Loading summary
Colin Cowherd
You can count on T Mobile to help keep you connected from big cities to small towns on America's largest 5G network. Switch the T Mobile keep your phone and they'll pay it off up to 800 bucks per line via prepaid card. Learn more@t mobile.com heap and switch up to four lines via virtual prepaid card. Allow 15 days qualifying unlock device credit service port in 90 plus days with device and eligible carrier and timely redemption. Acquired card has no cash access and expires in six months.
NPR Host
Experiencing the news each day can feel like a journey with up first from NPR, though it doesn't have to be. Welcome to 15 Easy Minutes of breaking news, clarity on international and national affairs, and a casual tone that you can take in with breakfast. Begin your day informed, ready and refreshed. Begin your day with Up First. Subscribe to Up first from NPR on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcasts.
Jon Stewart
Jon Stewart is back in the host chair at the Daily show, which means he's also back in our ears on the Daily Show Ears Edition podcast. Join late night legend Jon Stewart and the best news team for today's biggest headlines, exclusive extended interviews and more. Now this is a second term we can all get behind. Listen to the Daily Show Ears edition on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
Adnan Burke
What's up everybody? Adnan Burke here to tell you about a new podcast. It's NHL Unscripted with Virgin Demers, Jason.
Jason Demers
Demers here, And after playing 700 NHL games, I got a lot of dirty laundry to air out.
Adnan Burke
Hey, I got a lot to say here too, okay? Each week we'll get together chat with the sport that we love.
Jason Demers
Tons of guests are going to join in too. But we're not just going to be talking hockey, folks. We're talking movies. We're talking tv, food, and Adnan's favorite wrestling. It's all on Le Table.
Adnan Burke
Listen to NHL Unscripted with Vir and demers in the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
Colin Cowherd
Thanks for listening to the Herd podcast. Be sure to catch us live every weekday on Fox Sports radio at noon to 3 Eastern, 9am to noon Pacific. Find your local station for the herd@foxsportsradio.com or stream us live every day on the iHeartRadio app by searching Fox Sports Radio or FSR.
Guest Analyst
Now let's get this party.
Colin Cowherd
You're listening to Fox Sports Radio. Oh, it is a big Wednesday. A great Wednesday. A Special show live in Los Angeles. It's the Herd. Wherever you may be and however you may be listening, thanks for making us part of your day. J. Mac. There's been one guest I've been trying to get for the last couple of years. Adam Silver, NBA commissioner, you and I love the NBA. We start really watching it, really watching it. Late January, February, and it becomes a big topic on our show. There's this sense that there's probably problems with the league, although they just secured, secured $75 billion in new rights, they're fine. But I've been trying for two years to get Adam Silver on the show. So the NBA said, all right, what up? We'll give you Adam Silver. And. And so I'm very excited. One hour from now, the NBA commissioner comes on and there's a lot of, you know, it's funny about sports in America right now. Sports is great in America. I mean, Major League Baseball. I've never seen a player like Ohtani. He's our Babe Ruth in the NBA. These international players, seven foot four guys bringing the ball up the floor. Incredible. But we generally view like, NFL's all good and everybody else is struggling, and that's not true. Women's basketball, by the way, has emerged in this country as a power player now. So I'm so excited to talk to him about a variety of subjects. Adam Silver's gonna stop by in one hour, and I want to start with this. Numbers. I'm not a math guy, but numbers. So Deion Sanders to the Cowboys has been discussed. The Athletic is reporting that Jerry's gone on a bit of a solo mission and he's making calls himself to Deion Sanders. Jerry's just like, yeah, I'm getting a deal now. He has an $8 million buyout, as respected reporter Shereen Williams says. Dion's got an 8 million dollar buyout and Belichick at 10. Jerry doesn't do buyouts. Duly noted that Clarence Hill been on this show. Clarence Hill Jr. Respected as well, says he doesn't do buyouts and he doesn't mind the chatter. Okay, so you guys are talking numbers. I'm going to give both of these fine reporters other numbers. Jerry's 82. When you get older, everything changes. You think about your mortality. Once the first number, your age is six or seven. Secondly, the Cowboys were seven and 10. And here's a third number. You got to pay Dak, A B quarterback, 129 million guaranteed going forward. Those are the numbers I see. Not 8 million. And I think rich guys don't like dead coaching money. I don't think they like buyouts. But I think when you get older, you see the world differently. You think about your legacy and how you're going to leave it for others. Does he want to leave his kids a mess? And I think Dallas is in much worse shape than people think. I really do. I think they're in big trouble just in the nfc. Detroit, Philadelphia, Green Bay and the Rams not only have better rosters now. Significantly better. Significantly better. They have better front offices. They are drafting. I mean, the Rams do not miss on defensive draft picks. Philadelphia doesn't miss on draft picks at all. So those teams are better now. And I'm not even talking Baltimore, Kansas City and the Bills Chiefs. I'm not talking the big three in the afc. I'm not talking league wide. I'm not talking Chiefs, Mahomes, Reed. I'm not talking Josh Allen, the great Baltimore Raven team. Get those out. In fact, I won't even use the big dogs in the nfc. Just in your own division. I see major obstacles. Jaden Daniels may be as good or better than Andrew Luck as a rookie. This kid looks like Mahomes. Plus Lamar Jackson. This is year one. Look at his passer rating in the fourth quarter. This is not a playoff roster. He got him into the playoffs and just won a road game. Jaden Daniels, is this our next Mahomes? And then there's Philadelphia's roster, which has so many good young players they're going nowhere for five years. So, and this is what worries me, lack of self awareness. The Patriots knew with Gerard Mayo they made a mistake. It happens. Great owners make mistakes. They pivoted one year. Arizona, which doesn't have a great owner, Josh Rosen, Steve Wilkes, they pivoted one year. I think Dallas is in danger of becoming a Jurassic Park. We'll call it Jer Jerrassic park, where an old guy meets you at the gate and shows you the facilities and you're really impressed with the tour. And then all of a sudden you start seeing things the old guy doesn't like. What happens if the fence breaks and the T Rex gets out? Well, let me tell you what the Dallas Cowboys, the fence broke. You have a meddling owner. You have one weapon. You have a quarterback that's paid at a Mahomes level and he's about Baker Mayfield. And you've whiffed on. Your last two first round picks appear to be whiffs. I think Dallas is in big trouble. And even organizations that we don't look at as elite. Like Arizona is like, yes. And working. We're pivoting. So listen, the Patriots just did that. I think the Patriots make the playoffs next year. Just like I called Washington making the playoffs this year. Washington new clean house. Let's change everything. New England's like we made a mistake. Let's clean house. Dallas is clinging to family. Dallas is clinging to the past. Dallas thinks they're close. Dallas thinks they're a player away. So to me this is, this is Jurassic Park. And the fence is broken. The T Rex is running wild. It's only going to get worse. I'm not even sure if I'd re sign Micah. I think I'd move him for a first round pick in a weak draft. Michael Irvin yesterday did say, however, I don't want to hear that it's not a coveted job. Michael Irvin defended Jerry and said it is a coveted job.
