Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd - Hour 3: Julian Edelman

Release Date: May 7, 2025
Host: Colin Cowherd
Guest: Julian Edelman

1. Introduction

Timestamp: [02:11] - [02:13]
Colin Cowherd welcomes listeners to the episode, introducing Julian Edelman as the guest for the discussion.

2. Team Distractions and Off-Field Issues

Timestamp: [02:13] - [04:42]
Julian Edelman opens the conversation by addressing recent distractions surrounding the New England Patriots. He emphasizes the challenges these distractions pose to team focus and performance.

• Julian Edelman: "I defend Jordan. I even defend her real estate empire, which she's building. She's a go-getter... I defend her. She's a tough PR. She's telling people, don't ask that question. That doesn't bother me at all." ([02:23])

Colin and Julian discuss how ongoing off-field issues, particularly involving team representatives, have become persistent distractions that could potentially impact the Patriots' performance on the field.

• Colin Cowherd: "The game's already, as hard as it is to prepare for, to play, to coach. And, you know, regardless of what her role is, Jordan... Anytime we're doing behind the scenes this, that you got someone who represents you, they're going to jump in. But now that it's gained and it's snowballed... it's becoming a distraction." ([03:03])

They agree that maintaining focus on the game is paramount and that the increasing media attention on off-field matters is detrimental to the team's success.

3. Handling High-Profile Players and Team Dynamics

Timestamp: [04:42] - [07:57]
The conversation shifts to the Patriots' management of high-profile and potentially disruptive players, referencing past instances such as the departure of Randy Moss.

• Colin Cowherd: "Randy Moss just got cut... we were in the gap of the dynasty, the old dynasty and trying to develop the new team." ([05:49])

Julian reflects on the implications of trading Randy Moss and how it signaled the team's strategy to prioritize long-term development over short-term gains. They also discuss the importance of maintaining team chemistry and avoiding distractions that could derail the Patriots' progress.

4. Offensive Line and Draft Strategy

Timestamp: [10:23] - [12:17]
Julian praises the Patriots' recent draft choices, highlighting the selection of Will Campbell with the fourth overall pick as a strategic move to strengthen the offensive line.

• Colin Cowherd: "They needed offensive line. They went out and drafted a guy with the fourth pick that they liked... they didn't wait and try to do something cute." ([10:45])

Discussion includes the impact of these draft picks on the development of key offensive players like Drake May and the overall offensive strategy under coach Josh McDaniels.

5. Travis Hunter’s Dual Role and Team Strategy

Timestamp: [07:57] - [10:23]
A significant portion of the discussion centers around Travis Hunter, a highly talented player drafted to play both offense and defense. Colin shares his personal experience as a former player who managed dual roles.

• Colin Cowherd: "I started playing two-way. I was the nickel. I would hop into the offensive group and go over my packages..." ([08:08])

Julian and Colin debate the feasibility and potential effectiveness of Hunter's dual role, considering the demanding nature of modern NFL strategies and the Patriots' need for flexibility.

• Julian Edelman: "He still has to develop into great on one of these sides... It's going to be very tough." ([09:02])

They conclude that while Hunter's athleticism is undeniable, the Patriots may eventually need to specialize his role to maximize his impact without overextending him.

6. Future Prospects and Team Improvements

Timestamp: [10:23] - [20:31]
Julian Edelman shares his predictions for the Patriots, naming them as the most improved team this year due to strategic acquisitions and draft picks.

• Julian Edelman: "I think it's New England. They bought about five starters and they drafted about three." ([10:23])

Colin elaborates on specific draft selections and offseason moves, emphasizing the importance of building a strong foundation through the offensive line and versatile players.

• Colin Cowherd: "The third-round receiver, the Williams kid... They got a center in the fourth, you know, with Williams on the defensive side." ([11:40])

The duo highlights the Patriots' balanced approach between drafting young talent and adding veteran presence, ensuring both immediate and long-term improvements.

