The Herd with Colin Cowherd - 3 & Out - Derek Carr Retires, Rookie mini-camp update, Brazil game is here to stay

Episode Date: May 12, 2025

John opens the pod reacting to the news of the weekend that Derek Carr announced his retirement from the NFL. John talks about what Carr's legacy in the NFL will be, how his career could have been different, and does he think Carr will stay retired. Later, John provides an update on Rookie mini-camp and how starting from this point, where you got drafted doesn't make a difference. Lastly, John talks about how the Brazil game is here to stay in the NFL. Finally, John answers your questions in this episode's mailbag segment. 5:21 - Derek Carr retires 10:11 - Carr's legacy 28:39 - Rookie Mini-camp update 33:42 - Brazil game is here to stay 41:27 - Mailbag Follow John on Twitter, Instagram and YouTube for the latest. Check out Gametime - the fastest growing ticketing app in the US, and the official ticketing app of 3 & Out and GoLow -  for tickets to all of your favorite NFL, NBA, NHL, NCAA teams. Concert and comedy show tickets, too. Go to Gametime now to create an account, download the app and use code JOHN for $20 off your first purchase. #Volume #HerdSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is an IHeart podcast. Guaranteed Human. Hey guys, it's us. The Jonas Brothers. I'm Joe. I'm Kevin. And I'm Nick. And guess what? We created our own podcast called, Hey Jonas.

We invented a podcast? Well, we didn't invent it. We just contributed to it. We're the first people to do podcasts. We get to ask other people questions because we're sick and tired of being asked questions. Well, sick and tired is a strong way to put it. But, you know, tired and sick. Listen to Hey Jonas on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you.

you get your podcast. Just listen. We don't care where you hear it. Another podcast from some SNL late night comedy guy, not quite. Unhumor me with Robert Smygel and friends. Me and hilarious guests from Bob Odenkirk to David Letterman help make you funnier. This week, my guest, SNL's Mikey Day and head writer Streeter Seidel, help an a cappella band with their between songs banter. Where does your group perform? We do some retirement homes. Those people are starving for banter. Listen to humor me with Robert Smigel and friends on the ice. Heart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Winning on Clay is an art. The rallies are relentless. And at the French Open, only the toughest survive. I'd know. I competed there for decades. Join me, Renee Stubbs, on the Renee Stubbs tennis podcast for no-nonsense breakdowns of the biggest matches, the toughest players, and the moments that define Roland Garris. She can win.

She's an outsider to win the French fame. And she likes Clay. Listen, Lina Rubakina is arguably the best player in the world right now. And I actually can win on any service. Listen to the Renee Stubbs tennis podcasts on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Presented by Capital One, founding partner of IHeart Women's Sports. Here's something that should not be as complicated as it is, getting a racist statue removed. And here's something that should be a whole lot easier than it is.

Getting a new one put up in its place. I'm Akela Hughes, and Rebel Spirit, season two is about both of those things. As I was watching these statues come down, I was thinking about what it meant that I grew up in a majority black city in which there were more homages to enslavers than there were to enslave people. Listen to Rebel Spirit season two on the Iheart radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. The volume. What is going on, everybody?

John Middilcock 3 and Out podcast. A little Sunday afternoon pod because we had some weekend breaking news. I don't know if it's out of nowhere because it had been a little weird, but I don't think anyone expected Derek Carr to retire. And that is what happened early Saturday morning that Schaefter broke the news that Derek Carr is retiring after 11 seasons. 11 years is the starter. Obviously, nine on the Raiders, a couple on the Saints.

And now he's calling or quits. So we will dive into that, which spend most of our time talking about that. A couple other football topics. and do a little mailbag as well. So at John Middilkoff is the Instagram fire in those DMs. Get your questions answered on the show. And you guys know the drill. If you listen on Collins feed, make sure you subscribe to Three and Out.

We have our own feed on Spotify, on Apple. You can subscribe wherever you listen to podcast. YouTube, all of our content is up there. So make sure you subscribe to that, the YouTube channel as well. but before we dive into some football and Derek Carr, you know I got to tell you about my friends. You know I got to tell you about my partners. Game time.

Best Ticketing app in America. I was watching the Denver Nuggets game. That home crowd feels electric, feels elite. So if you want to go to game six, we got you covered. If you want to go in any of these playoff games, basketball, NHL, baseball season off and running, comedy shows, concerts, you name it, any event. I got you covered, guys. I can even save you a little money while you're at it because my friends at GameTime will take care of you.

So take the guesswork out of buying tickets with GameTime. Download on the GameTime app, create an account and use the code John $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply again. Create an account and redeem the code J-O-H-N. That's John for $20 off. Download the GameTime app today. Last minute tickets, lowest prices guaranteed. Well, well, well, Derek Carr has, I don't want to say.

officially, but unofficially, retired from the national football league. And a little bit of a shocker. Not sure that most of us saw this one coming. Though, been a weird, feels like last month or two, with the back and forth with the Saints, with kind of some threats about a season-ending surgery,

with them drafting a quarterback early in the second round. it did not feel like Kellyn Moore and kind of the new vibe in the building was in on Derek Carr which is understandable Derek went to the Saints because of Dennis Allen

who was obviously fired last year but there's no more guessing how the situation is going to play out. Is he going to get surgery? Is he going to have to compete for his job? Can Kellyn Moore

could they deal him? It's like, nope, I'm done. And you can retire at 34, 35 years old when you've made $200 million playing football. And there is no disputing. He's been one of the more polarizing players over the course of his career because the one thing Derek Carr has been and he will go out as being is a starter in the NFL. This wasn't one of those guys that's like backed up some people bounced around.

He's played for two teams. He played in 169 games and he started every single one of them. And I had a front row seat when he got drafted to the Saints and he beat out Matt Schaub in training camp. I remember being at a preseason game four against the Seattle Seahawks, his rookie season. Pete Carroll was a little old school. This was a team that had already won a Super Bowl. I think they'd already been to another. I mean, they were easily one of the best teams in the NFL. Their defense of backfield, Cam Chancellor, Earl Thomas, and obviously Richard Sherman. And those guys played in the fourth preseason game. And Derek went right down the field,

scored a touchdown on him. Then I think Pete pulled everybody. but then he scored either two more or three touchdowns in that first half. And it was like, Matt Schaub's done. And I think a day or two later, Dennis Allen announced him as the starter. And then he would go on to be the longtime starter for the Raiders. But some background that I had, when I was hired out of college at Fresno State to be a GA in recruiting, when I got there in basically probably late May, early June, we had a recruiting class. and this is a day and age when the transfer portal didn't exist.

There was only one signing day. People would commit, especially at schools like that, and for the most part, they were going to end up playing football for you. And Derek Carr was, when I showed up, by far the biggest current commit of the class. He was a really good high school player. Probably could have gone to places like Cal,

well, Jeff Tedford was who had coached his brother. I know Utah was really interested. but he was dead set in finishing kind of what his brother started. And he had committed very early on in his high school career and really never wavered. And I think his senior year, he transferred from Texas back to Bakersfield and had a massive senior year. But he came to Fresno State. Honestly, probably should have won the starting quarterback job as a true freshman.

but Coach Hill, old school, went with the longtime backup, who just simply was not as good as Derek. But Derek not only backed him up that year, redshirted the next year, and then he started for the next three seasons. And if his name had been Derek Johnson instead of Derek Carr, I think he would have been a lock first round pick. But when I got, when I was around him,

his freshman year, I remember thinking like, this guy's got a big, arm. This guy's a really talented player. And then after his freshman year, I was hired into the NFL with the Eagles, and I get there and Kevin Cobb, he ended up starting a game because he got

knocked out and Michael Vic came in, the rest of history. But I remember being in training camp practices watching Kevin Cobb throw the ball and texting people back at Fresno, I was like, this guy doesn't throw it nearly as well as Derek. So I don't want to say that I knew Derek Carr was going to be an NFL starter right then and there.

