THE HERD - Hour 3 - The future of Pittsburgh, Willie Colon, Chris "The Bear" Fallica

Summary

---

The Herd with Colin Cowherd — Hour 3

Episode Theme:
A wide-ranging conversation on the uncertain futures of NFL franchises (Jets, Steelers, Raiders), franchise drama, player movement, the looming draft, and the economics behind stadium deals, with special guests Willie Colon and Chris "The Bear" Fallica. The episode is rich with insider perspective, candid opinions, and big-picture debates on the NFL's state, plus some rapid-fire NBA and college sports talk.

---

Section 1: The State of the Jets — QB Purgatory and Front Office Chaos

[02:32–07:35] Jason McIntyre & Willie Colon

• Jets' Quarterback Woes:

  • Jason McIntyre sets the table: The Jets lack a starting-caliber QB, the free agent market is sparse, and the team is coming off a 3-14 season.
  • Willie Colon's take:
    • The team is "in quarterback purgatory — you just have to find your way out."
    • Advocates for taking a chance on Malik Willis: "You just need competent quarterback play … if they can get that in the offseason or at least buy time until next year’s draft where the quarterback draft is supposed to be better, hopefully there’s hope there." (05:19)
    • Urges investing defensive picks in the draft and regaining team identity: "Overall, man, you just got to get back to being a competent football team. They’re not competent." (03:12–04:15)

• On Team Dysfunction:

  • Jason: Points to stats on the Jets' anemic offense and rumors that owner Woody Johnson meddles with coordinators.
  • Willie (skeptical of the reports):
    • Sees Glenn hired as a "defensive mastermind" who must take accountability.
    • "Stepping up is in Aaron Glenn’s job description… [the owner is] paying you $12 million, right? You lead our defense." (06:36)
    • Challenges the notion of Glenn’s “superpower” as head coach: "Can you point out what Aaron Glenn’s superpower is as a head coach?" (07:35)

---

Section 2: Steelers Drama Goes Public — Roethlisberger, Porter & Tomlin

[07:35–11:36] Jason McIntyre & Willie Colon

• Locker Room Beef in the Open:

  • Jason: Brings up the public fallout between Ben Roethlisberger and other Steeler legends.
  • Willie Colon — Disapproval of how "Steeler business" has become public:
    • "This is a brotherhood. This is a family. And somehow family business is now on the street. That’s not the Steeler way." (08:02)
    • Cites close relationships with key players at the center of controversy.
    • Urges for grace and private dialogue: "A lot of love for all those brothers. I just wish it didn’t go public." (09:56)

• Addressing Race in Team Issues:

  • Jason: Suggests a "racial element" to criticisms involving Tomlin and Roethlisberger.
  • Willie Colon: Flat rejection. “No. No, that’s nonsense. … I don’t know what that component would be.” (10:04)
  • Explains: Both Black and non-Black players (e.g., James Harrison) have criticized Tomlin, so race is not a relevant factor.

• Reflection on Legacy and Media:

  • Willie: Cautions about using media platforms to criticize former teams: "Sometimes we tend to have theater of the mind. ... If you love the man that has that name, let’s just be conscious of it." (10:37–11:36)

---

Section 3: The Raiders’ Max Crosby Dilemma & Mendoza’s Prospects

[11:36–15:23] Jason McIntyre & Willie Colon

• Max Crosby’s Uncertain Future:

  • Crosby, the Raiders’ all-pro, is rumored to want out; the team is in rebuild mode.
  • Willie Colon (pro-player perspective):
    • "If I’m Max Crosby, I want out. ... He’s done all he can for the Raider organization. ... If you love Max Crosby, you send him down the road, say I get it. Thank you for your time." (12:04)
    • Suggests he’d thrive as a “closer” in a city like Chicago.

• Rookie QB Fernando Mendoza’s Chances:

  • Jason: Notes Mendoza’s unique profile and the doubts swirling around him.
  • Willie Colon:
    • Raises concern about the lack of support: "You’re asking a young man to come in there and do what with what, right?" (13:45)
    • Suggests Raiders should “build the team up, plug them [a young QB] in there, and boom, you’re off and running.”
    • Critique: "I think he’s the best this draft has to offer. There’s still a lot to see, in my regards." (15:00)

---

Section 4: Kenneth Walker & the Running Back Valuation

[15:23–16:55] Jason McIntyre & Willie Colon

• Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker’s Contract:
  • Walker shined after an injury to Zach Charbonnet; despite his MVP showing, Seahawks seem hesitant on a big pay day.
  • Willie Colon:
    • "He’s not a good pass catcher. ... There’s younger guys who can do better in that offense."
    • “If there’s one guy I would keep it’s Rashid Shaheed. ... [Walker] doesn’t hold them back if he’s not a part of the offense.” (15:59–16:55)

---

Section 5: NBA — Who’s the Best Player in the World? Jokic vs. Edwards

[20:24–22:50] Colin Cowherd, Jason McIntyre, Rachel Nichols (News Segment)

• Rich Paul’s Bold Statement:

  • Quote (Rich Paul): “Anthony Edwards is the best player in the NBA. Yes, he is. You can’t watch a game ... and say, ‘that person is better than Anthony Edwards.’” (20:37–20:54)

• Colin & Jason Push Back:

  • Colin: "Rich Paul has earned the right to say whatever he wants ... I, and the players, still say Nikola Jokic is the best player in the world.” (21:03)
  • Jason: “Luka and Jokic raise everyone’s level around them. Anthony Edwards ... he doesn’t make his teammates better.” (21:36)
  • Colin: "Jokic is a better basketball player. I’m sorry, he is.” (21:59)

• Side-topic:

  • Is Ant Edwards better than SGA? Jason says yes; Colin says no.

