Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd Episode: Hour 3 - Diana Rossini
Release Date: August 4, 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.

1. Introduction

The episode begins with standard podcast advertisements, which are subsequently skipped to the main content featuring Diana Rossini, Senior NFL Insider. Colin Cowherd sets the stage for a deep dive into current NFL issues, emphasizing the complexities of player-team relationships and the dynamics within top-tier sports organizations.

2. Micah Parsons’ Holdout with the Dallas Cowboys

Colin introduces the segment by highlighting a significant development: Micah Parsons, the 12th overall pick and Pro Bowl-caliber defensive end for the Dallas Cowboys, has publicly stated, “I don’t want to be a Cowboy anymore” (02:28). Rossini elaborates on the tension between Parsons and Cowboys' owner Jerry Jones, noting that early indications suggested a potential trade move during training camp.

Key Points:

• Parsons’ Statement: Parsons’ declaration is unprecedented, especially given his high cap hit and performance level within the team.
• Relationship Strain: Reports indicate a deteriorating relationship between Parsons and Jones, leading to speculation about his future with the team.
• Agent Involvement: Unlike Dak Prescott, who directs trade negotiations through his agent, Parsons has engaged directly, intensifying the situation (05:10).

Notable Quote:

“This is Jerry versus Micah. As extreme as it comes.” – Diana Rossini (05:10)

3. JJ McCarthy and the Ohio State Quarterback Scene

Colin shifts focus to JJ McCarthy, questioning the current buzz around him and contrasting it with past quarterback prospects. He expresses skepticism about the elevated status JFK McCarthy has received in preseason reports.

Key Points:

• Market Perception: Colin observes a discrepancy between what sources typically report and the growing hype around McCarthy.
• Rossini’s Insight: Rossini acknowledges the mixed signals from team insiders, suggesting that while McCarthy is being heavily promoted, his actual performance may not fully justify the attention yet (06:26).
• Comparison to Other Quarterbacks: The discussion includes comparisons to other quarterbacks like Bo Nix, highlighting differences in organizational trust and player development.

Notable Quote:

“I just think there's going to be some time here before we can have a serious conversation here and go, is he the guy or not?” – Diana Rossini (09:45)

4. Coaching Styles: Sean Payton vs. Others

Colin and Rossini analyze Sean Payton’s approach with the Denver Broncos, particularly his management of young quarterbacks. They contrast Payton’s media-savvy and strategic communication with his counterparts.

Key Points:

• Media Relations: Payton is praised for his intelligent and controlled interaction with the media, maintaining a positive team image.
• Player Development: Focus is placed on Bo Nix’s progression under Payton’s guidance, emphasizing the head coach’s role in fostering player growth (10:20).

Notable Quote:

“I know he is loving this team. But for a guy that loves offense and will talk your ear off about his quarterback, if he loves the guy, it's his defense that he knows is the strength of this team.” – Diana Rossini (12:02)

5. College Football Preseason Polls and Insights

The conversation transitions to college football, discussing the preseason coaches' poll and highlighting unexpected team rankings.

Key Points:

• Top Teams: Texas tops the preseason poll, followed by Ohio State, Penn State, Notre Dame, and Clemson.
• Surprises: North Carolina's absence from the top 25 despite a favorable schedule and Texas Tech’s inclusion at 24 are noted as surprising elements (16:40).
• Player Highlights: Emphasis on standout players like Caleb Williams from Ohio State, Jeremiah Smith, and Caleb Downs, who are poised to make significant impacts this season (19:12).

Notable Quote:

“I think Ohio State's the best team in the country. I have to watch the opener. Their quarterbacks, a five-star quarterback. He could be unbelievable.” – Colin Cowherd (20:08)

6. WNBA Update: Caitlin Clark and Team Performance

The discussion shifts briefly to the WNBA, focusing on Caitlin Clark’s absence due to a groin injury and its impact on her team’s performance.

