The Herd with Colin Cowherd - THE HERD – HOUR 2 – Colin Was Right About Josh Allen, Pulisic Is Weak

Episode Date: July 13, 2026

Another edition of where Colin was right and where he was wrong Alexi Lalas stops by The Herd to talk about the final teams left in the World Cup, the controversial call in the Argentina-Switzerland game that lead to Breel Embolo being sent off, Christian Pulisic poor performance, and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Now let's get this party started. You're listening to Fox Sports Radio. Here we go. It's hour two and a Monday. It is an absolute pleasure to have you in. A lot of choices out there. We got a great week. We got a great week. Alexi Lawless in five minutes. Derek Jeter stopping by home run derby tonight. All-Star festivities in the all-star game tomorrow. So much fun. Well, we'll ask. Mbolo is Switzerland and flopped. J-MAC says, just ignore it, let him play. It had had been a point of emphasis. for the referees of the World Cup, the flopping thing, hurrying up play. They've been speeding up, you know, those kind of dead ball situations. They've been doing a very good job of that. So it's just an interest.

I understand both sides. But like, you know, they've been saying no flopping. We're going to be tough on flopping. It just was not the great. Is it on the athlete to be smarter than that in that moment? Now, we talk about it all the time in the NBA during the finals. They don't call anything. You get to a Super Bowl.

They don't want to call a big pass interference in the fourth quarter. They just get out of the way. let the players win. There's certainly that argument. Alexi Lawless in five minutes will have that. Colin Wright, Colin wrong in a Monday, and here we go. Where Colin was right. I've said for years, March madness doesn't matter. People love favorites. The World Cup, the top four rank FIFA teams are still alive. And the ratings are once again illustrating America loves favorites and America loves brands and stars. Cape Verde was a wonderful story. And even better story is France and England and Spain and Argentina is still around.

Underdogs tug at our heart, maybe because most of us are underdogs in life. But in the end, the big brands and the big stars are why this is smashing previous World Cup records. Where Colin was wrong. Listen, I've been a huge supporter of Christian Pulisic. I think as our most skilled player in the history of the United States soccer. I have said I think he's internationally special. But he's got one goal in two World Cups, and in the nine World Cup games, he could be a part of four of them. He has missed entirely or left early with an injury.

Availability is part of greatness. You've got to be available. Messy is small. He seemingly never misses games, certainly at the World Cup. And I think it also looked like against Belgium that Pulisic was timid. Stars at the World Cup have to be the opposite of that. Where Colin was right. NFL executives came out with a top 10 quarterback ranking based on executives, scouts, coaches, all this stuff.

Mahomes was number two to Josh Allen. This is what we've been on for two years. Mahomes has the better infrastructure, the better owner, had the better coach, a very good general manager. Alan's the better talent. His force, his mobility, his strength, his durability. Josh Allen is the best football player and the best quarterback in the NFL. Where Colin was wrong. I thought we could beat and be highly competitive against Belgium and we were not.

Our goalkeeping, always a concern plus our back line was inferior. Two minutes into this contest, two minutes into this match, it was very clear. We could not maintain possession. We were cautious. It was humbling. and I got to take a gigantic L on that. Where Colin was right. Been saying for years,

Mike Tomlin's a good coach, but he's part of the problem. And a study came out last week, done in Pittsburgh. 78% of Steeler fans said Mike Tomlin and the lack of a quarterback plan is the issue.

I got to give Steeler fans credit for this because we've been saying this for years and you can never tell from the internet or people that respond to something you say. But it's always you're too tough on the Steelers. No, when you asked real Steelers, anonymous study, what's the problem? And I like Mike Tomlin.

But even Pat Riley said years ago, you got about 10 years for a team or a franchise, you become noise. People tune you out. Tomlin was part of the issue. Where Colin was wrong. I love the number five pick in the NBA draft. Keith Wagner of Illinois.

Wagler's an interesting guard, kind of a late bloomer. I thought he was the steal of the first 10 picks. He struggled. Second game, he shot 37% against Utah. First game, minus 23 against Sacramento, worse for the team. Now, now, it's Summer League. I think he still needs to fill out. He was not a five-star, AJ DeBonsa, Darren Peterson recruit.

He wasn't. He was like a three-star guy. that was completely overlooked. So he just physically needs to get stronger and get into an NBA wait room for two or three years. But I thought he was one of the steals of the draft at five. And first couple of games, not pretty at all for the clips. Where Colin was right.

Back to that NFL top 10 quarterback list. You know who's not on it? Little Jalen Hertz, an injury-prone Brock Purdy. Jason, are you watching? First of all, size matters at the position. Russell Wilson convinced a lot of people it does it because he was great for a decade as a small quarterback. And the other thing is you've got to be healthy. Rock Purdy's heard too much.

