ESPN has unveiled Mike Greenberg as the new host of ‘Sunday NFL Countdown’ ahead of the upcoming NFL season.
The network fired the previous host, Sam Ponder, last week, also cutting Robert Griffin III in a less shocking move given Jason Kelce’s arrival.
According to Andrew Marchand of The Athletic, Ponder will be replaced by Greenberg after being let go with a year and over a million dollars left on her contract. The termination is understood to result from the company trying to cut costs, though Ponder will still be paid in full.
Marchand notes that the move was also made in order to promote Greenberg, who is a favorite among execs at The Worldwide Leader in Sports. The 57-year-old already hosts ‘Get Up’ on mornings at ESPN, while he does his ‘Greeny’ show on radio.
Mike Greenberg had a brief stint as the lead NBA host before handing duties over to Malika Andrews.
NEWS: Mike Greenberg will replace the fired Sam Ponder as the host of ESPN’s NFL Countdown, The Athletic has learned.https://t.co/HakpeuhqLk
— Andrew Marchand (@AndrewMarchand) August 20, 2024
Mike Greenberg Was One Of Two Candidates Considered For The Gig
Mike Greenberg beat another candidate, Laura Rutledge, to the job. While the ‘NFL Live’ host is a rising star at the network, the former’s promotion marks the second time she’s come in second place to an ESPN veteran.
She was in the running for Monday’s ‘NFL Countdown’ earlier this year but lost out to Scott Van Pelt, who will also be joined by Kelce next season.
Meanwhile, Mike Greenberg’s Sunday panel will include Randy Moss, Ted Bruschi, Rex Ryan, Alex Smith, and Adam Schefter.
ESPN and ABC have landed the rights to air the Super Bowl in 2027 for the first time, which is part of the reason they’ve made such massive changes to their programming. Expect more to come.
