Hour 1 - Puka Nacua

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 1: Puka Nacua Release Date: February 5, 2025

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Introduction

In the inaugural hour of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd," host Colin Cowherd, along with guest co-hosts Steve Covino and Rich Davis, delves into the sports world with a focus on NFL tight end Puka Nacua. The episode, recorded live from Super Bowl 59 in New Orleans, explores Puka's journey, challenges, and insights into the current NFL landscape.

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Interview with Puka Nacua

Timestamp: 05:49 - 20:08

Host Interaction and Puka's Offseason Reflections

Steve Covino opens the conversation by acknowledging Puka's presence at the Super Bowl, noting his excitement despite not actively playing. Rich Davis probes into Puka's feelings about narrowly missing past championship opportunities.

Rich Davis [06:21]: "How does it feel when, you know, it's only a few weeks ago, you know, the ball is to you on a play that could, you know, win the game. Do you still carry that?"

Puka's Motivation and Team Dynamics

Puka candidly discusses how recent near-misses in crucial games continue to motivate him throughout the offseason. He emphasizes the importance of preventing similar setbacks in the future and reflects on his relationship with teammate Cooper Kupp.

Puka Nacua [06:40]: "It definitely is still bothering me... letting down our team is one of the... is not the best feeling."

Cooper Kupp's Influence and Future Training

The conversation shifts to the potential departure of Cooper Kupp, Puka's mentor and leader within the Rams. Puka expresses gratitude for Kupp's guidance and discusses how he plans to adapt his training and leadership in Kupp's absence.

Puka Nacua [08:39]: "I think that's what has been the blessing. And look back on, man, what are all the things that he's taught me..."

Personal Life and Public Interactions

Steve Covino lightens the mood by humorously inquiring about Puka's interactions with fans. Puka shares his genuine appreciation for fan engagement and his approach to handling constant public attention.

Puka Nacua [09:29]: "I try not to avoid anybody. I love the conversations. Everybody always has to come up with a smile."

Future Aspirations and Athletic Interests

The discussion transitions to Puka's interests outside of football, including basketball and potential involvement in other sports like overseas basketball leagues or even pickleball. Puka expresses a desire to continue being active in sports beyond his NFL career.

Puka Nacua [11:24]: "I always say after I'm done playing football, I want to go play overseas basketball somewhere."

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NFL and Super Bowl Insights

Timestamp: 20:19 - 43:53

Super Bowl Atmosphere and Media Interactions

Covino and Rich Davis provide a lively account of the Super Bowl environment, interacting with various sports personalities and discussing the buzz surrounding the event. They highlight the presence of notable figures like Vince Wilfork and Fred Warner.

Rich Davis [05:08]: "I know."

Discussion on Luka's NBA Move

A significant portion of the conversation focuses on Luka's controversial move to the Lakers and the financial implications of his $100 million loss. The hosts debate whether the opportunity to play alongside LeBron James compensates for the hefty financial setback, delving into Luka's motivation and mental state post-trade.

Steve Covino [25:36]: "But I mean, I think that just adds to the excitement... And we reap all the benefits and get to watch."

Impact of Social Media and Modern Dating

Rich Davis and Steve Covino segue into a discussion about the evolution of social interactions, particularly how platforms like Facebook and dating apps have transformed relationships. They reflect on the 21st anniversary of Facebook and its role in shaping contemporary social dynamics.

Rich Davis [51:21]: "Proof is in the pudding. Just throwing it out there."

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Sponsor Messages Excluded

As per instructions, all advertisements, introductions, and outros have been omitted from this summary to focus solely on the content-driven segments of the podcast.

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Conclusion

The first hour of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" offers an engaging exploration of Puka Nacua's professional journey and personal insights amidst the high-stakes environment of the NFL and Super Bowl festivities. Covino and Rich Davis facilitate a dynamic conversation that not only highlights Puka's experiences but also delves into broader topics impacting the sports world today.

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Notable Quotes:

• Puka Nacua [06:40]: "It definitely is still bothering me... letting down our team is one of the... is not the best feeling."
• Puka Nacua [09:29]: "I try not to avoid anybody. I love the conversations. Everybody always has to come up with a smile."
• Rich Davis [51:21]: "Proof is in the pudding. Just throwing it out there."

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For those who missed the episode, this summary encapsulates the essence of the discussions, providing valuable insights into Puka Nacua's perspective and the current state of professional sports.

Transcript

[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 card. Has no cash access and expires in six months. Virgin Voyages isn't your average cruise. It's a masterclass in luxury all in. Voyage pricing includes over $1,000 in value, Wi fi, tips, entertainment, even specialty dining. No hidden fees, no surprises. The cabins are next level private terraces, virgin red hammocks, unbeatable sea views. Add in the adult only factor. No kids. That's right, just relaxation. It's no surprise they're award winning. And the destinations Caribbean this winter, Iceland, North America and the Mediterranean in 2025 and 2026. Virgin Voyages is where luxury meets travel. Book it and see what you've been missing. Learn [e-mail] or contact your travel advisor. 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, UberEats 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 will 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. Colin Carrod here with pro tight end Dallas Goddard to share his journey with plaque psoriasis and how he tackles his symptoms with Otezla. Aprimolast Yeah, being a football player with.

[Dallas Goddard]

Plaque psoriasis can be challenging. My skin gets flaky and itchy, so my doctor told me about a pill, otla.

[Steve Covino]

It works from the inside out.

[Rich Davis]

OTTLA is a prescription medicine used to.

[Dallas Goddard]

Treat adult patients with plaque psoriasis for.

[Steve Covino]

Whom phototherapy or systemic therapy is appropriate. Otezla can help you get clearer skin after just four months. Dallas is an OTESLA patient that has been compensated for his time. Don't use OTTLA if you're allergic to it. Get medical help right away. Have trouble breathing or swallowing. Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, throat or arms. Severe diarrhea, nausea or vomiting. Depression, suicidal thoughts or weight loss can happen Tell your doctor if any of these occur and if you have a history of depression or suicidal thoughts.

[Dallas Goddard]

Talking to my doctor about a pill was a total game changer.

[Colin Cowherd]

If you're struggling with plaque psoriasis, talk to your doctor about Otla. Visit otesla.com for more information or call 1-844-4-OTEZLA for prescribing info, info about cost and more. Thanks for listening to the Herd podcast. Be sure to catch us live every weekday on Fox Sports Radio and noon to 3 Eastern, 9am to noon Pacific. Find your local station for the [e-mail] or stream us live every day on the iHeartRadio app by searching Fox Sports Radio or FSR.

[Steve Covino]

Now, let's get this party started.

[Dallas Goddard]

You're listening to Fox Sports Radio.

[Rich Davis]

Yo, what an honor. What an honor to fill in for Colin on the Herd super bowl week. New Orleans.

[Steve Covino]

So pumped. Where Covino and Rich Fox Sports Radio again in for Colin on the Herd media row New Orleans, Super Bowl 59. Super pumped to be here. And we have an action packed show. A triple doozy of awesome. We're joined. Yeah.

[Rich Davis]

At the triple doozy.

[Steve Covino]

I just made that up. You like it? Vince Wolfork stopping by, excited about that. Fred Warner stopping by.

[Rich Davis]

As a Niners fan, I'm abnormally pumped about that.

[Steve Covino]

Relax, man. Keep it in the pantalones.

