Raiders.

[Nick Wright]

No, the Raiders just traded for Geno.

[Colin Cowherd]

They did. But you could draft somebody and sit them for a year and a half.

[Nick Wright]

No, that's true. But certainly the Raiders chances of drafting a quarterback went way down when they traded for Geno. And so it's just the. I was doing this the other day. Tennessee 1, Cleveland 2. Giants 3. All need quarterbacks. Then it goes Patriots, Drake, Jacksonville, Trevor, Raiders, Geno with a asterisk. Jets. The jets could. But they also. I think the jets really like the idea of let's for the first time in forever have a season where the. Where everyone's not like how good the quarterback. What's the quarterback doing? How are we developing the quarterback. Let Aaron Glenn set things and then go get the quarterback. Panthers 8. No Saints are a maybe at 9. But the Saints just they're tied to car. But then Bears, no Caleb, Niners, no Brock, Cowboys, Dolphins, Colts I guess at 14. But it is. It is a lot of teams. And then after the Colts, Falcons. No Cardinals, Bengals, Seahawks, Bucks, Broncos. Then the Steelers at 21. And that might be why Rogers might like there's. You asked me about Rogers on the show. The one thing I didn't mention that I do wonder if it's a possibility is if Rogers is trying to pressure. Not pressure, but trying to ensure the Steelers don't draft a quarterback like what you like. I don't want to sign with you and then risk getting benched for the first round quarterback. I want to see what you do with your first round pick before I commit to come there.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah.

[Nick Wright]

No, because there is a scenario where these guys were Shador slips. I don't necessarily think it's going to happen, but if he gets out of the top three, there's only a few spots for him.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah, I mean, I think I actually said today I think Aaron Rodgers is smart to wait. If Kirk Cousins waits, he doesn't go to Atlanta. He lands somewhere where he's the guy. When it comes to college basketball and March mania, one thing's for sure. Nothing is for sure. Doesn't matter. Buzzer beaters Cinderellas advancing upsets. It's all going to happen. Bet the unexpected. Every upset Every day with DraftKings Sportsbook Live Betting Exclusive Content Promos Parlays DraftKings the ultimate college basketball destination for March. If you're a first timer, here's something cool, something special just for you. Five bucks new Draft Kings customers bet five bucks and you'll get 200 instantly in bonus bets. How about that? Download the DraftKings sportsbook app 90 seconds. Use my name the code Collins C O L I N new customers 200 bucks in bonus bets betting just five bucks only on DraftKings. The crown is yours. Gambling problem call 1-800- gambler in New York. Call 877-8-Hopeny or text hopeny467-369 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 and over. Age and eligibility varies by jurisdiction. Void in Ontario, new customers only. Bonus bets expire 168 hours after issuance. For additional terms and responsible gaming resources, see dkng co Audio with Amex, there's.

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[Colin Cowherd]

You know, it's I said this the other day, most of the good big brands in America and I'll name them Yankees, Dodgers, Ohio State, Notre Dame, Duke, North Carolina, Arizona basketball, Boston Celtics, Lakers. If you look Green Bay Packers, Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco 49ers. If you look at the biggest brands right now in sports, this is very rare. UConn basketball, men's and women's, almost all of them are achieving at a high traditional level. The one that not only isn't but seems to be incredibly delusional is the Pittsburgh Steelers who gave Tomlin an extension. They can't figure out offense. It's a seven year run on bad quarterback and o line play and it's one of the biggest brands in the league. If you go look, Notre Dame football's crushing virtually all the big brands right now. Braves, Atlanta Braves, a big brand in baseball. Cubs have a very good team. The Pittsburgh Steelers situation to me I, I cannot believe Steeler fan, if you polled them, they get angry. If you question where they are in the ecosystem of the NFL, I don't even think if you took out the nfc, I don't think they're close to a Super bowl team. Not even close.

[Nick Wright]

All right, so I have two things. One is one of the saddest things in the last decade that's happened to the Dallas Cowboys is their fall from grace where you forgot them in the brands. The big brands didn't even mention them. But they would be the other team that is not holding up their but their fans when polled acknowledge yes, 100% we're not I'm going to, I'm going to pitch you a name of the next time I don't the next time you want to talk Steelers on the show. If you want a Steelers guest. I, you know, I, the I introduced you and the great Danny Parkins. I'm going to pitch you another name which is Andrew Filiponi.

[Colin Cowherd]

I've heard the name.

[Nick Wright]

So he does afternoons on the fan in Pittsburgh and has been for years. Was four years the only Mike Tomlin skeptic where he was, he was the guy, the unpopular local radio host who was like hey, where are the playoff wins? Like why are we, why is everyone okay with nine wins or 10 wins when we all know we can't win a playoff game? And now maybe partially to his doing or partially because it has been proven out so much. I think that side of the coin is gaining some momentum, but it was highly unpopular. Like, and, you know, local radio. There is nothing harder than being like, hey, the local team that everyone loves me talk about the most, they're not that good. When people think they're good, if they're a terrible team, then it's easy to be like, fire everyone. They suck. But when everyone loves them and they're always good. Ish, it's hard to be like, why is this okay. And he has been banging this drum for four years. That Tomlin might be a good coach, but what's best for the Steelers is to turn the page.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yes.

[Nick Wright]

And define someone who understands modern offense. And what's good for Tomlin is to try to get the setup Jim Harbaugh got, which is good young quarterback that can take care of the offense and I can focus on the defense. And so, yeah, you and him would agree on the Steelers. I'm telling you that right now.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah. It is interesting that you're right. Cowboys and Steelers are the two brands that you look at and go. But Cowboy fans have been polled in recent years and asked about the organization, and summarily, it is a complete agreement within the Cowboys.

