THE HERD - Hour 1 - No Lakers Statue for LeBron, Tom Izzo Talks NCAA Tournament and NIL

Summary

The Herd with Colin Cowherd — Hour 1 (March 12, 2026)

Episode Theme:
Colin Cowherd delivers sharp, opinionated takes on the top sports stories of the day, focusing this hour on LeBron's Lakers legacy and the statue debate, NFL quarterback trajectories, NCAA basketball (with guest Tom Izzo), the impact of Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) and the transfer portal, and NFL roster moves.

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Main Discussion Points

1. LeBron James and the Lakers Statue Debate

Timestamps: 03:31–08:45

• Statue Standards for Lakers Legends
  • Colin argues that LeBron, despite his accomplishments, does not meet the unique Lakers standard for a statue outside Crypto.com Arena.
  • “The Lakers aren't every other organization. There is simply a different standard for ... the Lakers.” (05:04)
  • Explains the deep-rooted connections between existing statue recipients (Kobe, Magic, West, Kareem, etc.) and the franchise—players who were “the boat,” not just passengers.
• Robert Horry’s Take (played on the show)
  • Horry says LeBron is deserving in “every city he’s changed” but Colin counters that LeBron is seen as more of “a consultant” than “family” in LA.
  • “LeBron feels more like a consultant. He adds value, new set of eyes, polishes up the problems. ... This is not family.” (06:10)
• LeBron is credited for revitalizing the Lakers but Colin maintains: “He was a life preserver for a sinking boat. But Jerry West and Magic were the boat.” (07:03)
• Memorable Quote:
  • “If you ask Laker Fans, statue in LeBron outside of crypto, it would be. Absolutely not, folks.” (05:23)

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2. NFL Quarterback Analysis: Kyler Murray’s Next Move

Timestamps: 08:45–13:35

• Colin on Quarterback “Reclamation” Projects
  • Compares Sam Darnold’s Super Bowl-winning “resurrection” to Kyler Murray’s potential in Minnesota: “Who's the next Darnold, the next Baker Mayfield? Well, guys, it's Kyler Murray.”
• Kyler’s Rapids and Risks
  • Emphasizes Murray’s elite traits (deep ball, mobility, baseball experience for sliding, etc).
  • “He is a more athletic, elusive version of Russell Wilson in his prime.”
  • Addresses size/commitment questions, but still values his upside over other available QBs.
• Coaching as the Key Variable
  • “The common thread [for resurrected QBs] is not a great running back or a number one receiver. You find your guy — you find your coach.” (12:26)
  • Minnesota’s coaching/offensive setup called the ideal landing spot for Murray.
  • “If you told me I had one drive to win a game, I'd take Kyler over Daniel Jones or Mac Jones or Geno Smith...” (13:10)

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3. Quick Hits & News

Timestamps: 13:36–14:57, 22:32–28:02

• Max Crosby Stays with the Raiders
  • Colin sees Crosby as a critical “veteran to lean on” for a young Raiders squad.
• Team Italy’s Baseball Classic Surprise
  • Team Italy’s win helps Team USA; Colin praises the underdog story and calls for better marketing of the World Baseball Classic.
  • “This was one of the most under-marketed and underappreciated sporting events ... it’s an absolute home run for Fox and a blast to watch.” (20:43)

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4. NFL News Updates and QB Debates

Timestamps: 22:35–28:02

• Kirk Cousins to the Raiders
  • Discussion of veteran Cousins as a mentor/transition quarterback for rookie Fernando Mendoza (debate over whether the rookie or the vet should start).
  • “There’s no harm if Fernando Mendoza plays for 16 years ... that he sat until Thanksgiving. Nobody’s gonna care.” (25:04)
• Patriots’ WR Room and A.J. Brown
  • Colin downplays the Patriots’ rumored interest in A.J. Brown, arguing their receiver group (with Romeo Doubs added) is “fine.” Main problem is the offensive line, not receivers.

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5. Tom Izzo In-Depth Interview (Michigan State Basketball, NCAA/NIL Era)

Timestamps: 28:02–41:23

Team & Tournament Projections

• Izzo discusses Michigan State’s strong guard play and experienced roster.
  • “You do need good guard playing. I do have a hell of a guard, and you’re right, I have some experience. I have four guys that have played together a lot over the last three, four years. … But to each his own ... Everybody’s got a different way of skinning a cat.” (28:02)
• Credits team chemistry and togetherness as their main qualities.

NIL & Transfer Portal Effects on College Basketball

• Izzo: “We have no cap. So that part, Colin, is completely different [from NFL, NBA]. ... It’s brought some chaos.” (29:39)
  • Notes NIL financial disparity between programs, and the constant “free agency” vibe of the transfer portal.
• “It’s really hard on the kids. I really do.” (30:56)
• On whether he can still coach hard: “I don’t worry about it ... The great players want to be coached. Everybody’s got to be pushed.” (31:04)

International Players & Recruiting

• Izzo pushes back: “I’m questioning what you said about the best players in the NBA are international. I don’t believe that.” (32:16)
• He feels Americans get “a bad deal” in perception due to the age/experience advantage of international prospects.
• No favorite recruiting region anymore—“Now you do gotta go all over ... kids are ready to move.” (33:08)

Player Spotlight: Cam Boozer

• Colin: “He’s not hyper athletic, but he’s got great hands, great feet, competitive … very consistent player.” (33:42)
• Izzo: “[Cam] just kind of takes over a game ... his basketball IQ is off the charts. That’s number one. And I think winning is extremely important to him.” (34:16)

NCAA Tournament Predictions

• Upset picks harder due to increased parity; doesn’t offer a “sleeper.”
• Izzo: “There’s more even teams. … I don’t know if there’s going to be as many upsets.” (35:28)
• Praises teams like Florida, Arizona, Michigan as true title contenders; expresses hesitance to write off Purdue.

