Hour 3 - Tomorrow's headlines today

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 3: "Tomorrow's Headlines Today"

Release Date: March 7, 2025

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1. Introduction to the Episode

In the third hour of "Tomorrow's Headlines Today," hosted by Colin Cowherd on "The Herd with Colin Cowherd," listeners are treated to an engaging discussion with Dion Dawkins, a standout left tackle in the NFL. The episode delves into a range of topics, from the intricacies of acting and the importance of writers in cinema to critical analysis of NFL strategies and the often-overlooked role of offensive linemen.

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2. Interview with Dion Dawkins

a. Dion’s Pursuit of Acting ([03:05] - [05:09])

Dion Dawkins shares his burgeoning interest in acting, emphasizing his commitment to honing his craft through acting classes. He articulates a holistic approach to his career, blending athletics with artistic pursuits.

Dion Dawkins ([03:25]): “I'm here learning and getting better, you know, acting classes. You have to learn all of it.”

b. The Importance of Writers in Cinema ([03:44] - [04:00])

Dawkins highlights the pivotal role of writers in the filmmaking process, arguing that without a strong writers' room, the foundation of any production is compromised.

Dion Dawkins ([03:50]): “Without the writers' room, nothing comes in a full play, and those guys are the true winners.”

c. Dion’s Views on Acting Versatility ([04:08] - [05:09])

The conversation shifts to the versatility required in acting. Dawkins aspires to embody multifaceted characters, drawing inspiration from actors like Dave Bautista and Terry Crews who seamlessly transition between tough and comedic roles.

Dion Dawkins ([04:25]): “I kind of want to follow even Terry Crews and Dave Bautista's journey because I enjoy their roles in the world of film.”

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3. Critique of NFL Strategies

a. The Tush Push Play ([05:27] - [07:16])

Colin Cowherd critiques the NFL's continued use of the "tush push" play, questioning its aesthetic appeal and strategic value. Dawkins provides an insider's perspective on the difficulty of executing such plays effectively.

Colin Cowherd ([05:43]): “I don't think aesthetically it's very pleasing.”

Dion Dawkins ([06:14]): “It's a very hard play for a player. You're down there, your head is down. You just have to drive your legs and hit three people at one time.”

b. Importance of Offensive Linemen ([07:16] - [10:34])

The discussion pivots to the significance of offensive linemen, with Dawkins passionately advocating for awards and recognition for linemen, who are crucial in protecting quarterbacks and enabling successful plays.

Dion Dawkins ([07:40]): “For there to be award shows that I enjoy going to, I love these award shows, the ESPYs, the honors, all of it... it kind of hurts because... we don't have nothing to show for it but a nice contract.”

Colin Cowherd ([07:16]): “The NFL needs to have an award for the best offensive lineman.”

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4. Advocacy for Offensive Linemen Recognition

a. Lack of Awards ([07:16] - [10:34])

Dawkins expresses his frustration over the absence of specific awards for offensive linemen, despite their critical contribution to the game. He underscores the disparity in recognition between linemen and other positions like quarterbacks and wide receivers.

Dion Dawkins ([09:05]): “We protect these great athletes like Miles Garrett, Max Crosby, Tre Henderson. We have to block these guys 60 plays a game so Josh can do what he does.”

b. Examples of Overlooked Linemen ([08:20] - [10:34])

He cites examples of exemplary linemen such as Trent Williams and Joe Thomas, who have consistently performed at high levels yet remain underappreciated in mainstream awards.

Dion Dawkins ([09:25]): “Joe Thomas is one of those guys. When I came into the league... it's just like he's the best.”

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5. The Reality of NFL Careers

a. Contract Limitations and Career Uncertainty ([10:34] - [12:00])

The conversation shifts to the precarious nature of NFL careers, highlighting the lack of guaranteed contracts and the constant threat of career-ending injuries. Dawkins emphasizes the importance of preparing for life beyond football, which is why he is pursuing acting.

Dion Dawkins ([11:02]): “It's a different league. Do you think about that? All the times on any given play could be over.”

Dion Dawkins ([11:51]): “It could be snap and it could be over with like I've had a great career, I've been very healthy... anything could happen at any time.”

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6. Personal Anecdotes and Interactions with Celebrities

a. Meeting Celebrities ([17:38] - [19:38])

Colin shares personal stories about encountering celebrities like Tom Cruise and LeBron James, illustrating the challenges of being recognized and the importance of respecting their privacy. Dawkins relates this to Josh Allen's status in Buffalo, where being a superstar makes everyday interactions more complex.

Colin Cowherd ([17:45]): “I walked into a restaurant and Tom Cruise was there with Nicole Kidman... I was on TV at the time.”

Dion Dawkins ([17:30]): “Josh can't just walk into Tim Hortons or Federal Donuts... he can't just do that.”

b. Balancing Fame and Personal Life ([19:35] - [20:28])

They discuss the balance between maintaining personal privacy and the inevitable public attention that comes with being a high-profile athlete or celebrity.

Colin Cowherd ([19:48]): “Next time you come in here, we could do a little Hamlet.”

Dion Dawkins ([20:09]): “I have a lot of fun. I practice and, you know, I'm free. I tell the truth.”

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7. Conclusion

The episode concludes with reflections on the multifaceted lives of athletes, the importance of recognizing all contributors to the sport, and the personal aspirations beyond the gridiron. Colin and Dion encapsulate the essence of balancing professional responsibilities with personal growth and recognition.