You got to be available. And finally, where Colin was right? Oh, we're at the all-star break in baseball. This is interesting. Oh, the Rays lead a division. The Brewers small market, small payroll lead a division. The small payroll Chicago White Sox lead a division. the Mets Stank, biggest payroll, of the top 10 payrolls, only two teams lead their division.

Again, nobody is denying that the Dodgers have pulled away from the sport, but that's not just payroll, that's the brilliance of their front office and ownership to defer payments. And it should be noted even with that All-Star team in L.A., they were pushed to a game seven against the Blue Jays and needed about six miracles to happen to beat Toronto. Money matters. There's probably a baseline of payroll that matters. Cleveland, though, is succeeding. Tampa's succeeding.

Milwaukee's succeeding. White Sox payroll is tiny. They're crushing this year. Colin right, Colin wrong on a Monday. This segment is brought to you by Haleyon, official partner of U.S. soccer and the maker of Sensenyne, Tom's Volteran Advil and Centrum, the brands behind your everyday wellness wins

because every goal starts with an assist on and off the field. Learn more at Haleyunassist.com slash iHeart. Hey, I'm Ruby Carr, the host of the podcast, OnCore. Check out our brand new episodes featuring music from the show that everyone is reheating as we speak. Heated rivalry. Join me as I go behind the songs that brought Shane and Elia together. I'll tell you the stories of Fice,

My Moon, My Man, Wolf Parades, I'll Believe in Anything, and tattoos all the things she said, and how they all became a part of this global phenomenon. Stream encore on IHeart Radio, Crave, or wherever you get your podcasts. I'm Munga Shat Together, and I'm back with a new season of the podcast, Skyline Drive. This time I'm diving into a rabbit hole of peptides, organoids, blood boys, blue zones, and brain replacement to try to understand what this longevity obsession is all about. and what it really means to live forever, for all of us. I learned about some rad science.

I can make a brain for you, and then we can test what draw is the best for your brain, as opposed to his brain. Here are some hard truths. I would expect Indians to age faster, but I did not expect it to be almost a four-to-five-year acceleration. And get myself into a world of trouble. I'd say probably start bone smashing.

That doesn't work. To make it look more defined. They say it works. I don't know. Listen to Skyline Drive, How to Live Forever on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. The Declaration, which is full of these beautifully rendered,

sentences and paragraphs about enlightenment ideals, does also have this darker history to it. Why is it important for the darker part of the Declaration of Independence, in the American Revolution, why is it important that Americans know about it? Well, if we don't understand the full context in which our nation was founded, we won't understand the full context

in which our nation now finds itself. I'm Rebecca Nagel. Gohyn, Taoadon, Jalike Yat, Liqa, Lung, citizen of Cherokee Nation. Are you guys big chiefs fans? Hell yeah. This is First America,

the true story of how the United States came to be and how we got to this present moment. Listen to First America on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. This is Michael Rappaport, and my podcast, the I Am Rapaport Stereo Podcast, is unlike anyone you've ever heard. We're a variety show. And if you're looking for strong opinions, funny opinions about sports, entertainment,

politics, pop culture, and whatever else catches my attention, then subscribe now. This kid, Jafar Jackson, is as good as Rami Malik as Freddie Mercury, and it's as good as Timothy Shamaulay as Bob Dylan. And I say that with love and respect for both of those actors. And I don't know how many Oscar nominations they give out, I don't know if it's five, six for best actor. 150% this kid, Jafar Jackson, should absolutely positively get nominated for his portrayal as Michael Jackson. Listen to I Am Rapaport on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast. Okay, I got to bring an Alexei Lawless.

He's been sensational, irritating the masses he's joining us. Okay. Mbolo, Braille Mbolo for Switzerland. He takes a dive. He takes a flop. So let's just start with that. And there's two schools of thought. The stage is too big to get him out of a game.

The other school of thought is. these referees have made this a point of emphasis at the World Cup. And this was a dive. What side are you on? What is your take on that? Because it does affect outcomes. It does affect outcomes. And you are punishing this player in the biggest moment of his career.

And not just punishing the player, but obviously punishing the team. And, you know, there's an argument to be made that Argentina was on the ropes at that moment. And so it may have come and beaten Argentina. having said all of that, you broke the law. You broke the law. And by the way, this is something that for years, especially here in the United States, people have criticized and lamented when it comes to the game relative to the diving and the flopping and the embellishment. So in this moment, the letter of the law was applied.