Guest Analyst
There are only 32 jobs in the National Football League. 32. Each one of those jobs going to pay you above north of somewhere six, $7 million a year. There are coaches all over the world that probably wants to come coach if they knew how to coach National Football League. This is a covenant job. All 32 of them are coveted jobs in this country and mostly probably in this world. So that right there is not right to even say that now. The Cowboys is as covenant as any other team in the National Football League.
Colin Cowherd
So I don't believe that. I think it starts with ownership and the number I see is 82 years old. 7 and 10 and 129 million to Dak and an organization that increasingly last couple of years can't get their first round picks right. The fence is broken. So what I'm about to say you'll, you'll roll your eyes at and that's hurtful. But I've been saying this, that you got to be able to see the problems before they get really bad like Dallas. So Mike Tomlin, there was a story out this morning that he's not actually sure what they're going to do at quarterback, which I see as progress. Russell Wilson has said I want to be back and, and Mike Tomlin is at least acknowledging it's not all right here.
Guest Analyst
Stuck is kind of a helpless feeling and I don't know that I feel helpless. Definitely doesn't feel in the mood for. For optimism or the selling of optimism. I don't know that that's appropriate. You know, it's disappointing not to be working and so that's where we are.
Colin Cowherd
All right, so you May not think this is happening, but just hear me out for a couple minutes. Are the Steelers becoming the New York Giants? Who the Steelers would look at now and go, legendary quarterback. Get you to a couple of Super Bowls. Eli and Big Ben, family run for generations. Historic franchise, prides itself in stability. And then the quarterback retires and it gets ugly really quick. Now, the Giants winning got ugly really quick. And the Steelers still win more, but their offense is pitiful. Now, to the Steelers credit, they don't run through coaches, but to the Giants credit, they've won a playoff game in the last eight years. And so post Big Ben, as the NFL made a massive pivot to offense over the last seven to eight years, they can't get the quarterback right, they can't get the running game right, they can't get the O line right, and they struggle to get the OC right. The one shining light is George Pickens, the wide receiver. But a story came out yesterday that he literally showed up late to a game on Christmas against the Chiefs and he is regularly late to games. That's your star. No, that's just. That's just called a talented kid. They come and go in this league. That's just a talented kid. That's not a leader. So since 2019, you don't think you're the Giants, but since 2019, in an offensive league where you can't get quarterback running back, O line, right, the Steelers. And remember, their defense gets them in good field position. Their defense takes the ball away. Their defense gets sacks, making it easier on the offense. In Pittsburgh, they have scored fewer touchdowns in the last five years than the Jags, Raiders, Bears and Browns. The good news though, you're a couple ahead of the Giants, right? You Steeler fan looks at the Giants and goes pitiful. But the Eagles and the Rams and the Ravens and the Chiefs and the top offenses. Look at Pittsburgh's offense, which now is what hoist trophies, and they see pitiful. That's what they see. I mean, we all look at Pittsburgh's offense and we all just kind of go, God, here are the eight teams without a playoff win. Eight teams without playoff win in the last eight seasons. Steelers, Dolphins, Raiders, Panthers, Cardinals, Broncos, Bears, Jets. You know who's not on that list? The New York Giants. Who you look down at. I do think Tomlin saying, there's quotes here. I don't know if. I don't know if we have the quarterback in the room. That is progress. But you know, right now I think it's interesting when franchises that are Proud, like Dallas and Pittsburgh. Look at the Jags and the Panthers and the jets and the Giants. You do get. You are much closer to that than the Bills, the Ravens, the Chiefs, the Eagles, the Lions and the Rams. Adam Silver in 45 minutes joining us today. It is getting very interesting. You know, you can always tell J. Mac, before we brought you on here, I took you out to dinner. Well, Mike McCarthy, when you get dinner, when you, when you share a glass of vino and you chop it up with people for dinner, that usually means something special is happening. Mike McCarthy is having dinner reportedly tonight in Chicago.
Jay Mac
Wait, was this before I got to Fox, way back?
Colin Cowherd
I don't remember much of your life, but I know the dinner really was.
Jay Mac
Your wife and my wife there.
Colin Cowherd
Yeah, I think. Yeah. Yeah. Okay.
Jay Mac
That was like 2015.
Colin Cowherd
Yeah. Yeah. So, Mike McCarthy, it's dinner, steaks and a glass of wine.
Jay Mac
Tonight in Chicago feels kind of standard. I do have a quick question. This George Pickens showing up late for a game, it's crazy. I was reading about it. So what happens if I show up, like, I don't know, 25 minutes after the show starts?
Colin Cowherd
Well, first of all, could be traffic.
Jay Mac
It's la, certainly.