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Notable Quotes

• Dion Dawkins ([03:50]): “Without the writers' room, nothing comes in a full play, and those guys are the true winners.”

• Colin Cowherd ([05:43]): “I don't think aesthetically it's very pleasing.”

• Dion Dawkins ([07:40]): “We protect these great athletes like Miles Garrett, Max Crosby, Tre Henderson. We have to block these guys 60 plays a game so Josh can do what he does.”

• Dion Dawkins ([11:51]): “It could be snap and it could be over with like I've had a great career, I've been very healthy... anything could happen at any time.”

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Key Takeaways

• Multidimensional Athletes: Dion Dawkins exemplifies the modern athlete who seeks personal growth beyond sports, emphasizing education and artistic pursuits.

• Recognition for All Roles: There's a pressing need to recognize and honor all positions in sports, particularly those like offensive linemen who are foundational yet often overlooked.

• Career Uncertainty: The NFL's lack of guaranteed contracts underscores the importance of athletes preparing for life after sports due to the inherent risks and uncertainties in their careers.

• Balancing Fame and Privacy: High-profile athletes navigate the delicate balance between public recognition and personal privacy, a common challenge in the entertainment and sports industries.

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This episode of "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" offers a deep dive into the often underappreciated aspects of sports, the personal aspirations of athletes, and the intricate balance between professional obligations and personal growth. Dion Dawkins' insights provide a fresh perspective on the essential roles within the NFL and the broader implications for athlete recognition and career sustainability.

Transcript

[Colin Cowherd]

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[Dion Dawkins]

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[Colin Cowherd]

Learn [e-mail] withamx thanks for listening to the Heard podcast. Be sure to catch us live every weekday on Fox Sports radio and noon to 3 Eastern, 9am to noon Pacific. Find your local station for the [e-mail] or stream us live every day on the iHeartRadio app by searching Fox Sports Radio or FSR.

[Dion Dawkins]

Now let's get this party started.

[Colin Cowherd]

You're listening to Fox Sports Radio, entering his ninth season. One of the great left tackles in sports. Outside of the quarterback, many believe I'm one of them. It's the second most valuable position. His name is Dion Dawkins, who is in Los Angeles and in studio. So you are here for some acting. Is it auditions or roles? What are you in town for?

[Dion Dawkins]

I'm here for a little bit of it all. You know, I'm here learning. I'm here learning and getting better, you know, acting classes. Classes. You know, I'm doing a little bit of all of it. You have to learn all of it. You know, like, I want to be a student of the. The film world. The craft, like, the craft, like understanding that there's a writer's room and understanding that the writers room is honestly the most important room of the entire bit of cinema. Like, without the writers room, nothing comes in a full play, and those guys are the true winners. And then you have the actors which are in front of the screen. But the true work is. Is the gritty gritty of the writers.

[Colin Cowherd]

I tell them, I say this all the time as my wife and I, regardless of who the actors are, will turn on Netflix. We will turn off a show in 10 minutes. If the writing's bad, for sure. If you can't get me good writing in the first 10 minutes, I don't even want to see the middle and the end, regardless of actors.

[Dion Dawkins]

Valid.

[Colin Cowherd]

So you could, by the way, you could be funny guy. You could be tough guy. If I said to you, Persona, which one would you lean into?

[Dion Dawkins]

You know, great question. I would want to be more like, you know, Dave Bautista. You know who Dave Bautista is. He Guardians of Galaxy, you know, army of the Dead, you know, WWE Superstar.

[Colin Cowherd]

They like that personality.

[Dion Dawkins]

Dave Bautista does what he does well. And because he's a larger human, he's able to paint his character well. Because, you know, like, when you get a bigger guy, like, everyone's like, oh, that's gonna be the tough guy in the movie immediately. But, you know, if you. If you invest in your acting classes and if you invest in yourself, I think you have the better chance of doing it all. Where you can be sad, you could be happy, you could be funny, you could be the tough guy, you could be the funny guy. You. You could be the serious cop, or you could be whatever. So, you know, I kind of want to follow even Terry Crews, like. Like Terry Crews and Dave Bautista's Journey because I enjoy their roles in the world of film.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah, you can use a little physicality, but I can't cry. I don't think I can cry. I could never act. I'm a bad. I was in a show. I can't act, but I can't cry on. My life's been too fun. What am I going to cry about? You know, some guys can just break it and cry. I'm like, that's acting.

[Dion Dawkins]

Yeah, I feel that. That's true.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah. So the way your season ended. 13 minutes left, first down. Josh Allen don't get the call. And I think the world was. The country was rooting for Buffalo. So there's a lot of talk. I criticized Buffalo. I said, okay, how many times you gonna run this play? Philadelphia does a tush push. It always works. Josh Allen usually works. It didn't. What do you make of the whole tush push? I don't think aesthetically it's very pleasing. Yeah, I like. And by the way. And the NFL has done this over and over again. Pat is boring. Change it. I mean, that NFL kickoff's boring. Change it. I think the tush push is boring. Yeah, but it's hard to ban because it is the quarterback sneak. Where do you land on it?

[Dion Dawkins]

You know, as a player, tush pushes and QB sneaks and all that stuff. It's very hard. It's a very hard play for a player. It's a very hard play for a player. You know, you're down there, your head is down. You just have to kind of just drive your legs and. And hit three people at one time. Like, it's very hard thing to do. But it's so weird because we play a game of. Of inches, right? Like, what's the best play to get an inch? The touch push. What's the best play to get a yard? Maybe a cubic sneak. And it's hard to take it out or it's hard to change it because it's so necessary in the game. Because sometimes you just need to fall forward and get the first down.