[Nick Wright]

Yes. Yeah.

[Colin Cowherd]

They're like, Jerry's becoming old Al Davis. Our drafts are bad. We overpay for average players. We don't know what we're doing. By the way, you were one of the first people, and it took some courage because four years ago, this was not popular. You were one of the first people to just bail on Dak Prescott. I remember it well. And I think you liked him less than I did. I loved his intangibles. I loved his eq, his I. Good guy. I always gave him credit for the dysfunction of the team and kind of holding it together during some cultural changes.

[Nick Wright]

Credit for that.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah. But I. You were one of the first people that just said, I'm watching the games. He's not. Not very good.

[Nick Wright]

And it's been. And it's been tough for me because I. It's been a bit of a roller coaster with me because I also. Our. The first year we had the TV show was coming off his rookie season, and I was adamant during his rookie season that I thought he. If he wasn't a rookie, I said he would have gotten real MVP consideration.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah.

[Nick Wright]

Team was 13 and three had like 23 touchdowns, four picks or something. He. And then he also played great in that playoff game against the Packers. Aaron Rodgers. That was kind of. Aaron Rodgers last great playoff moment was the pass down the sideline. To the tight end. I don't remember in that great win against the Cowboys. So I was high on him initially. My problem for for Dak and the Cowboys is not. It's not really even an indictment on deck because I do think he is good. I just think that and you've heard me say this a hundred times, the worst thing you can do in the NFL is pay a good quarterback. Like he is great money, great quarterback. And it is also by the way why I think the Niners would be out of their mind same to pay Purdy right now. And it also this idea that the Niners are obligated to guy in across industries but certainly in pro sports guys typically don't get paid early off their worst year. You can get paid off your worst year if you're a true free agent like I as a body of work had a down year and we want to keep him. Or you can get paid early off an awesome year. It's very rare that you can ha you and the team can have the worst year that you or the team has had since you've been there. And that's when they're like yep, we're going to 10x your salary. That's not how think teams typically do it. And so I don't. No one is properly explained to me and it seems like they're going to. I just think it's a mistake. Listen, why the Niners wouldn't wait. Go ahead.

[Colin Cowherd]

There is a certain guilt factor. Let's say here at the volume we hired an intern. He ended up being really effective and then after his two year internship was over, we'd never paid him or you know, just given him swag. He wanted his own show and he said but I want $250,000 and I'd say I'll give you $80,000 but I'm not going to give you. I as a business guy would say yeah, we'll see you. Somebody else can pay for that. But I do think there's a lot of people that would be like well he was two years, he was free. I'm going to pay him. And I look at it and go no relative to your position and other people at the volume I'm not going to pay. I'm not going to pay you more than like so my take is sometimes sports is cruel. It is cruel that Brock Purdy but he's also benefited from Trent Williams, Christian McCaffrey, Kyle Shanahan, George Kittle, Juwan Jennings and a division which has been in flux the last Several years.

[Nick Wright]

So a couple things A on the under that scenario, I would probably tell you, Colin Cowherd, pay the fucking kid and just do it out of your pocket. There's no salary cap. But if it was like, hey, there's a, there's a podcast salary cap and if we pay you, we're going to have to get rid of someone else or not keep them. That's different story. That's first thing. Second thing is this. I would not, I, it's not that I wouldn't offer Brock anything. Right, right, right. I would say, hey man, if you are really worried about security and you haven't made real money, I will right now sign you to the deal Daniel Jones signed. I'll sign it. I'll. I'll offer you that.

[Colin Cowherd]

Totally agree, 100%.

[Nick Wright]

I'll offer you that deal right now. And even if you don't play great, you know what? Call it back pay because you play. You earned that already with the super bowl appearance. But if you want something close to the deal Dak Prescott signed, I'm drafting a quarterback. And, and by the way, I'm going to let you. Well, what I was going to say is I'll let you play this year and go show it to me. Prove it to me because I'm not paying you off this bad year. I'm just not like, so I wouldn't, it's not that I would play a hardball to a degree of like, you're under contract. You have no contract offer from me. I wouldn't do that. But I would not pay. In all business but sports in particular, the way it almost always works is this. It is the earlier you get paid, the less money you receive because you are trading high, high end financial upside for the safety of shit. There's injuries and bad things happen. Whatever it is. The way to make the most money is to let contracts expire, you know what I mean? And then see what the market has to offer. But that's also the way to sometimes make no money because shit goes bad. So if I am, if I am a team and I am paying you early, what I am getting back is a deal, a bargain. And what you are getting is the security. The only guys who get paid, they get to double dip where it's like, I want to be paid early and make the most money are the elite of the elite.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah.

[Nick Wright]

And Purdy's not that. So like Justin Jefferson gets to three years into his deal be like, I want to be paid the first day possible. And the most money at the position ever. And Mahomes and Mahomes didn't take the most money ever, but he took such a huge long deal as early as possible. Josh Allen Tua on the other hand, the team was like we're going to wait another year and then he went out and had his best year and they paid him and I think that was a mistake. But they didn't pay him as early as they could have. They made him wait that fourth year and so I just don't know why. The what the argument against telling Purdy play out your fourth year. Let's see how it goes. And worst case scenario for you kid, we either hit you with a one year $45 million franchise tag or you hit the open market. The only way you are not going to be crazy rich is if you know you have a horrendous year this year. You don't think you will or take some security. But this, this notion that he's going to get the Joe Burrow deal I just think would be franchise mismanagement.

