The Herd with Colin Cowherd - Hour 3 - What are the Nuggets doing?

Episode Date: April 8, 2025

More on the shocking news of the Nuggets firing their head coach Mike Malone and what this most likely means Guests: John Fanta, Aaron JonesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Radio app by searching Fox Sports Radio or FSR. You're listening to Fox Sports Radio. Here we go. Hour number three here on the herd, and we've got graced with some breaking news in the NBA. Holy cow, the head exploding emoji is everywhere. Michael Malone, fired. Denver Nuggets head coach a week before the season. That's crazy.

Obviously, we'll do plenty of reaction there. We have John Fanta coming up, Fox Sports College basketball guy, to talk about Houston's devastating loss to Florida and the Natty. We're at Aaron Jones. NFL running back. He's coming up. It's me, Jason McIntyre, joined by Alex Curry. Alex and I were trying to struggle during the commercial break

to just wrap our heads around. It just doesn't make sense. It's like this close to the playoffs when you're in a playoff position. And you've been with the team for 10 years. You won a championship a couple of years ago, 2023. like there's there's something else we don't know to this story. And that's what we need to figure out. So try to get to the bottom of that.

It's just going to be tough. But people are starting to piece stuff together. Big picture in the NBA. Everybody wants a dynasty. You want to build something and then keep it going and win multiple titles. Nobody just wants a one-off championship. So someone said Frank Vogel won the chip with the Lakers in 2020. Remember the bubble championship?

He was fired two years later. Right? you win the title should buy you some time, right? Some dravetas with the organization. No. Vogel was fired two years later. So Mike Boodenholzer won the title with the Bucks in 2021. Remember they beat the Sons and Booker and Chris Paul.

He was fired two years later in 2023. Michael Malone won the title in 2023. Two years later, Sianara, goodbye. It's tough to keep these things together, whether the coaches tuning out, getting tuned out by the players and people just say, hey, we had a good run, it's over, we got to start it anew. Or coaches losing faith in their GMs or coaches just pushing the wrong buttons after everything working so well.

I thought Vogel had got a raw deal with the Lakers. I thought Boon-Nolzer did too. Like, was it his fault? The things fell apart in Milwaukee after they won the title with Yannis? No. Is it Michael Malone's fault that they're slip sliding here? Now, they are struggling. That's undeniable.

But as Alex alluded to, there's got to be something happening in the locker room, players tuning him out. We had Rick Buecker on the show yesterday, and we just so happen to talk about the Nuggets and their recent struggles. The reality is with the Denver Nuggets, you would think that when Jamal Murray is out, that Russell Westbrook is your point guard. He's your ball handler. They do not have anyone that I can completely trust with the ball other than Nicola Yokic when Jamal Murray is out. And that is the great Achilles heel of the Denver Nuggets. Nicola Yolich is playing the best basketball of his life, without a question, the best player in the league right now, right?

And you see where the Denver Nuggets are, because the rest of that team has either flatlined or they're playing below what we've seen them play before. Yeah, no, that's a great point. They are not delivering right now the Nuggets like we expect them to, especially with Yokic putting up a 60-point triple-double. Feels like he's doing a triple-double every night. He's going to finish top two in MVP voting for the fifth straight season.

So why the hell aren't they better? And it's weird. Like an hour ago, remember we did? Yeah, at the top of the second hour, we did top five teams that are title contenders in the NBA. And I didn't have the nuggets in there. And I'm pretty sure I said the nuggets have some issues. I don't trust them, Jamal Murray. An hour later, the coach gets fired.

I did not see that one coming. We do now have sound of Michael Malone on, I think it was Sunday night. They lost to the Pacers, a brutal defeat. And here he is talking about their recent struggles. I'll start with me. We've lost four games in a row. And I'm never going to this guy, that guy. How about me as a head coach, you know, not doing my job to the best of my ability?

And that's why I challenge over our guys. You know, we haven't lost four in a row in a long time. And it's really easy, you know, to be together. and say family when you win, but when you're losing games, can you stay together? And do you have the balls? Do you have the courage? You go home and look in the mirror and say, what can I be doing better to help this team. He holds his players accountable, which I can totally respect. Sometimes the manner which he delivers that is maybe not what the organization would want.

But this interesting divide between him and the GM, the GM has not pushed all the right buttons in recent years. He's just handing out contracts like their candy. Let's be real, Michael Porter Jr., that contract is going to hamstring the organization. He can't defend anybody. He's a good shooter, but he's limited otherwise. It's tough to waste Yokic's prime years, but man, the NBA always delivers. Never a dull moment. Folks, Luca Donchich was traded two months ago.

