THE HERD - Hour 3 - Drew Brees stops by The Herd

Summary

---

The Herd with Colin Cowherd

Hour 3 - Drew Brees Stops By The Herd
Date: January 26, 2026
Podcast: The Herd with Colin Cowherd (iHeartPodcasts & The Volume)

---

Episode Overview

This episode of The Herd centers on the aftermath of the NFL Championship round, major storylines in the league, and a featured guest segment with legendary quarterback Drew Brees. The hour blends analysis of recent NFL games—including a deep dive on Matt Stafford’s playoff performance, the Rams’ roster questions, and the upcoming Super Bowl—alongside broader reflections on quarterback development, coaching, and leadership in football. The conversation is informed, lively, and peppered with personal anecdotes and insider perspectives, particularly from Brees.

---

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Divisional Playoffs Fallout: Rams, Seahawks, and Devonte Adams’ Emotions

• Devonte Adams’ Postgame Emotions ([03:03])
  • Adams, now 0-5 in NFC championships, was emotional after the Rams’ loss to Seattle. His dedication to the team and heartbreak over coming up short were evident.
  • "I love this team. I love what this team is about and the fight that we had all year. It just sucks to come up short." —Devonte Adams ([03:26])
• Special Teams as the Rams’ Achilles Heel ([03:48])
  • J. Mac and Colin agree the Rams have a talented squad but were repeatedly let down by special teams.
  • Offseason needs identified: another receiver, at least one more cornerback, and a top-tier special teams coach—reflecting how close the team is to NFC dominance.

2. Eagles OC Vacancy and NFL Coaching Trends

• Struggles to Fill the Eagles OC Job ([05:20])
  • High expectations and unstable job security under head coach Nick Sirianni deter top candidates.
  • "The Eagles do a lot of things that poorly run teams do. It just works for them because they’re really well owned and smartly run by Howie Roseman." —Colin Cowherd ([06:23])
  • Some believe the job is still a launchpad (Shane Steichen, Kellen Moore as examples), but it’s generally seen as a stepping stone for up-and-comers, not established coaches.

3. Pro Bowl Critique and Player Selections

• Shadour Sanders Named Pro Bowler, Pro Bowl Devalued ([08:24])
  • Shadour Sanders, a fifth-round rookie, is named a Pro Bowler despite modest stats.
  • "It's over. The Pro Bowl officially is cooked…we will not do this again on the show. We will not say, 'He made three Pro Bowls.' Doesn't matter." —J. Mac ([08:53])
  • Colin admits he doesn’t watch the Pro Bowl, highlighting its entertainment-focused direction and waning prestige.

4. Matt Stafford’s Legendary Performance Despite Playoff Loss

• Stafford's Aging in Reverse ([12:37])
  • Matt Hasselbeck and Colin marvel at Stafford’s resilience and performance, with Hasselbeck even joking: "He’s aging in reverse, Colin. I'd sign him for five more years…he looked better and younger than he's ever looked in his life." ([12:37])
• Implications for Stafford and the Rams ([13:08]–[17:12])
  • Stafford’s career postseason numbers with the Rams: 21 TDs, 4 INTs, 104 passer rating in 10 games.
  • The Rams now must pay Stafford, who has new leverage in a poor quarterback draft year.
  • “If you’re Matt Stafford, you’re going to come back, say, guys, I took one for the team. I want a two year deal.” —Colin Cowherd ([15:29])
• Sean McVay on Stafford's Future:

  "If he wants to, he's still playing at a pretty damn good clip. I mean, he's the MVP of the league." —Sean McVay ([16:55])

---

Drew Brees Interview: Highlights and Key Insights

1. Redemption Stories and Quarterback Development ([24:08]–[25:56])

• Sam Darnold’s Journey as an NFL Parable
  • Brees defends Darnold, citing adversity as crucial to development.
  • "There’s not a person I’ve met who knows Sam who doesn’t love him…guys like Sam Darnold and the journey he’s had…the adversity, it’s what inspires you." —Drew Brees ([24:08])

2. Psychology of Losing Big Despite Playing Well ([26:18])

• The Lingering Impact of Tough Playoff Losses
  • Brees empathizes with Stafford, recalling his own Purdue days and NFL experience.
  • "Any great competitor is always going to think about some of the ones that got away…there’s maybe a play or two that just kind of lingers." —Drew Brees ([26:57])
  • Recognizes the Rams' narrow margin and hopes Stafford keeps playing: "I hope Stafford keeps playing for another three, four years. That team is built to win." ([27:53])

3. Super Bowl Mindset and Team Identity ([28:06]–[31:18])

• New England and Seattle: Road Warriors with Strong Leadership
  • Brees lavishes praise on Mike Vrabel’s leadership for New England and Seattle's acquisitions, especially unsung contributors.
  • "Vrabel…uses the term 'protect our identity every time we step on the field.' That’s what they’ve done going on the road." —Drew Brees ([28:48])
  • Highlights Rashid Shaheed’s impact for Seattle and admires the team’s physical, relentless defensive style.

4. Managing Super Bowl Pressure and Preparation

• Navigating Super Bowl Hysteria
  • Brees recalls the Saints’ underdog mentality: “We truly felt like we were the better team. We were going to go out there and play aggressive and pull out all the stops…part of it is creating this us against the world mentality.” ([36:14])
  • Advises teams to maintain focus, embrace their identity, and channel external doubt as competitive fuel.

