3 and Out with John Middlekauff

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

  1. 23h ago

    Carson Beck’s Debut, 2026 Hall Of Fame Class, Bridgewater Retires, Cowboys Super Bowl Talk

    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). Follow John on Twitter, and Instagram for the latest.  All lines provided by Hard Rock Bet #Volume See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Carson Beck’s Debut, 2026 Hall Of Fame Class, Bridgewater Retires, Cowboys Super Bowl Talk
  2. 4d ago

    Hard Knocks Episode 1 Reactions, Aaron Donald Comeback Buzz, 49ers Injury Woes & 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 #Volume See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    Hard Knocks Episode 1 Reactions, Aaron Donald Comeback Buzz, 49ers Injury Woes & Mailbag
  3. 6d ago

    NFL Coaches' Favorites, Kyler vs. J.J., Watson's Contract Demands & Dad Diaries

    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 #Volume See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    NFL Coaches' Favorites, Kyler vs. J.J., Watson's Contract Demands & Dad Diaries
  4. Aug 3

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

    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 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    NFL Training Camp Mailbag: 49ers Injuries Pile Up, Seahawks Flying Under Radar? Buying Cowboys Stock?
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Former NFL scout John Middlekauff gives his one-of-a-kind perspective on the latest stories in college and pro football.

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