Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Episode "Hour 2 - Elite 1%, Kazaam 5%"

Release Date: March 7, 2025
Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
Description: The Herd with Colin Cowherd is a thought-provoking, opinionated, and topic-driven journey through the top sports stories of the day. In this episode, titled "Hour 2 - Elite 1%, Kazaam 5%," the hosts delve into the intersection of elite sports performance and the often-overlooked realm of critically panned movies, with a special focus on Shaquille O'Neal's influence both on and off the court.

1. Celebrating Shaquille O'Neal's Birthday and Business Ventures

The episode kicks off with a tribute to Shaquille O'Neal's 53rd birthday, highlighting his multifaceted career beyond basketball. The hosts commend Shaq's business acumen, noting his ownership stakes in various franchises and iconic brands.

• Quote:
  Rich: "Seriously, dude, like he's like $30 to eat there by yourself. He's involved in so many things."
  (Timestamp: 35:45)

Discussion points include Shaq's investments in businesses like Krispy Kreme, Auntie Anne's, Papa John's, and Authentic Brands Group (ABG). The hosts emphasize how Shaq's entrepreneurial ventures have solidified his status as a "businessman" in addition to his sports legacy.

**2. The Worst Movie Ever? Spotlight on "Kazaam"

In honor of Shaq's birthday, the conversation shifts to his role in the critically panned movie Kazaam. The hosts debate the film's reception, citing its Rotten Tomatoes score of 5%, and compare it to other notorious flops.

• Quote:
  Danny G.: "That's kind of hard to beat. Some of the ones we named Ricky came in here."
  (Timestamp: 45:30)

The hosts discuss how Kazaam stands out as one of the lowest-rated movies featuring a sports celebrity, blending humor with criticism about Shaq taking on such a project for the paycheck, despite its lack of quality.

3. Listener Call-Ins: Sharing the Worst Movies

The show features multiple listener call-ins, each sharing their personal picks for the worst movies they've ever seen. Highlights include:

• "Battlefield Earth" with John Travolta – Cited for its poor storytelling and production values.

• "Teen Wolf 2" – Criticized for its unwatchable plot and disappointing performances.

• "Howard the Duck" – Discussed for its bizarre storyline and execution.

• Quote:
  Caller John (Illinois): "I thought Airplane was a good movie. That's not a bad movie."
  (Timestamp: 50:15)

These segments provide a humorous and engaging look at how different audiences perceive movie failures, drawing parallels with Shaq's experience in Kazaam.

4. NFL Updates and Trade News

Shifting away from movies, the hosts provide a comprehensive update on recent NFL news, focusing on the Jacksonville Jaguars' activity:

• Mitch Morse's Retirement: The Jaguars' center retires after a decade-long career.

• Christian Kirk Trade: Traded to the Houston Texans with a seventh-round pick in 2026.

• Evan Ingram's Release: The veteran tight end is released amidst roster adjustments.

• Quote:
  Dan Byer: "The Jaguars have been busy today. They traded Christian Kirk to the Texans and released Evan Ingram."
  (Timestamp: 1:05:20)

Additional updates include the Cincinnati Bengals' trade discussions involving defensive end Trey Hendrickson and quarterback T. Higgins, as well as contract restructures by the Cleveland Browns and Los Angeles Rams.

5. Russell Westbrook's Inspirational Moment

A significant highlight of the episode is the discussion of Russell Westbrook's recent interaction with a dedicated fan. The fan traveled 6,000 miles from Tokyo to watch Westbrook play and had a memorable encounter on the court.

• Quote:
  Rich: "He's giving him the jersey off his back, signed it, and it was a story. I am surprised we don't see this more often."
  (Timestamp: 1:20:45)

The hosts praise Westbrook for his humility and genuine connection with fans, contrasting it with the often impersonal nature of celebrity interactions. This segment underscores the importance of athletes maintaining authentic relationships with their supporters.

6. Additional Discussions and Rapid Fire Segment

Towards the end of the episode, the hosts engage in a rapid-fire segment addressing various topics, including:

• Critique of Other Bad Movies: Further comparisons to films like Over the Top, Son of Kong, and Master of Disguise, each discussed for their low reception and cultural impact.

• Shaq’s Business Ventures Revisited: A brief recap of Shaquille O'Neal's extensive business portfolio and its significance in his post-basketball career.

• Upcoming Sports Events: Previews of NBA games, NFL drafts, and PGA Tour events, keeping listeners informed about future sports happenings.

• Quote:
  Danny G.: "When you have a scouting report and you're on the list as not just a shooter, but we have specific rules for how we guard you."
  (Timestamp: 1:25:10)

7. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The episode wraps up with the hosts reflecting on the dual themes of elite sports performance and the pitfalls of celebrity ventures outside their primary fields. They reiterate the significance of Shaquille O'Neal's contributions both on the court and as a successful entrepreneur, using Kazaam as a case study for the challenges athletes face when diversifying their careers.

• Quote:
  Rich: "We shouldn’t be surprised. We should see more of it if at the same time I applaud the moment."
  (Timestamp: 1:30:00)

The hosts encourage listeners to appreciate the multi-dimensional lives of athletes, recognizing both their successes and missteps.

Key Takeaways

• Shaquille O'Neal's Multifaceted Career: Beyond basketball, Shaq has made significant strides in business, demonstrating the potential for athletes to successfully transition into entrepreneurial roles.

• Critical Analysis of Celebrity Ventures: The discussion around Kazaam highlights the risks associated with celebrities venturing into fields outside their expertise, emphasizing the importance of maintaining quality and authenticity.

• Athlete-Fan Relationships: Russell Westbrook's heartfelt interaction with a fan serves as a reminder of the profound impact athletes can have on their supporters, fostering genuine connections that transcend the game.

• Comprehensive NFL Updates: Staying informed about the latest trades, retirements, and contract changes is crucial for sports enthusiasts, with the hosts providing timely and relevant information.

• Engaging Listener Participation: The inclusion of listener call-ins adds a dynamic and interactive element to the show, allowing diverse perspectives on shared topics.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• [00:00] Steph Curry: "Make some noise for the greatest shooter of all time, Steph Curry."

• [35:45] Rich: "Seriously, dude, like he's like $30 to eat there by yourself. He's involved in so many things."

• [45:30] Danny G.: "That's kind of hard to beat. Some of the ones we named Ricky came in here."

• [50:15] Caller John (Illinois): "I thought Airplane was a good movie. That's not a bad movie."

• [1:05:20] Dan Byer: "The Jaguars have been busy today. They traded Christian Kirk to the Texans and released Evan Ingram."

• [1:20:45] Rich: "He's giving him the jersey off his back, signed it, and it was a story. I am surprised we don't see this more often."

• [1:25:10] Danny G.: "When you have a scouting report and you're on the list as not just a shooter, but we have specific rules for how we guard you."

• [1:30:00] Rich: "We shouldn’t be surprised. We should see more of it if at the same time I applaud the moment."

This episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd seamlessly blends discussions of elite sports performance with entertaining critiques of poorly received movies, all while celebrating the enduring legacy of Shaquille O'Neal. The hosts provide insightful commentary, enriched by listener interactions and timely sports updates, making it a must-listen for sports enthusiasts and casual fans alike.