THE HERD - Hour 3 - Jerome Bettis stops by The Herd

Summary

The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hour 3 – Jerome Bettis Stops By

Date: January 14, 2026
Host: Colin Cowherd
Guest: Jerome Bettis (Hall of Fame RB, former Pittsburgh Steeler), Emmanuel Sanders (Super Bowl champion WR)

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Episode Overview

This hour of "The Herd" is anchored by an insightful, football-heavy conversation with Hall of Famer Jerome Bettis, focusing on the state of the Pittsburgh Steelers, the evolving NFL landscape, and the team’s future, including head coach and quarterback concerns. Emmanuel Sanders joins later with player perspectives on coaching impacts, the intimidation of tanking, and what makes coaches like Mike Tomlin and Kyle Shanahan special. Cowherd and his guests blend nostalgia, blunt analysis, and locker room candor throughout, providing rich insight into NFL franchises and personalities.

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Key Discussion Points

1. The Steelers' Offensive Philosophy and Changing NFL (02:47 – 04:48)

• Colin opens by questioning whether the Steelers need to shift from their traditional defense-and-run model to a more offense-driven approach.
• Bettis fully agrees:

  "The philosophy ... you run the ball and play great defense, that is totally changed. Now you’ve got to put points on the board ... 15 years ago, it was different. Today's NFL, you gotta score." (Jerome Bettis, 03:26)

• Both acknowledge Mike Tomlin’s strengths but note the team’s offensive stagnation.

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2. Rebuilding, Drafting, and the Tomlin Conundrum (04:05 – 06:02)

• Colin proposes the idea of the Steelers intentionally bottoming out to get a premium draft pick, as the Patriots and Bears have done for top QBs. He debates whether the Rooneys (Steelers owners) or fans could stomach a tanking season.
• Bettis is doubtful:

  "I don’t think you could sell that. ... Coach Tomlin created a situation where they see, well, we can rebuild and at least be 500. ... At some point you gotta fall apart ... go out and get the quarterback." (Jerome Bettis, 04:48)

• Steelers’ internal expectation is to remain competitive, making full rebuilds culturally difficult.

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3. Coaching Changes and Potential Hires (06:02 – 08:02)

• Cowherd inquires about the odds of hiring division rivals' coaches (Harbaugh to Steelers, etc.), but Bettis rejects the idea:

  "It can’t be the last stop. You can’t come right from the Ravens right into Pittsburgh ... too much bad blood." (Jerome Bettis, 06:23)

• Colin asks whether Marcus Freeman (Notre Dame) would leave for the Steelers.
• Bettis says he wouldn’t recommend it unless the Steelers quarterback situation is resolved—calling Pittsburgh a “dangerous job” without one.

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4. Tomlin’s Departure and Legacy (08:02 – 09:55)

• Colin asks if Bettis was surprised by Mike Tomlin stepping down.
• Bettis says he wasn’t; negative fan sentiment signals impending change:

  "When you start hearing the fans turn on you, the writing is on the wall ... it poisons the players ... Coach Tomlin did the right thing to secure his legacy." (Jerome Bettis, 08:07)

• Keeping his legacy intact by departing before things go “rock bottom.”

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5. Where Could Tomlin Land Next? (09:13 – 10:50)

• Colin lists coaching vacancies (Giants, Titans, etc.), and Bettis highlights two:
  • The New York Giants: Solid ownership, patient, similar to Steelers.
  • The Tennessee Titans: Blue-collar, defense-minded, "good place to change culture".

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6. Kevin Stefanski as a Steelers Candidate? (10:50 – 12:15)

• Cowherd floats the idea of ex-Browns coach Kevin Stefanski taking over in Pittsburgh.
• Bettis likes Stefanski’s offensive mindset and familiarity with strong defense:

  “I would look at [Stefanski] ... super talented and will be coach for the next organization ... That’s the concern in Pittsburgh. You gotta get a quarterback.” (Jerome Bettis, 11:07)

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7. The Quarterback Dilemma (17:16 – 18:08, throughout)

• Discussion shifts to the difficulties of getting a franchise quarterback without bottoming out.
• Cowherd considers the Steelers might keep building defense, looking to get "cheaper, younger, faster" on that side and possibly reaching for a second-best option at QB.
• "This is not a great quarterback draft class ... I could see the Steelers just saying ... I would draft all defense." (Colin Cowherd, 17:16)

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8. Emmanuel Sanders on Tomlin, Payton, and Shanahan (31:47 – 39:19)

Mike Tomlin’s Strengths

• Sanders recounts Tomlin’s mentorship, especially around financial awareness:

  "He pulled me over ... ‘Let me tell you something ... come back and talk to me when you get three or four contracts.’ ... that money is a lot better!" (Emmanuel Sanders, 32:23)

• Emphasizes Tomlin's no-nonsense, player-centric style.

Coaches Making Players

• Sanders revises his long-held belief that “players make coaches”.

  "Coaches make players! ... It’s about the system ... that allows you to flourish." (Emmanuel Sanders, 34:02)

• Highlights Sean Payton and Kyle Shanahan as "chess players" who empower their talent.