Now, Michael Malone, who won the title in 2023, out in Denver. Just absolutely wild stuff. All right, let's get to our guest, college basketball reporter analyst John Fanta, joining the show. John, how are you? We're a little shell-shocked here from the Michael Malone news. You're a hoops guy. This had to surprise you when you heard about it, huh?

This is as ridiculous of a move as I have seen in a long, long time. You mean to tell me that with three games left, that today's the day. that your gut reaction is, let's clean house with our leadership, let's fire our head coach and our general manager. You just said it, J-Mack, Michael Malone is one of the best coaches in the NBA. I understand that the Nuggets have had struggles. They're a game and a half out of the three-seed in the Western Conference. What are we doing here?

At least give them the chance to play out the string, finish things off this season. So what? So the thunder and rockets are at the top, and yeah, the Lakers, we know that the Warriors can make a run at this thing. I know there's some realities. But for a guy who won you a championship, a guy who won you a championship to now do this today and say goodbye, this laid into a season,

they owed it to him, in my humble opinion, to finish it out. I disagree with this. I'm shell-shot by it. Yes, the NBA always delusely. livers, but Michael Malone will be somebody else's gain because this from the Nuggets today is ludicrous. Yeah, this would be like what, a college basketball program firing their coach a week before championship week or something crazy just because they are struggling with a few losses, right? Jamak, imagine the three seed or four seed in the AFC or NFC,

firing their coach with two games to play. No, that would never happen, yeah. It would never happen. It would never happen. I just, what is going to change that severely by making this move? He's holding them back that much. I know that Michael, like, Michael is beloved by a lot of people, and a lot of the people I talk to in the NBA, like they really do like Michael.

And he is a different cat. Like, we've seen him get a little bit sharp at times with the media, and he can certainly show a different angle to him where he can be a little bit prickly and going at people sometimes, but he's still a really, really good coach. And this move today, this is nothing short to me of an ownership group who wakes up, gets a phone call or two, and has a knee-jerk reaction ahead of the postseason.

I just don't like it. The NBA always has drama, and there's nothing wrong with that, and that's why you and I love it, J-Mack. But this, to me, was wrong. It's just, what message does this send to the next guy you hire? Nothing good, that's for sure. All right, let's get to the college basketball game last night.

An absolute thriller. I didn't like what the refs did early in the second half, but we got lucky and we got a phenomenal finish. John, I just know Saturday night I was devastated when Duke fell apart late, up by, what, six with 40 seconds left or something? And now to watch Houston, like the shoe was on the other foot. I mean, just a total meltdown, three turnovers in the final minute. What happened to Kelvin Samson's scene?

Well, what happened was Florida's defense really came alive the way that they did against Auburn in the second half, and Florida took away the interior from Houston. So then you're stuck out on the perimeter. And Florida's got the length defensively. That being said, you have a manual sharp, L.J. Cryer, Milo Shuzan. Usam was not particularly good at all in San Antonio. He had two rough games. But for Florida to force four straight turnovers, yeah, it's resilience defensively. It is. But if you are Houston, J-Mack, this is one that will absolutely sting forever when you consider how close you are to a title. And you outplayed Florida for 80% of this game. If not, more. Florida's last lead before they took the lead in the final moments was 8 to 6.

So for Houston, I respect the heck out of Florida. It's a terrific comeback win. Their third consecutive comeback, you come back from 10 down against Texas Tech, and then you come back from nine down against Auburn. They truly showed resilience in these games. But Houston was 33 and 0 when they allowed less than 70 points. Now they're 33 and 1. And that was just so unlike who they've been all season. I know the media loves Kelvin Samson. By all accounts, a great guy.

So close to the title. Houston had not won a title ever. I mean, this has to be just, I don't know how you bounce back from this kind of thing. No, because you're 69. And I do think you're a top 10 coach in the sport, but are you ever going to get this close again? Let's be real here. Probably not. and this was the lineup for them both, both, not just who they are defensively.

They're always tough on D, Jason. This was his best shot-making team. So what you could say about them was they flourished in crunch time. This was the antithesis of that. They unraveled at the worst possible time. How do you not get a shot off in your last four possessions? How do you not get a shot off? It's a stinger.

