The Herd with Colin Cowherd - 3 & Out - Mike Tomlin’s Future, Lamar’s Leadership, and a New Era in College Football

Episode Date: October 29, 2025

On this episode of 3 & Out with John Middlekauff, John dives into what the future could look like for Mike Tomlin and the Pittsburgh Steelers as questions swirl around the franchise’s direction. He breaks down how Lamar Jackson continues to lead both on and off the field and what makes him one of the NFL’s most respected players. Plus, John discusses how the entire landscape of college football has shifted, from NIL to GM's for college teams, and what it all means for the sport moving forward. Finally, John answers your questions in this episode's mailbag segment. 04:38 - Mike Tomlin and the Steelers 13:44 - Lamar Jackson is a leader 23:42 - Changes in college football 39:31 - Mailbag Follow John on Twitter, Instagram and YouTube for the latest.  All lines provided by Hard Rock Bet 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. #VolumeSee 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.

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And I'm C.J. Toledano. It's our favorite time of the year on our podcast point game, the playoffs. We're digging into the biggest surprises of the season. And I'm looking back on some of my greatest playoff moments. If we didn't talk ever again, I was funny. You just understood. That's how personal it got. Wow.

Then after that game seven, Marquis keep coming until. He's like, you know I love you. dog you know it's all love this was just playoffs this was just basketball so listen to point game on the iheart radio app apple podcast or wherever you get your podcasts the volume what is going on everybody how are we doing john middle cough three and out podcast i'm doing great and i'm excited to talk a little football because my brain has been working today and it kind of led me to the a fc north have some thoughts on mike tomlin and the future of the pittsburgh steelers i saw some quotes from Lamar Jackson.

I was like, you know what? I like that. So I want to talk about something he said about the ping pong tables. As well as college football and a growing industry that didn't recently exist

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Download that app today. Well, let's start with Mike Tomlin. I've been thinking a lot about this after hammering them last week as a home dog, something Mike Tomlin has been famous for, not just covering the spread when he's a home underdog, but has basically a 70% winning percentage, just winning the game outright. It's literally called the Tomlin spot. It's one of his great attributes.

And before I dive into this, let me say this. I have a ton of respect for the guy. He's had a remarkable career. And I've been saying this for the last couple years. Just because you get a divorce doesn't mean there aren't going to be other girls that like you and want to marry you. Right. We saw Andy Reid get fired, immediately get another job, and turn his. His chief's tenure alone is a Hall of Fame career.

So Mike Tomlin, if he ever became available, would be the number one choice for all these franchises. I'm looking at you, New York Giants. But I'm over saying they should fire Mike Tomlin. I don't believe the Pittsburgh Steelers ever plan on saying we fired a head coach. They love saying we've had three guys over 75 years. Great. How many playoff games you won recently? Well, we haven't won one in a decade, but the standard is a standard.

Like we have to acknowledge it's not really working. And they put all their chips in the middle of the table, which I admire. I say it over and over again, whether it's the draft, whether it's the way you live your life, whether it's the way you invest in stocks. Any person that leans aggressive, you're going to get a thumbs up for me. I admire that mindset. But what the Steelers are doing is kind of the opposite at this point. and when you look at their schedule, it's like, listen, it's the NFL, it's hard, like, it's, you go 10 and 7,

that is impressive. But when you do it year after year after year, and you're making the playoffs, and then you get to the playoffs, and then you get routed, it's like, well, it kind of feels like the hamster wheel and the only thing you're bragging on is we never lose. Well, okay, and that's commendable, but you're not making any progress. Meanwhile, multiple teams in your division, right, the Ravens of Rouse, rattled off playoff victories. The Bengals a couple years ago went to the Super Bowl. So you have been lapped in your own operation. Now you go, well, we're better than the

Browns. Well, wifty-do. Like, big-time accomplishment. We have to acknowledge that if they lose this week to Indy, they're a home dog to Daniel Jones and Indy who are as hot as any team in the NFL. Where are we going with this thing? And I think for the first time, because the betting odds have been like, hey, the Ravens are still favored. The Ravens are still favored. And you start doing the math, you're like, the Ravens aren't going to win this. division. All of a sudden, I'm recording this on Tuesday. You look up Wednesday night. If they beat the dolphins, they will have three wins. They'll be three and five. If the Steelers lose to the Colts on Sunday, they have four wins. And if the Bengals beat the Bears, they have four wins as well. So it's

not like this thing that looked like a lock a couple weeks ago is not making any progress. You're like, well, actually, you've kind of come back to Earth. And here's the biggest problem. The Steelers are going to beats of bad teams. Congratulations. When they played the Seattle Seahawks, who are a playoff team, at home earlier in this season, they lost by two touchdowns. When they just played the Green Bay Packers at home, who are not only a playoff team, but a team that looks like they could win the Super Bowl, they lost by double digits. Now when they're playing the Colts, if the same thing happens and the dust settles and they have lost 30 to 17, or 28 to 15, it's like you aren't even in the same ballpark as the good teams.

We've seen them the last two years in the playoffs against the bills and the Ravens get thoroughly embarrassed. Get curbstombed. Get just, yeah, you're making the playoffs, but you're not even remotely close to what we're doing. And now you look at the last four years of Tomlin, 9, 7 and 1, 9 and 8, 10 and 7, 10 and 7,

and now if I was a betting man, I say this team feels 9 and 8-ish. but you go, they have the highest pay. I saw James Harrison said something's not adding up here. Most money dedicated to defense and the defense is atrocious. I'd even add, Mike Tomlin is a defensive guy. When you watch these hard knock clips, what room is he in? He's hanging out in the defensive meeting room.

Like, that's his, you know, his baby. Right? But he can go, well, hey, it's the defensive coordinator calling it. And I think there comes a point in time. And I'm not blaming this all on him. I don't know I'm not in that building how much pull he has on the roster. Obviously, he has some. But this roster is extremely flawed.

They're old on defense one, and two, offensively, they clearly whiffed on the running back from Iowa, at least for this year. He's not going to help him. They're depending on Jalen Warren, who I like the guy, but he's a two. And they got one wide receiver in like seven tight ends. Like they're just not explosive enough if they get down to come back.

And they're going to be down in some game. clearly with that defense. So now you look at it, go, well, you lost Seattle, you lost the Green Bay. If you lose the Indianapolis, you still have home games remaining against the Ravens and the Bills. If you can't win any of these games, isn't it fair to ask ourselves, is it finally time? And I understand this organization, the pride they take and never wanted to say we fired them. If you're Mike, like, why do you want to continue this? Why do you want to go along with a team that needs to be blunt?

loan up more than likely, that even if you're able to get to 10 wins and get to the first round, you're going to be one and done. You have a 41-year-old quarterback, so there is no future. You've got old guys, even the best player on your team, is kind of hit or miss now with some of these games. Why, he's old? And you just invested $100 million into the guy. And I have nothing but respect for T.J. Watt, but we just got to call a spade to spade. Like some games, he looks like Miles Garrett. Other games, he's nowhere to be found. That happens. Two aging players. Cam Hayward, who's in his mid to late 30s. So you look at this team, you go, there's not really much future.

If you were Mike Tomlin, and obviously you're trying to win this week, but if you don't, and then all of a sudden it turns into your fight until the end just to win the division, and then you lose in the first weekend in the playoffs, when you go, maybe it's time for a fresh start. If I love coaching and I love this profession, like, what's the point of doing this? And if you're the Steelers, like, isn't it time for some new blood? Mike Tomlin once upon a time gave you that. 15, 17 years ago.

