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Colin Cowherd
This is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed Human. Remember when people were nice? When we could occasionally stop fighting and come together? Well, here's some good news. The Ripple Effect is here. Hosted by comedian Jenna Kim Jones. It's a show about how powerful it is when we reach out to one another. It's the perfect weekly proof that goodness isn't gone. The Ripple Effect is more than a podcast. It's a reminder that you can start a ripple that changes everything. Listen to the ripple effect on iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Wasabi is purpose built to free your business from skyrocketing storage costs and fees from the big guys. Wasabi is the go to provider for professional and collegiate sports teams around the world. Check out Wasabi's AI enabled intelligent media storage. Wasabi Air to the industry's only cloud storage service with triple protection against cybercriminals. Was Wasabi driving innovation in data storage for up to 80% less than the other guys? Try for free@wasabi.com, wasabi Hot Cloud Storage, proud partner of the Volume Podcast Network. Hi, it's Colin. I've been around long enough to know quality when I see it, or in this case, when I taste it. Tito's Handmade Vodka. Good stuff. No flash, no gimmick. Smooth, clean, tasting, made the right way. Tito's made in Austin, Texas. Real attention to detail. I like to keep it simple. Tito's Soda, one lime, lot of ice. Refreshing, easy. Summer, winter, spring. Totally versatile. Always works. Listen, baseball season's here. The perfect time to kick back with some Tito's. It's what I pour. You should too. Distilled and bottled by 5th Generation Inc. Austin, Texas. 40% alcohol by volume. Savor responsibly.
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Colin Cowherd
Everybody has goals. And every goal starts with an assist, whether it's on the field or off. That's why Halion is teaming up with US Soccer to launch for the Assist. It's a new campaign that celebrates those everyday acts of support that help people achieve their goals. As the makers of trusted brands like Advil, Centrum, Tum, Sensodyne and Voltaren. Halion knows how to support everyday wellness goals. To learn more, go to helionassist.com thanks for listening to the Herd podcast. Be sure to catch us live every weekday on Fox Sports Radio at noon to 3 Eastern, 9am to noon Pacific. Find your local station for the herd@foxsportsradio.com or stream us live every day on the iHeartRadio app by searching Fox Sports Radio or FSR.
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Now let's get this party started.
Colin Cowherd
You're listening to Fox Sports Radio. Oh, what a Wednesday show. We have Christmas around the corner. What an exciting time. NFL games tomorrow, one hour from now. We're bringing Greg Cosell in top of next hour on a Wednesday to preview a very large and important slate of NFL games. So good to be here. So they named the Pro bowl teams yesterday and I want to start with that once or twice a year, maybe two or three times. I'll speak to a high school or I'll speak to a college. And kids always ask for advice in broadcasting. And my advice is don't get your head down. There's no one way to succeed. I mean, Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Gates dropped out of college. Is that great advice for young texters? I don't know. It was for them. There is no one way to succeed. Just be relentless and don't get discouraged. And I look at the six Pro bowl quarterbacks and I feel just the same way. Would have been easy for Matt Stafford to get discouraged. Let's look at all six. Start with the nfc. Matt Stafford beat up for years in Detroit, couldn't win a playoff game. Absolutely elite arm talent. And finally meets his match. Perfect match, Sean McVeigh. Then there's Dak Prescott. Not an elite arm talent. Not even a great athlete. Meddling owner, but highly productive. Maybe has never had a great coach. Stafford got one. I'm not sure Dax ever had a great coach. He's had good coaches. But Dax, eq, Dak Prescott's IQ overcoming injuries in the meddling owner Pro Bowler. Then there's Sam Darnold. Reclamation Project. Second Pro bowl, second team in two years. Wildly athletic, big strong man. Is he aggressive? He throws some ugly picks. All three different stories. AFC Josh Allen out of Wyoming, couldn't get a scholarship. Dad sending tapes out. Goes to the Bills. A sad franchise who needed a megastar and he leaned into all his power. Then there's Justin Herbert. Did he make the Pro ball because of his production? No, he made it what he's overcoming. Worst offensive line, according to pff. His leading rusher has three touchdowns. It's what he's overcome. His toughness, been hit more than any quarterback in the league. And then Drake May. Is he one of the six best quarterbacks? Is Drake May one of the six best quarterbacks? Well, for his age, 23, he's way better than he should be. And he keeps winning games. And he, like, leads the league in completion percentage. Six different quarterbacks, all of them different skills. I mean, Drake May and Justin Herbert are kind of similar. Different conferences, but they're all different guys, different environments, different avenues. Herbert's had to overcome an atrocious O line, several bad coaches before Jim Harbaugh. Josh Allen's got a defensive coach. Matt Stafford's got a brilliant offensive coach. It's like whenever I look at the the list, like Forbes magazine, I'll have richest people in the world. Elon Musk made it narrow space. Bernard Arnault made it in luxury brands, and Warren Buffett made a stock market. There's no one path. But what does matter is not getting discouraged. I mean, Justin Herbert has been hit over 120 times. Very easy to say, I don't feel great. I'm going to take this Sunday off. Matt Stafford, no playoff wins in Detroit, kept his head down. So when I look at all these quarterbacks, just a huge component of success for all these guys, here's the one thing they have in common, leadership and toughness. All of them have that. Some have defensive coaches, some have offensive coaches. One guy, Darnold's, on his fifth team. Matt Stafford is almost 40 and Drake May's 23. They're all over the map. So here's my advice. Keep plugging away. Don't get discouraged. Relentless, focused people who are good teammates, you'll succeed maybe in your 30s. May have to wait till your 40s, may hit it rich at 54, but it'll work. Here is Matt Hasselbeck earlier this week talking about two guys, the reclamation project Darnold and the cagey veteran Stafford.
Jason McIntyre
That whole division, Darnold, Stafford, and I would even put the 49ers in that group.
Colin Cowherd
That's those three teams right there.
Jason McIntyre
They've gotten great quarterback play all season long and they could stand up to anybody.
Colin Cowherd
And that's why all three of those.
Jason McIntyre
Teams are still in play for the.