5. Defensive Head Coaches and Modern NFL Leadership ([37:10]–[40:17])

• Praise for Vrabel and McDonald as CEOs, Not Just Scheme Guys
  • Brees: Modern coaches must be CEOs, set standards, hold everyone accountable, and delegate to trusted coordinators.
  • “More so than ever with head coaches, it's about being a great CEO…It's about the mindset that it takes to win and adhering to a standard.” —Drew Brees ([39:10])

6. Analytics, Fourth Downs, and Game Management

• On Risky Coaching Decisions in Big Spots
  • Brees leans toward taking the points, particularly in high-stakes games against defense-centric opponents.
  • “In those types of games, you take points. You take the points.” —Drew Brees ([41:20])

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• J. Mac on the Pro Bowl:
  “It's over. The Pro bowl officially is cooked…I don't want to hear anyone say, hey, he made three Pro Bowls.” ([08:53])

• Colin on Eagles Coordinator Turnover:
  “The Eagles do a lot of things that poorly run teams do. It just works for them because they're really well owned and smartly run by Howie Roseman.” ([06:23])

• Matt Hasselbeck on Matt Stafford:
  “He’s aging in reverse, Colin. I'd sign him for five more years.” ([12:37])

• Drew Brees on Sam Darnold:
  “Guys like Sam Darnold…wouldn't be the player or person he is right now if it wasn't for going through the adversity…It was that way for me with the San Diego Chargers. I got benched three times in 2003.” ([25:56])

• Drew Brees on Super Bowl Preparation:
  “We truly felt like we were the better team. Now we were going to go out there and play aggressive and pull out all the stops, hence the onside kick…creating this us against the world mentality.” ([36:14])

---

Key Timestamps

• [03:03] Devonte Adams reacts to NFC Championship loss
• [05:20] Eagles’ offensive coordinator job discussed
• [08:24] Shadour Sanders named Pro Bowler, show debates Pro Bowl's value
• [12:37] Matt Hasselbeck praises Stafford’s performance (“aging in reverse”)
• [16:55] Sean McVay on Stafford’s future
• [24:08] Drew Brees on Sam Darnold’s redemption arc
• [26:57] Brees on lingering effects of tough playoff losses
• [28:48] Brees on New England and Seattle as elite road teams and Vrabel’s culture
• [36:14] Brees on Super Bowl mentality, Saints-Colts underdog story
• [39:10] Brees on what makes a great modern NFL head coach
• [41:20] Brees on trusting points over risky fourth-down attempts

---

Tone and Style

Colin Cowherd leads with his trademark blend of insight, candor, and narrative. The conversation is rich with football strategy and psychology, featuring respectful debates (especially on analytics), playful banter (on the Pro Bowl), and personal reflections (Brees on adversity and competition). Brees brings a measured, relatable wisdom, staying humble about his own journey while offering encouragement and respect for today’s players and coaches.

---

For Listeners Who Missed the Episode

This episode offers an in-depth look at the shifting fortunes of NFL stars and franchises in 2026, layering spirited analysis with personal stories from Drew Brees. If you want to understand the nuances behind the NFC contenders, see how leadership and adversity shape the NFL’s best, or simply enjoy sharp, relatable sports talk, this hour delivers.

---

Transcript

[Drew Brees]

This is an iHeart podcast.

[Colin Cowherd]

Guaranteed Human I'm Colin Coward from the Herd. Whether you're a seasoned small business owner or thinking about getting started, you'll definitely want to check out season four of Mind the Business small business success stories from iHeartMedia's Ruby Studio and Inuit QuickBooks. In the latest season, hosts Austin Hanquitz and Jenise Torres are talking to self starters about the ins and outs of entrepreneurship and how QuickBooks helps you to get more done in less time. You don't want to miss it. Listen to Mind the Business Small business Success Stories on the iHeart app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. 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 storage service with triple protection against cybercriminals. Wasabi driving innovation in data storage for up to 80% less than the other guys. Try for free at wasabi.com, wasabi Hot Cloud Storage, proud partner of the Volume Podcast Network. Everyone deserves to be connected. That's why T Mobile and US Cellular are joining forces. Switch to T Mobile and save up to 20% versus Verizon by getting built in benefits they leave out. Check the math@t mobile.com switch and now T mobile is in US cellular stores.

[Drew Brees]

Savings versus Comparable Verizon plans plus the cost of optional benefits, plan features and.

[Colin Cowherd]

Taxes and fees vary.

[Drew Brees]

Savings with three plus lines include third line free via monthly bill credits. Credits stop if you cancel any lines.

[Colin Cowherd]

Qualifying credit required. Thanks for listening to the Herd podcast. Be sure to catch us live every weekday on Fox Sports radio and noon to 3 Eastern, 9am to noon Pacific. Find your local station for the [e-mail] or stream us live every day on the iHeartRadio app by searching Fox Sports Radio or FSR now let's get this party started. You're listening to Fox Sports Radio. Welcome back. Drew Brees around the corner. But first, J. Mac with the news.

[Drew Brees]

No, no, no, no.

[Colin Cowherd]

Turn on the news. This is the Herdline news.

[J. Mac]

All right, Colin, let's start with Devonte Adams. We spoke about him last week. He had been 04 in NFC championship games and he's now 05. Colin, this is sad. Adams was very emotional after the loss to Seattle. Take a listen.

[Drew Brees]

Heartbreak stuff, stuff to talk. The way the guy's going to do it. It's tough to focus on that right now. Toug tough moment that we're in right now.

[J. Mac]

So process the emotions of this and.

[Drew Brees]

Then worry about that. But I mean obviously I love this team.

[J. Mac]

I love what this team is about and the fight that we had all.

[Drew Brees]

Year and it's just, it just sucks to come up short.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah, 14 touchdowns. He has been such an asset for them. It's an all star offensive cast. But I'd come back. They just had a. He just had a tremendous year. Tremendous year.

[J. Mac]

Yeah, it's. He had 4 for 89 in the touchdown yesterday. He was excellent and it just stinks cuz like every loss the Rams had this season was on special teams in some way shape or form. Yeah, special teams just let him down. I do think the off season for the Rams is quite simple. You know you get. You probably get another receiver because devonte gets hurt and Puka plays.

[Colin Cowherd]

Get a cor. You have to get a cornerback three.

[J. Mac]

And you go out on the market and you hire the best special teams coach. You probably overpay for somebody and you button that up and I think you probably go back to the NFC championship.