[Rich Davis]

I'll try.

[Steve Covino]

Yeah. No slow roasters. Too early for all that.

[Rich Davis]

Sorry.

[Steve Covino]

And we're joined by Puka Nukua. And when you think about it, we got Puka and Luca in the news. So lots to talk about today on Covino and Rich Fox Sports Radio.

[Rich Davis]

You know what, what's interesting is Pookin the COO is a great guest to have today because there's a lot of ram news.

[Steve Covino]

A lot.

[Rich Davis]

Like Matthew Stafford was even in the news today. Like, are they possibly thinking about moving him? And that just makes zero.

[Dallas Goddard]

All night.

[Steve Covino]

Yeah, you. You got to bring that up with him too, man. We have lots of questions for Puka Nakua, so stick around and get involved. Thank you guys for hanging out with us. Gonna turn your hump day into a hump night. And not only three hours of calling, we got two hours of our regular show. Two to four on the west, five to seven on the east. Covino and Rich. So five hours of fun from radio row. And just as Puka approaches. Want to explain that the vibe is so good today. Starting to build on this Wednesday. We were here Monday and Tuesday. Obviously it's a little slow. People are Starting to come now. Getting excited for the Super Bowl. There's a buzz in the air.

[Rich Davis]

I know.

[Steve Covino]

I feel celebrities are walking around. Spotty was in the bathroom with Gronk earlier.

[Rich Davis]

Like, oh, what are they doing in there?

[Steve Covino]

I mean, he just happened to see him in there. I don't know if he was gazing or anything, but look, the stars are here. Stars. We're gonna talk to him and we're gonna have a lot of fun. And I see Puka Nicoi.

[Dallas Goddard]

Mark Ingram, the great New Orleans Saint, was getting coffee with us at Starbucks.

[Steve Covino]

Yeah, that's the. That's the vibe of Super Bowl New Orleans. Again, super pumped to be here. I'm Steve Covino. That is Rich Davis, Danny G. Super producing and making his way. Man.

[Rich Davis]

What's up, brother?

[Steve Covino]

Handsome. It's great to see him again. He's getting his headphones on. Let's welcome Puka Nukua.

[Rich Davis]

What's up, my friend?

[Steve Covino]

Rich, show in for Colin on the Herd. Thanks for your time, man.

[Puka Nakua]

Man, appreciate you guys. How you doing? Has been a good week so far?

[Steve Covino]

It's been great. I want to ask you that. How you doing, man? Because I know you wish you were playing, but you're here and you look excited. Everybody's excited to see you. What's it like for you being here?

[Rich Davis]

Shoot.

[Puka Nakua]

I get. Yeah, it's just trying to get a grasp of what the offseason looks like now, going into year two and stuff like that. But, yeah, definitely. Hopefully planning on not being here next year, at least doing a different type of media. Hopefully I get to wear one of the jumpsuits. I just barely saw those guys in. And the Rams will be ready to roll.

[Steve Covino]

Nice.

[Rich Davis]

Now, how does it feel when, you know, it's only a few weeks ago, you know, the ball is to you on a play that could, you know, win the game. Do you still carry that? Like, you were so close. The team that's in the super bowl, we were in Philly in the snow, and you got that close. Is that. Have you mentally moved past that, or is it still, like, you know, bothering you?

[Puka Nakua]

It definitely is still bothering me. I think it'll probably bother me the rest of the offseason, and it'll be the motivator for the many motivators that come in the offseason. But, yeah, it's been kind, I think, about two years in a row how we finished off in Detroit. Our last offensive possession was the last passed on to me, and then the same thing here in Philly. So I can't Let that happen again if the opportunities are coming my way. Man, letting down our team is one of the. Is not the best feeling.

[Rich Davis]

Yo, Puka, I got to ask because you know, you get that close, the team that's in the super bowl on Sunday could very well have been beaten by you guys at home a couple weeks ago. What's with the Cooper cup stories? What's with the Matthew Stafford rumors? I saw you even put on social media that I thought that only happened in the NBA. Have you talked to Cooper Cup?

[Puka Nakua]

Yeah, we've. We've had some conversations and Coop had reached out to us kind of before that news had broke. But I mean, I just feel like I'm so blessed and I love that guy. Cooper Cup. From the moment I walked into the Rams facility, he's been the leader and the mentor that I've needed in my career and also in my life. To be able to see him be a father in the off seasons and the. What the husband that he is and it's been such a cool thing to watch and I freaking love that guy. I'm going to miss being able to play even your girlfriend.

[Rich Davis]

Girlfriend. Your girlfriend also post that she's going to miss the cup family.

[Puka Nakua]

Yeah, yeah, it's. I mean, I feel like I try to be. Be involved as much as he would allow us and yeah, just to be a part of that guy's life. And yeah, it's been a. It's been an interesting week.

[Steve Covino]

I can say you guys were very close. I'm sorry to hear that because on a personal level, that's got to suck. Not just as a teammate but as a friend. He's gone. How's training going to be different moving forward because you guys train together?

[Puka Nakua]

Yeah, I think, yeah, we still got to figure it out. I got to figure out some of the things and be like, man, he's been showing me the way. I've been able to watch him and how he prepares for the football season in season and then how he's prepared out of season. So trying to make sure that, man, I take down. Take down some of those notes for myself because I got to be able to continue to get better.

[Steve Covino]

On a positive note though, is it a chance for you to step up and now be a mentor and maybe grow some more now that he's not there? Like you're the guy.

[Puka Nakua]

I think so, 100%. I think that's what has been the blessing. And look back on, man, what are all the things that he's taught me and what are the Things that I've learned, the things that I've already built in my routine of being able to be with him for the past two years and yeah, just the man that I've watched lead this. This group of the Rams organization for many years. And it's an exciting challenge, and it's a privilege to be able to be in that role.

[Steve Covino]

We're here with Puka, Nakua, Kavino and Rich in for calling on the herd. Looking handsome. He's got the glasses on, he's got the hair pulled back, the baggy jeans and everything. Handsome young man with a lot of money. Dude, do they train you on how to fight the ladies off? You have a girlfriend, but what sort of, like, think there's training into the. I would imagine, though, like, when you're out and about, like, what's your approach with that? There's Pooka, Nakua. You know, a lot of ladies want to approach a dude if he's at a party just to take a picture. Like, what's your mindset when it comes to all that stuff?

[Puka Nakua]

Yeah, I guess that, now that I think about it, that's probably. Is the way to get in and start a conversation is just to kind of. Kind of come ask for a picture. Because I would say I'm the worst at saying no. That's something I haven't learned well, as I probably should. But, I mean, football fans, I'm so appreciative. I grew up in Las Vegas and then in Utah, so there was no professional sports teams for the idea to go to see an NFL player for me at Sprouts or something. That's a privilege that these guys have. We're living in Southern California, so I never want to rob somebody of that moment because I didn't have that moment. And I don't want them to be like, oh, I saw Pukin at the. At the store. And then he said I couldn't take a picture. So I'm always saying yes. But I would say I try not to avoid anybody. I love the conversations. Everybody always has to come up with a smile. So I'm like, if someone. If somebody's come up trying to mean, mug me, I probably wouldn't be as recipient, but they always got a big smile on their face.

[Rich Davis]

Puka, is there any bigger thrill when you see a little kid wearing your jersey?