Colin Cowherd
1 seed in the NFC. Now, there's one quarterback you're not seeing here. And the headline I read this morning, I like this. Bears quarterback Caleb Williams among Pro bowl snubs.
Commercial Announcer
No.
Colin Cowherd
Timeout, timeout, timeout. Snub is pretty strong. Like Pulp Fiction did not win best movie. Was it a snub? Well, there was Forrest Gump and Shawshank Redemption. That's a pretty good year. We've had bad years. That's a pretty good year. That's not a snub. He just lost out to other good movies. All six quarterbacks that made the Pro bowl have better stats than Caleb. I mean, Darnold's got a 101 passer rating, and Caleb's got an 89. And that's with a brilliant offensive coach. Darnold's got a defensive guy. Caleb's got a brilliant offensive coach. So if you want to talk about a snub and his whole career could be termed a snub, it's Jared Goff. In the same division as Caleb. Jared Goff's got 32 touchdowns, five picks, a 109 passer rating. People are like, well, he. You know, he doesn't run very well. He's a quarterback, so that's a snub. But if you look at Caleb's numbers, 89 passer rating, 58% completion percentage, 23 touchdowns, six picks, his greatest stat, to be honest with you. 11 wins, four losses. That is impressive. And what's impressive is that it's Chicago and they can't get quarterback right. Caleb's season, if you really wanted to break it down to what it's been, a couple of things is fourth quarter comebacks and amazing individual plays. Wow. Plays. So his movie's been okay, but, man, there's been some great scenes in it. So Caleb's season is a little bit like M. Night Shyamalan movies for a big chunk of it. You're like, I'm not really sure what's going on here. And then the last eight minutes, you're like, yeah, I can't believe that ending.
Commercial Announcer
Whoo.
Colin Cowherd
That thing was. It really makes a lot of sense now. I never doubted it. What a great movie. He didn't get snubbed. Jared Goff got snubbed. You could argue, but even Goff, he's not as good in the pocket, I would argue, as Matt Stafford. And most of those guys move pretty well except Matt Stafford. But again, Caleb yesterday, I think the. The best part about Caleb, beyond the record, is that when Caleb came into the league, my takeaway was, I know he's great. I watched every college snap. Will Chicago screw it up? Green Bay gets quarterbacks. The Bears get defense. Will the Bears Screw it up. Here's Caleb on the Pro bowl snub. I get drafted here, you know, told that I'm not a special player, told that I'm not, you know, a good fit here. Told that, you know, coach and I won't work. I've told, you know, I can't win here. And so, you know, I know that's going to keep going on. But, you know, I do take a little satisfaction and things like that. My goal isn't to just get to the playoffs. My goal is to win and win and win big. You can hear. You can hear it. He's got a little jet fuel. He got a little, little chip on the shoulder, which I like. In fairness to the media. Now, some media may have said this. My take has always been what Ben Johnson wants. And what Caleb does is not necessarily a perfect fit. Now, I would say McVeigh and Stafford isn't even a perfect fit because McVeigh would love to move the pocket occasionally. It's just Stafford is so damn good in the pocket, they don't have to. I mean, the Detroit coaches would love Jared Goff to have some mobility. I don't think Ben and Caleb. I'm trying to think of perfect fit. I mean, Andy Reid, Mahomes, I guess. But the truth is Ben Johnson and Caleb are both smart. They're both incredibly determined and they're making it work. And so I, I don't. I don't see it as a stump. I see it as his story. His movie this year has been about great finishes and great scenes. First 15 minutes has. Noah's been Oscar worthy. So. J. Mack, I do love, though, most of the young quarterbacks have. I will say this. Sports fans over the course of my life have gotten smarter because there's just more information. So if you read at an average level, you know, there's just more stuff out there. Sports betting is harder, I think, because the market's smarter. These young quarterbacks, Herz and Dak and Caleb and Drake May, they are so good at the podium. They are. They know, you know, I mean, Caleb's kind of giving you that sly smile, going, well, you know, I was told it wasn't going to work here. He didn't blast anybody. Just kind of put it out there. I get a little satisfaction out of that. These guys are not only schooled in football, they're schooled at the podium, at the cowherd school of podium. Put the hat on forward and don't start forest fires here. Like, like, bring the cooler, bring the temperature down. But I thought Caleb, he did a little smile saying, yeah, I was told it wasn't going to work. Whatever it takes for you to be great on Saturday or Sunday. I'm four. Yeah.
Jason McIntyre
Easy to smile when you're riding high and recovering on side kicks and getting lucky as heck to be nice. I had the Bears last week, but you got to be real. It's easy when you're 11 and 4. Let's see when some adversity hits. How that?
Colin Cowherd
Well, there was a little adversity early in the season, but when they got.
Jason McIntyre
Lost to Detroit by 30, maybe.
Colin Cowherd
Yeah, yeah. I mean, there were some operational things they had to clean up. I mean, it wasn't pretty in the first year.
Jason McIntyre
One with Ben Johnson.
Colin Cowherd
That's right. Yeah. That's nice. Yeah, it's good stuff. All right. Greg Cosell, 50 minutes from now. Can't wait for that. Be sure to catch live editions of the Herd, weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am Pacific on Fox Sports Radio, FS1 and the iHeartRadio app. Paulie Fusco here with Tony Fusco. Yo, as everybody knows, we're the host.
Jason McIntyre
Of the award winning Paulie and Tony Fusco show.
Colin Cowherd
Yeah. But instead of us telling you how.
Jason McIntyre
Great we are, here's how Dan Patrick.
Colin Cowherd
Described us when he came on our show. Quick, knowledgeable and funny. Opinionated. Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa. What are you doing? You're interrupting our promo.
Jason McIntyre
Yeah, he wasn't talking about you.
Colin Cowherd
You took those clips totally out of context. Oh, yeah?
Jason McIntyre
Well, after this promo, I'm going to.
Colin Cowherd
Take you out and beat you. Let me put this into context. Shut up. Yeah.
Jason McIntyre
Anyway, just listen to the Paulie and Tony Fusco show on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
Colin Cowherd
Yeah.