[Colin Cowherd]

I mean if you don't like this quarterback class, they need to tackle a couple of corners, a wide receiver and then you know those two fifth round picks and a six round pick, that's where you go get, you know, you go get special teams guys. Outside linebacker who ends up, you know, was the captain of his college special team. There's a lot of guys in the sixth and seventh round. I mean teams have drafted long snappers and kickers. They've got to shore it up. I mean and I. You pay the most for the coach and then you spend, you know, they've got a couple of seventh round picks you go find. I mean you go draft the receiver who all he did in college for three or four years. He catches kicks. He's a kick returner with great hands. They have that luxury because they don't have A ton of needs. And they have two firsts, so a second and a third. So their first four picks take care of immediate needs and then attack the special teams because I'm with you. You go look at their losses. Usually there was a special team issue in all those losses.

[J. Mac]

I mean, you know, this is a tough one for Adams. Colin, you look at his career. He had Aaron Rodgers, prime Aaron Rodgers. And now as good as Matt Stafford is going to be and he hasn't gotten to the super bowl, that's got to be a bitter pill to swallow because, man, that's rough. All right, let's move on to the next one. And that is the Eagles offensive coordinator job. It is appearing as if nobody wants the job. I'm not going to say it's about Jalen Hurts. You can. I think this is about Sirianni and job security. Sirianni will enter this season on the hot seat. Okay. Whether people want to believe it or not, he's on the hot seat. And as a result, I don't think any offensive coordinator who's very good wants to go there. McDaniel didn't want to go there. He's with the Chargers. Day Ball wants that Bills job. The other names that have emerged are someone named Declan Doyle from the Bears. He's in your back, your neck of the woods up there, and LSU OC Charlie Weiss Jr. They were in the mix. Apparently, they turned down opportunities to interview Colin.

[Colin Cowherd]

Where are we here?

[J. Mac]

I mean, Mike Kafka, the guy from the Giants. Well, Jim, Bob Cooter, remember him?

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah. Well, I mean, the Eagles moved off Nick Foles and Doug Peterson, who won a Super bowl in a shocking upset. So it is a. I've said this before. The Eagles do a lot of things that poorly run teams do. It just works for them because they're really well owned and smartly run by Howie Roseman. But it is a high intensity. You get one year as a coordinator there, that's what you get. This is not, you know, it's not Jacksonville or. Yeah, it took us a couple of years to get going. You've got until about late October, early November. And if it's not working as a coordinator on either side, you're getting ravaged every day by that aggressive media. So this is, you know, and a lot of people probably feel like, okay, but if it's. Again, when you're Dan Quinn and you bring up an entirely new staff to Washington, guys get three and four year contracts. You can get. What's Philadelphia going to do to their OC A two year contract. And by the way, they, if they don't like it, you're gone by Thanksgiving or at least end of the year. So I think it's a, I think there's a lot of potential there. Now if you go in and crush and they get, here's the thing, you go in there in Philly, you crush, you don't get any credit. Nick Sirianni does. So my take, I mean if the offense is great, Sirianni retains his job and you may think I'm better than Nick Ceriani. So what's the win there?

[J. Mac]

Well, wait a minute, hold on. Shane Steichen was good there and ended up getting a head coaching job. Kellen Moore was very good there and now he's a head coach. So you could parlay it into something and let, let's remember, you know, you will be the coach and the offensive play caller for Jalen Hurts, who's been to two Super Bowls and was the MVP of a Super Bowl. That's something that guys in his draft class like Justin Herbert, Joe Burrow, none of those guys have been MVP of a Super Bowl. So you get to work with Hertz. I think it, you know, it's got an opportunity. But if you're an established coach, I don't know, this feels like an up and coming thing.

[Colin Cowherd]

Final story.

[J. Mac]

Colin, this just broke within the last hour and I think the Pro bowl is officially done because Shadour Sanders, yes, Shador Sanders was named as a Pro bowl replacement pro likely in place of Drake May, of course because he's playing in the Super Bowl. Colin Sanders becomes the first fifth round rookie to make the Pro bowl since Puka Nukua. He threw seven touchdowns and 10 picks in a forgettable rookie year and he's.

[Colin Cowherd]

Now a Pro Bowler.

[J. Mac]

It's over. The Pro bowl officially is cooked and I don't want to hear anybody. Colin, you and I, we will not do this again on the show. We will not say, hey, he made three Pro Bowls. Yeah, Joe Bob, like, doesn't matter.

[Colin Cowherd]

I agree. I mean this actually makes me laugh. This is funny.

[J. Mac]

I, I mean I can think of a few other words to describe it.

[Drew Brees]

It's a farce.

[J. Mac]

I mean, are they trying to get people to tune into the Pro bowl by getting a celebrity quarterback? What?

[Colin Cowherd]

I think, I think actually that's it.

[J. Mac]

You gotta be kidding me. I'm sure Shador's happy. Hey, I'll take it. I'm sure he's get a bonus in his, in his contract for going to the Pro Bowl.

[Colin Cowherd]

Well, I, I think. Come on, for the record, ask yourself this. I don't watch the Pro Bowl. I never have. I'm not going to watch it. Never have. Take pride in it. Don't watch the home run Derby in baseball. I don't get it. I think I watched the first one. It's batting practice. I know everybody loves those two and they get ratings. Not interested at all. But I will say if Shador Sanders played in it and let's say I was golfing that day or doing something that day, I kind of would be interested. How did he play? How did he look? I'm so.

[J. Mac]

You're the one cowherd. You're the one who wants to tune in on the golf course. Hey, hey, fire up the phone. Let me see what Chidor is doing.

[Colin Cowherd]

In the Pro Bowl.

[J. Mac]

I think, I think I gotta clean my toilet with a toothbrush that day.