It was a dive. Everybody can see it as a dive. He was already on a yellow card. So I put the onus on this player in that moment to recognize that even if you are a diver, you can't be doing it in that moment and risking what happened. So I have very little sympathy for the player in that moment. He knew exactly what he was doing and he paid the price. Yeah. You've come out. I disagree with this take, but it's a take and I appreciate it, Mauricio Pochitino. I think going into this World Cup, we knew we had our worst goalkeeping situation in a long time, maybe ever

at the World Cup. We knew our backline was old. And I honestly think we need some size. I think that you watch against Belgium, it's like, guys, we need some size, our technical skill and excellence has improved. We're small. We're fast. We're athletic, but we're small. But you're putting it on Pochitino. Marisa Pochitino over the last two years. I think it's done some, some wonderful things, not the least of which is to, you know, kind of harness and embrace and respect the American mentality and spirit and inject that into the team. And I think that that translated, even in this in this tournament. But let's be honest, the guy's being paid $6 million a year to do the things that we haven't seen before. We have been to a round of 16. It was to win this particular game.

And in that moment, his team chose the worst possible moment to play the worst possible game. It doesn't negate what he has done before. But ultimately, he was a coach that didn't have to go through qualifying. And in this moment, he couldn't get it done. And that's, you know, that is a, that is a problem. That's a problem for him. He's the first person to understand that there are very, very fine margins when it comes to a World Cup. There are managers. I don't know. I've lost count of how many managers have now moved on or been fired after this World Cup. So it's a completely logical type of thing to do. Now, if U.S. soccer continues with him, I do think that we will be fine and we will continue on.

But it's really difficult to have multiple cycles. It gets old very, very quickly. I know this was half a cycle for him. He's going to have plenty of offers there. But I just think it's difficult because there's this finite moment. this is a bookend that comes at the end of a cycle. It's very difficult, I think, to pick up where you left off and continue on from there. Alexei Lullis joining us.

It was interesting. I have been a Pulisic supporter. I was greatly disappointed. I thought he was timid against Belgium. And I said, listen, soccer media, it's every four years. Your star can't no show. Okay, he can't. We crush quarterbacks, young kids, 22 years old.

crush them on a Monday during the NFL season. Caleb Williams was remarkable. About half the weekends were like, well, not good enough. What happened in the first quarter? That's part of our American sports media landscape. We're tough on football players. We tend to be a little player friendly, in my opinion, in the NBA. College athletes, because they're younger, I think we've got it right. We criticize, but we walk gently with college criticism. But with soccer, it's like, guys, this is international. It's every four years. We're spending four. $400 million on this thing. And I thought Polisic, I think he got to, and I'm not going to ever judge injuries. But beyond that, I thought he was timid in a big space. I am not bothered by the

criticism and I love him. You're pretty pointed on your criticism. What did you make of the deflection and the pushback on anybody that criticized Pulisic? Well, Colin, you are not only a good looking man, but you're also an intelligent man. And I completely agree with you when it comes to this assessment. I actually think one of the wonderful byproducts of this World Cup is that so many people have come into the tent and there's so much discourse. And, you know, there's criticism that goes on. And to your point, if American soccer ever wants to be treated like the rest of the sports, then we have to have this. Christian Plilisic is going to be fine. He was put out there and put himself out there as the face of this national team. I think he is still well on his way to becoming possibly the

best American male soccer player ever. But the reality is, is that in the most important moment, not just in a World Cup, but in a home World Cup, he didn't show up. And so this, you know, this challenge and this criticism that's going on and this debate about what he is for a lot of people, it affirmed or confirmed what they feel is that he is at times weak and weak in body, weak in mind. And that manifested during this World Cup. And, you know, for any star you cover them in all different sports this comes with the territory christian polisic is going to be fine he can he can push back he can he can say no you're wrong or i don't i don't agree with you out there as sometimes uh stars do but this is what a big boy or a big girl type of situation this is what

we do when it comes to sports and it's not just it's not just sport of of criticizing i think there is absolutely fair and valid criticism of your major star not showing up at the most important time. That's right. It was in Seattle. It's home soil. It's a big moment. And we played cautiously and timidly.

And I think the criticism is just. All right. So, you know, Argentina is interesting. I think France is the best team. I think England's second. A lot of people are saying, well, FIFA. Argentina appears to be getting a friendly,

as we call it here in the state, selecting. A friendly whistle. Now, I will tell you that VAR review against Egypt was a bunch of baloney. That was nonsense. This one you can make an argument. What about the contention that Argentina has gotten a friendly FIFA whistle? I mean, they have gotten an easier pathway on that side of the bracket.