[Colin Cowherd]

Well, I mean, most close games are decided by a third or fourth and one for sure. They really are situational football. The super bowl we watched is not the Super Bowl. That's not. I mean, in the 80s, you had blowouts, but generally speaking, it's a drive, it's a play, it's a moment.

[Dion Dawkins]

Yes.

[Colin Cowherd]

You brought up the idea. You're on the forefront front. And you said, you know what? The NFL needs to have an award for the best offensive lineman. And in my life over the last 10 years, I've never talked more about o lineman. Because as the Quarterback has become more essential. Who's protecting him? Left tackles now make what quarterbacks used to. Have you talked to the commissioner about this?

[Dion Dawkins]

Seems like everybody wants to know this, but yes, of course. Just like how you talk to the commish about anything else. Like, oh, we're playing in Greece. Oh, we're playing in Brazil. Oh, we're playing in London. Oh, we're playing overseas. Like, yes, you have the conversations, you see if it's really a thing, and then you go through the course of. All right, this is going to be a real thing, and it's going to be a real thing. It is going to be a real thing. It's going to happen. It should have been happened years ago, but, you know, it takes certain people to bring light to it, to make it relevant. And I'm blessed and thankful that I was one of those people and am one of those people and is the person that has brought the light to it and advocates for it and talks about it consistently over and over and over so people don't forget. Because as a lineman, me, I protect the most valuable player in the NFL, as well as my guard, my center, my right guard and my right tackle. And for there to be award shows that I enjoy going to, I love these award shows, the ESPYs, the honors, all of it, like, it's super cool. I get to put my outfits on and just be me, right? And then to sit there and then listen to all the awards that go down that list. You got the rushing title, you got the sack title, you have the passing title, you have the most valuable player, you have all this, like, rookie of the year, like, defensive offensive rookie, like Trent Williams could have never been the, the offensive rookie, like, of the year, but he could have because he's the best athlete on the field. And for us to sit there and then look at the stage and there's never a column for there to be anything for the big boys. You know, it kind of hurts because, you know, I've been in this for nine years now, and it's like I kind of want a trophy on my, on my, on my mantle. You know, Trent Williams needs a trophy on his mantle. You know, like some of these OGs, like Wentworth and, and, and. And all of the, Even the ones back in the day, like Joe Thomas. Like, some people know Joe Thomas as the, as the guy in the. Behind the microphone, but Joe Thomas is one of those guys. When I came into the league, you know, they were telling me to set, like Joe Thomas, go vertical, and it's just like he's the best. All right, cool. Tell me about him. And with those awards they like people can search the history of who was the MVP and before Josh Allen and then it's like oh, all right, he's. I like that. But for the linemen like we're just like oh he was the good, he was a good pass blocker. Come on now like the games matter. Like we gotta protect these great athletes like Miles Garrett, Max Crosby, Tre Henderson. Like we have to block these guys 60 plays a game so Josh can do what he does. You know we do that consistently year and year and year and you know, we don't have nothing to show for it but know a beautiful contract which comes. But you know it's, it's the like we all want the ring, right?

[Colin Cowherd]

The ring is something, you know one, it's interesting this week the Rams said, you know, Cooper Cup's not going to be here long and Joey Bosa got cut and Devonte Adams is looking for a team and Aaron Rodgers. This is not the NBA, it's not baseball with 10 year contracts, it's not the NBA with all that guaranteed money. It's a different league. Do you think about that? All the times on any given play could be over. One shot to the knee, your whole career could be over. Do you think about that?

[Dion Dawkins]

I think about it all the time and that's why in a lot of realism of it, that's why we started off with taking acting classes.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah.

[Dion Dawkins]

Coming here, doing what you got to do because at any point in time, you know, it could snap and it could be over with like I've had a great career, I've been, you know, knock on wood, I've been, I've been very healthy. Right. And I can. Anything could happen at any time and I understand it. But yes, it is very noticeable. We think about it and it's reality of the sport that we play and you know, that's why it's kind of weird like why we're not fully like guaranteed our contracts because we are gladiators but who knows, you know I'm a player, I'm thankful for the position I'm in, I'm thankful for what has happened in my life. But yes, it could be open over just like that.

[Colin Cowherd]

When the season ends, how many weeks before you feel like the guy on the street, like you wake up, there's no soreness.

[Dion Dawkins]

Never.

[Colin Cowherd]

You haven't. Never.

[Dion Dawkins]

Doesn't happen. It doesn't happen.

[Colin Cowherd]

No, the whole off season, I mean.

[Dion Dawkins]

Like you towards I would say right before camp starts, you like, you kind of feel good. But then as soon as you get hit the first time, it comes back. Like it's, it's just like, bro, it's just like not eating. Like, it's just like going on a health diet, right? And it's about to be a crazy analogy. It's, it's like you go on a health diet, you don't eat meat and you're just like salads and lettuce and then you eat a burger and then it's just like, and then your body just starts going crazy. Like that's that, like that's what happens. And as a football player, you, that's why, what makes a football player so special because we battle through that every single day, every single game, every, every single time you wake up, you got the slow start out the bed stretch and then you're like, all right, here we go. And then it, and then it goes. But it's, it's a tough world, but I enjoy it. You know, Gladiator, I got big calves. I work out. Will Greenberg is, is the, is the head guy in Buffalo and he keeps me right.