College Basketball Environment and Rivalries

• Discusses rowdy Big Ten crowds: “You can call me anything in the world, but keep it a little bit clean ... That’s what rivalries are all about.” (37:09)
• On Michigan’s championship potential and their size/talent: “They find ways to win and that’s what good teams do. Are they good enough? Yes.” (38:30)
• Endearing Midwestern talk: “Chicago ... is one best city in North America ... Buy a jacket. It gets a little frosty in January. ... Who cares? It’s a little cold.” (40:13)
• Colin and Izzo share mutual respect:
  • Izzo: “I do respect you a lot.” (41:08)

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6. NFL Draft Philosophy & Max Crosby vs. First Round Picks

Timestamps: 45:33–53:00

• Defends keeping Max Crosby over trading for two first-round picks.
  • “Max Crosby ... is going to give you 10-plus sacks, 25 quarterback hits ... You’re not getting that from anybody in the first round.” (46:21)
• Notes low first-round “hit” rate: “Less than 50% of these guys hit.” (48:55)
• Draft trends: Only certain first-round positions (O-linemen) are safer bets.
• “I’ll take Max Crosby, who I think is a culture setter, a dog, respected.” (49:40)
• J. Mac argues for the long-term value of rookie deals but Colin favors proven, culture-driven veterans.

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Notable Quotes & Moments

"LeBron feels more like a consultant. ... This is not family. And that's the downside to mobility."
– Colin Cowherd (06:10)

"You gotta have a wow trait. Well, Kyler Murray has them ..."
– Colin Cowherd (10:22)

"The common thread ... is not a great running back or a number one receiver. You find your guy — you find your coach."
– Colin Cowherd (12:26)

"As long as it's clean, it's good. ... That's what rivalries are all about."
– Tom Izzo, on Big Ten crowds (37:09)

"We have no cap. ... It's brought some chaos for college sports, not just basketball, but football and everything else."
– Tom Izzo, on NIL and the portal (29:39)

"Less than 50% of these guys hit. ... I'll take Max Crosby, who I think is a culture setter, a dog, respected."
– Colin Cowherd (48:55, 49:40)

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Segment Timestamps at a Glance

• 03:31 — Show open, LeBron statue debate
• 04:39 — Robert Horry’s guest clip/LeBron assessment
• 08:45 — Kyler Murray analysis & QB reclamation theory
• 13:36 — News: Max Crosby/Raiders; Team Italy WBC win
• 22:35 — NFL QB news: Kirk Cousins, Patriots receivers
• 28:02 — Tom Izzo (Michigan State) in-depth interview
• 45:33 — NFL draft strategy, value of Max Crosby

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Summary Takeaway

This hour of The Herd features Colin at his sharpest, mixing big-picture cultural takes (LeBron, NIL/college sports) with detail-heavy analysis (NFL quarterbacking, draft value). The Tom Izzo interview covers the state of college basketball in the NIL and transfer era, the evolving talent landscape, and what separates the top programs. Listeners get a well-rounded, insightful blend of sports culture, economics, and coaching wisdom, with Colin’s trademark clarity and strong points of view throughout.

Transcript

[Colin Cowherd]

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[Co-host/Producer or Guest Host]

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[Colin Cowherd]

Now let's get this party started.

[Co-host/Producer or Guest Host]

You're listening to Fox Sports Radio. It's Thursday. We're live in Chicago. It is the Herd. Wherever you may be and however you may be listening, thanks for making us part of your day. Team Italy. Thank you kindly. What a story that is. Welcome in. Great to have you here regardless of the platform. Wherever you're watching us, we appreciate it. Lots of choices out there. So Yesterday I had 7 time NBA champ Robert Horry on the show and sometimes you'll have a guest on the show. And today we got Tom Izzo, we got Johnny Manziels on the show. Today we could get Paul Skeens on the show. So we got a lot of things cooking today. But we had Robert Horian and he was a classic Laker, you know, played all four years of college, came in and played, you know, great spurs teams, great Laker teams. And I asked him about, you know, LeBron's legacy and you know, the statue argument. And here's what Robert Horry said.

[Colin Cowherd]

LeBron, you know him, KD, those guys have had the choice. You know, everybody wants somebody to be like a Dirk and a Kobe and stay for 20 years. And Tim Duncan, that ain't the case with everybody. They wanted to explore options and I think if he does get a statue out there, he's deserving. He should get a statue in Cleveland, he should get a statue in la, he should get a statue in Miami because you think about what he's done for every organization. Sometimes it's not about the wins, it's about the butts you put in the seat.

[Co-host/Producer or Guest Host]