I think Kelvin's had a great career. Think about this, too, Jason. How much of a storybook this would have been? He's hanging at 799 wins. That would have been 800. Damn. Instead, Todd Golden takes it from him. And Todd Golden, at 39 years of age, a guy who was at San Francisco three years ago,

goes across the country. People are like, is this guy going to win at Florida? He didn't have a tournament win through it. his first two years. It's pretty remarkable. I am curious. Walter Clayton came in on a heater. He had been playing as well as anybody. I think we referenced Kemmel Walker, Shabazz Napier, did not score a basket in the first 32 minutes of the game. John, the kid is clutch. We know that. And I know you can't quantify. Oh, he just delivers all the time. It sounds so cheesy. But that's what he does, no? It's what he did. He played his way into the first round of the draft.

Yeah, I agree. He's going to get drafted in the first round. In the first round of the draft, you could find gems in the 20s, and I think he'll be one of them. That'll hover right around there, you know, 21 to 25. I think he's made his way there. Look, is a size something to monitor? Sure, but this guy, he stepped up with the stop of the game. Jason, how many guys, and you talk with coaches all the time, I can't tell you how many coaches have told me over the last two years

that there have never been more players when they miss their first shot or two of the game, they then allow that to define how they play the game. Clayton could have checked out, could have removed himself for making an impact, could have gotten in his own head, and look, he didn't shoot the ball on. I mean, the fact that Houston held him and Elijah Martin to five of 20 from the floor, and they lost this game, is mind-boggling. But when Houston got in foul trouble, Walter Clayton said,

now it's my time to drive the lane. He had a couple of big-time finishes, the huge three, that was just so critical to them winning this game. But I love a player who clinches the game in a way that people didn't see beforehand. He played his way into the first round of the draft with a play like he made to close out the championship game, the close out on a manual sharp. A lot of people thought this kid cannot defend. Well, he showed us that he could come up big in crunch time with that close out of sharp because that's a championship play. He made winning plays.

He recognized his role. And Jason, he had seven assists last night. Yeah. They made him a passer, and he stepped up. I think he could be a Peyton Pritchard-type player, six-man in the NBA, something like that. All right, John Fanta, Fox Sports College Basketball. Great season. Obviously, you're going to enjoy the transfer portal and all that comes with that.

And in the summer circuit, John, I'll talk to you soon, buddy. J-Mack, you know I'm a Clevelander. Find me my quarterback. Find me my quarterback. Sjdor Sanders faux show. All right, buddy. Have a good one. John Fanta.

All right. More coming up next on the breaking news out of Denver. Michael Malone fired. Fired by the Denver Nuggets on the eve of the playoffs. Just absolutely bonkers. We'll do that next. Be sure to catch live editions of the herd weekdays in noon Eastern 9 a.m. Pacific on Fox Sports Radio, FS1, and the IHeart Radio app.

Hey, it's us to Jonas Brothers. And guess what? We have some big news. The news, name? 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. 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. 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, S&L's Mikey Day and head writer, Streeter Seidel, help an acapella 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 IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

The French Open is one of the toughest tests in December. tennis. And I know firsthand because I competed there myself. I'm Renee Stubbs and on the Renee Stubbs tennis podcast, I'm breaking down everything happening at Roland Garris. Every match, every upset and what it really takes to win on Clay. Jen Chinchin win. I mean, she went down to three to Rabakina, but I'm delighted. She's an outsider to win the French for me. And she likes Clay. Listen, Lina Rabakina is arguably the best player in the world right now and I actually can win on any surface because If she's serving, well, good luck. Consider this your court-side seat to the French Open.

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. Imagine an Olympics where doping is not only legal, but encouraged. It's the enhanced games. Some call it grotesque. Others say it's unleashing human potential. Either way, the podcast's Superhuman documented it all.

embedded in the games and with the athletes for a full year. Within probably 10 days, I'd put on 10 pounds. I was having trouble stopping the muscle growth. Listen to Superhuman on the I-Hard Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Back here on the herd. My goodness, what a crazy hour there. Michael Malone fired as head coach of the Denver Nuggets.

All right, let's go to Alex Curry with the news. No, no, no, no. Turn on the news. This is the herd line news. Yeah, J-Mack, we're going to keep rolling with that because breaking news right now. The Denver Nuggets fired head coach Michael Malone after 10 seasons with the team. That Malone is the winningest coach in Nuggets history and led Denver to a title in 2023. They're currently fourth in the West in a playoff spot a week before the playoffs start.

I mean, this is, it's just, as you said before, this feels like the head exploding. emoji and it I don't feels like they're throwing in the towel you're not going to get someone better this last stretch of the regular season right before the postseason starts there's just something more that we don't know that went down that that that has to be it there's more to the story that we don't know yet yeah so the GM's been there he was the assistant GM since

2017 so him and Malone have shared that for almost decade for a while yeah yeah Boy, this is, it's always fun when this breaking news happens, right? It's just like, whoa. But that's why, there has to be something more, right? Because three games left in the regular season. You tough it out. You tough it out.