But I was, it was eye how much Derek's arm was going to translate. And by Derek's senior year at Fresno State, I think he threw 50 touchdowns and eight picks. I mean, dominated. I mean, his last couple years, all Mountain West guy, him and Devante, it wasn't even fair.

It was like the equivalent of Jokic and Murray playing against me and you. But because of his name and his brother being a pretty legendary, quote unquote, bust, and being someone that I would say has a, negative connotation in NFL circles. I do think it hurt them, but it ended up going in the top of the second round. And the one lesson I think you take away from Derek's career is so much is out of your control,

whether you're a football player, for those of us in life. But specifically at quarterback, you get drafted. You don't pick the other players on your team. You don't get to determine who the coach is. You definitely don't get to determine the scheme, who the assistant coaches are going to be, who the GM is. making the moves. And Derek went to a very, very chaotic organization. And basically for the first six or seven years he was there, it was all about when are we going to move? How are we going to move?

And then we are moving, but we're staying in Oakland for a couple years. Like, it wasn't a very easy situation for any player, let alone a young guy, especially the starting quarterback of the team. And everything that was thrown in his shoulders, like I do respect how much he's, you know, he had to handle because he was asked these questions constantly and he had nothing to do with any of it. But I do think his career could have turned out a lot better if it wasn't for a broken ankle his third season. Because by his second year in the league,

he had thrown 32 touchdowns, they had Amari Cooper, they had signed Crabtree, and it looked like, this guy had a chance to be a pretty good quarterback, like to be a guy that would be top 10 in the NFL. The following year, they are good. They have 11 wins going into week 15. He throws several touchdowns. He's in the conversation to be the MVP.

He is taking to the Raiders to the playoffs for the first time in like 15 years. This is a franchise that hadn't been to the playoffs. Hell, hadn't sniffed the playoffs since like 0-203 range. And in 2016, he wasn't just having a great year relative to the league. He was playing really, really well. I was going to all these games. I mean, he was playing like a top five or six quarterback in the NFL at a really, really high level. And then his ankle shatters.

And honestly, I think after that point, I don't think his career was ever quite the same. Obviously, the Raiders went to the playoffs. They started McLeon in the game and they got worked by the Texans. But then they go through Jackdell Real. They hire John Gruden. The moving process happens. And again, I don't think he was ever as good as that 2015, 2006. 16 range. But by 2020 and 2021, under John Gruden, after everything had normalized a little bit,

they had moved to Vegas. He was playing pretty well again. Over a two-year span, he threw like 50 touchdowns and less than 25 picks, and it was a high completion percentage guy. And the team was just kind of headed in the right direction. And then Monday night football's going down. The New York Times has the report, and John Grun gets fired. And then a couple months later, after they get knocked out in the playoffs by the Bengals, they bring in John. Gosh, McDaniels. And it's very safe to say Derek's career on the field is all downhill after that. Now, he ended up making a lot of money. And I do think he's kind of the poster child for the modern era of pro sports and the amount of money that's being giving out in specifically the NFL

for any decent player. Like, obviously, if you're a star, you were making a lot of money in the 80s and the 90s and every generation, right? It's all relative, but even, even now, like Justin Jefferson, what Michael Parsons is going to end up getting, you know, all these guys, the top guys are making money. But the top guys, when I was a kid, were making the most money.

But when you get a guy like Derek, who's never won a playoff game, who's only been to the playoffs twice, and one of them he couldn't attend because he had a shattered ankle. So the one playoff game, he did start, he lost. And didn't end great against the Bengals because he, he, he, uh,

clocked the ball on first. down in the red zone late in the game. So he basically gave away a, you know, one of their four plays, which wasn't ideal. But someone had slid in my DMs and asked me, John, do you think Derek is pulling a Sean Payton, doing a retire to kind of pivot? And, you know, I'm going to cross my mind. The more and more, I left the just reaction of what happened really seep in. And then I read about some of the stuff that happened. They're going to allow him to keep the $10 million roster bonus that he got for being on the team after free agency started.

But he gave up the opportunity for the $30 million guaranteed this fall by retiring. Basically like, we're good. And I don't think you would do that because if this was really a double middle finger move to try to set a situation where in a year he could get out, why wouldn't he have just got his shoulder surgery this year, they would have been on the hook to pay him between the bonus and the salary $40 million. And then, of course, they would have cut him next year and he would have been, in theory, healthy and a free agent to sign wherever he wanted to play.

So I do believe him, and then I saw his wife had a post. Like, I think he's retired. I think he's just done. And I think when you've been in a situation, when you played for the Raiders as long as he did, and then you go to the Saints, and listen, some of it's his fault. had moments in big games where he did not play well. I'm not trying to act like he's a better player than he gets credit for it because I think the last four or five years he's been pretty average.

But he also represents, like I said, a guy that made over $200 million. So it's much easier to call it quits when you go, listen, I'm 34, 35, I got a big family. I guess they just moved to Fresno. Like, I'm done. I'm out. He made a lot of money. I mean, there can't be, I know a lot of people. in the Fresno area.

And while they do have some wealthy individuals, they're all business owners. There is not many people in the state of California outside of the San Francisco and L.A. area. So especially the Valley from Sacramento to Bakersfield, who have made over $200 million that never owned anything. He's just a W-2 employee for the Raiders and the Saints. So Derek banked a lot of cash in the league.

And a lot of people would say, not playing that well. And I would say I do think he made a decision going to the Saints a couple years ago because of Dennis Allen and their previous relationship. I don't know if that's a great move. Obviously Dennis Allen's not a very good head coach. And I think we do have to question the Saints, you know, minus like was Sean Payton, the brains behind everything.

And we're going to see with Kellyn Moore if it was all Sean Payton, if this organization is, you know, has the ability to kind of overcome stuff and I saw Kellan Moore said that we'll just have a, he's in an easy spot now. He's quarterback competition. Jake Hainer, Spencer Rattler, and Tyler Shuck. But I think Derek Carr's retirement, I don't think it symbolizes anything like, could this be a new trend of guys retiring early? No.

Now, is he going to get shoulder surgery? Is his injury legitimate because the Saints had a press release? Clearly, I don't think they're all on the same page about this injury. in a weird way for a guy that you look at his wiki played in a lot of games does feel like recently he's had a lot of injuries from shoulder injuries to concussions it just feels like over the last

especially in the 2020s there have been a lot of Sundays where if you have a Raider game or a Saints game on Derek is on the ground laying there and maybe he was just tired of the pounding he took and said I'm I've had made enough money and I'm out. But I do think his career could have gone.

Like if you played it over 10 times, I do think there are a couple scenarios where it goes way better. And he goes to a stable organization. I think he always would have been a very polarizing player, like a DAC, like a Cousins. But look at Dak. For a lot of his career, like we can nitpick Jerry and say he does some crazy shit.

True. But like, they've won a lot. They have three straight years where they won 12 games. I do think early on in Derek's career had he not been with the Raiders, had he'd been with a team that kind of knew what they were doing, he could have been a guy that was constantly going to the playoffs. I mean, like Andy Dalton. It doesn't mean he would have won in the playoffs,

but I think Andy Dalton went to the playoffs six straight years starting quarterback. So a lot of times, as a guy like that, Dak, Andy Dalton, Jimmy Garapolo, like you're not going to go to a bad team and have success. It's going to be very, very difficult unless you're playing out of your mind. But if you're going to play to what your ability is, which relative to the rest of the quarterbacks is somewhere in the middle, you are going to need high level coaching,

high level talent. Ideally, a good defense. And that was the other thing with the Raiders, like, their defenses were a joke. I mean, I remember the one year that Khalil Mack won the defensive player of the year, and I didn't even think the defense was good. It was just him.