Key Points:

• Clark’s Absence: Clarkson has missed seven straight games, yet her team has won five consecutive matches without her.
• Team Dynamics: Head coach Stephanie White discusses how Clark’s absence allows other players to step up and make significant contributions (22:22).

Notable Quote:

“Sometimes it can be a blessing in disguise because everybody else else finds themselves right.” – Colin Cowherd (22:28)

7. NFL Coaching Conduct: J. Brian Schottenheimer’s Visor Controversy

Colin and Rossini critique Dallas Cowboys head coach J. Brian Schottenheimer for his choice to wear a backwards visor during team activities and media appearances.

Key Points:

• Professionalism: The backwards visor is viewed as unprofessional and not fitting the image of a high-profile NFL coach.
• Brand Representation: Emphasis on the importance of representing the team and its major sponsors appropriately.
• Cultural Norms: Discussion about societal expectations for public figures to maintain a certain standard of appearance during official duties (25:27).

Notable Quote:

“He looks like a dad trying way too hard at the neighborhood cookout to impress his teenage son’s friends.” – Colin Cowherd (26:46)

8. Financial Aspects and Player Endorsements: Dak Prescott vs. Others

The financial dynamics of NFL players are examined, particularly focusing on Dak Prescott of the Cowboys, comparing his off-field earnings and endorsements to other top quarterbacks.

Key Points:

• Dak’s Earnings: Dak Prescott is highlighted as one of the highest-earning quarterbacks off the field, second only to Patrick Mahomes.
• Endorsement Opportunities: Playing for a high-profile team like the Cowboys offers significant endorsement and commercial opportunities.
• Team Loyalty vs. Financial Gain: Colin expresses a preference for players who handle contract negotiations professionally, contrasting Parsons’ approach with Prescott’s established reputation (32:58).

Notable Quote:

“For Dak, he's made like 300 million bucks off the field or some astronomical number.” – Colin Cowherd (33:32)

9. Matt Hasselbeck’s Perspective on Micah Parsons

Former NFL quarterback Matt Hasselbeck provides his take on Micah Parsons’ holdout situation, offering a nuanced view on team dynamics and future prospects.

Key Points:

• Conflict Management: Hasselbeck notes that Jerry Jones may prefer resolving the situation internally rather than allowing public conflicts.
• Team Strategy: Suggests that the Cowboys might consider reallocating resources towards future drafts rather than current holdouts (32:58).

Notable Quote:

“There's a part of me that says, hey, this is Micah Parsons. Figure it out. Close the door.” – Matt Hasselbeck (32:58)

10. Conclusion

Colin wraps up the episode by reiterating key points discussed, particularly emphasizing the distinct handling of player contracts and the importance of professionalism in coaching conduct. The conversation underscores the multifaceted nature of sports management, balancing player relations, media interactions, and financial considerations.

Notable Moments and Quotes

• Micah Parsons’ Statement:

  “I don’t want to be a Cowboy anymore.” – Micah Parsons (02:28)

• Diana Rossini on Micah vs. Jerry Jones:

  “This is Jerry versus Micah. As extreme as it comes.” (05:10)

• Colin Cowherd on JJ McCarthy:

  “I just think there's going to be some time here before we can have a serious conversation here and go, is he the guy or not?” (09:45)

• Diana Rossini on Player Development:

  “He is still learning and we have to be able to give him some of this grace here.” (12:02)

• Colin on Coaching Conduct:

  “He looks like a dad trying way too hard at the neighborhood cookout to impress his teenage son’s friends.” (26:46)

• Colin on Dak Prescott’s Earnings:

  “For Dak, he's made like 300 million bucks off the field or some astronomical number.” (33:32)

• Matt Hasselbeck on Micah Parsons:

  “Hey, this is Micah Parsons. Figure it out. Close the door.” (32:58)

Conclusion

This episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd provides an in-depth analysis of current NFL and college football dynamics, highlighting significant player-team interactions, coaching strategies, and the financial implications of high-profile athletes. Diana Rossini’s expert insights complement Colin’s perspectives, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of the sports landscape as of August 2025.