[Colin Cowherd]

Be sure to catch live editions of.

[J. Mac]

The Herd, weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am.

[Colin Cowherd]

Pacific on Fox Sports Radio, FS1 and the iHeartRadio app.

[Dion Dawkins]

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[Colin Cowherd]

Can catch every moment.

[Dion Dawkins]

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[Colin Cowherd]

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[J. Mac]

Make some noise for the greatest shooter of all time, Steph Curry. We went live from All Star Weekend for a new podcast called Goat Greatest of Their Era and we ranked our top five shooters from the 2000s.

[Dion Dawkins]

Peja 5 Dirk Ford. Peja is a okay, okay. I'm mad him I left him off my list, but I still like my list.

[J. Mac]

You won't believe who Steph left off his list.

[Dion Dawkins]

That's so tough. That's why we have these conversations.

[J. Mac]

Yes, absolutely. Love it. Steph talked about what separates the truly elite NBA shooters when you have a.

[Dion Dawkins]

Scouting report and you're on the list as not just a shooter, but we have specific rules for how we guard you. There's a fear factor that's associated with anytime you're wide open. Like you might as well just count that and get on back on defense.

[J. Mac]

Listen to Goat G o T e Greatest of their era on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Colin Cowherd]

I think I may have asked you this before. We'll end it on this and tell a story. Is that Buffalo? My wife used to work in sort of that northern jet stream, Minneapolis, Buffalo, Boston. And she always said Buffalo has the nicest people, but it is a small town. Can Josh Allen go out and be ever unbothered? What is it like to be Josh?

[Dion Dawkins]

I'm sorry? I mean, well, nobody know what it's like to be Josh. He's an mvp, you know I'm saying he is.

[Colin Cowherd]

It's different ball game, but it is.

[Dion Dawkins]

It is a different ball game and you Know, Josh is a superstar. He's a celebrity. Josh is Josh. He's done great things on the field, which has made him so recognizable off and in Buffalo, because it's smaller than the regular big city.

[Colin Cowherd]

Right.

[Dion Dawkins]

You know, Josh can't just walk into Tim Hortons or to Federal Donuts or, like. Or to any of these places. Like, he can't just do that, you know? And I wouldn't want him to. I wouldn't, like, want him to. I would want to go with him to protect him, but he just can't because of the greatness that he's done. You know, it'll be a lot of love. It won't be nothing bad. It'll be a lot of love. And sometimes, you know, he just wants to just chill. And I remember be out the way.

[Colin Cowherd]

When I lived in Vegas, I walked into a restaurant and Tom Cruise was there with Nicole Kidman.

[Dion Dawkins]

Wow.

[Colin Cowherd]

Now Tom had his back. It was. In fact, it was the Barbary coast, and it was Michael's. It was a great restaurant. I thought was the best restaurant in town for years. I don't even know if it exists. Barbary Coast. It was Michael, and I remember. And I was on TV at the time, and I. So I knew what it was like to be at least recognized. And I could not take my eyes off the back of Tom Cruise. And I'm like, and I. And I. And I at the time, I'm not one of those people. I would never, ever pester a famous person. I mean, I was one time. I think I told you this, J. Mac. I was one time in a theater, and LeBron James was there. And out of respect, I wanted to say hi, but I wouldn't go over to him. I'm like, if LeBron comes over, of course not going to bother LeBron James. And somebody I was with said, well, go say hi. I'm like, I'm not gonna bother LeBron. He just wants to watch a movie.

[Dion Dawkins]

That's how Buffalo is to an extent. Okay?

[Colin Cowherd]

So they don't.

[Dion Dawkins]

That's how Buffalo is.

[Colin Cowherd]

Okay. That's why I asked the question.

[Dion Dawkins]

Yes.

[Colin Cowherd]

That is such earnest, nice people.

[Dion Dawkins]

That is Buffalo to an extent. But you know how you feel right now that you have that. That. That, like, that good guy in you where you're like, I'm gonna leave him alone.

[Colin Cowherd]

I'm taking my eyes off Tom. I was like, that's Tom Cruise. I tried to eat my pasta, but.

[Dion Dawkins]

It'S just something about it. It's just something about the person. It's just something about the person that overly pulls it out where you're like, oh, my God. That's. That's. That's the back of Josh Allen's head. You know, I'm gonna keep staring. Hey. Like, that's how it is. People want to be that, and they are that at times, too. But for a guy like Josh, like, it's very rare that. That. That you'll catch it out. So a lot of people are like, I hate to do this, but I gotta.

[Colin Cowherd]

No, I understand. I mean, I mean, if you're in Buffalo and you're a pipe fitter and you work your butt off all year and it's snowing after the year, and you'll run into Josh at maybe the only time in your life I get a guy wanting a selfie.

[Dion Dawkins]

Yeah.

[Colin Cowherd]

Wants to show his son or something. I get it. I got no problem with it.

[Dion Dawkins]

If I seen Josh out, I would. I would ask him for a selfie, too.

[Colin Cowherd]

Why not?

[Dion Dawkins]

Right? Go ahead, Delilah Dillon, take a picture with that guy.

[Colin Cowherd]

IPhone in the huddle. Okay. Acting. I think you'd be good in a rom com.