You're still in a playoff position. You're still in a playoff position. You're in fourth in the west. It makes no sense. Absolutely no sense. I mean, we've been talking about it now for about an hour, but it's literally scratch your head. Like, I can't wait to get the, like, the juice as to like, or the T.U. Like, what's going down?

Because we talked about yesterday, like, Westbrook's body language when he had his postgame presser finally. And he was just kind of like, I don't know what's going on. It just, it didn't feel, it didn't feel like good vibes were happening in that locker room, basically. Okay. Let's move for the NFL. The Raiders have a whole new look this offseason with new ownership, new head coach of Pete Carroll, and new quarterback, Gino Smith. Now, Gino and Pete obviously have history

from their time in Seattle, and that history was a big part of why the two got back together. Take a listen. There is unfinished business, and I think, you know, when people think about my story, you know, Coach Carroll was a big part of that. You know, he gave me an opportunity when not many people would have,

and he saw, you know, the hard work that I was putting in. He saw the things behind the scenes that I do that allow me to get this opportunity. But to be able to play for him, and again, to be a part of this organization, It means everything to myself and my family. I was just telling him, I'll run through a wall for him, and he knows that. You can definitely feel the support and the love and the belief in each other from both sides

because Pete Carroll had a chance to go out and also get his Super Bowl-winning quarterback this off-season and Russell, and he chose Gino Smith over Russ. So I think that says a lot right there. Also, what has this Raiders team been the last decade? They haven't had a winning culture. They haven't had a lot of success. And now you have two guys who have history together. You have like a whole new setup with your core guys, obviously.

You got work to do. But it feels like there's hope when you listen to both of them. Yeah. I mean, I don't know. We'll see. I'm not as bullish on the Raiders as you are with Gina Smith. No. I don't know.

What, six, seven wins, maybe? I mean, they're still, they're still the worst team in the division. They're the worst team, right? Yeah, they're definitely still the worst team in the division. I just, but it also helps. Like, you got Brady on the ownership side now. So it's like, there's got to be some positives here, right?

You hope so. No. I got to be careful what I say. Max Crosby coming after me for some comments I made. So I got to chill with the Raiders negative. Okay. I was like, why are you holding back? You never hold back. Yeah. Sometimes you got to strategically, Alex. Okay, okay. Well, Mel Kuiper has released his most recent mock draft, and Khyper has Cam Ward going first to the Titans, Travis Hunter to Cleveland at two,

and edge rusher Abdul Carter, third to the Giants. Interesting, though, that Kuiper has Shador going ninth to the Saints, which we kind of mentioned earlier in the show. you said, was it this mock draft that you were referring to? But I think what's going to happen with Shadorah's completely dependent on what the Browns do? If the Browns take him at two, then he's obviously a top, I think he's going to be a top 10 draft pick. But if not, he could fall down.

It could tumble out of the top 10. Yeah, I mean, Saints do need a quarterback with the car situation. Not a great, not a great. I don't want to make it about the Jets. But also it's not a bad thing to fall because it means you're going to go to a better team. Yeah. So you've got to find the silver lining in these situations. Yeah, every guy wants to say they were a top 10 draft pick.

You get more money, obviously, when you're a top 10. But if you drop, you're most likely going to a better franchise, a better team, and a better chance of winning. Yeah, I mean, listen, those teams that are drafting it, like the giant stink. Yeah. You go there, it's like, there's a coaching staff going to be. there in a year. You know? You go to the Raiders. They got work to do, as you said. Yeah.

The Browns obviously have a really good coach. Coach of the year. I think the Browns are probably a good spot for Shadour. I don't know that I can see him falling to the Saints. But a quick word on this mock draft. Okay. Because they have my jets taking the kid from

Missouri on the offensive line. I'm like, bro, all season in the SEC, this guy did not like pop as a stud. He goes and gets measured and then runs a couple awesome drills. Oh, he's the top 10 guy. I'm leery of those workout wonders. What do they call it? The underwear

Olympics? Membo from Missouri. Please don't pass on Jalen Walker or Tyler Warren for an offensive lineman who didn't flash during the season. But measurables are off the charts. That's just my take on that. Okay. Is that the only thing that jumps out

to you on this list? You know, sadly I'm a Jets fan. Yeah, we know. I'm sorry. Sorry for your loss. Alex Curry with the news. Well, that's the news. And thanks for stopping by. The herd lie news. All right.