Colin Cowherd
And it was Christmas, so you do give a guy a bit of a pass, wiggle room. But I think the bigger issue with Pickens is late to practice, late to games. On field disruptions, I think it's the classic drip, drip, drip. Now, the faucets broke, so it's not just a moment. People make mistakes, they get in wrecks, they. This is not a dog ate my homework thing yet, but it does when it starts to compound with George Pickens and he is right now the centerpiece of the offense. I mean, again, Jalen Hurts may not be the centerpiece of Philly's offense, but he is reliable. He's a leader. He shows up. So, I mean, the difference in this league often is not just talent. New England's dynasty was built around leadership. And Kansas City's dynasty, they don't have the best team. Philadelphia's got better players. Detroit's got better. It's built around dependable, sustainable leadership.
Jay Mac
So why then are we hearing after the Steelers get eliminated, Pickens showing up late on Christmas, Mike Tomlin. There were some reports that Mike Tomlin didn't intervene when Arthur Smith and Russell. Well, so like, all of a sudden there's this negative flow of stories about Tomlin's leadership. Are they. Is somebody trying to shove him out of.
Colin Cowherd
Well, I would say stories get out when somebody wants them out. So why did the pick and story get out? That could be Tomlin's side saying, hey, I'm getting buried here. This is what I had to deal with.
Jay Mac
Or is it the other side? Hey, this guy's enabling Pickens. They announced the inactive.
Colin Cowherd
Well, do you really think the Pickens party would want this out?
Jay Mac
Well, I think somebody's trying to say, hey, Tomlin doesn't have control. He didn't have it over Deontay Johnson, Antonio Brown. This is a pattern. And also, Arthur Smith and Russell Wilson weren't getting along. That now comes out. That wasn't out there during the season. I'm like, I just wonder if there's some kind of internal issue with Mike Tomlinson over it.
Colin Cowherd
Arthur Smith didn't get along with Ross. Peyton didn't get along with Ross. Pete Carroll at the end was tired of Ross. It's, it's a Russ issue. I mean, seriously, if you go to three different jobs and you don't get along with people, it's not the people, it's you. Right? Like they always say in a divorce, the one thing that is a constant in a divorce is you. Like you're just bringing you to a new relationship. That's why 75% of second marriages end in divorce. Because you took you, you thought you were getting rid of the problem. You are the problem. Be sure to catch live editions of the Herd, weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am Pacific on Fox Sports, RAD, FS1 and the iHeartRadio app. Hi, it's Colin. JLab audio is changing the audio game for good, producing some of the best earbuds and headphones designed for everyday life without breaking the bank. And they are made in the same location as some of the other popular earbuds on the market that are triple the price. Don't overpay for quality headphones and earbuds. I don't. For those looking to conquer their fitness goals in 2025, JLab recommends the JBUD Sport ANC4, offering a secure fit and super long battery life. For those tough workouts for small ears, check out the JBuds Mini. So small they fit on your keychain so you're never without headphones. And if you're looking to zone out with a podcast or get in the zone at the office, check out their active noise canceling headphones. It's a true luxury feel. Discover your perfect pair of headphones just like I did and upgrade your audio game today. Look for the JLAB Blue Box at retailers everywhere or visit jlab.com Omaha Steaks is America's original butcher and has been bringing people together with the world's best steak experience for more than 100 years of family owned experience. From handcrafted steaks to hearty roasts, family style sides and quick convenient comfort meals, Omaha Steaks delivers everything you crave to reset and relax after the holidays. And now during their end of season sale you can taste the difference and get 50% off site wide@omahasteaks.com plus our listeners get an extra 20 bucks off with a promo code heard at checkout. Omaha Steaks offers unrivaled quality and variety and every bite is backed by their 100% guarantee. They also carry mouth watering burgers, chicken, pork, seafood, dessert and even easy to prepare comfort food. Bring home the world's best steak experience with omaha steaks. Visit omaha steaks.com for 50% off site wide during their end of season sale and for an extra 20 bucks off with a promo code HERD at checkout. That's 50% off@omaha steaks.com and for an extra $20 off with a promo code heard at checkout. You can count on T Mobile to help keep you connected from big cities to small towns on America's largest 5G network. Switch the T Mobile keep your phone and they'll pay it off up to 800 bucks per line via prepaid card. Learn more@t mobile.com Keep and switch up to four lines via virtual prepaid card. Allow 15 days qualifying unlock device credit service port in 90 plus days with device and eligible carrier and timely redemption required. Card has no cash access and expires at six months.
NPR Host
Experiencing the news each day can feel like a journey with up first from NPR, though it doesn't have to be. Welcome to 15 Easy Minutes of breaking news, clarity on international and national affairs and a casual tone that you can take in with breakfast. Begin your day informed, ready and refreshed. Begin your day with Up first. Subscribe to Up first from NPR on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcasts.