[Dion Dawkins]

Rom com.

[Colin Cowherd]

Next time you come in here, we could do a little Hamlet.

[Dion Dawkins]

Okay.

[Colin Cowherd]

Because my mom's from Britain, so I can get very snobby very quick.

[Dion Dawkins]

I love it.

[Colin Cowherd]

I can do ought thou very quick. And we'll play long.

[Dion Dawkins]

I'm with it.

[Colin Cowherd]

Okay. You with it?

[Dion Dawkins]

I'm with it.

[Colin Cowherd]

It's great seeing you. You have a podcast if people want to listen. Where do they go?

[Dion Dawkins]

You know, I don't have a podcast.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yet, but I do have the podcast room.

[Dion Dawkins]

I do have my podcast room in Buffalo. And, you know, it's just. It's just snow TV. So if you go on, like, YouTube and type in snow shnow TV, I'll pop up and all of my stuff is there. But I have a lot of fun. I practice and, you know, I'm free. I tell the truth.

[Colin Cowherd]

Good seeing you, man.

[Dion Dawkins]

Yes, sir.

[Colin Cowherd]

J. Mac with the news.

[J. Mac]

No, no, no.

[Dion Dawkins]

Turn on the news. This is the Herd line News.

[J. Mac]

All right, Mr. Cowherd, let's get started. With Lamar Jackson coming off an incredible season, actually his best statistically as a passer, even though he did not win the MVP that went to Deion's teammate, the great Josh Allen. On a recent podcast appearance, Ravens OC Todd Monkin says his quarterback is just getting started the year that he had.

[Colin Cowherd]

And I still think he's just scratching the surface of really where he's headed.

[J. Mac]

And it may not statistically show up that way.

[Colin Cowherd]

But I just know he's. He's only scratched the surface in terms of, you know, not as an athlete, not smart, throwing the football, progressing. Word.

[J. Mac]

You know, all those things that he.

[Colin Cowherd]

Always knew he was capable of, but now he really. He always thought that way, but now it's really starting to come around. Yeah. I mean, I'll just say, go look at Lamar Jackson against winning teams, playoff teams.

[J. Mac]

Here we go. You're the one bashing and not me.

[Colin Cowherd]

No, I Just. Bashing.

[J. Mac]

Just the facts. He's only 28. Colin.

[Colin Cowherd]

Just super, super young, super.

[J. Mac]

Two MVP awards.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah.

[J. Mac]

Tough to find a parallel for Lamar Jackson. He's been tremendous.

[Colin Cowherd]

You could argue he's a better version than Michael Vick, where he's the most electric, athletic quarterback in the league, but he. I think he came in. I don't know.

[J. Mac]

I just think Vic was like, number one pick. Major, big time.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah. I think Lamar's got a little more chip on his shoulder. And also, he also came to a great organization.

[J. Mac]

Yeah.

[Colin Cowherd]

I mean, Michael felt like for a while he was carrying Atlanta, like Lamar fit into Baltimore.

[J. Mac]

I mean, again, if Mark Andrews holds on to a football, we're maybe having a different discussion. I don't. I don't know if they wouldn't win against the Chiefs in Arrowhead. I don't know. Lamar's been great. There's no denying it. Just the postseason keeps coming up a little bit short. Next up, is the Chargers officially releasing Joey Bosa after nine seasons with the team? Now everybody's speculating, where's he gonna land next? Well, of course, folks are thinking that he could play with his brother Nick on the defensive line in San Francisco. They did both go to Ohio State, but they missed each other by a season. So technically, they haven't played together since high school. Colin, the Bosa brothers on the Niners defensive line, that would be kind of impressive, but is it a good use of cap space for the.

[Colin Cowherd]

No, it's not. Listen, he has been a good player, but Khalil Mack has largely outplayed him and stayed healthier. And so they had to make a choice. Last year, they got rid of both their star receivers. This year, I thought last year they could move off Bosa. It happens. He's had a great career. He'll land somewhere else. But, you know, the. The Boses of both, they play with a relentless energy. They get dinged up, and one brother stayed a little healthier. And that's the way it works.

[J. Mac]

It feels like the Niners, their defensive Line kind of hasn't been great the last couple years. It's starting to erode.

[Colin Cowherd]

Remember a few.

[J. Mac]

When they went to the super bowl in Miami, we were there. That was a tremendous defense. They were amazing all season. I. I didn't see an unbelievable defense this season. Maybe it's just getting, like you said, getting old. Pass rush not as formidable as it used to be. Final story comp to the NBA. Were your Cleveland Cavaliers. Yes, I'm starting that. Your Cleveland Cavaliers became the first team to officially clinch a playoff berth. That was. That came Wednesday. And this big loudmouth who also played pretty decent basketball in his time, Charles Barkley now says the Cleveland Cavaliers are going to the Finals. Of course he does.

[Colin Cowherd]

The Cleveland Cavaliers are going to the Finals.

[J. Mac]

The Celtics.

[Colin Cowherd]

That's going to be a great series.

[J. Mac]

That they play, the Celtics.

[Dion Dawkins]

But right now, I'm telling y'all, and I told you to book it last week, the Cleveland Cavaliers are going to the NBA Finals.

[Colin Cowherd]

Let me tell you something. If you watch the NBA and I cherry pick. Right. I watch the big national TV games or I'll be on the treadmill. If you cherry pick. This team does everything well. They can score front court, hit threes. Mitchell's great. Mitchell's been a good player for a long time.