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What a matchup we got, y'.
Rob Gronkowski
All.
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This is that classic HBCU vibe. Non stop action. The band is rocking and the crowd lit. Chance echo drum beat everybody showing that school pride. Game like this. Yeah, it calls for an ice cold Coca Cola. Ah, crisp and refreshing. That's a game changer right there. Yeah, that taste always hits the right note. Just like the band at halftime. And just like that, we're back at it. Passionate fans, school colors everywhere and in ice cold Coca Cola. That's a winning combo no matter the sport, no matter the yard. Everybody knows fan work is thirsty work. So grab a Coca Cola and keep that HBCU pride going.
Did you know Microsoft has officially ended Support for Windows 10? Upgrade to Windows 11 with an LG Gram laptop. Voted PCMag's Reader's Choice Top Laptop Brand for 2025 Thin and ultra lightweight, the LG Gram keeps you productive anywhere, and Windows 11 gives you access to free security updates and ongoing feature upgrades. Visit lgusa.com iheart for great seasonal savings on LG Gram laptops with Windows 11. PCMag reader's choice used with permission. All rights reserved.
Ready or not is on sale now for the holidays. A breakout hit with over 13 million global players. Ready or not is the tactical first person shooter where you take the role of a SWAT commander and feel the weight of the badge. I reunited with my Legion of Boom teammates Cam Chancellor, Cliff Averill, Mike Bennett and Walter Thurman to go through real SWAT training and experience firsthand what makes this game special. You can watch the full video now at the Richard Sherman Podcast YouTube channel. Here's what we discovered. This isn't just mindless run and gun like other shooters. Just like the Legion of Boom operated as an elite defensive unit where everyone had to think strategically and work together, Ready or Not demands the same mentality. You're commanding a SWAT team, clearing rooms, protecting civilians, making split second tactical calls. With 18 high stakes missions and endless loadout customization, you need discipline and coordination to succeed. On sale now across PlayStation, Xbox and PC with full crossplay support. Go solo or lead up to five teammates through operations where strategy matters. Don't miss the holiday sale on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and S and PC. After training with my brothers, I can tell you this game gets it right.
Colin Cowherd
And Doug, what a horrible call.
Jason McIntyre
Hey ref.
Colin Cowherd
Open your eyes ref. You're really not going to call that?
Commercial Announcer
Come on.
Colin Cowherd
Hey ref, why didn't you customize your.
Jason McIntyre
Car insurance with Liberty Mutual and save money?
Colin Cowherd
I don't think you get what we're doing. Sure I do.
Jason McIntyre
We're all just giving him advice. You guys on sports, me on saving money.
Commercial Announcer
Nope, that's not it.
Colin Cowherd
Only pay for what you need@liberty mutual.com.
Jason McIntyre
Liberty Liberty Liberty Liberty.
Rob Gronkowski
This is Rob Gronkowski from Dudes on Dudes with Gronk and jules. For the second season in a row, I partnered with T Mobile's Friday night 5G lights powering up hometown football across America. This year, T mobile invested over $4 million in prizes to help schools take their Friday nights to to the next level. The votes are in. And now it's time to crown our $1 million grand prize winner. Congratulations to Derrick's High school and Derrick's Arkansas, home of the Outlaws and your 2025 T mobile Friday night 5G lights champion. The Outlaws and their community rallied to help them score a game changing home field upgrade, a Gronk Fitness weight room makeover and an epic 2026 tailgate party and a VIP trip to the SEC Championship game. To every school that competed, posted and rallied your communities, thank you and to T Mobile for making it all possible. This season may be over, but the story isn't. Stay tuned for season three in 2026. Congratulations again to Derek's high school Outlaws.
Colin Cowherd
Well, the Dallas Mavericks beat the Denver Nuggets last night. Surprise, surprise. But what's increasingly not becoming a surprise is that Cooper Flagg had 33 points. He's 19. He should be checking into his dorm room as a freshman at duke. His last 10 games, 24 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists. Great defender, 53% from the floor. I don't want to hear about 24 year old Ant Edwards who didn't want to be the face of the league, or 27 year old Jayson Tatum who wants to be but doesn't have the aura. This is a kid that if he wants to be, will be the face of the league. Talent Duke, Aggressive, mature, grown up. He's got the ability to do things which Zion and Ja Morant did too, but they're still kids. Cooper flag is 19 and on a game with Jokic, Jamal Murray and AD he led it in scoring. He should be a freshman at Duke eating lunch with the rest of the students. So I don't think the NBA needs a face of the league. I've said that multiple times. I think it's overrated. Ratings are up this year. They don't have a face of the league. It wouldn't hurt and it would be great if it was a Duke kid. I always said his comp was a much better, more aggressive Jayson Tatum. He's a better defender now than Tatum was at this age. He's a much more aggressive scorer than Tatum was and I think that aggressive thing be it the late Kobe, Michael Jordan, Larry Bird. The greats are aggressive. When you got to talk them into taking over, they can be productive. I don't know if they're great. So this kid plays with the maturity sadly that I don't think Zion ever played with because I thought Zion had a chance to be the face of the league. He doesn't force things but man does he want the ball in big spots. So it's just you're looking at and again the league doesn't need a face of the league. The ratings are up. If you really break down the ratings fairly. They're up like 19%. So and the other thing I like about Cooper Flag and I see this even in broadcasting too many guys are trying to be tough and cool. Kevin Hart talked about this. Be smart. Cooper Flag doesn't have to try to be tough or cool. His talent is both. And I mean look at his splits. Look at what he is doing. It took him a month to catch up to the NBA. Physicality and speed. 13 a game in October, 18 a game in November, 24 a game in December. He's 19. Field goal percentage 41 to 53. This is. These are massive leaps for a 19 year old. Here's Jason Kid on last night on a back to back understanding to his standards. He might not have played well last night and so for him to come.
Jason McIntyre
And set the tone for us tonight.
Colin Cowherd
Again he showed up to statute, almost.
Jason McIntyre
Had a triple double.
