The Herd with Colin Cowherd: Hour 1 - Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson Release Date: March 17, 2025

Overview In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, host Colin Cowherd delves deep into the latest developments in the NFL, focusing on quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson. The discussion expands to include insights into college basketball's March Madness, free agency strategies in the NFL, and an exclusive interview with renowned Michigan State basketball coach Tom Izzo. The episode is rich with analysis, opinions, and expert commentary, making it a must-listen for sports enthusiasts.

1. Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson: A Comparative Analysis

[03:34 - 12:15]

Colin Cowherd opens the episode by addressing the evolving statuses of Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson in the NFL. He contrasts their personas and career trajectories, highlighting their similarities and differences.

• Personality and Leadership:

  • Rodgers: Described as deeply religious and often perceived as high-maintenance, with a focus on his own success.
  • Wilson: Presented as more team-oriented and less embroiled in drama, aiming for stability and success without the spotlight on personal issues.

• Career Situations:

  • Rodgers is in a waiting game with New York, while Wilson is actively seeking a new team.
  • Both quarterbacks have identical statistics since 2022—Wins, losses, completion percentage, touchdowns, and passer rating—yet have not secured a playoff win in the same period.

• Colin’s Take:

  • "If you sign either, you're guaranteed something," Colin asserts, emphasizing that neither quarterback currently fits the NBA-like player-controlled league model but thrives in the NFL's team-centric environment.

• Industry Insight:

  • Colin emphasizes the NFL's structure where team management, including the shield, GM, and coach, have significant control, making it challenging for quarterbacks perceived as high-maintenance to find new teams.

Notable Quote:

"In the NFL, most quarterbacks are good guys, all about winning, great teammates, quality people, no nonsense." – Colin Cowherd [05:00]

2. March Madness and College Basketball Predictions

[12:15 - 36:41]

The conversation shifts to college basketball, with a focus on the upcoming March Madness tournament. Colin expresses his support for Auburn to win the national title, while J. Mac discusses his preference for Texas Tech, though he expresses concerns about Auburn's potential troubles in the second round.

• Rick Pitino and St. John's:

  • Colin praises Rick Pitino’s coaching prowess, describing him as a "turnaround wizard" capable of revitalizing struggling programs like St. John's.
  • "Rick is a brilliant basketball coach and occasionally his moral compass has flipped around a little bit," Colin remarks, acknowledging Pitino's controversial past but emphasizing his coaching brilliance.

• SEC Dominance:

  • Colin anticipates significant success from SEC teams, predicting two to three teams from the conference to reach the Final Four.
  • "The SEC is completely stacked," he states, highlighting teams like Florida, Tennessee, and Auburn as top contenders.

• Expert Interview: Tom Izzo:

  • Colin interviews Tom Izzo, who shares insights into his coaching philosophy and the strengths of his Michigan State team.
  • Tom emphasizes the importance of defense, rebounding, and team connectivity, stating, "We're playing for each other," [40:17] and "Defense carries just like it does in all other sports." [43:45]

Notable Quote:

"Coaching is going to be really important. I also think all these SEC teams... they've all played each other all year and I think they're." – Colin Cowherd [14:17]

3. NFL Free Agency and Contract Strategies

[17:47 - 32:07]

The episode takes an in-depth look at NFL free agency, focusing on high-profile contracts signed by Cincinnati Bengals players Jamar Chase and T. Higgins.

• Cincinnati's Strategy:

  • J. Mac criticizes the Bengals for their hefty contracts with star players, arguing that it creates a top-heavy team without sufficient depth.
  • Colin defends the strategy by highlighting that the players were drafted by the team and have delivered on their potential.

• Market Dynamics:

  • The discussion touches on the rising salary cap and how teams are navigating it by investing heavily in star players versus building a balanced roster.
  • Colin asserts, "These were guys the teams drafted. Most of the first round," emphasizing the value of investing in homegrown talent.

• Comparative Analysis:

  • The hosts compare the Bengals' approach to that of the Philadelphia Eagles, who have a larger scouting staff and draft more effectively, allowing them to secure top talent without overburdening their salary cap.

Notable Quote:

"If I get top heavy, so be it. But what I won't do is go into free agency and pay for somebody like the Bears." – Colin Cowherd [23:07]

4. Additional NFL Moves and Insights

[32:10 - 37:29]

• Cooper Kupp to Seattle:

  • The Seattle Seahawks sign Cooper Kupp to a three-year, $45 million deal, signaling their intent to strengthen their receiver lineup alongside Sam Darnold.

• Derek Stingley Jr. to Houston Texans:

  • The Texans secure cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. with a three-year, $90 million contract, making him the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history.
  • Colin praises the move, highlighting Stingley's talent and potential impact on the team.

Notable Quote:

"Listen, he's a top five, top six corner in the NFL. One of us is willing to pay." – Colin Cowherd [31:20]

5. Exclusive Interview with Tom Izzo

[36:41 - 49:55]

Colin Cowherd sits down with Tom Izzo, the legendary Michigan State basketball coach, to discuss his team's prospects in the tournament and his coaching philosophy.

• Team Connectivity and Defense:

  • Tom emphasizes the importance of team connectivity and defensive strength, noting, "This team is really connected. It's been connected." [40:17]
  • He highlights Michigan State's defensive prowess and rebounding ability, which are critical for tournament success.

• Adaptability in Coaching:

  • Izzo discusses his ability to adapt to the evolving landscape of college basketball, particularly with the rise of the transfer portal and NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals.
  • "I'm too dumb and stubborn to do it. I just figured that I've got to get back to the basics." – Tom Izzo [41:22]

• March Madness Strategy:

  • The conversation covers the key elements that translate from the regular season to the tournament, such as solid defense and free-throw shooting.
  • "Defense carries just like it does in all other sports." – Tom Izzo [43:45]

Notable Quote:

"We're playing for each other. And that doesn't always happen." – Tom Izzo [40:17]

6. Final Thoughts and Predictions

[49:05 - 50:28]

As the episode winds down, Colin and J. Mac share their final predictions for the tournament and discuss the nuances of bracket filling strategies.

• Bracket Predictions:

  • Colin reveals his Final Four picks—Auburn and Tennessee—while hinting at a dark horse that he plans to disclose in a later segment.
  • J. Mac supports the inclusion of multiple SEC teams, stressing the conference's depth and competitiveness.

• Closing Remarks:

  • The hosts reiterate the excitement surrounding March Madness and the unpredictability that makes the tournament thrilling for fans and bettors alike.

Notable Quote:

"Once you get down to the final one or two teams... I'll take Carolina. Good branding over West Virginia." – Colin Cowherd [47:18]

Conclusion This episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd offers a comprehensive analysis of pivotal sports narratives, from the quarterback conundrum in the NFL to the strategic intricacies of March Madness. The inclusion of expert insights from Tom Izzo enriches the discussion, providing listeners with a multifaceted perspective on current sports events. Whether you're a dedicated fan or a casual observer, this episode delivers valuable insights and engaging commentary that encapsulate the dynamic world of sports.