So I'm looking at the Steelers, who a lot's changed in a couple weeks because you're watching and play, you go, this defense is atrocious. And any time you have an atrocious defense, you can lose to anybody, let alone the good teams. You saw the Packers have one good half, scored it will. You watch this Colts offense coming in. They are going to be so freaking excited to get to the stadium on Sunday morning. They'll take Ubers.

They won't even wait for the bus. They'll be like, hey, guys, I'll see you there. I got to get there. So you look at this operation. Mike Tomlin has a legendary record as a home dog. It's like 70%. And now we see last week, same thing, not only didn't cover, lost outright.

It feels like it's probably going to happen again. And then you've got the bills not far away, and obviously if you can't beat the Ravens, what's the point? Isn't it time to just nuke this thing? So if you're a fan, I would imagine there are a lot of people that over the years have wanted to defend him

because he's a likable guy and obviously his resume early on in his career was awesome. Those teams were stacked. Those teams were absolutely loaded. Now his teams are kind of average. And it feels like when he's playing better competition, they don't have a shot. And obviously, you know, he always, and in fairness, the CEO head coach, like he's very dependent on his coordinators. But a huge part of what he brought to the table was the leadership, was the moxie, was the bravado, was leading the group of men out to battle.

Well, if that no longer is a point of difference, what's the point of this? And I think you're at a point where it's just kind of running on empty. And that happens to a message, right? There's a reason like, you know, I can't imagine still being at my house at 40 years old listening to my parents tell me what to do. Like at 18, 19, 20 years old, 17 years old,

you go out on your own and you kind of figure it out. and I think coaching, a lot of people said it was 10 years. You know, and the message kind of runs dry. Well, if this week gets ugly, I think it's starting to say, I think we have to acknowledge that the message is done. And he no longer has the same juice in that locker room to kind of rally the troops as he once had. And I think it would be time for a fresh start.

Speaking of a fresh start, Lamar Jackson had some pretty interesting comments. Obviously it became, it became a story last week that they had removed the ping pong tables. Well, they play on Thursday night. And one of my favorite stories from last week was, you know, the Lamar Jackson saga that I guess if you're running scout team and you're a starter, it's an automatic limited participation designation. And that's where the Ravens screwed up because Lamar wasn't taking all the first team reps.

And the moment you don't as a full-time starter, that obviously. You get a limited designation next to your name, and they didn't do it. Ultimately, guys like Florio, who feels like they've made million dollars off football, they wanted to burn into the ground. I'm not one of those people, and I wasn't offended because this didn't happen an hour and a half before the game. This is just like the NBA. No, we found out a day before the game that he wasn't going to play.

And here's the difference in football and basketball. When a guy doesn't play, you know two things. One, he's injured. Like no one goes, I bet Lamar's not hurt. No, Lamar Jackson's injured. And two, even if that guy's not around, the team will do everything humanly possible to try to win the game. And that's exactly what happened. Ravens won the game.

But Lamar had some interesting comments that I got to say I really respect because, let's just hear. This is Lamar Jackson on removing the ping pong tables. I told Kaniko, our head equipment guy, I told him to take all the games, the ping pongs, the ping pong tables, and turn the TVs off. if we could have taken out the TVs, they'd have been out too. I appreciate everything Mr. Steve, I think that's Steve Bishaddy, the owner, for putting that all in for us, but we had to focus. I don't want to say people don't take their job seriously.

Don't get me wrong. But I didn't feel it was time for that. We got a lot of work to do. And he ended it with this. We're not going to have them the rest of the year. We'll probably have them next year, summertime, OTAs or something. But right now, that's not. not the focus.

I think any coach worth their salt in the history of sports has always said this. My message and discipline and anyone that, you know, GMs would say this or owners about hiring good coaches is that their message and their discipline, they set the tone for the entire organization. In football, and ideally in basketball and baseball too. I think we've lost it in baseball and in basketball. A lot of players have more juice than the coach. But the good teams, the coach sets the tone.

and their message can only go so far. It's what people said for decades, the power of the Patriot way. Obviously, Bill ruled with an iron fist, but the standard in which he held Tom too, everyone else had to fall in line. And then Tom preached that way to everyone else. So it was like the synergy between the top to the top player

streamlined down to the rest of the group was pretty elite. And I think any coach in the NFL would tell you this. And I remember Dan Campbell a couple weeks ago was like getting emotional about his team. And he was saying, listen, the reason we're so good is because our best players, like the best players on our team. Pretty clear he was talking about. Penae Sewell, Aidan Hutchinson, St. Brown, Gibson, Montgomery, Jared Gough, Leporta, Brian Branch. He's like, are the hardest workers by far? Period.

Or other as a kid say, full stop. and when you have a player who's the best player on your team, the leader of your team, preaching the message, like at the end of the day, did they lose games because guys were playing ping pong? Of course not. Especially an organization like the Ravens who have been winning for decades.

But when Lamar Jackson goes, listen, I need to kind of throw a curveball here. I need to mix it up a little bit. And who knows? Maybe that came through Harbaugh or through Eric DeCosta through Lamar. but at the end of the day, it gives Lamar Jackson ownership of the team. And I would say the best teams have buy-in from the locker room,

aka their best players in that locker room because everyone else falls suit. It was like last year when Mike McDaniel was like, yeah, you know, I'm fighting guys and they're still showing up late. You just do the math. You're like, well, it's probably not a practice squad guy who couldn't be cut at any moment showing up late to the meeting. It's probably not a guy making a million dollars whose salary is not guaranteed. showing up late to the meeting.

Who would it be? You start looking around and it's like, well, the highest paid guys, who are those? Jalen Ramsey, Tyree Kills? It was pretty easy to do the math, right? And it's like, you got a locker room problem because your best players who are always going to be your highest paid players,

if they're not listening, you're fucked. And listen, I've said I was out on the Ravens and I was out on the Ravens. But now I watched this, and part of it was because I'm like, oh, the Steelers are going to cruise the 10 or 11 wins. And watched them last week against the Packers. watched them two weeks ago against the Bengals

getting ready for them to play the Colts like I have zero faith that they're doing anything what the hell is the difference between them right now and the Cincinnati Bengals and the Baltimore Ravens? I don't think there is any and they haven't even played the Ravens yet now granted they've played the Ravens well

over the years so it doesn't guarantee that the Ravens are going to sweep them or anything but that thing feels like a house of cards meanwhile Lamar Jackson who's a guy in his late 20s who's going to be there his entire prime taking ownership of this team you got listen this is why this organization consistently wins playoff games you know uh and this is why you know the Steelers in fairness like what's it what's Aaron Rogers going to do like uh take

the TVs out of the locker room some guys on the team like what the fuck are you doing uh so i i that's i've known a couple people that have worked for the Ravens over the class three or four years. And the things I've heard about Lamar Jackson, I'm like, yeah, I get it. You know, I don't think he just, obviously, his physical attributes, you know, as a runner and athlete are pretty special. But like, you don't just dramatically improve as a passer that much without being all in 24-7, 365. That is what the price of admission is to be great. And listen, I'm now, maybe I'm back on the Ravens Bandwagon because I'm surely off the Steelers. We are extremely excited to announce our new presenting sponsor, Hard Rock Bet.

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Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, New Jersey, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia. 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 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 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 And we were thinking I'm originally calling it One of the early names of our band Before Jonas Brothers This is how we had 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. What's up, fam? It's Isaiah Thomas. And I'm CJ Toledano, and our podcast Point Game is about defying the odds. Like LeBron. heading into the playoffs without Luca and Austin Reed. And finding ways to win no matter what.

