It appears FS1’s plans for Emmanuel Acho have changed. Forget First Things First. According to a press release, Acho will replace Jason Whitlock on Speak For Yourself.
“To join the FOX Sports family and have the opportunity to co-host one of the most notable sports talk shows in sports entertainment is an absolute dream come true,” Acho said in a press release. “Marcellus is like a big brother to me, he’s provided tremendous advice throughout this process, so I’m beyond eager to begin working with him.”
Acho brings a totally different perspective and experience in the world of football than Wiley does. While Wiley played college football in the Ivy League and enjoyed a ten-year long NFL career that included an All-Pro season, Acho played big time college football at Texas and spent just four years in the NFL before making the leap to broadcasting.
“Emmanuel is the perfect fit for the FOX Sports family because he is thoughtful, inspiring and passionate,” said Charlie Dixon, Executive Vice President, Content, FS1. “He has already achieved an extraordinary amount of success in his short broadcasting career, and we all firmly believe this is just the tip of the iceberg.”
Acho has generated a ton of buzz in recent weeks with his new digital series, Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man. The first video in the series garnered more than 20 million views and has led to invitations for Acho to appear on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and Good Morning America. The second video features a conversation with Matthew McConaughey.
Last month, Outkick the Coverage reported that Acho was indeed headed to FS1, but it would be to join the network’s morning show First Things First. Plans for Acho changed though once the network learned that Whitlock would be leaving SFY.
Many expected First Things First to add another top name alongside Nick Wright to fill the void created by Cris Carter’s exit. Former ESPN producer Kevin Wildes joined the show in February, but adding Acho would have given the morning show some extra juice. Where FS1 turns next to strengthen mornings will be worth keeping an eye on.