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[Colin Cowherd]

And now for our next segment, whiskey business brought to you by Green River Whiskey, the official whiskey of the Colin Cowherd podcast. If you want to enjoy life's simple pleasures, reach for Green River Whiskey. Whether it's rye whiskey, single barrel bourbon, you're getting over a century of craftsmanship packed into every bottle. Hop over to greenriverwhisky.com and discover a leg bottle today. So it was funny today, about once a month I get JMAC worked up because when you work with somebody for three hours, you're bound to sometimes get people worked up. And it's usually on stuff that's just generational, like I'm older and I, you know, and he, I see the world one way and he's a former blogger that sees it another. So he got worked up today about what?

[Nick Wright]

I didn't see this.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah, so this is the one that I was going to ask you on the show and I thought, no, I'm going to save this for the podcast.

[Nick Wright]

Okay.

[Colin Cowherd]

So I said, you know, some things you got to keep to yourself, you just don't say out loud. Or if you do, say them out loud, honey, how do I look in this dress? The answer can only be one thing. So Puka Naku was 23, had some injuries, and he said yesterday, you know, I'm going to retire at 30. And I said, don't say that because I have more contacts in the NFL than any league by far. They do not care about your work life balance. And by next year, the Rams will be drafting a number one receiver. They don't care. They don't want to hear it. It also Introduces questions that you don't need. Let's say he has a bad year. Oh well, he's not really committed. Well, he's going to retire anyway. I mean he's already talking retirement. It's like Brett Favre in 2023 said it out loud. I'm 90% retired. He's never a player. Yeah.

[Nick Wright]

Aaron Rodgers.

[Colin Cowherd]

Aaron Rodgers, yeah. By the way, if he said it out loud in 2023, in 2021 he was thinking it or telling people privately. And J. Mac didn't like this. And I said, J. Mac, what was his take?

[Nick Wright]

That there was no harm in it. Why not?

[Colin Cowherd]

Just he's like, well, I mean, by the way, are you begrudging a guy for putting his money away? And I said, do you think Fox tells me everything in negotiations and I tell them everything.

[Nick Wright]

Well, that's the thing is I don't think you would begrudge anyone for retiring at 30. I think you're saying, just don't let them know exactly your plan.

[Colin Cowherd]

Okay, I'll give you one. I'll give you one. Trevor Lawrence said I'm not defined by football. And that comment defined him.

[Nick Wright]

It has certainly followed him.

[Colin Cowherd]

You're not going to be Tom, you're not going to be Peyton, you're not going to be Mahomes. We need it to kind of define you and be obsessed.

[Nick Wright]

Well, listen, it's, it's maybe a sad statement of the media, maybe it shouldn't be this way. But sometimes those throwaway comments, I, Cam Newton, Peter King said that he was like I want to be what, what an entertainer and an icon. And it's still like, I still remember it, it still kind of hung around him even as great as he was at his peak. You mentioned that the Andrew Luck thing, it certainly has not gone away. I, I, I think that he's young enough. Puka is 30 is far enough away that I don't think it is a huge deal. But do I agree with you that there is very little benefit to him for saying that? I don't see the benefit. I don't see what he gains from saying that. No, that's certainly true. I don't, I, does it change how, I don't know how much it impacts what the Rams think of him because he's, that still is the window of his full second contract. But yeah, I, in general I do think that we are in an over sharing era and I'm certain, listen, I'm part of that too. I, I took a screenshot of a text message. My Wife sent me making fun of me and tweeted it. That didn't go over great. I did that yesterday and now I'm talking about it. It didn't go over great. That probably also won't go over great. So, like sometimes I can be an oversharer, but I am in the sharing business. Like my, my, I guess defense is I talk for a living. I create content for a living. Sometimes you're going to get out over your skis a bit. But that's really interesting that the, that you think it's a big deal for the Rams. I think it's a. I don't think it's ideal, but I don't know. I think it's a huge deal.

[Colin Cowherd]

Well, I think your point is also true is that if you're trading for him in four years or three years, it's like, guys, yeah, that's a different story.

[Nick Wright]

You know what I mean? And I also do agree, I've heard from enough NFL players that once you start thinking about retirement, it is. Some would say, well then, Nick, are you concerned about Kelsey this season? I would argue that for guys who are at an age where you expect them to retire. Yeah, I think you get I. Because his brother did it too in this regard. It was like, oh, is Jason going to come back? Jason came back for one more year and then was done. And so I think when you're talking about Aaron, I think the trouble for Aaron is Aaron is you said 23. But.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yes.

[Nick Wright]

So in the summer of 23 or he says, I'm 90% retired. Then he pops his Achilles, then he plays a season and now we're going for a third year post potential retirement. And by the way, I think one of you, you accidentally said farve and I thought you said the right name but the wrong year because Favre did the same fucking thing. Barb was like, am I coming back? And I not. And did that three years in Green Bay and then played three more years like plugs. He played one with the jets and two with the Vikings.

[Colin Cowherd]

I mean, think about this, think about early comments. Have any worked in your favor? Trevor Lawrence, Big Ben talked about retirement early. Aaron Rodgers, I mean just Cam Newton. Think about the retirement talk or the not all in talk that has ever benefited an athlete. Like it's. You ever watch the show Survivor? Who unravels first? I miss my family. I miss my bed. I miss my friends. I miss. They always unravel. It's like, okay, we know it's not easy pro football. Stay focused off season Go to Turks and Caicos in season. You're going to be in pain and you have to play through it.

[Nick Wright]

Hold on. Can I tell you a totally unrelated thing? Not. Not totally unrelated. It's related, but it's different. So I had no. This is so funny. I'm so excited to tell you this because I had no recollection that this happened, but in the lead up to the 2017 draft. Okay, so this is four months before first Things first launches. I'm still out in la. Chris Carter and I filled in for you one day, and one of the guests we had was potential first round pick Patrick Mahomes. Again, I had no memory that this took place. It was sent to me a week ago by someone close to Patrick and was like, yo, he kind of nailed this. And I asked Patrick, if everything goes perfectly, where are you in 10 years? He has not been drafted yet. He's not a chief, you know what I mean? And he's like, okay. He's like, if everything goes perfectly, he's like, I'm married, I have a couple of kids, I have a couple of super bowl championships, and I'm one of the best quarterbacks in the league. He said that?