Josh Allen's Superstar Trajectory

• Sanders describes Allen as one of the best teammates, with natural leadership and relentless drive for a Super Bowl:

  “…just a machine and just a rocket of an arm ... you root for guys like him … Truly enjoyed being around him.” (Emmanuel Sanders, 35:46)

Shanahan as Future Hall of Fame Coach

• Sanders says Shanahan is, “one of the greatest offensive minds in the history of the National Football League,” commending his creativity and constant adjustments:

  “As long as Purdy’s in there and McCaffrey ... Kyle still has this confidence that I can call whatever I want ... utmost respect.” (Emmanuel Sanders, 37:13)

Tanking Isn’t in the Steelers’ DNA

• Steelers would never accept tanking; players wouldn't buy in:

  "No way ... as a player I couldn’t do that ... I got way too much pride for that." (Emmanuel Sanders, 39:19)

• Asserts that neither ownership nor players are wired for anything less than maximum effort and competitiveness.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Jerome Bettis on Steelers culture:

  "At some point you gotta fall apart and you gotta go out and get the quarterback." (04:48)

• Bettis on internal rivalry hiring:

  "It can’t be the last stop ... it just doesn’t work … too much bad blood." (06:23)

• Bettis on Tomlin’s resignation:

  "When you start hearing the fans turn on you the writing is on the wall ... he did the right thing to do to secure his legacy." (08:07)

• Emmanuel Sanders on Tomlin as a mentor:

  "He was like a father figure to me ... He just changed my whole mindset in the way that I was thinking about going about my business." (32:23)

• Sanders on the myth of “players making coaches”:

  "Coaches make players ... it's all about the system that you’re in." (34:02)

• Sanders on Shanahan’s brilliance:

  "You guys have one of the greatest offensive minds in the history of the National Football League, in my opinion." (37:16)

• Sanders on tanking:

  "…I’m out here, you know, putting my life on the line … why would I ever go out there with that mindset? I just can’t do it." (39:19)

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Important Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment | |-----------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 02:47 – 04:48 | Bettis on shifting Steelers’ offensive philosophy | | 04:48 – 06:02 | Bettis on why the Steelers can't stomach tanking for a QB | | 06:02 – 08:02 | On potential coaches: Harbaugh, Marcus Freeman, and the “dangerous job” | | 08:02 – 09:55 | Bettis on Tomlin’s resignation and preserving legacy | | 09:55 – 10:50 | Best landing spots for Mike Tomlin | | 10:50 – 12:15 | Kevin Stefanski as a coaching option, need for a QB | | 17:16 – 18:08 | Cowherd on Steelers draft/roster philosophy | | 31:47 – 35:46 | Emmanuel Sanders on Tomlin’s strengths and mentorship | | 34:02 | Sanders: "Coaches make players" | | 35:46 | Sanders on Josh Allen and QB leadership in Buffalo | | 37:13 – 38:35 | Sanders: Shanahan as Hall of Fame coach, offensive creativity | | 39:19 | Sanders: Why Steelers' players/ownership won’t tank |

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Flow and Tone

The tone is candid, nostalgic, and pragmatic, blending deep NFL insider perspective with big-picture analysis. Both Bettis and Sanders are direct, forthright, and respectful—Bettis as a team legend, Sanders with the lens of a player who’s lived through multiple legendary coaches and schemes. Colin drives the dialogue toward uncomfortable truths about NFL rebuilding, organizational culture, and the evolving importance of offense. The episode is football-nerd heaven, mixing x’s and o’s with stories about team culture and leadership.

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Summary for Non-Listeners

This episode delivers frank insights into the state of the Pittsburgh Steelers and NFL coaching carousel. Jerome Bettis, “The Bus,” explains why the Steelers resist full-rebuild, why offense is now king, and why no true Pittsburgher could accept tanking for a draft pick. Emmanuel Sanders brings the player’s view: coaches, not just talent, define success, and the Steelers’ culture is relentlessly competitive. Mike Tomlin’s legacy, potential replacements, and the crucial quest for a franchise quarterback dominate the discussion, making this a must-hear for anyone invested in the future of iconic NFL teams or the realities facing modern coaches.

Transcript

[Michelle Williams]

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[Colin Cowherd]

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[Podcast Narrator (Various)]

On June 11, 1998, a deputy from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department went missing.

[Colin Cowherd]

Hey, if they'll kill a cop and bury him, what are they gonna do to me?

[Michelle Williams]

What really happened to the missing deputy? Valley of Shadows, a new series from Pushkin Industries about crime and corruption in California's high desert.

[Podcast Narrator (Various)]

Listen to Valley of shadows on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Spencer Graves]

A man with down syndrome tries the impossible, the grand Islam in turkey hunting.

[Colin Cowherd]

4:53 we're legal shooting light. And he gives us this one last and he pitches off. And when he pitches off, he flies right into the gun barrel. I said to the cameraman, do you have him? He said, shoot him. I said, justin, shoot.

[Spencer Graves]

You can download this episode and others from lines and tines with Spencer Graves on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Michelle Williams]

You know, we always say new Year, new me, but real change starts on the inside. It starts with giving your mind and your spirit the attention you give your goals. Hey everybody, it's Michelle Williams, host of Checking in on the Black Effect Podcast Network. And on my podcast we talk mental health, healing, growth and everything you need to step into your next season whole and empowered. New Year. Real you listen to Checking in with Michelle Williams from the Black Effect Podcast Network on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcast or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Colin Cowherd]

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.

[Jerome Bettis]

Now let's get this party started.

[Colin Cowherd]

You're listening to Fox Sports Radio. And with that, he went to Notre Dame. He's a proud Pittsburgh Steeler, a Hall of Famer, six Pro Bowls. You know him? We know him. We all know him. Jerome Bettisu joining us. You know, great to see again. Two things can be true. I can think Mike Tomlin was amazing, and I think it's kind of time to put the money on offense, maybe go with a young offensive guy. I. I don't just because I replace a guy. I like hardball. Maybe it's time, you know, are you, are you kind of in that camp that you love Tomlin? I mean, Cower was your guy. But there is an argument they feel a little outdated offensively, do they not?

[Jerome Bettis]

Yes, 100%. Because the philosophy of when I was playing, that you run the ball and, you know, you play great defense. That is totally changed. Now you've got to put points on the board, and that's the problem that the Steelers are having. They're not putting points on the board. And so that you have to fix because you're not going to win football games, you know, with seven points, 10 points, 13 points, that, that won't win. So, you know, 15 years ago, it was different. Today's NFL, you got to score. And I think that's where the Steelers are struggling now.