He's the smartest player to ever play the game. His IQ is at a level that we've never seen before. And he knows without Luca and Austin Reeves, I got to manipulate the game. We get a player's perspective on the challenges of the playoffs. I think Joker's going to be exhausted this series because when they don't have Rudy in the lineup, he has to really guard guys like Nas Reid.

He has to guard Julius Randall. And then he has to give us everything he gives us on the night-to-night basis on offense. And when IT's friends stop by, like Quentin Richardson, we dive into some playoff history too. Steve Nass would get that thing. That man, hell get the flying. He running up the court,

licking his fingers while he got the ball. Like, after you go through a training camp with that, I said, you figure it out real quick. Get your ass up and down the court, and you're going to get the ball. So listen to Point Game on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. This week on Crimless,

We're joined by our first ever guest. Sorry, our first ever human guest. I don't think I could be in the same room with Shamrock the parrot. I'd be too nervous. That's right. The very funny Will Ferrell joins Rory Scovel and me, Josh Dean, for an episode dedicated to the many crimes committed by people also named Will Ferrell. They called to his fellow officer for the nippers.

What are the nippers? Very good question. No, I was thinking, would that be a good name? name for like a salad dressing. Simple assault. And it's a play on word, salt. Maybe not. I say we invest and we see. There's only one way to know. This did not amuse the cops. By the way, normally the cops are amused, but this did not abuse the cops. Will even comes clean about some of his own crimes. I didn't get caught. You know why? If you don't want to be suspected of anything, you whistle as you walk.

Listen to crime lists on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcast. or wherever you get your podcast. Agency, the ability to know that we're the experts in our own body. On the podcast, cultivating her space, Dr. Dom and Terry Lomax create a space where black women can show up fully and be heard. I wholeheartedly think, you know, you hit 30. You shouldn't have to share one with anybody. Mm-hmm.

From navigating friendships and healing to setting boundaries and prioritizing your mental health. These are real honest conversations. We don't always get to have out loud. Totally unreasonable with different parts of life, right? Like, oh, have all three meals and make sure you're mindful during all of them? Absolutely not. During one meal, I'm standing. I'm standing and handing my children food.

Because healing, empowerment, and resilience aren't just ideas. Their practices. And this Mental Health Awareness Month, there's no better time to pour back into yourself. Listen to cultivating her space on the I-Heart Radio app, Apple podcast or wherever you get your podcast. And last but not least, you know, we've seen a dramatic change in college football. And I think I've listened to a lot of college football content in the last couple days. I mean, my YouTube algorithm is just feeding me different content from all over America,

mainly from, you know, Southern podcasts. SEC, everyone's takes, everyone's opinions. I have just been taking it all in. I just, I can't get enough of a coach getting fired, the drama, $50 million. It's everything I love. Football, capitalism, just touchdowns. I mean, everything about it. Dude's leaving in their $200,000 car after their fingerprint doesn't work to get into the building.

It's like, inject this shit into my veins. But two things. First and foremost, the sport 10 years ago, so saying, hey, Brian Kelly back in 17, 18, 19, really doesn't parallel that much now in terms of building your roster and the way that you can deal with players. Because back then they were stuck. If they wanted to transfer, they had to sit out a year. And also if they wanted to transfer, you know, a lot of times academically was a pain in the ass to get different credits to carry over and to be eligible. Clearly now, there is no such thing as the academic calendar.

the academic calendar still exists, but in terms of your transcript when you transfer, doesn't mean a goddamn thing. I fully believe, and I haven't asked anybody in college football, that you could have a 0.0 for multiple years and transfer to any school that wanted you to play football,

which I'm all for. You know where I stand on some of these classrooms and academia in college. I mean, talk about scam zone. But one thing that has changed, and when I first got involved in college football, there was no such thing as a GM. There really weren't personnel people.

Ed Manowitz, who is now Jimmy Sexton's right-hand guy, was one of the first of its kind. And he was like essentially the player personnel guy for Nick Sabin in like 2008, 9, 10, 11, 12, kind of during the launch of the dynasty. He ended up coming to work for the Eagles, how I got to know him. And now has worked with Jimmy Sexton

and represents Lane and Sark forever. But those jobs didn't exist. Well, now they not only exist. I was texting with a buddy in the NFL today. I said, how many guys do you know that you saw on the road or have known over the years that went to college football and became GMs? And he started rattling off guys. He's like, this guy went to Florida, this guy went to Nebraska, this guy went to Northwestern.

All these power four jobs, I'm like, well, what do they pay? Jim Nagy, who's a longtime scout ran the senior bowl, is now at a old. Oklahoma. He stole guys from the NFL. He's like, well, some of the top power four jobs start at like $8,900 grand. Obviously, Mike Lombardi with Belichick's making one and a half. I said, that's the starting point over the last couple years, kind of where we're at. What do you think that number is going to be in 10 years as revenue sharing and everything grows? Double? So if like the going rate for a job at a top 20, 30 program right now is 750, 800, grand, who's to say that number won't be one and a half million dollars? Because that's what we pay for

coordinators. And if this guy's running, you're recruiting when you factor in the money. And in some of these programs, and Josh Pate was on my program, I said on my program, on my podcast on here, talking about it probably a month plus ago. He's like a huge shift that's going to take place is these GMs are going to become the power brokers. And they're going to help lead the coaching searches in the future. And I've always hated the word networking. I've always thought it was kind of hollow. It feels very political. It feels very fake. Like you just get to know someone in a fake way. The older I get though, it's extremely important professionally to get places through connecting. I like that word more connecting. But as my wife says, like your network is your

net worth. And in her real estate business, it's very true. And honestly, the reason she's at this luxury real estate brokerage now is because of someone that I followed on Instagram and he followed me and he was, he is one of the top producers in the state of Arizona. He's an absolute, he crushes it. And he was a pretty legendary college athlete and he's a big football guy. And we've DMed over the years. And one day I just DM him, hey, would you go to lunch with Maria? just pick her brain. She was like kind of looking to transition, kind of level up.

And that's how it all started. And you guys listening that are in sales, that are in any different sort of industry, meeting people, having coffee, having lunch, starting business relationships, not knowing where they're going to lead,

is the lifeblood for most of us. I mean, hell, you're listening to me through Colin Coward. So at least a lot of you. And without that relationship, who knows where I would be at now? I think I'd be doing okay.

but I probably wouldn't be here. Like, I'm not arrogant or egotistical enough to act like that. So your connections in life change where you go. I mean, look at the sport of football. How many guys get fired who are down and out, they get taken care of by their GM buddies or their coaching buddies. And one piece of advice I would give to any guy on the road. And this could be a successful guy.

This could be a guy that a team is, you know, their SEC scout and they're paying him $300,000. Or this could be a guy that just broke, that's making $80,000 and all these guys are working during the season 90-hour weeks. It is a grind. This college football personnel thing is only

going to grow. And the money there based on some of these buyouts is they approach it with much more of a cavalier attitude than some of these NFL teams. Because I know a lot of people that have worked in scouting for a long time and have won Super Bowls that have to fight for like $10,000

raises. Yet in college football, you see the money getting thrown around it's wild. And every time that I went into a school, especially a bigger program, obviously when you're dealing with the head coach, you're on your best behavior and you go above and beyond. Like that's, of course.

But when you're dealing with these coordinators, these are relationships. Like it wasn't that long ago that Clark Lee or Mike Elko were defensive coordinators. Right? Dan Lannning, not that long ago, was the defensive coordinator for Kirby Smart. Once upon a time Lincoln Riley was Bob Stoop's offensive coordinator. Things change and they change really fast.