[Puka Nakua]

No, it's the best. It's the best feeling. It still doesn't feel real. And like going to driving to Sofi Stadium, when you're driving through Inglewood and you're Pulling up to the game and there are people on the sidewalk and they got a 17 jersey. It feels awesome.

[Rich Davis]

Now your puka, LA's now got a Luka. How do we feel about this? Puka and Luca, Is our podcast coming?

[Puka Nakua]

Hopefully. I don't know if I'm in the market now for.

[Rich Davis]

We've seen you ball. You're a basketball guy as well. How do you feel about this? Is this big for la? Do you like this?

[Puka Nakua]

I, I love it. I think it's huge. I think it's an ability to take LeBron, I think, kind of off the ball and have somebody who's the, who's in their prime right now to be able to, to lead the kind of team. But it's super exciting. You have two superstars and somebody who I, I love good basketball, so it's going to be fun to watch.

[Steve Covino]

You get a jersey or what?

[Puka Nakua]

Oh, I got to. I, I, I, I posted right after I saw, I text, I, I texted one of our offices lineman who wears 77. I was like, I need that jersey now.

[Steve Covino]

You can still slam or what? Last time we talked to you, you were slamming you still.

[Puka Nakua]

I still got basketball is. I feel like how I try to stay in shape.

[Rich Davis]

For sure, people know, you know, he's one of the most elite wide receivers. Do you like to show off your basketball skills so people like, oh, damn, Puka could play?

[Puka Nakua]

Who I wish. I mean, I, I always say after I'm done playing football, I want to go play overseas basketball somewhere. I'm like, I want to be able to go on a team where I can get 25 shots up a night.

[Steve Covino]

You know, it's funny you brought that up. I, I did want to ask you about that because there was a story today about J.D. martinez, the baseball player, wanting to get into pickleball after his career. I mean, you're young and you're in the middle of it now, but what do you see yourself doing in the future?

[Puka Nakua]

I would love to play sports if I could continue if it was basketball. Yeah, I mean, I do play a little pickleball. I wouldn't say I'm as good to go pro. I've definitely seen some people in the kitchen and then they go absolutely crazy and I'm like, I'm not as good as I think I am, really, but.

[Steve Covino]

Continue maybe with something else.

[Puka Nakua]

Yeah, I 95% sure I'm going to play overseas basketball somewhere. I mean, if I go to a country where everybody's five, ten, I can go.

[Rich Davis]

It's a good game. Plan. It's a good game plan.

[Puka Nakua]

I could go get 25 shots up. And that's true, right?

[Steve Covino]

You could be like the LeBron of, like, another league.

[Puka Nakua]

So I could go pull the Jordan roll and be the gm, the coach and the player. I'm like, hey, so Puka's getting 25 shots, coach, what do you mean? I'm like, Puka's getting 25 shots.

[Steve Covino]

That's great.

[Rich Davis]

Let me, Let me ask you, as you. You know, we all look forward to Sunday. I know it's a little tough not being in the game. Could anyone stop Saquon Barkley when you watch him? I mean, the Rams have a good defense, and there's no one seems to have an answer for this guy. How does it happen?

[Puka Nakua]

Yeah, I think, man, when you.

[Rich Davis]

How is he finding that hole, that gap? How is he doing it?

[Puka Nakua]

When they got. They got some big guys up in their front on their offensive line and. But you think of the size and the speed that he has, the ability to have contact balance, and then the acceleration is something that. Man, you're watching the game live, and I'm like, holy cow. He was just standing next to everybody, and now he's 25 yards past everybody. And the acceleration and the speed, he's somebody. It's definitely super exciting to watch, and I think it definitely will be a challenge to slow him down.

[Rich Davis]

I know it's still a fresh wound, but the touchdown he scored against you in the snow where he's banging his helmet, he said that's his favorite play of his career. Do you have favorite plays of your career? Like, do you look back like, yo, that was a sweet touchdown. That was my favorite.

[Puka Nakua]

I think the one we had a screenplay against the Bills this year. It was like a high scoring game. Just walking out on the field and be like, yo, we got to score points to win this game. And we were able to match them. And we had a screen crew block the guy. We get it out one on one. Being able to spurt off and be in the end zone and be like, yeah, we kind of sealed the game, even though they. They pushed it and they made it feel close a little bit after. But that's a. That was a fun one for me.

[Steve Covino]

We saw a clip where Jaden Daniels was saying that he's not that bitter. He'll probably watch the Super Bowl. You're definitely watching, right? Or are there mixed feelings? Like, I don't even want to watch.

[Puka Nakua]

It is mixed. Honestly, I haven't watched since we lost.

[Steve Covino]

Really? So you're just tuned down.

[Puka Nakua]

Yeah. This is the offseason. That's why I feel like that's been some of the advice I've got from the veterans. I'm like, man, when it's enjoy your offseason because it goes by fast. So I figured if. If I'm in the offseason, I'm watching the NBA every eight I got NBA league pass. Now I'm tuned into every game they got.

[Rich Davis]

Watching the NFL must be. It must be like watching in like an ex with a new dude. Like, I don't want to see it.

[Puka Nakua]

I don't want to. I don't, I don't. I. Yeah.

[Steve Covino]

So do you just show up to a party or do you have a party? You're not really watching any. Tune in for Kendrick Lamar, maybe? Is that.

[Puka Nakua]

Yeah.

[Steve Covino]

Is that a plan? No.

[Puka Nakua]

I don't know. Yeah, I mean, I'll see the highlights. I'll be on Instagram or Twitter after. I'll scroll through and see kind of how it all went. See what? Everybody see the post game thoughts.

[Steve Covino]

Okay, you know what? And you brought up social media. I wanted to ask you this too. We're here asking you a bunch of questions. You're getting hit up constantly by fans asking you questions. How do you tune that out, man? How do you, you know, how do you choose and pick and choose what you want to respond to? Do you take a break ever?

[Puka Nakua]

Yeah, I guess in the, in the, the social media era and the information age that we're in, I think it's. It's exciting. I. I definitely don't say we in football during season, it's hard to have a lot of interactions with people who aren't in the football facility just because of time constraints and stuff like that.

[Steve Covino]

So.

[Puka Nakua]

So I enjoy the conversation because normally, yeah, somebody's gonna mention football, but it kind of gets you out of your little bubble and like, man takes you out and be like, man, I'm a normal human being who's going through a dive just like them. The fires, I think were kind of something that kind of put everything, football into kind of a different perspective for us. But then also, man, like the how just a simple hi or hello, how you doing to somebody walking by can make a difference.

[Rich Davis]

Sean McVeigh has this odd skill where he doesn't even, like, remember every play he's ever coached or run. Do you have any weird, odd, like, skills along those lines?

[Puka Nakua]

Oh, no, I wish I would say. I mean, definitely football players. I feel like I try to remember, but we were we were in a meeting. We're installing a. A new plan. He's like, yeah, go back to September of 2016 and we're playing the Falcons in, in LA. And we're on the right hash at the 45, the minus 45. And I'm like, yo, what. What are you talking about right now? I'm like, how did that you weird. You just told me I needed to run this route and you're all the way back in 2016 in two seconds.

[Steve Covino]

We're here with Pukinakua, Kavino and Rich. You were talking about how the vets, the veterans are always saying to enjoy the off season because it goes fast. How often do you work out and what's your like, regiment like in the off season?

