The Herd with Colin Cowherd
--% time saved
PodcastThe Herd with Colin Cowherd
Publisher/creatoriHeartPodcasts and The Volume
Published
Shortcast updated
About this episode
On this episode of 3 & Out , John Middlekauff is joined by Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid for an in-depth conversation on leadership, building a championship culture, managing expectations, and what it takes to stay at the top of the NFL. One of the most respected coaches in football shares insight from his Hall of Fame-caliber career and the continued success of the Chiefs. John also dives into the reality of ACL recovery in today’s NFL, discussing how timelines have changed, what teams expect from players returning from major knee injuries, and why every recovery process is unique. Plus, a closer look at A.J. Brown’s departure from Philadelphia. How was the situation handled by the Eagles, and what can we learn from the way one of the league’s biggest roster moves unfolded? John breaks down the business, communication, and football implications behind the move. To wrap things up, it’s the Middlekauff Mailbag , with John answering your questions and covering a wide range of NFL topics. From a special interview with Andy Reid to player recovery, roster management, and fan questions, it’s all covered on this episode of 3 & Out . Follow John on Twitter , and Instagram for the latest. All lines provided by Hard Rock Bet #Volume See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Listen to the original episode
Loading episode data...
Episode summary
What’s up everybody—Three and Out here. We’ve got Coach Andy Reid right off the top, then I’ll hit league headlines, a little Micah, AJ Brown, Jared Verse, some contracts, and your mailbag. Let’s roll.
Coach, fresh off the field—how’s practice and the offseason vibe?
Energy’s been good. The guys are pushing each other, the young ones are flying around, and for shorts work, we’re getting real progress.
With Patrick rehabbing the knee, how are you splitting reps with Justin?
Pat handles seven-on-seven and install, Justin takes more team periods. Pat’s working hard, but live football is different, so we’ll be smart the next couple months.
Does playing through last season’s injury help Patrick now?
Experience always helps, but everybody’s different. He’s attacking the rehab; we won’t promise anything until it’s real.
Why was Justin Fields the right move—beyond the arm and athleticism?
He’s a high‑character, very smart kid who’s picking up our offense fast. He’s been with the ones, getting timing with the receivers, tight ends, and backs, and handling it like a pro.
How deep did you go on the pre‑trade evaluation?
Matt Nagy’s experience with him helped, and everything we heard from around the league was positive. Felt comfortable bringing him in.
Seventh‑round QB Nuss—what sold you and how’s he looked?
Our scouts and coaches liked him at the value. He’s been around ball his whole life, understands the game, and he’s impressed everyone with how he operates.
Patrick’s now the veteran—what are you seeing from him day to day?
He’s a great person, great family guy, and still our hardest worker. He’s in daily, putting in full workdays and attacking the leg rehab.
Your culture travels year to year—what anchors it?
The original defensive vets set the tone, and personnel’s brought in team‑first guys ever since. That’s how it sticks.
You operate like Seal Team Six at the draft. How did you keep your corner move so quiet?
Loose lips sink ships, so we keep circles tight. Brett had his guy early, lined up trade groundwork well ahead of time, and we moved when the window opened.
Up front you added Peters and Armation—what do they bring?
Athletic interior guys who can move and pressure. In today’s league, inside rush matters against elite QBs and lines.
Kenneth Walker headlines the backfield—how do you see his fit?
Love his motor and complete game—third down, short yardage, red zone. Not calling a rushing title, but behind our line he’ll get his carries, and we like the room with Demercado, a Nebraska rookie, and Smitty coming back.
International travel—worth the grind?
It’s a haul, but the league’s global and players enjoy the experience. Logistics matter—big plane, first‑class seating—and you manage injuries and mindset.
Rams land Miles Garrett and add McDuffie—what’s your read?
They’re pushing chips in, and those are good players. I gave Sean a hard time at the meetings—he and their group do a heck of a job.
Appreciate you, Coach—good luck with the rest of the offseason.
Around the league: quarterbacks just recover differently than other positions. Patrick’s already repping while guys like Daniel Jones and Micah Parsons face longer runways based on the physical demands of their roles.
On AJ Brown and Jalen Hurts, Maria Taylor’s convo captured it: sometimes people just grow apart. It happens at work too, and it puts pressure on Philly’s new wideout to help fill a power role without duplicating AJ overnight.
Jared Verse isn’t Miles Garrett, and he doesn’t need to be; steady growth into a double‑digit pressure guy would be a win. AJ in New England doesn’t need 1,500 yards—win in man and tilt downs, the way Drake London’s new deal shows teams bet on bankable traits.
Nick Herbig’s big payday is a reminder: production can beat prototypes. TJ Watt’s arc shows some body types pop later when the fit is right.
Mailbag—do you need a degree to coach or scout? In the NFL, no; it’s about ball and relationships. In college, schools usually require a degree for on‑field roles.
Arch Manning hype check: the schedule gives him a real shot to prove it—Ohio State and a heavy SEC slate will tell the story fast.
Could the Eagles have topped the Rams for Garrett? Only with a massive piece like Jalen Carter, which is a different risk profile; Verse was the safer, cost‑controlled match for Cleveland’s ask.
Why didn’t the Bills swing like the Rams? They lacked the cheap, premium player Cleveland wanted. The lesson stands: be ready when the next true difference‑maker shakes loose.
Star value tends to hold even through dips, but trading far‑out firsts, NBA‑style, is a double‑edged sword the NFL isn’t eager to open up. Sometimes risk builds banners; sometimes it burns you.
That’s it for today. Fugazi Friday tomorrow—have a great day. See you later.
Ready to save time?
Download Shortcast and get started today