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah.

[Nick Wright]

And by the way, he undershot the amount of kids and Super Bowls by one each, and like, he set the sights as high as they possibly could, but he had a plan. And I didn't know at the time he was dating his high school sweetheart. So he also knew who he wanted to marry. He's like, I want to marry this girl. I want to have a family with her. And while I'm doing it, I want to win these championships. And so he was not, you know, famous enough of a prospect to where that, you know, got any traction or whatever, but I sent it. I. I sent it to him after it was sent to me, like, hey, man, sold yourself short. But this is pretty fucking unbelievable. You. You said your goal, perfect world. Ten years in, he saw it, he was like, married, family guy, championships, and eight years in, he's 50% higher in all categories than his perfect world. But he, He.

[Colin Cowherd]

His vision was right on.

[Nick Wright]

Vision was exactly on. And I do think that. I think sometimes it can be crippling for guys, but I'll take, you know, sorry to turn this into Mahomes and then LeBron, but I think the guys who walk into the league and, you know, what was LeBron's goal? Anything short of being the greatest player ever, he was going to feel like he came up short. And you know what I mean? And everything he did was on that route. I don't think Patrick thought initially, oh, I'm going to be in the goat conversation. But after two years of playing, when he has one league MVP and one super bowl, he immediately said, basically, man, Tom's got seven. Like, I have it. I now know where I'm going. I know what I'm chasing.

[Colin Cowherd]

Think about this. You can talk yourself into being sick. We know that. We know psychologically people can talk themselves into being sick.

[Nick Wright]

And it seems like they can talk themselves out of it. Have you ever had a thing? I don't. Again, I don't know the science on this. I apologize. But I have had multiple times in my life where something is going on, either work wise or whatever, where I like, literally can't get sick right now. Like, I ha. But the moment that ends where it's like, okay, whether it's the NFL playoffs or, you know, when I was planning for me and my wife's wedding, slash, vow renewal, whatever, once that ends, I immediately get really sick and it's like, oh, I was sick two weeks ago, but my body held it off. Almost like not now, but then allowed for.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah. How about when people are on their deathbed and, you know, you see these couples married for 62 years, one dies and one follows suit three days later. Like, there is a spiritual component to this where you can talk your. You can manifest stuff. I mean, there's a reason there's that saying is you can talk yourself in and out of stuff very quickly. And I think a lot of it's like, even body language. How do you sell yourself? I remember, I'll give you a story. I personalize it for a second. So when I went to interview for the job at espn, I interviewed in Houston at the super bowl with John Walsh, who's one of the gurus of Bengalis, older gentlemen. And I kind of knew he was a New Yorker. Very well read, very learned guy. So I bought a New Yorker magazine flying from Portland and I read it front to back. And so when we sat down, I pulled out my bag and he saw the New Yorker. He goes, oh, you read the New Yorker? I said, oh, absolutely. Big subscriber. And I had a couple of articles. It was a good. I still subscribe to it, by the way, but there was a couple good articles in there. But I knew that he. I had heard that ESPN would interview you and they would test your sports knowledge. So I memorized the Chicago White Sox bullpen. And so why the White Sox? Well, because they weren't Great.

[Nick Wright]

Okay.

[Colin Cowherd]

And so I said during the interview, I said, listen, John, you guys don't do radio particularly well. And I said, listen, don't get me wrong. I can tell you who the White Sox bullpen is. Boom, boom, boom, boom, boom. You'll never hear me say it on the air. And it totally. It kind of de. Armed him. He was like, jesus, I don't even know the White Sox bullpen. He was a baseball guy. And so I said, yeah, I mean, I can tell you the White Sox bullpens. Boom, boom, boom. Lefty, righty, lefty, righty, lefty, righty. I would never say that on the air. It's terrible radio. And I described it. And so I basically talked myself in to winning this interview, and I almost planned it. And the point was, after I said that, I knew I had the job. I was so confident, it was like. I was literally like, oh, we're eight minutes in. I've already won the job. The point being is I. Psychologically, I knew if I could do the New Yorker and the White Sox bullpen, I would get the job where I wouldn't get it if he didn't think I was well read or I didn't really know, you know, front and back page of the sports section. So my point is, you can plan a lot in your life.

[Nick Wright]

Yes. You can. Kind. Yes. And so can I tell my version of that story?

[Colin Cowherd]

Sure.

[Nick Wright]