Colin Cowherd
So they are rolling out the red carpet for Mike McCarthy and the Bears. I think Mike McCarthy smartly read the tea leaves bailed on Dallas, which I think is devastating potentially for the Cowboys because they can't even now interview the top two coordinator candidates, Aaron Glenn and Ben Johnson from Detroit. So they're rolling out the red carpet. Just want you to consider this. The Commanders were broken, the Broncos were broken. The Chargers were broken. What did they all do? And by the way, the Patriots were broken they all went and hired experienced head coaches. Three of them have made the Super Bowl. Three or four. I know Mike McCarthy's ceiling is not Andy Reid. It's not Sean McVeigh. I get that. But his floor, in 18 years, 12 times is. Is the playoffs. The Bears currently are not a high ceiling team. Let's just say this, and this is what his resume proves, that Mike McCarthy very quickly stabilizes you and makes you a winning team. I'm not talking 13, 12, 11 wins. You become a winning team. Nine and eight, 10 and seven, and he stabilizes you. And then in four years, you're like, yeah, but we only won one playoff game. We've hit a ceiling. All right? That's the worst case scenario. And then you, as Caleb Williams signs his second contract and his first massive contract, you go get the whiz kid, then you need stability. I would hire Sully before I go. Top Gun Maverick here, Chicago. Okay, you are bad. You can't even line up properly. I saw this morning you were third in the league in false starts and fifth in most illegal formations. You just. You can't. You can't even land the plane. Forget about doing circles and Top Gun upstairs, gotta land the plane. So my take is 9 and 8 and 10 and 7 is a great place for Caleb Williams to be going forward. You've been over 500 one time in 12 years. Instead of dumping your net worth into bitcoin, how about you just open a savings account first and get the basics down? Like, not illegal formation four times a game. Yeah, I mean, you're viewing yourself as, hey, we're stable. No, no, no, you're not. This isn't a little turbulence. You're crashing year after year after year. And so again, 12 times in 18 years, three different quarterbacks. One an old legend, one an ascending legend, and one paid like a legend. And you keep getting all of them to the playoffs. 18 years, 12 playoffs. I'm just asking you Bears to upgrade from life support to stable condition. Let's not worry about having perfect abs yet or running a 450 mile. Let's just get the stable condition and a better diet. Mike McCarthy is stability and winning and playoffs. And even in four years, if you're like, yeah, I mean, yeah, we win nine and 10 games. Yeah, I'll take that. That's landing the plane. Here's Caleb Williams. And I. And I love this. He was on a podcast. Here's Caleb Williams on what he's looking for, for the coach.
Guest Analyst
What are some qualities that you'd want.
Colin Cowherd
In your next head coach. Strong minded, a leader of men. Selfishly, I want an office of minded guy so I can build with him and you know, be with, be with that coach for the next 19, 17, 15 years, helping find the right guys to, you know, I mean, win championships. I mean, that's the only goal that I have for my NFL career. By the way. I kind of like when the star receivers hair matches the team's colors. I don't know, it's just me. I don't know why I like that, but I like that. I want a strong leader, you know, I want a guy be cool. If I had an offensive coach, he didn't make a demand. He thought it was really cool if he had an offensive coach. I know y'all think Ben Johnson and Mike McCarthy coach the different sides of the ball. They're both offensive coaches. One has got a very snazzy trick playbook, which is much easier to do when you have Jared Goff, the best O line in football. Great tight end, great receivers and two great backs. Was Ben Johnson doing that four years ago or did you just learn football? It's much easier. Like Andy Reid. You ever notice this? It's much easier to be tricky when you're great at the basics. Like, like Chicago's got to get the basics down. Jay Macklin news.
Guest Analyst
No, no, turn on the news.
Colin Cowherd
This is the Herd line news.
Jay Mac
Let's start with everybody's favorite NFL team. The Kansas City Chiefs, Scollen Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, one of the most productive playoff duos of all time. Mahomes isn't expecting that to change this postseason, despite Kelsey having kind of a down year. I know we used the W word washed with him at times, but come on, he's had three weeks of rest for this Texans game and the quarterback is expecting big things.
Colin Cowherd
I think it's just the greats, man, they, they step up in the playoffs and it's just higher intensity and the, the best players and the best leaders step up and make the best plays. And he's done that. And so I expect the same from him going into this playoffs. He'll be fine. It's like he's very much Gronk when the big lights are on. He'll be great. And that's always been the. This is what for. So here's what we Forget about tight ends. They have to block defensive ends and blitzers, so these guys take a beat. That's why I've always said tight ends are the. Forget running backs. Tight ends Are underrated and underpaid. Tight ends are underpaid. They have to block the best pass rusher often on the other team. The best pass rusher. Not a safety on a blitz, not a corner on a corner. No, they're, they're blitz. Here comes Myles Garrett, tight end. Slide over and block him. And they have to be big play specialists now down the field, vertically. So my take is being has been they pick their spots. You cannot play at an A plus plus level as a tight end in this league. As you age 18 weeks a year, there's absolutely no way you're getting hit too much. They're asking too much. So if my tight end, and I'm saying you can do that when you're a young tight end. Brock Bowers can do it now. But when you're a 9, 10, 12 year tight end, I am not getting the best of you every week. You're basically a linebacker on offense. I'm not getting 18 weeks unless you're like Ray Lewis, early years. Brian Erlacher. So I think tight ends is a position. I like how they've used Noah Gray and kind of fostered a new relationship with Mahomes. I like that. But when the lights go on, the big red light. Travis Kelsey will be great.
Jay Mac
It reminds me of you in August. You're kind of coasting through the show. You know the NFL's coming up.
Colin Cowherd
That's right.
Jay Mac
You gotta save yourself.
Colin Cowherd
There's a lot, there's a lot of daunting job here. A lot of lifting.
Jay Mac
Yes, yes. Chilling on the beach and yeah, we're one of your houses. And yeah, yeah, we're gonna see Kelsey blow up, by the way. I've looked into it. Texans not great at defending tight ends.
Colin Cowherd
Yeah.
Jay Mac
Their middle linebacker, the guy who decked Trevor Lawrence, he's good against a run. Less so against the past. So Kelsey could be in line for a big game this weekend. Next up is the Detroit Lions, the other one seed. Boy, they've been walking wounded second half of the season. But how about this, Colin?
Colin Cowherd
Yeah.
Jay Mac
Running back David Montgomery is back in the lineup. It's official after reports that he could miss the entire season.
Colin Cowherd
Yeah, it's refreshing.
Guest Analyst
Kind of be back in a position to where I can help the team. Yeah, I missed it.
Jay Mac
So I'm happy to be that pretty. Get back if you are Detroit. And it's not like they're rushing him back. You know, he's. He's been out a bit and it sounds like it's not super serious. Obviously need his Health. They're gonna need him to win the Super Bowl. I don't know about this weekend against Washington, but pretty impressive. They got the linebacker Azzalone, Al Zaloney back.
