Podcast Summary: The Best Of Covino & Rich

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Herd with Colin Cowherd
• Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
• Episode: The Best Of Covino & Rich
• Release Date: March 6, 2025

Overview: "The Best Of Covino & Rich" episode from "The Herd with Colin Cowherd" delivers a dynamic mix of sports analysis, pop culture commentary, and personal anecdotes. Hosted by Covino and Rich, the episode delves into the intriguing intersection of sumo wrestling and the NFL, explores the impact of modern dating shows, and shares humorous personal stories that add a relatable touch to the discussion.

1. Sumo Wrestlers in the NFL: An Unlikely Matchup

Discussion Highlights: The episode opens with a compelling debate on the potential integration of sumo wrestlers into NFL offensive lines. The conversation is sparked by a viral clip featuring NFL star Micah Parsons attempting—and failing—to budge a sumo wrestler, raising questions about the feasibility and effectiveness of such a crossover.

• Micah Parsons vs. Sumo Wrestler:

  • [08:35] Danny G: "Micah Parsons is full on trying to budge the sumo guy, but he's barely budging him at all."
  • [08:38] Danny G: "If they could teach these guys some technique... but if they can't budge, you can't teach them a few tricks and get them on the line."

• Sumo Techniques vs. NFL Requirements:

  • [15:10] Danny G: "You got to have good feet and quickness. Come on, man, I think there's something there."
  • [15:09] Ashlin Harris: "There’s run blocking, there’s not just power. A lot of guys are gonna have that swim move."

Key Insights: Covino and Rich dissect the physical and technical demands of both sports, questioning whether the foundational skills of sumo wrestling—such as balance, low center of gravity, and explosive power—can translate effectively to the high-impact, strategic environment of the NFL.

• [17:51] Danny G: "There's something to be said about the technique and training sumo wrestlers undergo. But if Micah Parsons can't budge him, there's a barrier that's not easily overcome."

2. The Role of Technique in Athletic Performance

Discussion Highlights: Building on the sumo-NFL conversation, the hosts emphasize the importance of technique over sheer physicality. They compare the disciplined training of sumo wrestlers to the specialized skills required in NFL positions, suggesting that without proper technique, even the most physically imposing athletes may struggle to adapt.

• [10:00] Rich Davis: "It's called the sumo diaper." (Referring humorously to the attire of sumo wrestlers during training sessions.)
• [18:06] Danny G: "Fox Sports Radio Nation... let us know what you think. Is it possible? Do you give these guys more credit than you originally would have thought?"

Key Insights: The hosts argue that while sumo wrestlers possess impressive physical attributes, the complex techniques and strategic thinking required in the NFL offensive line might not be easily replicable without extensive cross-training. They highlight historical attempts by NFL teams to recruit from diverse sports backgrounds, noting the mixed results and the critical role of sport-specific skills.

3. Personal Anecdotes: Rich’s Vatican Encounter

Story Highlights: Adding a personal and humorous dimension, Rich Davis shares an anecdote about an unexpected encounter near the Vatican during a European vacation. He narrates his attempt to capture a selfie with the Pope, only to find that none of the photos saved on his phone—a funny moment that underscores the unpredictability of such encounters.

• [22:22] Rich Davis: "We were walking through the Vatican area... they were setting up guardrails. I was like, what's going on here? And I realize five feet from me, the Pope is coming by in the little Pope mobile."
• [24:08] Danny G: "If you tell me that you have a picture of the Pope flipping you off."
• [24:54] Danny G: "That's called user error. Of course."

Key Insights: This story serves to humanize the hosts, providing listeners with a relatable and entertaining glimpse into their personal lives. It also demonstrates the hosts' ability to seamlessly transition between serious discussions and light-hearted storytelling, keeping the audience engaged throughout.

4. Modern Dating Shows: Impact and Critique

Discussion Highlights: Covino and Rich shift gears to analyze the influence of contemporary dating shows on viewers' perceptions of relationships. They examine programs like "Love is Blind" and "Too Hot to Handle," critiquing their formats and the psychological effects they may have on audiences.

• [06:05] Rich Davis: "Love is Blind might be the one. It’s more popular and better than The Bachelor nowadays."
• [07:07] Rich Davis: "Too Hot to Handle is funny because you get these 20 somethings trying to stay celibate, which is absurd."

Key Insights: The hosts discuss how these shows blend reality and entertainment, potentially shaping viewers' expectations and behaviors in real-life relationships. They ponder whether the dramatic and often contrived scenarios presented in these programs offer valuable insights or merely serve as spectacle-driven entertainment.

5. Current Sports News: Contracts and Performances

Discussion Highlights: The episode also touches on recent sports news, including Max Crosby's lucrative NFL contract and ongoing discussions about athlete performance and contracts.

• [20:28] Dan Beyer: "Max Crosby is now the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL with a three-year, $106.5 million deal."

Key Insights: Covino and Rich provide their take on how high-profile contracts like Crosby's reflect the evolving landscape of the NFL, emphasizing the financial dynamics that influence team strategies and player valuations.

6. Humorous Exchanges and Light-Hearted Moments

Discussion Highlights: Throughout the episode, the hosts engage in playful banter, teasing each other and sharing funny moments that add a lively dynamic to the conversation.

• [25:00] Ashlin Harris: "That's like something out of The Omen."
• [27:07] Danny G: "I just hope it's not something that we watch and we're left feeling flat about it."

Key Insights: These moments highlight the chemistry between the hosts, making the discussion not only informative but also entertaining. Their ability to joke and laugh together enhances the overall listening experience, making complex topics more accessible.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Danny G [08:35]: "Micah Parsons is full on trying to budge the sumo guy, but he's barely budging him at all."
• Rich Davis [10:00]: "It's called the sumo diaper."
• Danny G [15:10]: "You got to have good feet and quickness. Come on, man, I think there's something there."
• Rich Davis [22:22]: "We were walking through the Vatican area... and there I am, five feet from the Pope."

Conclusion: "The Best Of Covino & Rich" masterfully balances in-depth sports analysis with engaging personal stories and cultural commentary. The discussion on integrating sumo wrestling into the NFL challenges listeners to think critically about athletic training and sport-specific skills. Meanwhile, insights into modern dating shows and humorous anecdotes provide a well-rounded and entertaining listening experience. Covino and Rich demonstrate their expertise and camaraderie, making this episode a must-listen for fans seeking both knowledge and entertainment.