[Colin Cowherd]

Like, again, I love the idea that Mike Tomlin didn't have a losing season. But I said the reason the Patriots got Drake May, they were awful. And the Bears got Caleb because they were awful. What about this idea? You got a ton of draft picks. You go to a Stefanski or Marcus Freeman, you're like, we don't fire coaches. We're going to load this roster up. We got a first, a second, three thirds, two fourths. We met. We'll draft a backup, but we're stacking the roster. We're going to be awful for a year. I mean, that's really uncomfortable for Steeler Nation because they're never awful. Do you think that's something you can sell to the Rooneys?

[Jerome Bettis]

I don't think you could sell that. That's a tough one. Because I think Coach Tomlin created a situation where they see, well, we can rebuild and at least be 500. So if you're not, you know, at least 500, they're looking at you like what, you know you're doing something wrong, where I agree with you, at some point you gotta fall apart and you gotta go out and get the quarterback. Or you say to yourself, we're going to invest a lot of resources. We're going to give that first two twos another first and we're going to go get a quarterback. Right. Right. Now, I don't see the quarterback in their future in terms of. In college, but they're going to at some point say we got to go get the quarterback. And if that means utilizing those resources and those first round picks, you're going to have to do it because they, they've seen what happens when you don't invest in the quarterback. Right. And so it's. You're not going anywhere. You can make it to the playoffs, but you're going to lose in the first round because quarterback play is pivotal in the playoffs.

[Colin Cowherd]

I don't see them hiring John Harbaugh. They were reportedly paying Tomlin a lot of money, 17 million. So Harbaugh's in that class. Do you think they would consider hiring a Raven?

[Jerome Bettis]

No. And, and I'll tell you this. And the Ravens will not consider hiring a steal.

[Colin Cowherd]

Okay.

[Dan]

Okay.

[Colin Cowherd]

I'm good with that. That's fine. I get it.

[Jerome Bettis]

It can't be here's but hire you, but it can't be the last stop. You can't come right from the Ravens right into Pittsburgh.

[Telma (Aunt Rachel)]

That.

[Jerome Bettis]

That just doesn't work. So I don't think, I think both guys will be excluded from those franchises because it's just too much bad blood. Too much.

[Colin Cowherd]

Marcus Freeman would be at the top of my list. Would you stay at Notre Dame or take the Steelers? Steelers is a blue blood. It's one of the five, six big names in the league. Would you stay at Notre Dame or Steelers if you were offered both?

[Jerome Bettis]

Oh, my goodness. I think because of what you have to do in Pittsburgh, it's a very dangerous job. So I would not be in a rush to leave my cozy confines. I got a really good program that I've created. We're ready to go. We've got the players in place. I wouldn't be in a rush to leave that when I don't have my quarterback figured out in the NFL because what we have learned, this is a quarterback centric league and if you do not have your quarterback, you have absolutely nothing. So as program, the organization rather is.

[Michelle Williams]

You.

[Jerome Bettis]

Still have to give pause because your first question going in and interviewing is what are we going to do about the quarterback position? And because that's going to be your legacy, in essence, if you go to Pittsburgh, if you, if you win, it's. You figured the quarterback situation out.

[Colin Cowherd]

Were you surprised Mike Tomlin, you know him. Were you surprised he stepped down?

[Jerome Bettis]

I wasn't surprised. When you start hearing the fans turn on you the writing is on the wall, and you can prolong it if you want to, but you're not going to get the level of support that you need because what happens is it poisons the players and then the players start second guessing the decisions that he's making. Right. And then once it poisons the players, now it poisons some of the assistant coaches and it just becomes a very, very bad situation. So I think Coach Tomlin did the right thing to do to secure his legacy. Right. Because if you allow it to go rock bottom, then you have kind of destroyed your legacy there in Pittsburgh. So I think he did the right thing. The riding was on the wall. He didn't have. I would. I mean, I believe he had the support in the building, but when you don't have the fan support and when things are starting to really circle down on you, I think it's time for you to move on and look at the next opportunity.

[Colin Cowherd]

Tomlin could do broadcasting, he'd be great at it. But like Mike Vrabel, I think he's a football guy that could do tv, but it's not, it's not his makeup. He's like, he calls it the dark side. Like, you know, I'm not doing that. But, but I also don't see him as going west. I tend to think Miami Dolphins, New York Giants, like if I said to you, we got nine openings now, we got Vegas, we got, now forget the Ravens, they're not going to hire him. You know, that's the, that's the Steeler Raven thing. Is there a place, Atlanta, Miami Giants. Is there an opening, Jerome, that you look at and go, oh, yeah, you know him. Oh yeah, that works for Mike Tomlin.

[Jerome Bettis]

I think probably two places. Looking at the Giants and their situation and the Tennessee Titans, I think looking at them historically, defensively hated. They understand it. They're not afraid to invest on the defensive side. So I think those two, two places and the, they have, I think the personnel that you can go in and win right now. So I think those two teams would be teams that if I'm Tom and I'm looking at it and I'm saying the Giants, similar ownership structure, very solid, willing to give you some time. And the Tennessee Titans really blue collar environment, really good place where you can go down and really change the culture.

[Colin Cowherd]

Kevin Stefanski doesn't have a great win loss record, but I think he's offensive, he's smart, he knows the division. If I say Kevin Stefanski now, the record's not glossy, but he did beat The Steelers with Baker in a playoff game. What do you make about Stefanski as a Steeler?