This is stuff like. Because I've never heard. I've heard. You know, sometimes you and I talk and we kind of. I don't want to say get into reruns, but we tell each other things that we know about each other. I've never heard that, but I have a. Okay, so I am doing radio in Kansas City and find out there is the morning show open in Houston. And at the time, I have one career goal, and it is to one day replace you. It's the only. It is truly. It was. Truly my goal was one day I'm going to host noon to 3 Eastern on ESPN radio. That was. It was the slot. It was the slot I'd listen to you in forever. And I knew I couldn't. I didn't really want to go to Houston, but I knew I couldn't get there from Kansas City. Like, you know, you know what I mean? I needed to go to a bigger market. You got there from Portland, but that's. That's tricky. And so. But I know two things. I know one, the guy is going to be worried that I'm a little young. The. The PD the you know what I mean? Because I was this is 2012, so I'm 27 and I the guy whose job I would be replaced, the guy who was doing it is Mark Vandermeer who did this day is the voice of the Texans. So you know, in his 40s at the time, grown man. He's leaving just because the voice of the Houston Texans is now they're starting their own radio network and it's a full time gig. And so I'm like he's going to be worried I'm too young and he's going to be worried like any local radio guy is. It's a call in show that I'm going to get jumped with. Well you remember the love you blue Oilers. And I'm going to be like who are they? And they're going to be like oh, this fraud is not from here, doesn't know stuff. And so I was like, okay. On the initial phone call I mentioned out of nowhere seemingly, but it was strategic. I was like, I was like. And I also want to tell you something about me. I was like, it's a little weird because you know, I'm only 27. I was like, but I have a 13 year old son and you know, first grade daughter and you know I've been married for some years and so you know my family would be coming with me to Houston. And he was like, you have an older son and daughter. And I'm like yeah, you know it told him story of my family but I knew that immediately would trump the is this some young kid that's going to get whatever. So that was taken care of. And so then he calls me the next day, he's like I want to fly you in to meet our market manager and to do a test and meet everyone like okay, cool. That's going to be in three days. So I in those three days made a Houston sports by hand, color coded 20 page encyclopedia that I have to this day as a PDF which was five pages on the Rockets. Every first round pick in their history, every playoff series in their history, their current roster, salary cap, how the player was acquired, handwritten. Green was money, red was injuries, blue was age. Rockets, Astros, Texans, U of H because I thought and University of Texas, all handwritten. Then took it to Kinko's, had it turned into a bi of basically a binder.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah.

[Nick Wright]

And I go to the interview, the dinner and we're about halfway through it and I'm like hey, I want to show you something. And he's like okay. And I take it out and I'm like, listen, you haven't said this, but I know talk radio. Your concern is that I'm not from here and that the callers, someone is going to call me and they're going to say something every Houstonian knows about. I'm not going to know about it. And I'm going to be, you know, they're going to be like, we can't listen to this guy. He doesn't. You know what I mean? Know what? Mario Ellis, kiss of death is like, he's not one of us. I was like, I guarantee you that won't happen. And if I. A, because I'll know what I need to know, and B, if I don't, I'll tap dance just long enough to find it in this and show it in my thing. And he looked at it and he was like, you made this. It's like, yeah. He's like, when, when, like, you found out you're coming here three days ago. I was like, I don't know. It's taken me about 30 hours in the last three days, but I made it. And in that moment, I got the job. Yeah. And I. And I. In that moment, I got the job. And I knew like, I can't. I'm not going to have another opportunity maybe in the next year or two or three years to go from Kansas City to a top five market drive time, that if I ever want to do what I really want to do professionally, I have to get this job. So I have to figure out the things the guy wants to hear and get him there before I even get there. And so when you're talking about the White Sox bullpen in the New Yorker, I'm like, that's just me talking about my kids and making this encyclopedia like you, you, I, you walked into that interview with John Walsh. You, you were doing local radio in Portland. You were the best local radio guy in the Northwest. But the jump from that to. You know what I mean? I'm not saying you wouldn't have gotten to where you are now, but if you don't get that job, then it's maybe a five year detour. Like, that's the most important 60 minutes of your professional life. Up to that, no question. So, yeah, I don't.

[Colin Cowherd]

And I was gonna control it.

[Nick Wright]

Yes, exactly. Don't leave that shit to chance.

[Colin Cowherd]

So that goes back.

[Nick Wright]

Yes, that.

[Colin Cowherd]

And then we go back to speak things into existence. So you, before you made that chart, you said to yourself, okay, here's what I'm going to do. You not only spoke it into existence, you created it and then you delivered on it. So I think the bigger, as we kind of come full circle on this is you have much more control of your destination and of your destiny than anybody wants to admit. Fate. I always said this luck is a word used by average people to validate their mediocrity. Well, my sister's lucky. And I'm like, I bet if you inspected your sister, she's got her shit together. It's like when people use luck or fate, it's everybody in life controls their destiny. It's one thing if you have a bad upbringing and at 28 you're still trying to kind of get above sea level. But by 44 years old, if you.

[Nick Wright]

Think we all make 12, that's a whole nother discussion. But I. So I think that there's, I think that there are 10% on each end. I think there's 10% might be strong, but there might be 10% of the population that no matter how badly they tried to up their situation, they just couldn't. They just everything comes up them or they have such a giant safety net of everything that they're going to be fine. And I do think there's 10% or whatever that it just things have. No matter how hard they work or all the right decisions they make, things go against them. I do, I do. Again, I'm making up the numbers. My point is that I think there are extremes on both ends. I think most everyone else. It's a lot of what you make it out to be. And the thing you said there that I think is a really valuable sentiment that barring true. And again, I was very blessed. You and I are both children of divorce. But yeah, I had no real childhood trauma like so I don't. Again, same remove. I'm not talking about people who dealt with real, real childhood trauma.

[Colin Cowherd]

Right.

[Nick Wright]

If you had what I would call a typical childhood by the time, certainly by the time you're old enough to rent a car without having to pay an extra fee, you got that can't be what's holding you back. Yeah. You know what I mean? Like what the. It's at some point like when you are the. I am not very. And I'm. I try to be a very empathetic person, but I think sometimes we. People hold themselves back by acting as if, well, it's a, you know, things just aren't going to go the way they should for me because of, you know, my parents. And again, barring the Extremes. It's like hey, like you said you're in your mid-30s. Like that that is part of your story but no longer is your story, you know. And so that is I the, I do agree with that. And I think, I think that people that are cool with hey shit wasn't perfect but I made the most of it are typically some of the happiest or most well adjusted as opposed to people who are very stuck in the shit that wasn't perfect before.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah, no, I, I tell, I've told my kids this before. Life's about reaction, not action. Like, like everybody makes mistakes with action. How do you react to your fuck ups? That's going to go a long way because you're all going to step in it. Some people go hide, some people are. It literally haunts them and other people own it. Wow. Gotta start over. Like how you react to others and your own mistakes, that'll pretty much define you. So don't be rigid, don't be precious, don't get down on yourself, stay optimistic, be a good coworker, lubricate, don't agitate. Your life will be fine. You know, I always told my daughter when she was young, I said there's only one mistake that statistically can kill you. Getting into the wrong car. So I always bought my kids cars early used. But my take is I trust your judgment.