Hell, two of the highest paid coaches in the country, Sark and Lane, were offensive coordinators for Nick Saban. Ryan Day, not that long ago, was Urban Myers' offensive coordinator. So these guys become head coaches and they need personnel people. And college now, like, if I needed a personnel guy, I would definitely be talking to these NFL guys because a huge part of personnel now is the transfer portal which essentially is like a hybrid of college scouting and free agency.

It's what these guys have been trained to do. You go, John, what about the high school recruiting? Well, you have such a big staff, you could hire someone to help you with that initially. And let's face it, most of the way these guys talk is like, that is kind of secondary. Not saying that you don't need to know that and that still isn't important, but that is something you can get up to speed on. And eventually these GMs are going to run point on all this.

No different than Less Need or Howie Roseman or John Schneider running their personnel meetings. That's inevitable. And that empowers the coach to have more time. But I think a lot of these people, and I know this, when I got to the NFL, I'm like, I'm so glad to be out of college football. The personnel stuff, one, there aren't even jobs. And two, it's like you just get to a point, you're capped, you have a ceiling. Well, it's changed. because it is hard to move up in the NFL.

And I know a couple of people that, obviously I know some GMs, but I also know like number twos. And a lot's out of their control, right? You hope to get interviews. And then even once you get interviews, you never know. They might hire someone else. I saw Adam Peters for years get interviews and them hire other people. It took him a long time.

And he'd had Super Bowls with like multiple different organizations. He couldn't have been any more qualified to be a GM. So it's not like coaching. It's way easier to move up in the coaching. ranks. In personnel, sometimes you can kind of get capped and you can feel stuck. And the amount of money they're throwing around, you know, Jim Nagy at Oklahoma, I think his three-year contract is like 800, 900 a million. I might be off on the stagger of that, but it is like a three-year contract worth $2.5 million. That's 2025 when these positions literally just got started a handful of years

ago. I mean, hell, one thing I've started doing for the podcast is like following some of the top GMs on Instagram. And I look, they don't even have that many followers. They're kind of like under the radar. I'm like, start DMing with them. I'm like, they're actually pretty easy to get in contact with. I get a lot of people that ask me for advice. How do I get involved in football? Well, if you're at a college somewhere and you want to work with football, there's never been an easier time, ever to get into the personnel world in college. But some of these scouts, and it can be a bitter group. In fairness, totally understand why. You work your ass off. You don't make that much money relative to the coaches. It's not just a six-month-a-year gig. You're working 10 months a year. You're away

from your family all the time. You can become a GM in college. Much easier than you can become a GM in the NFL. And in some of these places, it pays seven figures to live in towns where you could buy a mansion for a million dollars. And here's the other thing. You don't think you then become more desirable of the NFL, especially if you, you know how to work with a coaching staff. You're working with the head coach, I'm sure, on staffing. You are running a budget to buy players who are a lot of these guys if you're a good enough program are going to go on to the NFL. You're probably the point liaison for all the GM's assistant scouting directors that come

through your program. It's just a fascinating world that is in the very beginning. It was like anyone that's podcast over the last five, 10 years, if you've got into the business of podcasting, for example. I've been podcasting for almost probably eight and a half years and it feels like I've been doing this for a long time and like we're pretty far into it

like this we're so new into the landscape of this industry it's not even funny because if you think about it our competition is radio the more and more I can keep stealing money away from radio as they bleed dry right as they get less and less listeners

as younger people no longer consume them as every generation now has a car that connects to the phone, they're fucked. But we're still another decade, another two decades. It's not like they're just going away tomorrow. So it takes time. And we'll look back in 30 years. It's like, okay, wiped them dead.

But it takes a little time. And it's no different than any new industry. It doesn't happen overnight. And I just think this is an area that a lot in the scouting community should be making much more of an emphasis to get involved that to change their financial landscape. 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 throughout there. 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. What's up, fam, it's Isaiah Thomas. And I'm C.J. Toledano, and our podcast Point Game is about defying the odds. Like LeBron heading into the playoffs without Luca and Austin Reed. And finding ways to win no matter what. He's the smartest player to ever play the game. His IQ is at a level that we've never seen before. And he knows, without Luca and Austin Reeves, I got to manipulate the game.

We get a player's perspective on the challenges of the playoffs. I think Joker's going to be exhausted this series because when they don't have Rudy in the lineup, he has to really guard guys like Nas Reid. He has to guard Julius Randall. And then he has to give us everything he gives us on the night-to-night basis on offense. And when IT's friends stop by, like Quentin Richardson, we dive into some playoff history too.

Steve Nash will get that thing. That man, hell get the flying. He running up the court, licking his fingers why he got the ball like, after you go through a training camp with that, Isaiah, you figure it out real quick. Get your ass up and down the court, and you're going to get the ball.

So listen to Point Game on the, I Heart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. This week on Crimless, we're joined by our first ever guest. Sorry, our first ever human guest. I don't think I could be in the same room with Shamrock the pair. I'd be too nervous. That's right. The very funny, Will Ferrell joins Rory Scovel and me, Josh Dean,

for an episode dedicated to the many crimes committed by people also named Will Ferrell. They called to his fellow officer for the nipper. What are the nippers? Very good question. No, I was thinking, would that be a good name for like a salad dressing? Simple assault. And it's a play on word, salt? Maybe not.

I say we invest and we see. There's only one way to know. This did not amuse the cops. By the way, normally the cops are amused, but this did not abuse the cops. Will even comes clean about some of his own crimes. I didn't get caught. You know why? If you don't want to be suspected of anything, you will.

whistle as you walk. Listen to crime lists on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. Agency, the ability to know that we're the experts in our own body. On the podcast, cultivating her space, Dr. Dom and Terry Lomax create a space where black women can show up fully and be heard. I wholeheartedly think, you know, you hit 30, you shouldn't have to share one with anybody.

Mm-hmm. From navigating friendships and healing to setting boundaries. and prioritizing your mental health. These are real honest conversations. We don't always get to have out loud. Totally unreasonable with different parts of life, right? Like, oh, have all three meals and make sure you're mindful during all of them? Absolutely not.

During one meal, I'm standing. I'm standing and handing my children food. Because healing, empowerment, and resilience aren't just ideas. They're practices. And this Mental Health Awareness Month, there's no better time to pour back into yourself. Listen to cultivating her space on the IHeart radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. Okay, let's do a little thing we like to call the Middilkoff mailbag at John Middlecough.

At John Middlecough is the Instagram firing those DMs. Questions answered here on this little old podcast. We will start with, if Ohio State goes back to back or three peats, could Ryan Day be a candidate for an NFL team? He would clearly be one of the best coaches in college, has a good offensive mind, and is a good leader. I also feel like Heartline is bound to be a head coach and could be a good fit. Love the pot. I think Ryan Day, if the Tomlin divorce ever were to happen, the Steelers would have to be insane not to talk to Ryan Day at this point. He's worked in the NFL as well.

Was with Chip with the Eagles? Was with the 49ers? I mean, Ohio State at this point is a NFL program. And as a lifelong hater of Ohio State, I actually appreciate it. I mean, they're so good and they're so well-run. And it's just a high-level operation. So you can't.

It's hard to hate when you're that dominant. It's like hate and saving it Alabama or Tiger Woods or Tom Brady. It's like, they're just kicking everyone's ass. And, yeah, I mean, I think that he is, I mean, he can turn down interviews. Here's the thing. Ryan Day makes $10, $11 million. And if that number keeps going up with other coaches, like if someone gives Lane Kiff in or, you know,

if Oklahoma were to fire Venables and hire like Josh Hype will bring him home, 12, 13, his number will, he'll get matched. Him and Kirby will, whatever the highest number is, they will be paid the highest number. And he's the boss, so the best program in the country. So it's like, it'd have to be a pretty, it'd have to be like when LaFleur took over the Packers. Right? You have it to be the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Even like the New York Giants, who I think would be very interested in them, if they fired Dayball, you'd be like, well, that place just fires everybody. I mean, do I feel comfortable leaving Ohio State to go there? Now, when you make that move, like if you want to scratch that itch, once you've got to, and I'd say the same thing about Kirby Smart, once you've accomplished what you've accomplished, if you ever want to come back, if it gets weird, you're the number one candidate on the market by a mile. So I think he'd have that going for him, big time. I do think that his name is going to be in the mix.

