Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd

Episode: Super Bowl Champion Sam Darnold stops by The Herd (Hour 3)
Date: February 24, 2026
Host: Colin Cowherd
Guests: Kyle Van Noy (2x Super Bowl Champion LB), Sam Darnold (Super Bowl Champion QB)
Main Theme: Reflections on NFL careers, combine experiences, player development, and Sam Darnold’s redemptive Super Bowl-winning journey

Episode Overview

This episode of The Herd delves into the experiences of NFL veterans Kyle Van Noy and Sam Darnold, focusing on what it takes to adapt and thrive through the highs and lows of a professional football career. Key themes include lessons from the NFL Combine, the challenges of changing teams, the impact of coaching, and personalized reflections on football's most demanding position. The episode culminates with Sam Darnold discussing his remarkable turnaround from Jets castoff to Super Bowl-winning quarterback.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The NFL Combine: Value, Evolution, and Advice for Rookies

[02:33–08:02]

• Kyle Van Noy reflects on how the Combine was once a critical way to "sell your talents" in-person—through both drills and face-to-face meetings with coaches and execs.
• The in-person medical checks offer teams valuable insights into a player’s long-term durability.
• Van Noy recounts a humorous moment with Chip Kelly:

  “I walked in the meeting and I said, ‘Don’t make the same mistake again.’ Before we even started the meeting, he started laughing.” (03:36)

• Advice to rookies:
  • “Sell your talents... When the film is playing and they're going over the plays you made in big games, showcase your talents at that elite level... There’s nothing better than that.” (05:55)
  • Adaptability is key: “It’s your ability to adapt or die. Not every situation is perfect, but you gotta adapt.” (07:09)
• On longevity in the league: “I’m still adapting, and I think that’s why I’ve lasted so long and will continue to last if I want to continue to play.” (07:35)

2. Coaches, System Fit, and Team Culture

[08:02–10:44]

• Van Noy analyzes the organizational impact of coaching turnover, referencing John Harbaugh’s move from Baltimore to the Giants:
  • “You’re getting a CEO coach... build that type of brand football... run the ball, play defense.” (09:26)
• The significance of roster continuity and culture for long-term success, especially with foundational players and strong leadership.

3. Top Prospects and Leadership Styles in the NFL

[10:44–14:17]

• Discussion shifts to the presumed #1 pick, Fernando Mendoza, and how pure talent and “humble, grateful” attitudes play in NFL locker rooms.
• Van Noy stresses the importance of earning trust and respect, referencing Drew Brees:

  “If you’re able to get across what you need to get across and guys can respect you… it’s that type of leadership.” (12:12)

• Mendoza’s rise wasn’t obvious at first:

  “At the beginning of this year, it didn’t jump off to me that he should go #1 ... But his resiliency – number one for sure.” (13:15)

• Comparison to Sam Darnold’s potential coming out of college:

  “You saw him and you’re like, ‘This dude could be a number one draft pick.’ Mendoza, I don’t know if it really jumps off the stage.” (13:49)

4. Van Noy’s Preferences for Team Fit and Defensive Philosophy

[14:17–16:23]

• Van Noy prefers the Ravens for a return, highlighting continuity and defensive structure.
• Praises the Ravens’ unique chemistry:

  “I’m so close with the guys in the back of the bus, the equipment room, the hub. I’m ready to go back to the hub and hang out.” (15:36)

• Still confident he has “enough juice” to contribute at 35, referencing 12.5 sacks at age 33.

5. NBA Sidebar: Defense and Superstar Comparisons

[16:23–17:01]

• Van Noy playfully calls out Luka Doncic’s defense (or lack thereof) compared to Steph Curry:

  “Steph Curry plays defense. Luka, I don’t know if we can say the same.” (16:28)

• Shoutout to the Boston Celtics’ role players stepping up.

