The Herd with Colin Cowherd: Hour 1 - Faces of the League
Release Date: February 27, 2025
Host: Colin Cowherd
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

Introduction

In the inaugural hour of "Faces of the League," Colin Cowherd delves deep into the dynamics shaping the leadership and star power within professional sports leagues, primarily focusing on the NBA and NFL. Engaging in insightful conversations with guest J. Mac, Colin dissects the criteria that define a league's face, the impact of player behavior on team dynamics, and the intricate balance between talent and marketability.

Defining the "Face of the League" in the NBA

Colin initiates the discussion by challenging the concept of a single "face of the league" in the NBA, questioning its relevance and discussing the attributes that make certain players emblematic leaders.

• Historical Context:
  Colin reminisces about past NBA icons, emphasizing that while players like Wilt Chamberlain and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar were legends, their personas didn't always align with the modern idea of a league face. He asserts, “There are three faces of the league, Magic, Michael, and LeBron.” [12:45] This trio exemplifies not just on-court prowess but also charisma and business acumen that transcend the sport.

• Modern Contenders:
  The conversation shifts to current stars such as Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Colin critiques their marketability and public presence compared to their predecessors. He states, “Jason Tatum's a great player, but he's closer to Duncan in personality than Magic.” [14:30]

• Qualities Beyond Talent:
  According to Colin, being the face of the league requires more than exceptional skill. It demands an "otherworldly talent," business savvy, and an early introduction to the public eye. He highlights LeBron James, noting his immediate impact upon entering the league, “LeBron James walked into the league the first night of the NBA out of high school. He scored 20 points.” [13:10]

Luka Dončić and the Dallas Mavericks: A Cautionary Tale

The discussion pivots to Luka Dončić’s situation with the Dallas Mavericks, examining how personal habits and media narratives can influence a player's standing and team reputation.

• Media Scrutiny and Player Image:
  Colin criticizes the Mavericks for leaking negative stories about Luka, labeling them as “lazy” and highlighting his off-field habits like “a taste for beer and hookah.” [17:10] He draws parallels to Michael Jordan’s era, stating that despite similar behaviors, Jordan's legacy remains untarnished.

• Impact on Team Dynamics:
  The host argues that such leaks are detrimental not just to Luka’s image but also to the team's brand, mentioning a “40% fall in ticket prices” as a consequence. Colin posits, “They weren't ready for this divorce. They thought this divorce was all about Anthony Davis and getting the lazy guy out.” [18:00]

NFL Combine Insights and Matthew Stafford’s Future

Transitioning to the NFL, Colin and J. Mac explore potential quarterback movements, focusing on Matthew Stafford’s possible transfers and their implications.

• Stafford’s Potential Destinations:
  Colin assesses Stafford’s options, defending a move to the Raiders as a strategic choice under new coaching, “Pete Carroll and Chip Kelly are a really, really good combination as a staff.” [24:50] He contrasts this with a potential move to the Giants, dismissing it as a mere money grab.

• Team Assessments:
  The conversation touches upon the Raiders’ favorable conditions, such as no state tax and promising young offensive linemen like Max Crosby and Brock Bowers. Colin contends, “If the Rams offer him two years and 90 million and the Raiders offer him four years and 170 million in no state tax, I'm going to defend that.” [25:00]

Philadelphia Eagles’ Internal Relations

Colin addresses the rumored tensions between AJ Brown and quarterback Jalen Hurts within the Philadelphia Eagles, exploring the impact on team morale and performance.

• Public Apologies and Reality:
  Despite public apologies, Colin remains skeptical about the authenticity of the reconciliations, emphasizing, “If Saquon Barkley were to call out a quarterback publicly, I'd swallow hard and deal with it.” [27:30] He underscores the importance of undisrupted team harmony, especially in high-stakes environments.

• Player Empowerment vs. Team Loyalty:
  J. Mac and Colin debate the balance between player autonomy and organizational control, discussing how public disputes can unravel team cohesion and fan support.