Colin Cowherd
Yeah. And he's. Well, they're slowly getting healthier. I. They're the odds on favorite to win the nfc. And this morning, I think. I think the Commanders will be an interesting test. And by the way, you know why playing the Commanders is very interesting for Detroit? Because if they get to the super bowl, they're going to have to go through Jalen Hurts, who moves Lamar Jackson, Josh, Allen, Mahomes. So they don't see that at practice with Jared Goff. The Lions have your classic pocket quarterback. That's what they see at practice. But Jaden Daniels is what he'll. Is what Detroit will face in the Super Bowl. Jalen Hurts is a little bit of what you'd face in the Super Bowl. You know what you won't face in the Super Bowl? Matt Stafford or Jared Goff. Pocket guys. So for me, this is a great opportunity for Detroit's defense to get a preview of Lamar, Josh or Mahomes. It's a really important game to learn from, not just win.
Jay Mac
That's a good point. Final story is the Cowboys and Mike McCarthy obviously ended things on Monday. And now Cowboys players are popping off about the decision. Dak Prescott said he was bummed and another star addressed the decision on, of.
Guest Analyst
Course, his podcast, losing a great coach like Mike Hurts. But it's going to be very interesting off season, you know, it's going to be very interesting, you know, due to the free agents, the coaching. It's like, you know, it's going to be a complete reset. So it's going to be a very interesting and challenging offseason.
Jay Mac
Shall see Parsons. I'm giving Draymond Green vibes with this whole podcast thing. And, like, you can look and see he does not seem thrilled. McCarthy's not back. Like, the tone in his voice, the fidgeting. He just doesn't seem really happy. We know Dak is bummed. Jerry Jones has some pressure here to deliver. Like a. Yeah, I don't know that Kellen Moore is going to stimulate the fan base and they ain't getting Dion. I know what Michael Irvin was saying. I don't think that's.
Colin Cowherd
Why don't you think they're getting Dion?
Jay Mac
It's just not happening. Why'd you go to the Cowboys?
Colin Cowherd
$10 million a year. America's team making a ton of money.
Jay Mac
In Colorado, where the cost of Living well, no doubt. And also his son is going to be in the NFL playing on Sundays. You think he wants to be coaching or watching his son on Sundays or going to the games?
Colin Cowherd
That's actually a good point.
Jay Mac
He said he wants to coach his son. I. I just.
Colin Cowherd
Yeah. Let me tell you something. He doesn't have the choice. You can do that in college football. The NFL's not holding their breath. This is not the NBA, which is a star driven league. The Lakers, brawny. We all get it. LeBron has helped carry the league for 15 years. We get that. That's not the NFL. Nobody cares. Now they may sign your son to an unrestricted free agent deal or a seventh rounder. If you're a star, you're not getting a package deals. If I don't need a quarterback and I want Dion, I'm gonna. I'm gonna go higher.
Jay Mac
Browns take Shador Sanders second.
Colin Cowherd
Okay, say it again.
Jay Mac
The Cleveland Browns draft Shador Sanders. Okay, Watson's done. They play Shador, they win four games. Cleveland say. Fan say. That's it for Stefanski. Multiple bad years. Enter Deion Sanders as head coach.
Colin Cowherd
No, no, I don't. I don't think that's crazy either.
Jay Mac
But he's more likely to wait to coach his son than jump at a job that you've just explained for two days is not a good job in Dallas.
Colin Cowherd
The problem for him is the draft isn't until late April. So if the draft was next week, I could see Deion saying, I'm just going to see where my son goes. And if it's a rocky weird team, I'll just wait for it. The problem is what if a good team moves up and drafts him and.
Jay Mac
You'Re like, okay, what about Giants? Let's say he falls to the New York.
Colin Cowherd
That's a mess. We know that.
Jay Mac
Dable's on the hot seat though. Gable and Shane are on notice. Dion, you don't think they would love him in New York? That personality, the lights, Gotham. That's a. That's a potential.
Colin Cowherd
Let me throw a team out there. Seattle.
Jay Mac
You think they trade up or he falls?
Colin Cowherd
I think Seattle hasn't ready to win big playoff game. Now roster and they're jammed up a quarterback. I think I'll give you DK Metcalf and two first to move up to Shador. If shedeurs better than Geno and I think it's possible I can find a receiver. I think the Seattle Seahawks are a wild card. Two first I will give you will flip first this year and Then I'll give you two other firsts and I'll give you DK Metcalf and a fourth next year.
Jay Mac
I don't, I mean, we got Daniel Jeremiah. Who you, you know him, right? NFL Network.
Colin Cowherd
Yeah.
Jay Mac
He's out there saying that, you know, Cam Ward is clearly the number one quarterback and then there's a drop off off and then it should door.
Colin Cowherd
Well, I think Cam Ward is more talented than Shadow.
Jay Mac
If he were in this draft, would be better than both of these.
Colin Cowherd
Yes, I agree.
Jay Mac
I don't know that anybody's given up that much for Shador Sanders, which could be beneficial to Dion.
Colin Cowherd
Well, if you can improve at quarterback and only give up one star player in a couple first rounds. Because I do think Seattle is stuck, especially as the Rams. When you watch the Rams, the way they're drafting and how good the Rams are. Yeah, they're only getting better in San Francisco. Brock Purdy will get healthy, should get better. I mean, they should be on their way to getting better. I, I, I, Seattle is, I'm not just because I'm from there. I'm very, I'm fascinated with a roster. Every time I watch Seattle, I'm like, man, they got dudes everywhere and they're not even paying a lot of them. And DK Metcalf always seems a little unhappy. Two first rounders, DK Metcalf, couple fourth rounders. And all I do is switch positions in a weak draft. Anyway, what do I care?
Jay Mac
It's not bad. What about Jalen Morrow? He won't cost you any extra picks. Does he excite you at all? Jalen Milro, 18ish or whatever. Seattle's.