---

Section 6: The Chicago Bears’ Stadium Saga — Tradition vs. Billionaire Tactics

[22:58–26:47] Rachel Nichols & Colin Cowherd

• Stadium Relocation Scandal:

  • Indiana lawmakers move to clear a path (near Hammond, IN) for the Bears to build a new stadium; Illinois scrambles.
  • Rachel Nichols: Calls this a “mind-blowing” situation for such a historic franchise.

• Colin’s Take:

  • “You are not the owner of a team like the Chicago Bears. You are the steward. If you don’t have the resources to keep the Bears in Chicago, you sell the team to someone who does. You do NOT hold on ... and move them to Indiana.” (24:36)
  • Slam on public funds: “I am not a fan of spending taxpayer money on stadiums for billionaires.” (26:05)

---

Section 7: College Basketball Futures & Draft Strategy — Chris “The Bear” Fallica

[29:48–37:18] Jason McIntyre & Chris Fallica

• Raiders & NFL Draft Strategy:

  • Fallica: “If I’m the Raiders, I maybe consider taking an offensive lineman or defending ... knowing you’re going to be right back [at the top of the draft] next year.” (30:31)

• College Hoops, Injuries & Bets:

  • Darren Peterson’s "load management":
    • Fallica: “Looks like he’s ready for the NBA with all the self-imposed load management ... Bill Self seems to be done with this.” (32:08)
  • Kansas futures?
    • Fallica: “I wouldn’t. ... I think Michigan, Duke, Arizona, Houston, Florida — that's your contenders.” (33:24)
  • On Illinois: "They have all the ingredients you need ... Illinois is a team that absolutely can make a deep run." (34:16)

• NBA Futures:

  • Fallica: “The Nuggets are the team that draws my eye. ... I’d be looking towards [teams] to attack against Oklahoma City.”
  • Suggests Nuggets/Cavs or Spurs/Cavs might be worth a dart throw. (36:32)
  • Dismisses Lakers for this year: “No, you didn’t hear Lakers.” (37:12)

---

Notable Quotes & Moments

On The Jets Nightmare:

• Willie Colon (04:15): “This team finished 3–14 and was done before Halloween. They got to figure that out.”

On Steeler Brotherhood:

• Willie Colon (08:02): “This is a brotherhood. This is a family. And somehow family business is now on the street. That’s not the Steeler way.”

On Chicago Bears Relocating:

• Colin Cowherd (24:36): “You are the stewards of the Chicago Bears. If you don't have the resources to keep them in Chicago, you sell the team to someone who does.”

On Taxpayer-Funded Stadiums:

• Colin Cowherd (26:05): “I am not a fan of spending taxpayer money on stadiums for billionaires... The Chicago Bears? I'm not in for it.”

---

Key Timestamps for Segments

• [02:32]–[07:35] — Jets QB Debacle & Ownership Dysfunction (Willie Colon)
• [07:35]–[11:36] — Steelers In-House Issues Gone Public (Willie Colon)
• [11:36]–[15:23] — Raiders, Max Crosby Trade Rumors, and Fernando Mendoza's Outlook (Willie Colon)
• [15:23]–[16:55] — Kenneth Walker Contract Debate (Willie Colon)
• [20:24]–[22:50] — NBA: Anthony Edwards vs. Jokic/Luka Greatest Player Debate (Rich Paul, Colin, Jason)
• [22:58]–[26:47] — Chicago Bears Stadium Move and Funding Outrage (Rachel Nichols, Colin)
• [29:48]–[37:18] — NFL Draft, College Basketball Tournament Odds, NBA Finals Futures (Chris Fallica)

---

Episode Tone & Style

• Conversational, candid, and sometimes combative.
• Regularly pivots from analysis to direct, impassioned commentary.
• Emphasizes first-hand experience (notably from Willie Colon), behind-the-scenes insights, and strong opinions (especially from Colin).

---

This episode is a must-listen for NFL fans interested in the intersection of on-field struggles, front-office chaos, and big-league economics — with sharp guest insights carrying the conversational energy.

Transcript

[Colin Cowherd]

This is an iHeart podcast.

[Jason McIntyre]

Guaranteed Human this time of year, the action doesn't stay in one room. Basketball on the main screen, Winter competition all day games that demand your attention. With Sonos, your entire house stays connected. Play the game in the living room, music in the kitchen, or bring it outside when friends come over without missing a moment. One system Incredible sound in every room from the opening tip to the final buzzer. Sonos makes game day better at Sonos Sound bars and [e-mail] we all want the best without having to pay the most. That's where Verizon comes in. Get this now you can take your AT and T or T mobile bill

[Chris Felica]

into any Verizon store.

[Jason McIntyre]

They'll look at what you're paying and give you a better deal. Period. You get the amazing coverage you want

[Chris Felica]

while keeping more cash in your pocket.

[Jason McIntyre]

Visit your local Verizon store to start saving today. Must provide recent consumer mobile bill in

[Chris Felica]

the name of the person redeeming the deal.

[Jason McIntyre]

Additional terms and conditions apply.

[Willie Colon]

This is Lavar Arrington from Up on Game.

[Chris Felica]

This message is brought to you by

[Willie Colon]

Apple Card It's a great time to apply for an Apple Card. You'll love earning unlimited daily cash on every Purchase. That includes 3% daily cash when you buy the latest iPhone, AirPods and Apple. Watch at Apple through this special referral offer.

[Chris Felica]

When you get a new Apple Card, you can earn bonus daily cash.

[Willie Colon]

To qualify, you must apply at Apple Co getdailycash Apple Card issued by Goldman

[Chris Felica]

Sachs bank usa Salt Lake City Branch offer may not be available elsewhere.

[Willie Colon]

Terms and limitations apply.

[Jason McIntyre]

Wasabi is purpose built to free your business from skyrocketing storage costs and fees from the big guys. Wasabi is the go to provider for professional and collegiate sports teams around the world. Check out Wasabi's AI enabled intelligent media storage. Wasabi Air to the industry's only cloud storage service with triple protection against cybercriminals. We 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. 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.

