The Herd with Colin Cowherd
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PodcastThe Herd with Colin Cowherd
Publisher/creatoriHeartPodcasts and The Volume
Published
Shortcast updated
About this episode
On this episode of 3 & Out , John Middlekauff opens up the mailbag to tackle some of the biggest conversations around the NFL. John discusses the ongoing issues with early NFL kickoffs and why players, teams, and fans continue to debate the impact of scheduling on performance and viewership. He also dives into the Bears’ new stadium discussion and what the future could look like for one of the league’s iconic franchises. Plus, a closer look at international travel in the NFL and how overseas games affect teams, preparation, and player recovery throughout the season. John also breaks down the reality of tanking in the NFL—why it’s harder to pull off in football compared to other sports and whether teams actually benefit from trying to lose. And with home-field advantage still playing a major role across the league, John explains why certain environments continue to matter more than others. He also discusses the importance of developing backup quarterbacks and why organizations that consistently build depth at the position give themselves a major edge. Follow John on Twitter , and Instagram for the latest. All lines provided by Hard Rock Bet #Volume See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Episode summary
Happy Fugazi Friday and happy Memorial Day weekend. I’m running a big mailbag, taking a couple days off for family duty, and we’ll be back midweek—enjoy the long weekend, grab a drink, fire up the grill, and make sure you’re subscribed so you never miss an episode.
Q: Early Sunday kickoffs overseas—fun or too much? A: One or two a month is fine, but weekly dawn-to-midnight football stretches fans thin; great sport or not, there’s a point where nonstop games hurt the experience.
Q: Why are people picking the Bills to win the East? A: Schedules flip fast, but Buffalo’s track record with double‑digit wins and my belief in Joe Brady and Jim Leonhard make them the safer call, even if it’s not a lock.
Q: Bears stadium—Illinois or Indiana? A: Seat and suite values matter less than financing and control; if Indiana offers better terms and lets the team keep more upside, it gets real, though the league will weigh market stature and the Bears’ ownership future.
Q: Will you steer your son’s fandom? A: No—I’ll let him pick; I grew up liking teams all over, and if he lands on hockey in the desert, so be it.
Q: Do teams handle players’ travel anxiety for international trips? A: By the pros, guys have flown a ton in college and charters are plush; nerves happen, but it’s part of the job—this isn’t flying Southwest.
Q: How do you tank in the NFL without losing the locker room? A: You do it through roster moves and stripped‑down game plans, not sham plays; it’s easier to bottom out in hoops or baseball than in football.
Q: Better DC year: Aaron Glenn or Robert Saleh? A: Call it even—both pulled off knife‑to‑a‑gunfight wins that defined their seasons.
Q: What home‑field edges are actually real? A: Routine and recovery at home plus deafening noise on the opponent’s offense; cold weather is massive against warm‑weather visitors, and roof rules will matter more as more domes pop up.
Q: Should Shanahan‑style teams rehab high‑ceiling backups for trade chips? A: The Packers turned a seventh on Malik Willis into wins and likely a comp pick—that’s a win—but contracts and timing limit flipping guys like a top‑four pick on a rookie deal.
Q: College sports feel chaotic—what’s your take? A: I’m exhausted by cupcake schedules and power‑league infighting; if loopholes let a coach like Will Wade bring back G League guys, he’ll use them—villains exist because the rules allow it.
Q: Is Notre Dame ducking anyone with its upcoming slate? A: No—some brands just dipped; independence fuels perception, which is why joining the Big Ten would quiet a lot of noise.
Q: Bears drafting a day‑two tight end—why? A: The draft is future‑casting; you take players you love and plan for contracts two years out, not just today’s depth chart.
Q: What’s life like for coaches and GMs now? A: It’s the calmest stretch—meet, practice, lift, home for dinner—unless news breaks and your day blows up.
Q: How much can a new system change Jalen’s outlook? A: Early vibes are always rosy in May, but this is a QB‑friendly, run‑centric scheme with layups and movement; let’s judge it in the fall, then talk about the OC’s head‑coach buzz.
Q: Why do the Giants keep taking trench players over DBs? A: It’s organizational DNA—elite defensive linemen change games more consistently than corners, even if a great corner is tempting.
Q: Assign every team a permanent international sister city—smart? A: Creative and it could build real roots, but forcing annual trips would tick off owners; I doubt they sign up for that much travel.
Q: Are the Cardinals a buy if they land the top pick? A: Yes, if a blue‑chip QB emerges; I’d move vets like Josh Sweat and Budda Baker, stack picks, and pair a young passer with Trey McBride and the kids.
Q: How’s the Netflix move? A: Thrilled—less algorithm chasing, bigger stage; I want to add live shows this fall.
Q: Who handles your ads and deals? A: Volume’s sales team with iHeart ties brings opportunities, I focus on content and usually say yes, and big deals get talked through, then greenlit; you need a team to scale.
Q: Why isn’t Liam Coen hyped like Ben Johnson? A: Market size and narrative; Johnson’s momentum built for years, but Coen’s highly regarded too.
Q: Find out the baby’s gender at birth or before? A: I can’t stand surprises, so we find out early; I get the magic of the reveal for others, it’s just not me.
Enjoy the weekend, raise a cold one, and I’ll talk to you midweek.
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