ESPN makes right decision by removing Rich Eisen from play-by-play amid NFL Network acquisition
Rich Eisen has confirmed that he will no longer be calling NFL games as a play-by-play commentator following ESPN’s acquisition of NFL Network.
“I believe I’m done,” Eisen told Sports Illustrated when asked if he would continue to see games next season.
Eisen had been calling games for NFL Network since 2018, including most of the network’s international slate. Kurt Warner often served alongside him as color analyst.
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SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 08: NFL Network host Rich Eisen poses for a photo before the NFL Super Bowl LX football game between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks at Levi Stadium on February 8, 2026 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo: Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images) (Getty Images)
Sources tell OutKick that it was ESPN’s decision to remove Eisen from game broadcasts. Dave Pasch is expected to replace him in games exclusive to NFL Network.
Pasch leaving his position with the Arizona Cardinals will be a significant development. He is one of ESPN’s best play-by-play voices.
Eisen never reached that level.
His play calling drew consistent criticism from fans and media observers. He relied too much on clichés and talked about repetition and the natural sounds of the game. He often used the same sentences. Critics often noted his limited vocabulary, such as his repeated references to the midfielder as a “shield” and his tendency to call plays in the passive voice.
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – FEBRUARY 24: NFL Network host Rich Eisen speaks during the live show at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine on February 24, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo: Cooper Neill/Getty Images) (Getty Images)
During the interview, Eisen attributed these struggles to the instincts he developed as a studio host.
“I had a lot of fun doing it, man. I had a lot of fun doing it. But it’s so contrary to what I normally do,” Eisen told SI. “Sitting in this chair on this set on Sunday morning, three hours of radio TV simulcast game day morning, if there’s dead air, if there’s emptiness, if there’s no talking, my first thought is to jump in and fill the void. When you call a play, it’s the opposite. Your job is to shut up after the big moment happens.”
Fair.
Not everyone can be successful as both a studio host and play-by-play announcer. NBC’s Mike Tirico is one of the few exceptions.
Still, Eisen’s position at ESPN isn’t in much danger. Even before acquiring NFL Network, it signed a separate deal with ESPN to air its daily radio show on ESPN Radio and Disney+. He has also hosted many special editions of SportsCenter.
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – FEBRUARY 08: Rich Eisen attended the 13th Annual NFL Honors Ceremony held at Resorts World Theater on February 08, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo: Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic) (Movie Magic)
In the industry, Eisen is a polarizing figure.
Many consider him a talented studio host and a recognizable face to casual sports fans. However, he has also been criticized for his obsession with his own nostalgia since the 1990s. It’s hard to watch one of his shows without hearing him talk about 20-25 years ago.
He’s also more political than ESPN wants to be at this point. Those attending the radio show included Doug Emhoff, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, Tim Walz and CNN host Jake Tapper.
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At least he can still talk sports without belittling “white men” or defending hard fouls on Caitlin Clark.
Eisen still has value; but not as a commentator of every match. ESPN realized this before its first season operating NFL Network.
