Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 1: Nick Cage's Famous Face Release Date: May 14, 2025

1. Introduction to the Episode

In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, hosted by Rich Davis and Steve Covino from Fox Sports Radio, the conversation delves into the intriguing casting choices for an upcoming sports-themed movie. The hosts focus primarily on the viral image featuring Nicolas Cage as John Madden and Christian Bale as Al Davis, sparking a lively discussion about the implications and excitement surrounding these casting decisions.

2. Nicolas Cage as John Madden

The episode kicks off with Rich introducing the surprising casting of Nicolas Cage as the legendary football coach John Madden. Cage's extensive filmography and iconic facial expressions bring a unique twist to the character.

• Rich Davis (04:00): "If you haven't seen it by now, what are you, a moron? I mean, what are you living under a rock? John Madden, played by Nick Cage."

• Steve Covino (04:34): "I want to see him tough acting. 10 acting boom."

The hosts express mixed feelings about Cage's fit for the role, acknowledging his fame and distinctive look as both a challenge and an exciting possibility.

• Steve Covino (06:03): "This is going to put his chops to the test. This might be really cool."

3. Christian Bale as Al Davis

Christian Bale's portrayal of Al Davis is lauded for his reputation as a method actor capable of deep character transformation.

• Rich Davis (05:19): "Looks so good. Danny G, you're a Raiders fan. In fact, you got a Raiders shirt on today. You got to look at that and say, what a cool casting."

• Steve Covino (05:33): "I'm not saying Nick Cage isn't one of the greats, but he's so famous and his face is so Nick Cage that it's going to be hard to not see him as Hi. McDonough from Raising Arizona."

The synergy between Bale's transformative skills and Cage's unique persona sets high expectations for the film's reception.

4. NFL Schedule Day and Social Media Strategies

Transitioning from Hollywood to sports, the hosts discuss the significance of NFL schedule day, emphasizing the creative efforts of social media teams to maximize engagement and viewership.

• Rich Davis (31:03): "Social media teams for NFL teams, today's like their pun intended super bowl."

• Steve Covino (36:00): "Whoever comes up with that video that gets 50 to 100 million views is gonna be pat on the back."

They highlight how teams launch elaborate schedule releases to capture fans' attention, referencing previous successful campaigns like the Los Angeles Chargers replicating Sims.

5. Predictions on Thanksgiving Day NFL Game

Rich Davis forecasts that the upcoming Thanksgiving Day game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Kansas City Chiefs could break viewership records, potentially attracting 80 to 100 million viewers.

• Rich Davis (34:17): "I wouldn't be shocked at all if that had 80 to 100 million people watching."

There's optimism that the combination of high-stakes gameplay and a spectacular halftime show, possibly reminiscent of past memorable performances, will contribute to unprecedented ratings.

6. Travis Kelce's Grievances

The conversation shifts to Kansas City Chiefs' star tight end Travis Kelce, who voices his dissatisfaction with traveling to Brazil for a game.

• Steve Covino (33:08): "He has Taylor Swift... He's mad."

• Rich Davis (33:24): "He has Taylor Swift... he's mad."

Kelce's frustrations highlight the pressures faced by athletes balancing high-profile careers with personal preferences.

7. Brief Discussion on Jaden Daniels

Towards the episode's end, the hosts touch upon Jaden Daniels, raising questions about his maturity both on and off the field.

• Rich Davis (51:53): "He may be a guy that knows more about football than any of us, a student of the game, a star student, you know, a guy that took the league by storm. But does he know about life?"

• Steve Covino (51:55): "Does it look like a man? A man to you?"

This segues into a deeper conversation about the transition from youth to adulthood for young athletes, emphasizing the importance of life skills beyond sports prowess.

Conclusion

Hour 1 of The Herd with Colin Cowherd offers a blend of Hollywood intrigue and sports analysis. From the unconventional casting of Nicolas Cage and Christian Bale to the strategic maneuvers of NFL social media teams and the personal struggles of athletes like Travis Kelce and Jaden Daniels, Rich Davis and Steve Covino provide a comprehensive and engaging discourse. This episode is particularly insightful for listeners interested in the intersection of sports, pop culture, and the personal narratives that shape them.

Notable Quotes:

• "Nick Cage as John Madden... he's a freak." – Rich Davis (00:59)
• "He's looking for a turkey leg." – Steve Covino (04:16)
• "Christian Bale really is Al Davis." – Rich Davis (16:17)
• "Social media teams... battle of the social media teams." – Rich Davis (37:26)
• "Does he know about life?" – Rich Davis (51:53)

This summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from Hour 1 of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, providing a comprehensive overview for those who haven't listened to the episode.