I mean, if Steve Sarkisian, now, I know he disputed the report, but people have been interested in him. Their season is not going well, right? They should have lost to Kentucky if Kentucky scores at like the two-yard line. They were down 17 points in Starkville to Mississippi State. Their schedule, they still have to play Georgia. they played Vanderbilt. It's either this week or next.

They're probably going to lose that game. They still play Georgia. They play Texas A&M. I mean, they got some L's on that schedule. Sark might go 7 and 5 this year. You can't be spending $30 million for a roster, giving Arch Manning $8 million, giving the highest paid or one of them coaching staff

right there with like Oregon, Ohio State, and probably LSU, and probably Georgia. And go 7 and 5. won't be tolerated. So whenever I hear these coaches are like, we need more time. The money bought the time, buddy. Like, the reason, like, Sark is making $10 million for seven straight years,

it's like, there is no time. And if we fire you, we got to pay you to go away. But it's like, we got to be patient. If I hear one former coach say that one more time, I'm going to puke. Yeah, I would have been patient back when we just brown bagged a couple kids, 20K. Now we have a $28 million roster.

Well, we got to pay the roster that again next year and the following year and the following year. So yeah, our patience is thinned. So 7 and 5 is no longer tolerated ever around here with the premiums we're paying. That's how the private sector works. When you start investing a ton of money, if things do not work, heads roll, right, when there's pressure to succeed. This isn't one of those like tech companies where it's like, hey, we'll give you five years. You don't even need to turn a profit. That's not the case in college football. Question for the pot. Big Cardinal fan. I think we're done with Kyla Murray and ready to move on.

What do you think of this and what do you think we should do at the quarterback position? Draft 1 in 26. Roll with Jacoby. Draft 1 in 27. Well, the elephant in the room with the Cardinals isn't Kyla Murray as much as like, are they going to fire these guys running the show? Like does the GM, I always screw up his name from New England, and Jonathan Gannon, like, are those guys going to get fired at the end of the year?

is Jonathan Gannon? Does he get fired and the GM get to hire a new coach? I think that complicates things dramatically. So before I can answer about Kyla Murray, like, who's running the show? Because if it's brand new people, he's gone, for sure. If it's those guys,

then they're like on a one-year situation to try to survive. Who knows? I mean, he could, maybe he does stay. I think this all gets back to, though, this is a franchise that always loses. And I wish they were better. I mean, obviously I live here, but are the Cardinals even the most popular team in North Scottsdale where I live?

I don't think so. Most of my neighbors are like Midwest fans because that's where they're from. Chicago, Minnesota, Kansas City, Seattle, Canada. The Cardinals honestly feel like an afterthought in the world that I've lived in since being in Arizona now for four years. And I think it all gets back to the owner as a clown. I mean, a loser, right? And it's his family. They just suck.

And the franchise is going to continue to blow as long as he owns the team. If you ever sold the team, who knows? Maybe it could be resurrected. Just wanted to take a minute to sincerely thank you for being so open about losing your debt. Just lost my father this spring. I quit my job to spend two months with him and he only lasted a few more. Your words inspired me to take advantage of every second that I could. I burnt through some savings in the process,

but I wouldn't trade time with him for anything. You know what you realize when these people go off to heaven and they die is your savings account doesn't follow you. And at any moment, it all could end for any of us. So there's a small percentage of people, especially the older you get, that you go, yeah, this is someone that means a lot to me. This is someone that's been in my corner,

especially a parent from day one, parent, brother, as you get older, your wife, your children, but, and obviously your friend's circle typically, I would, for most well-adjusted people, probably shrinks a little bit as you get older. Maybe I'm just projecting, but I think it's really important to really value the time you have with people, especially as you know, you're coming down the home stretch. And as Scott Van Pelt once said, and something I'll never forget, is you don't truly become, and I think he heard this from someone else's, you don't truly become a man until your father dies.

And I think there's a lot of truth through that. And everything that you do positively after that moment is a testament to that guy. Chargers fan. The team occasionally gets mocked for having a smaller fan base. As far as interactions go with your channel, do you see fewer questions from Charger fans? It's hard for me to answer that question. I mean, I get questions from all over the map.

I think that's I don't think I could accurately tell you based on questions and DMs or comments where you guys rank inside a fan base. Part of it is like San Diego historically you know it's just less people live there than some of these major markets so you're going to have less fans than Chicago.

You haven't been good at the highest level in won championships like over the years like the Steelers or the Packers anytime you're a transient franchise. Rams. I mean, the Raiders are the best example. Like, people fall off. It's like, why are the Lakers such a big brand? It's like, well, they've been winning championships in L.A. for, I don't know, 60 years. Right? Like, why are the 49ers a big deal?

Well, once Joe Montana completed that pass, they never moved. And since 1981 until 2025, like, they've been a stalwart in an area. The New York Yankees. I don't know. They're the New York Yankees. So part of the charge is like, San Diego, now you're in LA. It's like Vegas, Oakland, L.A. It's like, you can't, once you start moving, you're just going to lose people. If someone ever threatened to be like, yeah, we're going to move the Philadelphia Eagles to a different city, there'd be a mutiny. Like, legitimately, people would die. I'm saying that with a straight face. But I would say the same thing about Chicago. I'd say the same thing about any of these major teams.

You're not taking my team. It wouldn't be tolerated. The only teams never get talked about moving would be like, the Sacramento Kings are going to get moved to Seattle. Can you imagine saying that out loud about like the Knicks or the Lakers or the Boston Celtics? So part of like being a transient team is there's a little uns seriousness to you. I mean, there just is. Question about your bald expertise. Do you use a handheld electric shaver or do you use a traditional razor to keep the head tidy? Second, my fiance and I are planning to relocate from Colorado to Scottsdale in the

next few months. From someone who has lived there for a while, what recommendations would you have for specific locations in the city, i.e. north, south, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, etc. I shave with a mock three or five. I think it's technically the Mach 5 now. And I just do it in the shower. You know, obviously, if I'm ever doing something socially, like a nice dinner or a party, something where it's like you would just naturally shave four.

That's when I shave my head. So I probably do that two, three, four times a week depending. But I do it in the shower and I do it. I don't need a mirror to do it at this point in time. Scottsdale, I think it just depends what you want. Like, I don't know how old you are if you're younger and you want to be toward the hustle and bustle of Scottsdale. Obviously like South Scottsdale toward Tempe where Arizona State is.

It's got a little more vibrant life. Paradise Valley is extremely expensive. It has massive lots. I mean, you get home selling for $10, $15, $20 million down there. It's just not a cheap place to buy a home. But who knows, maybe you're rich. I would say North Scottsdale, where I live, is kind of slower-paced. It's truly the suburbs.

I mean, Paradise Valley technically is too, but it's pretty slow. I mean, a lot of golf courses, some nice restaurants. It's got some mountains. It's beautiful, but it's not much happening. A lot of boozers up here, but they're frequent a couple of places. Yeah, I mean, I'm a North Scottsdale guy. I have been before I ever moved here. I knew when before I was moving here, this is where I wanted to live in this general vicinity.