[Nick Wright]

Trust you get into a car with someone else.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah, yeah. A girl gets into a car with a guy showing off, that's how you end up in the obituary section.

[Nick Wright]

That's so the again. And then we can get back to whatever you had planned. It's. But you and I, that's another so similarity for us. I, we, we live in New York. So you know, the, my kids didn't have cars as the, my daughter didn't have a car in high school or when she's back from college. We live in New York City but some of her friends obviously do where they drive. And I, I'm, I'm big on, I probably spend a irrational amount on Ubers because I'm like ah, yeah, I'd rather just trust it. And so the, the and the only, the, the only thing that is that I have added to that is and I'm not, I'm drinking wine during this interview. I'm not a teetotaler at all. And maybe this is part of my age showing or whatever it is. When I was growing up, pill based drugs were not a thing. You know what I mean? It was like kids smoked weed. Some of the like, really, like, aggressive kids, like, might have occasionally tripped on acid. And I'm like, y'all are crazy. But, like, nobody, like. And then maybe the like, wildest kids, like, oh, my God, I. I heard that guy did cocaine at a party. Like, that was like really out of the. In high school. That was really. Yeah, out of the mainstream. But 20 years later, a ton of kids just like, the party drug stuff, the like ecstasy, Molly became very. There's a very small barrier for entry where kids don't look at that as scandalous as I would have. And that scared the hell out of me because I'm like, nah, man. Like those. That's the other way that you can basically anything short of, like you said, get in a terrible car accident or taking a bad drug. Like, we can recover from. If you like, we can recover from a lot of stuff. You get suspended from school. We can recover from it. You get, you know, with you, you get in a fight and you get picked up by the cops, they make you spend the night in jail. We can recover from like normal adolescent bullshit. We can as a family recover from almost anything. Terrible car wreck or didn't know what was in that pill. You can't always recover from. So those are really the only things as a parent I really like. You keep you up at night like that you're worried about because everything else you feel like, okay, you know what I mean? It's. It's an expensive lesson or. You know what I mean? Like, you, you take a. Learn from it or whatever. And so, yeah, I'm with you on that a thousand percent.

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[Colin Cowherd]

Get a plan from HomeServe for peace.

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[Colin Cowherd]

So I saw something the other day. We'll end it on this topic because this will get us to an hour or a little more. Bill Maher said something the other day that your personality leads you into your politics. And this is something I've thought about for a long time, is that if you were bullied, you were small, you're a smaller person, you were bullied, you're more likely to be empathetic to people who have been bullied and people who have been under siege or oppressed. And if you're a 64 great looking quarterback in high school and college that's kind of arrogant and always got the pretty girl, you're not going to be as empathetic over the course of your early life for the guy that didn't have things go his way. So your Personality and your life experience kind of lead you into your politics, not vice versa. And I was thinking this, and I don't obsess over stuff like this, but one of the things that, and I look at it as suffering from, I've never done this. So when I was in Vegas, like when I was a kid, we were all sports die hards. I collected baseball cards and NBA cards. I would memorize sports back of baseball cards. We all did that in our profession at 8, 12, 13. But I do remember, I do remember moments in my life around 17, 18, 19, first getting to college, that I would see guys on the college campus and here's who I viewed as cool. The guy with the best looking girlfriend, not the sports nerd. And so in my life, I never thought that there was that much redeemable value or cool factor in being like the most knowledgeable sports guy. Like, can you.

[Nick Wright]

Sure.

[Colin Cowherd]

Can you ask the cute girl for a date? Can you socialize? Are you fun at a party? Are you a good hang? And so I was thinking about this the other day. Why have I never been a fan of mid majors in college? Why have I always been a fan of the big brands? I mean, since I started doing syndicated radio. And there's probably two or three reasons. One, it's smarter business. But part of me thinks is because I just didn't want to watch mid major basketball. I wanted to have a social life, I wanted to have a girlfriend. And I'd watch Duke and Carolina and Gonzaga and UCLA and Syracuse and UConn. I'll let you nerds watch Murray State. And that my whole theory on college basketball has been based on I don't.

[Nick Wright]

Want to put in the work.

[Colin Cowherd]

The reason why bracket is so good this year because there's no offsets.

[Nick Wright]

Yeah, exactly right. Exactly right. First of all. So it's my apathy that led to my great bracket. So I, I agree with, I, I love everything you're saying. I'll tell you right now, you better make a handwritten note and send an edible arrangement to your dear friend Ryan Rossillo after that. Because my God, there is no one that's gonna feel more attacked for watching meaningless basketball than that guy.

[Colin Cowherd]

There is.

[Nick Wright]

That was his entire, his entire identity is based around did you see Magic Cabs? And the answer is no, I fucking did. Let's tell you right now. And again, I don't know Ryan. He's a, he's a. No, he's a friend of your and friend a lot of my friends. I'm not taking a Shot. I just. But it's also. Yeah, that's also, you know, but it is very, very good. There are people that are watching everything. Yeah. Because it allows for you to, you know, have a wife and kids and a social life. So I, I think what you were saying in the beginning is really interesting, which is you, you wanted to follow what you had to follow and wanted to follow what you loved. Because here's the other thing, what you left out. You. I'm certain of it. You watched a lot of. You watched a lot of college football that you didn't have to for work because you loved it.