Colin Cowherd
I like Jalen Milroe more than Alabama fan. Alabama fans very critical of Jalen Milroe. He has a great family and is a great kid. What people love about Jalen Milroe, they think he's more athletic than Anthony Richardson, but a better prospect than Anthony Richardson. Have you ever seen Jalen Milroy when he wants to run and just runs? Dude, he's a running back. Yeah, like a top running back. Like he is a burner. So that my guys like Jalen Milroe and I always push back and go, he's a bit mechanical for me. And they're like, listen, that was the knock on Herbert. Herbert's mechanical. You can win being mechanical.
Jay Mac
My guess is that Milroe is going to go up during this process because like you said, the background is incredible.
Colin Cowherd
Great parents, great kids.
Jay Mac
And they will say, hey, they change systems on him, right? He had some really young receivers, freshmen, 17 year old guys. It was, it was a transition year. He didn't do great. Yeah, he's going to be a good.
Colin Cowherd
By the way, all you Alabama fans, you just have to come to terms with the power move north. It's a new day. Kalen DeBoer is a great coach. He's going to be fine. People have no idea. When you take over a franchise or a college team, even if it's a great program, we're bringing your offense and you got to get players that fit your offense. Like Alabama's freaking out. Like you do understand Nick Saban lost to Louisiana Monroe his first year. You gotta change the culture and change the personnel. J. Mac with the news. Well, that's the news and thanks for stopping by the herd lie news. NBA commissioner Adam Silver, who has never been on this show, but he has been our priority for several years to get on the show. So we feel pretty lucky. I had to go to bed early last night and get rest for this thing I was doing. I got up this morning at 4:45 and doing jumping jacks and sit ups and smoothies. You can't, you're not bringing Adam Silver on and just mailing it in. Took a little extra time in the hair room today. Gotta look good for the commish. Okay. Gotta be ready for him because I got some probing questions as America's honesty broker. Adam Silver, top of the hour, Joel Klatt. Now you, you know, with Klatt, I can go out and have some fun. So it's a weird day for me. A little mix of serious and fun. I love you, Joel. Coming up next, we're all very negative about college football this year. I want to, I'm going to give you four great things that happened in college football this year that are going to keep happening and that nobody wants to acknowledge. All we're doing is it's struggles. It's this, this, this. I think there's four amazing things that happen in college football this year. I cannot wait for Notre Dame, Ohio State. I like the Buckeyes by a touchdown. That and plus why Jordan Love's going to be fine. Next, be sure to catch live editions of the Herd, weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am Pacific.
Steve Covino
Hey, it's Steve Covino. And I'm Rich Davis and together we're Covino and Rich on Fox Sports Radio. You can catch us weekdays from 5 to 7pm Eastern, 2 to 4 Pacific on Fox Sports Radio. And of course, the iHeartRadio app. Why should you listen to Covino and Rich. We talk about everything. Life, sports, relationships, what's going on in the world. We have a lot of fun talking about the stories behind the stories in the world of sports and pop culture. Stories that, well, other shows don't seem.
Colin Cowherd
To have the time to discuss.
Steve Covino
And the fact that we've been friends for the last 20 years and still work together, I mean, that says something, right? So check us out. We like to get you involved too. Take your phone calls, chop it up as they say. I'd say the most interactive show on Fox Sports Radio, maybe the most interactive show on planet Earth. Be sure to check out Covino and Rich live on Fox Sports radio and the iHeartradio app from 5 to 7pm Eastern, 2 to 4 Pacific. And if you miss any of the live show, just search Covino and Rich wherever you get your podcast. And of course on social media, that's Covino and Rich.
Colin Cowherd
Hi, it's Colin. JLab audio is changing the audio game for good, producing some of the best earbuds and headphones designed for everyday life without breaking the bank. And they are made in the same location as some of the other popular earbuds on the market that are triple the price. Don't overpay for quality headphones and earbuds, I don't. For those looking to conquer their fitness goals in 2025, JLab recommends the JBuds Sport ANC4, offering a secure fit and super long battery life for those tough workouts. For small ears, check out the JBuds Mini, so small they fit in your keychains so you're never without headphones. And if you're looking to zone out with a podcast or get in the zone at the office, check out their active noise canceling headphones. It's a true luxury feel. Discover your perfect pair of headphones just like I did and upgrade your audio game today. Look for the JLAB Blue Box at retailers everywhere or visit jlab.com youm can count on T Mobile to help keep you connected from big cities to small towns on America's largest 5G network. Switch the T Mobile keep your phone and they'll pay it off up to 800 bucks per line via prepaid card. Learn more@t mobile.com heapandswitch up to four lines via virtual prepaid card. Allow 15 days qualifying unlock device credit service port in 90 plus days with device and eligible carrier and timely redemption required Card has no cash access and expires in six months.
NPR Host
Experiencing the news each day can feel like a journey with up first from NPR, though it doesn't have to be. Welcome to 15 easy minutes, minutes of breaking news, clarity on international and national affairs, and a casual tone that you can take in with breakfast. Begin your day informed, ready and refreshed. Begin your day with Up first. Subscribe to Up first from NPR on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcasts.
Jon Stewart
Jon Stewart is back in the host chair at the Daily show, which means he's also back in our ears on the Daily Show Ears Edition Podcast the Daily show podcast has everything you need to stay on top of today's news and pop culture. You get hilarious satirical takes on entertainment, politics, sports and more from John and the team of correspondents and contributors. The podcast also has content you can't get anywhere else, like extended interviews and a roundup of the weekly headlines. Listen to the Daily show, here's edition on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Jay Mac
You can help families impacted by the California wildfires. Visit Go Fox Backslash Redcross or scan the QR code on your screen to support these efforts. Your donation enables the Red Cross to respond to and help people recover from this disaster.