[Puka Nakua]

Yeah, off season. I mean last year we got to follow Coop and kind of going through that first offseason. I mean we're going five days a week and so it's super sad. We'll hit routes and are like our conditioning probably two, two, two to three times a week and. And we lift super heavy. Coop loves to lift heavy. So I think that's. It's got kind of what I've got used to it makes you feel good and strong through the football season. I wish I only had to hit guys who are smaller than me, but that's not just how it works out. So to be able to go in there and throw some weight makes you, makes you feel nice and strong. And yeah, when you take your shirt off, you're like, ah, I do this. I lift weights.

[Steve Covino]

Are you worried about what you eat though, all the time or are you able to relax and enjoy?

[Puka Nakua]

I definitely have. I've cut down on me. I used to be a fast food goer pretty much every day. I still Enjoy a good 10 piece chicken nugget I get every once in a while. So that's. Those are some of the things that just make me feel good. It's not necessarily about the food.

[Steve Covino]

Do people recognize you when you roll up at the fast food?

[Puka Nakua]

I think so, sometimes. 100% that.

[Rich Davis]

There he is getting his nuggies.

[Steve Covino]

Hey man, I think that was puking Akuma.

[Rich Davis]

I've said this before. Kamito, puka, Nakua. It has me torn because I'm a Niners fan, but it's so hard to not root for you that I, I have this torn feeling when I think about the NFC West. Looking forward to next year. Do you assume the Niners will bounce back 100%.

[Puka Nakua]

I think this is one of the best organizations in the NFL, they still got a great quarterback and they still have key players. I think of somebody. I mean, I'm a BYU fan. So obviously, when they have Fred Warner.

[Rich Davis]

And he's coming by later, we're excited to have one.

[Puka Nakua]

So to be able to see that guy out there on the football field is something special. So, you know, their defense is always going to be very strong. And obviously they got Bosa in the front, so they have playmakers all around. I think it just proves to how hard it is to win in the NFL. It really requires all 11 pieces.

[Rich Davis]

You know, interestingly enough, Fred Warner, a guy that's great at punching out the ball. This is like a theme we've been talking about. Defensively, it seems like people are being coached. Punch out the ball like they're taking boxing lessons.

[Steve Covino]

Got a stick and move.

[Rich Davis]

I was going to say is. Is that more in your mind than ever before, that when I get the ball, not. Not even tackling, people are going to be trying to punch out the ball? It seems like it's the emphasis on this.

[Puka Nakua]

Yeah, 100%. And especially with how fast the game is just. It's a. It's a. A moment of inches of how precise they could be and how precise you can be. So to be able to try to move that ball. But then it's also a scary thing as a ball carrier, to be like, man, I can't transition the ball to the other arm as soon as I catch to make it my most valuable hand free. Because everybody's coming to punch in there. They're giving their best shot. They don't even care if they tackle you. I'm swinging 1, 2, 3, combo. And they're like, I hope I hit the ball on all three of them. I'm like, oh, my goodness.

[Steve Covino]

Puka Nakua, we talked to you before. We know you're a Toyota guy. So tell us what's going on with Toyota, man.

[Puka Nakua]

Yeah, being a Toyota brand, I'm one of the ambassadors, I guess, who would say who's a part of Toyota. And it's a blessing. I drive my Supra every day to the facility, and it's been so sweet to be able to part of some of the different programs that they do. We had Watts Rams, who's one of the smaller football programs in the industry down there in Inglewood, to be able to part of them and support the next generation of football players. Just like I had mentioned, I grew up in Las Vegas and there were. I couldn't go to Sprouts and see who my, my favorite player at the grocery store. So to be able to represent Toyota and how much they impact the game of football on the field and in my life. But then also for other people who, who want to be around the football game, it's a, it's a true blessing.

[Rich Davis]

By the way, Puka, lucky to catch passes from a great quarterback like Matthew Stafford, whose wife has a very popular podcast. Would you be cool if your girl had a podcast and she talked about you?

[Puka Nakua]

I think so, yeah. I haven't watched Matthews. She does a good job. Yeah, I've seen some, I've seen some of the clips on Instagram, but I'm not a. I'm not a big podcaster or listener unless it's Joe Rogan.

[Steve Covino]

That's your guy.

[Puka Nakua]

Yeah, I dabble every once in a while, so I don't, I don't see too much of what's going on.

[Steve Covino]

Let me recommend another one. Cavino and Rick.

[Puka Nakua]

Yeah, send it to me in the dub chat.

[Steve Covino]

Yeah, I got you, man.

[Rich Davis]

Yeah. Puka, a pleasure having you here. Always good to see you, bro. Always rooting for you.

[Steve Covino]

He's success, bro.

[Rich Davis]

He's the ram I have to root for. Thank you, brother.

[Steve Covino]

Thank you.

[Rich Davis]

In for Colin, Covino and Rich, we got more next filling for the Herd, live from Radio Row New Orleans. Hang tight.

[Colin Cowherd]

Be sure to catch live editions of.

[Dallas Goddard]

The Herd, weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am Pacific on Fox Sports Radio, FS1 and the iHeartRadio app.

[Steve Covino]

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[Colin Cowherd]

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 required Card has no cash access and expires in six months.

[Bobby Bones]

Hey, it's Bobby Bones. Join me and former NFL quarterback Matt Castle. Every Wednesday for our podcast, Lots to say with Bobby Bones and Matt Castle. Between us, we have over 17,500 passing yards, multiple New York Times bestsellers, and one mirrorball trophy from Dancing with the Star. So where else are you going to find a show with that much athleticism and football insight? Based in Nashville, we're more than just your basic NFL show. We talk sports, but we talk pop culture and music and a little bit of everything because we got lots to say. I tell texted you and you text me back. Now, I don't know if you have the update, but like, all the little thumbs up and heart and stuff, like, it's all colored. They changed it and the heart's a little pink. It felt like I told you I loved you. I'm gonna be honest, it was a little pink.

[Rich Davis]

There was something sentimental when you. Like when you send it, it was like, do I send the heart Now?

[Bobby Bones]

I don't like the color edition.

[Rich Davis]

It's extremely pink.

[Bobby Bones]

Listen to Lots to say with Bobby Bones and Matt castle on the iHeartRadio app, Apple podcast or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Steve Covino]

Jon Stewart is back at the Daily show, and he's bringing his signature wit and insight straight to your ears with the Daily Show Ears Edition podcast. Dive into John's unique take on the biggest topics in politics, entertainment, sports, and more. Joined by the sharp voices of the show's correspondence and contributors. And with extended interviews and exclusive weekly headline roundups, this podcast gives you content you won't find anywhere else. Ready to laugh and stay informed. Listen on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Rich Davis]

Yeah.

[Steve Covino]

CNR Covino and Rich in for Colin on the herd Media Row Row, bro. Super Bowl 59, New Orleans. Thanks again to Puka Nakua. Tons of energy just all around. Good fella, cool guy. Nice to see him again and let me shamelessly promote this. Rich, not only are we doing Colin today, but we're doing our own show. Our regular show Monday through Friday. We're still doing five to seven on the east, two to four on the west. We're joined by Clarissa Thompson later on. And here on Collins show later on, we got Fred Warner stopping by your boy.

[Rich Davis]

That's my guy.

