Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 3: Will Blackmon Joins The Herd

Episode Information:

• Title: Hour 3 - Will Blackmon Joins The Herd
• Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
• Release Date: February 27, 2025
• Description: In this episode, Colin Cowherd welcomes former NFL player Will Blackmon to "The Herd," where they delve into a variety of sports topics, ranging from underrated movies to intricate NFL dynamics.

1. Welcoming Will Blackmon

The episode kicks off with Colin Cowherd introducing Will Blackmon, a former NFL player with 12 years of experience. The chemistry between the two hosts is evident as they engage in light-hearted banter before diving into deeper discussions.

2. Underrated Movies Discussion

Timestamp [03:14] – [26:31]

Colin and Will transition into a conversation about underrated movies, sharing their personal favorites and debating their rankings.

• Colin Cowherd expresses his appreciation for classic sports films, stating, “Hoosiers is arguably the greatest sports movie of all time.”

• Will Blackmon introduces his list, highlighting “Dead Calm” as the number one overlooked movie, asking, “Have you ever seen Dead Calm?” (03:37). He later expands, stating, “40 year old virgin is the most underrated comedy of my life” (25:58).

• The hosts debate the merits of other films, with Colin suggesting “Rocky” and “Moneyball” as top contenders, while Will emphasizes his preference for “Moneyball” as the best sports movie ever, followed by “Rocky” and “Hoosiers” (26:25).

• They humorously critique comedies like “Caddyshack” and “Rudy,” showcasing their differing tastes but mutual respect for each other’s opinions (26:15 – 26:31).

Notable Quote:

Will Blackmon [25:58]: “40 year old virgin is the most underrated comedy of my life.”

3. NFL Facilities and Free Agency

Timestamp [04:18] – [07:58]

The discussion shifts to the importance of team facilities in attracting free agents.

• Will Blackmon questions Cincinnati’s NFL team, stating, “I don't know how in the world Cincinnati got an F on food. I have no idea how bad the food is” (04:18).

• Colin Cowherd responds by emphasizing the overall vibe and facility quality: “It helps just in terms of like, just the vibe” (05:26).

• They reference personal experiences, with Colin recalling his time with the Cowboys: “When I worked with the Cowboys last year... Everything was awesome there” (05:37).

• The conversation touches on Green Bay’s facilities and market challenges, highlighting that good facilities alone may not be enough to attract top talent (05:46).

Notable Quote:

Colin Cowherd [05:26]: “It helps just in terms of like, just the vibe.”

4. Raiders vs. Rams: The Matt Stafford Scenario

Timestamp [07:00] – [10:34]

A significant portion of the episode revolves around the potential acquisition of quarterback Matt Stafford by the Las Vegas Raiders and its implications for the Los Angeles Rams.

• Will Blackmon raises a hypothetical scenario: “If Brady took him skiing up in Montana. Does that matter?” (07:58).

• Colin Cowherd emphasizes Stafford’s prowess, stating, “...like Matt Stafford in terms of what they can do with the football. Just lights out” (08:06).

• They discuss the strategic moves of the Raiders hiring Pete Carroll to reset the team culture, with Colin asserting, “...you truly need someone who is going to come in there and completely reset the culture. And there isn't really anyone who does that better than him” (07:58).

• The dialogue also touches on the respect Stafford commands among elite quarterbacks, mentioning interactions with Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers (08:49).

• The conversation explores the potential impact on the Rams, highlighting Sean McVay’s relationship with Aaron Rodgers and the synergy they share.

Notable Quote:

Colin Cowherd [07:58]: “You truly need someone who is going to come in there and completely reset the culture. And there isn't really anyone who does that better than him.”

5. NFL Combine Insights and Player Versatility

Timestamp [10:34] – [18:45]

Will and Colin delve into the intricacies of the NFL Combine, focusing on player versatility and the challenges of positional changes.

• Will Blackmon praises Travis Hunter from Colorado, noting his dual-threat capability as a defensive back and receiver: “Many people may not know this. You tried out a little receiver at Boston College” (11:13).

• Colin Cowherd shares his own Combine experience, highlighting the rigorous testing and unexpected challenges: “I had nothing left. The doctors crushed my shoulders. It was crazy” (12:27).

• The hosts discuss notable Combine performances, including Vernon Davis and Marcus Colston, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and specialization in player evaluations.

• They reflect on the differences between football and basketball in terms of player development and scouting, with Colin noting, “When you look at the Raiders going after possibly going after Stafford...” (12:45).

Notable Quote:

Will Blackmon [11:13]: “Many people may not know this. You tried out a little receiver at Boston College.”

6. Sports Management and Front Office Dynamics

Timestamp [22:30] – [24:19]

The conversation shifts to the operational aspects of NFL teams, focusing on front office roles and decision-making processes.

• Will Blackmon questions the effectiveness of certain management strategies, saying, “He has to vet it through, you know, Mrs. Jerry Jones” (23:08).

• Colin Cowherd praises Will Clay’s evaluative skills within the Cowboys’ organization: “I think Will Clay, just in general, as in terms of what he does and what he knows, I think he's outstanding” (23:08).

• They discuss the hands-on approach of Jerry Jones in the Cowboys’ operations, illustrating the challenges of implementing strategic decisions within a high-involvement ownership structure (23:37).

• The dialogue underscores the importance of leadership and cohesive management in building successful teams.

Notable Quote:

Colin Cowherd [23:08]: “I think Will Clay, just in general, as in terms of what he does and what he knows, I think he's outstanding.”

7. Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks

Timestamp [26:31] – [37:21]

As the episode progresses, Colin and Will wrap up their discussions with lighter topics and final reflections on sports and media.

• They revisit the topic of underrated movies, reiterating their top picks and enjoying their differing viewpoints.

• The conversation briefly touches on the intersection of sports and media, emphasizing the importance of narrative and storytelling in enhancing fan engagement.

• Will Blackmon shares personal anecdotes, highlighting his versatility not just as a player but also as a wine sommelier, adding depth to his profile beyond the football field (30:00 – 37:21).

• The hosts encourage listeners to engage with their content across various platforms, promoting upcoming episodes and related podcasts.

Notable Quote:

Will Blackmon [37:21]: “I love writing more than anything. You're left alone, you know, you do three hours in the morning, you write three hours in the afternoon...”

Key Takeaways:

• Underrated Media: Both hosts emphasize the value of overlooked films, fostering an appreciation for cinema that doesn’t always make the mainstream radar.

• Team Facilities Matter: Quality facilities and team culture play a critical role in attracting and retaining top NFL talent, influencing free agency decisions.

• Strategic Team Management: Leadership and cohesive front office dynamics are essential in shaping successful sports teams, as illustrated by the roles of Pete Carroll and Will Clay.

• Player Versatility: The NFL Combine serves as a pivotal platform for showcasing player versatility, with the ability to adapt to multiple positions being highly valued.

• Media and Storytelling: Effective storytelling in sports media can enhance fan engagement and provide deeper insights into the dynamics of the game.

Conclusion: In this engaging episode, Colin Cowherd and Will Blackmon offer a multifaceted exploration of sports culture, blending discussions on underrated films with in-depth analyses of NFL strategies and player dynamics. Their camaraderie and diverse perspectives provide listeners with a comprehensive and entertaining take on the latest in sports.