Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd Episode: Hour 1 - Players Who Still Got It! Release Date: February 13, 2025 Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

Introduction

In this lively episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, hosts Covino and Rich Davis delve into the intriguing topic of retired athletes who may still possess the talent and drive to make a comeback in their respective sports. The episode masterfully blends humor, insightful analysis, and engaging banter among co-hosts Rich Davis, Covino, Iowa Sam, and Danny G, providing listeners with a comprehensive exploration of potential player returns that could shake up the sports world.

Main Discussions

1. Aaron Rodgers: The Potential NFL Resurgence

The conversation kicks off with a focus on Aaron Rodgers, questioning whether the seasoned quarterback could make a significant impact if he chose to return to the NFL. Covino highlights the timing, noting that with pitchers and catchers reporting close to Valentine's Day, the anticipation for the baseball season begins to build, paralleling the excitement surrounding Rodgers' potential move.

• Covino: "Today's a special day... Pitchers and catchers are reporting, so we're getting closer and closer to baseball." [04:19]

Rich Davis reminisces about a previous in-depth discussion on Rodgers, pondering the quarterback's fit within various teams if he decides against retirement. The hosts speculate that Rodgers could serve as an emergency fix for any top-tier team suffering a quarterback injury during the season.

• Rich Davis: "We have so much talent, we can't just throw the season away. Aaron Rodgers, and I think that's the answer..." [06:17]

Covino raises a critical point about Rodgers' readiness to jump back into professional play, emphasizing the mental and physical preparedness required for such a return.

• Covino: "Would he be mentally and physically ready and prepared to jump right back into the NFL?" [07:13]

The discussion also draws a comparison with Tom Brady, exploring whether similar veterans could make a return play-wise.

• Rich Davis: "He went to 10 Super Bowls, won seven of them... Could still be a quarterback." [09:26]

However, Covino counters by mentioning Rodgers' recent performance, suggesting that while he may not have been at his peak in the past two years, his potential for a comeback remains.

• Covino: "He wasn't Aaron Rodgers." [10:43]

2. Comparisons with Tom Brady

Rich Davis brings Tom Brady into the conversation, questioning whether Brady himself could make a comeback akin to Rodgers. While acknowledging Brady's unmatched conditioning and football IQ, he notes the challenges of age and physical readiness.

• Rich Davis: "That's his... You don't look at Tom Brady and say... he could be the quarterback." [09:26]

Covino adds nuance by contrasting Brady's focused commitment to football with Rodgers' rumored interest in other ventures, such as podcasting.

• Covino: "He's in a cave somewhere on a darkness retreat, playing the bongos." [10:58]

3. Robinson Cano: Baseball's Hidden Gem for a Comeback

Shifting focus to baseball, the hosts discuss Robinson Cano's recent statements suggesting he could still perform at a professional level despite his age of 42. They examine Cano's career statistics and his stint in the Mexican League, where he continued to display impressive batting prowess.

• Rich Davis: "Robinson Cano... pitching and catching. Robinson Canoe... he could still play." [11:25]

Covino and Rich debate Cano's likelihood of returning to Major League Baseball, highlighting his maintained skills and the potential impact he could have.

• Covino: "He lit it up in the Mexican league batting like 460something..." [12:47]

4. Other Potential Athlete Comebacks

The discussion broadens to include a variety of retired athletes across different sports who might still have the capability to return to professional play.

• Gronkowski (Gronk): The hosts speculate on whether Rob Gronkowski could still contribute effectively, especially if key players like Joe Burrow or Justin Herbert were injured.

  • Covino: "Aaron Rodgers comes running in." [07:58]
  • Rich Davis: "I've seen some of the tape of this dude... didn’t even move on half of those plays." [19:18]

• Marshawn Lynch: They recall Lynch's comments about still feeling capable of dominating the field, discussing his physical condition and potential effectiveness despite aging.

  • Iowa Sam: "Marshawn Lynch... could still run over some players." [29:12]

• Bartolo Colon and Jamie Moyer: The conversation touches on these legendary pitchers, debating their ability to perform at a high level despite advancing age.

  • Rich Davis: "Jamie Moyer could collect Social Security and still..." [32:03]
  • Covino: "Jamie Moyer looked like he was at least 55 when he was still playing." [32:59]

• Keith Thurman and Conor McGregor: In the realm of fighting, they discuss Thurman's desire to return to the ring and question the feasibility of McGregor's potential comeback.

  • Covino: "He's making a grand comeback in 2025." [27:09]
  • Rich Davis: "Conor McGregor, I'm like, I don't want to see it anymore." [27:38]

• Darren Oliver and Joe Bimel: The hosts mention these former players, pondering whether their skills and physical condition could support a return to professional sports.

  • Rich Davis: "Darren Oliver, he never threw 100 but was a crafty pitcher." [17:27]
  • Covino: "Joe Bimel was real close to making a professional comeback." [28:16]

5. Devin Williams: A Yankee's Potential to Revolutionize Baseball

Returning to baseball, the hosts shine a spotlight on Devin Williams, the Yankees' standout closer. They discuss his performance, recent challenges, and the potential impact he could have on the game if he maintains his form or returns after a short hiatus.

• Covino: "Devon Williams is known for being one of the best closers in baseball. He's now a Yankee." [40:10]

The discussion includes an analysis of Williams' recent performance issues, particularly his shaved beard, which he claims affected his confidence, leading to perceived declines in performance.

• Rich Davis: "He said if everything was under 40 yards, he could be elite right now in the NFL." [21:20]

Notable Quote:

• Rich Davis: "Sometimes when people make that decision, it's hard to come back from it." [08:36]

Notable Quotes with Attributions

• Rich Davis: "You have to make a reservation for, like, let's say, let's say, let's say..." [01:14]

• Covino: "He could still, I could have still played, but his focus is in a cave somewhere..." [08:35]

• Rich Davis: "He looks like he's missing three inches. Four inches of chin." [41:25]

• Covino: "He said he'd hold onto the beard for as long as he could until the Yankees made him shave it." [40:47]

• Iowa Sam: "Marshawn Lynch can still go out there?" [29:26]

• Rich Davis: "He's never been a big blocker." [19:36]

Conclusion

In this episode, The Herd with Colin Cowherd expertly navigates the fascinating subject of retired athletes with untapped potential, offering listeners a blend of analytical insights and entertaining banter. From Aaron Rodgers' possible NFL resurgence to Robinson Cano's baseball prowess and beyond, the hosts present compelling arguments and humorous takes on whether these sports figures still "got it." The discussion not only entertains but also invites fans to ponder the limitless possibilities within the world of professional sports. As the episode wraps up, the hosts tease upcoming segments and encourage listener engagement, ensuring that the conversation remains dynamic and inclusive.

Final Thoughts

For fans who missed the episode, this summary encapsulates the essence of the discussion, highlighting the key points and memorable quotes that define Players Who Still Got It! Whether it's debating the comeback potentials of legends or reflecting on the current state of sports stars, this episode offers a thought-provoking and entertaining journey through some of the most talked-about topics in sports today.