Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd Episode: Hour 1 - Caitlin Clark is very influential
Release Date: April 17, 2025
Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

Introduction

In the first hour of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd," host Colin Cowherd, alongside co-host Jordan Schultz, delves into a variety of pressing sports topics, ranging from influential athletes to NFL draft strategies. The episode kicks off at [02:55] with Colin expressing his enthusiasm for conducting a mock NFL draft, a segment he typically reserves for once a year. He sets the stage by announcing his intent to simulate the decision-making process of an NFL general manager for the top 15 draft picks, emphasizing his passion for the draft despite self-professed skepticism about mock drafts.

Caitlin Clark's Influence on the WNBA

A significant portion of the discussion centers around Caitlin Clark and her substantial impact on the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA). Colin references a recent omission of Clark from Time magazine's list of the 100 most influential people in America, despite her notable contributions to the league.

• Colin Cowherd [05:00]: "Caitlin Clark is easily the most influential athlete in a team sport since Michael Jordan."

Colin highlights Clark's role in transforming the WNBA's financial landscape, citing increased viewership, highest attendance figures in 22 years, and record-breaking digital consumption and merchandise sales. He underscores that six WNBA teams have proactively moved Clark's games to larger venues to accommodate the surge in interest.

• Colin Cowherd [05:15]: "She literally changed the entire financial makeup of the league that defines influential."

Jordan counters by mentioning Clark's recent accolade as Athlete of the Year, suggesting her influence might be recognized in upcoming lists. However, Colin remains steadfast, arguing that the Time magazine's initial assessment failed to capture her enduring impact.

NFL Draft Mock and Team Strategies

Transitioning to the NFL draft, Colin outlines his approach to the mock draft, emphasizing the importance of team needs, roster assessments, and free agency activities. He plans to present his top 15 draft picks, providing insights based on his extensive experience in sports media.

• Colin Cowherd [37:49]: "I think there's one shocker. There'll be one shocker. But I would do it if I was gm."

Colin discusses various teams' drafting strategies, predicting potential surprises and highlighting his belief in his own draft analysis accuracy, even likening the process to purchasing a "Powerball ticket."

Discussion on College Football Transfers and Quarterback Moves

The conversation shifts to college football, focusing on quarterback transfers and their implications for major programs. Colin reveals insights about Joel Klatt's potential move, emphasizing the competitive environment of the NCAA's Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) era.

• Colin Cowherd [25:59]: "He's the most accurate college quarterback ever."

He debates the merits of transferring for factors beyond financial compensation, such as team fit and program strength, ultimately suggesting that UCLA is a likely destination for Joel Klatt despite Tennessee's prestigious program.

• Colin Cowherd [25:00]: "I don't think money should drive decisions when you're a great young athlete."

NBA Stars: Klay Thompson and Anthony Davis

Colin and Jordan turn their attention to the NBA, specifically analyzing performances and team dynamics involving stars like Klay Thompson and Anthony Davis.

• Jordan Schultz [22:28]: "Speaking of the word proud, Colin, we've talked so much about Luka in that trade going to the Lakers, but how about the fact that you have two future hall of Famers and Klay Thompson and Anthony Davis?"

They discuss the Dallas Mavericks' recent victory over the Kings, highlighting Anthony Davis's efficiency and Klay Thompson's contributions. Colin reflects on the trade's long-term implications, noting the potential for Luka Doncic to elevate the Mavericks further.

MLB Spotlight: Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge

The discussion broadens to Major League Baseball, spotlighting Shohei Ohtani's extraordinary performance and comparing him to iconic players like Aaron Judge.

• Colin Cowherd [26:14]: "That's not that far from leaving the stadium. That is a bomb."

• Jordan Schultz [28:01]: "That transcends the sport."

They laud Ohtani's unselfishness, citing a clip where he assists teammates by offering water, and debate whether his signing with the Dodgers marks the greatest free agency move in MLB history.

• Colin Cowherd [27:03]: "He's the greatest player in baseball history."

Bill Belichick's Personal Life and Coaching Career

A more personal topic arises as Colin and Jordan discuss Bill Belichick's relationship with a significantly younger woman and its potential impact on his coaching legacy.

• Colin Cowherd [47:35]: "He's smart enough to know that there's... there's owners looking at it."

They express skepticism about Belichick's decision to stay in college football amidst personal life changes, questioning how this might affect his standing within the NFL.

• Jordan Schultz [48:02]: "I went to the restaurant by myself, had a glass of wine."

Colin speculates that Belichick's personal choices might be influencing his professional decisions, suggesting that the NFL might view his relationship unfavorably.

• Colin Cowherd [47:49]: "This feels a little odd to me."

Mock Draft Tease and Conclusion

As the episode progresses towards its conclusion, Colin reiterates his commitment to presenting a well-thought-out mock draft, forecasting it as an eagerly anticipated segment among listeners.

• Colin Cowherd [37:41]: "I've got my mock draft in 25 minutes of the top 15 teams."

He promises insightful analysis based on team needs and free agency moves, encouraging listeners to stay tuned for what he anticipates will be both accurate and compelling predictions.

Notable Quotes

• Colin Cowherd [05:00]: "Caitlin Clark is easily the most influential athlete in a team sport since Michael Jordan."

• Colin Cowherd [25:00]: "I don't think money should drive decisions when you're a great young athlete."

• Colin Cowherd [27:03]: "He's the greatest player in baseball history."

• Colin Cowherd [37:49]: "I think there's one shocker. There'll be one shocker. But I would do it if I was gm."

• Jordan Schultz [47:35]: "Do that in college."

Conclusion

The episode effectively balances in-depth sports analysis with personal anecdotes, offering listeners a comprehensive look into current sports dynamics and the intricate decision-making processes behind player selections and team strategies. Colin Cowherd's passionate discourse on Caitlin Clark's influence underscores the evolving landscape of women's sports, while his mock draft anticipation sets the stage for engaging future content. The candid discussions about personal lives of sports figures like Bill Belichick provide a holistic view of the sports world, blending professional evaluations with personal insights.

Listeners can look forward to the forthcoming mock draft segment, where Colin will extrapolate his general manager instincts to predict the top 15 NFL draft picks, promising a blend of expertise and entertainment.

For more updates and live discussions, tune into "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" on Fox Sports Radio or stream via the iHeartRadio app.