[Colin Cowherd]

So unfortunately, J mail with the news. Well, that's the news and thanks for stopping by the herd lie news. That is funny. Well, there's two things the NFL doesn't do well. Pro Bowls a mess and the preseason. I, I would have. I always think it's funny. You can have all these 19, 20 year old college kids, they don't get a preseason. They have limited practice hours and Labor Day weekend. They're out there performing at the highest level. Great games every Labor Day weekend. Those kids, limitations on practice time. They're 19, 20 years old. Like I need three preseason games.

[Matt and Joel (How To Money Pod)]

Really.

[Colin Cowherd]

I mean guys get, I mean aren't you like me during a preseason? You're crossing your fingers. People don't get hurt. You don't care about the results. You just don't want anybody in your offensive line, anybody in your secondary receiver to rip up their ankle and be gone until Thanksgiving. To me, get rid of the preseason, have one game and kind of mandate it. That's the rookie game. Have a rookie preseason game. You play all the young kids and you see you can play well. Coaches need so college coaches don't need all these practices and games, just have more inner squad games, have inner squad practices. Have Washington and Baltimore practice six times during camp. That's better than the game anyway, you know, sitting yesterday, it's yesterday. Matt Stafford probably a statistical argument that it is the greatest game a quarterback has ever had and lost a playoff game. That's how good Matt Stafford was. And you know, at various times early in the game I thought Seattle had a chance to bulldoze them. And then after the fumbled punt by the Rams, I Thought, oh, they're gonna. There were a couple different times that I thought Seattle was going to pull away. The energy in the stadium, the energy with a team. But they kept coming back. And they kept coming back because of one reason. It wasn't their defense. Darnold was moving up and down the field on the defense. The reason they kept coming back. Look at this pass. I mean, give me a break. That's Colby Parkinson, the former Seahawk. I mean, the reason they were in that game and there were multiple times they could have folded was Matt Stafford. God, he was good yesterday. Here's Matt Hasselbeck on just an incredibly, remarkably agile and gifted performance in a loss by Stafford.

[Drew Brees]

He's aging in reverse, Colin. I'd send him for five more years. Okay? The dude. The dude was so injured he couldn't even do handoffs in training camp. He looked like he was constipated coming out to practice his first day back. And now he looks better and younger than he's ever looked in his life. Sign a five year deal, man. Like, keep going. He was the MVP of the league. He had an amazing year. He's in lockstep with his, with his GM head coach. No, he'll be back. I'd be shocked if he wasn't back.

[Colin Cowherd]

And one of the reasons Tom Brady aged so well is not just that he takes care of himself, is that Tom was a pocket quarterback. And as he aged, Aaron Rodgers ran around more. As he aged, Aaron looked old. He was still good. But Aaron looks old because Aaron's mobility was such an asset in his prime. But Stafford's never been a runaround guy and Tom Brady was never a runaround guy. They're known for their brain power pre snap. Both move very well in the pocket. But I've said this before about Stafford, and this really speaks to how great he is as a Los Angeles ram in his 10 playoff games. Again, this is against the very best teams, often on the road. Stafford has 21 touchdowns and four picks as a Ram playoff quarterback. 104 passer rating and over 300 passing yards per game. I mean, after that muffed punt when he brought them down the field, boom, boom, boom. Three absolute darts. And I'm like. And the other thing is, the coaching in this game was so good and the efficiency of it was. I mean, we got very lucky. The Denver New England game blizzard. And I didn't check the weather the day of the game. I'm thinking, oh, it's probably going to be wet and sloppy. And then they went to the pregame show and I'm like, oh God, it's great. It's absolutely great. So you know, McVeigh sort of snapped when somebody said is, is Matt Stafford coming back? But I asked Matt Hasselback the same thing. I mean, in camp, you know, in camp if this was a great quarterback draft. I do think the Rams would draft a quarterback in the first round. It's not. And I don't think they're going to reach for Ty Simpson and give up picks because I do think they need two corners. Thought they would take one last year. I think they need minimum one offensive tackle, a right tackle. I think they need another receiver. As Devonte Adams ages, I think they could actually get another safety and inside linebacker in house. So they, they've got things they've got to shore up. Because if you're going to sign Stafford, remember this, Stafford has some leverage now. A, he's unbelievable and B, it's a bad quarterback draft. So the Rams are not going to get as good a deal on Stafford as they just got. Now the good news is nobody on that defense is getting paid much money. And the other thing is they have a lot of picks. So the Rams will be able to mitigate the Stafford contract. If I, Matt Stafford, I'm going to say, guys, I took one for the team. I'm done taking one for the team. Because Stafford took, I wouldn't say it was a team friendly deal, but it was not a punitive contract. So Stafford took a pretty ram favorable deal. And if you're, if you're Matt Stafford, you're going to come back, say, guys, I took one for the team. I want a two year deal. Well, what are the Rams going to do? I mean, where are they going to go? Stafford was 50 touchdowns, nine picks. It was insane year. And if you watch that game in Seattle, give me a break. Guy was absolutely on fire. So the Rams are going to have to pay him probably a two year contract. I would do it in a heartbeat. But that's why I don't think they're going to reach for Ty Simpson because they need their two first, their second, their third, their two fifths, their sixth and two seventh. They got to shore up the secondary, they got to get another receiver, they got to get a tackle and they got to get some, they hit on draft. They got to get some inexpensive guys in, in the middle and backup of that roster. So I mean that, that's the downside. Here's Sean McVeigh when asked about Stafford's future.

[Drew Brees]

Yeah, I Mean, that's, I mean, if he, if he still wants to play.

[Colin Cowherd]

The whole kind of question is that you have to ask him.