[J. Mac]

He's excellent.

[Colin Cowherd]

He was great in Utah. He's great in Cleveland. I think it's almost like he's getting better. Mobley gets better every time you see him. Darius Garland's a good player. Defensive liability a bit, but they got size. They're like Boston. They don't have a hole.

[J. Mac]

Right.

[Colin Cowherd]

They just don't. Boston and Cleveland don't have a hole. I like the Lakers. I mean, Jackson Hayes is fun, but they don't really have. They don't really have a rim protector. Oklahoma City, to me, feels a little young to win the title.

[J. Mac]

I just saw a stat. Oklahoma City's average starters are 24 years old.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah.

[J. Mac]

I mean, and Auburn, the number two team in college basketball, their average starters are 23 years old. Like, they are young.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah, Cleveland, but Cleveland's not as young. So Donovan Mitchell's a star and he's been a star in this league for like seven, eight years.

[J. Mac]

Yeah. The one thing about Cleveland I love is their flexibility. They can play two bigs. Yeah, they can play one big. They got three point shooters.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah.

[J. Mac]

There is a bit of a weakness defending the wing, which Boston has heavily. But Hunter, DeAndre Hunter is very good.

[Colin Cowherd]

I know.

[J. Mac]

I mean, they can't guard Brown and Tatum.

[Colin Cowherd]

No, I mean, they picked him. I mean that's, it's amazing. Some of these NBA teams are good. The fact that Boston can add Drew Holiday and Porzingis, I don't even think there's an argument. These are the two best teams that are built for May and June. Oklahoma City may be the best team today, but they are so young. And NBA history tells you outside of the bubble year, young team shrink on the road in big games. Even really good players. LeBron early in his career there was a couple of games and a big playoff series on the road. He didn't play as well.

[J. Mac]

Derrick White and Jrue Holiday, the best defensive backcourt the league can shut down. Mitchell and. And Garland. That's going to be a real.

[Colin Cowherd]

And by the way, Garland is a bit of a defensive liability and that's probably the series. I'll go.

[J. Mac]

Boston 4 2.

[Colin Cowherd]

I would go. I think it's a. I think it's.

[J. Mac]

A great NBA game seven in what, Akron or wherever they the stadium.

[Colin Cowherd]

No, that. That's, you know, for the NBA's dead crowd. If the Cavs end up against the Celtics, that is going to be the best series. To me, that'll be the best series in the NBA playoffs. Easter West.

[J. Mac]

I think Nick Knicks Celtics would have more pop.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah. But Boston's gonna run through them probably.

[J. Mac]

Yes.

[Dion Dawkins]

Yeah.

[Colin Cowherd]

J. Maclean News.

[J. Mac]

Well, that's the news. And thanks for stopping by the Herd lie news.

[Colin Cowherd]

J. Mac has got his tomorrow's headlines today. Next, be sure to catch live editions.

[J. Mac]

Of the Herd, weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am Pacific.

[Colin Cowherd]

Hey, Steve Covino and I'm Rich Davis and together we're Covino and Rich on Fox Sports Radio. You can catch us weekdays from 5 to 7pm Eastern, 2 to 4 Pacific, on Fox Sports Radio. And of course, the iHeartRadio app. Why should you listen to Covino and Rich? We talk about everything. Life, sports, relationships, what's going on in the world. We have a lot of fun talking about the stories behind the stories in the world of sports and pop culture. Stories that, well, other shows don't seem to have the time to discuss. And the fact that we've been friends for the last 20 years and still work together, I mean, that says something, right? So check us out. We like to get you involved, too. Take your phone calls, chop it up, as they say. I'd say the most interactive show on Fox Sports Radio, maybe the most interactive show on planet Earth. Be sure to check out Covino and Rich live on Fox Sports radio and the iHeartradio app from 5 to 7pm Eastern, 2 to 4 Pacific and if you miss any of the live show, just search Covino and Rich wherever you get your podcasts. And of course on social media, that's Covino and Rich.

[Dion Dawkins]

It's the last game of the season and with amex you can save time with card member entrances as select venues and go straight to the action so you can catch every moment. That's the powerful backing of American Express. Terms Apply. Learn more@american express.com with AmEx you can.

[Colin Cowherd]

Count on T Mobile to help keep you connected from big cities to small towns on America's largest 5G network. Switch the T Mobile keep your phone and they'll pay it off up to 800 bucks per line via prepaid card. Learn more@t mobile.com Keep and switch up to four lines via virtual prepaid card. Allow 15 days qualifying unlock device credit service port in 90 plus days with device and eligible carrier and timely redemption required. Cart has no cash access and expires in six months make some noise for.

[J. Mac]

The greatest shooter of all time, Steph Curry. We went live from All Star Weekend for a new podcast called Go Greatest of Their Era and we ranked our top five shooters from the 2000s.

[Dion Dawkins]

Peja 5 Dirk Ford. Peja is a okay, okay.

[Colin Cowherd]

I'm mad him.

[Dion Dawkins]

I left him off my list, but I still like my list.

[J. Mac]

You won't believe who Steph left off his list.

[Dion Dawkins]

That's so tough. That's why we have these conversations.

[J. Mac]

Yes, absolutely. Love it. Steph talked about what separates the truly elite NBA shooters when you have a.

[Dion Dawkins]

Scouting report and you're on the list as not just a shooter, but we have specific rules for how we guard you. There's a fear factor that's associated with anytime you're wide open. Like you might as well just count that and get on back on defense.