7. Julian Edelman’s Induction into the Patriots Hall of Fame

Timestamp: [21:35] - [27:39]
A heartfelt segment where Julian Edelman shares his personal journey with the Patriots, culminating in his induction into the Patriots Hall of Fame.

• Julian Edelman: "Take me back to the first game... It was a weird situation because my first preseason game West didn't play. It was Tom's first game back from the ACL..." ([23:27])

Julian recounts significant moments that solidified the trust between him and quarterback Tom Brady, particularly during critical games where his performance was pivotal.

• Colin Cowherd: "The trust didn't come until he saw it in a real game... through your preparation, adjust, adapt." ([23:32])

He expresses immense gratitude and pride in being part of an organization renowned for its success and cultural excellence.

8. Personal Reflections and Legacy

Timestamp: [26:34] - [27:35]
Julian reflects on the values instilled in him by his father, emphasizing resilience and hard work as core principles.

• Colin Cowherd: "He always says... even if you come up short on something, if something goes wrong, there's no sniveling... get to work, work your way out of stuff." ([26:34])

Julian echoes these sentiments, highlighting how these lessons have shaped his professional and personal life, contributing to his sustained success and positive influence within the team.

9. Conclusion and Final Remarks

Timestamp: [27:35] - [29:04]
The episode wraps up with final thoughts on team dynamics, future expectations, and a brief nod to upcoming segments and promotions.

Julian and Colin reaffirm their optimism about the Patriots' trajectory, emphasizing the importance of continuous improvement and maintaining focus amidst external pressures.

• Julian Edelman: "Congrats, buddy." ([27:39])
• Colin Cowherd: "Thank you. Thank you. It's awesome." ([27:39])

They encourage listeners to stay tuned for future discussions and engagement opportunities, promising more in-depth analysis and insider perspectives on the Patriots and the broader NFL landscape.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

1. Julian Edelman:
   "I defend Jordan... She’s a tough PR. She’s telling people, don’t ask that question. That doesn’t bother me at all." ([02:23])

2. Colin Cowherd:
   "The game's already, as hard as it is to prepare for, to play, to coach... Anytime we're doing behind the scenes this, that you got someone who represents you, they're going to jump in." ([03:03])

3. Colin Cowherd:
   "Randy Moss just got cut... We were in the gap of the dynasty, the old dynasty and trying to develop the new team." ([05:49])

4. Julian Edelman:
   "He still has to develop into great on one of these sides... It’s going to be very tough." ([09:02])

5. Colin Cowherd:
   "They needed offensive line. They went out and drafted a guy with the fourth pick that they liked... they didn't wait and try to do something cute." ([10:45])

6. Julian Edelman:
   "I think it's New England. They bought about five starters and they drafted about three." ([10:23])

7. Julian Edelman:
   "Take me back to the first game... It was Tom's first game back from the ACL..." ([23:27])

8. Colin Cowherd:
   "The trust didn't come until he saw it in a real game... through your preparation, adjust, adapt." ([23:32])

9. Julian Edelman:
   "Congrats, buddy." ([27:39])

Key Takeaways

• Focus Amidst Distractions: The Patriots must prioritize on-field performance by minimizing off-field distractions and maintaining team cohesion.

• Strategic Drafting: Effective selection of offensive line and versatile players like Travis Hunter is crucial for building a robust team foundation.

• Player Development: Emphasizing the growth and specialization of players to maximize their strengths without overextending their roles.

• Legacy and Trust: Strong relationships, exemplified by Julian Edelman's trust with Tom Brady, are integral to team success and individual accolades.

• Continuous Improvement: The Patriots' balanced approach between drafting young talent and adding veterans positions them for sustained success in the NFL.

This episode offers an insightful look into the intricate balance of managing a high-profile NFL team, the importance of strategic player acquisitions, and the personal journey of a celebrated player within the Patriots' legacy. Julian Edelman's reflections provide a unique perspective on team dynamics, trust, and the relentless pursuit of excellence that defines the Patriots' organizational culture.