Okay, so the Lakers aren't every other organization. There is simply a different standard for Notre Dame football, Yankee baseball, Real Madrid, Manchester United and the Lakers, even though they haven't been very good over the last 10 years. Right. Most of the time. And this is not the New York Mets that celebrate wild card appearances of the Charlotte hornets or the fourth best football team in the Big 12, Miami. Sure. Cleveland, absolutely. I think if you ask Laker Fans, statue in LeBron outside of crypto, it would be. Absolutely not, folks. Think about the statues in front of crypto. Kobe, five rings. Jerry west six as an executive and then nine finals appearances. Magic five titles. Shaq three. Kareem five. Pat Riley, several Chick Hearn, 30 plus years of broadcasting. I mean, Elgin Baylor didn't have a title, but Elgin Baylor, who many believe was the pre LeBron, he was LeBron before LeBron, all 14 of his years of his career. Lakers drafted by him, stayed with him. 14 years with him. You know, 10 time all star average, 38 a game one season. He is the founding father of professional basketball in la. Is Elgin Baylor always a Laker? You know every statue outside of crypto. The first line of it could be Laker legend Magic Johnson. With LeBron, the first sentence is Cleveland's finest, most points ever. Part of the heels. Is he really family? LeBron feels more like a consultant. He adds value, new set of eyes, polishes up the problems. And then when he leaves and the contract's done, you're like, all right, see ya. Nobody sheds tears, nobody cries. This is not family. And that's the downside to mobility. LeBron isn't Laker family. What he is, he has been a. He was a life preserver for a sinking boat. But Jerry west and Magic were the boat. Kareem and Kobe, Shaq were the boat. Jerry west was the boat. And so not a lot of rings, one Covid championship, eight years with the Lakers, last two. There's games and minute restrictions. I think the standard is way too high. I do think he's put some butts in the seats, but that's a big deal for the Clippers, that's a big deal maybe for the Mavericks, for the Pelicans, butts in seats don't count at Notre Dame, Ohio State football, you know, Tom Izzo, Michigan State basketball, there's always butts in the seats. So, and I've said this Before, LeBron was a life preserver. The five years before he came to the Lakers had the losing his record as a franchise. But they still remain the number one brand in the sport. They could still get a number. They were just poorly coached and poorly Run and poorly owned. So the statue thing is very interesting to me. I. I would honestly, when you look at the standard of the people out in front of crypto with LeBron, I'd probably say, yeah, more consultant than family. Okay, so, you know, there are two quarterbacks that I have always been much higher on than the consensus. One of them is Sam Darnold. And after he hoisted a Super bowl trophy, the trolls and the critics got very quiet. Apparently there was a power outage with all their Internet. The other one, and I've said, I guess I missed on it, was Kyler Murray. So the reason I always stuck with Sam Darnold and never liked JJ McCarthy is because Darnold had elite traits. Elite size, elite arm, elite athleticism, elite toughness. Well, Kyler Murray, to me, everybody keeps asking, who's the next Sam Darnold? An elite quarterback on the cheap. Who's the next Baker Mayfield? Well, guys, it's Kyler Murray. If he goes to Minnesota with Jordan Addison and a good old Line and T.J. hawkinson and Justin Jefferson and Kevin O', Connell, you got to remember, he made multiple Pro Bowls. In a playoff in Arizona, they gave him a contract extension. Jets did not to Darnold, Cleveland didn't. With Baker, Arizona gave him a contract extension, they picked it up and he made multiple Pro Bowls and he got to the playoffs. But like Darnold, what he has are elite traits. He is a more athletic, elusive version of Russell Wilson in his prime. He throws a beautiful deep ball, and because of his baseball background, he doesn't get hit that much. One of the great sliders in the sport really knows how to avoid contact. Is he small? Do I have commitment issues? Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes. But if you're looking for the next Darnold, it's right in front of you. It's Kyler Murray. And it. That's why I was never a JJ McCarthy fan. What are the traits when Drake May came out, I'm like, oh, that's NFL size, NFL arm, two trades. Caleb Williams, okay, that's NFL horsepower. Jaden Daniels movement. I said, he's going to look like Lamar Jackson. You gotta have a wow trait. Well, Kyler Murray has him, but like Sam Darnold, he went to a bad organization. So I worry a little bit about, you know, he's a smaller quarterback. I don't think like Darnold, I think Darnold's a better talent. I don't think he's going to peel off 14 wins. But when you look at Baker and you look At Darnold, what they got to reinvent their career wasn't necessarily a great O line. It was a great coach. For Darnold, it was Shanahan, then Kevin o', Connell, and then Clint Kubiak. You know, for Baker Mayfield, he got a little Sean McVeigh, and then he gets Liam Cohen and Dave Canales. That's what the reclamation projects all have. They find their kingpin, they find their. Their wizard. Well, Kevin OConnell was that for Darnold. He was that for Josh Dobbs, briefly. He couldn't make it work with JJ McCarthy. I think it's Kyler Murray, Albert Brer yesterday on Kyler and the Vikings. And the. And the reports are it's getting close.

[Colin Cowherd]

I think right now, things are lining

[Co-host/Producer or Guest Host]

up for the Vikings to bring Kyler Murray in on. On the minimum. And I think if you're Kyler Murray, you look at that situation, the opportunity to work with Kevin o', Connell, an offensive line that they've invested in, Jordan Jefferson or Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, TJ

[Colin Cowherd]

Hawkinson, I mean, you start to add

[Co-host/Producer or Guest Host]

up the pieces that you've got in Minnesota. And even though they didn't play very well last year, a lot of those same elements that put Sam Darnold in position to resurrect his career would still be there for Kyler Murray. Totally agree. So it's. When you. Whenever you look at these quarterbacks who get tossed aside, who are viewed as busts when they. If they resurrect their career, the common thread is not a great running back or a number one receiver. You find your guy, you find your coach. It could be Clint Kubiak, Shanahan, Kevin o', Connell, Dave Canales, Liam Cohen. You find the right coach. And I think if he signs with Minnesota, that's the best possible scenario for Kyler Murray. And I think he would flourish. Do I think he'd win 14 games like Darnold did? No, but I think they'd win nine or 10. I honestly think their offensive personnel and their offensive coaching is that good. I really do. And like all of you, I think he's a little small. I worry about the video game reports, but on the market right now, if you told me I had one drive to win a game, I'd take Kyler over Daniel Jones or Mac Jones or Geno Smith or guys that, you know, keep getting second and third chances. Okay, J. Mac, Team Italy beats Mexico. That's good for us. Yeah. Daryl Morey is saying what we've been saying for years. I appreciate it. And Max Crosby is officially a Raider, and it looks like will remain a Raider. How does that sit with you? You buying that? I mean, I know he's saying all the right things. He kind of has to. A little embarrassing for him, right? To demand a trade, get traded, say goodbye and then go back there. I mean, you can't say I want out now. Like it's a weird spot for Max Crosby. He's saying all the right things. He's your guy. So I anticipate. You love this move, huh? Yeah, I think it's. I said before they have 11 draft picks. They're going to get incredibly young. They only have Max Crosby and Colton Miller as old, experienced veterans. It's a really young roster and I think it's too young in that division. I think Max Crosby is somebody young players can lean on. Be sure to catch live editions of the Herd, weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am Pacific on Fox Sports Radio, FS1 and the iHeartRadio app Stugatz here. I have a podcast empire. It continues to grow and I have brought it here to iHeart. I'm also doing a live radio show from 3 to 5pm Eastern because my wife wanted to kick me out of the house. It's called Stagotson company Live, which is available in podcast form right when the show finishes every single day. Some of the biggest names in sports, a lot of phone calls. I love you guys show.

[Colin Cowherd]

It's one of my favorites.

[Co-host/Producer or Guest Host]

A lot of interaction, guys not taking themselves too seriously. Those are just some of the things that you can expect from Stugouts Co. And Stugats Co. Live. So listen to Stegots Co. Live and and our original podcast. Please subscribe, rate and review Stugots Co. And God bless football. Taylor's livelihood depends on it. Do it today and you can check all of those out on the iHeartRadio app, Apple podcast or wherever you get your podcast. Hey, this is Lavar Arrington here from up on Game.

