The Herd with Colin Cowherd: Hour 1 - "The Legend & the Grill"

Release Date: March 24, 2025
Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
Description: A thought-provoking, opinionated, and topic-driven journey through the top sports stories of the day.

1. Tribute to George Foreman (02:55 - 25:11)

Overview: The episode opens with a heartfelt tribute to the late George Foreman, celebrating his illustrious career both inside the boxing ring and as a beloved cultural icon through his endorsement of the George Foreman Grill.

Key Discussions:

• Boxing Legacy: Hosts Rich Davis and Kavino delve into Foreman's remarkable boxing career, highlighting his resilience and ability to reinvent himself. They discuss his tough fights against legends like Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier, and Evander Holyfield.

  Rich Davis [06:01]: "George Foreman was a true legend in the world of sports. Not only was he a legendary boxer, but he also became a greater man outside the ring."

• The Comeback and Championships: Foreman's historic comeback at age 45, where he reclaimed the heavyweight title by defeating Michael Moorer, is a focal point. His determination and unyielding spirit are emphasized as key factors in his success.

  Rich Davis [06:38]: "He came back at 45 and beat Michael Moorer, ending with a record of 76 wins and 5 losses. That's phenomenal."

• George Foreman Grill Impact: The hosts reflect on the cultural significance of the George Foreman Grill, reminiscing about its ubiquity in households, especially among college students. They share personal anecdotes about cooking with the grill and its role in American kitchens.

  Kavino [09:35]: "Over 100 million George Foreman Grills have been sold. We all had one. Everyone had one."

• Infomercial Success: Discussion on why Foreman's endorsement was so effective compared to other celebrity endorsements. His trustworthy persona and genuine belief in the product set the grill apart from others.

  Rich Davis [16:16]: "George Foreman was right up there with the best, if not the best. The grill works, and you have to give him credit where it's due."

• Legacy and Biopic: The hosts recommend the 2023 biopic, "Big George Foreman," praising it for showcasing both his boxing prowess and his life off the ring.

  Rich Davis [21:20]: "If you've never seen it, check out 'Big George Foreman.' You'll learn something about the guy. He was one of the best fighters and a great family man."

Notable Quotes:

• Rich Davis [05:16]: "George Foreman was a good dude, great family man. He named every one of his kids George and Georgina after him."
• Kavino [13:28]: "He reinvented himself."

2. Tribute to Brett Gardner's Son (25:11 - 36:19)

Overview: The hosts pay their respects to Brett Gardner, a long-time New York Yankees player, following the tragic passing of his 14-year-old son during a family vacation in Costa Rica.

Key Discussions:

• Gardner's Career and Legacy: Rich Davis reflects on Gardner's dedication to the Yankees, highlighting his 14-year tenure and his contribution to the team's 2009 World Series win.

  Rich Davis [35:11]: "Brett played almost 20 years for the Yankees, 14 of those with the organization. He always gave 100%."

• Tragic Loss: The heartbreak surrounding the untimely death of Gardner's son is discussed with empathy. The hosts express their sorrow and offer prayers for the family.

  Rich Davis [35:32]: "I never met Brett, but my heart goes out to his family. It's so unfair."

• Impact of Sports: The conversation underscores the profound impact that sports figures have on their fans, emphasizing the personal connections and emotional investments fans make in their favorite athletes.

  Colleen Witt [36:07]: "If something happened to my son, how could I even get up the next morning?"

Notable Quotes:

• Rich Davis [35:59]: "It's a total nightmare, dude."
• Colleen Witt [36:16]: "Terrible."

3. Sports News Updates (36:19 - 41:24)

Overview: The hosts shift focus to current sports news, covering significant updates in the NBA and college basketball.

Key Discussions:

• NBA Transfers and Injuries:

  • Anthony Davis Signing: Anthony Davis is set to play his second game with the Dallas Mavericks after recovering from an adductor strain.

    Colleen Witt [39:53]: "Anthony Davis to play for the Mavericks tonight against the Brooklyn Nets."

  • Steph Curry's Injury: Concerns over Stephen Curry's participation due to a hip injury, affecting the Warriors' game strategy.

    Colleen Witt [40:02]: "Steph Curry is questionable to play because of his hip injury."

• College Basketball Highlights: Updates on various matchups and coaching changes, including:

  • Iowa's Ben McCollum: Reports of Bennett Sturts likely transferring to the Iowa Hawkeyes following his coach.

    Colleen Witt [40:28]: "Drake guard Bennett Sturts is likely to transfer to the Iowa Hawkeyes."

  • Nico Medved's Move: Nico Medved leaving Colorado State to become the new men's basketball coach at Minnesota.