Pittsburgh Steelers’ Quarterback Conundrum

The discussion shifts to the Pittsburgh Steelers, highlighting their indecision between Justin Fields and Russell Wilson as their next starting quarterback.

• Team’s Strategic Dilemma:
  Colin critiques the Steelers for their apparent indecisiveness, noting that the team is "quickly becoming a have-not." He remarks, “Their offense in the last eight years... they are tone deaf to the most important side of the ball.” [29:35]

• Impact on Competitiveness:
  He expresses concern over the Steelers’ ability to compete in a tough division, asserting, “There's no way they're cracking those guys. They're not beating those guys.” [32:14]

Kansas City Chiefs and Travis Kelce’s Future

Colin and J. Mac discuss the future of tight end Travis Kelce with the Kansas City Chiefs, speculating on his potential departure and its ramifications.

• Kelce’s Contract and Performance:
  GM Brett Veatch’s optimistic stance on Kelce remains in focus, with Colin confident that “there’ll be a playoff team next year.” [32:41] He highlights Kelce's unwavering performance and importance to the team’s dynamic.

• Potential Draft Strategies:
  They speculate on Chiefs' draft moves, including targeting offensive tackles from Minnesota, with Colin stating, “They’re going to pick an offensive tackle from Minnesota.” [33:37]

Fox College Hoops Friday Preview

In a brief segment, Colin and J. Mac preview the upcoming Fox College Hoops Friday, highlighting key matchups and favorite teams.

• Top Contenders:
  J. Mac lists his Final Four choices: Duke, Houston, Auburn, and Alabama, while Colin expresses admiration for the SEC’s depth, “I think the SEC is the best. I've never seen a conference with that many good teams loaded.” [44:08]

NFLPA Team Grades and Organizational Evaluations

Colin reviews the NFLPA's anonymous team grades, focusing on areas like coaching, owner relations, and player treatment.

• Evaluating Team Performance:
  The Philadelphia Eagles receive criticism for their decline, while teams like Miami and the Raiders score highly. Colin remains dismissive of certain categories, emphasizing the primacy of coaching over amenities, “It's all about coaching. I don't care about your plane.” [47:39]

• Facilities vs. Coaching:
  He contrasts teams with excellent facilities but poor performance, such as USC, against those prioritizing coaching and GM strategies, reinforcing his belief that “coaching and GMing... that matters.” [48:05]

Conclusion

Colin Cowherd wraps up the episode by reiterating his key insights: the importance of charismatic and talented leaders in sports leagues, the detrimental effects of internal team conflicts, and the nuanced decisions surrounding player trades and draft picks. Throughout the hour, Colin emphasizes that while talent is crucial, the intangible qualities of leadership, marketability, and organizational support are paramount in defining a league's face and ensuring sustained success.

Notable Quotes

• On Overrated Personalities:
  Colin Cowherd [12:00]: “The only thing more overrated than face of the league is people that buy gigantic houses and they spend their next seven years yelling at their kids upstairs in a 27,000 square foot house.”

• On Luka’s Media Portrayal:
  Colin Cowherd [17:15]: “They weren't ready for this divorce. They thought this divorce was all about Anthony Davis and getting the lazy guy out.”

• On Matt Stafford’s Potential Move:
  Colin Cowherd [25:00]: “If the Rams offer him two years and 90 million and the Raiders offer him four years and 170 million in no state tax, I'm going to defend that.”

• On the Steelers’ Quarterback Decision:
  Colin Cowherd [29:35]: “Their offense in the last eight years... they are tone deaf to the most important side of the ball.”

• On Coaching Over Amenities:
  Colin Cowherd [47:50]: “It's all about coaching. I don't care about your plane.”

Final Thoughts

"Faces of the League" offers a compelling exploration of what truly makes a sports star iconic and the various factors that influence their standing both on and off the field. Colin Cowherd’s candid analysis provides listeners with a nuanced understanding of the intricate balance between talent, personality, and organizational support in shaping the future of professional sports.