[Colin Cowherd]

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[Colin Cowherd]

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[Colin Cowherd]

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I've got Dan Morgan here on the pod. Say hi Dan.

[Colin Cowherd]

Hey, how's it going today?

[Co-host/Producer or Guest Host]

It's going good man. Tell us who you are and what you do.

[Colin Cowherd]

I'm Dan Morgan. I'm an attorney and a managing partner

[Co-host/Producer or Guest Host]

at Morgan and Morgan, which is America's

[Colin Cowherd]

largest injury law firm.

[Co-host/Producer or Guest Host]

That's pretty awesome. I think I saw a billboard of yours recently that said 20 billion won. 20 million is an insane number.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah, 20 billion recovered. It's actually, I think somewhere north, probably

[Co-host/Producer or Guest Host]

closer to 22, 23 after this year. And each year we get bigger and badder and our army grows. So the number will hopefully keep getting bigger and bigger as time goes on. Awesome. So how does someone get in contact with Morgan and Morgan? What would I do if I got into an accident?

[Colin Cowherd]

Probably the easiest way is dialing pound law.

[Co-host/Producer or Guest Host]

That's £529 from your cell phone.

[Colin Cowherd]

We are always open. Our call center is always waiting to take your call. 247365 wow.

[Co-host/Producer or Guest Host]

Dan Morgan from Morgan Morgan, America's large injury law firm. Thanks for coming by the show.

[Colin Cowherd]

Thanks for having me. Visit forthepeople.com for an office near you.

[Co-host/Producer or Guest Host]

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[Colin Cowherd]

So good.

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Okay. Rock, paper, scissors for it. Rock, paper, scissors. Shoot. No. The Wells Fargo ActiveCash credit card. Visit Wells Fargo.com ActiveCash terms apply. Tom Izzo's coming up in about 15 minutes. So Team USA was holding its collective breath last night at the World Baseball Classic because they needed Team Italy to beat Team Mexico for the Americans to get out of pool play. And who knew there was this many great Italians in Major League Baseball? They beat Mexico and now Monja, we can eat. The Americans are out of pool play because the way it works is the Team Italy is a bunch of major leaguers who didn't get invited to the USA team. Like Aaron Nola from the Phillies. Great player, but he didn't get invited to Team usa. So his grandparents, somebody's born in Italy, right? So he qualifies. He was great last night. And then Vinnie Pasquantino, I think we can figure out there's some Italian heritage there for the Royals. He was awesome. He jack one out. And here we go, Team Italy. And I gotta tell you, I said this. When this tournament started, this was one of the most under marketed and under appreciated sporting events. When I was at ESPN and it started back in 2006, and it just got buried under an avalanche of ESPN stuff or major League Baseball network stuff. But it's got stars, it's got patriotism, it's got urgency, it's really good. And the rating, by the way, the ratings the other night for Mexico USA, it was up to 6 million people watching. That's like NBA conference finals had 5 million people in that game. So we like our patriotism, we like our. We like our stars, and we like underdogs. And congrats to Team Italy last night. You also need. When you get like Olympics, you need buy in. And so we got. We saw buy in in what was it called? The four Nations. Massively pop. Shockingly popular. I think this similarly is shockingly popular. We know the World cup and the Olympics and the flag and the patriotism works. But this is. I mean, this thing is a. It's a real live event and people are really into it. And Team USA now, thanks to Vinnie Pasquintino, is Out of pool play. And here's team Italy's hero after caffeinated. I'm beamed up right now, so just. Yeah, we're in a good spot.

[Colin Cowherd]

As many as we need.

[Co-host/Producer or Guest Host]

We'll make it happen. So that was unbelievable, huh? You're welcome, usa. We were thinking of you guys over at your hotel. We were thinking of you guys.

[Colin Cowherd]

So I'm glad you guys could join

[Co-host/Producer or Guest Host]

us in the party. It's been fun. And. And we said you guys thought I was sucking up to bosses. I was going to text one of them this morning. I'm like, this is the classic $8 stock that was always much closer to a $20 stock. But you get to these networks and you've got, you know, major college basketball and college football and NHL contracts and NBA contracts and a lot of stuff just gets buried this thing. And maybe it's the time with the World cup coming up in the Olympics, maybe it's the perfect year to put a patriotic sports event with urgency on a network. But it has been an absolute home run for Fox and a blast to watch. Here's J. Mac with the news.

[Colin Cowherd]

No, no, no, turn on the news.

[Co-host/Producer or Guest Host]

This is the Herd line news. I just googled Vinnie Colin. His. Did you know his nickname is Pasquatch? Like Sasquatch. That's kind of cool. Just you learn things at the World Baseball Classic. All right, let's get started. With the Atlanta Falcons releasing Kirk Cousins. Colin as expected. But this is where it gets interesting. Sources tell the athletic that the Raiders are the front runner to land 37 year old Kirk Cousins. Makes sense.

[Colin Cowherd]

Hold on, hold.

[Co-host/Producer or Guest Host]