The reason he won the defensive player of the year because he literally did everything. Like fumble sixes, pick sixes, sacks. It was like, I don't even think there's anyone else good on this defense. Like, a good defense, wouldn't want any of the other players besides Khalil. And it also shows you the Raiders, man.

They had a two-year stretch where they got Khalil Mack, Derek Carr, so they got their star pass rusher, they got their starting quarterback, and they got Amari Cooper, which early on looked like a really, really like a guy that was going to be a top three or four wide receiver in the league. And then by the time John Gruden got there, it was his call kind of over. And it was just Derek, who was not quite as good as he once was. So kind of a crazy little tale of a career. but, you know, at the end of the day, hard to say, you know, in Derek's shoes go,

I started for 11 years in the NFL, I made $200 million. You know, in his mind, probably thinks it's really, really successful. And I'm not saying he's necessarily wrong, but I think the way people would talk about it would say he's unsuccessful given how many starts he had and the results. And I think my overall take is, like, most guys don't overcome. In any, like, I could put you, like, you were going to have much more success if you're a finance guy and you go work for Goldman Sachs than if you go work for some crazy organization. I'm a much better podcaster because you guys can hear me because of Colin Coward than if I did not have him.

A lot of stuff is out of our control. So he plays for the Raiders who are running through coaches who finally look like they got it right and then Gruden has to get fired because of everything that happened. it's just not a normal place to work. And a Peyton Manning, a Josh Allen Lamar Jackson, there's certain type of just freak talents that might be able to overcome it. Most guys cannot.

You see the Cowboys, when a couple things go wrong, DAC looks awful. It's like, what is happening? Say this for the most part in Kirk Cousin's career. Like, when he signed with Minnesota, like, they're pretty well-run organization

with a lot of good players. right as like from Kevin O'Connell to Zimmer like either they're good on defense or good on offense a lot of talent around him like pretty good place to play you know it's Alex Smith everyone called the guy a shitty player until Jim Harbaugh showed up and everyone was like oh it's okay then he goes to Andy Reid's like oh this guy's a playoff quarterback and then up until his leg snapped in half with Washington I think they were six and two he's having a career year it's like yeah you you go to teams they either have good coaches or good talent around you and people that believe in you,

you have a chance. And then when Josh McDaniels got there, that relationship was a disaster. And it turns out like, say what you want about Derek, Josh McDaniels is a joke as a head coach. A complete scam artist. I mean,

he ran one of the great Fugazi campaigns we have ever seen. I read it. Dan Pompeii wrote the article like five years ago. It was like, Jesus, I believe in this.

Josh McDaniels has changed his life around. It was about him looking in the mirror in writing positive words of affirmation down in a journal. It's like, this guy is a way different human than he was for the Denver Broncos when he drafted Tim Tebow and everyone in the building, including the animals, couldn't stand the asshole. It's like he has changed. And then we're like two months in.

We're like, oh, same shit, different day. And listen, Dan Palm Bacon writes some compelling articles. I just read this one about SpyTech and Tom Brady. I actually text John. I'm like, I don't know if you saw this. but this article about you and Tom is incredible. Dan Pompeii can write some gripping pieces. That has Tom on the record so you know it's not, you know,

a scam piece like the Josh McDaniels was. And I don't even know if Josh McDaniels was a scam piece in the sense that he truly believed like, I'm a positive person now. I'm different than I once was. I will not be Belichick this time around. It's like, no, bro, you will. You're going to do the same thing over and over. and it didn't matter who played for Josh McDaniels.

You would fail. Whether there's Team Tebow, whether it's Derek Carr, whether it's Peyton Manning or Patrick Mahomes. It would not go as well as it could because of this. We say it all the time with Brock Purdy. Like he's an incredible story and an easy guy to root for, even though he's obviously a polarizing individual in the world of people that talk about football.

But like what he has accomplished being the last pick in the draft and how well he's played is fucking awesome. But he benefits greatly from going to Kyle Shanahan. If I gave Brock Purdy to some of these other teams, it probably would not look that. And he'd be the first guy to tell you. And I would have told Derek,

if you would advise me, should I go to the New Orleans Saints with Dennis Allen? Like, I don't know if that's a great idea, man. This might be your one last shot of getting an opportunity to be a long-term starter and getting some money. And obviously, Monday talks, shit walks, and they gave him $70, $80 million guaranteed. And he said, yes.

and now a couple years later he's retired. So crazy story. You never know what's going to happen in this league, but pretty good run for the Fresno State quarterback. Financially, that's for sure. The NBA 82 game grind is done, and now the real fun begins. The NBA playoffs are here and it's time for the high-stakes drama.

Clutch moments and jaw-dropping plays. Can't wait. If you're looking to make the playoffs, even more exciting, Draft King's Sportsbook has you covered as an official sports betting partner of the NBA. From the playing games all the way through the finals. Now the time to back your favorite players and teams as they chase glory. All season long, Draft Kings has been your go-to spot for NBA player props.

And that doesn't stop now. Want to make your playoff experience even more intense? Try placing a bet on your favorite player's performance. Will Curry drop 30? Will LeBron drop 40? Or more, it's your call. Ready to place your first bet, Download the Draft Kings Sportsbook app now,

lock in your bets, and let's make the playoff run unforgettable. Here's something special for first-timers. New Draft King's customers bet five to get 200 in bonus bets instantly. Make it a playoff run to remember with Draft Kings. Download the Draft King Sportsbook app and use the code John. That's code John for new customers to get 200 bonus bets when you bet just five bucks. Only on Draft Kings, the crown is yours.

Gambling problem, call 1-800 gambler. In New York, call 8778-8-Hope-N-Y or text Hope-N-Y 4667-369. In Connecticut, help is available for problem gambling. Call 888-789-777 or visit ccpg.org. Please play responsibly. On behalf of Boot Hill Casinoin Resort in Kansas, 21 and over, age and eligibility varies by jurisdiction, void in Ontario. Bonus bets expire 168 hours after issuance. For additional terms and responsible gaming resources, see dkng.com slash audio.

Hey, it's us, the Jonas Brothers. And guess what? We have some big news. What's the news? Huge news. We created our own podcast called Hey Jonas. We invented a podcast? Well, we didn't invent it. We just contributed to it.

We're the first people to do podcasts. Pretty, yeah, pretty wide range of podcasts. We're starting a trend. But this one's extra special. So how do we actually come up with a name, Hey Jonas, guys? I honestly don't remember. I think it was on a call about what we should call it. And we were thinking I'm originally calling it one of the early

names of our band before Jonas Brothers was... This is how you guys remember it going down? Yes. I have a very different memory of this. We were talking about a thing, a bit for the podcast, where people could call in and say, hey, Jonas. And then I wrote down on my little notepad,

Hey Jonas, and offered it up as a potential title for the podcast. But thanks for remembering that, guys. Listen to Hey Jonas on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. Just listen. We don't care where you hear it. Another podcast from some essence. L. L. Late Night Comedy Guy, not quite. Unhumor me with Robert Smygel and Friends.

Me and hilarious guests from Bob Odenkirk to David Letterman help make you funnier. This week, my guest, S&L's Mikey Day and head writer, Streeter Seidel, help an a cappella band with their between songs banter. Where does your group perform? We do some retirement homes. Those people are starving for banter. Listen to humor me with Robert Smigel and Friends on the I-Heart Radio app,

Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Last night, a blown number. call changed a game. This morning, the internet lost its mind. Highlights are trending, opinions are flying, and nobody's telling you exactly what happened. That's where Sports Slice comes in. I'm Timbo. Every episode, we're cutting through the noise, breaking down the plays, the controversies, and the stories behind the headlines. We go straight to the source, the athletes themselves, their locker room stories, their reactions, the stuff nobody gets to hear. The laughs, the drama, the triumphs, the moments that never make the highlight real.

