3 and Out with John Middlekauff

Copyright: 2024 iHeartMedia, Inc. © Any use of this intellectual property for text and data mining or computational analysis including as training material for artificial intelligence systems is strictly prohibited without express written consent from iHeartMedia

Latest Episodes:

CFB BANNING former NFL Players, 5 MAJOR Wild Card NFL Teams, NFL Training Camp Mailbag Aug 26, 2026

Show notes

On this episode of 3 & Out, John Middlekauff dives into some of the most interesting storylines across football and the sports world.

John starts with the college football decision to ban NFL players, discussing the implications of the rule, where the line should be drawn between college and professional football, and what it could mean for the future of the sport.

With the NFL season right around the corner, John also identifies the teams that could be wild cards to make the playoffs. Which teams are being overlooked? Who could surprise everyone and make a run into January? John breaks down the potential sleepers and why they're worth keeping an eye on.

John also takes a moment to discuss the passing of Dolly Parton, reflecting on her incredible career, cultural impact, and why her legacy extends far beyond music.

To wrap things up, it's another edition of the Middlekauff Mailbag, with John answering listener questions and diving into even more NFL, college football, and sports topics.

From college football rules and NFL playoff sleepers to the legacy of an American icon and your questions, it's all covered on this episode of 3 & Out.

Follow John on Twitter, and Instagram for the latest.

#Volume

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Browns name Deshaun Watson STARTER over Shedeur Sanders, 49ers Owner Jed York ARRESTED, NFL Training Camp Mailbag Aug 25, 2026

Show notes

On this episode of 3 & Out, John Middlekauff reacts to the latest news surrounding 49ers owner Jed York, who was arrested, and discusses the fallout and what it could mean for the organization.

John also dives into the Cleveland Browns naming Deshaun Watson their starting quarterback, breaking down the decision and what it means for Watson, the Browns, and the team's plans heading into the regular season.

With roster decisions heating up around the NFL, John takes a look at the latest preseason cuts and discusses some of the biggest names and toughest decisions facing teams as they work toward finalizing their rosters.

The episode also features another edition of Dad Diaries, where John shares the latest stories from life away from football.

To wrap things up, it's a massive Middlekauff Mailbag, with John answering listener questions and diving into the biggest topics across the NFL and college football.

From ownership drama and quarterback decisions to roster cuts, Dad Diaries, and fan questions, it's all covered on this episode of 3 & Out.

Follow John on Twitter, and Instagram for the latest.

#Volume

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ashton Jeanty Suffers Apparent Ankle Injury, Browns need to part ways with Deshaun Watson, George Kittle Activated off PUP Aug 24, 2026

Show notes

On this episode of 3 & Out, John Middlekauff reacts to the latest preseason developments around the NFL, starting with Ashton Jeanty suffering an ankle injury. John discusses the potential impact of the injury and what it could mean for the highly anticipated rookie as the regular season approaches.

John also dives into the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Deshaun Watson and his future in Cleveland. What should the Browns do at quarterback, and can Watson still be counted on to be the answer for the franchise?

Plus, there's positive news for San Francisco as George Kittle is on the mend and nearing a return. John breaks down just how important Kittle is to the 49ers' offense and what his return could mean for the team.

The conversation then turns to J.J. McCarthy, with John taking a critical look at the young quarterback's preseason performance and discussing whether the concerns surrounding his play are legitimate.

Finally, John examines the growing number of preseason blowouts. Should fans and analysts actually take anything away from lopsided preseason games, or do the results mean very little once the regular season begins?

From rookie injuries and quarterback uncertainty to star players returning and preseason evaluation, it's all covered on this episode of 3 & Out.

Follow John on Twitter, and Instagram for the latest.

#Volume

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Colin Cowherd Podcast - Browns Should Start Shedeur, From The NFL Back To…College? JJ McCarthy Is A Bust, Seahawks Underrated? Aug 24, 2026

Show notes

Colin is joined by John Middlekauff, host of “3 and Out” on The Volume.

They start with the Browns & the stark contrast between Shedeur Sanders having an affable sideline interview and Deshaun Watson’s disaster of a press conference, and they agree that the Browns should start Shedeur (2:00). They also agree the Brown’s deal for Watson is the worst in league history (13:00).