Cousins turned 38 in August. 38. Okay, here's what's interesting. He was in Minnesota in 2019, 2020 and 2021. Do you know who his quarterback coach was in O.C. clint Kubiak. Yeah. So they have a relationship and actually Cousins, that was like at the peak of his career five, six years ago. He was a spring chicken in his early 30s throwing like 35 touchdowns. But is this not. We always say that your starter and backup should have similar traits so you don't have to change the offense. Well, I mean, Cousins and Fernando Mendoza are classic pocket quarterbacks. Humble, grateful guys. Not, not ever worried about being cool. They're just humble guys. Both eat in the pocket when they have the right protection. So regardless of who is playing, Kubiak has two quarterbacks largely with the same traits and skill set. I'm telling you, the Raiders are. What you don't want is a pocket quarterback and have Jared Goff's backup be, you know, some wildly athletic run around guy. That's not, that's not a good fit. You have a different offense. So this is a perfect starter or backup year one for the Raiders. Okay. So I like all that and I agree. It's easy transition. The question becomes, does this become like an open competition or is it like, Kirk, we want you to be the backup. You're a professional. You're a good human being. We want you to be around Mendoza. I think he'll probably get the starting nod. Who? Kirk Cousins. Wow. Yeah. Knows the offense. Absolutely. There's no harm if Fernando Mendoza plays for 16 years. Anybody gonna care that he sat until Thanksgiving. Nobody's gonna care. Just, just start Kirk Cousins until you feel like you're sitting there at practice and you're like, all right, the kid gives us an element that we don't have because he does. He's in his prime athletically. I think you play Kirk Cousins until you just you. And I think Mendoza is kind of a head down, workaholic kid. I think he's going to pick this stuff up really quickly. But I would have no problem if Mendoza sat until Thanksgiving. But I think he's just going to. At some point. You're going to watch him at practice. Arm strength, mobility. He's going to be better than Kirk. I would go the opposite. Colin. I would say the only way to get better at doing anything is to actually do the thing. You've got to be on the field playing. Like this idea of watching Mendoza was a starter in college for what, three years? Cal and Indiana. I mean, this is a seasoned veteran. The idea that, oh well, Aaron Rodgers sat Patrick Mahomes, that those were circumstantial and I believe a little goofy. I mean, like, come on. Brett Favre, hall of Famer Alex Smith just took the Chiefs to the playoffs. Like Kirk Cousins is a. It's going to be 38 in August. I don't want to put him out there behind the Raiders offensive line. I'm saying Mendoza is the starter. Kirk, you're coming in as the backup. Okay? Oh, okay, good. So I sold you on that?

[Colin Cowherd]

No.

[Co-host/Producer or Guest Host]

All right. Moving on to the New England Patriots column. They add Romeo Dobbs to the wide receiver room. But According to the NFL Network, New England remains interested in A.J. brown of the Eagles. We gotta, you know, the pass catchers for the Patriots. It's actually a pretty good group. Dobbs, k', Shawn Booty, the young kid. Mack Holland's a veteran. Kyle Williams. I've been hearing, hearing for years. People interested in AJ Brown. I'll believe it when I see it. I think he's really talented. But it's, you know, I, I, I, I told you this the other day. I, I heard for years everybody wants to play with Carmelo Anthony. Why didn't they? I mean, how many years do I have to HEAR Everybody wants A.J. brown? Make a move. There's like six teams that could use him tomorrow. Now is the time to get him. So I, I, you know, I, I think Romeo Dobbs, Williams Booty I, Hunter Henry, I think New England's fine at receiver. I don't think they need to add A.J. brown. I think they're more than capable with that receiving crew they have with Romeo Dobbs. They're fine. That's not why they lost the Super Bowl. They lost it because they couldn't block the Seahawks front. Their old line needs help. I think their receiving core now is just fine. J Mac with the news. Well, that's the news. And thanks for stopping by the Herd Line News. 31 years at Michigan State. We got the conference tournaments going here in Chicago. Chicago, it's the big Den Dermot. It's obviously Selection Sunday is coming up. We bring in our friend Tom Izzo, who's been doing this for quite a while, and he's played the best teams in the country this year, Michigan and Duke. Okay, so you've got a guard that likes to distribute you. We always hear about how big guard play is. You also have upperclassmen. That's a big part in this tournament. You're eighth in the country, Tom. So I, I would feel like, I mean, Michigan has the size, you've got the point guard, you've got the experience. Your thoughts about going into the tournament with this group at Michigan State?

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah, I think bad coaching job that we're not undefeated with all those things you said, you know, we, we got everything. But, you know, you do need good guard playing. I do have a hell of a guard, and you're right, I have some experience. I have four guys that have played together a lot over the last three, four years. I think it matters. But to each his own. Everybody's got a different way of skinning a cat, as they say. So it's worked out pretty good for us. We played pretty good most of the year. We were not able to beat Michigan. Two pretty good games, but they are really good, really talented and yeah, we've had a chance to, We've been played UConn in a preseason and, and Duke and, you know, Michigan and they're all really good teams, but we're kind of in there, too, so we'll see what happens.

[Co-host/Producer or Guest Host]

I think the nil, I said this, I thought. Not that it needed saving, but I thought it really empowered college basketball. You can go get 20 kids from Europe. You can get guys, juniors who would go second round. They'll stay in college. So I think NIL has helped. I think it brings, you know, some headaches and the transfer portal's not perfect. But I do look at the nil, and I think what it feels like to me is the top 10 programs are really good, and you're one of them. And Gonzaga and Duke and Arizona and Florida, I think it's made the top really good. I'm not sure the bottom has much of a chance. I don't feel like the opening day of the tournament, we're going to see a lot of upsets. What have you noticed the last two years with NIL are the rich kind of getting richer? Because you're in that group, you're the veteran coach. It's an established program. Do you feel like the top is better?

[Colin Cowherd]

Well, veteran coach doesn't mean you have as much money as, you know, that discrepancy. If you look at the NBA, the NFL, the money is everybody has a cap. We have no cap. So that part, Colin, is completely different. And even though, you know, our program is doing fine and I think we've won more with togetherness and connectivity and guys that have played together than actual brute talent. Because I've had better talent other years, but I kind of like this team in that respect. But it's brought some chaos for college sports. Not just basketball, but football and everything else. And you're going to have to wait a couple years to decide whether it's a plus or a minus. I have my differences. I think the transfer portal has made it so everybody's a free agent every day, and that makes it a little more difficult. You don't have that in the NBA, the NFL, or, you know, NHL. So I'm not sure you'd like it if you were coaching. I'm not sure how you'd like it if you had a son who was gonna have a chance. Yes. Make more money. But remember, if your son's playing here and I want to bring in somebody to replace them, and he's only a sophomore, that's not good for your son either. So I think it's really hard on the kids. I really do.

[Co-host/Producer or Guest Host]

Do you. Can you coach as hard today as you did five Years ago. Or do you kind of worry about. Oh, boy, he may just.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah, yeah, that's a good question. I don't worry about it. You know, I'm at the point in my career where I don't need to worry about it. But, you know, I've had the privilege of being, you know, around guys like Magic Johnson or, you know, watching the NBA. I've had some chances to go there. And I think they all think the same thing. You know, the great players want to be coached. Everybody's got to be pushed. If you're not pushed, I mean, look at the great coaches way before me, you know, but you look at, from Michigan, Bo Schembuck or Bobby Knight or Nick Saban, my good friend Nick, or you look at some college coaches, you know, John Thompson. I mean, everybody pushes people. That's the way it should be. That's the way it needs to be if you're really going to be successful. If it was easy, as they say, everybody would do it.