[Steve Covino]

And Vince Wilfork. And you never know who's going to stop by Radio Row. I'm Covino. That is Rich. Danny G. Super producing, getting ready for your hardline news. We got your videos going on at Fox Sports Radio if you want to play along at home at Covino and Rich. And we're going from Puka to Luca.

[Rich Davis]

I mean, how do you not talk about what's doing with Luka in the NBA yesterday, LeBron, there's like, a million different little storylines, like when he goes to the bench, AD's not where he usually is. Every.

[Steve Covino]

Every little layer of this is pointing at Luka, though. Luca, you know, should be ready by this weekend to play, and it's super exciting. There's so many storylines here, and I think everybody's come to the conclusion that nobody knew about it. LeBron didn't know about it. He told his side of the story, of how shocked he was and everything else. But part of the story today is, you know, he loses a hundred million dollars on that Max deal. Right. Luka has to leave. He is sort of surprised by the whole thing. It's like a gut punch. He said it was very hard to deal with the first few days. Loses $100 million on top of that. But now they're saying Buddy gets to play with a legend and has a chance to win. So my question is this. Is that even close? Is that an ancillary prize that even compares to losing $100 million? Or do you see it as. Yeah, well, his legacy with LeBron and a chance to win leads to more endorsements in la. He's gonna end up making more money anyway. Or does that hundred million dollars really sting? Who knows what he planned on doing with that money.

[Rich Davis]

Get the hell out of here. You know what that's like. Danny, have you ever worked at a radio or TV station where they might lowball you, but they say something like, but we got free snacks in the kitchen.

[Steve Covino]

Yeah.

[Dallas Goddard]

You always hear, we'll send you out to do a lot of remotes.

[Rich Davis]

Yeah.

[Dallas Goddard]

That's how you can make up the money.

[Puka Nakua]

Yeah.

[Rich Davis]

A lot of side gigs, those little.

[Steve Covino]

Handshake deals and those little promises. And we'll pay in sn. Pay the bills, really? So, yeah, I want to know your thoughts on this. Like, there is something to be said about. He's playing with his idol. He has said it's a dream come true. It is. Like, what a surprise. Imagine all of a sudden, LeBron James is your teammate, but Luka's a star in his own right. So again, he loses 100 million, about $100 million with that max deal. Not getting it, but he gets the chance to play with a legend and a chance to win again. A chance to win. There's no guarantee there.

[Rich Davis]

Why are we acting like in Dallas, he didn't have a chance? He made it to the NBA Finals.

[Steve Covino]

Exactly. So I don't even know how you even compare the two or how you even try to make it like some sort of ancillary prize that. Well, he lost that. But he's got this. You know, unless LeBron delivers something else here and carries them to a championship, I'm not. I'm not sure how that even compares. The bottom line, even though these guys are rich and it's hard to sort of sympathize, and I get it. No one feels sorry for rich guys. Imagine having to leave, being traded overnight. You just bought a house and you're minus $100 million. The. The thought of playing with LeBron is cool, but it's not that cool.

[Rich Davis]

Now, I agree this is a gut punch, but you live in Los Angeles now, and I'm not saying LA's better than Dallas. Taxes are higher. Taxes are higher. But I mean, perhaps more if he wants them. Media opportunities, maybe all of a sudden it's Luca the actor. Luca More commercial spokesman. You can do that anywhere nowadays.

[Steve Covino]

It goes with what you were saying before, though. There's no guarantees there. Right. That's just like. Yeah, but you could do this. It's. It's something that people are glossing over because he's a Laker now. And we're not trying to downplay the fact that he's a Laker now.

[Rich Davis]

That is cool.

[Steve Covino]

But I mean, $100 million is a lot of money.

[Rich Davis]

I'll give you the analogy. And you'll hate it because you're a big Yankees guy. It's when people overstate. Yeah, but he's got the pinstripes. I'm like, yeah. Does anyone really care about the pinstripes anymore? I get it. The Lakers have a legacy. It's like Lakers and the Celtics have. Have incomparable history. Doesn't mean Luka, who's, let's be honest, a farm player, it looks like he's going to love it and accept it, but. But it's not like he was thrilled to be taken out of a supermax possibility.

[Steve Covino]

And how long is he going to play with LeBron? You know, maybe he rejuvenated him. We get LeBron for a few more years, that's great. But again, I don't know if that compares to losing $100 million and rich. To answer your previous question, I think Juan Soto proved that certain teams. It just doesn't matter. It's not how young players think about the game anymore. You know, the pinstripes, yeah, that was a big deal to Us and the legacy and, and playing for the Yankees, that meant something to us at a certain point. But now it's more of a business where he was like, nah, you know, I'll go play for the Mets for more money. I'm good with that. So even though they're the Lakers, that's not necessarily how everybody views the Lakers.

[Rich Davis]

Now, the Luka angle for me, that I'm most intrigued by is the, the narrative that he's out of shape and he's fat. And if you remember back it all started. Do you remember, remember Danny G. When they grabbed the beer out of his hand at the post game? And like, people like, do they not want him drinking? Do they not want the carbs, the calories? Remember they grabbed the drink out of his hand and everyone's like, oh, that's, that's peculiar.

[Steve Covino]

So add this up. Like, do the Math here. Loses $100 million more taxes in LA.

[Rich Davis]

Told his fat.

[Steve Covino]

No, he bought a house.

[Rich Davis]

He bought a house that he really.

[Steve Covino]

Can'T even live in now. Now they're telling him he's fat. Like, I get there's all this plus side of playing with a legend and a chance to win, but they don't compare to the gut punch that Luka's taken here and that blow to his confidence. Now, is he gonna turn this dilemma into the lemonade and use this to motivate him? He's actually said it. It's a great motivator. He said, let's make it clear it's not true. He goes, but it's very motivating. You know, second to someone criticizing your hairline is like someone telling you that you're overweight, especially as an athlete, Bro.

[Dallas Goddard]

Yesterday we were in the lobby of our hotel and one of the bar backs was carrying an order past us like an appetizer in his hands. And he passed Covino and I and he looked at me and he's like, pardon me, big guy.

[Steve Covino]

The rest of the night, Danny G's like, am I fat? Did he call me fat?

[Dallas Goddard]

Out of Luca moment.

[Rich Davis]

No offense, Danny, you're not like 6 4, so it's not like big guy so that. You know what?

[Steve Covino]

And by the way, any guy who's.

[Dallas Goddard]

Calling me Zion now, I get beignets for you.

[Steve Covino]

Any guy who's a little self conscious, if. If someone calls him big guy for the rest of the day, they're thinking, I think he meant I'm fat. I think he called me fat. I don't know. So you know, you got all these Things that Luka's dealing with. So we expect him to come out on fire on Saturday if he still plays on Saturday. But in reality, he's still dealing with a lot of that. And again, we like to think they're sports robots that have no feelings or thoughts whatsoever, get out there and play. But these are all things I'm sure he's battling and juggling with as we speak. And Rich, that's just another one. That insult sort of burns. It might be one of the most burns for a guy. For an athlete especially, I would say hairline and fat.

[Rich Davis]

When you call an athlete out of shape for an athlete, insinuating they their conditioning stinks might be the biggest insult regular day to day. Grown men insulting someone's hairline or their family. Yeah, you know, there's very few things, but.