From viral moments to historic games, from buzzer beaters to controversial calls, we break it down, give you context, and ask the questions everybody wants answered. SportsSlice brings you closer to the action with stories told by the people who live them. Listen to SportsSlice on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. And for more, follow Timbo Slices Life 12 in the TikTok podcast network on TikTok. Jacob Kingston grew up in an isolated polygamous sect. We were God's chosen kingdom on earth. He felt destined for greatness.

So when a swaggering Armenian businessman catapults Jacob into an extraordinary world, he doesn't look back. Ferraris and Lamborghinis, private jets, meeting the president of Turkey. I'm Michelle McPhee, and this is one of the most shocking criminal conspiracies I've ever come across. When Jacob met Levant this plant to a billion dollar fraud. But with two kings from entirely different worlds, Just how long can their empire survive? The largest tax investigation in American history. You need to tell me what you know.

Is somebody coming after me? Jacob told Levan, you're ruining my life. Listen to Kingdom of Fraud on the I-Heart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. A couple other things. Rookie mini camps have started all over the NFL. and, you know, obviously, Shadour and Dylan Gabriel and all these quarterbacks, taking reps and learning the plays and on the practice field. Obviously, when you get drafted higher, because of the money the organization is going to give you,

they are going to be more, I would say, aggressively trying to make it look, you look good and just spend and invest more time in you, given that they invested a high resource, a high pick, and are paying you more money than the rest of the draft class combined. But after a while, if you're not good enough, you're not good enough. And if the fourth round player by the middle of training camp looks like he's a starter or is making plays, like he's going to play.

And he will play over the first rounder if he is just objectively better. And so all these guys were drafted all over the place. and I saw Tom Brady kind of go on this rant. I don't know what podcast he was on. It looked like he was talking to like one of the Paul brothers. About like, listen, man. Shador, everyone's making this big deal. I told him like, now it starts.

I was drafted way later than you were, buddy. Look where I'm sitting now. So all these mini camps, all these OTAs, and then training camp, you get to control your own destiny. Like some guys have more money in their bank account, but just because I was driving, drafted 14th or 37th, that doesn't guarantee me anything. It doesn't guarantee that I'm going to be a good player.

It doesn't guarantee me that I'm going to be a starter. It doesn't guarantee that I'm going to be on the team in three or four years. I mean, think how many quarterbacks we've seen over the last several years drafted really high who are now on other teams. It was the big deal with like one thing that I was told by scouting buddies. The thing with Chador is obviously his interviews went weird with the bad teams. And I can't speak to those. I don't know anyone on those teams.

I wish I did, but I don't know anyone on the Giants. So I can't. I've heard just what you've heard about those situations. I do know a lot of people on teams that are deep in the playoffs. And all those teams are viewed as teams that have quarterbacks. So he wouldn't talk to any of them. Well, those teams interview everybody. Like, you don't think the Kansas City Chiefs interview guys that they aren't going to draft

because in three or four years, they might trade for that player. They might acquire that player in waivers when he gets cut. That guy might be on his team. On the Ravens, on the bills, on the Eagles, on the Lions. And when you just don't talk to those teams, like, they don't get to know you. Yeah, they're probably not going to draft you, but that doesn't mean that they probably won't,

I don't know, sign you, trade for you, or acquire you in the future. This is the NFL guys move teams all the time. and that's because I'm on a team as a high pick and then a couple years later I'm not playing well why is that because some dude in the later rounds maybe even undrafted free agent is in my spot

and it's the best part about the NFL and it starts now not that you're able to glean that much from a time when they're in shorts and a t-shirt and a helmet but this is a great time if you're a young guy to learn that fucking playbook because when the pads do come on and it really separates the men from the boys.

And listen, hitting in practice, it's not like it was, I'm sure, 20, 30, 40 years ago. But like the games are, and you get to all the preseason reps, and you are judged incredibly, like with a fine-tooth comb and a microscope during that period of time in those plays. And not even just by your team.

The entire league is evaluating you. So there's just a lot on the line starting now. And listen, there are a lot of guys on the team. They're third, fourth, fifth year guys. that their spot's not even in jeopardy. I mean, it's the ultimate meritocracy, doggy dog world. Like, if you do not get it done, you will get replaced. There are guys right now who are going to roll into OTAs

that have been the starter the last couple years at guard, at linebacker, at slot receiver, at safety, and are just looking at their wife or their girlfriend or maybe hanging out with their mom the day on Mother's Day and just like, I'm the starter, I'm the starting guard. for Team X, smiling, I'm making seven figs. In three or four months, that guy will not be the starter anymore. Why?

He will have been beat out by someone else. Could be a returning practice squad guy. Could be a fifth round pick. Could be something, someone that he has never even met yet. That's football. And really, it starts now. These next month plus are much more mental than physical. But that mental carries right.

into training camp where then it becomes this combination of mentally and physically taxing. Last but not least, the NFL, I don't know if, I don't think it was announced because the schedule is supposed to come out later this week. But I saw a report that this Brazil game's going to be a thing, which I don't quite, like, I get playing the Friday night game, though I did see, you know, in this, I forget who it was, Tommy Tupperville or someone in politics made a comment of like, You know, the NFL forever just abided by the rules that they weren't supposed to play in any Fridays from like September through the middle of December.

They have clearly not given a you know what lately and they aren't following any rules. But this Friday, week one, like they've been playing it and they're clearly doing it again and it's going to be Chargers Chiefs, which is an awesome basically second night of the year game. I mean, last year was Eagles Packers, which again was fantastic just in terms of the brands, playoff teams, just a cool matchup. And I think we just got to buckle up. So unless someone in Washington tells them, Fridays are still off limits in September, guys,

which, who knows? I mean, it's a little above my pay grade to even be able to guess if that's even going to happen. But get ready for this Friday, Brazil game, I think is going to be one of the better games of the year in terms of early season matchups, prime time game. And, yeah, The NFL loves.

It's funny, when people say, like, one day we're going to get football Monday through Sunday, I just don't think we are. I mean, one of their greatest attributes right now is the scarcity of the actual asset, and that's the games. But they have spread more and more over time, put more of these things on television, and just because it's so fresh, it's early on preseason is always such a letdown. We're so excited for football. And then you watch like two series of a preseason game.

You're like, this is awful. So I'm not going to complain. And excited to watch Harbaugh and Andy go at it on international soil. Blending Vice's signature dynamic storytelling with the high-octane world of sports, Vice Sports brings an exciting and diverse range of programming that goes beyond the game. From action-packed live events to gripping behind-the-scenes documentaries to hard-hitting, investigative pieces and in-depth profiles of athletes, coaches, teams. Vice Sports captures the raw energy, drama, and passion that makes sports truly

unforgettable. Catch live events and other exclusive sports programs only on Vice TV. Go to viseTV.com to find your cable channel. Okay, it's a little mailback time. At John Middlecough, at John Middlecough is the Instagram firing those DMs. Get your questions answered right here on the show. Again, just my name, two Fs. we will start with Sean

been listening to your podcast religiously for the last year I appreciate that it's kind of embarrassing but I just realized I'd not liked and subscribed yet oh no we gotta do that anyway Charger fan my question is about Greg Roman I love what Harbaugh's brought to the table and it looks like Jesse Minner is going to go down the same path

as McDonald in Seattle but I worry about the offense it seems like Roman couldn't figure out whether he wanted to run heavy offense or let it rip he didn't exactly develop Lamar during his first years while OC in Baltimore, which is concerning. Was he actually a good OC on the Niners with Cap and Alex or was a team so freaksly talented that any dude off the street could have ran the offense?