Colin Cowherd
By the way, tip of the cap to the LA Times, the local LA stations, and local Los Angeles radio stations. Their coverage has been breathtaking at times. I worked in the local stuff for 14 years. I prefer often local over all the national stuff. I think the television reporting on this fire has been unbelievable and it's a shame that only Los Angeles gets to watch it. It has been much better than the national coverage. It's been phenomenal. So tip of the cap to all the photojournalists and the reporters. And I'm seeing people in the middle of this fire reporting. It has been breathtaking coverage. You all deserve credit for that. So I know if you're not in Los Angeles, Colin, what are you talking about? I had my TV on for four days. I didn't turn it off. I was staying up till midnight, getting up early. Coverage was stunning. So congratulations to those people who have had to deal with it and are, you know, we're with you, Southern California. And if you can give to the Red Cross, please do. The coverage has been remarkable on a terribly, terribly sad story. The worst I've ever been part of in any community I've ever lived in. Adam Silver, top of the hour. Apparently Adam was on with me seven years ago, but it was just a phone call. Now we're a much bigger deal, so he's coming on TV with us. And he was with me once on espn. So I like. I like commissioners. I get Roger Goodell. I had Barack Obama. I had Trump. I like the big interviews. And David Stern, the late commissioner was great. He was feisty. We went back and forth. I loved it. I miss him. I loved him. So, Adam Silver, top of the hour. So listen, anytime there's change, and I've used this stat many times, only 40% of Americans ever leave their zip code. People are uncomfortable with change. I get it. Like, I have a sister lives in the same house she grew up with. I get it. Her brother likes change. My sister doesn't. I get it. She had a job. She's like, I got my friends here. I get it. And college football's had a lot of change. Nil, transfer portal. And a lot of people don't like it. But let me give you four things where college football, thanks to the new playoff format, the nil and the transfer portal have made college football, to me, much better. Closer to the NFL, but still not the NFL. Number one, conference realignment and expanded playoff games have created more big games. The NFL gives you six good games a weekend, maybe eight. College football has only a. I mean, they have 130 teams. They have four and a half times as many teams as like, like the NFL has. And you get about three great games a weekend, maybe five. I'm getting more big games. And even if Indiana and Notre Dame disappoints me, it felt like a big game. More big games. Here's the other thing. The transfer portal. Number two, it allows dead programs, Arizona State, smu, Indiana, Colorado, to get reasonably good very quickly. Now, they may be unveiled a little bit as we think they're great. And they go play Ohio State and Notre Dame, and they're not as great as we think, but three of the four quarterbacks in the semifinals, they were transfers. Is that great programs can plug holes. Dead programs. You don't have to wait four to five years. Colorado wasn't great the first year with Deon, but they were interesting. Number three is football players deserve to be paid, college or pro. These young men playing a sport with regulated levels of violence. They deserve to get paid and they drive a massive amount of revenue. In most athletic departments, only two or three programs make real money. Football, often men's basketball, sometimes like a UConn or some women's basketball, too. Only in the south does baseball make money at the college level. So these kids deserve to be paid. And yeah, some of the salaries are like, you know, pretty big. So What? Number four. And this is a big one. The expanded playoff actually allows young people who make more mistakes than older people on average to make mistakes. Yes. Ohio State lost at home late in the year as a 20 point favorite. And will Howard was terrible. Okay, in the old format, people get fired, Will Howard gets harassed. But it's interesting because the worst regular season losses no longer define you. And in the NFL they never have. It never made sense that in the NFL when you're dealing with men, you were allowed to make more mistakes than a college kid was. And let me just throw one more thing out there that I like is that. And I think this is something that hasn't proven to be true yet, but it will be, I think maybe next year is that college football is going to get older. I wish, I wish college basketball did this. The nil. Carson Beck was going to declare for the NFL draft. He did. And then he went, I can make more money playing for Miami. I'm going to stay in college. So college football teams, players are going to stay until another year in college because they can make more money than going to a dysfunctional NFL team. I love that. I think college basketball was at its best 20 years ago when Christian Laetner would come back for another year, when Tim Duncan would come back for another year, or Patrick Ewing 25, 30 years ago. So college football is getting older. And I think one of the problems with college basketball now is it's like a one and done culture. If you get the guy to come at all, he bails after a year. And it's a constant revolving door. Carson Beck playing for Miami. I'm kind of fascinated to see Carson Beck now. I've seen the Georgia version. What's the old Carson Beck at Miami going to do? So I know we're negative with a lot of stuff, but more big games, dead programs can rebound more quickly. Players, absolutely. Let's be good humans here. Let's pay the kids. They're putting their bodies at risk. And expanded playoffs allow for more mistakes. Here's who makes a lot of mistakes in America. 18 to 24 year old men. They have all the testosterone, all the juice, all the energy and their brains are still forming. They make mistakes, they have bad games. Ohio State had the worst loss in college football this year and they're going to win the national championship, I presume on Monday. That's how the NFL works. Where the Chiefs lost to the Raiders last December and then won the Super Bowl. Drama. Not these unrealistic, unrealistic expectations where 17, 1819 year old loses a game in October and is getting death threats because the season's over. So there's a lot to like about where college football is going. And Adam Silver, top of the hour. I thought we had a great year and I don't think there's any question right now. Ohio State is the best looking program in college football. We will see if they are the best team, but they should be favored over Notre Dame. And I think Notre Dame would have to have sort of like a Rams first half against the Vikings. They would have to play perfect football for at least one of the halves if they could jump on Ohio State quickly and put pressure on the Buckeyes. But the Buckeyes in recent weeks, in their last three games, they're getting it rolling real fast. And if you're trailing Ohio State with that pass rush, if you're trailing Ohio State at halftime, they're they're no fun to play catch up to. If you get a little lead on them and you put a little pressure on The Buckeyes, they're the nine, 10 point favorite, you got a shot. But if Ohio State starts quickly, I don't want to trail the Buckeyes. That's not a team. You got Sawyer on one side, you got edge rushers down lineman, aggressive defense. I don't want to play behind against Ohio State. Adam Silver next Whether you're ordering wings for the game, whipping up a seven layer dip or ordering pizza, there's something about football that makes me want to eat. And this football season, Uber Eats has the best deals for me on game day food no matter what I'm craving. From two for one Pizza to buy one get one Wings Uber Eats. We'll be dropping new deals each week all season long. I'm in Uber Eats, the official on demand delivery partner of the NFL. Order now for game day. Terms and conditions apply. See app for details.