[Jerome Bettis]

I think it would be, it would be a challenge. But I would, I would like to Stefanski in the sense that he understands this offense, the offensive world that we're in, but he also obviously understands the defensive side. So because he's had a strong defense the entire time in Cleveland, so he would be a guy that I would look at now. The fact that he just came from Cleveland, I would say, you know, may give a little pause, but in terms of X's and O's coach, I think he is super talented and will be coach for the next organization that decides to give him an opportunity. And especially if he can get a quarterback. That's the concern in Pittsburgh. You gotta get a quarterback.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah. Yes. Stefanski would go from the chaos of Cleveland to the stability of either a Baltimore or Pittsburgh. That, that's, that's what he hasn't had. He's had players. He said he just hadn't have stability. So that would be good for him. Jerome Bettis, the Hall of Famer, great seeing you as always.

[Jerome Bettis]

Thank you. Appreciate you.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah. I mean, can you imagine, like if you're Stefanski, you've done a lot of things right, but you've never had stability. Even Baker, young Baker there was, you know, he's starting some fires at the podium with the media and barking to go to Pittsburgh. I mean, you can go to bed at night knowing, you know, your organization's not crazy, they're not impulsive. I think it's so interesting that Stefanski gets booted by Cleveland and could potentially upgrade to Baltimore or the Steelers and beat the Browns for a decade. That. That is chef's kiss. That would. That would be about as good as it gets for a coach. Be sure to catch live editions of the Herd, weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am Pacific on Fox Sports Radio FS1 and the iHeartRadio app. Fox Sports Radio is taking over YouTube and you can be a part of it. Pay attention. Just go to YouTube and search Fox Sports Radio. Hit that subscribe button and smash that notification bell and catch all the videos from your favorite shows. Two pros and a cup of Joe, Dan Patrick, Colin Cowherd, Doug Gottlieb, Covino and Rich the Odd Couple with Rob Parker and Kelvin Washington, the Jason Smith show with Mike Harmon and the Ben Mahler Show. Fox sports radio on YouTube. Subscribe. Hit that thumbs up icon and comment.

[Spencer Graves]

Away lines and tines with Spencer Graves on the iHeartRadio app. Is a podcast designed for hunters and fishermen to enjoy success.

[Spencer Graves (Hunter)]

I like the idea of like, hey, put me on a big deer. You know, hey, there's a big deer out here. He's doing this. Be looking for this deer. But I also love doing it on my own. I love going out there and saying, running my cameras. I love patterning the deer. I like showing up at the right time, checking the wind, knowing what stand I need to be in. And then whenever it all comes together and it happens, that's the most satisfying thing ever. So when you do it on your own, it's like, I then can hang my hat. But if I had somebody say, hey, pull up on these dots and catch them right here and you're going to win. And then when I go in, it's like, yeah, it's cool. I won the tournament. The ultimate goal is done. But it's like, dude, I. And when you find them and you make them bite, that's the puzzle.

[Jerome Bettis]

I love it.

[Spencer Graves]

Listen to Lines and Tines with Spencer Graves on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Kelly (Laura Winslow)]

Hey, I'm Kelly and some of you may know me as Laura Winslow.

[Telma (Aunt Rachel)]

And I'm Telma, also known as Aunt Rachel.

[Kelly (Laura Winslow)]

If those names ring a bell, then you probably are familiar with the show that we were both on back in the 90s called Family Matters.

[Telma (Aunt Rachel)]

Kelly and I have done a lot of things and played a lot of roles over the years, but both of us are just so proud to have been part of Family Matters.

[Kelly (Laura Winslow)]

Did you know that we were one of the longest running sitcoms with a black cast? When we were making the show, there were so many moments filled with joy and laughter and cut up that I will never forget.

[Telma (Aunt Rachel)]

Oh, girl, you got that right. The look that you all give me is so black.

[Kelly (Laura Winslow)]

All black people know about the look. On each episode of welcome to the Family, we'll share personal reflections about making the show.

[Telma (Aunt Rachel)]

Yeah, we'll even bring in part of the cast and some other special guests to join in the fun and spill some tea. Listen to welcome to the Family with Telma and Kelly on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Podcast Narrator (Various)]

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. 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.

[Telma (Aunt Rachel)]

I'm Maria Hinojosa, host of Latino usa. Venezuelans around the world are celebrating the takedown of former President Maduro. But inside the country there is fear and silence. And in the United States, people are concerned about Donald Trump's rogue tactics. Listen to Latino usa, the fall of Maduro and the rise of an unconstrained Trump. That's on your iHeartRadio app, Apple podcast or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Colin Cowherd]

See, even Jerome Bettis said he's not sure the Steelers would be comfortable bottoming out. And you know the Bears, they were about a six win team or something. They get Caleb Williams now, they made it, they moved up to get that number one pick. But Drake May is an example of you got to be bad to get Drake. Maybe you got to be not very good to get Bo Nicks. So you know this is not a great quarterback draft class. I could see the Steelers just saying, you know we're going to reach on Ty Simpson, but then we're just going, I would draft all defense. They need to get a number two receiver. You got a couple force, you can pick it up there. But I would, I would go edge, defensive end, corners, safeties, another defensive tackle alongside the kid from Oregon. I, I think they got to get cheaper, younger, faster, less expensive on defense. Here's, here's J. Mac with the news.

[Emmanuel Sanders]

No, no, no, turn on the news.

[Colin Cowherd]

This is the Herd line news.

[Dan]

Let's start with some grim news for the Buffalo Bills. I knew that Gabe Davis went down with an injury, but Colin, they also lost Tyrell Shavers who's also good on special teams and Josh Palmer. Yeah, in a just a beat down against the Jags, I mean we losing three receivers. How's this? Buffalo will only have three wide receivers available on the 53 man roster for the matchup against the Broncos. It's Shakir Keon Coleman who has had some healthy scratches this season and the immortal Brandon Cooks, who I don't know how he continues to do it.

[Colin Cowherd]

Well, they're fortified because they have Dawson, Knox, Kincaid and Haas at tight end. So they're pretty good at tight end. And they're also a run team first. So they're. Yeah, I mean, I think you can do it. You'd like to get one of those guys back the following game. I think you can do it for a week. And by the way, when you go on the road, you want to run the ball anyway. I mean, truthfully, you want to shorten the game, you want to quiet the crowd, you want to dominate line of scrimmage. So I think it's a game. You lean on James Cook, Josh Allen and your tight ends.