And where I'm at right now, I don't know how long I'm going to be here, but when I do move, it'll just be up the road to places closer to the mountains. mountains. But I, North Scottsdale is one of my favorite places on Earth. And I just manifested that shit. And I said, I'm coming. And actually, I didn't manifest. I literally just copped in a car and left. And best thing I ever did. And her, obviously. Was a huge part of that. Let's be real. She got me here. You're starting a franchise and you get to choose any current coach to sign for the foreseeable future. Where would Mike McDonald fall in your rankings? I'm not sure there's a better defensive mind.

This is a good question. I think he's a stud. And if you took him above a bunch of the offensive guys, I would understand, and I don't think I would lose much sleep. I would be inclined to take the offensive guys. The guys I know can coach the quarterback. Right?

Like, I think that matters. You saw last year, they had to fire the offensive coordinator, Gino threw like 20 touchdowns, and they were all out of whack. And they were a pretty good team. But like Mike is clearly good with the team and he's awesome with defense. But like when the quarterback gets out of whack, he can't really do anything.

Well, Kyle Shanahan can win games with Mac Jones. Andy Reid can win games with Jeff Garcia. You know, Michael Vick out of prison. Sean McVeigh has won games with Jared Gough and Matt Stafford. So he's living pretty good life. But he, listen, obviously he's good with the quarterback. Kevin O'Connell, I mean, it's getting a little rough. But we've seen him with Donald.

We've seen him with Kirk Cousins. You know, win games. what he's doing with Jordan Love speaks for itself. That's a powerful thing, man. Because the most important guy, you know, obviously your GM, your head coach, and your quarterback, but like when I get a awesome head coach who is the offense, is his baby, like, look at Sean Payton.

Like, Bo Nex is kind of all over the map. It's like he's going to win 14 games a year. He'd be like, well, his defense is awesome. True, but I think a lot of average defensive coaches, that offense would, they would be screwed. So I think it's really, really important to be able to coach the quarterback, but he would be the lone guy that if you're like, I'd rather have Mike McDonald than Kevin O'Connell.

Like, yeah, I'm not going to argue with you. I'd rather have Mike McDonald than some of these guys. Like, I get it. He's a stud. And who knows? Maybe in a couple years, like, who's to say they couldn't rattle off playoff playoffs this year? Speaking of the Seahawks, what are your thoughts on the Seahawks?

In the past few years, I felt like, Gino kept them to be a pretty average team. With Sam, they look way better. But I still feel like they aren't in the top level of teams. So what is the outlook in Seattle? See, I think I disagree. I mean, I think they're built. I think they can win the division. They lost the Niners at home, but they usually could have won that game. The Niners, I mean, got a little lucky to win it. Obviously, the Niners were healthier then. They did lose Kittle in that game. So they get the commanders coming up. I like the Seahawks. They get the Cardinal. I like the Seahawks.

So, I mean, you could be a couple games away from being seven and two. Then you go to the Rams. That is a massive game. Then you get the Titans, that's a win. Vikings, that's probably a win. Then you get the Colts and the Rams and the Niners again at the end of the season. So you got, I don't think we're going to know that much about you with the schedule. I think those Rams games are pretty big.

And it's probably going to determine the division. I mean, the 49ers are just are playing with me and you right now. So it's, when you factor in the Niners in, injuries. And it's like, is Mac Jones going to start 12 games for him? It kind of feels that way. You go, I don't see why Seattle can't win the West. And I definitely think, like, Seattle can win a playoff game this year. You know, for a couple years at the end with Pete, when they were making the playoffs and being won and done, like, this team feels better than that. Now, it's football. Like, you could, especially if you're the five seed, you could lose to, you know, whoever you're playing.

So it would probably be the Bucks. In that scenario, it would be the Rams, the Eagles, and the Packers. So, I mean, you're going to get a tough first game, no matter what. But if you have to play the Bucks in the first round, like, that's a game you can win. When you're on with Colin, two topics seem to come up a lot. The first round quarterback bust two reclamation projects. Stories like Baker, Donald, and the Joneses, and how inconsistent Caleb has been through the first year and a half.

Am I crazy to think those might be two sides of the same coin? You can bet some smart offensive coach would love to see the Bears move on from Caleb and turn him into the next Baker Mayfield. He's only 23. Can we pump the brakes and let him develop a bit? I get the teams want instant returns from first round quarterbacks, but Jaden and Lucks rookie years are outwires. Here's the problem with that argument.

Baker Mayfield in college dominated throwing the ball from the pocket. Dominated. I mean, was an unstoppable force. A lot of Caleb's special plays have been running around. And it's his physical gifts. The way he plays is not the way, like Sam Donald right now, is slinging the ball from the pocket. Caleb has never played that way.

So how often do guys that never played as pocket quarterbacks become pocket quarterbacks. Russell Wilson never could, and when he was a pro bowler, he was making all these crazy plays outside the pocket. The couple years, Deshawn Watson was good, same thing. So if Caleb is going to be good, he's going to have to play like those guys. Now, if your argument is he can become that,

I'd say, yeah, Deshawn did it for like two years and Russell did it for like six. But they feel like outliers in the course of the career, of that type player. so I'm going to bet against it. Not saying that he's going to be out of the league, but that style of play historically does not work. And you're watching Caleb, he has no feel for like timing or touch.

None. So it's like you can improve accuracy a little bit. Look at Josh Allen. You know, Google like Warren Moon's career got a little bit better as he got older. You definitely can improve working on accuracy a little bit. You can't just, you know, become dream. Drew Breeze or Aaron Rogers, but you definitely can become a more accurate player. But when you watch him play, his style of play doesn't really translate to resurrecting a career and becoming a star.

So I have a hard time seeing it. Not my style of quarterback, but I'm not going to write off like he's out of the league. And do I believe other people will try to work with him? One million percent. And who knows? they could structure the offense more toward that. Typically, most of the good offensive coordinators run a pretty structured passing game. Let's not even count the guys that are run first.

Like I think when obviously Kyle Shanhan's run first, you know, I think if LaFleur's running backs are healthy, he wants to run first. But like Sean McVeigh, pass guy. Like they're pocket passers. You know, Andy Reid lets Patrick play like that a little bit, but he's kind of an outlier. Sean Payton a lot of pocket passes Kevin O'Connell A lot of pocket passes

So he's just These guys want to call Like in the structure Of the offense And he's just not a structure Of the offense player This is like People think I like can't stand the guy

I don't even give a shit I wish it was good I would like to watch I like to watch good players I don't like to watch scrubs I don't like to watch guys Throw incompletion after incompletion That's not fun

You know I'm not trying to be bitter about being paid to watch football. I try to enjoy it. But sometimes you're watching that quarterback player. You're like, this sucks. I wish we had 25 star quarterbacks instead of seven. But I don't know what to tell you. I mean, I just think there are,

and I'm not just coming into this. Like, I watch football on Saturdays. And I major in West Coast football. I watched a lot. And I'm an Oklahoma guy. So I go back to Oklahoma, which I don't really judge you as an 18-year-old freshman, but now looking back to what he started doing,

like he's a freelance player. And he's a freakish talent because he's got a huge arm and he's athletic and strong. But he's just not a natural rhythm passer. And you're just going to flip that switch at 24, 25? I don't know. Are you surprised at all by the commanders having a down year?

Did people really think they were going to take the next step as in going to the Super Bowl? They had one hit wonder written all over them. That's a great question. I do think they're just, GM thought they were going to be good and aggressively made moves for that. Laramie Tunzel, Debo Samuel, last year when they traded for Latimore. I mean, they've aggressively acquired some veteran guys.

