ESPN's fall Sunday pregame staple NFL Countdown is experiencing some changes this season. Out is longtime host Sam Ponder; in is the versatile Mike Greenberg, who has taken on many roles since joining the network nearly two decades ago.
Greenberg will headline the revamped football show each week starting in Week 1, but most of the surrounding cast remains unchanged. The host will be joined by several of ESPN's best NFL analysts, insiders, and reporters for this year's editions.
Mike Greenberg's New Role
Already the host of ESPN's morning show "Get Up" since 2018, Greenberg will take over the lead on NFL Countdown this season. This role includes ESPN's coverage of the NFL Draft, which he already contributes toward by leading the network's Thursday and Friday night draft shows.
Greenberg also heads "Greeny" on ESPN Radio, which was his return to the airwaves in August 2020 after a longstanding gig on "Mike & Mike" with Mike Golic that lasted from 2000-17. He has been a mainstay with the network since 1996 and will continue to appear on ESPN desks for the foreseeable future.
The Rest of the Lineup
Tedy Bruschi has been with ESPN since joining the network as an NFL analyst in August 2009 after retiring from professional football. He continues his ongoing role on NFL Countdown in addition to providing commentary on "Get Up," "First Take," "SportsCenter," and ESPN Radio.
Rex Ryan also remains on NFL Countdown while contributing to ESPN's other shows. He joined the network in 2017 as an analyst after seven years in the NFL as a head coach, serving at the helm of both the New York Jets and the Buffalo Bills.
A regular on NFL Countdown's Sunday and Monday editions, Randy Moss will remain a part of both shows for the 2024 season. An analyst at ESPN since 2016, the first-ballot Hall of Fame wide receiver was quick to join the media landscape after retiring from the league in 2012.
One of the newer analysts on the football circuit, Alex Smith joined ESPN in 2021—the same year the former quarterback retired from the league—and first appeared Sunday NFL Countdown in September 2023. He continues to contribute on Monday Night Countdown and Postseason NFL Countdown as well.
The Reporters and Insiders
A Senior NFL Insider at ESPN, Schefter joined the network in 2009 and appears on several programs to offer football commentary. In addition to his roles on NFL Countdown, SportsCenter, NFL Live, and more, he hosts "The Adam Schefter Podcast" and writes regularly for the ESPN website. Schefter is most known for his reporting on social media, where he frequently reveals NFL scoops and news firsthand.
Jeff Darlington has been covering the NFL for nearly 20 years, eight of which have been with ESP. He reports from NFL stadiums for NFL Countdown and is now best known for his sit-down interviews and storytelling features.
Named a National NFL Insider for ESPN in 2016, Dan Graziano provides live reports from stadiums around the league for NFL Countdown and "Fantasy Football Now," among other shows and features. He's been with the network since 2011, first covering the NFC East before becoming ESPN's Giants reporter.
Kimberley A. Martin joined ESPN as an NFL reporter at the start of the pandemic in 2020. In addition to appearances on NFL Countdown, "Fantasy Football Now," NFL Live, and other shows, she is the co-host of ESPN's only all-female podcast "First Take Her Take."
A national correspondent for ESPN, Sal Paolantonio covers the NFL for SportsCenter, NFL Countdown, NFL Live, and "Fantasy Football Now" in addition to "NFL Matchup." He's been with the network since 1995, covering 30 Super Bowls including all 10 of Tom Brady's championship appearances.
In 2023, Lindsey Thiry was named an ESPN national NFL reporter. She contributes regularly to NFL Countdown, conducts interviews, and reports features pertaining to the league throughout the season. Thiry was the Los Angeles Chargers beat reporter for ESPN's NFL Nation before expanding her role.
Erin Dolan has been with ESPN since late 2021 as a sports betting analyst, appearing regularly on "ESPN BET Live" as well as other programs like NFL Countdown. She previously worked at FanDuel and PointsBet sportsbooks to create betting content for social media.
A New Era for Sunday NFL Countdown
With a lineup full of familiar faces and a new host with a diverse background in sports media, Sunday NFL Countdown is poised for another successful season. It will be interesting to see how Greenberg's presence impacts the show's dynamic and how he manages his various roles at ESPN. However, with his experience and passion for the NFL, he is sure to bring a fresh perspective to the pregame show. Whether you're a die-hard football fan or just tuning in to catch the latest news and insights before kickoff, ESPN's Sunday NFL Countdown promises to be a must-watch this season.
