Podcast Title: The Herd with Colin Cowherd
Episode: Rory & Mal Don't Know Ball | LeSean McCoy
Release Date: July 13, 2025
Host/Authors: Rory and Mal from iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

Introduction

In this episode of "Rory & Mal Don't Know Ball," hosts Rory and Mal engage in a spirited discussion with guest Ryan Reynolds (not to be confused with the actor), delving deep into current sports controversies, athlete behaviors on social media, and the intricate dynamics within NFL teams. The conversation offers listeners an unfiltered look into the complexities of modern sports culture.

Social Media Influence and Athlete Behavior

Key Discussion Points:

• The impact of social media on athletes' public personas.
• The comparison between Ryan Clark and RG3 (Robert Griffin III) in their handling of controversial situations.
• The role of race in sports narratives and media coverage.

Notable Quotes:

• [05:13] Ryan Reynolds: "When I watch these two dudes, I'm like, yo, y'all the same guy. You know what I mean?"
• [07:18] Ryan Reynolds: "I respect that [Ryan Clark] spoke up for the black women, which a lot of people don't."

Insights: Ryan highlights how certain athletes leverage social media for personal branding, often blurring the lines between genuine expression and performative actions aimed at garnering attention. The discussion emphasizes the necessity of authenticity and the challenges athletes face in maintaining genuine connections with their audiences amidst the pressures of online engagement.

Angel Reese & Caitlin Clark Incident

Key Discussion Points:

• The altercation between Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark and its interpretation in media.
• The racial undertones and public backlash stemming from the incident.
• The responsibilities of athletes in upholding professionalism and sportsmanship.

Notable Quotes:

• [08:30] Rory: "I don't think the last thing that happened between them... is turned into something like, you know, it's."
• [09:36] Ryan Reynolds: "Everything was regular. Like, everything was regular."

Insights: The hosts dissect how a seemingly standard foul game incident escalated into a racially charged debate, questioning the role of athletes' personal biases and the media's tendency to amplify misunderstandings. They stress the importance of viewing such incidents through an objective lens to avoid perpetuating unnecessary conflicts.

Transition from Athlete to Media and Business Ventures

Key Discussion Points:

• Ryan Reynolds shares his personal journey transitioning from an NFL player to a media personality and entrepreneur.
• The challenges athletes face in redefining their careers post-retirement.
• The significance of financial planning and leveraging one's sports legacy for business opportunities.

Notable Quotes:

• [19:11] Ryan Reynolds: "There’s no real like, man, you to tell you when you retire, this is what you do."
• [21:09] Rory: "They call you. Everybody got a plan. Everybody got a plan."

Insights: Ryan underscores the unpredictability of life after sports, highlighting the necessity for athletes to prepare for future endeavors beyond their playing days. His ventures into real estate and podcasting illustrate practical pathways for leveraging fame and experience into sustainable business models.

Sports Debate Culture and Media Representation

Key Discussion Points:

• The evolution of sports debate shows and their resemblance to traditional settings like barbershop conversations.
• The authenticity of debates in modern media compared to past formats.
• The impact of corporate influence on sports journalism and athlete representation.

Notable Quotes:

• [23:49] Ryan Reynolds: "I mean, it's kind of dying down a little bit. I think the last real debates we had was, like, Skip and Shannon Sharpe."
• [25:07] Ryan Reynolds: "You gonna tell me what you think, how it is?"

Insights: The dialogue explores how sports debate shows have transformed, becoming more polished and corporate-driven, potentially sacrificing the raw, authentic exchanges that once characterized passionate sports discussions. The hosts advocate for a return to more genuine interactions that reflect the true sentiments of athletes and fans alike.

Relationships with Teammates and Handling Criticism

Key Discussion Points:

• Navigating personal relationships within the team while maintaining objectivity in critiques.
• The fine line between honest assessments and respectful feedback.
• The emotional toll of publicly criticizing former teammates.

Notable Quotes:

• [27:39] Ryan Reynolds: "You can't say your dog, but yeah, yeah."
• [29:47] Rory: "My job is to keep it as real as possible, right?"