[Steve Covino]

And really add on to that, right? He's moving to la. How's he gonna avoid the tacos out in la? Man, I feel bad for the guy. There's a lot of temptation.

[Rich Davis]

Better, better, you know, more, more food options in Dallas. I think so.

[Dallas Goddard]

Listen, there's a lot of fattening food in Dallas.

[Steve Covino]

You. How's he gonna avoid In N out Burger man? Can't the guy just enjoy some.

[Rich Davis]

Do you think that based on what we're all saying to put a little bow on this conversation, do you think Luca comes out to LA and all of a sudden we see a trim and slim Luca playing defense for the first time in a while, remotivated like you. Covino is the number one person in my life that loves to talk about. Yeah, I got a chip on my shoulder, I'm motivated, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah.

[Steve Covino]

You're telling me when I think he is.

[Rich Davis]

When the team that you brought to the NBA finals and a team that you're, you know, you're one of the faces of the league. You're 25 years old and they're saying, yeah, now go to the Lakers.

[Steve Covino]

Yeah, you could react one of two ways. You can crumble, cry and pout about it, but when you're as competitive as this guy is, and you've accomplished so much at such a young age, you take that as fuel to your fire. You're like, I'm fat, I'm out of shape, I don't play defense. It just cost me a hundred million dollars. You didn't even let me know. I was, I was out before I even bought a house. Okay, I'm gonna show all of you guys. I think that's what he does. And we reap all the benefits and get to watch. So I think that just adds to the excitement. And again, to wrap it up, like you said, Rich, all these gut punches, all these insults, all these little things that we're just sort of glossing over. I don't think the fact that, you know, he gets to play with LeBron and a chance to win is. Is. Is a good side bonus prize here. I think the future's in his hands, and I can't wait to see what he does with it.

[Rich Davis]

Listen, again, if. If he was on subpar, you know, sub 500 teams, you know, maybe sniff the playoffs a couple times, then it would be like, oh, look at this, an opportunity. The guy was in the NBA finals a year ago. The guy is a. You know, you could argue a top five to ten star in the league for sure. It's just a matter of. Of if he tightens up the conditioning and plays some better defense. And you know what? Maybe LeBron, as the veteran he is, pulls aside Luke and says, for all we know, LeBron could be an amazing influence on this guy. Because you can't question LeBron's work ethic. LeBron is 40, doing things that no one's ever done.

[Steve Covino]

So the thought is he. He may have prolonged LeBron's career because it doesn't look like LeBron's slowing down that much, if anyone.

[Dallas Goddard]

We always hear how much money LeBron famously spends on staying in shape and his trainers and his chef and all that stuff. If I'm LeBron, I slide all those phone numbers and all those contacts to my new teammate and be like, dude, you need to get on my diet plan.

[Rich Davis]

Could I. Could I make one more dumb analogy? Because no one makes better analogies than Colin or me.

[Steve Covino]

Well, you make dumb ones, but, yeah.

[Dallas Goddard]

Sure, Colin started it.

[Rich Davis]

Yeah, yeah, Colin makes good ones. I make dumb ones. What do you, Covino? Yeah. Every other guy on planet earth do after a breakup besides crime, Go to.

[Steve Covino]

Social media and look for someone else.

[Rich Davis]

I don't know, Cavino. I've known the guy for 10, 20 years. You hit the gym, you get motivated, and you could say that this is a breakup, it was a trade. But when you're. When your team gives up on you like that, when you were the guy that was supposed to get this super max deal, how do you not feel motivated? It would be like if. If a radio station or a TV station in your case, Covino, or my case said, yeah, we don't want you anymore. You don't want to, then show them like you Made a mistake.

[Steve Covino]

And by the way, you don't think he has some bitterness or motivation because that's the storyline that was leaked out there. Like they could have maybe positioned it differently. Like, oh, we just didn't think that he was the fit we needed right now. It was like his conditioning was part of the story. Like, what an insult, dude. What an insult. So, yeah, I'm pumped to see how he uses this as motivation. And we got more stories in the world of the Lakers coming up here on the Covino and Rich show in for Colin on the Herd.

[Rich Davis]

All right, let's go to Danny G, who's gonna be doing some Herdline news. Let's go. No, no, no.

[Steve Covino]

Turn on the news. This is the Herdline news.

[Dallas Goddard]

All right, fellas, the leading story from super bowl week in New Orleans. Fox Sports Radio's Rich Davis shared a dessert with his boss yesterday evening. Lady and the Tramp style.

[Rich Davis]

You know this, this, we got to talk about this later. There was such a fuss because me and our boss Scott did split splitskis. Splitsies, splitskis or split seas? I don't know.

[Steve Covino]

You're the professional.

[Rich Davis]

I mean, yeah, do we do this the steak or the scallops? And we said, you know what, why not split them? Is that a. Is that a bad move?

[Dallas Goddard]

You guys were. You guys were a legit couple the whole night.

[Steve Covino]

Yeah, it was. It was embarrassing. I gotta watch for a second again. It was with our boss, but I couldn't believe you even went there.

[Rich Davis]

I mean, I think it's okay. You know your thoughts at Covino. Rich, can you share two entrees with your boss?

[Steve Covino]

Yeah. And they fed each other.

[Dallas Goddard]

Yeah, they did.

[Rich Davis]

That was so cute.

[Dallas Goddard]

All right, some NFL, Some NFL news coming up. We'll start with the NBA though, because a trade went down this morning. The NBA trade line. As you guys know, the deadline is tomorrow. Shams has another one. Breaking news from this morning. The Bucs have traded three time all star Chris Middleton to the Wizards in a deal that sends Kyle Kuzma to Milwaukee. Middleton's 33, spent the last 11 plus seasons in Milwaukee, of course, was a big part of that, part of that championship in 2021. Averaging just 12.6 points this season because of injuries. The past few seasons he's been tailing off, as you know, Kuzma, 29, averaging 15.2 points. He injects some youth to a Bucs roster that features three core players in Giannis Lillard and Brook Lopez, all in their 30s.

[Steve Covino]

That could be nice.

[Rich Davis]

Man, I'll Be honest, because that team, you know, right now currently sit in the five position in the East. But you know, you know, with the NBA now, seating seems to not matter the way it used to. So the Bucks will be a postseason team. It's just a matter of is this an addition that could take them to the next level in the East?

[Steve Covino]

But we're seeing the dominoes fall and we're going to see some major moves in the next few hours. So I'm excited.

[Rich Davis]

And as we always say, as soon as super bowl is over, that's when. That's the perfect time to dive into the NBA.

[Steve Covino]

Hell yeah.

[Dallas Goddard]

All right, we are here in New Orleans for the Super Bowl. Let's go to the NFL. Nick Ceriani, the Eagles head coach, weighed in on your guys debate yesterday on the Covino and Rich show about motivation and adversity. He says this team's embraced adversity. Sirianni said yesterday, even going back to the 2023 season, which we haven't talked a lot about since the beginning of the year, we're grateful for that. We're thankful as a, as bad as it sucked at the time, I know I'm grateful for that because it shaped us into who we are now and a big reason why we're back here. Embracing adversity is huge for your development as a person, as a player, as a coach.

