The Richard Sherman Podcast: Sherman x Slay – “Rodgers’ Vintage Form, Ja’Marr Chase Matchup, Baker MVP Talk & Steelers Top 5?”

Podcast: The Herd with Colin Cowherd (iHeartPodcasts & The Volume)
Airdate: October 14, 2025
Guests: Richard Sherman (Host), Darius "Big Play" Slay (Guest)

Episode Overview

This episode features Richard Sherman and returning guest, All-Pro cornerback Darius "Big Play" Slay. The duo dive into hot topics across the NFL week, including the resurgence of Aaron Rodgers, Slay’s experiences adjusting to a new division, a preview of a blockbuster matchup against Ja’Marr Chase, debate over Baker Mayfield's MVP candidacy, and a spirited debate about top NFL teams. Their tone is candid, competitive, and often humorous, offering insight into the mindset of elite defensive backs.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Catching Up & International Experiences

• Slay recaps a recent trip to Ireland for a game, enjoying the atmosphere and expanding the reach of NFL football overseas.
• The trip was marred for one player by a robbery (“They lucky I wouldn’t there, I’d have been spanking on one of them ILM kid people”–Slay [01:22]), but overall, the experience was positive.

2. Steelers Defense: From Question Marks to Strength

• Discussion centers on the Steelers' defense finally playing together at full strength for the first time in the season, leading to a dominant win over the Browns (held under 10 points).
• Early injuries hampered cohesiveness: “This is the first time that we had the complete defense…a lot of guys went out week one…This is our first time actually playing together as one.” – Slay [02:22]
• “It was fun, man. I ain’t gonna lie, man. It was kind of fun.” – Slay [02:22].

3. AFC vs. NFC: Differences & Division Strengths

• Slay notes the physicality and “run-heavy” style of AFC football compared to the NFC, finding the adjustment significant ([03:16]).

4. Aaron Rodgers’ ‘Vintage’ Form

• Rodgers’ connection with DK Metcalf is highlighted as a key to the team's offensive surge:
  • “A-Rod in his bag, man. Hey, look, he been making a lot of plays…him and DK with a very much connection, man. It’s getting better and better each and every week.” – Slay [03:48]
  • Despite Rodgers playing at an MVP level, a balanced offense and strong defense mean “we try and do everything with our power to make sure that A-Rod don’t have to be A-Rod.” – Slay [04:35].

5. The One That Got Away: Missed Turnovers

• Reflection on dropping four interception opportunities against a rookie QB (Dylan Gabriel), with playful banter about missed stats:
  • “That’s what we just talked about today, bro. We dropped four of them…” – Slay [05:01]
  • “I could have had one, too…” – Slay [05:31]
• Sherman ribs Slay's secondary for letting the rookie throw “52 times and nobody booked him” ([05:01]).

6. Locker Room Energy & Coaching Philosophy

• Mike Tomlin (“Mike T”) keeps the Steelers “mellow” and focused:
  • “He keep us mellow, man. And we just know what kind of opportunity we got in front of us.” – Slay [07:07]
  • “All you gotta do is win your division…that’s the goal.” – Slay [07:18]

7. Intra-Division Trades and ‘Loyalty’ in the NFL

• Analysis of the Browns trading Joe Flacco to a division rival, described as a “wild” and rare move ([08:08]).
• Extended riff on Myles Garrett’s loyalty to the Browns, with Sherman noting:
  • “You chose to be a Cleveland Brown…This is what you’re signing up for…Post season, probably not Super Bowl – only when you’re going to the bathroom.” – Sherman [09:11]
  • Both empathize with Garrett’s elite talent being “wasted” on a perennially rebuilding team ([10:34]).

8. Stadium Turf Woes & Home Field Disadvantage

• Rodgers called the field in Pittsburgh “borderline unplayable” ([11:42]), and Slay agrees, noting it felt like “playing in sand,” with kickers risking injury ([11:57], [12:46]).

9. Social Media, Criticism & Aging in the NFL

• The pressure of media narratives, misinterpreted stats (yards allowed), and social media backlash are discussed, with Slay pushing back on misleading coverage stats ([22:01]).
• Sherman quips: “Whoever run this, PFF…y’all gots to know the difference between man and zone.” – Sherman [22:01]

10. Preview: Steelers vs. Bengals, Ja’Marr Chase Showdown

• Big Play Slay electrifies the matchup: “Jamar Chase is one of the best Yak receivers I’ve probably seen in a long time…he gave me the whole Odell vibe…” – Slay [15:12]
• Expectation that Jalen Ramsey may “follow” Chase; rivalry and redemption factors highlighted ([16:41]).