NPR Host
Experiencing the news each day can feel like a journey with up first from NPR, though it doesn't have to be. Welcome to 15 Easy Minutes of breaking news, clarity on international and national affairs, and a casual tone that you can take in with breakfast. Begin your day informed, ready and refreshed. Begin your day with Up first. Subscribe to Up first from NPR on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcast.
Jon Stewart
Jon Stewart is back in the host chair at the Daily show, which means he's also back in our ears on the Daily Show Ears Edition podcast. Join late night legend Jon Stewart and the best news team for today's biggest headlines. Exclusive extended interviews and more. Now this is a second term we can all get behind. Listen to the Daily Show Ears edition on the iHeartrade radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Adnan Burke
What's up, everybody? Adnan Burke here to tell you about a new podcast. It's NHL Unscripted with Virgin Demers.
Jason Demers
Jason Demers here. And after playing 700 NHL games, I got a lot of dirty laundry to air out.
Adnan Burke
Hey, I got a lot to say here, too, okay? Each week we'll get together to chat with the sport that we love.
Jason Demers
Tons of guests are going to join in too. But we're not just gonna be talking hockey, folks. We're talking movies. We're talking and TV, food, and Anat's favorite wrestling. It's all on Le Table.
Adnan Burke
Listen to NHL Unscripted with Vir and Demers, the iHeartRadio app, Apple podcast, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Release Date: January 15, 2025
Host: Colin Cowherd
Platform: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
Description: A deep dive into the perennial struggles of the Dallas Cowboys, NFL dynamics, and upcoming guest Adam Silver, NBA Commissioner.
Colin Cowherd opens the episode with a focus on the Dallas Cowboys' ongoing challenges, expressing frustration over not having secured NBA Commissioner Adam Silver as a guest despite multiple attempts. He sets the stage for an in-depth analysis of the Cowboys' situation and broader NFL issues.
A. Management and Financial Decisions
Colin criticizes Jerry Jones' management decisions, particularly regarding buyouts and contract negotiations:
He challenges reports about Deion Sanders' potential move to the Cowboys, questioning the feasibility and necessity of an $8 million buyout when Dak Prescott's contract significantly outweighs it.
B. Organizational Concerns and Leadership
The discussion highlights the Cowboys' inability to secure effective first-round draft picks and the implications of having an aging owner:
Guest Analyst [08:13]: "There are only 32 jobs in the National Football League. Each one of those jobs is going to pay you above north of somewhere six, $7 million a year."
Colin Cowherd [08:43]: "The fence is broken. So what I'm about to say you'll, you'll roll your eyes at and that's hurtful. But I've been saying this, that you’ve got to be able to see the problems before they get really bad like Dallas."
Colin draws a parallel between the Cowboys and "Jurassic Park," suggesting that the organization's issues are imminent and potentially catastrophic.
A. Steelers vs. Giants Analogy
Colin likens the Pittsburgh Steelers to the New York Giants, suggesting that both franchises may be on the decline due to poor quarterback performance and offensive struggles:
He critiques the Steelers' offensive performance over the past five years, emphasizing their reliance on a strong defense rather than a potent offense.
B. Other Teams in the NFC and AFC
Colin points out other teams like Detroit, Philadelphia, Green Bay, and the Rams as having better rosters and front offices compared to the Cowboys. He underscores the strength of these teams' draft strategies and overall management.
Colin discusses the Chicago Bears' hiring of Mike McCarthy, viewing it as a strategic move towards stability:
He praises McCarthy's track record of leading teams to the playoffs consistently, despite not reaching the heights of coaches like Andy Reid or Sean McVeigh.
The segment covers Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce's impressive performance streak, emphasizing their impact in playoff scenarios:
Colin also critiques the role of tight ends in the NFL, highlighting their undervalued and underpaid status despite their crucial responsibilities on the field.
The return of key players like David Montgomery is highlighted as a positive development for the Detroit Lions' playoff prospects:
Colin praises the Lions' gradual roster improvements and their favorable position to compete in the NFC.
The possibility of Deion Sanders transitioning to a coaching role is explored, with discussions on potential teams that might vie for his expertise:
Colin speculates on teams like the Seattle Seahawks and New York Giants as potential destinations, considering the strategic benefits and current team dynamics.
Towards the end, Colin shifts focus to college football, outlining four positive developments stemming from recent changes like expanded playoffs and the transfer portal:
He emphasizes the benefits of these changes, positioning college football as evolving towards greater competitiveness and sustainability.
Colin wraps up the episode by reaffirming the significance of Adam Silver's upcoming appearance, expressing anticipation for his insights:
He concludes with remarks appreciating the Los Angeles media's coverage of recent wildfires, offering support to affected communities, and hinting at future discussions on the show's platform.
Colin Cowherd [07:00]: "Jerry's 82 years old. The Cowboys were 7-10. And here's a third number: You’ve got to pay Dak, an A-B quarterback, $129 million guaranteed going forward."
Guest Analyst [08:13]: "There are only 32 jobs in the National Football League. Each one of those jobs is going to pay you above north of somewhere six, $7 million a year."
Colin Cowherd [25:29]: "Tight ends are underrated and underpaid. They have to block the best pass rusher often on the other team."
This episode of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" offers a critical examination of the Dallas Cowboys' management and strategic decisions, broader NFL team comparisons, insights into coaching dynamics with a focus on Mike McCarthy and Deion Sanders, and a thoughtful analysis of recent changes in college football. The anticipation of Adam Silver's appearance promises further exploration of sports leadership and league dynamics.
Note: For those interested in tuning in, "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" streams live every weekday from noon to 3 PM Eastern on Fox Sports Radio and is available on the iHeartRadio app.