Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd Episode: Colin Cowherd Podcast - Pay Terry, Trade Parsons, Expectations For JJ McCarthy? Antonio Gates HoF Career, Why Undrafted Players Become Stars
Release Date: August 4, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, host Colin Cowherd engages in an in-depth discussion with John Middlekoff, dissecting various NFL topics. The conversation navigates through quarterback evaluations, coaching staff rankings, player trades, and the impact of undrafted players on the league. The dialogue is rich with insights, expert opinions, and nuanced analysis, making it a must-listen for NFL enthusiasts.

**1. Expectations for JJ McCarthy and Quarterback Comparisons

Colin Cowherd initiates the discussion by evaluating the prospects of JJ McCarthy, drawing comparisons to Brock Purdy and Sam Darnold. He emphasizes the importance of coaching, offensive line strength, and surrounding talent in shaping a quarterback's success.

• Colin Cowherd [05:02]: "I think there's something. I'm going to still stick with my prediction that J.J. McCarthy will, if he does have success. It's a little bit of a Brock Purdy thing."

John Middlekoff adds depth by highlighting the circumstances under which Brock Purdy thrived, noting that McCarthy benefits from a stronger supporting cast.

• John Middlekoff [07:52]: "It was less pressure. And let's face it, when Jimmy Garoppolo shattered his ankle, the expectations for Brock Purdy were zilch."

They further discuss the high expectations placed on McCarthy, forecasting that anything less than an NFC Championship appearance would be seen as underperforming given the team's roster and coaching.

• Colin Cowherd [10:53]: "JJ McCarthy would have to be bad not to have some Brock Purdy level success."

**2. Coaching Staff Rankings and Impact

The conversation shifts to the evaluation of coaching staffs across the NFL, with Colin referencing a ranking that places Minnesota at the top, followed by San Francisco.

• Colin Cowherd [08:02]: "I read somebody ranked the coaching staffs and I didn't disagree. He had Minnesota as the best coaching staff in the league."

John Middlekoff concurs, emphasizing the strength of the San Francisco coaching duo and their influence on quarterbacks like McCarthy and Purdy.

• John Middlekoff [09:36]: "Kind of like Andrew Luck. They're tough to evaluate because the success is based on multiple factors."

**3. Trade Discussions: Pay Terry vs. Trade Parsons

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around potential trades and contracts, specifically focusing on Terry McLaurin and Micah Parsons.

• Colin Cowherd [31:31]: "I side with Terry McLaurin here. He's been productive and has outperformed his contract."

John Middlekoff delves into the dynamics of NFL contracts and team decisions, highlighting the precarious nature of player trades and the impact on team chemistry.

• John Middlekoff [32:35]: "They could move him and get a good pick. It's an easy position to replace."

They debate the value of keeping key players like McLaurin versus trading for strategic assets, considering both performance and financial implications.

**4. Micah Parsons: Value and Trade Potential

The discussion shifts to Micah Parsons, assessing his performance and trade value within the Dallas Cowboys.

• Colin Cowherd [34:21]: "Michael Parsons is a very good player. I would have moved him for picks."

John Middlekoff agrees, noting Parsons' inconsistency against strong offensive lines but acknowledges his high ceiling as a pass rusher.

• John Middlekoff [35:35]: "He's a splash player with unbelievable moments but can disappear against strong lines."

They explore the strategic benefits and risks of trading Parsons, considering the Cowboys' current roster and future draft prospects.

**5. Coaching Challenges in High-Pressure Environments

Colin and John discuss the complexities of coaching in high-stakes NFL environments, using the Dallas Cowboys as a case study.

• John Middlekoff [43:40]: "This is not like the NBA where a player can recover easily from an injury."

• Colin Cowherd [46:22]: "It's getting pretty ugly. Triple straight year contract squabble here."

They examine how coaching decisions and player management under pressures from ownership can impact team performance and player morale.

**6. Undrafted Players and Their Rise to Stardom

A fascinating segment focuses on the success stories of undrafted players, with Colin highlighting Antonio Gates as a prime example.

• Colin Cowherd [56:22]: "Antonio Gates, the first undrafted hall of famer."

John Middlekoff elaborates on Gates' unique path to the Hall of Fame, emphasizing his transition from basketball to an elite NFL career.

• John Middlekoff [58:55]: "He did not play college football. That will never happen again."

They discuss the rarity and significance of undrafted players achieving superstar status, attributing their success to unique skill sets and mental toughness.

**7. Player Development and Mental Toughness

The conversation delves into the importance of mental resilience and adaptability in player development, contrasting drafted players with those who walk the path of undrafted success.

• John Middlekoff [66:22]: "The mental edge on players is something we don't talk about much because how do you quantify it?"

They explore how mental toughness often distinguishes successful players, particularly those who overcome adversity or unconventional career paths.

**8. Final Thoughts and Personal Insights

Colin wraps up the discussion by sharing personal anecdotes about finding hobbies and the importance of staying active, tying it back to maintaining mental and physical well-being amidst the high-pressure NFL landscape.

• Colin Cowherd [77:28]: "My hobby has to be moving. I got to be moving."

John Middlekoff adds a lighthearted perspective, emphasizing the social and physical benefits of activities like golf.

• John Middlekoff [78:29]: "It's got a lot of attributes that you would enjoy. It's very conversational."

Notable Quotes

• Colin Cowherd [05:02]: "I think there's something. I'm going to still stick with my prediction that J.J. McCarthy will, if he does have success. It's a little bit of a Brock Purdy thing."

• John Middlekoff [07:52]: "It was less pressure. And let's face it, when Jimmy Garoppolo shattered his ankle, the expectations for Brock Purdy were zilch."

• Colin Cowherd [31:31]: "I side with Terry McLaurin here. He's been productive and has outperformed his contract."

• Colin Cowherd [56:22]: "Antonio Gates, the first undrafted hall of famer."

Conclusion

This episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd offers a comprehensive analysis of current NFL dynamics, focusing on quarterback potential, coaching efficacy, player trades, and the extraordinary success of undrafted players like Antonio Gates. Through an engaging and informative dialogue, Colin and John provide listeners with valuable insights into the strategic intricacies of professional football, making it a standout episode for fans and analysts alike.

For more in-depth discussions and expert sports analysis, tune into The Herd with Colin Cowherd available on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or your preferred podcast platform.