Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 3: Julian Edelman Joins The Herd
Release Date: March 26, 2025 | Host: Colin Cowherd | Guest: Julian Edelman | Platform: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
Introduction of Julian Edelman
In this engaging episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, former NFL wide receiver Julian Edelman joins host Colin Cowherd to delve into some of the most pressing topics in the sports world. Edelman brings his firsthand experience and unique perspective to discussions ranging from salary caps and playoff structures to high-profile free agency moves and player leadership dynamics.
1. Salary Caps and Competitive Balance in Sports
Timestamp: [02:37] – [04:00]
The conversation begins with Edelman and Cowherd discussing the absence of a salary cap in Major League Baseball (MLB) compared to other North American sports. Edelman highlights the frustrations of fans in smaller markets who feel disadvantaged without a cap:
Julian Edelman [03:13]: "From fans, particularly in smaller markets... we're just not in a position where we're talking about or have made decisions about what's ahead in the next round of bargaining."
Cowherd counters by emphasizing the success of lower payroll teams making significant playoff runs, citing examples like the Kansas City Royals and Dallas Mavericks:
Colin Cowherd [03:34]: "So this idea that, well, okay, Colin, you're right. A lot of teams with lower payrolls can make the playoffs, but that's enough."
Edelman concurs, arguing that reaching the playoffs is a significant achievement and reflects the overall improvement in sports competitiveness:
Julian Edelman [03:27]: "They're getting to several again... there is no right. If you're getting to the finals, you're getting into the playoffs."
Key Insights:
- The absence of a salary cap in MLB creates challenges for competitive balance.
- Success of lower payroll teams demonstrates the viability of diverse financial strategies.
- Reaching the playoffs is a commendable achievement that benefits smaller markets.
2. NFL Free Agency: Aaron Rodgers and Team Culture
Timestamp: [07:36] – [21:23]
A substantial portion of the episode centers on Aaron Rodgers' free agency and his fit within potential teams. Edelman agrees with Cowherd's skepticism about Rodgers' relocation to Minnesota, citing potential locker room disruptions:
Julian Edelman [09:41]: "I do agree with that... there's clearly very confident in McCarthy. They know what they want."
Cowherd elaborates on Rodgers' independent nature and the challenges it poses for team cultures, comparing him to other high-profile players like Randy Moss:
Colin Cowherd [12:37]: "He's unapologetically independent. I am what I am... they have a confidence. They know what they want."
Edelman offers a contrasting view by suggesting that a strong organizational leader like Mike Tomlin could effectively manage Rodgers' integration:
Julian Edelman [12:49]: "I think Mike Tomlin would be a great guy for that."
Key Insights:
- Aaron Rodgers’ independent personality may clash with certain team cultures.
- Strong leadership from coaches can mitigate potential locker room issues.
- Minnesota Vikings’ confidence in their current quarterback, J.J. McCarthy, diminishes Rodgers’ prospects there.
3. Stefon Diggs to the New England Patriots: Impact and Analysis
Timestamp: [13:50] – [15:52]
The discussion shifts to Stefon Diggs' potential move to the New England Patriots. Cowherd expresses reservations about the Patriots acquiring Diggs, questioning the fit and the financial implications:
Colin Cowherd [13:50]: "I don't love it... you have a confidence in McCarthy."
Edelman counters by highlighting Diggs' professionalism and ability to enhance the Patriots' receiver corps:
Julian Edelman [14:19]: "You get a professional, you ask anyone around town, anyone around the league... he can bring some urgency."
They also discuss the financial aspect, noting that the Patriots' offer is reasonable compared to current market rates for star receivers:
Julian Edelman [15:52]: "That's where he's probably slated for the receiver he is in his career."
Key Insights:
- Stefon Diggs’ potential move to the Patriots could significantly bolster their offense.
- Financial terms appear favorable, aligning with Diggs' career stage and performance.
- Diggs' professionalism is seen as an asset that could positively influence team dynamics.
4. Tom Brady’s Transition to Tampa Bay: Motivations and Leadership
Timestamp: [22:08] – [24:44]
Cowherd and Edelman analyze Tom Brady's move from New England to Tampa Bay, focusing on his motivations and the public perception of his leadership style. Cowherd references Brady’s acknowledgment of tension leading to his departure:
Colin Cowherd [22:08]: "Tom acknowledgments the tension... do you remember the first time you thought Tom's cranky... you just think."
Edelman praises Brady's ability to maintain composure, reinforcing his reputation as an exceptional leader:
Julian Edelman [24:15]: "He didn't let it seep in. He went to work. He was the same guy every day."
Key Insights:
- Tom Brady's move was influenced by personal motivations and organizational tensions.
- Brady's leadership is characterized by emotional resilience and consistency.
- His transition underscores the importance of leadership qualities in maintaining team stability.
5. Leadership Traits and Player Personalities in the NFL
Timestamp: [25:18] – [40:03]
The conversation delves deeper into the contrasting leadership styles of Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady. Cowherd critiques Rodgers' temperament, suggesting it may hinder his legacy compared to Brady:
Colin Cowherd [35:20]: "He can be moody, he can be prickly... I'm not anti Aaron."
Edelman adds that leadership effectiveness extends beyond talent, emphasizing upbringing and personal dynamics:
Julian Edelman [37:25]: "Truly a lot of Aaron's stuff... he holds grudges."
They compare Rodgers to other quarterbacks and athletes, highlighting how personal characteristics impact team cohesion and public perception.
Key Insights:
- Leadership traits in athletes significantly influence team dynamics and legacy.
- Aaron Rodgers' temperament is contrasted with Tom Brady's composed leadership.
- Effective leadership in sports encompasses both personal conduct and professional excellence.
6. Final Thoughts: Player Legacies and Career Endings
Timestamp: [39:04] – [40:05]
In the concluding segments, Edelman and Cowherd reflect on the nature of player retirements and legacy-building. They discuss how high-profile retirements often leave lasting impressions, contrasting with less celebrated exits:
Julian Edelman [39:57]: "Endings are not always pretty... not everybody can have John Elway's ending."
Cowherd reinforces the idea that legendary status often stems from unique contributions and leadership qualities:
Colin Cowherd [40:00]: "Michael Jordan's was a mess... they're so unique."
Key Insights:
- Player retirements shape legacies and public memories.
- Legendary athletes often have distinct, influential final chapters.
- The manner of ending a career can enhance or diminish a player's enduring reputation.
Conclusion
This episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd offers a comprehensive exploration of significant topics in the sports arena, enriched by Julian Edelman's insights. From salary cap debates and free agency implications to the nuances of player leadership and legacy, the discussion provides listeners with a nuanced understanding of the complexities shaping modern sports.
Notable Quotes:
- Julian Edelman [03:27]: "We're, you know, two years away from the end of the basic agreement."
- Colin Cowherd [12:37]: "He's unapologetically independent. I am what I am."
- Julian Edelman [24:15]: "He didn't let it seep in. He went to work. He was the same guy every day."
For those interested in in-depth sports analysis and lively discussions on current sports events, this episode is a must-listen. Julian Edelman's perspectives provide valuable insights into the ever-evolving landscape of professional sports.