Is he just another Norv Turner from the Cowboy Dynasty? Subpar play caller but had a loaded roster. That's a good question. He's a very polarizing individual. I remember his last year with the Niners, and that it ended up being Harbaugh's last year too. Trent Balke's daughter tweeted, I think fire Greg Roman.

So everyone thought that like, well, if she's saying that, you know that Trent believes that. Obviously, I would say, listen, he is a big reason. I think Alex looks solid. And then he changed the offense completely for Kaepernick. And then they ran, you know, his ability to utilize that offense for Lamar. Won him an MVP.

So I think Greg Roman is better than he's talked about Now is he If we did an OC draft Of coaches That are either head coaches Or just the OCs You know he's not going to go on the top 10

But like here's the thing with Jim Harbaugh Jim Harbaugh is a former quarterback An offensive guy in theory Yet he can't call the place It's very rare that Jim Harb, someone in his position, a former quarterback is not the play caller. But Jim Harbaugh is basically John Harbaugh,

Mike Tomlin, Dan Campbell, Pete Carroll. I mean, he's like an organizational leader, Ra Ra Ra guy. Ra, Ra, sounds negative. I mean that in a positive way. But he swears by this guy. So I think Greg Roman's probably better than he gets credit for.

But I do think he is going to be under the microscope this year heading into the season. but also Jim Harbaugh's philosophy is running the ball. So like while Jim is not calling play in, play out the plays, there is no doubt in my mind that he's often on the headset, like, let's run it here, let's run it here. And what did they just do? They drafts a running back in the first round.

So I would get ready for the running game to thrive. What they had in Baltimore, what they had in San Francisco, elite run game. 49ers were one of the better running teams in the league with Frank Gore. and they definitely were in Baltimore with Lamar win the MVP, and they will be, I would imagine, with Hampton in that running game. Now, what are they? They basically drafted a running back in the first round. They also signed Naji.

So they got two guys. They plan on running down your throat. How is it possible? This is from another shot. That the dolphins are going to have another season with a below average backup quarterback. Tua's injuries have completely derailed the previous seasons and left the team utterly unwatchable. knowing the injury history, they're going to go into a season with Zach Wilson,

who got beat out by Jarrett Sidham in Denver, and seventh round, Quinn Ewers, make it make sense. I can't. I don't know what to tell you. Yeah, I feel you as a Dolphins fan, but I think it's going to get really, really ugly. Really, really ugly. And then brighter days could be ahead.

Big fan of the pod. Currently as I drive through Davis, California on my way to Sacramento, it reminded me of how you said you grew up here. I know you used to live in NorCal. How would you compare life up there to Arizona in terms of lifestyle, cost, and overall vibe? Also, curious to hear your take as a Saints fan. With their current quarterback situation looking shaky, do you think it makes sense to trade Kamara while he still has value to gain more draft capital?

What's your prediction for the team's direct? over the next few years. Yeah, born and Raisin Davis, spent 18 years of my life. You know, I'd go back, my brother and mom lived there. It's way different than the way I grew up.

And I would say just Northern California feels a little different than the Northern California I grew up in in the 90s. The vibes, comparing it to the vibes here. I mean, I'd put the vibes here or just elite.

I would put the vibes in Scottsdale, Arizona, up against any. Lifestyle, I would say somewhat similar. The West Coast lifestyle is just, I would say, pretty transferable to California, never been to Vegas or lived in Vegas, but I would imagine Vegas has similar in Arizona, kind of just the culture of us as humans. Cost of living. It probably just depends on where you live.

I mean, there are areas that are outrageously expensive and then there are areas that are really cheap. The biggest difference is the taxes. So I'd say, yeah, I mean, the Kamara thing, my guess is the Saints are not going to be any good. It's going to be a rough year. When your quarterback situation is Shuck, Rattler, and Jay Caner, who's my guy, by the way,

I like Jay Canter. I don't know if he's an NFL. quarterback. But my guy Mark who invited me to this golf tournament that I've been at basically Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, which was incredible. Playing with like Phil Mickelson's teammates from college, the vibes there were really, really high. Some good people. I've been to a couple of these invited over the years to Country Club, one in the Bay Area, one here. I'd say I put the vibes of the Arizona one, you know, some former NFL guys. It was just, it. It was just, it It was strong.

It was, the booze was flowing. It was sweet. But Mark, who invited me, who's a member out there, his sons play college football. He played college football back at San Diego, probably 20 plus years ago. And he coached a little in this area. And he coached guys like Mark Andrews.

And he was saying, by far, the best players he's ever seen in high school were Bijon Robinson, who was like watching fucking. and Jim Brown and his prime playing high school. It was stupid. And Spencer Rattler. He's like, and this guy, I mean, play college football,

so he grew up in Chicago. He's been around football for a long time. His son was a Division 1 recruit, playing Division 1 football now. Like, I value this guy's take. Because I remember watching the Netflix thing, I'm like, this guy's just too douchey. But he was saying he was really sweet.

Like, really, really good. And then his career just got derailed at Oklahoma, and then he kind of resurrected it last year or two years ago at South Carolina. Then he had a lot of momentum going into the Saints year, but then obviously he's not going to beat out Derek, but then he started playing and it was kind of weird, but how bad was the coaching? I wonder if Spencer Rattler could beat out Shuck, or it's impossible because Kellen Moore is going to want Shuck to be the guy. Situation is just weird. I know that the GM is a political position, but I cannot wrap my head around how

Greer still has a job in Miami. He is the only GM hired before 21 that doesn't have a playoff win, and all seven GMs with a longer tenure have been to a Super Bowl. He had five first round picks over two years and didn't draft one

all pro player. He's mismanaged contracts. His coaching hires are jokes and clearly other GMs take advantage of him. How do guys, like him, keep their jobs? And then he ended it with, and apparently they don't usually. I would say more than a coach

because a coach's work is just so evident on game day and game day is where they pay the bills even though the GM has a huge say but GMs get to watch the game typically with the owner so they can blame everything on the coach so it's easy to blame it on Mike McDaniel or Vic Fangio or the D coordinator

or how they're using guys or Tyree Kill's attitude right and you never blame yourself because I'm in total agreement he's done a horrendous job I mean he really has I mean it's just like what is going on here

I think the come to Jesus moment for the franchise though is I'm telling you I'm all in on it being really really ugly this year now I can't speak I don't know the guy

I don't know Stephen Ross bizarre place clearly if I wanted to defend Greer I have come around to maybe maybe agreeing with like I don't think you can win there I think it's impossible to win in Miami. I just don't think it's possible.

Now, maybe if they had Sean McVeigh, would they have a better chance? Of course. But is that a place where you could sustain winning? I think we have a long enough kind of resume now of the internet era that you're just not winning there. So maybe it's you could replace career with the next guy. Like if they had Howie Roseman, would they have a better chance? Of course. But I do think it's much easier to build winning teams.

in Green Bay, in Philadelphia, in New England. It's kind of proven. There's just a lot going on for good, rich, young, I said good, good looking, rich, in shape people in Miami that are famous, clearly. The fuck around factor there is really, really high. Why do the Steelers continue to not see the light and adapt to the modern NFL philosophy of offense wins championships? Do you think it'll take them being really bad?

to finally cave and legitimately invest in the quarterback position. They just stockpile of picks. They have possibly moved off T.J. Watt or Mika Fitzpatrick, big fan of the show. Well, I mean, I'll never forget when Arians was fired from the Steelers for not running the ball. So we can blame Tomlin, but like the culture in that organization goes back to the 70s. Right? The culture of the Cowboys is how do we. strike a deal. How do we get some star player for a fourth round pick? Well, Jerry, you don't. That's not the way it works.