Now, making it back-to-back NFC championship games, I think it would have been a little shocking to have them not be nine or ten wins. But again, their quarterback's missing games. So once your quarterback starts missing games, it's hard to win games your backup quarterback. And depending on how the schedule shakes out, it's like, okay, we got to play our backup quarterback. We got to go two arrowhead on Monday night. That's an L.

We got to play Seattle Sunday night. That's an L. So it's like when you don't have your starting quarterback, and we'll see if Jaden plays this week. You're not going to win many games, you know? And then on top of that, like McLorins miss games, Tunzel just left the game. Their defense looks old and slow.

You know, football things can change fast. And a guy can go for being a solid player to just old, real, real quick. I think that's what happens when you look at Bobby Wagner. You just watch him play. He's like, God, this guy looks old.

Which, I'm not trying to be a hater at all. I have nothing but respect for the guy, but it just happens to players in the blink of an eye. Sometimes it's injuries and sometimes it's like, look a little slower to like, damn, he can't move. Question for the bag. Two weeks ago, there was quite the uproar from Caleb

fans over Troy Aikman. about his game on Monday night football. Everything Aikman said is still being highlighted by analysis, by an analyst. Do you think the uproar was due to Aikman hitting an earth? I think any time you win, right, and it feels like, which is weird, I understand why LeBron has a lot of fans. It's like, yeah, he's a 25-time All-Star and won multiple four championships and been to nine finals.

Like, I'm not the biggest fan, but I understand if someone, loves basketball and wants to defend him. Like, okay, I get it. How could you be like, I'm a Caleb stand? Because Todd McShay and Mel Kuiper had him number one on a draft board? Because he won the Heisman? Like, what's... Like, I get if you're like, hey, I'm defending Lamar Jackson.

Okay, totally understand it. Like, all these people on the internet, maybe it's just a Bears fan in your defending your quarterback. Trey Kman has won some of the biggest games in the history of the league. Trigman won multiple Super Bowls for the number one overall pick has played against where broadcasted the games of

every quarterback that has mattered in the last 45 years think about that Elway Montana Marino Jim Kelly Fav Young to all the I mean he's literally called the Manning

Brady Rogers era Rothersberger Breeze like he's called all these guys games he knows exactly what it looks like and he's not me just like hey this guy kind of worked in the league understands football and big personality

no this motherfucker laced him up through dimes to Michael Irvin against some of the best teams I've ever seen the San Francisco 49ers and beat them on the road to candlestick to go to the Super Bowl and then won Super Bowl and then won the Super Bowl so it's like he's so mean

as does anyone that talks about football on television have more equity to talk about quarterback play, anybody. Tony Romo, Chris Collinsworth, Kirk Herb Street, you name it, then that fucking guy? And the answer is no. He has more equity and more knowledge and more understanding of anything that comes out of his mouth when it comes to quarterback than anyone that talks about the position by a wide margin

based on his resume and based on just listening to the guy talk. Like he knows what he's talking about when it comes to quarterback. so if it's that he was offended that hey you know x y and z at 10 o'clock you're meeting with the coordinators this time you're meeting with the players he's been doing this now for multiple decades calling games right so when someone doesn't show especially the quarterback he probably goes well manning always shows Brady always showed my home's always showed like he's used to like all the guys always show and this guy not only doesn't show he's like text me the next day it's like who Who do you think you are? Now, listen, I'll be the first to say, the players and him getting ready for a game. Like, I'm not trying to act like you should just throw away your prep to go meet them,

but that's part of the job. And that clearly pissed Troy off a lot. And then Troy saw what I see. It's like, something's a little off here. And then because Jaden Daniels fumbles a snap and they win the game, everyone starts, you know, blowing the bears. It's like, well, I mean, I think we have to acknowledge it kind of got a little lucky to win this game.

not that you know you could argue whoever won that game who cares I'd argue both teams aren't that good but I think this notion

that Aikman is just some unknowledgeable hater is kind of laughable because one as a player resume speaks for itself as a broadcaster

kind of been doing it a while has a pretty good idea of what it looks like right and I'm not even just talking about calling the games I'm talking about the interactions

you know if it's Monday night, Saturday and Sunday. At the facility, the production meetings, you just no-show to them? What I'd be interested, like, how often do guys no-show? I bet the answer at quarterback is slim to nut. I think a lot of people around the league thinks, Caleb's into Caleb.

And listen, LeBron's into LeBron. You produce, no one gives a shit. You know, Lane Kiffin's into Lane Kiffin. You win? No one cares. You start losing. Stuff comes up, man. That's part of the gig. Hey, it's us, the Jonas Brothers, and guess what?

We have some big news. What's the news, Nick? 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 throughout there. 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, well, we were thinking I'm originally calling it one of the early names of our band before Jonas Brothers. 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. What's up fam? It's Isaiah Thomas. And I'm C.J.

Toledano and our podcast Point Game is about defining the odds. Like LeBron heading into the playoffs without Luca and Austin Reed. And finding ways to win no matter what. He's the smartest player to ever play the game. His IQ is at a level that we've never seen before. And he knows without Luca

and Austin Reeves, I got to manipulate the game. We get a player's perspective on the challenges of the playoffs. I think Joker's going to be exhausted this series because when they don't have Rudy in the lineup, he has to really guard guys like Nas Reid. He has to guard Julius Randall. And then he has to give us everything he gives us on the night-to-night basis on offense. And when IT's friends stop by, like Quentin Richardson, we dive into some playoff history too. Steve Nash will get that thing. That man, hell get the

flying. He run under the court licking his fingers while he got the ball, like, after you go through a training camp with that, Isaiah, you figure it out real quick. Get your ass up. Get your ass up. and down the court and you're going to get the boss. So listen to Point Game on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. This week on Crimless, we're joined by our first ever guest. Sorry, our first ever human guest. I don't think I could be in the same room with Shamrock the pair.

I'd be too nervous. That's right. The very funny Will Farrell joins Rory Scovel and me, Josh Dean, for an episode dedicated to the many crimes committed by people also named Will Farrell. They called to his fellow officer for the nippers. What are the nippers? Very good question. No, I was thinking,

would that be a good name for like a salad dressing? Simple assault. And it's a play on word, salt? Maybe not. I say we invest and we see. There's only one way to know. This did not amuse the cops. By the way, normally the cops are amused, but this did not abuse the cops. Will even comes clean about

some of his own crimes. I didn't get caught. You know why? If you don't want to be suspected of anything, you whistle as you walk. Listen to crime lists on the Iheart radio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcast. Agency.

The ability to know that we're the experts in our own body. On the podcast cultivating her space, Dr. Dom and Terry Lomax create a space where black women can show up fully and be heard. I wholeheartedly think, you know, you hit 30. You shouldn't have to share one with anybody. Mm-hmm.

From navigating friendships and healing to setting boundaries and prioritizing your mental health. These are real, honest conversations. We don't always get to have out loud. Totally unreasonable with different parts of life, right? Like, oh, have all three meals and make sure you're mindful during all of them? Absolutely not. During one meal, I'm standing. I'm standing and handing my children food.

Because healing, empowerment, and resilience aren't just ideas. their practices. And this Mental Health Awareness Month, there's no better time to pour back into yourself. Listen to cultivating her space on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. I think we could win the division as a Bronco fan, but I'm still worried about the Chiefs.