[Colin Cowherd]

Right.

[Nick Wright]

And so, but the. There are. For me, like, so there's this. I. Anything. I've always been a big believer of. If you told me this was the Chinese checkers world championship and those are the two best in the world, I'm captivated. If you like. I don't care what the competition is. If you tell me there are high stakes and it's the best in the world, I'm in. I don't even really need to know the rules of the sport. I'll pick it up. Like, I'm into big events with real stakes and I'm into the sports that I love, so I can watch almost anything. But the. So. So you and I have a similar, I think, affinity for current college basketball, which is. I don't love it day to day during the regular season.

[Colin Cowherd]

I mean, good God. Team shoot 26% regularly.

[Nick Wright]

It's.

[Colin Cowherd]

It. You can. Literally there's four teams in the tournament that can shoot.

[Nick Wright]

It's not a great product. No great drama.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yes, it's.

[Nick Wright]

It's not a great product. And so I have never. I've never. And so I. So I was playing in poker tournament over the weekend and somebody. Oh yeah, somebody was trying to handicap. I was in it. There were some professional sports betters there and two professional sports betters were arguing about which side of the game was sharper. One of the second round tournament games. And they're like, oh, ask Nick, you know, have him be the tiebreaker. I just told him. I'm like, I'm the wrong guy for this one. Like, what do you mean? You do this for a living? I was like, I've not talked about either of these teams once all year. And they're like, you don't have to watch everything. I'm like, oh, no, I have to watch everything that I talk about. So I watch every NFL game that there is to watch. And I watch a ton of the NBA because I Love it. And in the tournament, I watch the tournament. But if you're asking me am I hanging out at home watching college basketball regular season, I don't pretend to. I don't claim to the audience. I do. The thing I have a problem with is folks who are not okay admitting that and pretend they did. Like, nobody looks at me and they're like, oh, Nick is dialed into the NHL this year. No, I'm not. And I don't pretend to be. And so it is really funny that you, that you think this might take.

[Colin Cowherd]

Originated because I looked at guys who watch in Vegas, professional sports gamblers. I'm like, overweight, no girlfriends, kind of a mess, not cool. And I don't want to do that.

[Nick Wright]

So this is. So this is a first cousin. And then I know we have to go. So I, last week was on this day before I came on your show, because I flew overnight. I was on a live poker stream for a high stakes poker game in Vegas. And I walked into Wild's office that next day, he was like, here's what's great for you about those poker streams. I'm like, what's that? And he's like, against the world. He's like, you're not that cool, but at that table, you're the coolest guy around. I feel.

[Colin Cowherd]

I've seen these, I've seen you.

[Nick Wright]

He's like, he's like, against, he goes at that specific table. He's like, one guy looks like he didn't even look in the mirror. Another guy can't even talk to the table. He's like, you're just hanging out, drinking, your, your diamond chains are showing. He's like, you look really cool. He's like, but I see you every day. He's like, you're not really cool, but in that environment against those people, he's like, you're pretty cool. And I'm like, yeah, it's exactly right. Like, against the, the typical professional people think the professional gambler life is glamorous. And for Phil Ivey, you know what I mean, And Nick Schulman and, and Billy Walters, but for everybody else, it's just grinding out 56%. Yeah.

[Colin Cowherd]

I always said I knew I knew a guy. Dave Kokin passed away. He was a very sharp better and a big baseball better. And in Vegas, I didn't know him well, but I knew Dave. And Dave, he was really, really good at what he did. And he, he was a total grinder. Like, he, I mean, he just. But I always theorized if I was going to be a sports gambler, I would be a professional NFL gambler because you can bet the most and watch the. And I never understood guys who say I'm going to be a professional sports gambler, I'm going to do baseball. And I'm like, so you're giving up 150 days a year to your wife and good times like to me I would. In the NFL they give you higher stakes. I mean you can bet higher, whatever.

[Nick Wright]

Yeah, right. Limits. Yes, higher limits. I think it's harder to. I think, I think the reason for that is I think it's harder to beat I think any market.

[Colin Cowherd]

And also they have a, they have a bigger well of money. So if they do get taken, 8 million people bet it and you can get taken for a hundred thousand bucks. And like, yes, they are. When I was in Vegas, they wouldn't allow you. They stopped letting you bet Ivy League football because the eight guys that did all one. So they just said no more betting it.

[Nick Wright]

Yeah, no, there's the. It is so I, There is a whole world and this is something that I think is a really fascinating world that people don't totally understand of how sharp in today's day and age because gambling now is very different than previously because it's legal basically everywhere and you don't have to. So the, the life of the sharp, the true sharp work better today.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah.

[Nick Wright]

