Super Bowl victories, Lamar-Henry, Kyle Van Noy’s fit with the Ravens, and BYU | FULL EPISODE | The Herd

In recent years, the discussion surrounding Super Bowl victories often centers on both individual players’ performances and how a team’s overall cohesion leads them to ultimate success. Super Bowl victories, whether historic or recent, are the benchmark of any NFL career, and players like Tom Brady, Patrick Mahomes, and Aaron Donald are prime examples of how talent, leadership, and timing collide to bring home the championship.

As of the 2025 NFL season, Tom Brady holds the record for the most Super Bowl victories with seven rings. He revolutionized the concept of sustained excellence, cementing his legacy as the greatest quarterback of all time (GOAT). However, while Brady’s incredible individual success is widely recognized, the NFL is filled with other Super Bowl-winning teams where key moments of team synergy ultimately shaped their triumphs.

For example, Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs broke the New England Patriots’ dynasty in 2020, defeating the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LIV, 31-20. Mahomes, who was named Super Bowl MVP, led the Chiefs’ comeback with a remarkable fourth-quarter performance. What stood out was the Chiefs’ offensive depth and defense stepping up at critical moments, showing that Super Bowl victories are more than just a quarterback’s effort.

Lamar Jackson and Henry Ruggs: A Dynamic Duo in the Making?

Lamar Jackson’s future in Baltimore has been a hot topic for years, especially as he continually redefines what a dual-threat quarterback can achieve. Jackson, with his lightning-fast feet and incredible arm strength, led the Ravens to a league-leading 14-2 record in 2019, earning an MVP award. But one consistent critique of his career has been his inability to advance deep into the playoffs, with his most significant achievement being a 2019 playoff win over the Tennessee Titans before falling short in the AFC Divisional Round.

Despite his regular-season dominance, Jackson has faced challenges in the postseason. To maximize his potential, the Ravens need to surround him with the best offensive weapons available. One player who could complement Jackson’s skills is former Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Henry Ruggs. Ruggs, known for his incredible speed and playmaking ability, could be an ideal deep threat for Jackson, who is capable of connecting on long throws. If Ruggs can stay out of legal trouble and fully mature as a professional, pairing him with Jackson could create one of the most explosive offensive tandems in the league.

The question is whether Ruggs would be able to acclimate to Baltimore’s offense. The Ravens have historically favored a run-heavy system built around Jackson’s mobility, and that’s worked well for them. But expanding the offense to include more downfield passing options could push Jackson’s game to another level. If the Ravens front office is willing to take the necessary risks to help build around Jackson’s skill set, pairing him with a deep threat like Ruggs would make the team exponentially more dangerous.

Kyle Van Noy’s Fit with the Ravens: A Defensive Upgrade?

One of the most interesting potential moves in the NFL is the fit of linebacker Kyle Van Noy with the Baltimore Ravens. Van Noy, known for his leadership and versatility on defense, has had stints with multiple NFL teams, including the New England Patriots and the Miami Dolphins. During his time with the Patriots, he won two Super Bowls and was a key contributor to their defense. He played a vital role in their pass rush, while also showing strong capabilities in pass coverage.

The Ravens have always had a proud defensive tradition, with players like Ray Lewis and Ed Reed defining the franchise’s identity. Recently, though, the defense has been inconsistent. While players like Patrick Queen and Roquan Smith have shown promise, adding a veteran like Van Noy could provide an immediate boost in terms of leadership and playmaking.

Van Noy would fit perfectly into the Ravens’ 3-4 defensive scheme. His ability to rush the passer, cover tight ends, and defend the run would make him a valuable asset on early downs, as well as in third-down situations. He also brings a wealth of postseason experience, which could prove invaluable for a team with Super Bowl aspirations.

Furthermore, Van Noy’s familiarity with the AFC East from his time with the Patriots and Dolphins would give him an edge when facing divisional opponents like the Cincinnati Bengals, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Cleveland Browns. His presence in the locker room would also provide an example for younger players, enhancing the Ravens’ overall culture of excellence.

If the Ravens are serious about making a Super Bowl run, adding Van Noy could help solidify the defense and give them the veteran leadership necessary to compete at the highest level.

BYU’s Football Program: A Historical Perspective

When discussing college football, it’s impossible to overlook the success and history of Brigham Young University (BYU). Known for producing high-level talent and turning out elite quarterbacks, BYU has an impressive legacy. The Cougars have won multiple conference titles and consistently competed at a high level, particularly in the 1980s and 1990s under legendary coach LaVell Edwards.

One of BYU’s most famous football alumni is Hall of Fame quarterback Steve Young, who went on to win three Super Bowls with the San Francisco 49ers. Another is Jim McMahon, who led the Chicago Bears to a Super Bowl victory in 1985. These two quarterbacks are prime examples of BYU’s ability to develop elite NFL talent.

In recent years, BYU’s program has faced challenges in competing at the highest level, but they have remained competitive in the Group of Five conferences. With the program’s entrance into the Big 12 conference, BYU is now playing at a Power Five level, which will only elevate the program’s exposure and recruitment potential.

The success of players like Zach Wilson, who was drafted second overall by the New York Jets in 2021, showcases the talent pool that BYU continues to develop. Wilson’s time in the NFL has been inconsistent thus far, but his physical skills and ability to lead BYU to a strong finish in 2020 gave NFL scouts confidence in his potential. The program is showing signs of resurgence, and its future prospects are looking increasingly bright.

BYU’s mix of tradition, recent success, and continued efforts to recruit top-tier talent make it a program to watch in the coming years, especially with their move to the Big 12. Their ability to develop quarterbacks and position players for the NFL continues to be a major talking point in college football.

In summary, the episode from “The Herd” dives into critical elements that shape the landscape of the NFL. From the importance of Super Bowl victories and the impact of players like Lamar Jackson and Henry Ruggs, to the strategic fit of a veteran player like Kyle Van Noy with the Baltimore Ravens, it’s clear that team-building in the NFL requires more than just star power. It requires the right mix of talent, experience, and leadership.

Additionally, the future of programs like BYU shows how the college landscape continues to evolve, with programs rising and falling in prominence as they recruit top-level talent and move into bigger conferences. As the NFL and college football continue to change, the conversation surrounding these teams and players will only grow more complex, adding depth to our understanding of the sports’ greatest achievements.

With all of these elements intertwined—whether discussing Super Bowl victories, potential team fits, or the future of college football programs—what becomes apparent is that both the NFL and college football are continuously evolving, offering new opportunities for players, coaches, and teams to make their mark. And for fans and analysts, that ongoing change is what keeps the sport so dynamic and exciting.