If you want to get some legit player, pay them some cash on the open market. You're not going to trade for George Pickens and think like, God, we got to steal here. Every team in the league could have had the guy. They all said no. So it's like, Jerry is the reason that they make some of these crazy deals. And ultimately, beside a couple guys in their team, don't spend that much cash. But the thing with the Cowboys, like, everyone just blames Jerry. Where I think you get some of these other places, Tomlin takes a lot of shit. It's like, you don't think Tomlin looks around in like Baltimore has went from like, basically they were the Steelers 2.0, and then they've just completely changed with Lamar.

Cincinnati got Joe Burrell and they throw it all the time. You don't think he realizes that? I do think you could argue it's like the Rooney's organizational philosophy, is old school toughness defense, which I'm all for. four. Like that, that's never going to go out of style, right? There are certain things in any walk of life that are always going to work. You know, I will teach my child to look someone in the eye and shake their hand. Right? Just like, are you going to shake less hands in 2040 than you would have in 1980? Probably. But that, to me, that's never going old. You could argue like the thank you

note. I mean, shit, we still, I mean, got a to do list that we have got to attack here. Thank you. you note for our wedding. Could you argue the thank you note little outdated? Right? I mean, do I need a thank you note or email or text message work? Probably. But again, the thank you note still has a lot of power. Is a thank you note going to exist in 20 years? Maybe not. But I never followed anyone for teaching their child or writing a thank you note. Right. There is power behind it. Right. I do think you could look at the Roonies and go, like, I do understand. and what you see. But like, what are we doing, guys?

Because if the Rooney's told everybody, like, hey, we need to take a quarterback high. Now, maybe they'd argue we did that a couple years ago, and it blew up in our face. I'd say, yeah, it was Kenny Pickett. Hey, it's us, the Jonas brothers. And guess what? We have some big news. What's the news, new? Huge news.

We created our own podcast called, Hey, Jonas. We invented a podcast? Well, we didn't invent it. We just contributed to a... We're the first people to do podcasts. Pretty, yeah, pretty wide range of podcasts throughout there. But this is a trend. But this is a trend.

This one's extra special. So how did we actually come up with a name, Hey Jonas, guys? I honestly don't remember. I think it was on a call about what we should call it. Well, we were thinking I'm originally calling it one of the early names of our band. Before Jonas Brothers was... This is how you guys remember it going down? Yes.

I have a very different memory of this. We were talking about a thing, a bit for the podcast, where people could call in and say, hey, Jonas. And then I wrote down on my little notepad, Hey Jonas. and offered it up as a potential title for the podcast. But thanks for remembering that, guys. Listen to Hey Jonas on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. Just listen. We don't care where you hear it. Another podcast from some SNL late-night comedy guy, not quite.

Unhumor me with Robert Smigel and Friends. Me and hilarious guests from Bob Odenkirk to David Letterman help make you funnier. This week, my guest, SNL's Mikey Day and head writer Streeter Seidel. help an a cappella band with their between songs banter. Where does your group perform? We do some retirement homes. Those people are starving for banter. Listen to humor me with Robert Smigel and friends on the I-Heart Radio app, Apple Podcasts,

or wherever you get your podcasts. Jacob Kingston grew up in an isolated polygamous sect. We were God's chosen, kingdom on earth. He felt destined for greatness. So when a swaggering Armenian businessman catapults Jacob into an extraordinary world, he doesn't look back. Ferraris and Lamborghinis, private jets, meeting the president of Turkey.

I'm Michelle McPhee, and this is one of the most shocking criminal conspiracies I've ever come across. When Jacob met Levant, this went to a billion dollar fraud. But with two kings from entirely different worlds, just how long can their empire survive?

The largest tax investigation in American history. You need to tell me what you know. is somebody coming after me. Jacob told Levan, you're ruining my life. Listen to Kingdom of Fraud on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Last night, a blown call changed a game. This morning, the internet lost its mind.

Highlights are trending, opinions are flying, and nobody's telling you exactly what happened. That's where Sports Slice comes in. I'm Timbo. Every episode, we're cutting through the noise, breaking down the plays, the controversies, and the stories behind the headlines. We go straight to the source, the athlete themselves. Their locker room stories, their reactions, the stuff nobody gets to hear. The laughs, the drama, the triumphs, the moments that never make the highlight real.

From viral moments to historic games, from buzzer beaders to controversial calls, we break it down, give you context, and ask the questions everybody wants answered. Sports Slice brings you closer to the action with stories told by the people who live them. Listen to Sports Slice on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever, you get your podcast. And for more, follow Timbo Slic Life 12 and the TikTok podcast network

on TikTok. Question for the bag. What's up with the whole JJ is a handoff merchant. Narrative. Even if that's the case, the Vikings would still be the perfect fit for him.

Upgraded a line to starting caliber backs and the quarterback whisper. I think it's just because they are depending on a guy that in big games against the best teams, you get to third.

and 7 to 3rd and 12. Second and long. Against the Green Bay Packers' entire game in the fourth quarter. This is not, like, in Michigan, they out-talented everybody. Just what Mack Jones did the same thing with Saving. We just have better players than you. And in the NFL, the Vikings are loaded.

Their roster, man-for-man, is one of the best in the league. But, like, you're still going to make some passes. and he comes from an offense that didn't rely on him to do that. So can he do that? Obviously, physically he can make the passes, but is he going to be comfortable doing that? Big picture, you develop that guy, totally.

But what makes his situation unique is like, if I told you, if you're a Vikings fan and said you're won and done in the playoffs, that'd be pretty disappointing. I'm not saying that your aspirations are win the Super Bowl this year, but it's like be in the mix for the NFC championship game. standard the I would say the expectations

and the ambitions of the fans and the team are pretty high a lot of rookie quarterbacks get to kind of fly into the radar he does not like for example if Tyler Shuck wins the job for the Saints they could win four games he throws 25 touchdowns it's a successful year it's not even about the stats with JJ it's about winning and making big plays and not throwing picks

and making big passes. Like, it's just, it's an intense environment. Even if that's two or three passes a game, obviously he's going to throw more than that, but I'm just saying, like, they're going to be two or three passes in the second half. They're going to be highly scrutinized. What's your opinion on the Kirwin-Williams contract situation?

The Rams in recent history haven't paid their running backs big money since Gurley. No chance they're paying him. Zero. I would imagine, which is the right business move, you just play out this season. If he has a huge bounce back and can hold on of the ball. Maybe you would entertain franchising him. Probably not.

But yeah, just he's running back. Solid player. Drafts another one. Long time listener. I mean, I actually like him. Fumbling issues. Like to me, if you have bad hands, right, you see some of these receivers. They just don't have good hands. Like, that's usually, maybe you can like incrementally

small, small, minute details improve. Like from, You know, if one to ten, if your hands are a four, maybe over the course of several years you can turn them into a five. But you're never going to have hands like Chris Carter, right? Marvin Harrison. Like, your hands are always going to be average. I do think fumbling is something that can be fixed. We saw it with a tiki run.

Tiki barber. Like, fumbling is something that you can actively work to correct. So, point of pressure. Look, I'm not a running back coach, but I do. feel more confident in fixing a fumbling issue than working on certain things. Like, if you're a 4-6 guy, you're never going to be a 4-4 guy. Like, you're always going to be slow relative to the NFL. Right?

To me, fumbling is something like, I do think it's a tangible, specific thing that you can work on. And there are coaching points, and we've just actually seen it. Just like accuracy with quarterback. Some guys are going to be inaccurate, but there are definitely ways that you can help that out with better footwork. you know, more rhythm, more understanding of the offense. Lifetime Saints fan. I bleed black and gold. Personally, I think the Saints are primed to be a dark horse in the South this year.