[Dan]

It's weird. Both of us thought maybe there was a world where Buffalo got blown out by the Jags. I keep seeing, is there a chance where Denver just blasts them here know Buffalo's beat up Josh Allen. How many times did he go down with like an injury? Looks brutal every time.

[Colin Cowherd]

Here's the thing. You give Sean Payton, Andy Reid, Kyle Shanahan, you give these guys an extra four or five days of practice and prep. That's what you worry about. So you go all the way down to Jacksonville, now all the way out to Denver. You're a little banged up on your offense between Josh and the receivers. And here comes out Denver with exotics and tricks and different looks, at least for the first couple series. And you just get caught flat footed. And now you're playing from behind with Denver's pass rush. So I mean this, you know, it's. I will say this. Denver's got a way to beat you. They usually don't drop 28 in the first half.

[Dan]

They.

[Colin Cowherd]

A lot of their scoring's deep.

[Dan]

Like Chicago in the game, that line has flipped. So Buffalo opened as a one and a half point favorite, now it's Denver one and a half. Obviously not through a key number of three through zero is not huge, but that shows you the sentiment is the betting public. They're. They're on Denver here and now Josh Allen is an underdog, a spot that I'm sure he's going to relish. We'll have our picks tomorrow. Let's move on to this second story Con. That is tremendous. Okay, so Ty Simpson is the Alabama quarterback who people are high on or low depending on who you talk to. Well, how's this? He told a reporter that Miami, Tennessee and Ole Miss were in a bidding war. For his services. They said transfer from Alabama. They went to his agent. They went four million, five million. The highest offer was six and a half million. Now this isn't rumors or innuendo. This is Ty Simpson's agent saying, this is what the schools told me. And Ty Simpson's on the record saying I had a six and a half million dollar offer to leave Alabama, not go NFL and transfer to one of those three schools. Now Simpson's claims, and I'm curious what you think of this. He turned down all the offers because he didn't want to lose everything he had built up at Alabama. Remember, he was a team captain and make it look like he was just chasing money.

[Colin Cowherd]

Well, here's the thing is that he's not a great enough prospect to go top two or three where the really bad teams are, but he's a good enough prospect. I'm being told to go mid to late first round. Well, those teams aren't total rebuilds. That's like when Bo Nix went to Denver. Denver had some good pieces. So I mean could he, could he go like 12, 13, 14, 15? Well, those are pretty decent rosters. So I mean that, that, that's what's interesting to me, you know, I mean what if he, what if he went to a Miami and Miami's like, well, they got the running back. I mean you start looking that they've got, they've got some pieces that I like in Miami. They need an old line upgrade. But you start, you start. That's the one advantage to like Bo Nix. A lot of people were not on, they didn't like Bo Nicks. A lot of teams had him as a second round guy. Sean Payton had him as a first. Well, he drops to 11. Well, go look at Denver's roster. They had, they had pass rushers, they had a great left tackle, they had some interesting receiving weapons. So I, you know, Ty, the advantage for Ty Simpson is, let's say in my people are like, I kind of think he's a guy, but, but I also thought Jackson Dart was a second round guy. Let's say he goes 13th. Well, who's, I don't know, right in front of me who's drafted 13th, 14th, 15th. Those are places you can go and don't have to get into track meets because the defense is good.

[Dan]

Yeah, the situation with Simpson's weird. So we got what, four more months of this draft process. Guys rise and fall. So Simpson's saying that he got some first round grades now. I don't know if that's one or two.

[Colin Cowherd]

His dad did. Yeah.

[Dan]

So Daniel Jeremiah came on my podcast and said it would be an upset if Ty Simpson went in the first round.

[Colin Cowherd]

That's what, that's what I was told in season.

[Dan]

Yeah. And so I don't know what to believe. Maybe he rises, maybe he falls. I do think he made the right decision, Colin, but when coming out, there's nobody else. It's basically him, Carson, Beck, Mendoza, maybe Dante Moore. He's supposed to announce today whether what he's doing but if he comes out next year, they're going to nitpick him all year. You know that. That's how it goes. Askade, K Club, Nick, Nuss Meyer, all these guys. And then you're going to drop to be like a fourth round pick. So I think he's making the right decision. But I'm kind of blown away that colleges were like, yeah, we'll give you $6.5 million to come be our quarterback. That, that's a crazy sum of money.

[Colin Cowherd]

Well, this is why the Texas schools, A and M, Texas and Texas Tech, oil money. That's why. You know, I've said this. If the SEC didn't have A and M in Texas, where would they be with this nil stuff? They'd be in big, big trouble. Those are. It's keeping them afloat. They're. I mean, Georgia's losing quarterbacks to Vandy. Georgia's losing guys out of the port. Eight lost like four or five defensive backs. Like I'm telling you, Alabama can't compete financially at the top. Keep your eye on Georgia. Keep your eye on Georgia losing their big booster a year ago. All sorts of portal transfers in the secondary couldn't wrangle a quarterback away from Vanderbilt. Man, there's a lot of stuff going on in that portal.

[Dan]

Yeah. Final story. Colin is not great in the NBA. Anthony Davis is hurt again and it's not great. He's going to be out about six weeks. There's some. There's a bit of a kerfuffle. A prominent NBA reporter said he needs surgery. Anthony Davis vociferously went online and said, nope, wrong, not getting surgery. Either way, he's going to miss at least a month. That'll be his second one of the season. Colin, he, he remember he had the cap strain, missed 15 games earlier this season. I don't know, man. This, this trade that Anthony Davis for Luka. Holy hell. It's a disaster of epic proportions. I feel bad for AD The Mads are trying to move him and remember now they Have Kyrie Irving and there's all this. Oh, oh, Kyrie will come back and help us get. No, no, no, no, no. You want to keep that draft pick because, Colin, you've seen the draft next year. It's loaded. There's like five really high premium guys. I don't think Anthony Davis sees a court again this season. That's just my prediction. I think they're still trying to trade him, but now he's damaged goods. What do you do with A.D. i.

