The Herd with Colin Cowherd: Richard Sherman Podcast

Episode: Packers’ Evan Williams on Micah Parsons, Super Bowl Hopes, Jordan Love | Richard Sherman NFL

Date: September 18, 2025
Guests: Richard Sherman (Host), Marcus Grant (Co-host), Evan Williams (Green Bay Packers Safety)

Episode Overview

In this episode, Richard Sherman (with Marcus Grant) sits down for a deep, engaging conversation with Evan Williams, rising safety of the Green Bay Packers. The discussion covers Williams’ journey from college to the NFL, the culture and chemistry of Green Bay, the arrival of star edge rusher Micah Parsons, defensive philosophy and schemes, personal development, and the team’s Super Bowl ambitions.

Williams shares personal stories from his transition between programs, what he’s learned as a young professional, the nuts and bolts behind Green Bay’s defense, and how additions like Parsons have elevated the team’s expectations. The episode is rich in football insights, locker-room dynamics, and what makes the Packers’ defense click.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Williams’ Transition: From College to the NFL

(03:06 – 05:27)

• Williams discusses how comfort and confidence emerge in a second NFL season. Familiarity with the playbook and teammates breed heightened focus and comfort.
  • “You go out there, it’s not your first time anymore, it’s not your first rodeo… able to have a complete focus about you.” – Evan Williams [03:33]
• Walks listeners through his tough decision to transfer from Fresno State to Oregon:
  • “I really wanted to finish my college career at Fresno State ... but... scouts are looking at the level of competition... I really just did all that I could do at Fresno State... and proving it to myself that I could play against the blue chip guys.” [04:04]
• Participating in the Senior Bowl as a late addition:
  • “At that point, you kind of just grabbing and clawing... Let me take it. Met a lot of people that are in the league right now... That was a pretty cool process.” [05:57]

"Welcome to the League" Moment

(09:33 – 10:52)

• Williams recalls his NFL “welcome” moment: facing Raheem Mostert in freezing Green Bay, realizing the sheer athleticism at this level.
  • “Let’s just say I got a face full of hands. For sure, for sure. He gave me one. I said, okay, there’s levels, right?” – Evan Williams [10:19]
  • “Nothing wrong with that, right? ... Take your notes. Keep it pushing.” – Williams [10:52]

The Green Bay Environment & Culture

(08:04 – 09:33)

• Williams describes Green Bay’s unique, community-focused atmosphere and supportive fan base.
  • “The fans or just the people really make the town... They love their packers, and they're not going to do the most when you out in public... you maintain that little bit of privacy. The organization is just pretty one of a kind... built around a culture of winning.” – Evan Williams [08:28]

Defensive Staff and Philosophy

(11:26 – 13:15)

• Praises Defensive Coordinator Jeff Hafley as “a leader of men” and highlights the freedom and trust given to players:
  • “He treats you like family... had a plan for me immediately... makes our jobs so simple... before each game, he says, ‘Don’t even worry about making mistakes... play as fast as you can, as violent as you can.’” [11:51, 12:33]

Defensive Chemistry & Communication

(13:15 – 15:54)

• Stresses value of relationships in the DB room, overcoming adversity, and how shared reps and trust drive performance:
  • “You guys remind us of our secondary... the more time you spend together the more you play together... there’s a different way of dealing with adversity.” – Richard Sherman [13:23]
  • “Building a relationship in that DB room... post drive, post touchdown conversations are some of the most important. If you’re able to just acknowledge the problem, get it solved... being able to have that confidence in your brothers, there’s really nothing like it.” – Williams [14:14, 15:47]

Defensive Upgrades: Micah Parsons’ Arrival

(20:23 – 22:51)

• Williams discusses Micah Parsons joining Green Bay and his immediate impact:
  • “He really came in... and just, you know, show that he's about the process. That got me the most respect... He told the media, 'I’m going to give my all... and those guys better have my back'... first practice, you see his get off... That’s impressive stuff. He fits our scheme perfect.” [20:47]
  • On the strength of the D-line and adapting after losing Kenny Clark:
    • “We felt comfortable coming into this year without a Micah Parsons... and then, you know, adding Micah... he’s opening these one on ones... It makes it real easy on the backend for us.” [22:51]

Defensive Scheme: Disguise, Communication & Playmaking

(23:28 – 27:14)