I think a guy with a lot of upside and elite traits like Shuck really takes their quarterback room to a new level. Also, I think the Brandon Staley hire will pay dividends come mid-year thoughts. I think you just have so much unknown with the quarterback. He is old, right? So he's a lot of experience coming into the year. We saw Bo Nix. It shouldn't be too big for him.

He's played in big programs. He's played in big games. He's seen it all. So there's a maturity coming. If you use Nix as an example. I would use Pennix as an example too, but Pennix only got to start the last couple games. If Pennix had started the whole season,

I do think him and Nicks were just like plug and play ready. Now, I don't mean plug and play ready to be sweet. I just mean plug and play ready. I like penics, and I'm rooting for penics, but sitting penics makes no sense. He was ready to roll. Tyler Shuck, ready to roll. But how good you're going to be,

very dependent on who's around you. They do have Kamara. Chris Alave is a good player. The one dude 22 who got hurt at the end of the year can fly playmaker. He's interesting. Their tight ends pretty good. They've invested multiple first round picks

these last two years in offensive linemen. Banks and the Oregon State kid last year is good. So they've invested a lot in that unit and they got an offensive head coach who's going to call the place. So yeah, I mean, I think the offense, if the quarterback is good, which is an unknown, I wouldn't bet on him being good. I wouldn't bet on him necessarily be met. If you told me he's just solid, I'd believe you. If like he's just a starter in the league for five or six years, I think that's believable. But I do think the Saints defense, like I think Brandon Salee is pretty overrated. I think he got a lot of credit for the Rams who have a loaded defense.

I got news for you. Anyone who's the defensive coordinator of the Rams is good. Why? They have good players. They scout well. They have a good organizational philosophy of toughness. And he did it one year with like the greatest player, one of them in the history of the league in the prime of his career. And Jalen Ramsey, who was in the prime of his career.

What we witnessed with the Chargers was embarrassing. And then I saw another coach come in that knows what he's doing and their defense was good. So to me, the offense, I would be more bullish on your guys' offense than I would be on Brandon Staley in the defense. Dennis Allen is a much better defensive coach than Brandon Staley. What's up, man, big fan. I've got two questions for you. First, Big Lions fan. How do you think we should approach upgrading the defense while keeping the,

space out of our star players extensions. I feel like we need another true edge rusher. Curious how you manage that balance. My second question is more personal. This time next year, I'll have my bachelor's in computer science. I have an internship lined up that'll pay really well after a year, but I won't be making money in the beginning and really don't want to move back home. I've also been considering just jumping into the job right after graduation to stay independent. What's your opinion? Let me start with your second question. I didn't make very much money early on,

and I was just, you had to, like, focus on the big picture. One thing I knew, and this is no shot of my parents who did a awesome job and couldn't have been any more supportive, emotionally, just over the course of my life and supported me and it, whatever I wanted to do, like, you know, me going into football. This was not like, I didn't grow up in the Shanahan's household. My dad was a farmer. My mom worked at the state capital.

I mean, this, I didn't, it wasn't like, you should do that. Most people was like, be a doctor, be a lawyer. Obviously, I wasn't smart enough to do any, either of those who have any interest. But my point is, like, it would have been easy for them to be like, what are you doing? But I did. And again, no shade at them. I was never, ever, ever moving back in once I left. When I went to college, I was never coming back home.

That was never an option. So for me, the number one thing, like, I could never live with them. Again, once I left, I was going. Your boy was out. spreading his wings. Now, whether I had to live in the shittiest apartment, whether I had to do whatever I had to do, I also like, I mean, while some of my friends were doing well, traveling and partying in their mid-20s, like, I worked a lot. Didn't bother me. Now, it's a little different day and age. Internet wasn't quite as strong in terms of social media, so your FOMO. I enjoyed what I did, but like my life was a little different than some people. And if you can stomach, like having a little shitty.

or start, but do it on your own. I do think there's a lot of, it's impossible to quantify, but I do think the benefits for your self-confidence after that are pretty strong. And it's like, I just needed my own. I couldn't go from college

doing whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted to ever going back there. It wasn't happening. I understand some people, You know, I also never worked in that area necessarily, so it wasn't even something that was on the table. But if that's something that means a lot to you, don't do it and figure out a way.

And if that means living a little crappier situation for a year, I think you'll look back and it'll make for a good story and you'll be glad that you do that. The Lions, I mean, part of they draft a defensive tackle in this draft, right? I mean, they've drafted multiple front seven players around Hutchinson. over the last couple years. And that's part of the way the sport works. I mean, I thought, hey,

if Miles Garrett gets traded, if Max Crosby gets traded, the lion should go all in. Well, not only did neither of them, they get traded, they got to combine like $250 million in guarantee dollars. So I don't even know what they should. I mean, you can't get mad at them

for not trading for those guys. They weren't even available. I think the lions are fine. And let me hammer that home again. Find a way. Don't move in with your parents. back in. And I understand, it's like a lot of people do it.

And listen, sometimes you don't have a choice. But if you have a job, they can pay, just keep your head above water. You've got to eat ramen. Like, you don't always have to live great. I know everyone on Instagram thinks everyone's living like a king. That's just not the fact of life. Big fan of the pod.

Question, could you see a world where the Vikings win 14 games with J.J. McCarthy? I believe he's about 80% of advertised. It's certainly possible. improved defense with Flores returning and improved offensive line and run game as well as arguably a top five receiver Am I insane or is just another year of media underrated the Vikings?

Well I would say if you had a top 10 quarterback on your team you are competing for the one seed Sam Darnold last year was a top 10 quarterback in the NFC or in the NFL and you competed for the one seed right up until the last regular season game And your team's on paper is even better. Now, I would say, and I think you guys would agree, relatively healthy, right? You lost your left tackle.

I forget which week that was, 8, 10, 12. But for the most part, like Jefferson, you know, your defensive guys. Did Addison get injured? I don't think he really did. I think you guys were mostly healthy. So, assuming health, if Jay, Jay, J.J. just has to be like a top 15 quarterback and you're winning 12, 13 games. The thing is, we just, it's a great unknown.

Like, what's he going to look like on the road, week three in Chicago and it's raining? I don't know. There's just no way to know. Congrats. Happy Fugazi Friday. Got a mailbag question. I'm a high-volume NFL best ball player. Shout out to your sponsor, D.K.

Do you foresee any macro changes to the NFL? NFL strategy that could lead to micro edges in fantasy. For example, more running or more passing than in recent years. More rotations and committees at running back versus more workhorse rules. I actually think the workhorse kind of back. You know, you just saw Hampton get drafted in the first round. Like, I know they signed Najee Harris. Like that guy's going to have a massive workload these next couple years.

You know, if Christian McCaffrey's healthy, he gets all the, the touches. Sequan Barkley gets all the touches. Right. So you could argue the running game or shifting, you just, Sean Payton is so excited for that UCF running back. The guy, the Steelers just drafted from Iowa. That guy's going to be good. Caleb Johnson.

