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iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

Former NFL scout John Middlekauff gives his one-of-a-kind perspective on the latest stories in college and pro football.

3 and Out with John Middlekauff

In this episode, John reacts to the 2nd episode of HBO Hard Knocks with the Seattle Seahawks and reacts to the viral vlip of head coach Mike McDonald. Next, John dives into Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell's thinking into his QB decision. Later, John dives into the Middlekauff Mailbag to answer your football questions. 
 
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Seahawks are CRUSHING Hard Knocks + Kevin O'Connell on Vikings QB Battle

In this episode, John reacts to the news that Kyler Murray has been named the starting QB over J.J. McCarthy in Vikings training camp. Next, John talks about what's next for McCarthy, with potential trade destinations on the horizon. Later, John reacts to news and injury updates around the NFL. John wraps up with a Middlekauff Mailbag where he answers all of your questions. 
 
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Kyler Murray WINS Vikings QB1 job over J.J. McCarthy + What’s Next for Tony Romo?

On this episode of 3 & Out, John is back from the road, coming to you live from a Marriott couch and he starts by giving Jerry Jones credit, which he acknowledges is not a sentence people are used to hearing. With the Cowboys extending Quinnen Williams (00:56), John walks through the full accounting of the Micah Parsons trade: Dallas wasn't one player away, they were three or four guys away, and once Dak and CeeDee were paid, signing Parsons would have made them a four-man team on a 53-man roster. Add up Williams' guarantees plus the two rookies they drafted with the return — Caleb Downs and Malachai Lawrence — and it lands within a rounding error of Parsons' own deal. Then he gets to Jeff Hafley and the Miami Dolphins tackling to the ground in camp (07:45), which in 2026 is about as jarring as seeing a guy light a cigarette. Miami can't manufacture a December trip to Buffalo in 84-degree sunshine, so the only lever a staff has is mandated physicality — and John connects it to his own father drawing a line in the sand and putting him on a Sacramento-area ranch every summer from ninth grade on. He also finds the one sliver of optimism in losing a top-ten left tackle (16:07): at least it happened in August, when you still have a month to canvass the league. Then the Bills' new stadium backlash (19:00) and why internet comment sections are a separate reality from the real world, and Dad Diaries (22:19) — a Friday night of tequila in Newport Beach that coincided, unfortunately, with the worst night of sleep his wife has ever had.
 
Then it's a full mailbag (27:34). Was the Cousins–Crosby fallout actually coordinated between the players and Klint Kubiak (27:34)? Could Anthony Richardson be a reclamation project in Baltimore — and how did the Colts let his trade value hit zero (30:22)? Should recovery peptides be legal in the NFL, and where's the line between recovery and steroids (33:32)? Bill Barnwell's all-decade team and why John thinks it's Mahomes over Josh Allen, plus why building an all-decade team halfway through the decade is a fool's errand (35:47). A high school sports administrator asks about transfer and eligibility rules, which sends John into holding eighth graders back for athletics and the Danny Almonte energy creeping into youth sports (40:47). Whether Odell Beckham Jr. can stick on a roster without playing special teams (46:11), a defense of Saquon Barkley's hands (47:59), the Chiefs' wide receiver room and whether a training camp trade is coming (49:10), his actual gambling philosophy and the two parlays that keep him coming back (52:10), and finally Ja'Lynn Polk retiring two years after going 37th overall — and why the Patriots' draft record at receiver is a reminder that you're evaluating humans, not widgets (56:44).
 
Follow John on Twitter, and Instagram for the latest. 
 
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Cowboys Pay Quinnen Williams, Cousins/Crosby Fallout, Bills Stadium Backlash

On this episode of 3 & Out, John is pumped with football officially back. He opens on Carson Beck's Hall of Fame Game debut (01:46) and why a third-round quarterback's path is fundamentally different from a first-rounder's: you're not a five-star on scholarship, you're a backup until proven otherwise, and your preseason tape is your résumé.He likes the landing spot for Beck and explains why guys like Chase Daniel built 14-year careers almost entirely on August film. From there, he breaks down the 2026 Hall of Fame class (11:09) — Drew Brees, Larry Fitzgerald, Luke Kuechly, Adam Vinatieri which John argues may be the highest-character group Canton has ever enshrined at once, plus a sober note on Roger Craig's dementia diagnosis and the taped acceptance.
 
Teddy Bridgewater's retirement (16:34) becomes John's case against the Lions, the one thing he thinks Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell have done poorly while otherwise resurrecting the franchise. Investing everything in Jared Goff without ever churning cheap arms behind him is a portfolio with no diversification — and he contrasts it with the Packers' Ron Wolf philosophy and the Eagles taking a Day 3 quarterback nearly every single year. He gets into the Colts hyping Daniel Jones and Riley Leonard apparently beating out Anthony Richardson (24:53), why training camp praise from famous teammates should be discounted (27:54) with a detour into why Saban and Belichick were at their best after losses and the Cowboys (31:04), where he's bullish on the roster but not on Brian Schottenheimer's Super Bowl talk. Predictions on the Saints, Cowboys and Texans (34:31), Kyle Shanahan's concussion protocol and a rant about cross-country preseason travel (35:14), and the injury board (36:19). He closes with the Kirk Cousins–Maxx Crosby scuffle and why Klint Kubiak handled it perfectly (41:16), the compounding advantage of growing up in a football family (42:35), and a Newport Beach staycation that turned into a $60 million ocean-view real estate rant (44:11).
 
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All lines provided by Hard Rock Bet
 
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Carson Beck’s Debut, 2026 Hall Of Fame Class, Bridgewater Retires, Cowboys Super Bowl Talk

On this episode of 3 & Out, John Middlekauff dives into Jonathan Taylor's contract extension and what the new deal means for the Indianapolis Colts, the running back market, and the value of elite talent at the position.
 
John also breaks down the rise of Kahlil Benson with the Kansas City Chiefs, discussing why the young player is generating buzz and what has stood out during training camp.
 
With Hall of Fame Weekend here, John looks back at Adam Vinatieri's incredible NFL journey, from his clutch postseason performances to his place among the greatest kickers in league history. What made Vinatieri so special, and why does his career stand out even among the NFL's all-time greats?
 
Then it's time for Fugazi Friday, as John reacts to something extremely personal to him.
 
To wrap things up, it's another edition of the Middlekauff Mailbag, where John answers listener questions and tackles the biggest stories from around the NFL and beyond.
 
From contract extensions and rising players to Hall of Fame careers, media controversies, and fan questions, it's all covered on this episode of 3 & Out.
 
Follow John on Twitter, and Instagram for the latest. 
 
All lines provided by Hard Rock Bet
 
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Jonathan Taylor’s BIG Extension, Hall of Fame Weekend, Fugazi Friday & NFL Training Camp Mailbag

On this episode of 3 & Out, John Middlekauff reacts to Episode 1 of HBO's Hard Knocks, breaking down the biggest moments, standout personalities, and what the premiere revealed about life inside an NFL training camp.
 
John also explains why football players are some of the biggest "nerds" in sports, discussing the obsessive attention to detail, film study, preparation, and football IQ that separates the NFL's best from everyone else.
 
Plus, the 49ers continue to battle injuries, and John examines why San Francisco can't seem to catch a break. Is it simply bad luck, or is there a bigger story behind the team's recurring health issues?
 
The conversation also turns to the latest rumors surrounding Aaron Donald's potential return to the NFL. With speculation continuing to build, John weighs in on whether the future Hall of Famer is truly on the verge of making a comeback and what it would mean for the league.
 
John also reacts to Giants head coach John Harbaugh getting frustrated with how Jaxson Dart handled himself at the end of practice.
 
To wrap things up, it's another edition of the Middlekauff Mailbag, where John answers listener questions and dives into the biggest topics from around the NFL.
 
From training camp storylines and quarterback development to comeback rumors and behind-the-scenes insight, it's all covered on this episode of 3 & Out.
 
Follow John on Twitter, and Instagram for the latest. 
 
All lines provided by Hard Rock Bet
 
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Hard Knocks Episode 1 Reactions, Aaron Donald Comeback Buzz, 49ers Injury Woes & Mailbag

On this episode of 3 & Out, John Middlekauff reacts to Bijan Robinson landing a massive new contract, breaking down what the extension means for the Falcons, the running back market, and why elite talent at the position is once again being rewarded.
 
Next, John reacts to the NFL quarterback tier rankings, discussing where the league's biggest stars stack up, which quarterbacks are climbing, and which ones still have something to prove heading into the season. From MVP candidates to young signal-callers on the rise, John explains what separates each tier.
 
Plus, John talks about the story of Dan Lanning driving 13 hours for a job opportunity, highlighting the relentless work ethic and persistence that helped shape one of college football's top coaches. It's a conversation about ambition, networking, and the sacrifices required to make it in the profession.
 
To wrap things up, it's another edition of the Middlekauff Mailbag, where John answers your questions on the NFL's biggest storylines, roster construction, quarterback play, coaching philosophies, and much more.
 
From blockbuster contracts and quarterback debates to coaching journeys and fan questions, it's all covered on this episode of 3 & Out.
 
Follow John on Twitter, and Instagram for the latest. 
 
All lines provided by Hard Rock Bet
 
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Falcons give HUGE EXTENSION to Bijan Robinson, Sando’s NFL QB Tiers Reaction, NFL Training Camp Mailbag

On this episode of 3 & Out, John Middlekauff dives into whether NFL coaches really have favorite players and how those relationships can influence playing time, roster decisions, and the development of young talent.
 
John also breaks down the latest quarterback situation in Minnesota. With Kyler Murray expected to be the starter, what does that mean for J.J. McCarthy?
 
Plus, John discusses Lamar Jackson's evolution under center, examining how Baltimore continues to expand its offense and why Lamar's development as a traditional pocket passer has become one of the most underrated parts of his game.
 
The conversation also explores the unique relationship between quarterbacks and their head coaches, why the best partnerships consistently produce winning football, and what separates successful QB-coach duos from the rest of the league.
 
John also checks in on the 49ers' injury situation, discussing whether San Francisco can overcome another wave of health concerns, before reacting to reports that Deshaun Watson is seeking a new contract from the Browns and what that could mean for Cleveland's future.
 
To wrap things up, John shares another edition of Dad Diaries, offering a funny look at life away from football, before opening up the Middlekauff Mailbag to answer your questions from around the NFL.
 
From quarterback battles and contract drama to coaching dynamics and front-office insight, it's all covered on this episode of 3 & Out.
 
Follow John on Twitter, and Instagram for the latest. 
 
All lines provided by Hard Rock Bet
 
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NFL Coaches' Favorites, Kyler vs. J.J., Watson's Contract Demands & Dad Diaries

It's a loaded Middlekauff Mailbag on this episode of 3 & Out as John answers your questions on everything happening across the NFL and college football.
 
John kicks things off by discussing the latest 49ers injuries and what they could mean for one of the NFC's perennial contenders. He also tackles bigger-picture questions about San Francisco's roster, long-term outlook, and whether the team has what it takes to make another Super Bowl run.
 
The mailbag also dives into the Minnesota Vikings, the Dallas Cowboys, the Seattle Seahawks, and the Kansas City Chiefs, as John shares his perspective on some of the league's biggest storylines heading into the season.
 
Plus, drawing from his experience as a former NFL front office executive, John explains how teams think behind the scenes when evaluating players, managing injuries, and building championship-caliber rosters.
 
The conversation also covers Jalen Hurts, Tony Romo, why NFL injuries seem to be more prevalent than ever, and what separates successful franchises from the league's bad teams.
 
To wrap things up, John answers several college football questions, including advice for players preparing for life after college football and how to navigate the transition to the next stage of their careers.
 
From front-office insight and quarterback debates to team-building philosophy and fan questions, it's all covered in this Massive Middlekauff Mailbag on 3 & Out.
 
Follow John on Twitter, and Instagram for the latest. 
 
All lines provided by Hard Rock Bet
 
#Volume

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NFL Training Camp Mailbag: 49ers Injuries Pile Up, Seahawks Flying Under Radar? Buying Cowboys Stock?

Colin is joined by John Middlekauff, host of “3 and Out” to talk all things football.
 
They start with 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan being in a serious car accident and the controversy surrounding why he wasn’t checked for a DUI (4:30), and then discuss the outlook for the 49ers 2026 season (11:00). 
 
They move to Shedeur Sanders heading into his second season and Colin argues that Deion is getting in the way of Shedeur’s success, but they both believe Shedeur will see significant playing time this year (15:00).
 
They head to the NFC East and preview the Cowboys and John believes Caleb Downs could transform the defense and picks them to win the division, and they react to Jerry Jones saying he’d be willing to make a splash trade midseason (25:00). 
 
They pivot to Bill Belichick’s “friends and family” staff at North Carolina and Colin argues he’s not even trying to hire the best of the best (36:45).
 
Finally, they debate the expectations for Indiana football after the departure of #1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza and whether head coach Curt Cignetti can keep the success rolling (49:00). 
 
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Kyler Murray WINS Vikings QB1 job over J.J. McCarthy + What’s Next for Tony Romo?

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