[J. Mac]

Listen to Goat G o t e Greatest of their era on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. We live in a divided country.

[Colin Cowherd]

I am a lifelong Republican with all kinds of different people. You know, I'm a mother, I'm a grandmother.

[J. Mac]

That's why we started the Middle with Jeremy Hobson. It's about bringing voices not from the extremes, but from the vast middle into the national conversation. Anna, I'm calling from Las Vegas. Each week we bring together an All Star panel. Mark Cuban, so great to have you on the middle. Thanks for having me.

[Colin Cowherd]

Jeremy Neil Degrasse Tyson, welcome to the Middle.

[Dion Dawkins]

Thanks for having me.

[J. Mac]

And hear from ordinary Americans from all over the country on the most important issues.

[Dion Dawkins]

Hi, my name is Venkat.

[Colin Cowherd]

I'm calling you from Atlanta, Georgia.

[J. Mac]

And when you subscribe to the Middle, you also get an episode each week called One Thing Trump did that focuses on just one item from the avalanche of news.

[Dion Dawkins]

We should be examining what our government spends its money on and are these jobs necessary and what are we doing here? But that doesn't seem to be what we're doing in this situation.

[Colin Cowherd]

Listen to the Middle with Jeremy Hobson.

[J. Mac]

On the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Colin Cowherd]

Well, fresh off the combine, a lot of chatter about who's going to end up where in the NFL. So we've been doing this for years. The former newspaper guy, he wrote headlines for a living. Let's not waste any time. Tomorrow's headlines today, J. Mac, what will the draft headline be for Shadour Sanders, Deion's son?

[J. Mac]

So, Colin, you and I don't like this smear campaign that's happening.

[Colin Cowherd]

We don't.

[J. Mac]

Regarding Shador Sanders, I don't know what the reasoning for it is, but I'm a full believer he's going to deliver. The headline will be not throwing any shade or Brown's offense suddenly Sunny. I think he goes there and thrives. They move on from the desean Watson area, which has just been a complete debacle since he arrived. Now he's coming off the Achilles. I don't see a world where they pass on a quarterback here. When are you going to be picking second again? Even if you can pick apart Deshaun Watson's career and say he's been terrible.

[Colin Cowherd]

They have an offensive coach, Stefanski, who's very good with pocket quarterbacks, 100%.

[J. Mac]

I think Sanders, he's, he didn't play well against pressure. There's a lot of numbers out there. Warren Sharp posted him under pressure should door. Sanders was pretty awful. But Colorado's offensive line was never good. It's not like they had a ton.

[Colin Cowherd]

Of no run game.

[J. Mac]

Yeah, they had nothing. So I think he goes to Cleveland and thrives. I'm all in on shadow to Cleveland.

[Colin Cowherd]

Tomorrow's headlines today. What about the talent at the gifted Cam Ward?

[J. Mac]

All right, well, listen, Cam Ward is got to go number one overall, right? We all, we all believe that. However, you have made the New England Patriots your hot team. You love them going to the playoffs. Well, Colin, the headline for Cam Ward will be Cool Cam and collected Titans rip rookie wild card pack. Yes, I have Tennessee with Cam Ward being in Wild card contention. There's. If you look at this roster, Colin, strangely, they have players in good spots. Yes, I'm a believer in Callahan. I think they can turn it around. Ward is instantly going to make them.

[Colin Cowherd]

Well, we've seen Washington and Houston do it in a year. I, I don't. I think this is one of your smarter picks.

[J. Mac]

And Will Levitz, if you look last year, he literally gave four games away just by horrific interceptions and timing. Remember that Bears game early on, he's just vomiting the football up. You, you upgrade at quarterback and then if you're able to fix that offensive line just a little, I think this team is in contention. 8, 9 wins for a wild card spot.

[Colin Cowherd]

Tomorrow's headlines today, headline for the gifted Travis Hunter, receiver corner. Who knows?

[J. Mac]

You in on him being a generational talent or just.

[Colin Cowherd]

No, but a really good player.

[J. Mac]

With you, Travis Hunter, he's going to have an impact. The headline will be new Bling Land Pats double up on Drip. Everybody loves Travis Hunter. Endless. And the skill is there. I think we agree situationally he could play some defense for the Patriots, but his need is on offense. Him and Drake may and maybe they go out and get devonte Adams in free agency. There are some decent receivers on the market. I think there's a world where, like you said, the Patriots are much better. My jets finish in the cellar. Patriots win six, seven games and you start to see, oh, Drake Bacon play. Travis Hunter's really good. Is he going to be a top 10 receiver in the league? I doubt it. But could he have a Puka Nukua type impact? Remember when Puka went to the Rams? He was excellent. I think that could be Travis Hunter in New England.

[Colin Cowherd]

All right, this. I can't wait for this one. Tomorrow's headlines today, who's going to be the winner in the draft? I mean, Niners have 12 picks.

[J. Mac]

So, you know, we were talking about it with the producers and I had kind of. This is a little gimmicky. I know you don't love gimmicks. However, the winner in the draft. The headline will be how the tables have turned. Bill's trade makes mafia mind manners. Miles Garrett, I believe, will be traded to the Buffalo Bills. Now, I was talking with Dion Dawkins during the commercial. You heard it. There is a lot of momentum in Buffalo. Go get Myles Garrett. Go get him. We got a late first round pick. Sure we could find somebody good. We're on the cusp of a Super Bowl. We've got the mvp. We nearly beat the Chiefs In Arrowhead. Why can't we just trade for Miles Garrett? Go. Give up the first round pick, Give up whatever else you have to have, and you get Miles Garrett. I'm just telling you, Colin, you add Miles Garrett to that defense. Oh, my God. Buffalo's got everything. Where's the weakness? Find the weakness.