Coming up next, how about this? We are going to go to commercial break, and then when we come back, we will have NFL running back, Aaron Jones, joining us in the studio. Be sure to catch live editions of the herd weekdays in noon Eastern 9 a.m. Pacific. Hey, it's Steve Kavino. And I'm Rich Davis. We're Kavino and Rich on Fox Sports Radio. You can catch us weekdays from 5 to 7 p.m. Eastern, 2 to 4 Pacific on Fox Sports Radio, and of course the IHeart Radio app. Why should you listen to Kavino and Rich?

We talk about everything, life, sports, relationships, what's going on in the world? We have a lot of fun talking about the stories behind the stories in the world of sports and pop culture. Stories that, well, other shows don't seem to have the time to discuss. And the fact that we've been friends for the last 20 years and still work together, I mean, that says something, right? So check us out. We like to get you involved too. Take your phone calls, chop it up as they say. I'd say the most interactive show on Fox Sports Radio.

Maybe the most interactive show on Planet Earth. Be sure to check out Covino & Rich live on Fox Sports Radio and the IHeart Radio app from 5 to 7 p.m. Eastern, 2 to 4 Pacific. And if you miss any of the live show, just search Covino and Rich wherever you get your podcast and of course on social media. That's Kavino and Rich. Hey, it's us to Jonas Brothers. And guess what?

We have some big news. What's the news? Huge news. We created a lot. 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. 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 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 acapella 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 IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. The French Open is one of the toughest tests in tennis, and I know firsthand because I can. competed there myself. I'm Renee Stubbs, and on the Renee Stubbs tennis podcast, I'm breaking down everything happening at Roland Garris, every match, every upset, and what it really takes to win on Clay.

Jenchian went. I mean, she went down in three to Rabakina, but I'm delighted. She's an outsider to win the French for me. And she likes Clay. Listen, Lena Rabakina is arguably the best player in the world right now, and I actually can win on any surface, because if she's serving, well, good luck. Consider this your court side seat to the French Open. 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. Imagine an Olympics where doping is not only legal but encouraged.

It's the enhanced games. Some call it grotesque. Others say it's unleashing human potential. Either way, the podcast's superhuman documented it all, embedded in the games and with the for a full year. Within probably 10 days, I'd put on 10 pounds. I was having trouble stopping the muscle growth. Listen to Superhuman on the I-Hart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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Legendary NFL running back. He's carried me to a fantasy championship. Aaron Jones, Minnesota Vikings played for the Packers. How you doing, man? I'm doing great of you. Yeah, I'm happier now that you're here. We had a great combo during the commercial break. My favorite stuff is just asking him random questions.

But first, you recently participated in the NFL U.S. O tour, visiting U.S. service members in military bases in Kuwait. I've never been to that part of the world. What's that like? It was amazing. I grew up a military child. My dad served 29 years retired as a command sergeant major. My mom served 27 and retired as a serge major. So for me, it was a big part of giving back going over there. It was a full circle moment. And one of the bases that we stopped at, Air of John in Kuwait, my mom was deployed there in 2003. So completely full circle moment and just getting to go over there, talk to soldiers, lift them up, you know, give them that little bit of joy. I know what it's like having parents deployed.

And when one person serves, the whole family serves. You feel those hardships. Also got to see high school basketball teammates or kids who went to other schools. guys from El Paso or people who were stationed at Fort Bliss. So that was surreal. Got my hair cut by one of my high school basketball teammates who's a barber now. I was sitting in the barracks with the guys just hanging out, midnight child, eating in the D-Fact, eating lunch with them, doing everything they did,

but just also being there meeting with them, talking to them and trying to lift them up. Dude, that sounds awesome, man. I did hear you say high school basketball. So you were football and basketball in high school, just dominating both or no? Track as well. Football basketball, I ran track. Yes, sir. Wow.

Would you rather start with the Packers or the Vikings? Shocker, I've got some Aaron Rogers questions for you. Wherever you want to start. Let's start with the Packers. So you're drafted by Green Bay, but there's a log jam at Running Back. And as you were telling us during the break, it's like, you had a big champion in the organization. Tell us how you first got on the field.

Really, it was A-Rod. He went over to the sallon. I was like, I want 33 in the game. He was signaling from the field, but then went over there. It was like, I want 33 in the game. And I'm looking down, I'm like, hey, that's me. go. So, like, I always tell people, I think people have the wrong perspective of them or whatever. If you're a player, you've been around him, you'll be thankful for your time around him and

what he's done for you in your career. So he really helped jumpstart my career, gave me that confidence, and continued to give me that confidence. So why do you think he gets a bumrap in the media if he's so loved by so many teammates? Because the media can sway, sway whatever you say, whichever. where they want to, whether you meant it in a certain type of way or whether you didn't. So I feel like it's part of that. Yeah. Now, your time with the Packers a lot was written about McCarthy v. Rogers at the end.