Is so fascinating because so much of it is using their reputation as the sharp better with Vegas to move the line. So let me just give up, try to explain to you what I'm talking about. So much of the life of the true professional gambler today is there is a basketball game that I love. If I could get five points, the underdog is. I love the underdog at plus five, but they are currently at plus four and a half. So I, as a known sharp better, I'm going to as me walk in to a big Vegas sportsbook and bet $100,000 if I can get it on the favorite at minus four and a half. Because they will look at me as a sharp better that likes the four and a half and say, oh, lines too low, we have to move it to five. I, the sharp better only ever wanted it at five. And now I'm going to use all the people I have betting for me who are square bettors to hammer it at 5. Like so much of the actual. Today's professional gambling is manipulated. Line movement is like people moving the line for themselves. It's really for again, I'm not talking about the People. For the people who just bet the way you and I do, as, you know, as an entertainment thing or fun or whatever, it has no impact whatsoever. But for the folks who are betting the highest of stakes and a half point means the world, they are moving lines, betting other sides, it is a fascinating and to your point, it is a time consuming job that. You know what I mean? It's like, oh, it moved here in this place. It's a really fascinating thing that I don't think it has been. There hasn't been the right, the exact right book or movie or whatever long magazine article written to where people understand what all goes into it now that gambling has changed the way it's changed. I'm not the guy to write the book, but I am the guy to watch it happen. I'm fascinated by that stuff.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah, Chad Millman could write the book and Lem Banker was a friend of mine, rest in peace. He was a sports gambler in Las Vegas and I became pretty close with him and one day I went over to his house for about, I mean literally like four hours and watched. He laid out his bets that day and the numbers and the places he was calling. He was a really charitable, really neat guy. But you know, there's no question that he loved any information he could get. You know, he just listened. He goes, I've been broke. And then I kind of figured out the game and he had no problem going 7 and 6 every weekend, you know, you know, whatever it is, $5,000 a bet and going 7 and 6 and he just played the numbers and that's 5,000 and boom. I mean, he just did not suffer losses badly. He just understood I just need to be 57%. He was the one that sort of showed me that it's a volume play. If you bet consistently the same amount of money and you can hit 57%.

[Nick Wright]

57%. It's unbelievable.

[Colin Cowherd]

You're going to want to, you're going to make a bunch of money. And he had bad months and good months. He went on a bad streak with me once and then he went on a streak where he was 13 and one on the air, like literally 13 of 14 games in a row. So, yeah, no, you know, I always said one of the reasons I do sharper square is because I always felt I never wanted to try to pretend, even though I had a lot of people I knew in odds making. I knew Roxy Roxborough at one point, didn't know him well, but I knew him in Vegas, is that I always thought I was better as the mark and then the audience like I do sharp and square. I'm the square, totally. And this year I was really square on blazing five. But it's I, I, I think I have kind of a beat on how to do it. But this year, by the way, Nick was the worst year I've ever had. And I think some of it was moving the kickoff that offenses I, I took underdogs because I've always taken B.

[Nick Wright]

Quarterbacks and points to say you were you, you had a bad year because this was the year of the favorite. And you like the any. Right. Any, any longtime NFL better knows the sharp side usually is the underdog. Like not always, but usually. And this was the absolute year of the favorite, which was why our dear friend the square is Rube. I know Danny Parkins hit 65% a year of the favorite. Anybody is the guy who's picking favorites every week. The guy can't lose. He can't look, he can't live.

[Colin Cowherd]

He was red hot.

[Nick Wright]

Red hot. It's unbelievable. Guy could not lose. Makes me so.

[Colin Cowherd]

Has he always been that good at betting pro football?

[Nick Wright]

God, no. The best year of his life by a mile. First year on tv. Everyone thinks now he's. He's got, he's the dude from, he's Al Pacino from show Me the Money or whatever that movie is. I, I mean, give me a break. This guy I. So annoying. So annoying. I'm. Listen, I love him. He's my best friend. I'm happy.

[Colin Cowherd]

I had no idea. I thought he was just a great NFL better.

[Nick Wright]

Listen, he'll tell you that's the truth and that I'm being unfair and that I'm just jealous. I'll let the audience, you know what the audience check back in in five years and see, see if he ever duplicates what he just did. He had a great year, by the way.

[Colin Cowherd]

He didn't even create this, this mythical championship competition until like week six.

[Nick Wright]

And I'm like, that's the other thing. That's what such bullshit. He, it's not like he was like, you know what? I'm new to the network. I'm challenging Nick and Colin. He gets a huge lead on you and me, and then all of a sudden he's wearing gold chains and a throne and calling himself FS1's best handicapper. It's infuriated. Utterly infuriated.

[Colin Cowherd]

He makes one good prediction, prediction, and the next week he's opened up a palm reader business on the corner third in Maine.

[Nick Wright]

I mean, Perkins, get out of here.

[Colin Cowherd]

All right, buddy.

[Nick Wright]

Good to see you. See ya.

[Colin Cowherd]

The Volume.

[G]

This is Nikki Glaser from the Nikki Glaser Podcast. Have you guys seen this new commercial from Stand up to All Hate? It's basically Snoop Dogg and Tom Brady going back and forth with reasons that they hate each other. But then when you really listen to them, the reasons for the hate are just so stupid. I don't know. This. This commercial really got me. It's a strong reminder that hate in our country continues to be out of control. So join us at iheart and Standing Up To It. If you see hate, speak up. Call it out. Your voice is a powerful tool in this fight. You can learn more by following supwithhate.

[Green River Whiskey]

Hi everybody. This message is brought to you by the official whiskey of the Colin Coward Podcast, Green River Whiskey. As you know, we've been having some fun getting to know Green River Whiskey, and we just learned they've launched their first advertising campaign in more than a hundred years. You see, it seems the team from Green river in reviving the whiskey have accidentally also revived its resident ghost. So if you want to see the ghost of Green river come to Life, check out greenriverwhiskey on their YouTube channel or head on over to greenriverwhiskey.com here's to green River Whiskey. Raise your spirits. Product of Green River Distilling Company, Owensboro, Kentucky. Alcohol by volume varies by product. Greenriverwhiskey.com Please drink responsibly. Home emergencies wait for no one. And you shouldn't either. Whether it's plumbing, electric, heating, or cooling, HomeServe has you covered.

[Colin Cowherd]

Get a plan from HomeServe for peace.

[Green River Whiskey]

Of mind starting at five bucks a month. That's it at HomeServe.com find out how to save on repairs at HomeServe.com HomeServe a subscription for peace of mind not available everywhere. Most plans range between $3.99 to $11.99 a month. Your First Year Terms apply on covered repairs.

[Colin Cowherd]

Your next unforgettable experience can happen anytime.

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[Nick Wright]

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[Colin Cowherd]

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