Podcast Summary: Covino & Rich - Statues, Streets & Steak

Episode Title: Covino & Rich - Statues, Streets & Steak
Release Date: June 14, 2025
Platform: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
Host: Covino and Rich
Description: A deep dive into the top sports stories of the day, blending opinionated insights with engaging discussions.

1. Athlete Popularity Showdown: Patrick Mahomes vs. Lionel Messi

The episode kicks off with a spirited debate comparing the popularity of American football superstar Patrick Mahomes and global soccer icon Lionel Messi. Hosts Covino and Rich explore the differing fan bases and cultural impacts of these two athletes.

• Dan Byer brings up a fascinating angle: "Patrick Mahomes, I'm like, you know what? Maybe not even. Because we love football and baseball and basketball, I feel like the younger generation puts soccer sort of in that category." ([05:50])

• Tom Brokaw cites recent data stating, "As of mid-2025, Lionel Messi surpassed Patrick Mahomes in popularity among American sports fans." ([09:00])

• The discussion delves into social media influence, with Dan Byer highlighting Messi's massive Instagram following compared to Mahomes: "Patrick Mahomes has 6.7 million followers on Instagram. Messi has 505 million." ([07:56])

• Lester Holt counters by emphasizing the enduring popularity of American football: "There's no doubt ratings prove it. Yeah, there's just no doubt." ([06:13])

Despite the differing opinions, the hosts acknowledge that Messi's move to Inter Miami significantly boosted his profile in the US, making him a household name beyond traditional soccer fans.

2. The Ultimate Honor: Statue vs. Street Name

Transitioning from popularity, the conversation shifts to how athletes are honored, specifically comparing the significance of statues versus street names.

• Dan Byer poses the central question: "What's a bigger honor? A statue or a street name?" ([11:11])

• Tom Brokaw advocates for statues, arguing their historical significance and permanence: "If you're aiming for lasting legacy and admiration, the statue wins." ([15:08])

• Lester Holt and Iowa Sam discuss the practical aspects, noting that street names can sometimes be more susceptible to change or vandalism: "They could rename a street, is my point." ([15:25])

• A highlight of the debate includes the upcoming statue of Tom Brady: "Kraft said that the statue would perpetuate the legendary legacy of this once in a lifetime player." ([12:57])

• Iowa Sam counters by emphasizing community integration: "Street name is the ultimate honor... to be a part of the city and the community." ([19:00])

• The discussion also touches on historical precedents and the potential for streets to embody a living legacy, as opposed to the static nature of statues.

Ultimately, while recognizing the merits of both forms of honor, the hosts lean towards statues as the more prestigious and enduring tribute to an athlete's legacy.

3. Interactive Segment: Chipotle Worker or WNBA Player

Adding an interactive twist, Covino and Rich engage in a game where they guess whether certain names belong to Chipotle employees or WNBA players. This segment highlights their camaraderie and adds a fun element to the discussion.

• Dan Byer remarks humorously: "Where I grew up, nerds played soccer." ([09:05])

• The game concludes with participants awarding prizes and teasing future show segments, maintaining an engaging and lively atmosphere.

4. Listener Engagement and Final Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, the hosts encourage listener participation, promote upcoming events, and reflect on the day's discussions.

• Lester Holt summarizes a key takeaway: "If you're aiming for lasting legacy and admiration, the statue wins." ([15:08])

• Dan Byer emphasizes the sentimental value of street names but acknowledges the superior historical weight of statues.

• The episode concludes with a heartfelt Father's Day message, tying back to the theme of legacy and honor.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• "As of mid-2025, Lionel Messi surpassed Patrick Mahomes in popularity among American sports fans." – Tom Brokaw ([09:00])

• "What's a bigger honor? A statue or a street name?" – Dan Byer ([11:11])

• "If you're aiming for lasting legacy and admiration, the statue wins." – Tom Brokaw ([15:08])

• "Patrick Mahomes has 6.7 million followers on Instagram. Messi has 505 million." – Dan Byer ([07:56])

• "Street name is the ultimate honor... to be a part of the city and the community." – Iowa Sam ([19:00])

Conclusion

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, Covino and Rich offer an engaging exploration of athlete popularity and the best ways to honor sports legends. Through lively debates and interactive segments, listeners gain insightful perspectives on how sports figures shape both national and community identities. Whether arguing for the timeless honor of statues or the community integration of street names, the hosts provide a nuanced look at legacy in the sports world.

For those who missed the episode, tune in to The Herd with Colin Cowherd on iHeartPodcasts and The Volume to stay updated on the latest in sports news and discussions.