[Colin Cowherd]

Mean, it's not much.

[Dan]

I mean, there's just no real huge market for him. He's like 32. Look at the amount of games played since that trade. He's missed more. And without him, the Mavs are horrific. They have nobody. It's Cooper flag against the world. I, I, you know, this is just, it's a bummer to be a Dallas Mavericks fan right now.

[Colin Cowherd]

Jay McEl, the news. Well, that's the news. And thanks for stopping by the Herd. Lie news. Breaking news. According to Shefty Schefter, Oregon quarterback Dante Moore will return to Oregon. So it's the right move to make. Get him 15 more starts. That gives Ty Simpson his camp. Probably good news for him. He'll be the number two rated quarterback. So Dante Moore and I think he could be really good. I just don't think he's ready. So he's going to stay at Oregon, and that's good for Oregon. That's good for Oregon. It's good for college football. Oregon's going to make the playoff again. I would guess it's a good college quarterback. He's just not ready to be a Sunday quarterback. And Oregon recruits at a high level. So for me, I think this is the nil. Everybody sees it as all negative. I see it as a positive. First of all, it allows quarterbacks like Dante Moore. Most of these, most college athletes don't grow up with a ton of money. I mean, how many people in America really have, like, wealthy parents? Very few. 1%. So my takeaway is the nil is great for guys like Dante Moore and players. They can make great money and get great coaching at Oregon and come out more polished. I also like NIL because not just quarterbacks. Even if you just make $100,000 a year, 150 or $200,000 a year as a player. It gives you some sense of, you know, money. Like instead of going from broke college kid to millionaire, you know, you can go buy a car in college, you know, spend a little money, have a little fun. I didn't get that college life. I was, I was eating top ramen, but so I the nil has got some value. It certainly helped college basketball to go poach some of the best European kids. But I think the winner here is Dante Moore. Oregon football, college football. I mean, that other quarterback that went from Cincinnati to Texas Tech, he's like, Dante Moore. He could come out and get drafted, but he needs another 12, 15 starts.

[Jerome Bettis]

Good for him.

[Colin Cowherd]

It's the herd. Be sure to catch live editions of the Herd, weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am Pacific.

[Spencer Graves]

Lines and tines with Spencer Graves on the iHeartRadio app is a podcast designed for hunters and fishermen to enjoy success.

[Spencer Graves (Hunter)]

I like the idea of like, hey, put me on a big deer. You know, hey, there's a big deer out here. He's doing this. Be looking for this deer. But I also love doing it on my own. I love going out there and saying, running my cameras. I love patterning the deer. I like showing up at the right time, checking the wind, knowing what stand I need to be in. And then whenever it all comes together and it happens, that's the most saddest, fine thing ever. So when you do it on your own, it's like, I then can hang my hat, but if I had somebody say, hey, pull up on these dots and catch them right here and you're going to win. And then when I go in, it's like, yeah, it's cool, I won the tournament. The ultimate goal is done. But it's like, dude, when you find them and you make them bite, that's the puzzle.

[Jerome Bettis]

I love it.

[Spencer Graves]

Listen to Lines and Tines with Spencer Graves on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Play, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Kelly (Laura Winslow)]

Hey, I'm Kelly and some of you may know me as Laura Winslow.

[Telma (Aunt Rachel)]

And I'm Telma, also known as Aunt Rachel.

[Kelly (Laura Winslow)]

If those names ring a bell, then you probably are familiar with the show that we were both on back in the 90s called Family Matters.

[Telma (Aunt Rachel)]

Kelly and I have done a lot of things and played a lot of roles over the years, but both of us are just so proud to have been part of Family Matters.

[Kelly (Laura Winslow)]

Did you know that we are one of the longest running sitcoms with a black cast? When we were making the show, there were so many moments filled with joy and laughter and cut up that I will never forget.

[Telma (Aunt Rachel)]

Oh, girl, you got that right. The look that you all give me is so black.

[Kelly (Laura Winslow)]

All black people know about the look. On each episode of welcome to the Family, we share personal reflections about making the show.

[Telma (Aunt Rachel)]

Yeah, we'll even bring in part of the cast and some other special guests to join in the fun and spill some tea. Listen to welcome to the Family with Telma and Kelly on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Podcast Narrator (Various)]

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. The 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 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.

[Telma (Aunt Rachel)]

I'm Maria Hinojosa, host of Latino usa. Venezuelans around the world are celebrating the takedown of former President Maduro, but inside country there is fear and silence. And in the United States, people are concerned about Donald Trump's rogue tactics. Listen to Latino usa, the fall of Maduro and the rise of an unconstrained Trump. That's on your iHeartRadio app, Apple podcast or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Colin Cowherd]

Well, he played in the NFL for 12 years, multiple time Pro Bowler and a Super Bowl 50 champions. Emmanuel Sanders played six years with Denver, four years with Mike Tomlin, Buffalo Bills, Niners. All right, so you played with Mike Tomlin. Do you think he's an older coach, 53, more defense than offense? Let's start with this. What are Mike Tomlin strengths? Because I don't think he's a longtime TV guy. I think he could do TV for a year, but he's not a TV guy, he's a coach. What are his strengths in your four years with him as a head coach?

