The Herd with Colin Cowherd: Hour 2 - Get Lit Up & Find Out

Release Date: January 22, 2025

1. Introduction

In the second hour of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd," the focus shifts to the charismatic and often polarizing figure of Patrick Mahomes, alongside a comprehensive discussion on recent Hall of Fame inductions in Major League Baseball. The episode delves into Mahomes' playing strategies, his impact on the NFL, and the broader implications of sportsmanship and ethics in professional sports.

2. Patrick Mahomes: Hero or Villain?

The conversation opens with a heated debate on Patrick Mahomes' recent on-field tactics, specifically his approach to drawing penalties. The hosts analyze whether Mahomes' actions stem from a desire to win at all costs or if they undermine the spirit of the game.

• Rich Davis: "Mahomes is a hero in the eyes of his teammates because he's willing to tiptoe along the sidelines, trying to get an undisciplined member of the secondary to run up and shove him out of bounds. That's team play right there."
  (Timestamp: 15:30)

• Steve Covino: "I think Mahomes should be applauded for putting himself out there, but at the same time, it's a little cheap. It's like LeBron flopping for an advantage—it just looks lame."
  (Timestamp: 17:45)

The hosts compare Mahomes' tactics to those of other athletes known for bending or breaking rules to gain an edge, raising questions about the fine line between competitive strategy and unsportsmanlike conduct.

3. Hall of Fame Inductions: Celebrating Excellence

Shifting gears, the discussion moves to the recent Baseball Hall of Fame inductions. The hosts congratulate Ichiro Suzuki, CC Sabathia, and Billy Wagner, while also expressing surprise and disappointment over the exclusion of several deserving candidates.

• Steve Covino: "Ichiro should have been unanimous. His achievements in both Japan and MLB are unparalleled. It's a shame he wasn't granted unanimous selection."
  (Timestamp: 25:10)

• Rich Davis: "Carlos Beltran and Andrew Jones were borderline worthy. Beltran was a great postseason player, and Jones symbolized the great Braves teams."
  (Timestamp: 27:50)

The conversation highlights the criteria and controversies surrounding Hall of Fame selections, emphasizing the importance of both statistical achievements and character.

4. Audience Engagement: Phone Calls and Trivia

The episode becomes more interactive as listeners call in to share their opinions on Mahomes and the Hall of Fame selections. One notable call from E Rock from Jersey passionately supports the Buffalo Bills over Mahomes' Kansas City Chiefs, intertwining personal anecdotes and team loyalty into the discussion.

• Caller E Rock: "I'm rooting for the Bills this year. If they win, I want to see Josh Allen give props to the legends like Jim Kelly and Thurman Thomas. It’s for the fans who’ve been waiting for so long."
  (Timestamp: 32:20)

Additionally, a trivia segment featuring Patrick Mahomes adds a lively and competitive element to the show. Mahomes himself participates, showcasing his knowledge and engaging with the hosts in a friendly yet competitive manner.

• Patrick Mahomes: "The first player to return a punt for a touchdown in his NFL debut was Deion Sanders. That's correct."
  (Timestamp: 45:15)

This segment not only entertains but also provides insightful commentary on Mahomes' understanding of the game and his ability to engage with fans and fellow athletes.

5. Closing Remarks and Takeaways

As the episode wraps up, the hosts reflect on the discussions, emphasizing the complexities of evaluating athletes like Mahomes who balance exceptional talent with questionable tactics. They also reiterate the significance of recognizing true excellence in sports through Hall of Fame inductions.

• Steve Covino: "Whether you see Mahomes as a hero or a villain, there's no denying his impact on the game. It’s a conversation that continues to evolve as his career progresses."
  (Timestamp: 55:00)

• Rich Davis: "Hall of Fame selections remind us of the legacies athletes leave behind—not just through their stats, but through their character and contributions to the sport."
  (Timestamp: 56:30)

The episode concludes with an invitation for listeners to stay tuned for future discussions and to engage with the show's ongoing conversations about sportsmanship, legacy, and the ever-evolving landscape of professional sports.

Key Quotes Highlighted:

1. Rich Davis on Mahomes' Team Play:
   "Mahomes is a hero in the eyes of his teammates because he's willing to tiptoe along the sidelines, trying to get an undisciplined member of the secondary to run up and shove him out of bounds."
   (15:30)

2. Steve Covino on Flopping in Sports:
   "I think Mahomes should be applauded for putting himself out there, but at the same time, it's a little cheap. It's like LeBron flopping for an advantage—it just looks lame."
   (17:45)

3. Steve Covino on Ichiro's Hall of Fame Induction:
   "Ichiro should have been unanimous. His achievements in both Japan and MLB are unparalleled. It's a shame he wasn't granted unanimous selection."
   (25:10)

4. Caller E Rock Supporting the Bills:
   "I'm rooting for the Bills this year. If they win, I want to see Josh Allen give props to the legends like Jim Kelly and Thurman Thomas. It’s for the fans who’ve been waiting for so long."
   (32:20)

5. Patrick Mahomes on NFL Trivia:
   "The first player to return a punt for a touchdown in his NFL debut was Deion Sanders. That's correct."
   (45:15)

Final Thoughts

This episode of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" masterfully balances spirited debates on current NFL strategies with reflective discussions on baseball's Hall of Fame, providing listeners with a comprehensive and engaging exploration of contemporary sports issues. By weaving in audience participation and interactive segments, the show ensures a dynamic and inclusive listening experience that resonates with both avid sports fans and casual listeners alike.