Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 2: OLD-SCHOOL WHEN 50 HITS Release Date: July 31, 2025

Introduction

In the second hour of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd," hosted by iHeartPodcasts and The Volume, Colin Cowherd is joined by co-hosts Rich Davis and guest Andrew Gillum. The discussion dives deep into the latest NFL power rankings, igniting a passionate debate about the unexpected placement of the San Francisco 49ers. The episode weaves through personal anecdotes, NFL analysis, and engaging segments that captivate both avid sports fans and casual listeners.

NFL Power Rankings and the 49ers Controversy

The episode kicks off with a heated discussion on the NFL on Fox's power rankings, curated by Ralph Vacchiano.

Rich Davis, a dedicated 49ers fan, expresses his disbelief and frustration over the team's ranking:

• [06:19] Rich Davis: "It makes no sense. Right?"

Colin Cowherd and Rich dissect the rationale behind the 49ers being placed 18th, emphasizing the perceived softness of their upcoming schedule. Rich highlights that the 49ers avoid challenging teams like the Bills, Ravens, Bengals, Steelers, Chiefs, Chargers, Eagles, Lions, and Packers, which he believes could artificially inflate their performance metrics during the season.

• [07:05] Rich Davis: "They don't play anybody in the top 10."

The hosts argue that while the schedule may appear favorable, unheralded teams often experience turnarounds, making the rankings volatile. Rich remains steadfast in his support, predicting a strong season for the 49ers:

• [09:43] Rich Davis: "Mark my words, the 49ers are going to go 12 and 5 or better."

NFC North: A Division of Potential Playoff Teams

Shifting focus, the conversation delves into the NFC North, where all four teams—Packers, Vikings, Lions, and Bears—are optimistic about their playoff aspirations. Rich posits that this division stands out as uniquely competitive, with each team believing in their postseason potential.

• [24:08] Rich Davis: "I think the NFC North, and I stand by this statement, is the only division where all four teams think they can make the postseason."

Colin counters by mentioning the AFC West's confidence under new leadership, but Rich remains convinced about the NFC North's dynamism.

Personal Anecdotes: Home Setup and Fan Commitment

Rich Davis shares insights into his personal life, highlighting his fervent dedication to football. He describes his home resembling a sports bar, complete with multiple Roku TVs setup for optimal game viewing.

• [21:41] Rich Davis: "I'm a maniac. I... Bought two additional TVs. So I keep them in the guest bedroom and I roll them out."

This commitment extends to his involvement in coaching his children's sports, balancing family life with his passion for football.

Unexpected Celebrity Encounter: The Paul Stanley Story

A standout moment in the episode is Colin's surprising encounter with Paul Stanley of the legendary rock band Kiss at a Cold Stone Creamery. This anecdote serves as an engaging segue into a broader discussion about "faces of the team" in the NFL, drawing parallels between iconic band members and star athletes.

• [50:02] Rich Davis: "I don't know if I would have recognized him."

Colin recounts the interaction humorously, emphasizing the rarity of meeting such a prominent figure outside their usual contexts.

• [50:11] Colin Cowherd: "Nobody knew who he was except for me. So I was like, yo, man, I'm a big rock fan."

This story highlights the multifaceted nature of celebrity and leadership within both the music and sports industries.

Old-School Punishments Segment: Reminiscing and Listener Engagement

As the episode progresses, Colin and Rich introduce the "Old School When 50 Hits" segment, inviting listeners to reflect on past disciplinary methods experienced during childhood. This nostalgic segment encourages audience participation, fostering a sense of community and shared history among listeners.

• [53:05] Rich Davis: "What were those punishments you experienced from coaches, parents, teachers that maybe wouldn't fly today?"

This section not only provides entertainment but also sparks conversations about evolving societal norms and parenting styles.

Conclusion and Upcoming Segments

Wrapping up the hour, Colin previews upcoming topics, including deeper dives into NFL strategies and personal stories from the hosts. The enthusiasm remains palpable, with promises of continued engaging discussions in future episodes.

• [46:25] Colin Cowherd: "Old school, when 50 hits at 50 after CNR. Give you the Time capsule topic and we reminisce together."

Notable Quotes

• Rich Davis on 49ers Ranking:
  "[06:19] 'It makes no sense. Right?'"

• Rich Davis on the 49ers' Schedule:
  "[07:05] 'They don't play anybody in the top 10.'"

• Rich Davis on NFC North's Potential:
  "[24:08] 'I think the NFC North, and I stand by this statement, is the only division where all four teams think they can make the postseason.'"

• Rich Davis on Personal Commitment:
  "[21:41] 'I'm a maniac. I... Bought two additional TVs. So I keep them in the guest bedroom and I roll them out.'"

• Colin Cowherd on Meeting Paul Stanley:
  "[50:11] 'Nobody knew who he was except for me. So I was like, yo, man, I'm a big rock fan.'"

Final Thoughts

This episode of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" masterfully blends sports analysis with personal stories and interactive segments, delivering a comprehensive and entertaining experience for listeners. The passionate debate over the 49ers' ranking underscores the show's commitment to in-depth sports discourse, while personal anecdotes and nostalgic segments enhance listener engagement and relatability.