[Steve Covino]

I love that they're starting to address this because everybody's so focused on the three peat storyline. Nobody except for us. Covino and Rich are really focused on the fact that the Eagles get a second chance at redemption, man. And that that motivating factor is real. The fact that they get a chance to win and the fear of losing again, like that's such great motivation that we are just, I think, undermining here in this story.

[Rich Davis]

Well, the progression of the Eagles is interesting, right? Two years ago they're in the Super bowl, they're one. Jalen hurts fumble away from winning. They're one. They're one, you know, BS call away from a tie at the end of the game instead of the Chiefs winning on the, you know, on the final drive. Yeah. Then the next year again it was the locker room loss. They get killed in the second half of the year losing the wild card and you're like, oh, maybe the Eagles trajectory is down and here they are in the super bowl again. So Nick Sirianni, there, there's something to be said. I saw an interesting clip on social media about how if you're a dad or mom, letting your Kid go through adversity is so important. Like if you are there, like as a pillow every time they fall or if they're having problems with sports or academics, like letting your kids struggle at times is very important. And you're right, sometimes losing is important in the process.

[Dallas Goddard]

All right, let's wrap it up with the NBA. The Lakers are now 2 and oh at the Clippers. New and to it Dome after crushing the clippers last night, 122 to 97. That's nine wins in the Lakers last 11 games. LeBron said though, that when he went to the bench for his first breather, it was very strange to not have his usual seat right next to his buddy AD but that a smiling Luca helped him make the adjustment. And he also said, I thought the trade news was for sure fake. I thought it was a hoax, people messing around or whatever. But then when AD called me and FaceTimed me and talked and we talked for quite a while. And even when I got off the phone with him, it still didn't seem real.

[Steve Covino]

I. I like the body language he's shown with Luca. Again, pointing after some big plays yesterday, pointing to him on the bench.

[Rich Davis]

Whenever I see your smiling face, you want that?

[Steve Covino]

You know, they got to build some chemistry. And it was a start last night even though they're not on the court together. But the other side story, Danny G. And maybe we'll talk about it later on, is Bronny hit his first three. Yeah, I saw his first three.

[Rich Davis]

That's all coming together, guys.

[Dallas Goddard]

Best garbage time player ever.

[Steve Covino]

You know, we might talk about that. I find it to be true because when he's on the court, you're tuned in and it's exciting.

[Puka Nakua]

Perfect.

[Rich Davis]

And that was your hurdle news. All right. Kavino and Rich in for Colin on the Herd now coming up. I'm excited about this. As a 49ers fan. Fred Warner is going to be Fred Warner. Fred Warner. Not only is he the heart and soul of the 49ers defense, we got to talk about a lot of stuff. His. His beautiful wife, former bachelor contestant. I want to know if his social media game is strong. Got to Talk about the 49ers weak ass schedule in 2025. As a fan, I, I feel like they should win 13 games.

[Steve Covino]

So you would think so.

[Rich Davis]

Yeah. 02 in the super bowl, courtesy of the chief. So does he hold a lot of hatred towards Mahomes and Kelsey and these guys? So we'll, we'll talk to Fred Warner, best linebacker in the NFL. Also, Vince Wilfork a guy that's been to four Super Bowls, won two of them. A lot of action packed fun coming up. Kavino and Rich in for the Herd right here. Fox Sports Radio live from New Orleans.

[Steve Covino]

Be sure to catch live editions of.

[Dallas Goddard]

The Herd weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am Pacific on Fox Sports Radio, FS1 and the iHeartRadio app.

[Steve Covino]

Hey, Steve Covino.

[Rich Davis]

And I'm Rich Davis and together we're.

[Steve Covino]

Covino and Rich on Fox Sports Radio.

[Rich Davis]

You can catch us weekdays from 5 to 7pm Eastern, 2 to 4 Pacific on Fox Sports Radio. And of course, the iHeartRadio app.

[Steve Covino]

Why should you listen to Covino and Rich?

[Rich Davis]

We talk about everything, life, sports, relationships, what's going on in the world.

[Steve Covino]

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 to have the time to discuss.

[Rich Davis]

And the fact that we've been friends for the last 20 years and still work together, I mean, that says something, right?

[Steve Covino]

So check us out. We like to get you involved too. Take your phone calls, chop it up, as they say.

[Rich Davis]

I'd say the most interactive show on Fox Sports Radio, maybe the most interactive show on planet Earth.

[Steve Covino]

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.

[Rich Davis]

And if you miss any of the live show, just search Kobe and on Rich, wherever you get your podcasts and of course on social media, that's Covino and Rich.

[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 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. Cart has no cash access and expires in six months.

[Bobby Bones]

Hey, it's Bobby Bones. Join me and former NFL quarterback Matt Castle every Wednesday for our new podcast, Lots to say with Bobby Bones and Matt Castle. Between us, we have over 17,500 passing yards, multiple New York Times bestsellers, and one mirror ball trophy from Dancing with a Star. So where else you going to find a show with that much athleticism and football insight? Based in Nashville, we're more than just your basic NFL show. We talk sports, but we talk pop culture and Music and a little bit of everything because we got lots to say. I. I texted you and you texted me back. Now, I don't know if you have the update, but like, all the little thumbs up and heart and stuff, like, it's all colored. They changed it and the, the heart's a little pink. It felt like I told you I loved you. I'm gonna be honest. It was a little pink.

[Rich Davis]

There was something sentimental when you, like when you send it, it was like, do I send the heart now?

[Bobby Bones]

I don't like the color edition.

[Rich Davis]

It's extremely pink.

[Bobby Bones]

Listen to lots to say with Bobby Bones and Matt castle on the iHeartRadio app, Apple podcast or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Steve Covino]

Catch Jon Stewart back in action on the Daily show and in your ears with the Daily Show Ears Edition podcast. From his hilarious satirical takes on today's politics and entertainment to the unique voices.

[Rich Davis]

Of correspondents and contributors, it's your perfect.

[Steve Covino]

Companion to stay on top of what's happening now. Plus, you'll get special content just for podcast listeners, like in depth interviews and a roundup of the week's top headlines. Listen on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. It's Julie Stewart Banks. I'm doing a new podcast from iHeart Podcasts and the National Hockey League, and I'm paired up with one of my favorite players, the always quotable Nate Thompson.

[Rich Davis]

I wore nine NHL sweaters and I.

[Steve Covino]

Have story after story to share. And believe it or not, I have plenty to say and not just about hockey. Believe me, he does Energy Line with Nate and JSB is the name of the podcast and it's gonna be, well, it's gonna be quite the ride, right? We're officially line mates, Nate. We're the energy line. We'll have plenty of folks join us, current players, some of my former teammates, hall of Famers, and wait to see.

[Rich Davis]

Some of the connections that Julie has.

[Steve Covino]

She has quite the Rolodex. Okay, we'll lean into Nate's playing experience and tap into our interests away from hockey and try to do what energy lines are supposed to do. Provide an emotional boost. How do you feel about all that, Nate?

[Rich Davis]

I'm vibing been Julie.

[Steve Covino]

I'm ready to roll. Listen to Energy Line with Nate and JSB on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. All right, we're Covino and Rich, in for Colin on the herd, live from Media row, Super Bowl 59 in New Orleans. Normally, Monday through Friday 5 to 7 on the east, 2 to 4 in LA.

[Rich Davis]

Colin is in route.

[Steve Covino]

Yes, yes.

[Rich Davis]

To New Orleans. In fact, we'll see him to out at a party.