[Willie Colon]

Now let's get this party started.

[Chris Felica]

You're listening to Fox Sports Radio all

[Jason McIntyre]

right, it's a perfect time to pivot to our guest, Willie Cologne Played nine seasons in the NFL and two of those teams don't have a quarterback next year. Pittsburgh Steelers and my New York Jets. Willie, how you doing, my man?

[Willie Colon]

What's up, brother? You look good. Look at us. Who would have thought?

[Jason McIntyre]

Yeah, I know. I remember doing stuff with you back in the day out here in la and I would love to pick your brain because you're a Jets guy. Tough times for our Jets. I know the staff will be upset that I'm starting here. I got to start with the Jets. We don't have a quarterback next year. We've got an embattled coach in Aaron Glenn. We got a weak quarterback market in free agency ain't Getting Fernando Mendoza 1. What are we doing at quarterback and for the Jets?

[Willie Colon]

Well, that's a good question. They just have to find their way out of quarterback purgatory, as you mentioned right now, for me, I know you. I just heard you talk about Malik Willis. I would take a shot at him right now. I think the jets really just need competent quarterback play. You know, when Aaron Glenn got the position, he told Jet Nation and Jet fans, we're going to have a physical outfit. We're going to go out there, play rough and tough and we're going to win games and you're going to be proud of us. Outside of week one of last year against the Pittsburgh Steelers, there's nothing to be proud of, right? Like when we saw the jets go against the Steelers and the way they played, I'm like, oh, man, if this is what he's talking about, sign us up. None of that fell into fruition after that game, solely because of the quarterback play was so poor. If you're the jets right now, I understand you don't want to go out there and take a long shot at maybe, I don't know, a Malik Willis or Mariota. But at the end of the day, you can't survive the way you survived last year. I mean, this team finished with 3:14 and it was just bad. This team was done before Halloween, so they got to figure that out. I also think, you know, you have two, you have the second pick and you have the 16th pick. You have to dive into the defense, go get you an edge rusher, maybe get some help in the secondary, use those picks defensively and overall, man, you just got to get back to being a competent football team. They're not competent. So many holes all over this team, it's going to be. It's going to take a long road to kind of fill those voice, but nevertheless starts with quarterback. Find some help defensively in the draft and hopefully this thing can turn around for you. J. Mac.

[Jason McIntyre]

Look at that. Look at that stat on the screen. Games with zero offensive touchdowns since 2015, the jets by a mile are number one. And then at the bottom of the screen, Woody Johnson interferes with jets defensive coordinator plans. I mean, they're a dumpster fire. It stinks. You know, here's my only problem with going after Malik Willis or whoever. You're not. You're going to be too good to get like a top three pick, Willie. And I believe they need to just. I know you don't want to hear this and Aaron Glenn certainly doesn't, but the only way to get that great quarterback or get, you know, Arch Banning or CJ Carr or whoever is to be terrible. I mean, look at the Raiders. They essentially downloaded guys, huh?

[Willie Colon]

Like they've been terrible. How long do you want them to be terrible? The reason I like the Malik Willis pickup is because you have Frank Wright, who's an OC who has the ability to develop young quarterbacks. You have a good office line. You're going to have to chain Breeze hall to the building. It seems like he wants out, but he's your best offensive weapon outside of Garrett Wilson. You also have an office line once again, who can protect a young guy like that. So for me, it, it, it, it just makes sense that you have somebody who's a plug and play quarterback that can at least give you some hope on Sunday. Right? Like the jets have no hope. We were sold that Justin Fields was going to be the guy. Like he had changed everything around, you know, like I know Justin Fields is a rap, like, let's pack him up, right? And so if you're the jets, you need, you need an adult at the position. If they can get that in the off season or at least buy time until next year's draft where the quarterback draft is supposed to be better. Hopefully that's, there's hope there. But right now you need something. You can't go into the season and looking. Having this offense look like what they

[Jason McIntyre]

look like last year and last one on the Jets. Can, can you even envision a scenario where the owner is meddling with the defensive game plan, which is what's being alleged right now? Aaron Glenn wanted to hire a certain guy and then he was told, nah, the owner has a defensive game plan that doesn't align with what you want. I mean, it's rough, man.

[Willie Colon]

Well, I don't know if all that's true. I honestly don't. I think it comes. This is what I believe. I believe Aaron Glenn was hired to be a defensive mastermind on top of a head coach, right? And I think the job he did in Detroit was so significant that Woody Johnson's like, hey, man, I'm paying you $12 million, right? You lead our defense, right? You figure it out. Why would you bring, like, a guy like Wink Martindale, somebody else in the building, to do what ultimately, I'm hiring you to do? So my mindset, if I'm Woody, I'm like, dog, it's time for you to show up, right? I was. You're not only a former Jet, you know the market. You've been able to survive the media firestorm. We need you to show up and make this defense relevant. They have pieces now. They need more, right? They need to be able to stop the run. They got to find some. Some help on the back end. But nevertheless, man, Aaron Glenn, we were told, was a savant defensively show up for us. Aaron Glenn, in that department. Because honestly, J. Mac, like you said, you're a Jets fan, dude. Can you point out what's Aaron Glenn's superpower as a head coach?

[Jason McIntyre]

No, as of now, we don't know at all. You know, it's not great. Yeah, let's go to the other team you played for, Willie. Pittsburgh Steelers. Listen, they're not in great shape right now. Aaron Rodgers is waffling. Mike McCarthy may or may not want to get back in bed with him. And then there's the Ben Roethlisberger stuff. Big Ben's been gone for a minute, and now there's all this beef. You know, the Steelers, you know Big Ben. Have you picked a side yet in this one?

[Willie Colon]

I hate this. Do you want me to. Is that what you're looking for? You're looking for me to say, I hate this? I don't like this. I don't like. This is a brotherhood. This is a family. And somehow family business is now on the street. That's not the steal away, and that's not how we handle ourselves. When you leave the steal the locker room, we're all considered ambassadors of the brand. And I'll say this, and it's tough. Cause I'm trying to be careful with my words. Ben Roethlisberger is like a brother to me. He's family. Joey Porter is somebody. When I was drafted in 2006 to the Pittsburgh Steelers, he was the alpha male in the locker room, he was the lead dog I used to seek Val. I wanted to seek validation through him because he was the guy that said, that's a Steeler, and that's not a Steeler. James Harrison is like my brother as well. So I have close ties to all these individuals. That's a part of this story. Nevertheless, I think it's important to give Ben Roethlisberger grace. Right. Because I think when he retired and he stepped away from the game, I think he's openly admitted, hey, man, I could have handled situations better. I could have been better with teammates. And now that he's in his 40s and a father of two, he understands his wrong and rights. And I think all that needs to be handled. A conversation that is behind closed doors. Because think about this, J. Mac. Three guys went into the Steeler hall of Fame this year. You know who they are? Ben Roethlisberger, Joey Porter, and Marquise Pouncey. Whatever gripe you had with Ben Roethlisberger, you could have had that behind the great Steeler curtain. So does that. Does that mean Joey Porter shouldn't have said anything, or he doesn't have. No. Joey Porter has G5 classification to speak on anything, present, past, and future. He is an iconic figure in Steeler history. Nevertheless, there's a certain way we have to hold ourselves, if you will, as former Steelers and even present Steelers. Steeler business belongs in Steeler House. Letting it out in the public on a podcast. Valet was Cam Haywood's podcast. You know, we just gotta be more careful. I got a lot of love for all those brothers. I just wish it didn't go public.

[Jason McIntyre]

Yeah. I don't know if Big Ben started it, but I'll ask Willie. Do you think there's a racial element to this Big Ben, Tomlin, Porter?

[Willie Colon]

No. No, that. That nonsense. I know. I don't. I don't even know what that component would be like. You would have to help me. I don't even. I want to know how to connect those dots.

[Jason McIntyre]

To be taking a lot of shots at Tomlin on his way out the door, and I'm just like, why? Tomlin was beloved and then Big Ben. I don't want to say he started it, you know, whatever, but he seemed to go after Tomlin a little bit down the stretch. We need new voice in the locker room. And unable to win postseason games. It just felt weird. Tomlin again. Nobody goes after Tomlin.

[Willie Colon]

I mean, the reason I'm confused about the racial component, because there's another person who's an African American who's been very vocal about Mike Tomlin, and that's James Harrison. Right. And so that's why I'm confused with the statement. Nevertheless, man, it's okay to have gripes about how you felt about the great Mike Tomlin, whether you think he was great or you thought he simply was handed the keys to a Porsche and he was told not to crash it. Whatever. The man's a winner. Very much how I perceive Ben Roethlisberger. He's a winner. Very much how I perceive Joey Porter and James Harrison. We're all winners. We lived in an era of Steeler football where it was great, it was prime, and it was real. Now that we are old, older men stepped away from the game. We all have media spotlights. I know James has his podcast. So does Ben. I'm out here in Fox with you. We're doing our thing, man. Sometimes we tend to have theater of the mind, Right. And we got to step back and be a lot more careful about how we talk about history or our time in the locker room. Because with that history, there's a name attached to that. And if you love the man that has that name, let's just be conscious of it.

[Jason McIntyre]

Yeah. Let me ask about the Raiders and Max Crosby. Weird situation unfolding in Vegas. Crosby tatted up with the Raiders tats on him, and now he wants out. Raiders are like, no, no, no, man. We need you for our culture here. They're going. They're starting to rebuild with Mendoza, seemingly through the draft. But Crosby's going on podcasts. He's kissing up to Caleb Williams. Just all very strange. Obviously, he's still an elite defensive end. What do you think the Raiders do here?

[Willie Colon]

Well, they're going to beg him to stay, but if I'm Max Crosby, I want out. You know, I think, yeah, I took the bag and I told you I wanted to stay when I signed my name on that contract. But what. How do you see this team evolving in the next couple years? It's going to take some time. I don't know if Max Crosby has that time. Valley. He's been able. He's been able to be one of the most elite pass rushers of this time, but he wants to go win. And if you're able to go play with a quarterback who you're fond of in Caleb Williams and a defense that needs you because they need a closer. Max Crosby is a closer, and you have an opportunity to play in a city where if you win a Super bowl in Chicago, forget about it, you won't have to pay for another dinner in Chicago for the rest of your life. Max Crosby at this, in my eyes, has done all he can for the Raider organization. He's been the ultimate teammate. He's played through anything and everything. He's quiet, the noise in the locker room. He's kept the band together. He's produced year after year. If you love Max Crosby, you send him down the road, say, I get it. Thank you for your time. And if you're the Raiders, hopefully you get a DJ Moore that can help your receiver corps or if you're going to bring in a young quarterback that can help your young quarterback out. But if I'm Max Crosby, I would feel like my time is done and send me off to Chicago.

[Jason McIntyre]

I'm just curious about the Mendoza angle. You know, you played Pittsburgh, Big Ben, obviously Jets, multiple quarterbacks. What do you make of Mendoza? He feels a little different. I'm a huge fan. I like everything I hear and read about him. His story's amazing. But it does seem like there are some doubters based on some reports out there, specifically in Vegas. Based on what you've read and what you know about Mendoza, what are your thoughts on him coming into the league?

[Willie Colon]

You know, I think it's tough for any quarterback of his caliber to step in and flip an organization to the right side thing. Meaning, like they don't have an office line. They have the 31st ranked office line in football. They don't have a defensive line, they don't have a receiving corp. They send Jacoby Myers to Jacksonville. Now is it valid? They have Brock, Bowers and Genty, but there's a lot needed there in Las Vegas. You're asking a young man to come in there and do what with what, right? Like I've covered the New York Jets. I know what this story looks like and we're still there. Rebuilds take a long time and it takes a team to come together. And if you're Clint Kubiak and you're joining this system and you just came from winning a Super bowl, seeing one of the most complete teams in football win one, you know what a winning outfit looks like. And if you feel like a young quarterback is going to give you that edge or set you in the right trajectory, it's okay saying, hey, let's trade out of this number one pick, let's build our team up. And then next year where the quarterback draft is supposed to be more, excuse me, better if you will, in some regards, let's take a shot There. I'm just of the mindset, you put a lot. You can burn out a young quarterback early if you put a lot on his shoulders, waiting for the rest of the team to kind of catch up. I feel like you build a team up, plug them in there, and boom, you're off and running. I just. I think he's a competent quarterback. I don't think he's very athletic. I think he struggles off script. But when you have the receivers he had, the offensive line, he had. And he. And he was coached really well. Like, I think his quarterback coach was Chris Whitmire. That was once with the Bucks. Right. So kind of developed them. I just. I think he's. I think he's the best this draft has to offer. There's still a lot to see in my regards.

[Jason McIntyre]

All right, Willie, we could wrap up with this Kenneth Walker situation. Uh, so Zach Charbonnet goes down, Kenneth Walker fills in admirably, wins super bowl mvp, looks awesome. And then the GM at the parade is like, yeah, he. He wants more money. And then it was like dead silence. And it's like, whoa, whoa. They're going to tag him, right? And then you look and start reading, and they're like, they may not tag him. I'm a little surprised by this, but we have seen other Super Bowl MVPs teams move on from them. Malcolm Smith, Dexter Jackson, some of these other guys who won mvp, but the team didn't want to pay them. What's your take on Kenneth Walker here?

[Willie Colon]

I mean, I understand the want to keep him. Right. I think he was highly productive, especially within this offense, and I thought he was big in the NFC Championship game. I thought he set the tone for the Seahawks ultimately, what kind of stabilized that offense and allowed Sam Darnold to win that game. And he obviously had a big super bowl game, but he's not a good pass catcher. Right. And I think he's great in between the tackles. He's shifty. Nevertheless, there's younger guys who, I think, who can do better in that offense. I think you ship him down the road. If there was one guy I would keep is Rashid Shahid. He's the X factor for that offense. What he does on special teams, what he adds to that receiving corps. You don't want to see a guy like that go somewhere else and make, hey, I think you get Zach Charbonnet healthy, you go into the draft, find a hungry, young running back who's willing to put his head in that fan and go get you extra yards, and then you continue on and forward. I think the Seahawks have a great chance of repeating next year. I don't think it holds them back if he's not a part of the offense.

[Jason McIntyre]

Wow.

[Willie Colon]

Bold.

[Jason McIntyre]

I like it. Willie Colon, former NFL player, Steelers, Jets Catch him on First Things first. Willie, thanks a lot, buddy.

[Willie Colon]

Thanks, champ.

[Jason McIntyre]

All right, coming up next here on the Herd. I can't believe this. Rachel tells us why someone in the NBA doesn't think Jokic is the best player in the league and it's not me because I'm a Luca guy. That's next year on 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. 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

[Chris Felica]

and you can be a part of it.

[Jason McIntyre]

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.

[Chris Felica]

Two pros and a cup of Joe

[Jason McIntyre]

Dan Patton, Colin Cowherd, Stu Gotz and company Live Covino and Rich, the Odd

[Chris Felica]

Couple with Rob Parker and Kelvin Washington, the Jason Smith show with Mike Harmon and the Ben Maller Show. Fox sports radio on YouTube. Subscribe hit that thumbs up icon and comment away. This month, iHeartRadio is celebrating the stars of the 2026 Winter Games. Louisville, Kentucky is home to Oxana Masters, a living legend of adaptive sports. A multi sport phenomena with 19 Paralympic medals, she dominates the snow in both cross country skiing and biathlon. Her relentless upper body strength and competitive fire make her nearly unbeatable on the tracks. Masters arrives in Milano Cortina not just to compete, but to continue her reign as one of the most dominant athletes in history. For more Winter Games gold search olympics on the iHeartRadio app.

[Jason McIntyre]

This time of year, the action doesn't stay in one room. Basketball on the main screen, winter competition all day games that demand your attention. With Sonos, your entire house stays connected. Play the game in the living room, music in the kitchen or bring it outside when friends come over without missing a moment. One system. Incredible sound in every room from the opening tip to the final buzzer. Sonos makes game day better at home. Explore Sonos sound bars and [e-mail] when you're a pro, you gotta do a little bit of everything. A little,

[Willie Colon]

a little

[Chris Felica]

and even a little.

[Jason McIntyre]

And it helps to have something that works as hard as you do. That's why Valspar has durable, high coverage

[Chris Felica]

paint for every job.

[Jason McIntyre]

Every time made. For more Valspar pros, head to Lowe's today and talk to a pro rep

[Chris Felica]

about saving time and money on your

[Jason McIntyre]

next job with Valspar. Signature paint exclusions apply. See valsparpro.com for details.

[Colin Cowherd]

If you're an H Vac technician and a call comes in, Grainger knows that you need a partner that helps you find the right product fast and hassle free. And you know that when the first problem of the day is a clanking blower motor, there's no need to break a sweat. With Grainger's easy to use website and product details, you're confident you'll soon have everything humming right along.

[Jason McIntyre]

Call 1-800-GRAINGER click granger.com or just stop

[Colin Cowherd]

by Grainger for the ones who get it done.

[Jason McIntyre]

Always good to get a former Jeff. He's a great guy on the show. Let's go to Rachel Nichols with the news.

[Willie Colon]

No, no, no. Turn on the news.

[Jason McIntyre]

This is the her news.

[Colin Cowherd]

Well, Jason, the athletic polled players at last weekend's All Star game and they asked who's the greatest player in the world? And the players said Nikolaokic while one prominent voice in the business of basketball disagrees. Take a listen.

[Jason McIntyre]

Anthony Edwards is the best player in our league today. Did you just say Anthony Edwards is the best player in the NBA?

[Willie Colon]

He's the best player in the NBA. Yes, he is. You can't watch a game on any given night against anybody and look at that game and say, oh, that person is better than Anthony Edwards.

[Jason McIntyre]

Even Jokic.

[Willie Colon]

No, Jokic is offensively. No, listen, I love Jokic, no question about it. But no.

[Colin Cowherd]

Look, Rich, Paul has legit earned the right to say whatever he wants about the NBA. I however, Jason, and apparently the players of the NBA agree with me, am sticking with Nikola Jokic. Where are you on this comparison?

[Jason McIntyre]

Let me ask a question on a question.

[Colin Cowherd]

Sure.

[Jason McIntyre]

Do you believe that if somebody makes their teammates better, makes everyone better, that's more valuable than just a great offensive machine, scoring machine?

[Colin Cowherd]

Yes.

[Jason McIntyre]

Okay.

[Colin Cowherd]

Or at least it is an ingredient in what makes them a great player.

[Jason McIntyre]

So I'm.

[Colin Cowherd]

It's all important.

[Jason McIntyre]

Luka and Jokic raise everyone's level around them. Anthony Edwards is an awesome player. He doesn't make his teammates better. Now, Anthony Edwards a better defender.

[Colin Cowherd]

I'm not sure I agree with that. Nikola Jokic is a better defender than Luka.

[Chris Felica]

Luka.

[Colin Cowherd]

I mean, you know, it's all in Stages defense.

[Jason McIntyre]

I would give it to Edwards, but his assists and his vision and the gravity, he doesn't make everyone else on the Wolves awesome.

[Colin Cowherd]

Not to the degree Jokic does by any stretch. And also Jokic is a better basketball player. I'm sorry, he is. There's a reason that the players who play the game say he is the best player in the world. And by the way, they have said that for several years in a row. This is not like a new controversial. He is, he's the best. I don't know. I, I again, I appreciate Rich. He's been around, he knows, certainly knows basketball.

[Jason McIntyre]

Do you think Ant's better than SGA at the moment?

[Colin Cowherd]

No. Oh, no. Interesting. Okay.

[Jason McIntyre]

I mean I would go Ant over sga. I think it's, I think it's Jokic and Luka.

[Colin Cowherd]

I love Anthony Edwards as a player. He's the most charismatic guy in the NBA right now. Is it in Rich Paul's clients? I'm not saying this is why Rich said this, but is it in Rich Paul's clients interest that Jokic's legacy is not quite as bright as.

[Jason McIntyre]

I don't know if it's client listed in front of me, but you know,

[Colin Cowherd]

the most important one. All right, let's talk about, let's talk about what's going on in Indiana and Chicago. Jason, I am so fired.

[Jason McIntyre]

Yes, yes, yes. Okay, here we go.

[Colin Cowherd]

All right. Now, Indiana lawmakers this morning just voted unanimously to clear a path for the Bears to build a new dome stadium in Hammond, Indiana. And the Bears released a statement right after that, basically saying, let's go. They said this fulfills their, quote, vision to build a world class stadium near Wolf Lake in Hammond. Now, to make this story spicier, after the vote, after the Bears released the statement, the Illinois House, they had been scheduled to have their own hearings just this morning about spending some of their state money for a new suburban Chicago stadium. They canceled it. They canceled the hearing and the stadium. From the governor. The statement from the governor's office said Illinois was ready to move forward with this bill. It said. And then quote, this morning we were surprised to see a statement lauding Indiana and not even ignoring Illinois. Now, Jason, I went to school in Chicago. I covered the Bears a lot when I covered the NFL. The idea of a team whose ownership is worth one and a half billion dollars going to Indiana instead of staying in Chicago for tax money just blows my mind. These are the Chicago Bears. You know, the two stadiums that the Chicago Bears have played with in their history. Wrigley Field for 50 years and then Soldier Field for the last 50 plus years. The history there, the history with this fan base, which is one of the greatest fan bases in the NFL. And look, ESPN's Courtney Cronin, who I really respect, was on the radio this morning and said, look, the McCaskey family, they just aren't liquid enough to build their own stadium. They do need this taxpayer money. Jason, you are not the owners of a team like the Chicago Bears. You are the stewards of a team like the Chicago Bears. And if you don't have the resources to keep the Bears in Chicago, you sell the team to someone who does. You do not hold onto it for the vanity of holding onto it and move them to Indiana. I am so fired up.

[Jason McIntyre]

Wow. They're probably not going to sell the team, right? I know you think they should, but they're probably not going to sell.

[Colin Cowherd]

Come on, the Lakers, Jeannie Buss and the Buss family.

[Jason McIntyre]

That's a good point.

[Colin Cowherd]

They did not have the same resources to operate as a lot of their competition around the NBA and they sold the team. That someone who does. And by the way, that was her family legacy and she did what was best for the team. Rip I am sorry, this is, this is the Chicago Bears. What are we talking about?

[Jason McIntyre]

So I was just trying to look up where this dome stadium would be. How far is this from like the important.

[Colin Cowherd]

From Soldier Field. It's about an hour in traffic, but there's always traffic. Oh, yeah, it's not that bad, but it's in Indiana. And by the way, that's from the city center. A lot of Chicago Bears fans live an hour north of the city.

[Jason McIntyre]

Oh, so now you're looking.

[Colin Cowherd]

So now you're talking about. And by the way, are they going to become the Indiana Bears? I mean, they can't be the Chicago Bears anymore. You're talking about. Are we changing the name of the team? I'm sorry? If you own the Chicago Bears, you either figure out a way to make it work in Chicago or you sell the team to someone who does, by the way, at no great hardship for what, $8 million or whatever it would be.

[Jason McIntyre]

Where are you on the town payer? You know, the locals having to pay for it.

[Colin Cowherd]

Yeah, look, I am not a fan of spending taxpayer money on stadiums for billionaires. You know, we just had the Intuit Dome built here. We just had Sofi Stadium built here in la. Both of those buildings were built by ownership. Now these are very rich owners, but that's what it takes. Yeah, right. And there was some state money on some of the infrastructure like the highways and, you know, electric lines and all of that stuff. But everyone does benefit for that. And I'm okay with that. But you were talking about a time in America. The economics are tough for a lot of Americans right now. And to say we are going to give a billionaire family taxpayer money for a stadium and not only do it, but to move the team to Indiana, the Chicago Bears. I'm not in for it. I'm sorry.

[Jason McIntyre]

It sounds like it's going to get ugly. You just got me into this.

[Colin Cowherd]

It's ugly already. I don't like it. All right, let's move on to something nicer. Also I'm hyped up about, but in the good way. I want to give you an Olympic update, Jason. USA women's curling. The US Team just this morning advanced to the semifinals with the 76 win over Switzerland. The game went into extras. It was a super clutch performance. It came down to the last rock. It was a walk off win. And I gotta tell you, Jace, this is a special team. It's led by two sisters. They both had babies in the last year and a half.

[Jason McIntyre]

Wow.

[Colin Cowherd]

Coming back from that wasn't as easy as they had hoped. They weren't in the shape they needed to be to qualify for the Olympics. They didn't qualify for the Olympics. There were a lot of people around the sport who thought, eh, maybe they're past it now. Maybe they should still be doing this. And they were like, like hell, we shouldn't be doing this. They got back into their, their groove. They got the last spot in the Olympic tournament doing this last chance qualifier in British Columbia. And now look at them. They are in the semifinals. I am so proud of this team. And we have board members I mentioned at the top of the show for USA Curling. They're great. I love this win. I love how so many of the American teams are doing over in Italy.

[Jason McIntyre]

That's good. I've seen the videos of curling imitations at work and funny stuff. I don't really know much about the sport, but congratulations. That's awesome. Sounds like a positive story.

[Colin Cowherd]

And their babies are in the stands watching their mamas.

[Jason McIntyre]

Really?

[Colin Cowherd]

Yes. It's so much fun. Watch this team play the semis. They play split for London.

[Willie Colon]

All right.

[Jason McIntyre]

Rachel with the news. Well, that's the news and thanks for stopping by the herd lie news. All right, coming up next, Chris Felica the bear gonna drop by. We got some final four bets. Maybe we'll talk a little NFL draft bets, NBA futures, all that. Next, be sure to catch live editions of the Herd, weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am Pacific. Every sports fan knows step away during a close basketball game, a gold medal moment, or a win or go home matchup. And that's when everything happens. Unless you've got Sonos. With Sonos you can group your sound bar with the kitchen so the game follows you while you grab a snack. Head outside during a break, add a portable speaker and the game comes with you. Big moments deserve big sound everywhere you are. Explore Sonos sound bars and [e-mail] if

[Colin Cowherd]

you're an H Vac technician and a call comes in, Grainger knows that you need a partner that helps you find the right product fast and hassle free. And you know that when the first problem of the day is a clanking blower motor, there's no need to break a sweat. With Grainger's easy to use website and product details, you're confident you'll soon have everything humming right along.

[Jason McIntyre]

Call 1-800-GRAINGER Click grainger.com or just stop

[Colin Cowherd]

by Grainger for the ones who get it done.

[Jason McIntyre]

With 4imprint, finding the right promo products

[Colin Cowherd]

has never been easier.

[Jason McIntyre]

You get free samples, expert help and art assistance to ensure your logo looks great. Four Imprint offerings Thousands of options to choose from.

[Colin Cowherd]

Brandon Apparel, Drinkware Outdoor and more.

[Jason McIntyre]

Your order will be packed with care, delivered on time and backed by their 360 degree guarantee. That's 4imprint certainty. Need your order fast? 4imprint offers quick turnaround options too. Visit 4imprint.com and see how easy ordering can be. 4imprint for certain you know him well from college football's big noon kickoff Chris, I know you're a forlorn jets fan like myself. We won't get into the jets, but I want to jump right into the NFL draft. Raiders sitting pretty at one. Everyone has them taking Mendoza. But memory serves, the last time we talked Mendoza you were you're not out on him but just not as bullish on him as a franchise quarterback. Is that accurate?

[Chris Felica]

Yeah, I would say the thing I have the issue that issue but situation with the Raiders is you are along with the Jets 1A 1B in terms of worst rosters in the league. You had took a kind of a novelty pick last year with Ashton Genti where you took a running back sixth overall in the draft and put him in a position where with a terrible roster you weren't going to do very well. I just worry that if you draft Mendoza number one and put him and surround him with that team, he's. He may not have great success and who knows what happened happens in year one. Does that affect him long term? If I'm the Raiders, I hope that somebody is enamored with him, wants to trade up because the 2026 draft is about acquiring assets for the 2027 draft. If I'm the Raiders and I can't trade out, I maybe consider doing something like taking an offensive lineman or taking in the defender of your choice. Maybe the pair with Max Crosby in that division. You're doing nothing in that division with the Broncos, Chiefs and Chargers. So take so taking the impact defensive player number one or an offensive lineman, take a quarterback maybe at the top around two knowing that you're going to be right back in the same position next.

[Jason McIntyre]

I would love that. As a Jets fan, I don't want to trade up for Mendoza, but I will gladly draft him one if it doesn't work out. We're drafting again next year with it with an amazing. I mean Jeremiah Smith's in the mix next year. It's loaded. All right, let's, let's go. Let's pivot to college basketball. Chris, I know you love college hoops. First you have a take on the Darren Peterson. I don't even know what we're calling it. Self imposed. I need to chill out. I got cramping, hamstring, illness, ankle. It's always something. Bill Self seems like he's done with this.