All right? Now, is that by design or is that the soccer gods or FIFA? Look, you know, the tin foil that's coming out right now when it comes to how they are looking at it. You know, this is still Argentina. They have, look, they have gone to the well now on a number of games, and they have either, you know, bailed themselves out or Messies bailed them out or, in this case, the referees bailed themselves out. And for a defending champion, obviously that doesn't, that doesn't look good. I don't buy into any of the conspiracy theories out there. But the reality is that this upcoming game against England will probably be their first real challenge against a team that is on.

their level. And so we're really going to find out what they are. And if they, if that well still has any water left in it, you know, Messi didn't do much in the last game. And we know he doesn't run around a whole lot. So he's going to be rested. You wonder if he's just keeping some powder dry for England. By the way, my favorite quote, I want to play Thomas Tuchel, the manager for England. And I thought my take was it was 107 on the pitch for Norway and England. Okay. I've been to England a lot. It doesn't get to 107 regularly in England,

okay? Even though it's sunnier today, I think 2025 was the sunniest year in England in a long time. They don't have Miami weather. So they win. They're a little sloppy, and here is their manager after. The commitment is there, but

we made life very, very difficult for us in the way we played, how we played. Sloppy, a lot of technical mistakes, not fast enough. not repetitive enough. We were lucky today. There's no mentality problem. This is pure mentality.

This is pure mentality. You can bottle it up and sell it. Absolutely. Yeah, so why is the prime for mentality? It's the quality of our games. That's it. Okay, and Jude Bellingham, Jude Bellingham did not like this response.

Here's Jude Bellingham, his star, one of those stars. He said he was disappointed with a performance. there could have been more in many different ways oh well whatever whatever I think he obviously believes there could be more from the team yeah it's difficult out there

it's difficult it's a tough shift maybe he doesn't know what it's like to play in those kind of conditions against Erland Ardegarde no search Soloth you know that's not an easy team to play again so you know I think we've tried to create a positive environment we should continue that

going into the final four I can't speak highly enough for the lads All right, do we have a little bit of a fissure with England now? Oh, my God. I inject this in my veins. This is awesome. This is wonderful. Okay, so if you're looking at this England team, let's put it in like musical terms, right?

So you have, let's say that, you know, Harry Kane is Paul McCartney. Jude Bellingham is John Lennon. And I guess Tuchel would be like George Martin in terms of producing. and trying to get the most out of this team and recognizing that they can do better. I think it was strategic in the way that he answered the question. It was, you know, keep in mind for those that don't know, he's a German. And so it was a very German type of answer. But again, I think what he was doing is making sure that this team and the fan base for that matter,

recognize that it's not the same thing that has happened in the past. in the past, they might have all celebrated and sing while you're winning and everything. In this moment, he said, no, it's not good enough. Because if this is truly happening where they're going to win the World Cup for the first time in 60 years, they have got to be much better. And I think it was a healthy dose of reality for the players. And I don't mind what June Bellyham said either. I love there's that that friction back and forth.

That's what makes him a great player. And maybe that's what makes this the particular England team that's able to do something for the first time in 60 years. as you know, Alex Lee, they've lost the European Championship. They finished second place. What is it, three times? So England's been, this group has been good. England's been on a heater, but they've been finishing second. So the truth is, this manager isn't trying to make them good.

He's trying to get them over the top and make them the world's greatest. So they've finished second multiple times. Yeah, yeah. And Thomas Tucho recognizes that his job is this much. And if you're just listening, it's just just, it's just, it's, just a small little amount that he needs to. But it's come sometimes the hardest amount to gain. And so he recognizes in order to do that, they have got to play better. I will say this. You know, I love poking England. And look, I think that there are plenty of people like myself that at

times will hate watch England. This is a likable England team. I don't know what they're doing, but they're much more likable than other teams and the way that they're going. I was talking with my brother the other day. And he said something interesting. He said, England, in this tournament, this version of England is what we wanted the U.S. team to be in that is it the best possible collection of players? Maybe it's the best possible collection of players. Is it the best talent out there? Maybe not. But they're coming together in a way. I can't even believe that I'm saying that I might actually root for England. But you mentioned Argentina earlier. I think the hate watchers have now kind of look to Argentina

a whole lot more than in England. Don't worry, I'm an old school England hate watchers, so I'll keep doing it. But they're really trying to make me like them, and they're doing a good job at different times. Yeah, well, that went it as tech. I mean, you can't, you have

to respect it. Everybody in soccer, everybody in the world knows, that's a nightmare place to play in that environment. And they had the two best players and pulled away, and it was glorious, and it's great seeing you, my friend.

And as always. You're the best. Thanks. Alexi Lalas. Yeah, it's a... That manager just reminds me of Popovich and Sabin and Izzo and Belichck and I mean, we've always had these guys. Like, you've got to keep your foot on the gas. And England has finished second in the European Championships multiple times.

So it's like they've been very good multiple times and that's not good enough. That is not good. There's a Buffalo Bills feel to them. You're like, okay, we're very good. We know that. We've got stars. We know that. So much fun.

One more herd? The herd streams 24 hours a day, seven days a week within the IHeart radio app. Search Herd to listen live or on demand whenever you'd like. Hey, it's Ben. Host of the fifth hour with Ben Mallor. It would mean a lot to have you join us on our weekly auditory journey. You're asking what in God's name is the fifth hour?

I'll tell you, it's a spinoff of the Ben Mather show, a cult hit overnights on FSR. Why should you listen? Picture, if you will, a world where we chat with captains of industry in media, sports and more every week, explore some amazing facts about human nature and more. Listen to the fifth hour with Ben Mather on the Iheart radio app, Apple podcast, or wherever you get your podcast. Derek Jeter, final hour, All-Star Game coming up on Fox,

home run derby tonight. It's interesting. Alexi Lawless with a pretty bottom line opinion on the flopping is rules are rules. Law is law. I'm one of those. I'm an American sports fan,

so I've seen so many NFL and NBA officials like bury the whistle when you get to these massive stages. But, you know, I kind of lead into Alexi on that one. And his take is is it's a point of emphasis. You made them a mistake. mistake. It's on the player. It's not on the official. Get it right. Don't worry about being right.

And I can't disagree with that. J. Mack with the news. No, no, no, no, turn on the news. This is the herd line news. Let's start with England, too. Norway won a great game on Saturday. Colin, remember, we came on here before the World Cup. I predicted England would win it all. There are two wins away. Thanks to Jude Bellingham's heroics. Here's that first goal, just a dynamite goal. Bellingham is a freaking superstar. What a legend. Now, Harry Kane did not score.

He had a great match. And by the way, I can't believe we're an hour and a half in. We haven't talked about Erling Holland pulling himself out of the game. Yeah. In the second extra time, sat out the last 15 minutes like what? Harry Kane, who's way, I think he's 34 years old, played the entire match, by the way. Harry Kane afterward talking about his manager taking some shots at the team. Here's Harry.

Would it surprise you to know the manager wasn't? happy with the performance? Has he told you that? Yeah, he just said there in the change room, obviously, well, massive congratulations and we should enjoy it and celebrate. He still feels like there's a part of him that knows we can do better, which in a way is a good thing. If we're in a semi-final of a World Cup knowing we can still improve, still find another level, then yeah, we've got to take that as a positive. Yeah, I think it's, I, Alexi, to me, is spot on. Like, this is part of what great, the World Cup amazing is there is so much volatility, so much intensity, sudden death soccer.

We're yelling about the replays and the refs and Erling Holland, and this is why it is absolutely so built for us in America. It matters so much. People care so deeply. And we're not dominant at it because it's really hard to be dominant at it. I don't know that we try to be dominant. England has been dominant forever, but like you keep saying, They got one World Cup title. Now, if you remember, England, Argentina in 1986, that's the game where Diego Maradona

scored the Hand of God goal. That was Argentina, England. England has been still ticked off about that to this day, rightfully. And they won revenge, Colin. And I do think Lollas was a little soft peddling it. I started to dig into some of the numbers. Messi is wearing down.

Okay? He's had six matches down. He's 39 years old. They're old, too. He had his least effective game in the world. Cup against Switzerland. Also, let's keep an eye on that. If you look at their starters, there's guys in the 30s.

This is a veteran team. We talked about Belgium aging out, Argentina. It's going to look different next World Cup. I think the announcer had it, right? They started the oldest team in the last like 60 years in the World Cup in the quarterfinals. They've got an old roster. Now, some of that, you know, it doesn't really matter because their goalie's amazing and

they have messy. I, you know, I really want to take English. here, Colin. I can't wait for this, honestly. I'm so fired up. Harry Kane and Bellingham. Listen, I did go online to try to get a Bellingham jersey. I was going to get one for you, too, because I know you love to wear jerseys in public. But unfortunately, you know, the delay time, you're not going to get one for weeks. I don't need it weeks from now. I need it this week. All right, Colin, let's move on to the next story. Now, this is interesting. NFL and analytics. We talked about it. Soccer Analytics is massive. Okay. Basketball, huge. Baseball, it's everything.

What about the NFL? So Mike McDonald, the great coach of the Seahawks, was on with Dan Patrick recently, and he was talking about analytics versus, you know, gut feel. This is fascinating. Take a listen to McDonald. Why wouldn't we use the best information out there? You don't have to do it. But why would you be scared about things that are going to possibly help you?

So why wouldn't you just lean into it? Sometimes I turn into Vince Vaughn and Wedding Crashers like, am I interested? Now I'm not interested. Maybe I'm interested. Now she's interested. You know, so that's what's going out of my mind, probably 24-7. I don't think analytics drives our decisions. I think they support our decisions.

And really, it's a starting point on a lot of things. But you have to go off the tape and you have to understand, like, how teams operate. And you have to have a great feel for your team. Yeah, I mean, analytics have always had holes. I'm like, would Jalen Brown, analytics hate him? But Jalen Brown's also willing every night to go guard the best team's offensive player. Like does analytics track how much defensive effort he puts in? And he's willing to guard, you know, better players consistently.

And that wears down players. That's not to say that the analytics on Jalen Brown are wrong. But, I mean, when you watch an NFL game, you kind of know strengths and weaknesses of players also. You know, where baseball players goes down and plays in the minors. And an NBA player, you know, comes from college and he's younger. You know, analytics can help because there are things you don't know. A college football player plays against NFL bodies in the Big Ten for three to four years. You draft a guy.

You got a lot of tape on what he is. I know what he is and what he can and can't do. And I think that's why drafting's a little easier in pro football. And I don't know. I think analytics are fine. But I also think they're built for basketball and baseball more than football. So you see some Seahawks numbers on the screen there. I will point out that was under Kubiak, okay, offensively.

The defensive number is McDonald. But the offense will lose Kubiak. So, Colin, your point about analytics. So baseball's 1v1. Pitcher versus batter. Right. Pretty easy. Analytics matter.

Basketball, 5v, 5.5. Soccer, 11 or 11. Football's 11 on offense and then 11 on defense and then special teams. So it's a little harder, right, to integrate all of that. Yeah. I will say I think McDonald is probably, you know, being a little cagey here. they don't drive our decisions, they support them. What does that even mean?

I don't think he comes in, this is what we're going to do, guys. No, he's looking at the numbers and saying this is what works defensively. I would say this. Sometimes in every business, you have an instinct. I mean, there have been times on this show. I think, oh, this is going to be a really interesting lead. And I'm wrong. The audience doesn't like it.

The audience isn't interested. I've done that before. It's kind of fascinating. You never really master our business, right? what you think is popular isn't always popular. There's always surprises with stuff. I mean, the WNBA got totally caught off guard by Caitlin Clark's popularity. It's like, oh, my God, the public loves her.

I mean, we knew in college she was popular. Did anybody guess she would become that big? I mean, Taylor Swift was always popular. Did anybody think she would just sell out SoFi Stadium eight nights in a row five years earlier? I mean, there are things in a business where you have an instinct. Same in politics. I mean, I think politics every four years, Jason, are fascinating. you're like, wow, the public really cares about this.

I wish they weren't. But, I mean, sometimes the public cares about something much more than maybe people in the Beltway, people in Washington, D.C., they don't relate to it. And there are movements all the time. So I do think what analytics does as a football coach is you have tape, you have a gut feeling. What is the data say? Because you don't want to get caught with confirmation bias or recency bias. And the tape may say, listen, this guy's great performance. is a bit of an outlier.

He's facing weaker teams. So I just like more information. And I do think there's a certain arrogance that if you don't look at data, you're trusting your instincts as a politician or a coach way too much. Yeah, 100% agree. Now, you've mentioned on this show, you know, analytics matter.

People know. Jay Mack, why do you guys talk about the cowboys? Can you tell Cowherd to do less Cowboys? Well, you know, the numbers show that people kind of care about Dallas. When they're in the prime time slots in Fox, they drive huge numbers. I found this out early on my podcast. I had got Caitlin Clark guest on.

It went through the roof. Massive, huge numbers. I'm like, what is this about? Yeah. And you start doing a lot of Caitlin Clark. World Cup has been a boon. You write about World Cup online or do a podcast. The numbers are big.

So I'll just say this. One analytic small thing from I've seen in the NFL. Right now, you want to throw on first down to get a shorter second down. That's obvious. That is something. This whole like run the ball to soften up. No, that does that's not necessarily. You want to throw to gain yard.

so second down is shorter. Like these are basic things that we didn't have 20 years ago. Well, also, and sometimes it goes to the absurd, but you want to go for it on fourth down. And I think that's developed over the last decade with analytics. That was the first analytic move in football, at least in my, you know, non-data-driven mind. I mean, the first thing I noticed with analytics that was changing

was Andy Reed in Philadelphia started throwing on third and three. and it was very successful. And I'm like, oh, he's, and then it was Belichick went to the middle of the field when he had Aaron Hernandez and Gronk. He started forgetting the sidelines and really attacking the middle of the field. Something, there's some data that said that was the unused space. We've also seen in the NFL, safeties are now a much bigger deal. Safeties are having a bit of a renaissance. A wide receiver appears to be a little bit of a bubble.

Is that analytics? Is that just statistical? So I think something over the last seven to ten years is like going forward on fourth down is almost like a given. Like if you get to the 45, 47 yards line and you have a reasonable trust in your defense, you just go for it. I think that's a bit of analytics. And by the way, you're talking about Sam Darnel earlier, about why isn't he top 10? I hate to break it to you. Analytics don't love him.

I'm not talking about passer rating and touchdowns and that nonsense. Talk about the advanced stats. They don't say he's a top 10 quarter. back. Hurts is interesting, though. Purdy's very interesting because the analytics love him, but the talking heads don't, because he doesn't look the part, and he hasn't won a

Super Bowl. The talking heads. I digress. I'm a talking heads. I was talking about the band, of course. All right, final story. Let's go back to the World Cup. And listen, FIFA is looking toward expansion. FIFA President Gianni Infantino

confirmed they will examine a potential World Cup expansion to 64 teams in 2030. I don't think this is that big of a deal. I think it's great. Now, of course, they did expand in this tournament. It was still a great. The group stage was outstanding.

There were some upsets. I just don't want to hear in 2030 that Argentina gets to play Madagascar and Zimbabwe and gets a cupcake course because Leo Messe is going to be 43. Let's try to balance it out a little bit. Yeah, I mean, there's a little money grab to it. Same with the NCAA expanding March Madness, which absolutely nobody asked for. It's a money grab. We all got it.

Jay Mack with the news. Well, that's the news. And thanks for stopping by. The Herd Lye News. The NBA is becoming more like the NFL and the players in the NBA aren't quite ready for it. That's next. The Hurd. Be sure to catch live editions of the herd weekdays in noon Eastern 9 a.m. Pacific on Fox Sports Radio,

FS1, and the I-Hard Radio app. Hey, I'm Ruby Carr, the host of the podcast, Encore. Check out our brand new episodes featuring music from the show that everyone is reheating as we speak. Heated rivalry. Join me as I go behind the songs that brought Shane and Elia together. I'll tell you the stories of Fice, My Moon, My Man, Wolf forades, I'll Believe in Anything, and tattoos all the things she said, and how they all became a part of this global phenomenon. Stream Encore on IHeart Radio, Crave, or wherever you get your podcasts.

I'm Mungesha Chitkegathe, and I'm back with a new season of the podcast Skyline Drive. This time I'm diving into a rabbit hole of peptides, organoids, blood boys, blue zones, and brain replacement to try to understand what this longevity obsession is all about and what it really means to live forever for all of us. I learned about some rad science. I can make a brain for you and then we can test what draw is the best for your brain. That's incredible. A supposed to his brain. Here's some hard truths. I would expect Indians to age faster,

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Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. The Declaration which is full of these beautifully rendered sentences and paragraphs about enlightenment ideals, does also have this darker history to it. Why is it important for the darker part of the Declaration of Independence and the American Revolution? Why is it important that Americans know about it? Well, if we don't understand the full context in which our nation was founded, we won't understand the full context in which our nation was founded.

Nation now finds itself. I'm Rebecca Nagel. Gohine, Dawadol, Ja'iqa yet, citizen of Cherokee Nation. Are you guys big Chiefs fans? Hell yeah. This is First America,

the true story of how the United States came to be, and how we got to this present moment. Listen to First America on the IHeart Radio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. This is Michael Rappaport

and my podcast, the I Am Rappapaport, podcast is unlike anyone you've ever heard. We're a variety show, and if you're looking for strong opinions, funny opinions about sports, entertainment, politics, pop culture, and whatever else catches my attention, then subscribe now. This kid, Jafar Jackson, is as good as Rami Malik as Freddie Mercury, and it's as good as Timothy Sharmulay as Bob Dylan.

And I say that with love and respect for both of those actors. I don't know how many Oscar nominations they give out, I don't know if it's five, six for best actor. 150% this kid, Jafar Jackson, should absolutely positively get nominated for his portrayal as Michael Jackson. Listen to I Am Rapaport on the I Heart Radio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcast. Baseball's biggest stars are headed to Philly for the All-Star Game. You're Don Alvarez, Juan Soto, and the game's best takes center stage in a mid-summer classic, unlike any other. Tomorrow at 6.30 Eastern only on Fox. Something to remember in 2026. You do not own your salary.

50% of it goes to taxes. You own your brand. For most of a pro athlete's life, salary was everything. Now it's really about brand. The smart money, you can look this up, and there's dumb money. Dumb money now among rich people is the W2, is the salary. There's ways around that. And Victor Wembenyama signed a new contract with the Spurs.

He gets it. He's taken $51 million less in this deal. $51 million less. This is very Tom Brady, Jalen Brunson. What is Michael Jordan's brand? Winning Magic's brand. Winning Brady's brand. Winning.

Tour billionaires. Brady probably gets there. Winning is the brand. The brand is bigger than the W-2. Brunson, Villanova, super smart, got it. Mello is minted in New York. But only one of them, Brunson is a major. made man and Mello has more talent.

Mello's going to score all time more points. One of them is a made man in New York. The NFL has a hard cap and the NBA does. That second apron stuff is tricky. I mean, we looked at Oklahoma City two years ago and we're like their champions and they've got a war chest. And then a year later, we're all going,

I don't know, Sam Presti's got to make some moves here. Wemby gets it. Wemby understands Stefan Castle, Dylan Harper. If he hogs all the money, Jalen Brunson got this. The brand of winning is bigger than the W-2. Mello never got that. I remember when Carmelo Anthony was in Denver and wanted to go to New York. He basically trapped the Knicks.

Everybody in the world knew he was only going to New York. So the Knicks had to give up complementary pieces. Right? Like if you're going to, if you're going to leave, do what Al Cinder did in Milwaukee. Don't tell anybody. If you're going to leave, keep it, you know, under wraps. So your organization has power. And I look at right now, I look at what is happening in sports. And there is corporations love winners. Television networks. Love winners. Play the long game. Build your brand. There are so many platforms. was growing up, I did radio, then you could do a simulcast, that was it. There was no TikTok or IG or X or or Spotify or there was none of that. Now you can have eight revenue streams,

nine different places to build your brand and drive revenue. But if you look at guys like Rinaldo, they can make more money now on IG and build their brand faster with young people on IG than they can a TV network. So Wemby gets it. This is the new way to monetize at the highest level. Take a little less now. Build winning is your brand.

Never forget, MJ and Magic are viewed as winners. They had terrible contracts for years. They've more than made up for it on the back end. Tom Brady only made huge money in Tampa. He never met it in New England. The minute he was on the market, You can look up what Fox paid him. That was not just, it was winning.

He was the winning quarterback. So I think Wemby's really smart here. Elon Musk, space X base salary, $54,000. It's stock. It's winning. It's taken some of those profits, hiring better management. I really like what Wembe did. I think he's watching.

I think Wemby understands when you have true confidence, not inner scoreboard stuff. You know, you see a lot of this inner scoreboard, outer scoreboard, the outer scoreboard, what I say to my friends, how I broadcast, what I say. And then there's inner scoreboard, which is real confidence. Real confidence is Brady and Jalen Brunson and Wembe saying, I'm going to take a little less because I want to be surrounded by more and I want to win championships multiple. I mean, if the Knicks go on to another championship, and they certainly could. It's a veteran smart team. They've got their coach. They've got their fourth quarter closer.

They've got the Villanova guys. They've got depth. They've got side. They have a good enough bench. What if Jalen Brunson wins another title? Money is not going to be the problem for Jalen Brunson. For Nick Stars, it's always been winnings the problem. Money's, a lot of guys made money.

All right. So I got to tell you, the England manager coming out and clobbering his team and getting into a very kind of feisty argument with the interviewer. And I thought England, Norway, Erling Holland looked exhausted. It's 107 degrees. It's in Miami. If you're outside for five minutes in Miami in July, if you've ever been there, I mean, good God. It's like nothing in the United States. I mean, there are certain humidities and temperatures, New Orleans.

Tampa, Miami, you know, parts of the South, Midwest. It's really hot. Pacific Northwest hot is not Miami hot. Oh, hell. And I thought England, you know, England, Norway, it was exhausting. So it almost led you were not going to have an epic battle as much as you were. It was attrition. It was survival.

And so the British manager after comes out and says, we're sloppy, we're bad, we didn't look good. I thought it was very much weather created. here was Alexei Lawless on the England manager being critical of his team after a win. I love poking England. And look, I think that there are plenty of people like myself that at times will hate watch England. This is a likable England team. I don't know what they're doing. This version of England is what we wanted the U.S. team to be in that is it the best possible collection of players?

Maybe it's the best possible collection of players? Is it the best talent out there? Maybe not, but they're coming together in a way. I can't even believe that I'm saying that I might actually root for England. J. Mack, I want to circle back on the Wemby thing. I think Jalen Brunson really did. Now, with a hard cap, you're seeing all these really good teams having to move off players. And I think Wemby has the classic inner scoreboard confidence, which is, I'm going to be around

here for 15 years. I want titles. He just lost and got bullied by the Knicks. And one of the reasons he got bullied by the Knicks, because their roster so. darn deep. O.G., Mitchell Robinson, Carl Anthony Towns, Josh Hart, they just kept throwing body and body, and he's like, I got a backup center.

When I am literally off the floor, our backup center, we're not the same basketball team. He wants help in the post. He wants help on the bench. You think the Players Association likes it or not? No, they don't like it. Of course not. Yeah, I love it personally. Not great for the NBA.

Number three, Derek Jeter, Fox Sports, Baseball analyst. This is an I-Heart podcast. Guaranteed human.