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Stephen A. Smith Makes His Opinion Of Colin Cowherd Very Clear

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated May 14, 2025 12:41 AM ET

Stephen A. Smith has firmly cemented himself as the biggest personality on ESPN's payroll. Colin Cowherd, meanwhile, has been the face of FS1's programming since late 2015.

Well before Cowherd joined Fox Sports and really took "The Herd" to new heights, he was a prominent figure at ESPN. Not only did he have his own radio show, he helped bring "SportsNation" to life on ESPN2.

Although they never really shared the spotlight at ESPN, Cowherd and Smith have paid close attention to their respective journeys over the past few years.

In fact, Smith offered his unfiltered thoughts on Cowherd on an old episode of his self-titled YouTube Show.

ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith during Game Three of the NBA Finals between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Phoenix Suns.Justin Casterline/Getty Images

Despite working for rival networks, Smith has nothing but respect for Cowherd. He made that abundantly clear.

"Please understand that Colin Cowherd is one of the greatest radio hosts you'll ever see. One of the best ever. I have no shame in saying that," Smith said. "Colin Cowherd is special. He is an elite storyteller, incredibly knowledgeable, very friendly. I don't believe (he) has a vicious bone in his body, or his soul at all. He is incredibly talented. Very credible. And his opinions and perspectives come from thoughtful places all the time."

Smith wasn't done singing Cowherd's praises.

"Colin Cowherd is a treasure and a tribute to this industry. And he is someone I have profound respect for," Smith added.

Cowherd didn't exactly return the favor with kind words, but he did have Smith's back during his feud with LeBron James.

"I think Stephen A. Smith does have a right to be honest about Bronny, but I also get the dad part. But, I do come back to listen: the minute you made that decision to wedge Bronny onto the Lakers, the most sacred part of sports is the uniform," Cowherd said, via Awful Announcing. "You gave somebody a uniform, and many questioned if he’s ‘uniform-worthy’ at the NNBA level Like, you can say what you want… but that uniform, in any sports, that’s what makes grown men cry. They work 20 years to wear an NBA uniform."

Who knows? Maybe we'll see Cowherd and Smith reunite for a joint podcast later this year.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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