[Co-host/Producer or Guest Host]

Best players in the NBA now are international. I can remember years ago when Tony Kukoc came in and everybody said, ah, they're soft guys, but their academy system, you got young guys over there playing against older players. So they come in pretty hardened and pretty skilled. What is your view on international recruiting? Are you. I mean, I talked to Patino last week. He's got guys from, you know, six continents. Your thoughts on international recruiting?

[Colin Cowherd]

Well, I'm. I'm questioning what you said about the best players in the NBA are international. I don't believe that. I think what's happening is, yes, some of those guys have better opportunities to get better faster, but some of them come over here in 21, 22 years old too. So if I took my freshman and made him 22 and then let him go, he'd be a lot better. So I think the Americans are getting a bad deal on that, to be honest with you. I think there's damn good American players. If we had the same opportunities, maybe it would be a little better, but I still don't think the best players are necessary European players. I think there are some good European players, but I think there's some really good American players, too.

[Co-host/Producer or Guest Host]

Where, where, where's your favorite place in the country to recruit right now for Michigan State players? Michigan State Town was your favorite place to recruit?

[Colin Cowherd]

Well, I should say a y year or something. You know, in all honesty, we were a program that was kind of basically Midwest. The state of Michigan had a lot of great players in Illinois and Indiana and Ohio and Now you do got to go all over because there's kids everywhere, and kids are ready to move and they want to change where they are. So I don't know if I have a favorite place anymore. I still like the Midwest. The Midwest kids. I do appreciate that. But I've got some east coast kids on my team now. We've kind of branched out like everybody else has had to.

[Co-host/Producer or Guest Host]

So you played against Cam Boozer, who reminds me of his dad, actually. He's not hyper athletic, but he's got great hands, great feet, competitive. He's a very consistent player. And I think he's getting a little overshadowed by the Darren Peterson and Acuff down at Arkansas is a fantastic player. Calipari's got himself a gem up there. So you tell me about Boozer, because I think he's one of those guys that I could watch him. I recovered his dad. His dad was a smart guy. His dad was a grinder and a hard worker. What do you make of him as a NBA prospect and a college player?

[Colin Cowherd]

You know, I love Camp Boozer. They beat us here. We had a lead with about two or three minutes left, and he just kind of takes over a game. You're right. He doesn't get enough credit because he doesn't soar. He doesn't, you know, dunk from everywhere. He's not the greatest athlete, but, you know, being from a school where Irvin was from, basketball IQ is off the charts. That's number one. And I think winning is extremely important to him. Give credit to his coach down there. Give credit to his dad. But not everybody puts winning on the top. I think Cam Boozer does. I think whatever team he goes to, he helps them win. And he's going to be a very good pro, in my humble opinion.

[Co-host/Producer or Guest Host]

Okay, I ask you this every time I bring you on before the tournament. Tell me a team that none of us tv, radio guys are talking about, that's under. I remember years ago, somebody gave me Belmont out of Nashville, and they actually won a tournament game, and they were really good. What is a team you have played? Maybe you beat them. Maybe you just saw them on film prepping for another team. But if I told you. Shocking upset in the first round. A team that we should keep our eye on. Wow.

[Colin Cowherd]

You know, that's a tougher question than a couple years ago because there's so many more teams now. You know, you look at our league alone, we got 18 teams in the league, and it's. It's so hard. Everybody's got. I think we're getting like the NFL where not mediocrity, but I think there's more even teams. And so I don't know if there's going to be as many upsets. I think you're right about what you said earlier. It's going to be harder to upset people. How come you always put such nice things on me on tv? You know, don't you ever get me hugging or kissing anybody? I could hug. I could hug Raph. You know, that would be more fun. But, you know, I played a lot of good teams. Arkansas and. And of course Duke and North Carolina, Kentucky. You know, I think some of those teams, because they had so many transfers, are getting better at the end of the year than they were at the beginning of the year. It takes some time to work those guys in. So this one time, man, I don't have a good answer for you. It was easy to put Gonzaga in that 10 years ago. Now they're so damn good they can beat anybody. So they're not a surprise team anymore.

[Co-host/Producer or Guest Host]

So I saw your fans. I had Dusty May on, I think it was last week, and he about all the Michigan State fans. Heck, I think one of the reasons I've always defended college basketball over like the G League and my take is, first of all, the coaching's better in college, and it's hard coaching. Second of all, you have to play in these kind of environments and that you're getting heckled. And it's like an NBA environment. I think the arenas in the Big Ten and the SEC and the Big 12, they're hard. They're louder than NBA arenas. So when you see Dusty May getting heckled, what is your take on that? What did you make of that?

[Colin Cowherd]

Well, did you think I went to the prom when I went over there? You know, it wasn't a prom dance, I'll tell you that. But you know what? I agree with you. I think that's part of college sports. And I think the Big Ten has led the nation in attendance for like 50 years. So it's been that way. I've been in it 40 of them. So it's been that way the whole time. But I think as long as it's clean, it's good. You know, you can call me anything in the world, but keep it a little bit clean. And I think the same for our fans with him. But that's what rivalries are all about. You know, I don't think you go to Duke Carolina game and, you know, everybody's holding hands and singing Kumbay la. You know, it's not the way it works, but I think this is what made college better than the NBA, to be honest with you.

[Co-host/Producer or Guest Host]

Well, I mean, I watched your Michigan games this year. First of all, they're big. I talked to Mark Few the other week and he's like, I mean they, they dusted Gonzaga. They shot the ball well, which they don't always shoot the ball well is, you know, if you had to meet Michigan down the road in the tournament because you played them close both times, you're both good enough to win. The thing. Is there a way, I mean, it's. When you look at your Michigan games, do you look at them and go, oh, we could just have this back or this back. Or are they just tom a team capable of winning it all? They're just so damn big for a college team.