[Drew Brees]

We've been totally present. He's. I know that if he wants to, he's still playing at a pretty damn good clip. I mean, he's the MVP of the league. And if he's not, you know, I mean, I got respect for everybody else, but this guy played at a level that's just different.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah, it's, he's going to have a little leverage, though. The Rams rolled the dice on this. The Rams are like, listen, we'll bring you back. We could draft the quarterback. We're going to bring it back. Garoppolo's the backup, Stetson Bennett. So those guys don't sniff the field except in preseason. So, you know, I, but I do think now Stafford's got the leverage. But again, the Rams are in a good spot because they got a lot of draft picks. And I've always said this. Remember when the Rams had to pay golf and Stafford, how did they do that? Well, they were top heavy, but they were still very good. And you have to hit on draft picks. I mean, they hit on young, they hit on verse. They hit, I mean, they, their left tackle was undrafted, so they're, they're not expensive anywhere on defense yet. Puna Ford's kind of costly, but I think they just redid a deal for Landman, the linebacker. But they're in a really good spot. But I think if you're Matt Stafford, you took one for the team, he gonna get paid. And just, just a reminder is he won't be the highest paid quarterback in the league because I think Matt Stafford appreciates what McVay brings to the table. But if this was a great quarterback draft class, they would have more, a little bit more leverage. But it's not. I think you have Mendoza and then you got Ty Simpson. And there's about six teams that are going to reach on Ty Simpson. Drew Brees around the corner. It's 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, it's Ben, host of the Fifth Hour with Ben Mahler. Would mean a lot to have you join us on our weekly auditory journey. You're asking, what in God's name is the fifth hour?

[Matt and Joel (How To Money Pod)]

I'll tell you.

[Colin Cowherd]

It's a spin off of the Ben Mather show, a cold hit overnights on fsr. Why should you listen? Picture if you will, a world where we chat with captains of industry in media, sports and more Every week. Explore some amazing facts about human nature and more. Listen to the fifth hour with Ben Ma on the iHeartRadio app, Apple podcast or wherever you get your podcast. I'm Colin Coward from the Herd. Whether you're a seasoned small business owner or thinking about getting started, you'll definitely want to check out season four of Mind the Business small business success stories from iHeartMedia's Ruby Studio and Inuit QuickBooks. Mind the Business is part entertainment, part instruction manual, part inspiration. Each episode features practical tips and success stories that will resonate with entrepreneurs in any industry. In their latest season, hosts Austin Henkiewicz and Jenise Torres are covering topics on the forefront of running a small business. They're talking to self starters about everything from how AI helps them work smarter to weathering market uncertainties and enjoying the benefits of being your own boss and using Inuit QuickBooks to help you get more done in less time. You won't want to miss it. Listen to Mind the Business Small business success Stories on the iHeart app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Matt and Joel (How To Money Pod)]

New Year, New goals and in this economy, a better money plan is more necessary than ever. I am Matt and I'm Joel. We are from the how to Money Pod. Every week we help you to spend smarter, save more, and make sense of what's going on out there. If you want 2026 to be the year you finally feel in control of your money, we're here to give you the tools and advice to help you make it happen. Listen to How To Money on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Mind Games Host]

What if mind control is real?

[Drew Brees]

If you could control the behavior of anybody around you, what kind of life would you have?

[Mind Games Host]

Can you hypnotically persuade someone to buy a car?

[Drew Brees]

When you look at your car, you're gonna become overwhelmed with such good Hypnotize.

[Mind Games Host]

Someone into sleeping with you.

[Drew Brees]

I gave her some suggestions to be sexually aroused.

[Mind Games Host]

Can you get someone to join your cult?

[Katie Couric]

NLP was used on me to access my subconscious.

[Mind Games Host]

Nlp, AKA Neuro Linguistic Programming, is a blend of hypnosis, linguistics and psychology. Fans say it's like finally getting a user manual for your brain.

[Drew Brees]

It's about engineering consciousness.

[Mind Games Host]

Mind Games is the story of nlp, its crazy cast of disciples, and the fake doctor who invented it at a New Age commune and sold it to guys in suits. He stood trial for murder and got acquitted. The biggest mind game of all NLP might actually work. This is wild. Listen to Mind Games on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Katie Couric]

As we head into 2026, it's safe to say that 2025 was a year like no other. So much news, so much disruption, and yes, so much division. That's why we're wrapping up this season of Next Question with a look back at everything that's happened. Things are coming at us with such a velocity, we thought it was important to take a moment, connect the dots and explore what it all means. We're summing up the first year of Trump's second term with David Graham on Project 2025 and how many of the goals have been implemented. Richard Ha, foreign Policy and the Changing World Order. Jessica Valenti on reproductive rights and the terrifying consequences of abortion bans. Tina Brown on the year scandals here and across the pond. The President has upended everything from pardons to the press, so we're covering it all. Listen to Next Question with me, Katie Couric on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts, is.

[Colin Cowherd]

One of the few quarterbacks where he goes to a place and people just don't give up on him. He then he goes and finds his guy in Drew, in Sean Payton, he goes to New Orleans. Cause I always felt in the NFL, if your first team, if you weren't a star with your first team, like, a lot of people just give up on you and it's like, thank God they don't because Baker Mayfield's rebuilt his career. Sam Darnold, Geno Smith. But it always felt like to me, if you, if you didn't have a great first six, seven great years with your first team, a lot of people just like, ah, he's not the guy. Let's go get the next quarterback. And that's just not the way it works. A lot of these guys go to bad, poorly run teams. Sam Darnold goes to the jets, but then he goes to Carolina. And so he's been with five teams, four of them he's had a winning record. It's just the jets thing didn't work and Drew Brees is now 20 NFL seasons, Super bowl winner and MVP going to be eligible and is going to make it first ballot hall of Fame in 2020. I watched Darnold and it's hard for me not to root for him because I know how bad it was in New York. When you watch him and when you watched him broadcasting or playing, are you surprised that he's transformed into a really high end quarterback.

