Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Richard Sherman Podcast

Guest: Riley Moss (Denver Broncos CB)

Release Date: November 13, 2025
Host: Richard Sherman

Overview

This episode of the Richard Sherman Podcast, a part of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, features an in-depth, engaging conversation with Denver Broncos cornerback Riley Moss. Sherman and Moss discuss Moss’s unique path to becoming an NFL starter, the challenges and nuances of playing cornerback in the league, learning from elite teammates like Pat Surtain II, the dynamics of Denver’s surging defense, and the culture Sean Payton is building. The tone is candid, insightful, and supportive—full of football wisdom and personal anecdotes.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Riley Moss’s Unconventional Journey to the NFL

[02:47–05:24]

• Moss recaps his start as a fast kid playing both offense and defense in middle school, bucking expectations as a White corner.
  • “I was kind of like, yeah, let's, let's, let's do this thing. So, you know, come to high school…didn’t get a lot of attention… I was only a two-star recruit.” (Riley Moss, 03:25)
• He describes earning a blue-shirt opportunity from Iowa, making the most of it, and quickly starting as a freshman.
  • “My first start against Minnesota, I got two picks, which was crazy…end up balling out at Iowa for five years and, you know, got drafted in the third round to Denver.” (Riley Moss, 04:38)

The High School Football Underdog Moment

[05:55–06:38]

• Moss reflects on a pivotal high school win against Iowa’s top team—his recruiting “breakout” moment.
  • “That seemed to be the moment, like you jumped on everybody's radar, especially Iowa.” (Richard Sherman, 05:55)
• He credits his natural ball skills and focusing on fun and execution over forcing plays.
  • “I never tried too hard to make a play. It always kind of just came to me.” (Riley Moss, 06:38)

Handling Perceptions, Penalties & Bias

[07:05–08:41]

• Sherman calls corner “the hardest job on the goddamn field,” noting Moss’s high target count and low completion percentage allowed.
  • “You got the lowest completion percentage against you this season, 44%, but the highest amount of targets in the league...I don't think you're getting appreciated enough…” (Richard Sherman, 07:36)
• Moss addresses the scrutiny over pass interference calls, handling bias, and Vance Joseph’s encouragement to stay aggressive.
  • “If it's PI, I'll be the first to point the finger at myself...There’s definitely been a couple alleged ones, but you got to play through and not let it affect you.” (Riley Moss, 07:49)

Denver’s Defensive Mindset & Week-to-Week Growth

[08:41–09:51]

• Moss details Denver’s focus on never settling and always improving, not perfection.
  • “We gave up seven points, and that’s seven points we don't want to give up...the biggest thing for us is being able to stay hungry.” (Riley Moss, 09:09)

Learning from Patrick Surtain II & Around the League

[09:51–11:52]

• Moss and Sherman discuss the nuances of CB technique and how Moss studies Surtain, other teammates, and league peers to evolve his game.
  • “We have that conversation each week...ask him questions about the prior week, you know, he might have made a play on something. How did you see that?” (Riley Moss, 10:43)
• Moss points to Trent McDuffie (Chiefs) as another defensive back he learns from through tape study.

“Welcome to the League” Moments & Confidence-Builders

[11:52–14:15]

• Moss describes when he first felt he “belonged”—after making his first NFL interception against the Raiders in his second year.
  • “I could play in this league and...I can dominate in this league. Not even just play, I can dominate.” (Riley Moss, 12:43)
• Relates his “welcome to the NFL” play: getting outrun by Kenneth Walker (Seahawks) for a TD.
  • “He hit the edge and just took off. And I was like, oh, my God. Like, you know, they're getting paid, too.” (Riley Moss, 13:36)

The Challenge of Covering Broncos’ WR Courtland Sutton

[14:15–16:08]