[Colin Cowherd]

You know, I think they're big, but they're also talented. You know, Yaxel is a hell of a player. He goes five for six from the three. He hasn't done that very often and he made some big time threes in our game. But you know, we have played, we played in an exhibition game, we played UConn. I think they're very good. I think right now Florida's coming on. Michigan, I think is good enough to win it all, but they lost a kid named K.S. on who was a really, really good guard who kind of could play all three guard positions. And you know, we'll see if that hurts them in the long run. I mean, as you say, our game was two three point game with three minutes left and yet they find ways to win and that's what good teams do. Are they good enough? Yes. Right now I'm still a big fan of some, some besides Michigan, some other programs, but Florida seems to be playing the best at the end of the year. If I looked at it, you know, from a lens, from a, from a distance, I haven't played Florida, but they got size, they got guard play and he's won it all before. So they really have been coming on lately. I think Arizona is really good. I haven't played them. Michigan is really good. Have played them. Don't, don't sleep on Purdue yet either. You know, they've struggled a little bit, but great guard play, great coach in our league. I think Nebraska is another team that, you know, you don't really look at Nebraska as a basketball school. It's like looking at Indiana. You don't look at them as a football school. They just won the national championship. So there's going to be some surprises in this tournament, but we could play Michigan if we both win in the Big Ten tournament. In your city.

[Co-host/Producer or Guest Host]

Yep. Eight time Final Four champ. By the way, I love Chicago. Everybody comes up to me and they're like, well, how do you. They always say, hey, how do you like Chicago? And I'm like, it's one best city in North America. Nine straight years in Conde Nast Travel magazine. I'm like, folks, buy a jacket. It gets a little frosty in January. Buy a damn jacket. Who cares? It's a little cold. People are so strange. It's like, I can't handle cold.

[Colin Cowherd]

You know what? When you see what's happening in the country right now, you know, hurricanes and fires and all this, I'll take a little cold. At least you can stay alive with the cold. You know, there's other reasons at other places. So I'm like you. I'm glad you moved back to the Midwest. Can't wait. Maybe you'll take me out to dinner when I come over there.

[Co-host/Producer or Guest Host]

By the way, I make sure you put the herd on the back. I see that TV behind you. You know, you could do us a favor and put our show on once in a while, pal.

[Colin Cowherd]

Let me tell you something, man. I don't know who put that on, but I watch your show a lot. You ask me questions, I'll give you answers. That's why I came on during a critical part of my. Of my week here, because I do respect you a lot.

[Co-host/Producer or Guest Host]

Tom. It's great seeing you, Coach.

[Colin Cowherd]

You too, man. See you later.

[Co-host/Producer or Guest Host]

All right, Tom. Izzo. They got good guard play and they got a bunch of juniors. They got older players. You go into the tournament, there's like, I was talking to somebody about this and they said, the nil, man. The top is really good. That's why when I hear about tournament expansion, my take is the bottom doesn't have a chance. Now you're going to add 20 teams. What are we doing here? So I think Michigan State's one of eight teams. And again, you need breaks. Do they want to. You know, nobody wants to face Florida right now. Nobody wants to face Arizona right now. Duke's banged up, Michigan lost a player. I think it's wide open. You know, I heard this a lot yesterday. I want to address this. I mean, listen, I'd rather have two first round picks than Max Crosby. A little refresher course on why that's not true. Next, the Herd. Be sure to catch live editions of the Herd. Weekdays at noon Eastern. 9am Pacific on Fox Sports Radio, FS1 and the iHeartRadio app. Hey, this is Levar Arrington here from up on Game.

[Colin Cowherd]

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[Colin Cowherd]

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[Co-host/Producer or Guest Host]

I've got Dan Morgan here on the pod. Say hi, Dan.

[Colin Cowherd]

Hey, how's it going today?

[Co-host/Producer or Guest Host]

It's going good, man. Tell us who you are, are and what you do.

[Colin Cowherd]

I'm Dan Morgan. I'm an attorney and a managing partner

[Co-host/Producer or Guest Host]

at Morgan and Morgan, which is America's largest injury law firm. That's pretty awesome. I think I saw a billboard of yours recently. It said 20 billion one. 20 billion is an insane number.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah, 20 billion recovered. It's actually, I think somewhere north, probably

[Co-host/Producer or Guest Host]

closer to 22, 23 after this year. And each year we get bigger and better and our army grows. So the number will hopefully keep getting bigger and bigger as time goes on. Awesome. So how does someone get in contact with Morgan and Morgan? What? What would I do if I got into an accident?

[Colin Cowherd]

Probably the easiest way is dialing pound law.

[Co-host/Producer or Guest Host]

That's £529 from your cell phone.

[Colin Cowherd]

We are always open. Our call center is always waiting to take your call. 247365 wow.

[Co-host/Producer or Guest Host]

Dan Morgan from Morgan and Morgan, America's largest injury law firm. Thanks for coming by the show.

[Colin Cowherd]

Thanks for having me. Visit forthepeople.com for an office near you.

[Co-host/Producer or Guest Host]

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[Colin Cowherd]

So good.

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[Colin Cowherd]

