Danny Parkins is trading early mornings for afternoons on FS1, but he’s doing it with gratitude, excitement, and a little competitive fire. The FS1 commentator shared his feelings on The Colin Cowherd Podcast about his new role on the network which was announced on Wednesday.
It’s been two weeks since the cancellation of FS1’s morning show Breakfast Ball, which also included former WFAN host Craig Carton and Denver Sports 104.3 host Mark Schlereth. Yesterday, Parkins was confirmed as the newest co-host of First Things First, joining Nick Wright, Kevin Wildes, and Chris Broussard on the network’s afternoon debate show in a new third hour of the program.
“It’s surreal,” Parkins said. “First Things First is arguably the best show in sports TV fronted by my best friend of 20 years. I’m getting added to it—it’s a tremendous honor.”
Parkins acknowledged the disappointment of Breakfast Ball ending before it could build further momentum.
“Obviously, I’m bummed about Breakfast Ball. We were having fun, and I was looking forward to another football season to see what we could build there,” he said. “It’s a very tough business, and I’m just really thankful and excited for the opportunity.”
While the tone was reflective, Parkins was quick to praise his new teammates. He called Wildes “a TV genius” and described Broussard as someone “everyone in the world loves.” As for Nick Wright, Parkins didn’t hold back his admiration—or his friendly competitive streak.
“Nick is one of the most talented people in media,” he said. “Iit’s just going to be fun to be out there with my best friend.”
According to Parkin, that friendship will soon be tested during First Things First’s football segments. Parkins, who had a strong season picking NFL games last year, took a playful jab at Wright’s track record.
“How embarrassing is it going to be for Nick when I beat him in football picks again on his show?” Parkins joked. “It’s going to be so glorious.”
Parkins filled in for Nick Wright last week on First Things First as Wright served duties calling commentary on the World Series of Poker Main Event Final Table. Despite the competitive banter, Parkins is approaching his new role with respect for the platform and an eagerness to contribute.
“It’s a very tough business and I’m just really thankful and excited for the opportunity,” said Parkins.
In addition to all the moves at FS1, Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy announced that his company will debut a two-hour daily program on FS1 from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. However, while no official start date or talent lineup has been confirmed, Portnoy mentioned the show “could” begin near the start of the college football season in late August. Furthermore, FOX Sports Radio host Colin Cowherd hinted on his The Colin Cowherd Podcast this past weekend that the initial plans are for the two-hour Barstool Sports program to repeat from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. as The Herd with Colin Cowherd’s lead-in.
At this time, there has been no official word on any other remaining FS1 talent staying with the network following the cancellations of Breakfast Ball, The Facility, and Speak. Parkins’ first episodes on First Things First are expected to air soon, just in time for the NFL preseason.
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