[Drew Brees]

No, I'm not surprised. You know, I've, I've, I haven't spent much time with Sam, but I can say this. There's not a person I've met who doesn't, who knows Sam, who doesn't love him not just as a person, but appreciates his work ethic, appreciates everything in the way that he approaches his craft. And so it's guys like Sam Darnold and the journey that he's had over the last couple of years. It's part of what makes the NFL so great. It's also part of what inspires you in a lot of ways to realize that, you know, there's so much that goes into playing that position and being successful at that position. And for a lot of guys, hey, it may not be in year one or year two or year three. That could be a combination of their own personal growth and development. It could be partly their circumstances. Right. And being in a tough environment. In most cases, guys that are drafted really high, like Sam Donald being drafted number one, they're going to teams that have a lot greater issues than just trying to solve the quarterback position. They've got a lot of holes to fill, a lot of ways to fill, and typically it takes time. And do I think that in many cases we've, you know, unfortunately, you know, done the wrong thing when it came to a lot of these young quarterbacks and maybe let them down? You know, I. Yes, I do, because there is so much that goes into it. And honestly, I think guys too, like Sam Darnold wouldn't be the player or person he is right now if it wasn't for going through the adversity that he went through in New York and Carolina. Same with Baker Mayfield. I'm sure he would say the same things. I've heard those guys talk about those things. I know it was a way for me with the San Diego Chargers. You know, I got. People forget. I got benched three times with Marty Schottheim in 2003. That was not a good experience.

[Colin Cowherd]

Right.

[Drew Brees]

That was like a shot to the confidence. And yet it's also what helped the fire burn, you know, even, even hotter as my career went on. Always feeling like, as something to prove, chip on the shoulder. And you just feel that with Sam Donald, but he's handled it with a lot of class. And I just watched the way his teammates talk about him, you know, I mean, they can't say enough great things about him. And, and I love seeing the success that he's had.

[Colin Cowherd]

I actually, when the game was over, felt bad for Matt Stafford. I thought to myself, I've never seen a quarterback play that well and lose. And I'm sure, hey, listen, I know what happened to you at Purdue where, you know, you Throw, throw for 400 yards and you can't overcome, you know, a really great team. But in your career, what is the difference when you play great, Drew, and you did, and you come up short in a big game. Is it, is it, does it last with you? The off season? I mean, is it, is it a. Is that a pretty tight or do you feel like, hey, I gave it my best, I played well, we lost because Stafford was brilliant for most of that game.

[Drew Brees]

Yeah. Yes, it does last. I mean, I certainly, I think any great competitor is always going to think about, you know, some of the ones that got away and, and maybe there's a player too, that just kind of linger. Stafford has played phenomenal all season long. He's played phenomenal throughout the playoffs. I mean, you forget, as good as the Rams were this year, they just happened to play in a really, really tough division. The only reason they weren't the one seed is because they lost at Seattle six weeks ago with some crazy sequences of events, right? The two point conversion, the overtime, going for it, you know, at the end. Or else they would have been the one seed, right? So they have to go to Carolina where they need a two minute drive to win. They have to go to the Bears where they need overtime to win, right? Like all these crazy sequences of events. And then even in this game, if they had a chance there at the end, right, all they needed was one final possession. They go down, they get stopped inside the 10 after they were just rolling. So I think that's probably the moment that's gonna, that's gonna sit and maybe eat out them a little bit. But at the same time, there is no doubt the Rams. Look, I hope Stafford keeps playing for another three, four years, you know, because I think that team is built to win.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah. So Seattle was the second best road team in the league, which is impressive because they're young. The best road team was New England. So the two best road teams are meeting in the super bowl. And I think it speaks to certain things like coaching and intelligence. I think a lot of things travel like smart teams. It travels, but there's a lot of things that don't necessarily travel like it like a vertical passing game. If you go into bad weather, you can't take it with you. But what do you think when you look at Seattle and New England's great success on the road? It's unbelievable. Like, how did New England didn't lose a road game this year? What does it tell you about their team?

[Drew Brees]

Well, let's. Let's start with New England. Look, the job Mike Vrabel's done is remarkable. You know, I did have the chance to broadcast one of their games, and I think what stuck out to me was, look, I remember Vrabel as a player, man, hard nose, tough love, confrontation. Like, he was just one of those players, man. I see a side to him. I don't want to say, like, a softer side, because that's not the way to say it, but it's a side of him that has become such an unbelievable, like, teacher and. And motivator of men, but in a way that is, like, so caring and thoughtful, but also just so wrapped up in, like, identity and who we are and what our standard is. And like, he uses the term protect. Protect our identity every time we step on the field. And so to me, that's the epitome of what they've done by going on the road. In a lot of cases, it's at. Protecting your identity at home is a lot easier than all of a sudden you go on a road in a hostile environment with different circumstances and things that are out of your control, and at times you kind of lose track of that. And I think just that mantra for him and his team, like, I see that, yes, he's got a great quarterback who's super composed, who actually reminds me a lot of Matt Stafford, just in his purity of throwing the ball and his composure and all those things. I wouldn't say, again, I don't want this to come across the wrong way. I don't see New England as just a team full of superstars. I see them as a team who is just. Everyone has embraced their role in helping for that group to be successful. And they're just kind of have this gritty, find a way mentality, man. Seattle, on the other hand, maybe that's a team that just flew under the radar for a bit. And Coach McDonald has done a phenomenal job with those guys. And just that, you know, Sam Donald coming in just kind of. Obviously nobody expected. Knew what to expect with JSN and just a phenomenal year that he had. But I mean, little. Little things like going out and getting Rashid Shahid, I mean, you can't tell me that that guy wasn't an impact player for them down the stretch. They win the Rams game in the regular season because of him. He sets the tone early in the playoffs with that. That kickoff return against the Niners made a big play early on in the game yesterday, the deep ball from Sam. So like I just said, I look at some of the super like the star power they have on that team, but how those guys were acquired and brought in and it was just masterful. It was masterful. And then defensively I just think they, they feel like they're just going to come in and beat you up.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah, yeah, they. And they, by the way, they do. They just, they are physical and relentless. Be sure to catch live editions of the Herd, weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am Pacific on Fox Sports Radio, FS1 and the iHeartRadio app. I'm Colin Coward from the Herd. Whether you're a seasoned small business owner or thinking about getting started, you'll definitely want to check out season four of Mind the Business Small Business Success Stories for My Heart Media's Ruby Studio and Inuit QuickBooks. Mind the business is part entertainment, part instruction manual, part inspiration. Each episode features practical tips and success stories that will resonate with entrepreneurs in any industry. In their latest season, hosts Austin Henkewicz and Janiez Torres are covering topics on the forefront of running a small business. They're talking to self starters about everything from how AI helps them work smarter to weathering market uncertainties and enjoying the benefits of being your own boss. And using Inuit QuickBooks to help you get more done in less time. You won't want to miss it. Listen to Mind the Business Small Business Success Stories on the iHeart app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Matt and Joel (How To Money Pod)]