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Okay. Rock paper scissors for it. Rock, paper scissors. Shoot. No the Wells Fargo Active Cash credit card. Visit wells fargo.com ActiveCash Terms apply a third round pick to get a defensive tackle Decent player from the Cowboys. Matt Mosley My buddy said it's interesting the Cowboys trade their best defensive players to teams that always beat them in the playoffs. Micah Parsons to the packers and OSA to the Niners. I. I'll defend the Cowboys on this. I. I just I want talent and a GM's job is not to hold grudges or worry about conference alignment. Remember the Lions and the Rams swapped quarterback same conference. Both excellent quarterbacks. They've both done great. So I'll defend the Cowboys on that. You. You. I mean, you can say what you want about moving Micah to the packers, but they got two firsts and Kenny Clark. And they've turned those first now into Kenny Clark, Quinn and Williams. Then they make a deal for Rashawn. Gary Demarian overshone will be excellent. The Cowboys defensive front since getting rid of Micah Parsons is significantly better. So I don't care where you send players. I would prefer if you're a Niner fan, you don't want them sending them to the Rams, especially quarterback. But I mean, you know Max Crosby and the Raiders. When the Ravens stepped up as an AFC team and said we'll give you two firsts. Take it. You know, so. And I want to speak about that because I've heard a lot about this. Well, I would rather have two first round picks than Max Crosby So, okay, first of all, Max Crosby. I'm good. Stan a Raider. He was in the building at 6am the following morning when the trade unraveled. He's a Raider and he's going to give you 10 plus hits. He's going to give you 10 plus sacks, 25 quarterback hits, 25 hurries. Write it in the book, bank it. You're not getting that from anybody in the first round. There are no pass rushers that elite. So you're, I'm getting absolute. For the next two to three years I'm getting elite production just to give you some sense. And I'm just talking first round picks. So when everybody says, oh, I'd rather have those first round picks. So let's go to last year's first round. 32 picks last year's first round. There are only five players that I, I would identify today as hits. T. Mac, the receiver for the Panthers, Emeka Buka for the Bucs. Colston Loveland for the Bears. Tyler Warren, Colton Gray Zabel. Those guys are hits. Those guys are Pro bowl level players now. They are absolute hits. I think there's seven other guys that are very promising, that are ascending players. Jackson Dart, Tyler Booker, Armand member the Missouri lineman for the Jets. Will Campbell didn't have a great Super Bowl. Mason Graham, Jalon Walker, Falcons. And Malachi Starks. Those are very, very good players. Promising holes in their game. Not quite hits yet, but look very good. That's 12 of 32 picks. So you're, you're. And they're, they're for the record. There could be late bloomers, there could be somebody I'm missing here on the promising list. But there's about 12, 13 guys from last year's draft. I'm like, yeah, that works right now or very soon. So Matt Hasselbeck also came on this week and said there are, there's value to Max Crosby beyond just the sacks. Max Crosby has the respect of the NFL players, teammates, opponents, coaches, scouts, everybody. And he's not a one trick pony. A lot of these guys that come up with all these sacks, they're, they're great at rushing the passer. They're not great against the run. This dude's the real deal in every way. I mean, he's always at the top of the list. Tfls tackles for loss in the run game. He's the real deal in the run game, the pass game, on the field, off the field, an identity setter. You know, he's a dog. Six drafts since Max Crosby was drafted, the Raiders have only drafted one other Pro Bowler and they've been drafting at the top of the draft and only 43%. This is crazy. Only 43% of first round draft picks have signed with the team that drafted him. Signed a second contract. So like it's folks, less than 50% of these guys hit. So. And I, you know, there's, I mean there are certain positions like wide receivers in the first round, tight ends in the first round. There are a lot of misses. Then there's other positions like interior lineman. You know, offensive linemen in the first round usually have some genetic advantages. 3, 10 great feet wide. Those guys usually hit. But you know, last year, I mean, he had a couple of receivers, a couple tight ends, one great offensive lineman, maybe two. Those are the only absolute hits so far. So I'll take Max Crosby, who I think is a culture setter, a dog, respected. And the Raiders are So young with 11 picks this year, they're only going to get younger. I need somebody with a little gray, just a little J. Mac, you're looking at that board. Anybody else? Anybody else I missed in the first round that's going to be a star? No, I think you nailed the right ones. But what's interesting is if you look on the hits list, all of those teams, Colin, were either a playoff team or they were close to contending. The Colts were close. The Bucs I think lost in the final week of the season. So that's, that's a huge win to get close to the playoffs with your first round pick in year one. Now extrapolate that over the next three years and then you really see the growth and that's why, and I know you like Crosby, you got a soft spot for him, he's a talented player. But would I rather have two first round picks than Max Crosby being awesome for the next two years? Of course, I mean, it's not even close first round pick. You're looking at the next five years because you've got him on the, on the rookie deal, so. And all you got to do is hit one of those two and you get a longer Runway. Well, you're going to be successful. You're almost guaranteed. I mean, Fernando Mendoza is about as safe as a number one pick gets. I mean, he's going to get Clint Kubiak. Yeah. Bowers, Genti, Colton Miller, Tyler Linderbaum. It would be hard to envision Fernando Mendoza doing a face plant in the first three years. He looks like they've set him up like the Bears did with Ben Johnson and Drew Dahlman and Joe Tooney. They've set him up to have some level of success very early. Johnny Manziel showing up today. Think Verizon is expensive? Think again. Anyone can bring their AT and T or T Mobile bill to a Verizon store today and we'll give you a better deal. So bring us your bill. Walk in, run in, pogo sticking teleport if you can, ride on the back of a rollerblading yak or flying on the wings of a majestic falcon. 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[Colin Cowherd]

after the Big Game.

[Co-host/Producer or Guest Host]

Like most people, I kept thinking about the commercials, and there was one that stayed with me. It was from the Blue Square Alliance Against Hate. And it wasn't loud or flashy. It showed a Jewish kid being targeted at school and another student who chose not to ignore it. As someone who was Jewish, that moment felt very real to me. Not dramatic, just familiar. And what struck me was how clearly it showed that hate doesn't always announce itself, but the impact is still huge. If you saw the Blue Square spot during the Big Game, it's worth thinking about. And if you want to show support,

[Colin Cowherd]

sharing the Blue Square is one small

[Co-host/Producer or Guest Host]

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[Colin Cowherd]

This episode is brought to you by.

[Co-host/Producer or Guest Host]

Bobcat.

[Colin Cowherd]

They started the compact equipment industry through grit, determination, and a whole lot of

[Co-host/Producer or Guest Host]

think we can't do that. Watch us.

[Colin Cowherd]

They set standards, broke records, empowered people to build bigger and higher, to dig deeper, to make the impossible possible.

[Co-host/Producer or Guest Host]

We've all been there with doubters telling

[Colin Cowherd]

us what we can't do. Who cares what they think? We don't need their permission or forgiveness.

[Co-host/Producer or Guest Host]

We just get things done.

[Colin Cowherd]

So go ahead and doubt me, Judge me, challenge me. But when the time comes, watch me. Bobcat this is an iHeart podcast.

[Co-host/Producer or Guest Host]

Guaranteed Human.