They move to JJ McCarthy’s disastrous performance in the Vikings second preseason game and Colin believes that if McCarthy can’t succeed with Kevin O’Connell… he isn’t going to succeed (14:30). They also revisit past quarterback draft classes and Colin finds that only 10% of them are franchise guys… showing the NFL may have a development problem with quarterbacks (21:30).

They pivot to college football and the story of Dae’Quan Wright going from the Cleveland Browns back to LSU as proof that the NCAA is diminishing in power and keeps losing in court (30:00).

They poke holes in the NFL Top 100 and the Athletic’s Top 25 Players Under 25, and Colin marvels at the Seahawks being overlooked as a potential back-to-back champion (40:00).

They react to Joe Burrow’s comment about being tired of talking about “next year” and Colin argues that the Burrow could be burning out while languishing in Cincinnati, and that he shouldn’t sign with them again… but John offers some defense of the Bengals (55:00).

Finally, Colin highlights all the amazing undrafted players who have popped in the preseason and marvels at the amount of football talent in America (1:04:00).

(Timestamps may vary based on advertisements.)

Follow Colin and The Volume on Twitter for the latest content and updates!

#Volume

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mike McCarthy, Joe Burrow, NFL Fines, College Football & Fugazi Friday Aug 21, 2026

Show notes

On this episode of 3 & Out, John Middlekauff dives into the latest NFL and college football headlines, starting with Mike McCarthy and the biggest questions surrounding the veteran coach.

John also discusses Joe Burrow, breaking down the latest conversation surrounding one of the NFL's premier quarterbacks and what to expect as the season approaches.

Plus, John reacts to the Dallas Cowboys and New Orleans Saints being fined, discussing what led to the fines and what they say about the NFL's rules and enforcement.

The conversation then shifts to college football, as John shares his thoughts on the biggest developments, storylines, and changes continuing to shape the sport.

To close out the week, it's time for Fugazi Friday, where John separates what's real from what's not around the football world. Then, John opens up the Middlekauff Mailbag to answer listener questions and hit even more of the biggest stories in the NFL and beyond.

From coaching and quarterback storylines to league discipline, college football, and fan questions, it's all covered on this episode of 3 & Out.

Follow John on Twitter, and Instagram for the latest.

#Volume

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A.J. Brown SHINES at Patriots-Eagles Joint Practice, Vita Vea gets PAID, NFL Training Camp Mailbag Aug 20, 2026

Show notes

On this episode of 3 & Out, John Middlekauff dives into the biggest stories from around the NFL and college football, starting with A.J. Brown shining during the Patriots-Eagles joint practice. John breaks down what stood out from the star receiver and what the performance could mean as the regular season approaches.

John also reacts to Colts GM Chris Ballard taking responsibility for the Anthony Richardson situation, discussing what it means when a general manager publicly admits fault and where Indianapolis goes from here.

Plus, John discusses Aaron Glenn and the latest surrounding one of the NFL's most talked-about coaches, then he breaks down Vita Vea landing a new contract and what the deal means for both the player and his team.

The conversation then shifts to the rapidly evolving world of college football. The transfer portal, and massive financial changes reshaping the sport, John explains why the college game may never look the same again.

John also weighs in on Pat McAfee and his continued influence across the sports media landscape.

To wrap things up, it's another edition of the Middlekauff Mailbag, where John answers listener questions and tackles even more of the biggest stories from around the football world.

From joint practice standouts and front-office accountability to major contracts, college football's changing landscape, and the latest media conversations, it's all covered on this episode of 3 & Out.

Follow John on Twitter, and Instagram for the latest.

#Volume

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Roger Goodell talks NFL International Expansion, Von Miller Signs with Cowboys, NFL Training Camp Mailbag Aug 19, 2026

Show notes

On this episode of 3 & Out, John Middlekauff opens up the Middlekauff Mailbag and dives into the biggest stories from around the NFL and college football.

John starts with Roger Goodell and the NFL's continued push to take football international, breaking down the league's global ambitions, the growth of international games, and what expanding the NFL's reach could mean for teams, players, and fans.

He also reacts to Jordan Tyson's injury with the New Orleans Saints, discussing the latest from around the league as teams continue to deal with injuries and roster questions heading toward the regular season. John hits on the latest NFL news, including the biggest storylines, developments, and headlines shaping the league.

Plus, the conversation shifts to college football, where Indiana feels disrespected heading into the season. John discusses whether the Hoosiers are being overlooked and what they need to prove on the field.