Now Certain is out for at least a few weeks that's changed our whole defense. Do you think we can overcome and keep the momentum? What adjustments will advance Joseph? What's his name? The White Corner? I wanted to say Riley Green, but that's the country music star,

number 21, who leads the league and pass interference. I mean, the other day, it felt like he was getting PIs on every single play. So losing your star DB is a blow. I love the Broncos this week against Houston. Riley Moss. Love them. I mean, I think, you know, last week,

the 49ers, their entire defensive line, boasts on injured reserve, Huff, who just dominated the Falcons, pulled his hamstring on the last play the game. He did not play. They're playing multiple rookies who just are probably running on fumes. The rest of their defensive line was just atrocious, and CJ ate him alive. Well, the Broncos defensive line and just pass rush in general is elite. So I think this is an awful matchup for the Houston Texans who have a bad offensive line. How do you block an elite pass rush? You don't,

not with bad offensive linemen. So I do think it's short term you're going to be okay. Obviously, if you're a Bronco fan, I mean, you're rooting heavily for the bills to win this week. Let me look at Denver's upcoming schedule. So you got, we've got the Texans this week in Houston. Then you get the Raiders. You haven't played the Chiefs yet. Then you get the Chiefs, commanders, Raiders. I mean, you've got a lot of Patsy's in here with the Chiefs games.

So your tough remaining games are two Chiefs games, the Packers, and then depending what's on the line for that last game. against the Chargers, which is in Denver. But you obviously get the Chiefs one of the games at home, and you get the Packers at home. So if you win this Texan game and your, what would your record be, seven and two, you're in pretty good shape. Because then you get the Raiders at home on a short week, Thursday night,

which, who knows? I mean, they could be, you could be a 10-point favor in that game. And then you get long rest into the Chiefs game. which is at home as well. So that's, this Texan game is pretty big because it can propel you to the Raider game. So if you win the next two games, you're 8 and 2, go into that Chiefs game.

Now the Chiefs, they play this week and then they got to buy the next week. So they're coming off a buy and you're coming off the mini buy. So it's not a huge advantage, I guess. Let me double check that on the Chiefs because the Chiefs, they play the Bill's 112

and their next game's the Broncos. So they get a buy as well. So that's something to keep an eye on. Why have the 1 p.m. Eastern games this season been so lackluster? Is it just a lot of bad teams in the league or because of Monday night double header? I don't know. I mean, I think sometimes when you get the Monday night double header and you start getting the buys, you just have less options.

So if you do have five games going at once and you get three blowouts, it's like you're pretty beholden to a couple other games. and if the other games that are good are like the Jets, the Bengals, kind of sucks. So I think there's a little randomness to it. There are obviously a lot of bad teams. A ton of injuries, I think is a huge factor. A lot of injuries.

But there have been some bad football. I mean, I'm not trying to be negative Nelly here, but we've all watched some bad football over the last couple weeks. Question about the Giants. All signs are pointing to Joe Shane and Dayball getting fired. Should they hire a head coach that is experienced and get a respectable level guy or a young guy that's a boom and bust potential?

I'm telling you I'm going to start putting this together now. If the Steelers season goes south, which it could potentially start to go south hard. Doesn't Mike Tomlin make a lot of sense? Doesn't Mike Tomlin make a lot of sense? Bring Mike Tomlin. He could bring Arthur Smith. I just think Mike Tomlin, the New York Giants. Like if you're going to leave the Pittsburgh Steelers,

why not try to go resurrect the Giants? Start fresh. Bring your own GM. I don't know. And just... I'm kind of rooting for that to happen. I'm a Vikings fan. But my boss, a Packer fan...

Someone from North Hollywood's calling me. We got... Dictates my progression. We got into a debate about what's worse. Seeing a team fumble multiple backs, Vikings, or having only one championship with Rogers, who is arguably a three... Top three quarterback of all time.

I think it's the latter. I think the Packers are spoiled, so rotten. I also think that Jordan Love is a B quarterback. In short, I hope the Packers enter a dark plague-filled winless street. That's not going to happen. I think it's disappointing if you're a Packer fan to only have two Super Bowls with Rogers and Far of over a 30-year period. But you basically won, I mean, over those 30 years,

it felt like they made the playoffs 25 of them. They won a bunch of playoff games over that period of time. they win the division all the time. I think what the Vikings situation is. If Sam Darnold becomes a consistent pro bowl player, that's going to be one thing that's going to be hard to stomach. I think that's got, if Sam Darnold leads Seattle to like several playoff victories

over the next couple of years, wins the division, and your team is just quarterback list and this J.J. McCarthy thing blows up in their face, the Packers is not even debatable that are. argument. You and Colin were talking about Ben Johnson and Caleb Williams, and you mentioned how you'd be curious to see how Johnson ranked the 24 quarterbacks. Since I'm a Bronco fan, it got me wondering, do you think Ben Johnson would trade Caleb for Bo Nix? Maybe I'm biased, but I feel like he would make a trade in a heartbeat. P.S., keep him of the good work. It's a great question.

I don't know how he would have ranked the guys, because Bo Nix, I wouldn't say, is the most accurate guy. And Bo Nick's style, like, he's actually much more athletic than he is, like, what he had in Jared Gough. Now, just because he had a bunch of sense with Jared Gough doesn't mean that's like his ideal type player. Maybe he would really like a more mobile type guy. Listen, if I wanted to defend Caleb Williams, it's not like Bo Nix. I know his numbers that look pretty good, but you watch him play, he struggles a lot too. I mean, he's very hit or miss. Now, and he's on a way better team with, you know, he's at Sean Payton now for two years. So I don't think there's a lock that Ben Johnson would have liked either one, you know, in terms of like if he had the number one overall pick, my guess is he would take Drake May, would be my guess, or Jayden Daniels over those guys. But who knows? And, you know, I bet if you asked him, he might not really have watched those guys because he's the offensive coordinator during draft time. You're not wasting time ranking the quarterbacks when you're evaluating other positions that your team. needs. He probably spent a lot of time on O-Lyman, on skill guys, on self-scouting, on other stuff than he did ranking quarterbacks they clearly were never going to draft. So if you ask him,

he'd like, honestly, I didn't really evaluate either coming out. That's what his honest comment might be. It's like, how would you rank these guys coming out of college? He'd probably go, I'd have to go re-watch them because I didn't really focus on them. I think you'd be shocked like good teams, their coordinators, most of them don't spend that much time like banging out the film on those players. It's kind of a waste of your time. 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 an ask. 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. Hey, it's Edwin Castro, also known as

Castro 1021. And I'm Konki, his best friend and business manager. And we've got a new show called The 1021 podcast. I'm taking you behind the scenes on how I became one of Twitch's most popular streamers. We also love sports. And with the World Cup right around the corner, we'll be breaking down the biggest storylines ahead of the big tournament here in the USA. Listen to the 1021 podcast on the IHeart radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Hey, I'm Deanna Maria Riva. And on my new podcast, How Hard Can It Be? I call on my Gen X squad from Ohio to Hollywood as we navigate Midlife's most fantastic BS. Unfiltered conversations from

night sweats to futas, to scheduling sex. Wait, what sex? Is it just me, or does every woman my age want to look at Pinterest instead of having sex sometimes? They say we can't polish a turd, but we're sure going to try. So let's get blunt with laughs, tears, or tears of laughter. Listen to How Hard Can It Be with Diana Maria Riva on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. What's up, fam? It's Isaiah Thomas. And I'm CJ Toledano.

It's our favorite time of the year on our podcast point game, The Playoffs. We're digging into the biggest surprises of the season. And I'm looking back on some of my greatest playoff moments. If we didn't talk ever again, I was hungry. You just understood. That's how personal it got. Wow. Then after that game seven, Marquis come in to you, he's like, you know I love you, dog.

You know, it's all love. This was just playoffs. This was just basketball. So listen to Point Game on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. This is an IHeart podcast. Guaranteed Human.