Summary of "Hour 3 - The Mount Rushmore of Players" Episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd

Release Date: June 30, 2025
Hosted by iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

Introduction

In the third hour of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, the discussion primarily centers around defining the "Mount Rushmore" of players across various sports, with a significant focus on soccer and the upcoming Gold Cup. The episode delves into team dynamics, player performances, and strategic insights, providing listeners with an in-depth analysis of current sports narratives.

Soccer and the Gold Cup Dynamics

Penalty Kicks and Team Performance

The conversation kicks off around the [02:20] mark with Colin Cowherd and soccer analyst Alexi Lalas dissecting the recent Gold Cup match between the United States and Costa Rica. They examine the factors leading to the U.S. team's victory via penalty kicks, despite statistical indications favoring the U.S. during regular playtime.

• Alexi Lalas highlights the unpredictability of soccer:
  “There is a randomness sometimes to hockey and soccer where you can outplay a team and you find yourself trailing” ([02:23]).

• Colin Cowherd acknowledges the U.S. team's superior performance on the day:
  “The US was, for lack of a better phrase, the better team” ([03:10]).

They discuss the significance of possession percentage and shots on goal as metrics for assessing team performance. The episode underscores how penalties serve as a unique equalizer in soccer, often determining outcomes even when one team appears statistically dominant.

Execution in Soccer

Alexi emphasizes the critical role of execution in key moments:
“It's about execution. And the two things to me in soccer that win World Cups is offensive execution and making sure you don't give up cheap goals” ([04:14]).

Colin expands on the skill involved in penalty kicks, disputing the notion that they are merely luck-based:
“Penalties are interesting and... it is a skill. It is a practice skill. It is a necessary skill” ([04:55]).

They commend Matt Free’s exceptional performance as a goalkeeper, noting his multiple saves and contributions to the team's success. Colin attributes Free's performance to both thorough preparation and innate skill:
“...there is a feel that goalkeepers have, and there's tells where the where the foot placement is, where the eyes are...” ([06:35]).

Impact of Coaching and Team Cohesion

The discussion shifts to Mauricio Pochettino's influence as the new coach of the U.S. team. Colin praises Pochettino for establishing himself and fostering team cohesion despite challenges, such as player disputes and external pressures.

• Colin Cowherd remarks on Pochettino’s leadership:
  “He established himself as a new sheriff in town... this team was together through this tournament” ([08:11]).

Alexi notes the potential impact of the coach's strategies on the team’s future, especially with upcoming World Cup preparations:
“If you can't find some joy in that moment, I don't think you're a sports person” ([09:32]).

Player Contributions and World Cup Prospects

Key Players Shaping the Team

The analysts identify standout players who have cemented their places for the upcoming World Cup roster. Tyler Adams and Matt Free emerge as pivotal figures, with Colin acknowledging their contributions and potential starting roles.

• Colin Cowherd on Tyler Adams:
  “He's not untouchable, but given his experience and given his quality. So he's kind of the outlier here” ([11:02]).

• Alexi Lalas adds:
  “Matt Free, Tyler Adams, anyone else from this group... I think we have a philosophy, a brand or a style right now...” ([13:36]).

They discuss Diego Luna and Malik Toman as emerging talents who have impressed during the Gold Cup, suggesting their inclusion in the World Cup squad. Christian Pulisic is also mentioned as a consistently high-performing player, significantly boosting his case for selection.

Philosophy and Future Outlook

Colin elaborates on the team's current philosophy, emphasizing resilience and a raw approach to winning:
“America doesn't give a crap how this U.S. team plays. They care that they win” ([12:34]).

He underscores the importance of integrating new players without relying solely on star power, promoting a culture of collective effort:
“...the work's not over. So we shouldn't, you know, break our arm patting ourselves on the back...” ([13:36]).

Alexi reflects on the momentum gained from the Gold Cup victory, suggesting it will propel the team into a strong position for the World Cup:
“The inertia, the movement. So I do think winning this or at least getting to the finals does matter” ([12:34]).