[Emmanuel Sanders]

I mean, for me, I think Mike Thomley wants to be a long term TV guy. I think he'll be great at it. But for me, I can only speak of my time in Pittsburgh and when I tell you the Moment that I got there, he was like a father figure to me. The things that he taught me in terms of investing my money and a way to think. I remember I was a young guy and I got X amount of dollars and, you know, I was content with that. And he pulled me over to the side. He said, let me tell you something, he said, you got a financial advisor for that little money. But he said, man, come back and talk to me when you get three or four contracts. And, you know, one of my best stories is I was in Buffalo. And he doesn't even. He probably don't even remember telling me that. But I walked up to him when I was at the Bills and I was on the back end and getting ready to retire, and I said, hey, Mike T. I went and got three or four contracts, and you right, man, that money is a lot better. And I definitely was thinking small, and so he had me thinking big. And that's what type of player coach he is. He's always going to give it to you real raw, authentic. And, you know, depending on how you take it, you might not like it, but you know that he has your best interest and that's why I always love him, man. You know what we were talking about off air of like, you know, coaches making players. He was one of those guys that truly was a blessing for me to get drafted with him because he just changed my whole mindset in the way that I was thinking about going about. About my business.

[Colin Cowherd]

I love hearing that. So you're in Denver and you. You told me something during the break. You used to think players made coaches, but maybe you're watching Sean Payton and Bo Nix. I mean, you tell me how your world has sort of changed on how you view that.

[Emmanuel Sanders]

Well, I mean, you just look. You just look at these quarterbacks, right? And there's no shot to Bo Nicks. But, you know, even with me, like in 2014, you know, I was blessed to play with Peyton. And once I got with Peyton and once I got in that offense, I went to Pro Bowls in 15, I was with Peyton and I won a Super Bowl. And then, you know, like, I had a couple coaches who, you know, I can't say they were bad, but they just weren't at the pinnacle of the game. And for me to have success. And so I look at the systems that I was in, the coaches that I had, and I know that I had success, success. Even when I got with Kyle Shanahan, I had success with him because he knew what he was doing. He was in control of the controller if he was playing Madden and he was controlling and calling the plays and putting me in the best position to succeed. And so. And that's what I see with, you know, with these quarterbacks these days, right? Like Bo Nix, man, like, yeah, he's a hell of a player, but, man, was he blessed and to be able to get with Sean Payton, because I played with Sean Payton, too, in New Orleans. And when I tell you Sean Payton, you know, is a defensive coordinator nightmare, especially when I was in New Orleans, he was always two or three plays ahead of the defensive coordinator. He knew where he wanted to go, he attacked where he was supposed to attack. And we had a lot of success. You know, we ended up winning the NFC south that year. And that's why I say, you know, coaches make players, like, players don't make coaches. It's all about the system that you're in that allows you to flourish.

[Colin Cowherd]

Your last year in the league, you played with Josh Allen in Buffalo. So you're going to see Denver guys and Bills guys at the game this way. That's great for you. I think you told me a story because you, you got. Josh wasn't quite what we see now, but you said you had a pretty good inclination that it was going to be all time stuff, right?

[Emmanuel Sanders]

Yeah, I mean, dude, I mean, just, just from the toughness right of the quarter, the way that he plays a quarterback position, like, I mean, he's like a running back playing quarterback, but he's not built like a running back. He's 6 foot 5 and just, just a machine and then just a rocket of a horn. But, you know, like, as much as talent as he had, you root for guys like him. Because when I tell you my time with my time there, like, he was one of the best teammates that I had. I truly enjoyed being around him. It was always light energy, like, always having fun. Yeah, when we get in the game, he would turn it on, but it was always fun to go out and compete with him because, you know, that he was. He was gonna give it his all. And that's why I always respected Josh. And, you know, the success that he's having is. It's no surprise because he wants it. And I know how bad he wants that super bowl, too. But I don't know, man, those Broncos in the way. So I'm kind of. I'm kind of in between of like Josh and the Broncos, but, you know, I, you know, I bleed orange and blue, so it's gonna, it's gonna be a Fun little game.

[Colin Cowherd]

I want to ask you about Kyle Shanahan. Shanahan last week, Kittle gets hurt early. The defense has lost all its players, and you've had a lot of different coaches. Tomlin, you said it was like a father figure. Sean Payton was like a mad scientist in your time with Shanahan. What. How do you compartmentalize him? What is he like?

[Emmanuel Sanders]

HOF hall of Fame to me.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah.

[Emmanuel Sanders]

And I've been saying this for years. I actually did an interview. I think it was last year or two years ago. It was some radio station out in San Fran, and they were saying, what do you think about the fans saying that they should fire Kyle Shanahan? And I said, are they out of their mind? I said, like. Like, what do you. What is there even to think about? You guys have one of the greatest offensive minds in the history of the National Football League, in my opinion. And I say that because I've been around him, and I've had some pretty good coordinators myself. And when I tell you, like, Sean Payton is a Hall of Fame coach to me and Kyle, because these guys always put you in position to win while other defensive coordinators are playing checkers, they're playing chess. It's a whole nother game that they're playing, and they're constantly evolving, and they know exactly how to attack you, and they do it. And so, you know, the offensive performance that Kyle put on, you know, with Christian McCaffrey, it's plug and play with the other guys. And as long as Purdy's off in there and Christian McCaffrey, I just feel like Kyle still has this confidence that I can call whatever I want to call, and I can hit you from wherever I want to hit you. And don't be surprised if I run a reverse pass every now and then just. Just to put some points on the board. But I do what I got to do, and that's what a coach does. And I got the utmost respect for Kyle Shanahan.

[Colin Cowherd]

So I want to go back to Pittsburgh. You know, Pittsburgh's a different environment. It's a city, but it feels like a small town. And I asked. I asked Jerome Bettis this earlier. I said, you know, they're very proud that they never have losing seasons. And I'm like, yeah, but you know how the Patriots got Drake May? They stunk. To get a great quarterback, you got to stink. And Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh never stinks. Do you think if a new coach came into Pittsburgh and just said, guys, let's stink for a year, and then the following year, there's like seven good quarterbacks. I'm an offensive guy. Don't worry about this year. I don't care if we win three games. You know, Pittsburgh. You think Pittsburgh's ownership would buy that?