[Steve Covino]

In fact, I'm very excited about that, to party with Colin and all the stars. But, yeah, we're in for Colin now and we're still doing our regular show later on. So join us then and you can follow our New Orleans adventures at Covino and Rich. Because we've met a lot of people. You know, it's a whole scene we did opening night. We partied with some of the Fox Sports crew yesterday. And again, today is the day where people start piling in. There's a thick buzz in the air and lots of superstars walking around. And later on today's show, we're still joined by Vince Wilfork and Fred Warner stopping by. So again, I'm Steve Covino, and that's Greg Olson.

[Rich Davis]

Greg Olson's walking by. It's one of those days where you just see everyone passing by.

[Steve Covino]

What's up, Greg? Yo, what's up, man? You owe me 20 bucks, yo. And that's Rich Davis. Danny G is super producing, and thank you guys again for hitting us up at Fox Sports Radio at Covino. And Richard, you miss Puka Nakua. He stopped by. Catch that on the podcast. He was a lot of fun. But, you know, we went from Puka to Luka, and I'm real excited to see what Luka does this weekend and real excited to see if there's any updates from Danny G About other moves made in the NBA. But let's switch gears a little bit. Yeah, let's get off of Puka and Luca because we still got to talk Prani later on and more LeBron and Fred Warner. Facebook turned 21 this week. Your boy Mark Zuckerberg, he was in the news. That's Rich's boy. Well, they go way back.

[Rich Davis]

I just think it's interesting.

[Steve Covino]

A lot of people don't know Rich was the third Winklevoss.

[Rich Davis]

It's true. No, but I think it's wild that, you know, nerdy dude, college dorm room. I remember getting that book in college. It was just a book of freshman faces. And you're like, yeah, who's the hot girls? And you'd look through like a little creepo when you were 19, 18 years old. He takes this idea, my guy's a billionaire now. So we're talking 21 years later.

[Steve Covino]

Facebook is old enough to drink now. That's wild when you think about it.

[Rich Davis]

I'm just thinking about now, in 2025, think of any time you meet someone with their new girlfriend or boyfriend. I go, how'd you guys meet? The answer now, nine out of 10 times, is Tinder Bumble. It's always some type of oh, slid into my DMs. That's how people meet. Now, now rewind. You know, 10, 20 years, if you met someone online, that was something you hid. Like, that was like, the secret. Like, yeah, tell them we met at a bar. Super bowl week, we're here in New Orleans. Are people still swiping if they're single, opposed to actually meeting people at super bowl parties?

[Steve Covino]

Probably, because now we're conditioned to do that. And I would say if you're a single guy, you just try everything. Right. You know, casting that. Yeah. Use all your weapons possible to make this happen. I'm also wondering now, is it just as odd to meet someone in person as it was to meet someone online in 2004? Because most people, like you said, Rich, aren't really meeting or taking it to the next level in person anymore. It's more of that connection you build as, you know, a text relationship or in and out of the dms and that sort of thing.

[Rich Davis]

We just got back from Las Vegas for the Benavidez fight. Yeah, we were meeting up with some buddies. This is Las Vegas, the, like, the capital of, like, I'll be honest, like, easily meeting people. Like, you're looking at the casino. There's booty passing left and right. People are drinking, having fun. And we still had friends that are swiping, like, let's see who's here. Here, let's see who's here. It's a different world then in reality.

[Steve Covino]

Not to be cliche, Facebook, which turned 21, changed the world, and it made us go from a social network to almost antisocial in real life. And it's a weird scene and a weird observation to make, but it also makes you think of how long it's been around now. And that's why this is the way of the world again. Since 2004, it's 21. So take it back to 2004. What were you up to? You know, that's when the Red Sox won. That's when the curse was lifted. You and I began our radio career together in 04. That's when Rich and I started working together professionally.

[Rich Davis]

If you want to take it back to 04, that was a Super bowl where Tom Brady and the Patriots beat the Panthers.

[Steve Covino]

And it's.

[Rich Davis]

It's been.

[Steve Covino]

A lot has happened. Yeah. And to answer my own question, I do think it almost as odd and oh wow, old fashioned. It's just as odd now when you hear that someone met in person. Like, hey, how did you guys meet? For a young couple to say, well, oh, we met at a bar or we met at a club or you know, I was at the gym and I met this guy. That's just as odd now as it was to meet someone. That taboo sort of weird feeling you got when people were admitting they were meeting each other online or on Facebook in 2004, in the early 2000s.

[Rich Davis]

I'm glad you brought it up to break up the NFL and the NBA a little bit because it is the 21st anniversary of Facebook launching and I'm sorry, the Facebook back in the day. It just is interesting to think it.

[Steve Covino]

Went from a place to meet people and hook up to now know what your Aunt Sharon thinks about politics.

[Rich Davis]

But honestly, social media led into the dating apps. And according to Forbes, Danny G. Just pulled up an article we're talking about. More than 50% of people say they met their most recent partner. Partner on an app.

[Steve Covino]

Yeah, not surprised.

[Rich Davis]

Proof is in the pudding. Just throwing it out there.

[Steve Covino]

So a little time stamp here on the Covino and Rich show.

[Rich Davis]

Oh, and speaking of which, look at this. What a transition I got. Fred Warner joining us next. Yeah, apparently he met his beautiful wife by sliding into her DMs.

[Steve Covino]

Yeah, saw her on TV.

[Rich Davis]

So we're going to talk to Fred Warner, 49ers, best linebacker in the NFL. Next in for Colin on the Herd, Cavino and Rich media row New Orleans. More next. Thank you. Tight.

[Bobby Bones]

Hey, it's Bobby Bones. Join me and former NFL quarterback Matt Castle every Wednesday for our new podcast, Lots to say with Bobby Bones and Matt Castle. Between us, we have over 17,500 passing yards, multiple New York Times bestsellers, and one mirror ball trophy from Dancing with a Star. So where else you going to find a show with that much athleticism and football insight? We talk sports, but we talk pop culture and music and a little bit of everything. Listen to Lots to say with Bobby Bones and Matt Castle on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Dallas Goddard]

What's up, everyone?

[Rich Davis]

It's Justin Penick from John Boy Media, the host of the Football Today podcast with Bobby Skinner and Chris Rose. We roll three times a week on Mondays, on Wednesdays, on Fridays. Breaking down everything you need to know about the NFL. We're gearing up for the NFL playoffs. I hope you can join us Join in with us three times a week Week. Listen to football Today on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts and you will be glad you did.

[Colin Cowherd]

Tickets are on sale now y'all for our 2025 I Heart Country Festival presented by Capital One, happening Saturday, May 3rd at the Moody center in Austin, Texas.

[Steve Covino]

Don't miss your chance to see Brooks and Dunn Thomas, Rhett Rest Flats, Cole Swindell, Sam Hutt, Megan Maroney, Bailey Zimmerman, Nate Smith. Tickets are on sale [e-mail] Happy Holidays from me, Michael Rapaport and my gift to you is a free subscription to the I Am Rapaport Stereo podcast where I discuss entertainment, it, sports, politics and anything and everything that catches my attention. I am here to call it as I see it and there's a whole lot of things catching my eyes these days. Listen to the I Am Rappaport Stereo podcast on the iHeartRadio app Apple podcast and wherever you get your podcast.