NFL Segment: Detroit Lions and Player Dynamics

Transitioning to NFL discussions, Colin and Alexi analyze the Detroit Lions' defensive strategies and overall team performance. They debate the effectiveness of the Lions' defense versus their historical offensive prowess, considering recent coaching changes and player departures.

• J. Mac questions the Lions' defensive reliability:
  “The idea that their defense was good last year, hey, we still went 15 to 2. Like that's just not reality.” ([21:26]).

• Alexi Lalas responds by highlighting key defensive players and the impact of coaching:
  “They have two really high-end defensive players... so defensively, if you're not good on the back end...” ([22:32]).

They also touch upon the complexities of maintaining defensive strength in a division with intelligent offensive coordinators, emphasizing the challenges the Lions face in sustaining their performance.

Two-Way Players in the NFL

A notable portion of the episode discusses Travis Hunter's aspirations to become a two-way player in the NFL, playing both wide receiver and cornerback. Colin and Alexi debate the feasibility and potential impact of such a role.

• Matt Hasselbeck expresses skepticism about the practicality:
  “If you're pulling around that corner, I'm gonna test that... I promise you he won't [be a two-way player]” ([24:22]).

• Alexi Lalas counters by highlighting Travis Hunter's exceptional high school performance and potential:
  “I think he may be [a two-way player] and I do think over the course of time athletes get better” ([25:12]).

The conversation delves into the physical and strategic demands of playing dual positions, weighing the rarity and challenges of sustaining performance across both roles throughout an NFL season.

Mount Rushmore of Players

In the concluding segment, Colin and Alexi engage in a light-hearted yet insightful discussion about the "Mount Rushmore" of NBA and WNBA players, as well as rising stars influencing the sport’s landscape.

• Colin Cowherd suggests NBA legends and current stars for his Mount Rushmore:
  “Larry Bird, Michael Jordan, LeBron and probably Kobe” ([34:50]).

• Alexi Lalas emphasizes contemporary impact with players like Caitlin Clark:
  “She not only sold out her shoe line in 10 minutes... she sold out her jersey in one day” ([35:35]).

They explore how emerging talents are revitalizing leagues, attracting investments, and shaping the future of the sport. The discussion highlights Caitlin Clark’s significant influence, drawing parallels to Michael Jordan’s transformative role in globalizing and merchandising the NBA.

Closing Remarks and Hall of Fame Announcement

The episode wraps up with an exciting announcement: Colin Cowherd has been named to the 2025 class of the Radio Hall of Fame, becoming the lone sports representative in this year's ten-person class.

• Colin Cowherd expresses gratitude:
  “I was one of the lucky ones that this is what I wanted to do for a living” ([26:15]).

• Alexi Lalas and J. Mac humorously congratulate him, acknowledging his prime as a radio star and his collaboration with the show.

The hosts conclude by teasing future discussions and encouraging listeners to tune in to live editions of The Herd.

Conclusion

Hour 3 - The Mount Rushmore of Players offers a comprehensive exploration of current sports topics, blending analytical insights with engaging discussions. From the strategic intricacies of soccer's penalty kicks to the evolving dynamics of NFL player roles, the episode provides listeners with a nuanced understanding of the sports landscape. The celebratory announcement of Colin Cowherd’s Hall of Fame induction adds a personal and triumphant note, solidifying the episode's blend of professional analysis and familiar camaraderie.

Notable Quotes:

• "It's about execution. And the two things to me in soccer that win World Cups is offensive execution and making sure you don't give up cheap goals." — Alexi Lalas ([04:14]).

• "The US was, for lack of a better phrase, the better team." — Colin Cowherd ([03:10]).

• "Penalties are interesting and... it is a skill. It is a practice skill. It is a necessary skill." — Colin Cowherd ([04:55]).

• "America doesn't give a crap how this U.S. team plays. They care that they win." — Colin Cowherd ([12:34]).

This detailed summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting key discussions, player analyses, and significant moments, making it a valuable resource for those who did not listen to the original podcast.