Featured Interview: Sam Darnold’s Redemption Journey

[35:54–48:24]

Early Days and Overcoming Doubt

• Darnold recalls entering USC as an underdog, not the five-star everyone expected to shine:

  “I was not the five star guy... I think just wanting to play other sports and then coming in, understanding and being confident in myself to be able to get the job done, that’s something I’ve always had.” (36:45)

• Early struggles with the Jets, doubts and resilience:

  “There was a little bit of doubt... but my friends and my family... were able to keep me upright.” (37:36) “If it weren’t for those relationships, I don’t know if I’d be the person or the player I am today.” (38:20)

Turning Point in Carolina

• Darnold finds his rhythm after being initially benched, credits coaching/system fit:

  “It was that same kind of west coast system... it allowed me to play so much faster... That’s where I really fell in love with that offense.” (39:52)

• Praises Ben McAdoo for creating a system that played to his strengths.

Minnesota Exit and Perspective Gained

• On being let go by the Vikings despite winning 14 games:

  “That was, you know, a little bit of a tough pill to swallow. But when I stood back and looked at it from afar, I really understood the decision.” (41:26)

• Graciously recognizes the team’s commitment to younger QB JJ.

New Start in Seattle and Chemistry with JSN

• On first practicing with Jaxon Smith-Njigba (JSN):

  “One of my buddies watching him was like, ‘Dude, this guy is different.’ [JSN] doesn’t lose speed in and out of cuts... He’s a lot stronger than people think.” (43:23)

Super Bowl Run and Mindset Shift

• Darnold’s approach in the playoffs and the Super Bowl:

  “The higher the stakes, the more prevalent and the more important the ball is… there were a lot of throws I’d like to have back in that Super Bowl. But I knew it would be very important to just take care of the football.” (45:25)

• His leadership—a theme echoed by Cowherd—was “make smart decisions, don’t turn it over.”

Playing in Seattle: Embracing the Environment

• On Seattle’s unique fan culture:

  “Those fans are incredible. It is a little different in Seattle, the fandom they have for their sports up here.” (47:39) “They got a chip on their shoulder... and they let you hear it for five hours.” (47:59, Cowherd)

Final Takeaway from Colin

• Cowherd credits Darnold’s perseverance and support system:

  “When you’re young, your support system is so important. He just didn’t have it initially. He now does.” (48:26)

Notable Quotes

• Kyle Van Noy on Combine:

  “It did feel a little bit of the meat market style, but in-person interviews... that’s the best that comes out of the combine.” (03:16)

• Colin Cowherd on John Harbaugh:

  “Be very careful when you let go of John Harbaugh because you may not find somebody as good.” (08:02)

• Sam Darnold on doubts in New York:

  “You know, I’d be lying to you if I said there wasn’t any doubt in my mind... But my friends and my family kept me upright.” (37:36)

• Darnold on handling the Super Bowl:

  “The head coach doesn’t have to say anything to me about taking care of the football… I’m well aware of the defense we have, how special that group is.” (45:25)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 02:33 – Kyle Van Noy’s NFL Combine experience and career tips
• 08:02 – Coaching changes and John Harbaugh to Giants analysis
• 10:44 – Evaluating top QB prospect Fernando Mendoza’s NFL fit
• 14:17 – Van Noy on ideal team fit and defensive philosophy
• 16:23 – NBA comparison: Luka Doncic and Steph Curry on defense
• 35:54 – Sam Darnold interview begins: USC background
• 37:36 – Darnold on doubts during the early Jets years
• 39:19 – Turning point at Carolina; system fit and confidence
• 41:26 – Minnesota move and reflection on being let go
• 43:23 – Early chemistry with JSN in Seattle
• 45:25 – Super Bowl approach and ball security focus
• 46:47 – Seattle fan culture and Darnold’s West Coast ties

Memorable Moments

• Van Noy ribbing Coach Chip Kelly and drawing a laugh during a Combine meeting (03:36).
• Darnold on teammates’ importance through career adversity.
• Darnold’s honest admission of self-doubt—and how support systems empowered him to push through.
• Van Noy’s defense of his ongoing viability despite age and “statistical down year” (15:53).
• Darnold’s unscripted praise of JSN’s superpowers and route-running style, promising a bright future for Seattle’s offense (43:23).

Tone & Style

The episode is candid, insightful, and conversational, maintaining a balance between technical football analysis and real-life lessons in perseverance and adaptability. Both guests show humility, humor, and a drive for growth—epitomizing the highs and lows of pro football careers.

Summary prepared for listeners seeking the substance of The Herd’s February 24, 2026, third hour.