Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 3: Mercedes Lewis

Release Date: July 21, 2025

Hosts: Colin Cowherd, Mercedes Lewis, and Guest Sports Analyst J. Mac

1. Episode Overview

In this engaging episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, the conversation delves deep into current NFL dynamics, features an insightful interview with NFL veteran Mercedes Lewis, and explores the evolving landscape of the WNBA. Hosted by Colin Cowherd, with contributions from sports analyst J. Mac and Pro Bowler Mercedes Lewis, the episode offers a comprehensive analysis of recent sports events, player performances, and investment opportunities within professional sports leagues.

2. Current NFL Discussions

a. Detroit Lions' Future

At [04:25], J. Mac initiates a discussion about the Detroit Lions, referencing their recent playoff loss to Washington and the team's overall performance. The conversation highlights concerns about the team's future prospects, questioning whether their "windows" for success are closing despite strong organizational support.

J. Mac [04:25]: "It just feels like the ship has sailed."

Colin counters this sentiment by emphasizing the Lions' robust general management and scouting departments, suggesting that effective drafting and player development can keep the team's competitive edge intact.

Colin Cowherd [05:45]: "If you draft well, your windows may regress, but they don't close."

b. New York Giants and Jackson Dart

The focus then shifts to the New York Giants' recent first-round draft pick, Jackson Dart. Both hosts express surprise over the drafting decision, especially considering Russell Wilson's expected continuation as the starting quarterback.

J. Mac [05:45]: "They drafted Jackson Dart in the first round. It did not make sense to me."

Colin provides a more optimistic outlook on Dart's potential, highlighting the favorable conditions Dart inherits, including a strong offensive coaching staff and key player support.

Colin Cowherd [06:32]: "It's about having a really good offensive coach, protecting his backside, and giving him a weapon."

c. Kansas City Chiefs' Strategy

The conversation transitions to the Kansas City Chiefs and their recent contract extension with edge rusher George Carlastis. The hosts discuss the importance of investing in a strong pass rush to compete within their division.

J. Mac [09:12]: "If you're going to pay your defense, it's pass rush guys."

Colin underscores the Chiefs' strategic focus on defense, especially in light of their divisional rivals' offensive strengths.

Colin Cowherd [09:55]: "Well, if you're Kansas City now, the Chargers have two good offensive tackles... you got to pay a pass rusher."

3. In-Depth Interview with Mercedes Lewis

a. Career Insights and Longevity

At [10:36], Mercedes Lewis shares her aspirations to play one more year in the NFL, highlighting her dedication and the challenges of maintaining a long career in professional football.

Mercedes Lewis [10:36]: "Right now the goal is to play one more year. You know, just to 19 is amazing."

b. Evaluating Tight Ends

The discussion progresses to Mercedes's perspective on evaluating young tight ends, focusing on qualities such as toughness, willingness to block, and flexibility.

Mercedes Lewis [21:57]: "The first thing I'll probably look for is toughness. Are you a willing blocker? Can you do the dirty work?"

She elaborates on the importance of mental fortitude and technical skills in excelling at the tight end position.

c. Facing Tough Defensive Players

Mercedes reflects on her experiences facing formidable defensive players, mentioning legends like Julius Peppers and contemporary stars like Miles Garrett.

Mercedes Lewis [24:02]: "Probably Miles Garrett, Max Crosby... they're just different. They're just different."

She emphasizes the competitive nature of the game and the respect she holds for these athletes.

d. Insights on Caleb Williams

Later in the conversation, Colin brings up quarterback Caleb Williams, comparing his developmental trajectory to that of Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen. Mercedes agrees with the assessment of Williams's potential, citing his attributes and the support from the coaching staff.

Mercedes Lewis [18:09]: "He can do it. So it's just about having a plan and making sure that you know what he wants and what he's really good at is in alignment with Ben."

4. WNBA Negotiations and Investment Opportunities

a. Current State of the WNBA

At [30:57], Colin shifts the focus to the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA), discussing recent player negotiations and the league's financial landscape. He argues against the notion that the WNBA doesn't deserve increased compensation, citing growing merchandise sales and rising ratings driven by star players like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese.

Colin Cowherd [30:57]: "The WNBA is negotiating as merchandise sales are going up, attendance is going up... they've got a star that drives a number of things."

b. Comparison with Other Sports Leagues

The hosts draw parallels between the WNBA and other major sports leagues, emphasizing the importance of star players in driving revenue and fan engagement. Colin uses the example of Tiger Woods in the PGA to illustrate how individual athletes can elevate an entire league's profile.

Colin Cowherd [34:27]: "The WNBA merchandise, ticket sales, ratings up... they just put Caitlin Clark on all the time."

c. Investment Potential

The conversation delves into the investment potential within the WNBA, with Colin expressing his enthusiasm for acquiring a stake in the league's franchises. He counters skepticism by highlighting the long-term value appreciation of sports teams, comparing it to historical increases in franchise values across other leagues.

Colin Cowherd [35:07]: "The bottom line is you're buying into that... the bottom line is you don't own these teams who can afford that."

Mercedes questions the league's reliance on single star players and the sustainability of its growth, to which Colin responds by emphasizing the overall momentum and potential for expansion.

Colin Cowherd [38:32]: "I want to own a team... I'd put it in the WNBA tomorrow."

5. Conclusion

Throughout the episode, The Herd with Colin Cowherd offers a balanced mix of in-depth analysis, veteran insights, and forward-looking perspectives on both established and emerging facets of professional sports. From dissecting NFL team strategies to exploring growth avenues in the WNBA, the episode provides listeners with a nuanced understanding of the current sports landscape, enriched by firsthand experiences and expert commentary.

Note: This summary intentionally omits advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content sections to focus solely on the substantive discussions and insights shared during the episode.