• Sherman and Williams break down a key play against Jared Goff, focusing on late rotations and disguising coverage:
  • Sherman: “I just loved everything about it. Walk me through that.” [24:34]
  • Williams: “I feel like we won that down before the ball was even snapped... You’ve got to show the quarterback something and make him believe it... just trusting your teammates, trusting the scheme... when your op comes, really just taking advantage of it.” [24:34 – 26:40]
• DBs as quarterbacks of the defense:
  • “It doesn’t always happen that a DC has that much trust, just gives you the keys to the palace... that comes with accountability.” [30:08]

Accountability & Winning Mindset

(28:01 – 29:04)

• Williams on the importance of not letting wins mask problems:
  • Sherman (quoting Williams): “Don't let victory mask your problems.” [28:02]
  • Williams: “The moment you let those victories stack and let that get in the way of you getting better... is the day you get beat.” [28:37]

Packers Offense: Supporting a Great Defense

(32:03 – 34:15)

• Williams lauds Jordan Love, Josh Jacobs, and the offense’s ability to control the ball and capitalize on turnovers:
  • “Just to have that confidence in the, you know, getting the ball back to the offense is everything... once 10 gets the ball, he can do anything with it.” [32:29]
  • “Josh Jacobs... you call it Josh Jacobs time, because he could just take over a game... We got special guys all over that offense.” [33:28]

Williams’ Personal and Team Goals

(34:15 – 35:32)

• Citing turnover production as a primary personal objective:
  • “Double digit turnovers, mixture of INTs and forced fumbles... I can name a bunch, All-Pro, Pro Bowl, but really the ultimate goal is going 1-0 every week... that Super Bowl, baby.” [34:33]

The Legacy of Charles Woodson & Packers’ DB Tradition

(35:32 – 36:08)

• Discussing influence from past Packers greats:
  • “Charles Woodson, a great all time Packer, told me ‘I’ve never seen a running back receiver leave without the ball’... He was one of the great turnover machines.” – Sherman [35:32]
  • “We got his highlights pouring on that TV at all times.” – Williams [36:03]

Closing Appreciation & Culture

(36:08 – 37:18)

• Williams thanks Sherman for his influence on the DB position:
  • “Thank you for being all you are for the DB position... You... brought a certain level of swagger to the DB position and confidence...” – Williams [36:23]
  • Sherman is visibly moved: “You don’t think about that through the process... Just trying to put good stuff on tape, play at a high level, love the guys you’re around, and honor the game.” [37:18]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Them PBUs pay rent. Them INTs pay mortgages.” – Evan Williams [27:41]
• “Don't let victory mask your problems.” – Marcus Grant quoting Evan Williams [28:02]
• “It’s always been about the process... Each day, however you can... What you put on tape is what you put on tape.” – Evan Williams [28:37]
• “He’s a leader of men, and he knows how to do it really well.” – Williams on Jeff Hafley [11:51]
• “You catch one of those, you catch two, you start having a whole different conversation.” – Sherman [27:48]
• “Prepare for more of the same... giving our all each and every week. It’s going to be a fun season.” – Evan Williams [36:23]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Williams on Year 2 Comfort: 03:06 – 03:57
• Decision to Transfer/College Journey: 04:04 – 05:27
• Senior Bowl Experience: 05:27 – 07:05
• Green Bay Culture & Fans: 08:04 – 09:33
• “Welcome to the League” Moment: 09:33 – 10:52
• Coach Jeff Hafley’s Influence: 11:26 – 13:15
• DB Room Chemistry: 13:15 – 15:54
• On Micah Parsons Arrival: 20:23 – 22:51
• Defensive Scheme/Disguises: 23:36 – 27:18
• Don’t Let Victory Mask Problems: 28:01 – 29:04
• Offensive Support/Jordan Love: 32:03 – 34:15
• Personal & Team Goals: 34:15 – 35:32
• Legacy of Packers’ Secondary: 35:32 – 36:08
• Williams’ Thanks to Sherman: 36:23 – 37:18

Summary

This episode gives a detailed inside look at the mindset and culture within the Green Bay Packers’ defense, as told by one of its young leaders. Evan Williams articulates how player development, deep relationships, accountability, and a growth mindset have built a special locker room in Green Bay. The addition of Micah Parsons amps up expectations—and Williams’ focus on the process over the scoreboard puts the team in prime position for a Super Bowl challenge.

For football fans and those curious about how elite teams build from within, this is an inspiring and granular deep dive into the workings of a contender’s defense.