Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd Episode: Rocky Ranking & Falling SHORT | Ep #70
Release Date: November 21, 2024
Hosts: Rich Cavino and [Co-host Name]

Introduction

In Episode #70 of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, hosted by iHeartPodcasts and The Volume, Rich Cavino and his co-host delve into a nostalgic yet critical examination of the iconic Rocky film franchise. Celebrating 48 years since the debut of Rocky Balboa, the hosts explore the evolution of the series, ranking each installment while reflecting on personal and cultural impacts. Additionally, the episode shifts focus to notable sports milestones, particularly James Harden's recent achievement in the NBA.

Rocky Franchise Anniversary and Ranking Discussion

Celebrating Rocky Balboa's Legacy

The episode kicks off with Rich Cavino and his co-host reminiscing about the enduring legacy of Rocky Balboa. They highlight the cultural significance of the original film, which debuted in 1976 and catapulted Sylvester Stallone into stardom without prior prominence.

Rich Cavino ([04:02]): "Debuted today in 1976, winning the Academy Award, putting Sylvester Stallone absolutely on the map as the guy didn't have to sell his dog buckets."

Ranking the Rocky Movies

The hosts engage in a lively debate over the rankings of the Rocky movies, each presenting their perspectives on what makes each installment stand out or fall short.

Rich's Ranking:

1. Rocky 4 - Celebrated for its high-energy soundtrack and the dramatic showdown between Rocky and Ivan Drago.
2. Rocky 2 - Viewed as underrated with compelling training montages and emotional depth.
3. Rocky - The original, recognized for its foundational impact despite being ranked third by Rich.
4. Rocky 3 - Appreciated for character development and memorable antagonists like Clubber Lang.
5. Rocky Balboa - Praised for its mature storyline and emotional resonance.
6. Rocky 5 - Acknowledged as the least favored but still considered entertaining.

Co-host's Ranking:

1. Rocky 2 - Lauded for its underrated status and impactful scenes.
2. Rocky 1 (The Original) - Honored as the quintessential film that started it all.
3. Rocky 4 - Recognized for its entertainment value and nostalgic appeal.
4. Rocky 3 - Valued for its engaging storylines and iconic characters.
5. Rocky Balboa - Respected for its heartfelt narrative.
6. Rocky 5 - Noted as the weakest link but still appreciated within the franchise.

Co-host ([07:24]): "Rocky 2 might be one of the most underrated films of all time."

Rich Cavino ([12:53]): "Happy birthday, Paul."

The discussion underscores the subjective nature of rankings, with both hosts acknowledging that personal experiences and preferences heavily influence their evaluations. They also touch upon the financial and creative achievements of Sylvester Stallone, noting his success across multiple franchises like The Expendables and Rambo.

Nostalgia and Personal Reflections

Rich and his co-host share personal anecdotes about watching the Rocky films during their childhood, highlighting how scenes like shadow boxing and training montages left lasting impressions.

Co-host ([06:24]): "We all got pumped as kids watching the movies, shadow boxing in our kitchen in our socks, sliding around."

They also admire the casting choices Stallone made, particularly his decision to include real athletes like Tommy Morrison in Rocky Balboa, adding authenticity to the films.

Rich Cavino ([10:17]): "But you got Tommy Morrison in it. Look. And you got to give credit to Stallone for always casting former athletes in all of his movies."

James Harden Surpasses Ray Allen: NBA Milestone

Shifting gears, Rich and his co-host transition to discussing recent achievements in the NBA, focusing on James Harden's ascent to the second spot among all-time three-point leaders.

Harden's Achievement: James Harden has surpassed Ray Allen, moving up to the second position in career three-pointers made, trailing only behind Stephen Curry.

Rich Cavino ([17:02]): "James Harden climbed up to number two. Steph Curry obviously being top dog right there."

They draw parallels between Harden's record and legendary sports figures, emphasizing the significance of this milestone.

Rich Cavino ([17:19]): "It's like when you look at Jerry Rice compared to the other greats like Randy Moss, it's like, how? That's how Steph Curry, like, even the closest are not even close."

Impact of Falling Short of Milestones

The conversation then delves into the emotional and professional ramifications for athletes who narrowly miss significant milestones. They reference various sports figures across baseball and football who ended their careers just shy of iconic benchmarks.

Rich Cavino ([19:09]): "Alex Rodriguez ended up with 696 home runs. Four short of seven hundo of 700. That would haunt me."

Examples discussed include:

• Alex Rodriguez: Finished with 696 home runs, just shy of the 700-mark.
• Dustin Pedroia: Ended his MLB career with a lifetime average of 299 home runs.
• Stan Ross (Bernie Mac's character in Mr. 3000): Reached 2,999 hits, one short of the titular 3,000.
• Aaron Rodgers: Currently at 492 touchdowns, needing eight more to reach 500.

Co-host ([21:32]): "Aaron Rodgers currently has 492 Tuddies. He needs eight."

Emotional Toll on Athletes

The hosts ponder the psychological impact these near-misses have on athletes, suggesting that falling short of such milestones can be a source of ongoing regret and motivation.

Rich Cavino ([19:26]): "As a fan, you know, as fans, we're more critical than the player sometimes."

Betting Insights and NFL Predictions

Towards the end of the episode, Rich offers insights into upcoming NFL games, specifically focusing on Thursday Night Football. He shares his picks and predictions, providing listeners with strategic advice for placing wagers.

Rich Cavino ([25:52]): "So if you want a last minute wager, okay."

He analyzes the matchup between the Steelers and the Browns, highlighting factors like short weeks, travel fatigue, and team performance.

Rich Cavino ([26:14]): "Short week, travel, everything. These Thursday night games are all. They're screwy as my dad would say."

His prediction leans towards a low-scoring game, advising listeners to consider the under bet.

Rich Cavino ([26:21]): "But I'm going up and picking the under. I feel like this game... has written all over it."

Conclusion

In this milestone episode, Rich Cavino and his co-host blend nostalgia with critical analysis, celebrating Rocky Balboa's enduring legacy while engaging in thoughtful discussions about sports achievements and the psychology of near-misses. Their balanced approach offers both entertainment and insight, making the episode a must-listen for sports enthusiasts and film aficionados alike.

Notable Quotes

• Rich Cavino ([07:05]): "The Italian Stallion."
• Rich Cavino ([10:52]): "What happened to Ruggy?"
• Rich Cavino ([12:33]): "So I'm going Rocky 2 in the top spot."
• Rich Cavino ([16:52]): "James Harden climbed up to number two."
• Rich Cavino ([19:09]): "Alex Rodriguez ended up with 696 home runs."
• Rich Cavino ([26:21]): "But I'm going up and picking the under."

This episode not only celebrates a beloved film franchise but also provides listeners with engaging sports discussions, making it a rich and insightful installment in The Herd with Colin Cowherd series.