Colin Cowherd
But we played through him late and he found the right guys and executed on both ends of the floor. He is he really. And again, Jason Tatum sort of wants to be the face of the league. Very good player. But I always said I'm not sure he has the aura. Edwards is like I don't want to be it. I'm Cooper Flag. Just by his game and his aggressiveness, it does help that he went to Duke. That's why I thought Zion could be the face of the league. I thought Duke and Nike really helped him. Jet fuel to be a star by 21, 22 and Zion had an amazing rookie season but weight and injuries couldn't stay on the floor. God, this kid's good. This kid is something else. And J. Mac, you and I loved him at Duke. J. Mac with the news. No, no, no, turn on the news. This is the herd line news.
Jason McIntyre
Yes, indeed we did. All right Colin, we got some breaking news here. This is just drop. A huge story just came out in the Baltimore sun about Lamar Jackson. Now there's a lot to get into here. I just buzzed through the story here in the last 10 minutes but bottom line is it's not good. It's not good for the future of Lamar Jackson in Baltimore. Apparently he wants a new deal. Remember two years ago when I wanted the jets to grab him? He was having issues with Baltimore. His mom was negotiating. He wanted the fully guaranteed deal. Didn't get it. Well, he has one more year before the Ravens can kind of move on from him if they want. But Colin, some of the quotes in this article are pretty damning and this.
Colin Cowherd
Is from a long time credible journalist.
Jason McIntyre
Yes.
Colin Cowherd
Yeah, a Credible guy that's been around the program. So he's getting fed this.
Jason McIntyre
Yeah. So there are rules, there are team rules, and there are rules for Lamar Jackson. Once the Ravens become critical of Jackson, he becomes more withdrawn. It's clear that coach John Harbaugh has become tired of Jackson. Colin, remember we've been talking about it, but I didn't put the pieces together. It would be like a Wednesday in October and Lamar's like missing practice and then he would miss like a Thursday practice the next week. He's just like, not there all the time.
Colin Cowherd
How about this one? How about this quote? He doesn't need to be up playing. Playing video games.
Jason McIntyre
I mean, there's part of the article says that he doesn't want to practice in the morning, so the team practices in the afternoon. Now, is that because of video games? I don't know.
Colin Cowherd
Hey, sometimes you can falling asleep in meetings.
Jason McIntyre
Colin, this is not great. Now, I did. Look at this. His cap hit this year, 43 and a half million leaps to 74 and a half million dollars. Next year, 24 of the Raven salary cap is going to Lamar. They already don't have a good offensive line. They tried to put pieces together, some young guys. None of it worked.
Colin Cowherd
Okay.
Jason McIntyre
His base salary goes from 20 mil to 51 mil. Hey, Lamar's getting paid great. I don't know what the future is, though. The speculation at the end of the article is Lamar would love to be in Miami. We know he's from South Florida or Las Vegas, where. And the article says Tom Brady has a fondness for him.
Colin Cowherd
Oh, you, you.
Jason McIntyre
Both of those guys need quarterbacks.
Colin Cowherd
Hey, hey. This is interesting. This, this is a fascinating story. If this stuff is true, he's had injuries. I mean, he's not as dynamic as he was the first four years starting. That, that is. And we know he's going to get less dynamic now. He may be better at the start of next year. But the truth is, Michael Vick told me this once. The first three years is one style. The remaining years after the hits, you're never quite as good as you were your last year in college and your first three years in the NFL. And Michael Vick has said that he's like, you can't withstand these hits. The practice, the hitting, the games, the traveling goes. It just wears you out. So, and I'm dead serious on this, Baltimore has such a great owner, such a great front office. They had six Pro Bowlers, I think, or something like that. They are such an unbelievable organization and they have so Much equity with fans and I am a Lamar Jackson fan. But I could, I would defend Baltimore if they Miami said, okay, we'll give you two number ones, you know, and two number twos and you moved off him. And now for a year, you know, you're drafting a quarterback with your top pick. I would defend that if this is true. Two things can be true. I love Lamar, but in his ill because let's be honest, we know what separates him. It's not the pocket stuff, although he's always been better than giving credit for. It's the athletic ability. Well, what happens with super athletic NBA guys? Westbrook, they age fast. Yeah. Remember Jose Reyes, the Mets baseball player? They age fast. Cam Newton age fast. Stafford, Aaron Rodgers is 42. You know, he just sits in the pocket. And Stafford's old Kirk Cousins, all the Philip Rivers is 44. He Throw it for 300 yards. So if Baltimore said, listen, we've done it, it's a big cap hit, we think the window for greatness is closed. If I was Vegas, I'd go for it. And if I was my. Because Miami and Vegas don't have the standards or to me the ownership or the infrastructure of the Ravens. They don't.
Jason McIntyre
So Colin, right out of the bat, I can tell you this. The Raiders are going to be drafting one or two. Would they dangle that Fernando Mendoza pick to the Ravens? Obviously with more stuff for Lamar Jackson. Guess what? Guess who was a quarterback that John Harbaugh had in Baltimore before Lamar. Joe Flacco. You know Joe Flacco, physically big pocket guy, big arm. Why wouldn't they say, hey, let's just reboot with Mendoza.
Colin Cowherd
Cam Newton's last great year was 29. Do you know how old Cam Newton? 29 for Cam Newton. How old is Lamar next year?
Jason McIntyre
Turns 29 in about two weeks.
Colin Cowherd
Okay, so think about that. Bo Nix's cap hit next year, 1.7% of the Broncos cap. Lamar's will be 24%. Denver's going to have six players on that roster that Baltimore could not afford. By the way, Caleb, Bears cap next year, 3.67 and a half times lower than Lamar's. That's why the, the Bears and the Broncos, we've been saying this all year. Look at their rosters. You could argue there, I mean there's like eight elite, nine elite players. Baltimore's got three or four.
Jason McIntyre
It's his.
Colin Cowherd
So I, I think if you're Vegas in a weak quarterback class, if you're Vegas or Miami, I would absolutely get on the phone and defend that. How long does Pete Carroll want to wait for a college guy to get good?