Insights: Ryan shares personal anecdotes about managing relationships with teammates when discussing their performances on his podcast. He emphasizes the importance of balancing honesty with loyalty, ensuring that critiques do not harm personal bonds or team cohesion.

Comparing Coaches: Andy Reid vs. Bill Belichick

Key Discussion Points:

• A heated debate on the coaching styles and impacts of Andy Reid and Bill Belichick.
• The role of head coaches in shaping team dynamics and success.
• The influence of coaching on players' performances and team achievements.

Notable Quotes:

• [46:07] Mal: "It's the NFL. Of course. Nothing's really easy."
• [50:17] Rory: "Yeah."
• [70:37] Mal: "Mike's thing is he don't even understand how. How big he is. Like, he don't really see who we."

Insights: The hosts engage in a passionate exchange about the merits and shortcomings of two of the NFL's most renowned coaches. They discuss how Andy Reid's offensive strategies contrast with Bill Belichick's defensive mastermind approach, debating who has had a more profound impact on the game and their respective teams.

Philly Sports Fan Base and Team Dynamics

Key Discussion Points:

• The unique intensity and loyalty of Philadelphia sports fans.
• Personal experiences from Ryan playing with the Philadelphia Eagles.
• The influence of fan behavior on team morale and performance.

Notable Quotes:

• [38:08] Ryan Reynolds: "Philly was special. You know, it really helped me grow to be like, a man."
• [39:50] Ryan Reynolds: "They travel, Wayne, for no bull crap."

Insights: Ryan reminisces about his time with the Eagles, highlighting the passionate and sometimes unruly nature of Philly fans. He praises their authenticity and how their candid support keeps the team accountable, fostering a familial bond between players and the fanbase.

Locker Room Culture and Music

Key Discussion Points:

• The role of music in fostering team unity and setting the locker room atmosphere.
• Diverse musical tastes among teammates and its impact on team dynamics.
• Personal experiences with music preferences and conflicts within the team.

Notable Quotes:

• [40:39] Ryan Reynolds: "I was running the music for real. And everything's up north for me."
• [41:09] Rory: "Yeah. But DJ, you know what? He put me on Nipsey."

Insights: The conversation touches on how music choices reflect individual personalities and influence team chemistry. Ryan shares stories of managing diverse musical tastes, from East Coast rap to West Coast sounds, emphasizing the importance of music in maintaining a cohesive and motivating environment within the team.

Predictions for the Super Bowl

Key Discussion Points:

• Analysis of current NFL teams' strengths and potential Super Bowl contenders.
• The influence of star players like Saquon Barkley on their teams' success.
• Speculations on matchups and outcomes based on team dynamics and coaching.

Notable Quotes:

• [64:17] Ryan Reynolds: "The Eagles."
• [64:34] Mal: "What's wrong in Buffalo? Like, what's going on? Why is Buffalo not made it there?"
• [65:04] Mal: "He was right there."

Insights: Rory, Mal, and Ryan offer their predictions, favoring the Philadelphia Eagles as Super Bowl favorites due to their strong team composition and leadership. They also discuss the formidable opposition from teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills, analyzing coaching strategies and player performances that could influence the championship race.

Closing Remarks

The episode concludes with reflections on the intertwined nature of coaching, player performance, and fan support in shaping NFL success. The hosts express mutual respect for the discussions, acknowledging the complexity of evaluating and comparing influential figures within the sport.

Notable Quotes:

• [77:05] Mal: "Every day has a to-do list. But adding Enjoy Belvita to yours can help you knock out the rest of it."
• [79:31] Ryan Reynolds: "Head to your local stores to try the OG Cool Rush for yourself. This is an I Heart podcast."

Note: The closing remarks include brief promotional segments for products, which were omitted from this summary as per guidelines.

Conclusion

"Rory & Mal Don't Know Ball | LeSean McCoy" offers a multifaceted exploration of contemporary sports issues, blending personal anecdotes with analytical debates. The hosts and guest Ryan Reynolds provide insightful perspectives on the evolving landscape of sports media, athlete behavior, and the enduring passion of dedicated fan bases. This episode serves as a compelling listen for enthusiasts seeking an in-depth understanding of the current state of American sports.