    Colleen Witt [40:40]: "Colorado State's Nico Medved is leaving to be the new men's basketball coach at Minnesota."

Notable Quotes:

• Rich Davis [41:24]: "Anthony Davis to play for the Mavericks tonight. Great news for Mavericks fans."

4. Segment: Who Not to Sleep With (41:24 - 54:11)

Overview: A light-hearted yet insightful segment where the hosts discuss relationships and advise listeners on questionable romantic involvements, particularly within the sports community.

Key Discussions:

• Celebrity Relationship Rumors: The hosts cite various rumors involving NBA players and their associations with coaches' ex-wives and other high-profile individuals.

  Kavino [52:05]: "Don't sleep with your coach's wife or ex-wife."

• Potential Consequences: Emphasis on the potential fallout from engaging in such relationships, including personal and professional repercussions.

  Rich Davis [53:02]: "That's another bad move."

• Listener Interaction: The segment includes references to rumors like Corey Perry allegedly sleeping with Connor Bedard's mother, illustrating the hosts' points through real-life examples.

  Kavino [53:19]: "Don't sleep with the rookie star's mom."

Notable Quotes:

• Kavino [53:48]: "Don't sleep with your coach's wife or ex-wife."
• Rich Davis [54:03]: "That's another bad move."

5. Listener Story: George Foreman's Training Anecdote (32:48 - 33:25)

Overview: A listener named Dennis from Anchorage, Alaska, shares a poignant story about training with George Foreman during his comeback.

Key Discussions:

• Foreman's Training Intensity: The listener recounts how Foreman's powerful punches during training were so intense that the assistant holding the heavy bag endured significant hand pain.

  Colleen Witt [32:59]: "Every single time George hit the bag, my friend's hands hurt. Dude, that's insane."

• Foreman's Fighting Style: Emphasis on Foreman's unconventional and powerful fighting techniques, making him a formidable opponent in the ring.

  Rich Davis [37:17]: "His power was so unconventional, the way he was. He would slug in the way he punched from all those weird angles. Just a crazy fighter and a crazy career."

6. Additional Topics and Anecdotes

Overview: Throughout the episode, the hosts engage in humorous banter, touching upon topics like automotive mufflers and infomercials, interspersed with shout-outs to other podcasts and promotions.

Key Discussions:

• Automotive Mufflers: A playful discussion about the evolution of mufflers and jokingly crediting George Foreman for advancements.

  Rich Davis [38:05]: "George Foreman changed the muffler game."

• Infomercial Nostalgia: Reflecting on the success of the George Foreman Grill compared to other infomercial products like Ronco's offerings and the Snuggie.

  Colleen Witt [14:23]: "In the pantheon of infomercials, the grill has to be on top. Maybe Ronco set it and forget it."

Notable Quotes:

• Rich Davis [15:02]: "Shamwow and Flex Seal are up there, but the George Foreman Grill is the king."
• Kavino [38:00]: "Have you ever heard any of your friends bring the car into the shop because of a dang muffler?"

7. Closing Remarks and Promotions (54:11 - End)

Overview: The episode concludes with a mix of promotional content for various podcasts and products, along with final thoughts on George Foreman's legacy and upcoming segments.

Key Discussions:

• Final Tribute: A reiteration of Foreman's impact both as a boxer and as a cultural icon through his grill.

  Rich Davis [51:37]: "Rest in peace to George Foreman, a legend in every sense."

• Upcoming Segments: Teasers for future discussions on sports rules and rumors, ensuring listeners stay tuned for more engaging content.

Notable Quotes:

• Rich Davis [54:28]: "Everything at Covino and Rich. Did you see the Gary Vee clip? You can check it out on our YouTube page."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Rich Davis [06:01]: "George Foreman was a true legend in the world of sports. Not only was he a legendary boxer, but he also became a greater man outside the ring."

• Kavino [09:35]: "Over 100 million George Foreman Grills have been sold. We all had one. Everyone had one."

• Rich Davis [21:20]: "If you've never seen it, check out 'Big George Foreman.' You'll learn something about the guy. He was one of the best fighters and a great family man."

• Kavino [53:48]: "Don't sleep with your coach's wife or ex-wife."

Conclusion

"The Legend & the Grill" delves deep into the multifaceted legacy of George Foreman, celebrating his achievements and enduring cultural impact. The episode balances heartfelt tributes with engaging sports discussions and lighthearted banter, offering listeners a comprehensive look at both Foreman's influence and current sports narratives. Through personal stories, notable quotes, and insightful commentary, the hosts honor a true sports icon while keeping the conversation lively and relatable.