Jason McIntyre
I don't know if Pete Carroll's going to coach Lamar, but somebody would. But I guess the final leg of this, Colin, like we just saw it in the division. Joe Burrow also very unhappy playing football. Lamar Jackson, very unhappy. Those guys had awesome runs earlier this member Monday, I said it's over for those guys, their run, their team. Those teams need to reboot, rebuild. So it's going to take some time.
Colin Cowherd
Colin, this is a long standing reporter for the Ravens. What you and I are saying, if this is true, the Ravens are so well run with so much equity from their fans, sell out games. Is it time to take phone calls from Vegas and Miami and it is a weak draft. I think it's worth taking a, you know, you and I, I've said this before, Jason, at any one time in the NFL, there's only about six quarterbacks. I think Herbert's one of them, Josh Allen's one of them. Mahomes is obviously one of them. But a GM doesn't pick up the phone. There's another six quarterbacks who are really good. But you would pick up the phone and listen to the offer and then there's 15. You get on the phone and try to upgrade. Lamar has gone from that first group. If this is true, where you wouldn't even pick up the phone, he's gone to the second six, which is. I'll take the call and listen if this story is true.
Jason McIntyre
Well, I don't doubt it at all. And here's the other problem for Baltimore, Colin, it's like, no, no, we'll just give it one more year. Well, wait one more year. He's going to be 30 in January of 27. And then it's like, what's the market for Lamar? You might just have to sell high right now and move on. I think the Raiders in Mendoza and the Miami Dolphins, you and I both.
Colin Cowherd
Think this is a legitimate story.
Jason McIntyre
Very, very much so.
Colin Cowherd
So if it is, somebody's feeding this. If it is, then I just think the best way to put it is Lamar's gone from six guys that you don't even pick the phone up to the next six or seven to eight guys where you're not looking to trade him. But you'll listen. Yeah, you'll listen.
Jason McIntyre
John Harbaugh, it's me or Lamar. I don't know. Anyways. All right, let's move on. Travis Kelsey, Colin and the Kansas City Chiefs, very interesting subplot. To this Christmas game tomorrow. It's probably his final game at Arrowhead. Andy Reid was asked about that and here's what he had to say.
Colin Cowherd
I don't know if it is or not, I haven't talked to him but I think his numbers and personality and the person, you know, I think speak for themselves. Phenomenal person, great for the community, has been great for the community. So he's everything you know you want from a, from a player represented in Oregon. They yeah, I think it's over.
Jason McIntyre
Any listen, the games tomorrow aren't awesome. Any action from you on Broncos Chiefs 13 and a half on the road.
Colin Cowherd
Have you seen that Dallas number tomorrow?
Jason McIntyre
Oh yeah, yeah, I already bet Dallas but I'm looking at this Chiefs game. I don't think the Chiefs totally roll over here, do you?
Colin Cowherd
Well, I think Denver's in a bad mood so and I think Denver's looking around at New England. I think Denver is if they could would pile on a little bit little extra touchdown or field goal. I think I actually think Denver's the side. I think Kansas City can say we're embarrassed. So what they just don't have the personnel. I think the Broncos awful loss with Jacksonville and New England breathing down their neck. I can see Denver saying fellas we got to write the ship here. Let's make not only a win, let's make a statement.
Jason McIntyre
Interesting, huh? I, I need to see Rasheed Rice if all these guys are going to play. I, I don't know Trent McDuffie. Do they just say ah, forget it, season's over, probably nothing on me for that game. And finally let's go to the Cleveland Browns and Miles Garrett. One of the interesting subplots here is is he going to break the all time sack record? I, I don't know Colin. He's very close. He's one of the all time great defensive ends. He's one sack away from the record. A former teammate of Garrett believes he's the best team defensive player ever.
Colin Cowherd
He's the best defensive pass rusher I've.
Rob Gronkowski
Ever seen in my entire life. And that goes back to watching Reggie.
Colin Cowherd
White when I was a kid when he was with the Green Bay packers.
Rob Gronkowski
Winning a Super Bowl. And so I think what Miles is doing is amazing and especially when you.
Colin Cowherd
Consider he's doing it on a team.
Rob Gronkowski
That'S not very good.
Colin Cowherd
Well, that's a good point because the Browns usually trail late meaning teams don't throw so he doesn't get the opportunities because the Browns usually trail with eight minutes to go. I Think what you can make this argument that Miles Garrett has moved into a group of the four greatest defensive players ever. Lawrence Taylor, Reggie White, Aaron Donald. I mean unblockable players. And I never thought there was a fourth. Those were always the three. I mean Aaron Donald. There is video of Aaron Donald. Think about this J. Mac of Aaron Donald in his last year being triple team where your offensive line coach goes, I got five guys. Three of them block Aaron Donald. So Donald, Reggie Lawrence are the three greatest I've seen now I think Ed Reed and Ronnie Lott. I mean there's been other unbelievable Deion Sanders. J.J. watt is unbelievable and a great broadcaster, by the way. He's a tremendous broadcaster. But I do think there's an argument and maybe J.J. watt was also in this. J.J. miles Garrett, you're in like, okay, can we do the Mount Rushmore thing? Do we have a fourth guy? And I think there's an argument Miles Garrett and he needs to. This is. This is important. When you plan a bad team, you trail late in games. So Miles Garrett, you know Dwight Freeney is a very good player. You know Peyton Manning and The Colts led 80% of their games with six minutes to go. Dwight Freeney could pin his ears back and go, they're passing. And. And the league was not as mobile for quarterback. So you knew where the quarterback was seven steps behind the center. So for Miles to do this, when you contextualize it, it's really something.
Jason McIntyre
Speaking of not mobile, Aaron Rodgers this week. Is there a world where Aaron Rodgers just lays down to give Miles Garrett the record? He's just such a nice warm.
Colin Cowherd
Did that to Michael Strahan.
Jason McIntyre
Yes, sir. Good memory. I think Rogers. I can totally see that happening.
Colin Cowherd
Out of respect.
Jason McIntyre
100.
Colin Cowherd
I may have to change if my, you know, if Aaron does that, I might have to change my tune. A new chapter in the Aaron book. J. Mac with the news. Well, that's the news. And thanks for stopping by the herd lie news. There are. Greg Cosell, top of the hour. I've got. There's so many good topics today, I don't know which one to pick. There's a cowboy topic that's fascinating. You see, George Pickens made the Pro Bowl. Well, you're rolling your eyes. Well, he made the Pro Bowl.
Jason McIntyre
Okay.
Colin Cowherd
Well, wonderful.
Jason McIntyre
He made the Pro Bowl. What do you put that on your resume like.
Colin Cowherd
Yes.
Jason McIntyre
It doesn't enhance his trade value. Colin.
Colin Cowherd
Well, he. It's only. Did they only sign him? He's a one year deal.
Jason McIntyre
One year deal. So it's either like sign him franchise tag.
Colin Cowherd
So I, I it's really there's very interesting it's a very interesting proposition for the Cowboys on George Pickens. Plus, I like people to have takes. I'm in the take business. So I'm there's a lot of bad ones, there's a lot of good ones. But don't ever listen to anybody. If you have a strong opinion and it's a theory, it may not work, it's unproven, you go ahead and have it. But I want to talk Pickens and the worst take of the year that's coming up. Be sure to catch live editions of the Herd, weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am Pacific, on Fox Sports Radio, FS1 and the iHeartRadio app.
Commercial Announcer
What a matchup we got, y'.
Rob Gronkowski
All.
Commercial Announcer
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Colin Cowherd
And Doug, what a horrible call.
Jason McIntyre
Hey ref.
Colin Cowherd
Open your eyes. Ref. You're really not gonna call that?
Commercial Announcer
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Colin Cowherd
Hey ref, why didn't you customize your.
Jason McIntyre
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Colin Cowherd
I don't think you get what we're doing. Sure I do.
Jason McIntyre
We're all just giving him advice. You guys on sports, me on saving money.
Commercial Announcer
Nope, that's not it.
Colin Cowherd
Only pay for what you need. @liberty mutual.com.
Rob Gronkowski
This is Rob Gronkowski from Dudes on Dudes with Gronk and Jules. For the second season in a row, I partnered with T Mobile's Friday night 5G lights, powering up hometown football across America. This year, T mobile invested over $4 million in prizes to help schools take their Friday nights to the next level. The votes are in. And now it's time to crown our $1 million grand prize winner. Congratulations to Derrick's High school in Derrick's, Arkansas, home of the outlaws and your 2020 5T mobile Friday night 5G lights champion. The Outlaws and their community rallied to help them score a game changing home field upgrade, a Gron Fitness weight room makeover, an epic 2026 tailgate party and a VIP trip to the SEC championship game. To every school that competed, posted and rallied your communities, thank you and to T Mobile for making it all possible. This season may be over, but the story isn't. Stay tuned. But for season three in 2026, congratulations again to Derek's high school Outlaws.
Jason McIntyre
There's some more great football coming your way in the trust. And will Holiday Bowl, Noah, Fafida and Arizona take on SMU. Don't miss a perennial barn burner. January 2nd at 7:30 Eastern on Fox.
Colin Cowherd
Greg Cosell, 15 minutes. So I am in the sports opinion business. Don't listen to the old grumpy gatekeepers, the media critics. You have any opinion you want. I love when people have theories and they're not even necessarily going to work out, but it makes me think. I like anybody that makes me think and. But there is one sports Opinion that is just bad and you can't have it. Even I, not an old grumpy gatekeeper, I will not accept it. Which is, you know, Justin Herbert's never won a playoff game. He is overrated. Not acceptable. So PFF ranked all 32 offensive supporting casts for the quarterback, the O line, the running back, the tight end, the wide receiver now at the top. I think we'd all agree Rams and Colts and Bears and Bills and Lions and Seahawks. But look at the bottom five awful teams. Awful. Except the Chargers, who are not only not awful, they're 11 and 4. Oh, I, I forgot. Justin Herbert's never won a playoff game. It took Matt Stafford 13 years to win a playoff game. I think, I think he's pretty good. Took Peyton Manning 6. I also think he's pretty good. Justin Herbert this year has been sacked 49 times. He has been hit 121. There's nobody close to that. He has a broken hand. His leading rusher has three touchdowns. It's the 32nd ranked offensive line and they're 11 and 4. Oh yeah, but he, he did lead a playoff game. And his coach, a disaster, gagged away the second half. So as 20 and 25 is coming to a close, you can have any sports opinion you want. Don't listen to the, the critics and the gatekeepers. The fun of sports and politics is debating. There's nothing better to debate than sports and politics. Say what you want, have fun. But you can't say Justin Herbert's overrated after this year if you want. Jim Harbaugh is pretty intense. Jim Harbaugh becomes a stand up comic. I mean the guy literally can't wipe the smile off his face every time he gets asked about what Justin Herbert's doing this year. And Justin Herbert, he's a superhero. He is a competitive maniac. Something in his competitive fire, it almost, it just motivates him even more. Justin Herbert packed the throw. Just mighty man it. Yeah, I'm gonna remember that play. So they throw dirt over top of me. There's almost something about him as far as quarterback performances go. That was a Picasso. It felt like, like I was in a mo, like we were in a movie where, you know, the quarterback, quarterbacks doing these and it's like you get to the point where go, okay, this is getting a little unrealistic. I do have an update on his physical status. He is still a beast. I mean it's, it is unbelievable. 32nd ranked offensive line, backups to backups 11 and 4. Broken hand, leading rusher has 635 yards and three touchdowns. 11 and 4. He's gotten the. You know, what kicked out of him every Sunday. I mean, last week he didn't get sacked. I mean, it must have felt like a weird out of body experience. He didn't take a helmet to the throat last week. Can't have that sports opinion, at least not after watching this year. Can't. Not acceptable. Okay, so George Pickens, Dallas receiver, made the Pro Bowl. And I really do think the difference between like a great GM and a good GM and an average GM a lot of times. Do you understand the difference between talent? There's a lot of talent in pro sports and foundational players. Tim Duncan's a foundational player. Zach Levine's talented. Okay. I would argue George Pickens is not a foundational player. And you got him for a third round pick and he made a Pro Bowl. Don't get greedy. He's not a foundational piece. Okay? Dallas already has CD Lamb. Ryan Flournoy is becoming really good, really fast. And Pickens is starting to exhibit certain personality qualities that you saw at Georgia and Pittsburgh. Kind of disappears. So again, 90% of NFL players, and I'm talking about the good players, are not foundational pieces. There are very. I've said. And when it comes to the NFL, pay huge money, very infrequently. Josh Allen, whatever, Mahomes, whatever. You know, it looks like Drake May is one of those. You pay whatever. Okay? Caleb Williams keeps doing this. Yeah. You don't pick up the phone. You pay whatever. But 90% of the talented guys, in fact, even the Pro Bowlers are not foundational. Miles Garrett's foundational. Okay. That's foundational. You know, and you say, well, he's just a right tackle. No, that's. That's foundational. Okay? Miles Garrett's foundational. Tyreek Hill, people thought was, but the Chiefs knew better. They won two Super Bowls without him. Miami didn't win a playoff game with him. So, I mean, the best GM in the league, arguably is John Snyder in Seattle. Moved off DK Metcalf. Seattle is vying for the number one seed. Without him. Yeah, without him, he was not a foundational player. JSN feels like that's a foundational player. Runs the route tree, great hands, doesn't matter. The defense, mature leader. JSN feels. And there's not. Jamar Chase is foundational. Tyreek Hill is talented. Well, what's the difference? Consistency, maturity, getting along with your quarterback and your coach. Not throwing people under the bus. I'll Tell you, Puka, Nakua had a bad couple of weeks, dude. Little less live streaming, little more leadership. Okay? I know it's a fine line, but I think there's an argument with Flournoy becoming a real go to guy. Pigs get fed, hogs get slaughtered. Isn't that what they always say on Wall Street? Like, you got this stock for almost nothing. It doubled or tripled in price. Maybe now's the sell time. And that's not a knock. I am not in any way saying George isn't a remarkable player. I mean, like seven games in, I'm like, oh, my God, I think you have to resign him. I know there's the temper stuff. I know that. I think, but you let stuff play out. These are long seasons. The weather gets cold, the practices get hard, players get dinged up. The real truth comes out. We had that Lamar Jackson story, you know, 25 minutes ago. You know, as more information comes out, you have different opinions. That's what adults do. So I don't know. I think I was. I'm watching the Cowboys the last couple of weeks and I'm like, where'd George go? And I think Dallas knows it because if you noticed, it feels like they're making Flournoy a bigger part of the game plan. That's what it feels like to me. Here's Pickens on his Pro Bowl. It definitely improves as far as like a career. As far as like contractually wise, like you said, I can just, just wait until the off season. Definitely. Like I always said, the guys here, I feel like. And you can't get. And that's why I always said it, because you cannot get that everywhere. I kind of been at other places, top 30 visits. When I was coming out of pre draft, the guys here is just. And the culture here is just a little different. So it's interesting. There was an NFL trade. J. Mac was highly critical of it when the Colts gave up two firsts for Sauce Gardner. And I text, I text a GM that I trust, and he said his take was two firsts is a foundational player. Sauce Gardner is a talented player. He's not a foundational player. Now, Chris Ballard obviously disagrees with that. When you give up multiple firsts like Matt Stafford, that's a foundational player. Right, right, right. I always thought Calvin Johnson, the maturity, the size, the consistency, the physicality, that's a found. You can build for 10 years around him, gets along with coaches. Randy Moss is talented, but he could struggle sometimes with, you know, some of the relationship stuff. He get Frustrated. I love Stefan Diggs, but again, over time he's gotten frustrated. It, it, it fits. It doesn't fit. There are very few guys in pro.
Jason McIntyre
Sports, quarterbacks and maybe some left tackles.
Colin Cowherd
You know, quarterback, left tackle, a handful of Max Crosby. I'm not trading Max Crosby. I'm not, I'm not trading Miles Garrett. Jared Verse is becoming a star player. There are a handful of guys you look at and you're like, okay, that's just not. I'm not but a guy. Last week, Abdul Carter of the Giants, unbelievable talent. He's missed meetings, he lined up offside. The Giants had a defensive touchdown taken away. So you're already, as a rookie to me, telling me signs. You're just a talented guy. You're not a foundational peace guy. Michael Strahan, foundational. You got consistency, you got the maturity, you got the respect in the locker room. So there don't. It's not a criticism. Very few great players are guys you're like, let's sign them for eight years. I mean, if be like a baseball contract, we'll give you four to five years. There's no doubts in the room.
Commercial Announcer
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What a matchup we got, y'.
All.
This is that classic HBCU vibe. Non stop action. The band is rocking and the crowd lit. Chance echo drum beat everybody showing that school pride Game like this, yeah, it calls for an ice cold Coca Cola. Ah, crisp and refreshing. That's a game changer right there. Yeah, that taste always hits the right note. Just like the band at halftime. And just like that, we're back at it. Passionate fans, school colors everywhere and an ice cold Coca Cola. That's a winning combo no matter the sport, no matter the yard. Everybody knows fan work is thirsty work. So grab a Coca Cola and keep that HBCU pride going.
Colin Cowherd
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Episode: Hour 1 – Perseverance for Pro Bowl QBs, Lamar Jackson in Baltimore coming to an end?
Date: December 24, 2025
In this episode, Colin Cowherd digs into the stories of resilience and perseverance among the 2025 Pro Bowl quarterbacks, tackles the “snub” narrative around young Bears QB Caleb Williams, and breaks down a breaking story on Lamar Jackson’s reportedly souring relationship with the Baltimore Ravens. The discussion weaves in lessons about leadership, the impact of adversity, and how NFL organizations manage transitions with superstar talent.
[03:03–08:00]
Opening Theme:
Colin shares advice for young people in broadcasting and life: There isn’t just one way to succeed; persistence and resilience are essential.