11. Off-Field: Supporting Former Teammates

• Slay shares about returning as a fan to watch Eagles games and supporting former colleagues ([18:09]).
• “If I got a chance to show love to, you know, a friend of mine in them kind of areas, I’m always gonna do that.” – Slay [19:15]

12. Young DBs & Defensive Philosophy

• Advice for up-and-coming cornerbacks:
  • “Stay consistent. That’s the only way you can stand this league.” – Slay [20:44]
  • Both agree on “living by the percentage,” taking calculated defensive risks ([21:07]–[21:43]).

13. Mental Toll of Aging in the NFL

• Honest talk about leaving the game when you can no longer meet your standards:
  • “If somebody catch a little hitch or whatever, that’s cool…but if you on them big play reels…You don’t be that long.” – Slay [20:49]
  • “I saw Xavian on there … said ‘I’d rather go spend time with my family if it’s gonna be like this’.” – Sherman [23:16]
  • “It hurts your soul.” – Sherman [23:45]

14. Unlucky Injuries: Charvarius Ward Incident

• Story of Charvarius Ward missing a game after a pregame collision led to a concussion ([25:27]), highlighting the unpredictable hazards in the NFL.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Aaron Rodgers’ play:
  “A-Rod in his bag, man…he controlling the offense…” – Slay [03:48]

• On missed interceptions:
  “My boy Juan…he had two opportunities and dropped both…hit him in his face…” – Slay [05:08]

• On the Browns’ “rebuilding” cycle:
  “Them boys been in a rebuild like they’re in a war zone. Every time they build the building back up. Boom, boom. Back down.” – Sherman [10:06]

• On Ja’Marr Chase:
  “He put his foot in the ground and get vertical…after the catch is just amazing…” – Slay [15:12]

• On social media and fan criticism:
  “Boy, I’m in my young days, boy…at the game, I go type my name in on Twitter, see what they be talking about.” – Slay [13:41]

• On defensive back strategy:
  “Y’all can throw hitches, I tackle hitches and comebacks…when y’all fall, I’m catching it and we’ll call it even.” – Sherman [21:07]

• On feeling 'old' in the league:
  “If you on them big play reels…you don’t be that long.” – Slay [20:49]

• On Michael Irvin and Deion Sanders' era:
  “Nobody that has never played in the NFL should be speaking about who can play and who can't play in this era…The skill set Irv and Deion had, it translates.” – Sherman [27:08]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:39] – Greetings, Ireland recap, overseas NFL expansion
• [01:18] – Incident involving a teammate in Ireland
• [02:22] – Defensive health and chemistry, shifting perceptions
• [03:48] – Aaron Rodgers resurgence and DK Metcalf partnership
• [05:01] – Dropped interceptions and rookie QB play
• [07:07] – Inside the Steelers’ locker room energy
• [08:08] – Analysis of shocking QB trade within division
• [09:11] – On Myles Garrett’s choice to stay in Cleveland
• [11:42] – Stadium field negatives, equipment struggles
• [14:42] – Game plan for Ja’Marr Chase, receiver matchups
• [18:09] – Slay returns to Philly as a supporter, not just a player
• [20:44] – Advice for young DBs: Consistency is key
• [25:27] – Charvarius Ward’s pregame concussion story
• [27:08] – Defending Deion & Irvin against era-based criticism
• [33:47] – Titans fire head coach; management, roster moves criticized
• [36:27] – Fallout from trading away AJ Brown, Derrick Henry
• [37:08] – Tua Tagovailoa calls out teammates; leadership & locker room culture
• [38:12] – Power rankings chaos: top teams underperforming
• [39:43] – Slay’s and Sherman’s revised power rankings
• [41:25] – Final takes on team rankings, MVP race shifts (Baker Mayfield)
• [42:09] – Episode close and goodbyes

Additional Highlights

• Strong defense of Michael Irvin and Deion Sanders’ ability to thrive in today’s NFL, pushing back against modern-era bias ([27:08]).
• Colorful, behind-the-scenes anecdotes about current players’ mindset and how veterans view changing narratives and pressures.
• Honest criticism of franchise mismanagement (Titans, Browns), highlighting how front office decisions hamstring on-field success.

Conclusion

This episode delivers a comprehensive, insider-driven look at the state of the NFL in mid-October 2025. Richard Sherman and Darius “Big Play” Slay combine detailed X’s and O’s breakdowns with candid, personal perspectives, making it a must-listen for fans seeking depth and personality behind the headlines. Key stories include Aaron Rodgers’ continued excellence, the unique demands facing Pittsburgh, and under-discussed facets of player careers, such as public perception, team culture, and how NFL history connects with today's stars.