John also weighs in on the Penn State cocaine controversy, discussing the latest developments and the fallout surrounding the program.

To wrap things up, it's another edition of the Middlekauff Mailbag, with John answering listener questions and tackling even more stories from across the football world.

From the NFL's international future to injuries, college football controversy, and fan questions, it's all covered on this episode of 3 & Out.

Follow John on Twitter, and Instagram for the latest.

#Volume

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jeremiyah Love Injury, Joe Brady’s Adjustment Period, Guaranteed Contracts & Mailbag Aug 18, 2026

Show notes

On this episode of 3 & Out, John Middlekauff reacts to Jeremiyah Love injuring his ankle in the Cardinals’ first preseason game, discussing the latest concern and what the injury could mean moving forward.

John also dives into Joe Brady and whether he could face an adjustment period in his current role. How long does it take for coaches to settle into new responsibilities, and what challenges come with making the transition at the NFL level?

Plus, John takes a closer look at one of the biggest conversations in professional football: guaranteed contracts. Should the NFL move closer to the contract structures seen in other sports, and why has the league traditionally resisted fully guaranteed deals?

The conversation also turns to Tom Brady’s impact on NFL broadcasting and ownership. Has Brady changed the way former players and broadcasters think about their post-playing careers? John discusses the growing intersection between media, ownership, and the business of the NFL.

And of course, another edition of Dad Diaries brings stories from life away from football before John opens up the Middlekauff Mailbag to answer your questions on the biggest topics from around the league.

From preseason injuries and coaching adjustments to NFL contracts, Tom Brady's influence, and much more, it's all covered on this episode of 3 & Out.

Follow John on Twitter, and Instagram for the latest.

#Volume

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

NFL Preseason Week 2 Reaction: Fernando Mendoza, Ty Simpson SHINE, Cam Ward STRUGGLES, NFL Training Camp Mailbag Aug 17, 2026

Show notes

On this episode of 3 & Out, John Middlekauff opens up the Middlekauff Mailbag but first, he breaks down the biggest storylines from around the NFL as the preseason continues.

John dives into the performances of the league's rookie quarterbacks, discussing what actually matters during preseason action and how much fans should read into early results. He takes a closer look at Cam Ward and the expectations surrounding his development as he begins his his second season.

Plus, John shares some of the most interesting coaching nuggets from around the league, including what coaches are saying—and what their comments may really reveal as teams prepare for the regular season.

The conversation also turns to the Dallas Cowboys, examining the latest questions surrounding one of the NFL's most talked-about franchises, before discussing Jayden Daniels and what to expect after his team starting drama with LSU.

From rookie quarterback evaluations and preseason takeaways to coaching insight, the Cowboys, and listener questions, it's all covered on this episode of 3 & Out.

Follow John on Twitter, and Instagram for the latest.

#Volume

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Colin Cowherd Podcast - Jayden Daniels vs. LSU, Mendoza’s Elite Intangibles, Simpson’s Stellar Debut, Can McCaffrey & Dart Stay Healthy? Aug 17, 2026

Show notes

Colin is joined by John Middlekauff, host of “3 and Out” on The Volume.

They start with Colin attending the Bears preseason win over the Browns and offer their biggest questions surrounding the Bears in Caleb Williams second season under Ben Johnson (2:00).

They move to Ty Simpson having a great debut for the Rams in his first preseason game and Colin argues that young quarterbacks ending up with head coach like Sean McVay is like hitting the lottery, and that the Rams weren’t crazy to spend a first round pick on a quarterback while Matt Stafford is still the starter (8:00).

They pivot to the 49ers and the highlight trend of Christian McCaffrey getting injured the year after leading the league in touches… which he did last season (16:30).

They also wonder whether Giants QB Jaxson Dart will stay upright after getting smoked during their first preseason game after getting beat up last year (24L15). Colin argues that Fernando Mendoza’s intangibles and work ethic are going to further elevate the Raiders #1 overall pick (32:00).

They wonder who gave Jayden Daniels the terrible advice to send a cease and desist to LSU over his former #5 going to another player (40:00) . They also laud Sam Darnold for becoming the leader of the Seahawks (48:00) and explain why buying the Seahawks may have been the best franchise purchase years (1:00:30).

(Timestamps may vary based on advertisements.)

Follow Colin and The Volume on Twitter for the latest content and updates!

#Volume

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

3 and Out with John Middlekauff

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected