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.