[Colin Cowherd]

Well, if you, you know, if you want to change outcomes, sometimes you have to change directions. And Miles Garrett on that edge is the kind of player that can make a play. And you beat Kansas City. At this point, it's about beating Kansas City. Let's be honest. In that division, it's going to be Brady in New England. You're one of the division with Josh.

[J. Mac]

12, 13 games.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah, that's not what we're worried about. Can you beat Kansas City? How special player? Because they got a special coach and a special quarterback. You need a special.

[J. Mac]

And we 150 million people just watched the Eagles bum rush Patrick Mahomes in the Super Bowl. Hey, how can we do that? Oh, Miles Garrett, come on down. I like it.

[Colin Cowherd]

Finally, tomorrow's headlines today. How about the headline for the loser in the draw?

[J. Mac]

Oh, boy.

[Dion Dawkins]

We.

[J. Mac]

We beat this team up probably too much. We do or you do you Mostly the headline will be when you wish upon a star. Playoffs start to feel so far. I'm sorry, Dallas, It's. It's not happening. I'm seeing a lot of like, we need Ashton Genti, guys. You need way more than Ashton Genti in the draft. If you're Dallas, obviously you got Micah Parsons. You got to sign him. Can you trade down and get more picks? They need. They have so many holes on this roster.

[Colin Cowherd]

I would trade out of the first round if it was possible. They need 10 picks and try to hit on six.

[J. Mac]

And like you said, there's like seven or eight running backs who are going to go in the top two rounds, maybe top three. And it's like, why do we need to get Genty at 12? We get more picks, get an offensive lineman. You know, Zach Martin's now gone. The defense has some holes. I don't see a wide receiver number two. Like, what are they doing? Colin Schottenheimer's head coach. I don't like Dallas at all. I think they're going into the draft from a position of weakness. I don't know if they can turn it around. I don't trust Jerry at this point.

[Colin Cowherd]

No, I mean, it's. I don't either. I think. I think fans have gotten much smarter. Like, fans now talk offensive line play and fans really pay attention to the guys upstairs. And when you watch the Rams rebuild or the Eagles or the Lions, it's like, you know what the guys upstairs, you can only do so much. If that's all messed up, you've got limitations. So, J. Mac, what a week. I will say this, it is amazing. Between Ohtani to the Dodgers and Luca to the Lakers and Butler to the warriors, it is remarkable what one big move can it can pendulum swing a sport. And baseball felt so big last year. At the end of the year, haven't.

[J. Mac]

You always had to take like if you go west, you start businesses, you're risk taking.

[Colin Cowherd]

Well, I think all three of those moves were west coast team, east coast people. There's always somebody, you know, if somebody in the family moves west from east, they may be seen as the black sheep, but they tend to be more entrepreneurial than maybe their brothers and sisters. You know, the West, I always said this. In the west you chase your dreams often in the east you chase your grandparents or your parents dreams for you. The wet. The west is big states, fewer people, a lot of opportunity, a lot of sunshine. We'll see you Monday, sir. This is Nikki Glaser from the Nikki Glaser Podcast. On a more serious note, I'm still thinking about that commercial with Tom Brady and Snoop Dogg hating on each other. Because when you listen to the reasons for hating someone or something, you realize just how stupid they really are. There is too much hate in this country and it's gotta stop. So join us at iHeart in standing up to it. If you see hate, speak up, call it out, and you can learn more by following. Hat'supwithhate.

[J. Mac]

Make some noise for the greatest shooter of all time, Steph Curry. We went live from All Star Weekend for a new podcast called Go Greatest of Their Era. And we ranked our top five shooters from the 2000s.

[Dion Dawkins]

PEJA 5 Dirk Ford. Asia is a lite.

[J. Mac]

You won't believe who Steph left off his list.

[Dion Dawkins]

That's so tough. That's why we have these conversations.

[J. Mac]

Yes, absolutely.

[Dion Dawkins]

Love it.

[J. Mac]

Listen to Go T e Greatest of Their era on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. What's up, everyone? It's Greg Rosenthal and I'm teaming up with the king of spring, Daniel Jeremiah. He requires me to say that we're going to be bringing you 40s and free agents, the only podcast you'll need this NFL draft season. From DJs, mock drafts to my top 101 free agents will have it covered for you with all new episodes every Thursday, keeping you up to date as we head to the NFL Draft. Listen to 40s and free agents starting on March 6th on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcast.

[Dion Dawkins]

What's up everyone?

[Colin Cowherd]

Julie Swerbinks here, along with former NHL player Nate Thompson. We're doing a new podcast together. Here we go. The name Energy Line with Nate and jsb.

[Dion Dawkins]

Each week we'll get together and talk about hockey life. All topics are fair game, right? Exactly. And you'll never know who will drop.

[Colin Cowherd]

By to join us.

[Dion Dawkins]

Julie is pretty well connected. She has text threads going that you wouldn't believe.

[Colin Cowherd]

Listen to Energy Line with Nate and jsb on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.