The Herd with Colin Cowherd: Hour 2 - Travis Kelce's Future
Release Date: February 21, 2025
Host/Authors: Steve Covino, Rich Davis, Dallas Goddard
Platform: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
1. Travis Kelce’s Future with the Kansas City Chiefs
The primary focus of this episode revolves around the future of Kansas City Chiefs' star tight end, Travis Kelce. Hosts Steve Covino and Rich Davis delve deep into the speculation surrounding Kelce's potential departure from the team and the multifaceted implications of such a move.
Financial Implications:
Steve Covino outlines the financial aspects, highlighting that the Chiefs could save approximately $17 million in salary cap space by releasing Kelce, at a minimal cost of $2.5 million in dead cap space.
"It would cost them $2.5 million to cut Travis Kelce. However, it would save them $17 million in salary."
[18:31] — Steve Covino
Impact of Kelce’s Relationship with Taylor Swift:
A significant portion of the discussion centers on Kelce’s high-profile relationship with pop superstar Taylor Swift. The hosts examine how this relationship has inadvertently boosted the Chiefs' revenue and expanded their fan base, particularly attracting "Swifties" to the team.
"Travis Kelce by dating Taylor Swift have created generational fans."
[20:15] — Steve Covino
Rich Davis adds, emphasizing the long-term benefits of retaining Kelce beyond just his on-field performance:
"If he retires a chief, you got to factor in that every young girl and this sounds silly guys, but this is the truth. Every young girl who was impacted by them dating that are now considered Chiefs."
[19:44] — Rich Davis
Fan and Revenue Considerations:
The conversation underscores the delicate balance teams must maintain between financial prudence and maintaining a strong, engaged fan base. The hosts debate whether the immediate financial savings outweigh the potential long-term revenue from Kelce’s increased visibility due to his relationship with Swift.
"What are they more interested in their cap space and winning or keeping hundreds of millions of dollars of Swifty revenue as part of their team."
[19:29] — Steve Covino
2. The Rise of Hockey’s Four Nations Tournament
Shifting gears, the hosts commend the NHL's innovative Four Nations Tournament, which has significantly boosted hockey's popularity, even among those who rarely watch the sport.
Enhanced Competitiveness and Sportsmanship:
Rich Davis praises the tournament for its competitive spirit and the pride players showcased for their countries, likening it to an Olympic atmosphere.
"It felt like an Olympic type of atmosphere last night. And that's sort of what we got on a random Thursday."
[14:01] — Rich Davis
Comparison with Other Sports:
Steve Covino draws parallels between the NHL’s approach and the NBA’s All-Star Weekend, suggesting that incorporating national pride and genuine rivalries can elevate a sport's appeal.
"Country pride always is going to bring out another layer."
[07:14] — Steve Covino
Quotes Highlighting Hockey’s Appeal:
The hosts share their newfound appreciation for hockey, citing memorable performances and the overall excitement of the tournament.
"I totally felt sucked in, where I'm like, oh, my God, do I like hockey? No, impossible. This just feels big."
[14:34] — Steve Covino
3. The Emotional Toll of Player Trades and Releases
A recurring theme throughout the episode is the emotional impact of player trades and releases on fans. The hosts reminisce about past instances where beloved players left their teams, evoking strong emotional responses.
Personal Anecdotes and Listener Feedback:
Rich Davis and Steve Covino share stories of how trades like Nevin Smith’s departure from the Chiefs or Kevin Garnett leaving the Celtics have deeply affected them personally and culturally within their fan communities.
"If you're telling a grown man to take a pay cut. It sounds easier when you say it."
[30:13] — Steve Covino
Generational Impact:
The discussion highlights how certain players become integral to a team's identity, creating lifelong fans who feel a profound sense of loss when their favorite players depart.
"When you are a hockey guy. I'm a hockey guy."
[12:56] — Rich Davis
Quotes on Fan Loyalty:
The hosts emphasize the importance of player loyalty and the lasting impressions players leave on fans, which go beyond mere statistics or on-field contributions.
"It's kind of hard for me. There's so many moments, but one that does come to mind, like, we have sort of, like, our standard answers."
[46:58] — Rich Davis
4. Other Sports Highlights and Critiques
Beyond the central discussion on Kelce and hockey, the episode touches upon other significant sports topics, including Aaron Rodgers' potential move following his release from the Jets and critiques of LeBron James' recent performances.
Aaron Rodgers’ NFL Journey:
Dallas Goddard provides insights into Aaron Rodgers' considerations for his next move, emphasizing his desire to play for a competitive team in a favorable location.
"He also said he's considering the potential squad put around him and he wouldn't mind warm weather."
[35:16] — Madison Goddard
LeBron James and Sports Media Criticism:
The hosts discuss the recent backlash LeBron James faced from sports media after a couple of missed shots, juxtaposing it with his overall stellar performance and work ethic.
"What's going to say? Well, yeah, he's, he's 40, doing what a 24 year old does. Come on, the guy's insane."
[36:53] — Steve Covino
5. Listener Engagement and Interactive Segments
Throughout the episode, Covino and Rich engage with their audience by reading listener feedback and anecdotes, fostering a sense of community and shared passion for sports.
Interactive Questions:
The hosts pose thought-provoking questions to their listeners, such as reflecting on the most heart-wrenching player departures they've experienced, enhancing listener relatability and participation.
"The player that hurt you the most when your team cut ties, whether they released them, cut them, traded him."
[30:27] — Steve Covino
Humorous Banter:
Interspersed with serious discussions, the hosts maintain a lighthearted atmosphere through humorous exchanges and personal stories, making the content both informative and entertaining.
"I'm a Chiefs fan for the rest of their life. If he retires a chief, if they're buying a jersey or going to a game or showing interest in any team, it's going to be the Chiefs."
[19:54] — Rich Davis
6. Concluding Thoughts on Team Culture and Future Moves
In wrapping up, the hosts reflect on the broader implications of team decisions on culture and long-term success. They advocate for strategic moves that prioritize both financial health and fan engagement to sustain team legacy.
"Sometimes you got to cut the head of the snake. Culture of the team."
[25:04] — Rich Davis
"If you're paying attention to whenever Jimmy Butler and the warriors play against his former Heat teammates."
[13:00] — Dallas Goddard
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
-
"It would cost them $2.5 million to cut Travis Kelce. However, it would save them $17 million in salary."
[18:31] — Steve Covino -
"So country pride always is going to bring out another layer."
[07:14] — Steve Covino -
"I totally felt sucked in, where I'm like, oh, my God, do I like hockey? No, impossible. This just feels big."
[14:34] — Steve Covino -
"He's playing on the second night of a back to back at 40 after 22 years with every freaking record and every accolade. It's like he's just amazing to coach."
[36:16] — Dallas Goddard -
"When you are a hockey guy. I'm a hockey guy."
[12:56] — Rich Davis
This episode of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" provides an in-depth analysis of Travis Kelce's potential departure from the Kansas City Chiefs, exploring the financial, cultural, and fan-base implications of such a move. Additionally, the hosts celebrate hockey's rise in popularity through the Four Nations Tournament and reflect on the emotional impact of player trades and releases across various sports. Through engaging dialogue, personal anecdotes, and listener interactions, Covino and Davis create a compelling narrative that resonates with both avid and casual sports fans.