[Emmanuel Sanders]

No, they're not buying that. And I don't think the players would buy that, man. Like, we train all year and every year is our year to win the Super Bowl. So it's no way that you could just expect me to train in the off season, put my body through all of this just to go and tank for a whole year. Like, as a player, like, I got way too much pride for that. Like, I don't care. We're gonna give it all, and if we get beat, we're gonna get beat by giving him, giving it our all. And, you know, so for me, like, no way they can do that. Like, as a player, I couldn't do that. You know, like, I'm out here, you know, putting my life on the line, you know, because one bad hit, you never know, it can. It can go sideways. So why would I ever go out there with that mindset? I just can't do it.

[Colin Cowherd]

Did you ever play one game in your career where you wondered if the team was soft, tanking?

[Telma (Aunt Rachel)]

No.

[Colin Cowherd]

Never?

[Emmanuel Sanders]

Never.

[Colin Cowherd]

Okay.

[Spencer Graves (Hunter)]

Never.

[Emmanuel Sanders]

Yeah. I'm not built like, I was never a player built like that. For me, like, every single play, even every single rep in practice, I was going hard. And I always thought that no matter the team, we might have went 4 and 12 that year, but I still, at the beginning of the season, I said, this is our year, you know, we're going to win the Super Bowl. Like, I always keep a positive mindset, you know.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah, I get it. Emmanuel said, great to see you again. We get you a couple times a year. Good luck to you. Enjoy the game.

[Emmanuel Sanders]

Hey, thank you, Colin. Good to see you, man.

[Colin Cowherd]

Good to see you. Two time Pro Bowler, third round pick out of smu, Had a really, really nice career. Think about that. He had Shanahan, McDermott, Tomlin. He got a. He got a Sean Payton at one point. He had some good coaches. And I, you know, he. That's what he. We were talking during the break, he said, you know, Jackson Dart, get Sean Payton, and all of a sudden, Jackson Dart he thinks would be in the playoffs two years. So, yeah, I mean, it's, it's. It's. Pro sports is sometimes a little cruel. The harder you work as a college athlete, the worse organization and business you go to. So that's why, like, Ty Simpson if people say Ty Simpson is kind of a late first round guy, well, the Rams have two firsts. What if the Rams are like, listen, Stafford's going to play one more year. We got two first, the second, third, fourth. We got everything else. It was just, we'll reach on Ty Simpson. That is an unbelievable situation where a good team says, we're going to shelf you for a year. We're going to have Matt Stafford learn from a pro. That is perfect. Doesn't happen a lot, but that is perfect. Good show today. Albert Brer got all of our taste buds in kind of order. J. Mac, you freaked out when he was mentioned. All sorts of coaches. We have nine openings. I think we have nine more than competent candidates. But I do think a really important thing to note is if the Giants are going to hire a coach, the sooner you definitively make the hire, the better staff you get with the coach. So, like, if the Giants, you know, if the Giants, Harbaugh says, give me two weeks, and the Giants are like, what? By that time you could be the fourth coach hired. So I think, I think the Giants is a good job. But you don't want to sit around and wait for Harbaugh to wait for, you know, I think you got to. I got. You got to make your money now.

[Dan]

Yeah, I largely agree with that. Once Harbaugh decides where he's going, I think the dominoes will fall in order.

[Colin Cowherd]

Right.

[Dan]

You're willing to wait for him. If you're Atlanta, the Giants, the Titans, you're willing to wait for Harbaugh, but you got to have a backup plan. You know this. I mean, we've been business owners. You can't just put all your eggs in one basket. You got to have plan B, Plan C ready, ready to go.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah. Kevin Stefanski and John Harbaugh have what they call leverage. Lot of people interested. Ravens and Browns moved on, other teams moving on up. Whether you want to maximize your performance or form healthier habits this year, knowing what your body needs can help put you on the right path. With Quest, you can buy your own lab tests [e-mail] no doctor visit required for purchase. Quest has a huge selection of tests, including the new Elite Health Profile, a panel made for men and women and tracks 85 plus health markers affecting the heart, liver, kidneys, hormones, metabolism and immune system, delivering a ton of insights in one snapshot. For a limited time, save on select lab [e-mail] with code herd10. That's herd10 at checkout.

[Podcast Narrator (Various)]

Terms apply on June 11, 1998, a deputy from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department went missing.

[Colin Cowherd]

Hey, if they'll kill a cop and bury him, what are they gonna do to me?

[Michelle Williams]

What really happened to the missing deputy? Valley of Shadows, a new series from Pushkin Industries about crime and corruption in California's high desert.

[Podcast Narrator (Various)]

Listen to Valley of shadows on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Spencer Graves]

A man with down syndrome tries the impossible, the grand slam in turkey hunting.

[Colin Cowherd]

4:53 hits were legal shooting. And he gives us this one last ch and he pitches off. And when he pitches off, he flies right into the gun barrel. I said to the cameraman, do you have him? He said, shoot him. I said, justin, shoot.

[Spencer Graves]

You can download this episode and others from lines and tines with Spencer Graves on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Michelle Williams]

You know, we always say new year, new me, but real change starts on the inside. It starts with giving your mind and your spirit the same attention you give your goals. Hey, everybody, it's Michelle Williams, host of Checking in on the Black Effect Podcast Network. And on my podcast, we talk mental health, healing, growth and everything you need to step into your next season whole and empowered. New year Real you listen to Checking in with Michelle Williams from the Black Effect Podcast Network on the iHeartRadio app and Apple Podcast or wherever you get your podcasts. This is an iHeart podcast.

[Colin Cowherd]

Guaranteed Human.