[Chris Felica]

It seems like Bill Self has finally reached his breaking point with this. He's done all that he's could all year. No, no, he's been flu. But it feels like last night kind of was the, the breaking point here. It looks like he's ready for the NBA with all the self proposed load management that he has. But I think when you watch the guy play, he is an impact scorer, an impact player. It's going to be fascinating to see if he does go number one in the draft or if Fleming's from Houston, maybe goes up there. That's why I think Adam Silver in the NBA in general why this tanking thing is such a big deal. This is a great draft at the top and I think you're going to have franchises really positioning for players here. But I hate seeing a guy hopefully in March Madness, hopefully the time the NCAA tournament comes around, we'll see Peterson playing at full strength all the time.

[Jason McIntyre]

Would you advise betting on Kansas futures? Obviously not now. You want to wa for them to lose and then bet if it gets depressed a little. But it's Just the uncertainty of him not playing. They're very good without him. I've seen some numbers that say there's still a top five team without Peterson. Just the depth, you know, March Madness, the way it's officiated. Would you bet on Kansas to win at all?

[Chris Felica]

I wouldn't. I don't think they are up there with the contenders. I think you have a very clear group of contenders this year. People talking about, oh, there may be 20 teams or whatever that could maybe win the title. I don't see it that way at all. I think you've got Michigan, I think you've got Duke, I think you've got Arizona. Houston probably is going to be right on that one line. Florida maybe right there in the mix for that one. I think you're looking at a group of teams like that. Kansas, I think could potentially make a run. But ultimately push comes to shove, I don't think they are in that Michigan, Duke, Duke type class.

[Jason McIntyre]

Interesting. We, you know, we love the Big Ten here. Illinois is a monster. They're getting healthy now. Stoyakovic is so good. He's not even their best player anymore with another freshman, another team with an awesome freshman over under one and a half Big Ten teams in the Final Four.

[Chris Felica]

Oh, that's it. I could say too because I am very, very high on Illinois. I bet Illinois a couple of weeks back, right around the time of that Purdue game to reach the Final Four because they have all of the ingredients that you need. They've got multiple guys who are multiple bigs, they got multiple guys on the, on the floor who can shoot the three and they've got a young point, a young player Walker who's not afraid to take over a game and you get Boswell back in point guard position too. So Illinois is a team that absolutely can make a deep run in addition to Michigan, who is a very deserving favorite to win it all. Even though I am not ready just to hand Michigan the title yet. Because while they are the best team every now and then they're susceptible to maybe going cold from the outside like they did early on against Northwestern. Every now and then they have struggle from the line and maybe don't put games away or let teams maybe back in seemingly a little bit. So tournaments a little bit different pressure. But yeah, Illinois absolutely is a team that I would not want to see pop up as the 2 seed if I'm a 1 seed in that region.

[Jason McIntyre]

Michigan a tendency to either blow teams out. We haven't seen a lot of close games from Them, they're just waxing, folks. They played Duke Saturday in a huge game in D.C. i'm seeing here Michigan three and a half. That's a little more than I would have liked, but that's a lot of respect for Michigan. Neutral site.

[Chris Felica]

It is. I was looking at the Ken Palm numbers here just beforehand and it's got Michigan minus two Michigan projected to be a two point favorite. So there might even be people, people who see that three and a half and might even be apt to take Duke. Maybe the number comes down a little bit of a middle, but I think Michigan is just a little bit deeper and a little bit better than I'm just looking forward to a great regular season college basketball game because we have had so many to see to see two elite teams like this. Especially look at the week we've had. We've had Arizona and Texas Tech and Houston and Iowa State playing in big games. It's been a really good, awesome product this year. For those who say that the college basketball regular season really doesn't matter or mean anything and isn't very entertaining, it's been quite the opposite this year.

[Jason McIntyre]

Yeah, let me get you out of here on this NBA Finals. Is there a futures pick that you like? I don't mind throwing a dart. I like Nick Spurs. Is there any matchup you would you would look at now to consider wagering on?

[Chris Felica]

I think the Nuggets are probably the key that draw my eye and the west the spurs do as well. But I would be looking to play against Oklahoma City just because you saw the road that they had last year near nearly picked off in the playoffs and maybe if Halliburton doesn't get hurt, they may lose game seven of the finals. You got a healthy, a healthier Nuggets team now. The spurs obviously have their numbers. I'd be looking towards look maybe to go attack team against Oklahoma State and I the way the Cavs have been playing since the hardened trade, they're going to continue to get better as well. Maybe maybe a Spurs Cavs or a Nuggets Cavs that might be kind of enticing.

[Jason McIntyre]

I didn't hear Lakers. Did I hear a Lakers or no?

[Willie Colon]

No.

[Colin Cowherd]

You.

[Chris Felica]

You didn't know you did. You did not hear that maybe Yanis to the Lakers next year. Let's hear that.

[Jason McIntyre]

All right, let's do that. Chris Felika the Bear. Thanks a lot, buddy. Enjoy the games this weekend. Catch Chris obviously on Big noon kickoff off. All right, Rachel. We survived. What a show. And we didn't even talk about tanking in the NBA. We're saving that for tomorrow.

[Colin Cowherd]

Such good stuff. The NBA owner went off. We can talk about that tomorrow.

[Jason McIntyre]

Oh, okay. I have not. I try not to go on the Internet.

[Colin Cowherd]

Just happen.

[Jason McIntyre]

Yes. Okay. And maybe a little more Olympics talk. Eileen who. Yeah, I would like to talk about that. I don't know.

[Colin Cowherd]

I'm ready.

[Jason McIntyre]

I don't know. America's ready for it. Let's go. Well, actually, they don't really like her. Let's just talk. Okay. So that was fun. One day down, one to go. Thanks to all our great guests. See you tomorrow.

[Colin Cowherd]

This is an iHeart podcast.

[Willie Colon]

Guaranteed Human.