• Sherman details a memorable moment being outjumped by Sutton in practice—rarefied praise from the star CB.
  • “I had never in my life gotten lost...Courtland Sutton fan. Boy, you got a fan in me.” (Richard Sherman, 15:13)
• Moss explains Sutton’s uncanny strength and contested-catch ability.
  • “He's strong...he's long. That’s what makes him really good. He's gotten really good at what he's good at, if that makes sense.” (Riley Moss, 15:31)

Role Models and Style Inspirations

[20:51–21:56]

• Moss shouts out Darrelle Revis as a childhood idol (despite growing up in Iowa as a Jets fan).
• Candidly credits Sherman’s own play as an inspiration:
  • “To be honest with you, I appreciate that. Not just because I'm talking to you, but honestly, for sure you and Jerell…” (Riley Moss, 21:20)

Playing in Denver’s Junkyard Dog Defense

[21:56–23:27]

• Sherman and Moss celebrate the line, linebackers (Bonito, Cooper, Zach Allen, DJ Jones), and how a swarming, physical mentality makes DB jobs easier.
  • “It’s a defense full of junkyard dogs is the best way I'd put it…they’re going to go and fly and hit you in the mouth.” (Riley Moss, 22:28)

Facing the Kansas City Chiefs and Sean Payton’s Influence

[24:17–25:51]

• Moss discusses the looming division battle with the Chiefs and breaking through as contenders.
  • “It’s always the Chiefs...we've been close to the sweep the last two years. Right. But you know, it's time to get over the hump…” (Riley Moss, 24:30)
• He also praises head coach Sean Payton for building a competitive, tight-knit locker room.
  • “He did a great job of kind of building the locker room first, having a bunch of good guys who can really feed off each other...” (Riley Moss, 25:07)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “You have such a tough task each and every week...you get a lot more targets and you stand up incredibly well.”
  — Richard Sherman [02:57]
• “Sometimes that ball just finds you and can't explain it, but it's great.”
  — Riley Moss [06:38]
• “Corner is the hardest job on the goddamn field. So a penalty or two is going to happen.”
  — Richard Sherman [07:05]
• “Just because they were drafted ahead of you or the media covers them more doesn't make them, you know, Hercules. Right. Like, they're still bleeding red. Right. Like, they're the same as you.”
  — Riley Moss [12:43]
• “It’s...a what have you done lately job, but you're playing it at a really high level, and I see you.”
  — Richard Sherman [23:48]
• “It's a defense full of junkyard dogs is the best way I'd put it.”
  — Riley Moss [22:28]
• “It always goes through the Chiefs...we've been close to the sweep the last two years. But it's time to get over the hump.”
  — Riley Moss [24:30]
• “He did a great job of kind of building the locker room first, having a bunch of good guys who can really feed off each other and are similar minded people and, and then came, you know, the football...”
  — Riley Moss on Sean Payton [25:07]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [02:47] – Riley Moss introduced; talks about his journey to playing corner
• [04:38] – Earning a starting role and scholarship at Iowa
• [05:55] – High school coming-out moment, “upset” win
• [07:05] – Penalties, perceptions, and bias faced as a corner
• [08:41] – Broncos’ defensive meetings and mindset for improvement
• [10:43] – Learning CB craft from Pat Surtain II and league peers
• [12:43] – “I can dominate” moment after 1st career NFL interception
• [13:36] – “Welcome to the league” moment vs. Kenneth Walker
• [14:15] – Matching up with Courtland Sutton in practice
• [21:15] – Praise for Darrelle Revis, studying Sherman and others
• [22:28] – Denver’s DIY, “junkyard dog” defensive identity
• [24:30] – Facing the Chiefs and battling for the division
• [25:07] – Sean Payton and the Broncos’ team culture

Closing Thoughts

This episode delivers an authentic, inside look at the mindset and journey of one of the NFL’s new starting cornerbacks, with Richard Sherman’s insight and encouragement making for a compelling listen. Moss’s humility, enthusiasm, and hunger for growth shine through, perfectly complemented by Sherman’s thoughtful questions and shared experiences. Broncos fans and defensive football enthusiasts will especially appreciate the breakdowns, camaraderie, and emphasis on team culture and improvement.