That guy's a really good player. So I do think we're going to see a lot more guys get heavy workloads. And the run game, because in the NFL, the rules, you know, for passing, one, if your quarterback situation is just somewhat questionable, the easiest way to help them out is a running game. And it's because of the rules and the physicality of the game has changed a little bit. The line of scrimmage, offensive line, defensive line is the one area where you can get after it. And if you draft well and you build a good offensive line, like you can run the ball down people's

throats. That's why the Eagles do it. It's why the 49ers with their scheme do it. I mean, look at Cook with the bills. So I think we're getting, I don't want to say a Renaissance, but I think teams are much more inclined to ride these guys. Now, the hard part is in fantasy, I'm not a huge fantasy guy. I played a little DFS in my day, but haven't you guys always, and I don't even know what best ball is, but like, don't you guys always draft running backs pretty highly? It's not like they're an undervalued position. So I do think the leadback's coming back.

speaking of the lead back. Question for the mailback. What did you think of the Chargers? I know some didn't like them taking Hampton the first round, but I think he fits perfectly. Also, at the end of the wildcard loss of the Texans said that he felt they did Herbert a disservice, and I think with the offensive players they chose over the weekend,

will really elevate the offense. I feel like some are sleeping on them. What do you think? Think about Harbaugh's success. You know, post-Andrew. luck, which he had, I mean, as a full-time star, I think for one year, then he left, and then Shaw got him. But with the 49ers, Frank Gore played a huge, huge role for Jim Harbaugh success. I think Jim Harbaugh, still to this day, calls Frank Gore, like his favorite NFL player

ever. So if I go to Frank Gore, his stat page, I bet. So in 2011, when Harbaugh gets there, He runs for 1,200 yards, 1,200 yards, 1,100 yards, 8, 8, 9 touchdowns. But he also catches 17, 28, and 16. He actually caught the ball less than he did. That's actually something to keep an eye on. I wonder if Greg Roman is going to throw the ball to the running back. At the time, the 49ers, they had multiple running backs. But Frank Gore is a pretty good pass.

they honestly probably underutilized him in the passing game. But I would imagine that, I mean, it's going to be, it's going to work. And then look at Michigan. I mean, his best team had Quorum, Gus Edwards, not Gus, Gus Edwards? Who was the running back, I think, 2000, 23 Michigan football stats. What's that kid's name? Not Gus Edwards. rushing.

Donovan Edwards, who I think had a bad injury. I don't think he got drafted. Blake Corum had 27 touchdowns. Blake Corum's stats essentially look like Frank Gore. 28 carries. This is in

2023. 15 games, 258 carries, 1300 yards, 27 touchdowns, 16 catches. They did throw the ball. I don't think the chargers are going to throw the ball is much to Hampton and they throw it to whoever the back, maybe

nausey. Something to keep an eye on. Hampton's going to work. Hampton's going to be good. Okay, last question. So I think the Giants had a good draft. Better than people think. Dart won't start this year barring any major circumstance but I think the kid can play. What are your thoughts on Scataboo?

I was around a lot of Arizona State guys the last couple days. I mean, die-hearts. I mean, dudes that have been around the program before Tillman and Plummer got there. They talk about Scataboo like he's Jim Brown or Walter Payton. I mean, his season for the people around this program,

he's a really, really big deal. And I got asked a lot about what I thought. And I said, because a lot of these guys, you know, are rooting for him. But I think the question I constantly heard of Scataboo was like, well, he just runs over everybody. How is that going to translate to the NFL? And I say historically, it's a risky proposition drafting running backs that run guys over.

It's like drafting wide receivers that just only catch contested balls. You know, that's something in the NFL. It's like it gets a lot harder to do. And I would agree that the contested thing is still a big red flag. If that's most of your plays, not a route run or whatever, you just body guys up. Like if you just think, this is the next DeAndre Hopkins. Probably not. It's like, this is the next Draymond Green.

Yeah, we've heard that for a decade and none of them turned out to be. to me Scataboo, his short area quickness is excellent, and he has great hands. But like the NFL, if this was 2000 or 1993, I'd be like he's not going to be able to run these guys over. These guys are just bigger and stronger than him. But think about the NFL now. Most of these linebackers don't weigh 260, 270 pounds. You're not seeing Ken Norton Jr. in the hole. Greg Lloyd and Kevin Green aren't chasing you down.

So the size of the guys you're running over, I think the 49er drafted a guy from Oklahoma State that was like 225 pounds. The game, and Howie Roseman talked about this after the draft, it's a speed and space game. So a guy like Scataboo actually benefits from a lot of smaller, quicker guys on the field. Now, they can run him down,

but if they're meeting him in the hole, I like his chances. So I actually think his style, now, is he going to have a 15-year career? I don't know. But is he going to play in the league? 1,000%. And listen, it's sometimes when you try to dunk over guys, get the ball blocked.

He's going to try to run some guys over and he is going to get hit hard. He's also going to light some dudes up. Because some of these, even the safeties now are, how many, there's, Cam Chancellor isn't in the NFL. There's no John Lynch or Steve Atwater coming down in the hole to fucking light him up.

Look at the size of these safeties that are drafted. over the last couple years. They're not as big. Kyle Hamilton is an outlier. So I actually think the league, the dynamics of the size, benefits Scataboo.

And I forget the guy's name. I'm not, it's been a long couple days, boozing a lot of sun, and I'm just out of football mode, but the rookie they drafted last year from the Giants is a good player, the rookie.

I think Scataboo is going to be good. They're going to have a good running back room. Their running back room is going to be solid. I'm still a little surprised they picked up Kvon's fifth-year option. I don't think every team in the league would have done that. But I'm bullish on Scataboo. Again, shorter-term career. You know, if you said over-under, how many years does he play in the NFL, like five and a half?

I might take the under. I'm not expecting like a 10-year running. I'm not expecting Frank Gore here. But because if you're going to play a long time at running back, the reason Frank did. Frank didn't run people over. He got down. He got out of bounds. He made you missed. He just did not take hits. It's honestly, the most underrated skill, Frank Gore's career, was like he did not end up in that many collisions. That was not really his game. He's not playing. You know, Scataboo's like George Kittle.

It's like, oh, shit, should I get out of bounds? Oh, I see three DBs over there. It's lower my shoulder and go seek contact, which I'm not a huge fan of. for running backs because I think it just shortens your career. But, like, if that's your skill set, that's your skill set, and you write it out. They took him in the fourth round. So if the Giants get a couple years of him playing well, like, that's fine. That's all they're really looking for. If they get, I don't know, 40 games over the next five years of him playing at a high level,

they're good. I'm bullish on Scataboo for sure. The volume. Hey, guys, it's us. The Jonas Brothers. I'm Joe. I'm Kevin. And I'm Nick.

And guess what? We created our own podcast. called Hey Jonas. We invented a podcast? Well, we didn't invent it. We just contributed to it. We're the first people to do podcasts. We get to ask other people questions

because we're sick and tired of being asked questions. Well, sick and tired is a strong way to put it, but, you know, tired and sick. Tired and sick. Listen to Hey Jonas on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. Just listen. We don't care where you hear it.

Another podcast from some SNL late night comedy guy, not quite. Unhumor me with Robert Smigel and Friends. Me and hilarious guests. from Bob Odenkirk to David Letterman help make you funnier. This week, my guest, S&L's Mikey Day and head writer, Streeter Seidel,

help an a cappella band with their between songs banter. Where does your group perform? We do some retirement homes. Those people are starving for banter. Listen to humor me with Robert Smigel and friends on the I-Heart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Winning on Clay is an art. The rallies are relentless. And at the French Open, only the toughest survive. I'd know. I competed there for decades. Join me, Renee Stubbs, on the Renee Stubbs tennis podcast for no-nonsense breakdowns of the biggest matches,

the toughest players, and the moments that define Roland Garris. She's an outsider to win the French for me. And she likes Clay. Listen, Lennar Rabakina is arguably the best player in the world right now, and I actually can win on any surface. Listen to the Renee Stubbs tennis podcast on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. Presented by Capital One, founding partner of IHeart Women's Sports.

Here's something that should not be as complicated as it is, getting a racist statue removed. And here's something that should be a whole lot easier than it is, getting a new one put up in its place. I'm Akila Hughes, and Rebel Spirit Season 2 is about both of those things. As I was watching these statues come down, I was thinking about what it meant that I grew up in a majority black city, in which there were more homages to enslavers than there were to enslave people. Listen to Rebel Spirit Season 2 on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. This is an I-Heart podcast, guaranteed human.