There was some kind of Cold War. They didn't talk, whatever. I don't know. What did you see in Green Bay near the end? Because you guys had a great, great run. You know, I was a fifth round guy, so my head was just down, trying to stay out the way. but uh uh it was it was we we we were like a middle of the pack team i we win win lose and a lot of it depending on if uh a route was healthy and out there able to play we went as he went

and um so he once he got back healthy we were great so i feel like he was a big part of a big part of us you know when he was out there we were doing great yeah um i guess playing in green bay as like a running back at the time, you know, the running back position was still highly thought of, but in the last few years, it kind of dipped down. Did you notice it as one of the top running backs in the league that, hey, man, we're not getting paid. We're not getting respected. What was that like?

100%. You know, as you're going through contract negotiations or you're seeing what other guys are getting across to other positions and you can kind of see what's going on and you start talking all the backs as a whole, not just the running backs on your. team but across the league you guys start talking and everybody's kind of feeling a consistent of that way of hey they're trying to devalue us devalue our position but we bring so much value to the to the game you know but luckily guys bought out this year Sequan did what he did and was I really able to help

the running back market kind of get back a little bit to where it's supposed to be I still think it should be a little bit better but the reason I said it because you have a, think about how many times a running back is touching the ball a game versus a receiver number three. Yeah. You know, we're picking up blocks as well. Or we're lining up our while running routes.

So, um, I feel, but hey, I'm not complaining. I'm happy that it's gotten bumped up, but I'm, I'm advocating for the backs. Not complaining, advocating. So, you're in Green Bay. I had to look this up. So, you guys are doing well, and then they draft A.J. Dillon. And at that

point, you know, you're one of the top backs in the league, but are you like, guys, what are we doing? I'm the guy. Or is that just part of the job? Like, you always got to be looking over your shoulder. As you learn, your time in league, that's just part of the business. They're always trying to either bring somebody in to replace you. And if they can't replace you, or maybe not to replace you, they're there to team them up with you and you guys go to work together. But that's part of your job to know that, hey, they're trying to replace me every year. They're trying to bring somebody in every year. And that's your, It's your job to stay on top of everything and put in that work.

So when those challenges do present itself, you're still on top. Could you see like, oh, damn, it's probably ending soon for me in Green Bay. I need another landing spot because very rarely do people stay in the division. I mean, they're a rival, right? Definitely did not see it coming to an end. I finished the year off strong. I got hurt earlier in the year, scoring a touchdown again. in Chicago, battled the hamstring for a little bit.

Then once I was back out there, I feel like I helped lead us to the playoffs. And it was essentially a first round win. So everything I was being told from the organizations, hey, you're the Heart and Solis team. You'll be back here. So didn't turn in my iPad, didn't do anything, because I'm thinking I'm coming back, you know. And so what happened?

That didn't happen. didn't happen they wanted me to take a pay cut and um sometimes you know you got a bet on yourself and yeah um that's what i did uh love the organization love the connections that i've made there but uh at the same time i have a family to feed and yeah um i i felt like i knew my worth and my worth was more than what they wanted to give me so was rogers still there no he wasn't this was jordan this was jordan love he was your advocate and jordan love you probably didn't know him as well right oh no i knew Jordan very well. That's the thing. I get all the, I got all the receivers. Jordan, his quarterback coach, he's like my uncle, like my uncle, Steve Calhoun. We got all, I got all of him, hey,

we're going out here this offseason. We work with Jordan. He's going first time starting. So I was a catalyst in a lot of that, getting us, getting us together. And I think that's some of the stuff they started to see from behind the scenes. But, you know, I have a lot of love for those guys. as well. My young receivers, my young, my quarterback, you know. I wonder if the audience picked that up guy. You got to listen closely to what he says. Anyway, so you're, you know, you're igniting all that stuff and all of a sudden they come to you with a low ball. That was kind of when the running backs, nobody wanted to pay them, right? Yes, sir, but got worried that they were going to bring in another back. Didn't know who, but they were going to give, essentially make me take a pay cut,

asked me to take a pay cut, but give another back a extension or a big deal. I'm out, sorry. And, you know, you kind of, the writing's kind of on the wall then. Do I want to be a two, or do I feel like I can go somewhere and prove myself, continue to prove myself and show them, hey, I still can play. I got a lot of value left. So that's what I essentially did. naturally you go to Minnesota and then you dominate and you can flash a middle finger to them

talk about the transition to Minnesota in the division a franchise and team you know well but you got to move your family and everything was your family behind the move and everything my family was definitely behind the move um they were they were all for it and uh everything i don't know if you guys see those report cards that are given out on on every NFL team oh yeah yeah um so it that was very true when we got there the the treatment of the family everything It's a world-class organization, and I'm blessed to be there. You know, there was a lot of guys who are like, oh, don't leave Green Bay. Don't leave Green Bay.