New Year, New Goals and in this economy, a better money plan is more necessary than ever. I am Matt and I'm Joel. We are from the how to Money Pod and every week we help you to spend smarter, save more and make sense of what's going on out there. If you want 2026 to be the year you finally feel in control of your money, we're here to give you the tools and advice to help you make it happen. Listen to how to Money on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Mind Games Host]

What if mind control is real?

[Drew Brees]

If you could control the behavior of anybody around you, what kind of life would you have?

[Mind Games Host]

Can you hypnotically persuade someone to buy a car?

[Drew Brees]

When you look at your car, you're going to become overwhelmed with such good feelings.

[Mind Games Host]

Can you hypnotize someone into sleeping with you?

[Drew Brees]

I Gave her some suggestions to be sexually aroused.

[Mind Games Host]

Can you get someone to join your cult?

[Katie Couric]

NLP was used on me to access my subconscious.

[Mind Games Host]

Nlp, AKA Neuro linguistic programming, is a blend of hypnosis, linguistics, and psychology. Fans say it's like finally getting a user manual for your brain.

[Drew Brees]

It's about engineering consciousness.

[Mind Games Host]

Mind Games is the story of nlp, its crazy cast of disciples, and the fake doctor who invented it at a new age commune and sold it to guys in suits. He stood trial for murder and got acquitted. The biggest mind game of all, nlp, might actually work. This is wild. Listen to mind Games on the Ice, iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Katie Couric]

As we head into 2026, it's safe to say that 2025 was a year like no other. So much news, so much disruption, and, yes, so much division. That's why we're wrapping up this season of Next Question with a look back at everything that's happened. Things are coming at us with such a velocity, we thought it was important to take a moment, connect the dots, and explore what it all means. We're summing up the first year of Trump's second term with David Graham on Project 2025 and how many of the goals have been implemented. Richard Haass on foreign policy and the changing world order. Jessica Valenti on reproductive rights and the terrifying consequences of abortion bans. Tina Brown on the year scandals here and across the pond. The president has upended everything from pardons to the press, so we're covering it all. Listen to Next Question with me, Katie Couric on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Colin Cowherd]

So you. You get two weeks before a Super Bowl. Now, when you got to one, you'd been around the block, you know, you were, you know, Drake May's a puppy. He's a kid. Sam's gotten beat up a little bit by the league, so I don't think it'll change much. But the Seahawks are very, very young as a team, so, you know, you tell me you don't want paralysis by analysis. You want to take a deep breath, you want to play your same game, but it's the biggest game of your life. It is an unbelievable pressure. Do you look back at the two weeks before the super bowl fondly, or are you a bit of a nervous wreck until the whistle, until the kickoff?

[Drew Brees]

Yeah. I mean, look, nervous wreck from the perspective, I'm kind of that way. Throughout the week of preparation, no matter what game it is Just because you just take so much pride in what you're doing. You want to go out there and play well for your team. But I would say this was kind of interesting, maybe about our super bowl run. You remember we played the Indianapolis Colts. On paper, that was the best team in football, maybe one of the best teams ever. And so I think all the talk was in and around them.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah.

[Drew Brees]

And I think we kind of felt like we were flying under the radar a little bit. In fact, like, I think when the super bowl line opened up on our game, it was Colts by seven or seven and a half. It was something crazy. And I just remember one of our early team meetings, Sean Payton getting up there and being like, here's the way Vegas sees us, here's the way the fans see us. Like, everybody thinks we got no chance, but I'm telling you right now, we are the better team. So, like, from the very beginning, we truly felt like we were the better team. Now we were going to go out there and play aggressive and pull out all the stops, hence the onside kick to open up the second half and all that stuff. But I think so much of it is creating this us against the world mentality. And nobody knows until what we're going to show them here, you know, on game day and just feeling like you're just, you know, kind of circling the wagons and, you know, nobody's giving us a shot here. Creating a little bit of that edge, you know, to your team going into it.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah, no, I said this earlier. I said New England Brable is going to pounce on that. They're already a five point dog. I said, I guarantee he is going to play every sound bite and show him every clip so that it is an advantage. I want to ask you, it's funny, the NFL is so cyclical. It's an offensive league, but now we've got two defensive coaches in and Jesse Minter got the Ravens game and Josh Allen doesn't have a coach. So this is the first time since Belichick got to a Super bowl that we have defensive guys in. But I think the league is cyclical. Like we were told three years ago running games didn't matter. Well, I just watched Walker and Kyron Williams and Blake Corum. I'm like, I'm sorry, but running backs were unbelievably there yesterday. I want to ask you, Mike McCarthy to the Steelers offensive coach. I think he'll make the Sensibility will Matter. Josh Allen. I think I would like Brian Dabel, but I think it is interesting that Mike McDonald and Vrabel are defensive guys, but they. You can feel their love for their young quarterbacks. And I, I'm not anti defensive coach, but there is something to be said about getting offense understanding the sensibility. Are you surprised Vrabel and McDonald, they just seem to get their quarterback and not in some defensive coaches. Drew. I just don't feel like that. They're old school, they won't go for it. I don't know. It feels like I've got these two defensive coaches that almost think like offensive guys. Does that make sense?

[Drew Brees]

Well, that's because they. That's because they know what they're going up against every time they step on the field and how they're trying to be attacked. This is what I'd say about those two guys. In this day and age, more so than ever with head coaches, it's about being a great CEO. It's about going out and getting coaches on both sides of the ball on offense and defense that you trust to implement a system and then you trust the general manager and working collaboratively, collaboratively with him to go get the personnel that fits the systems. But in react then your role as that head coach and as that CEO is you manage your staff, but you more so than ever are implementing what you feel like are the keys to victory and the mindset that it takes to win. But more importantly, to adhere to a standard like that, more so than ever now is the role and job of the head coach. You set the standard, you hold everyone accountable to the standard. And so while you may skew one direction or the other, like, hey, I came from the offensive side of the ball or I came from the defensive side of the ball. And yes, you may have contributions schematically to those sides of the ball. In reality, you are just. Now I am managing the game. I'm managing my team. I'm making sure these guys are ready to play right, that they have the right mindset. Like that is what it's all about. And I can't think of two better guys that are coaching in this game with Mike McDonald and Mike Vrabel that like just embody that mentality.

[Colin Cowherd]

Finally, minute left. It didn't bother me on McVeigh going for it and fourth four or Sean Payton going for it. Didn't love Sean going for it. Did it? Did it? How did it land for you?

[Drew Brees]

Well, it's hindsight's right, 20 20, but you know, the Denver game, I think at that point to take the points and go up two possessions, I Think is pretty significant, right? Yeah, of course. You know, it's fourth and one. You feel pretty good now. Look, have they tried to pound it, you know, and just get stuffed and you're like, ah, you know, we. We weren't good enough to get it. You know, you try to pull out a little trickery with the Nate with the bootleg, but nonetheless, I think going up two possessions in a game like that with a young quarterback where you just all of a sudden shift the pressure to the other side.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah.

[Drew Brees]

Oh, by the way, you know, as good as Drake May's been, he's. He's still a young quarterback. That's still a young. You know, so I think playing at home, maybe take the points there. I mean, look, with McVay, you know, you're rolling and you got Matthew Stafford. Right. And you got all these weapons, you know?

[Matt and Joel (How To Money Pod)]

Right.

[Drew Brees]

Yeah. I think I tend to feel like in those types of games, you take points, you take the points.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah, no, I get. I get it. I think there's some analytics. I buy some. I don't. In these games with the best defenses, I like points. Drew Brees, you were great today, as always. Twenty seasons, going to be a Hall of Famer. He's eligible for the hall of Fame this year. Can't wait. Drew Brees, great stuff. Thanks. Thanks, Drew.

[Drew Brees]

Very soon.

[Colin Cowherd]

All right. Good seeing you eligible this year for the hall of Fame. And he's going to get in 13 Pro Bowls, five all pros. Yeah. Listen, we can argue back and forth. I mean, you look at Stafford and you're like, we got Seattle backed up. It's hard enough to get down the field. We got to take these points. I get it. I also think Drew made a great point. If you go for a run and it doesn't work, then you can just say, well, when you try to get kind of clever and roll out without Bo Nix, that's much easier to criticize. Oh, again, hindsight's 20 20. Great stuff. Drew breathes money today. Matt Hasselbeck. Fantastic. We're out of time. See you tomorrow.

[Matt and Joel (How To Money Pod)]

Hey, it's Joel and Matt from how to Money. If your New Year's resolution is to finally get your finances in shape, we've got your back prices, they're still high, and the economy is all over the place. But 2026 is the year for you to get intentional and make real progress. That's right. Yeah. Each week, we break down what's happening with your money, the most important issues to focus on, and the small moves that make a big Difference. Kick off the year with confidence. Listen to how to Money on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Colin Cowherd]

What if mind control is real?

[Drew Brees]

If you could control the behavior of anybody around you, what kind of life would you have?

[J. Mac]

Can you hypnotically persuade someone to buy a car?

[Drew Brees]

When you look at your car, you're going to become overwhelmed with such good feelings.

[J. Mac]

Can you hypnotize someone into sleeping with you?

[Drew Brees]

I gave her some suggestions to be sexually aroused.

[Colin Cowherd]

Can you get someone to join your cult?

[Katie Couric]

NLP was used on me to access my subconscious mind games.

[Colin Cowherd]

A new podcast, exploring nlp, AKA neuro linguistic programming. Is it a self help miracle, a shady hypnosis scam?

[J. Mac]

Or both? Listen to mind Games on the iHeartRadio.

[Colin Cowherd]

App, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. This season on Dear Chelsea with me, Chelsea Handler, we've got some incredible guests like Kumail Nanjiani. Let's start with your cat. How is she? She is not with us anymore. Okay, great, great, great.

[J. Mac]

Way to start.

[Colin Cowherd]

Maybe you will cry.

[Mind Games Host]

Ross Matthews, you know what kids always say to me?

[Colin Cowherd]

Are you a boy or a girl? Oh my God.

[Mind Games Host]

All the time. I know.

[J. Mac]

So I try to butch it up.

[Mind Games Host]

For kids so they're not confused.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah, but you're butching it up is.

[Mind Games Host]

Basically like an angry woman.

[Drew Brees]

Doris Day, right?

[Mind Games Host]

No, I turn into Bea Arthur.

[Colin Cowherd]

Listen to these episodes of Dear Chelsea on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Katie Couric]

If you only listen to one thing to make sense of the news this year, make it this. The final episode of this season of Next Question pulls the most important conversations of the year. You'll hear David Graham on Project 2025, Liz Oyer on the plethora of presidential pardons, Tina Brown on the year's biggest scandals here at home and across the pond, plus much, much more. It's a crash course in the last 12 months, how we made it through the year and a look at what might be coming in 2026. Listen to next Question with me, Katie Couric on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Drew Brees]

This is an iHeart podcast.

[Colin Cowherd]

Guaranteed Human.