“There is no one way to succeed. Just be relentless and don’t get discouraged.” (Colin Cowherd, 03:30)
Breakdown of Pro Bowl Quarterbacks:
“Justin Herbert has been hit over 120 times. Very easy to say, ‘I don’t feel great. I’m going to take this Sunday off.’” (Colin Cowherd, 06:40)
Key Commonality:
No single path; success is about toughness, leadership, resilience, not circumstances or raw talent.
“The one thing they have in common: leadership and toughness.” (Colin Cowherd, 07:35)
[08:15–14:15]
Caleb Williams Not Making Pro Bowl:
Media calls it a “snub” but Colin disagrees.
“Snub is pretty strong… all six quarterbacks that made the Pro Bowl have better stats than Caleb.” (Colin Cowherd, 08:34)
Who is the Real Snub?
Jared Goff statistically stands out more than Williams as a true snub.
Caleb’s Impressive Stats:
Colin on Caleb’s Fit:
Not a perfect fit with OC Ben Johnson, but they’re “making it work.”
“Ben Johnson and Caleb are both smart. They're both incredibly determined and they're making it work.” (Colin Cowherd, 11:30)
Caleb Williams’ Response:
Williams shows composure and quiet confidence, addressing doubts about his fit and prospects in Chicago.
“I get drafted here… told that I’m not a special player… can’t win here… I do take a little satisfaction in things like that. My goal is to win and win big.” (Caleb Williams, 12:10)
[12:35–14:15]
Modern QBs Know How to Handle the Media:
Colin praises how QBs like Caleb, Jalen Hurts, Dak, and Drake May project composure and intelligence in interviews.
“These guys are not only schooled in football, they’re schooled at the podium, at the Cowherd school of podium.” (Colin Cowherd, 12:45)
Jason McIntyre’s Skepticism:
Wonders how Caleb and others respond long-term to true adversity.
[19:35–23:32]
Highlighting Cooper Flagg’s Meteoric Rise:
19 years old, outscoring established NBA stars, demonstrating rare aggression and poise.
“This is a kid that if he wants to be, will be the face of the league.” (Colin Cowherd, 19:54)
On Being Pro Ready:
Flagg’s confidence, maturity, and ability to elevate his game in big moments set him apart.
[23:32–31:22]
Baltimore Sun Exposé:
Reveals growing tension between Jackson and the Ravens, with reports of special rules for Lamar, withdrawal under criticism, and hints of coach John Harbaugh’s exhaustion.
“There are team rules, and there are rules for Lamar Jackson. Once the Ravens become critical of Jackson, he becomes more withdrawn. It's clear that coach John Harbaugh has become tired of Jackson.” (Jason McIntyre, 24:20)
Practice Absences & Cap Trouble:
Jackson skipping practices interchangeably; massive cap hit looming ($74.5M in 2026).
Potential Landing Spots:
Miami and Las Vegas are discussed as possible trade destinations, with speculation Jacksonville and Vegas would dangle high draft picks.
Colin on Baltimore’s Options:
Given declining athleticism and huge salary implications, Cowherd says he would defend Baltimore if they chose to move Jackson now.
“If Baltimore said, ‘We’ve done it, the window for greatness is closed’ … I would defend that if this is true.” (Colin Cowherd, 26:01)
Aging Mobile QBs:
Compares to Cam Newton—greatness window closes fast for ultra-mobile QBs.
“Super athletic NBA guys… they age fast. Cam Newton aged fast.” (Colin Cowherd, 26:51)
Where Does Jackson Rank Now?
Colin posits Jackson has shifted from “untouchable” to “listen to offers” category of franchise QBs.
“Lamar has gone from that first group… he’s gone to the second six, which is: I’ll take the call and listen.” (Colin Cowherd, 31:07)
[31:22–36:33]
Travis Kelce’s Final Game at Arrowhead?
Andy Reid: “I don’t know if it is or not… (He's) been great for the community… phenomenal person.” (Andy Reid, 31:40)
Broncos vs. Chiefs Christmas Game Subplot:
Colin sees this as an opportunity for Denver to make a statement.
Cleveland’s Myles Garrett—Chasing NFL Sack History:
“I think what Myles is doing is amazing… especially when you consider he's doing it on a team that's not very good.” (Rob Gronkowski, 33:37) “I think there’s an argument Myles Garrett… you’re in, like, okay, can we do the Mount Rushmore thing?” (Colin Cowherd, 34:20)
Will Aaron Rodgers Gift a Sack for the Record?
Parallels drawn with Brett Favre laying down for Michael Strahan.
[41:56–51:24]
“Justin Herbert is Overrated” is the Worst Take of the Year:
“You can have any sports opinion you want… but you can’t say Justin Herbert’s overrated after this year.” (Colin Cowherd, 42:24)
GM Lessons: Foundational Player vs. Talent:
“Don’t get greedy. He’s not a foundational piece.” (Colin Cowherd, 46:48)
Trade and Contract Decisions:
On Perseverance:
“Just be relentless and don’t get discouraged.” (Colin Cowherd, 03:30)
On QB Leadership:
“The one thing they have in common: leadership and toughness.” (Colin Cowherd, 07:35)
On Caleb Williams:
“He didn’t get snubbed… Jared Goff got snubbed.” (Colin Cowherd, 10:24)
“My goal isn’t to just get to the playoffs. My goal is to win and win big.” (Caleb Williams, 12:10)
On Justin Herbert:
“You can’t say Justin Herbert’s overrated after this year.” (Colin Cowherd, 42:24)
On Lamar Jackson's Future:
“He’s gone from the six you don’t even pick up the phone, to the next six or seven where you’ll listen.” (Colin Cowherd, 31:09)
Colin Cowherd maintains a conversational, analytical, and occasionally playful tone throughout the episode. He combines NFL analysis with broader life advice, often drawing parallels between athletic careers and general paths to success.
Colin’s Hour 1 covers lessons of perseverance and grit from this year’s Pro Bowl quarterbacks, offers perspective on what a true Pro Bowl “snub” is, and addresses the looming end of the Lamar Jackson era in Baltimore. The episode delivers brisk, informed takes on NFL team-building and player valuation, peppered with memorable analogies and a keen sense for the subplots that keep fans and front offices guessing.