Like a lot of vets where they were leave. They're like, oh, they really take care of you. The grass isn't greener. All those things that they will tell you, you know. So I was kind of like nervous making that move, but God doesn't make mistakes, and I ended up there for a reason, and it's been a blessing for me and my family. They really take care of you. Like I said, it's a world-class.

organization and I was able to stay healthy all year. It's just a great place to be. And I think you'll really continue to see Minnesota do great nuts because it starts. So now I've got to be careful with the questions because you're in Minnesota, you know, and you've got to see these guys all the time. But, you know, you get to Minnesota and they got Sam Darnold, but then they draft McCarthy and you were there for the quarterback battle in the off-sedes. Because you're a new guy.

Were you able to like, hey, guys, let's get together and let's go offensive? Let's go do stuff the way you did in Green Bay? Kind of just trying to get moved in, get settled there. Everything found my foot in. But we were still close, you know, and I think that's what made us really good this year. We had a bunch of guys on one year, but veterans, and we knew we had to come together. And I think that's what made us special. And it didn't matter who was, like, in the preseason with JJ and Sam was out there.

out there. It didn't matter who was out there slinging it. We were pumping that quarterback up, whoever was out there taking the rep. We were pumping them up, lifting them up, and you couldn't tell who was who really, like, from. Was that close? I went, I don't know how close it was. Both them were balling in the preseason, though. But I'm saying you couldn't, like, in terms of, oh, we're cheering for this guy. We're not cheering. Like, the way that they built it up there, like, each guy was getting loved on. I'm just curious how this works. Like you go to a new team, new franchise.

You've got it. Everybody knows who Aaron Jones is, right? But you've got to meet, like, make all these new relationships. How is that, like, in the locker room? Because obviously they had other running backs. You're coming for their job. You're going to be the guy. They got a new quarterback.

They got something of a quarterback controversy. They got a young coach. What was that like? It's a lot of fun. It's, no, honestly, it's a lot of fun. And I feel like that's part of the military. Oh, yeah. helped me just being able to adapt to change quickly.

The military was moving every two, three years. So as a child, having to reestablish myself in sports. So it was fun just going and making new relationships, meeting new people, learning about them. And note these are relationships that will last forever, not just this couple months. These are everlasting relationships. They getting to know about you,

you're getting to know about them. And then you're finding out, hey, we're a lot like, we're a lot of like, or we come from the same kind of the same background or same makeup or, you know, just being there as a resource as well. Like you said, I'm a veteran coming in. And we had Todd Chandler, Cam Acres. There are still young guys on their third, fourth year, so I can just come in and give those guys everything their need.

And then I think as an athlete, you know, like, hey, if this guy's better than me, then he's better than me. And I can learn from him and I can improve. But there's also bits and pieces you can take from everybody's game. So I'm taking something from Cam's game. I'm taking something from Todd Chandler's game. I'm learning from those guys just as much as they're learning from me. So I think it's just great.

So now you're out here doing media, and I have to ask, as a high-profile player on a team that, I don't think anybody had the Vikings peg to do what you guys did this past season, Are you reading the stuff in the preseason where people are like, oh, well, I don't know, Vikes, maybe 500, you know, they got Aaron Jones and Justin Jefferson. Like, are you reading that stuff? Because the media, I don't think, love the Vikings coming into the season.

You know, you see those first couple headlines come out and you're just like, whatever. And then after that, we kind of didn't pay any attention, you know. We're like, okay, we're going to make them respect us. They're not talking out, but when it comes down to what they will be. And, you know, what's, you know, What's done in the dark will always come to light, and we put our heads down and we worked, even though the light wasn't shining on us. And eventually, everybody started talking about us and seeing what we were doing over there.

It felt like the injury to the left tackle was kind of one of the big infection points during the season. And I don't want to say it went south, but it just, the offensive line wasn't clicking the way it was with Derrissau in there. Is that a fair assessment? Definitely. We, uh, Cam, Cam, Tom, uh, Cam, Cam Robinson came over and did a great job, though. I did you. Uh, came in, I want to say two days and started. Wow.

Really one day of practice, he did a great job. Uh, I think it's just CD, uh, was like the, the leader of, of the, a line group kind of, you know, maybe. And, uh, get, getting them going. So he, he's an all pro, you know, all pro guys. So is, when you lose one of, one of those guys up front and, um, he, he's getting, a lot of those guys across the board confidence as well. It does get a little tough, but like I said, Cam did a great job of stepping in,

and I'm proud of him, and he got paid off of that as well. So congratulations to my left tackle, Cam. Yeah, he's pretty damn good. And the other guy with Cam was a first round pick in his own right, right, with the Jacks. All right, so tough question, got to ask it. Play with Devonte Adams, play with Justin Jefferson.

Who's better? I have to put you on the spot. These are two of the best I mean these are two Hall of Famers obviously I would say two different receivers Of course he's ready for the media No they are two different receivers They're two different receivers both very special

That's a tough question honestly I have seen both of them go to work every day And consistently do it every day I'm gonna say The only difference that I've seen is I wasn't there when Devante was younger. When he was...

In his first three years, first four years, first five years. I got there... Well, he's still young, but... Justin's like year, four, year five, so I got to see that a little bit. But I would say, that's... It's a tough question. You flip a coin.

Get used to being in the media. You flip a coin. You flip a coin right there. I go with either one. If we gave you truth, series... him. And the question was, when Aaron Rodgers and the Vikings were doing whatever dance they were doing last month, were you privy to what was going on? Did Rogers call you to check in? Hey, what's the vibe like there? Did you talk to Rogers when he was allegedly

talking to the Vikings? No, we really didn't talk, you know, but I would love for him to, we would have for him to come over there. He can do a lot for the young players, not just, see, that's, that's, that's, that's, that's, that's, that's the, that's the, that's the, that's the, that's the, that's the, I'm a Jets fail. That's the media side. You guys got rid of Robert Salah through five games in. Whoa, whoa, whoa. You guys got rid of Robert Salah five games in.

I like him. What were you guys with two and three? What was the record? It was not good. It was two and three? Yeah. Okay. Look, my last year in Green Bay, we were like four and seven and made the playoffs.

Yeah. So you guys are giving up on. Hey, the owner. You guys are, you, it's the, it's the, I don't know. We want to say as to fans. You guys are so quick to just give up on each other though. Like, yeah, no, that's fair. Not necessarily me.

I like Sala. He didn't do a lot of winning, but apparently he had a rift with, with Rogers. You know, they didn't remember, Salah was all excited and he came over, Rogers like, bro, chill. Come on, man, that's a head coach. I know that's your guy.

I don't, I wasn't in the locker room. I don't know the dynamic, but, uh, but, I mean, two with you guys are two and three. and you go and fire him, like, I don't know. The Jets have been a dysfunctional mess for a while. So, that's fair. So you can try to throw it all on A-Rod or Sala. It's more to it, you know.

It's fair. And they were trying to get the pieces over there. They were trying to get the pieces over there. But you also got to be able to protect the quarterback as well. Not do that? You also got to be able to protect him. But, you know, no, I feel like he does get a bad spin on the media, but the thing, like I spoke on it a little bit,

and I'm sure there's so many more athletes out here that can speak positively about A-Rod. I haven't had a negative interaction with him ever. I had, what was this? Deshawn Jackson came on the last year. He's very good. I like talking to him about it. All right, so we got one minute left.

Vikings, is Super Bowl a reasonable expectation this year? I truly think so. We have all our skill positions back. JJ's ready. We're ready to surround him. Have you seen JJ lately? Is he good coming out healthy? Jay J.J. is good.

Jay Jays ready. And he's different. He's going to show you guys. Vikings are my sleeper picked to win the division. Up there, we're about showing it instead of talking about it. So we're going to show you guys. What's the best thing about McCarthy? Is he a leader already or too young?

No, he's a leader already. Already? He's a winner. He's a winner. We believe in him. He's going to get it done for us. So, I mean, we're all behind him in. He comes in with that confidence as well, and excited to have him.

Yeah. All right, Aaron Jones, the great running back. A lot of time with the Packers now dominating with the Vikings. Vikings are my pick to win the division. I think the Lions fall back a little. Do you? I think we have the best division of football. I don't know if they necessarily fall back,

but I think it is definitely going to be competitive. Chicago also got better in free agency. Thanks, Aaron. Good stuff, man. It's going to be great. 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 get your podcast. Just listen. We don't care where you hear it.

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