ESPN has re-signed veteran NFL reporter Sal Paolantonio, extending his tenure as the network’s longest-serving full-time reporter and reinforcing his presence across its NFL coverage. Paolantonio, who joined ESPN in 1995 as a bureau reporter, has spent nearly three decades building a reputation for thorough reporting, insider access, and a trusted voice among fans, players, and coaches alike.
Under the new agreement, Paolantonio will continue to serve as a key contributor to Sunday NFL Countdown, reporting from one of the week’s marquee games, a role he has held throughout his ESPN career. Additionally, he will maintain his long-standing assignment covering the Super Bowl annually, a position he has held every year since joining the network.
Paolantonio’s responsibilities extend beyond sideline reporting. He will continue hosting NFL Matchup, ESPN’s film breakdown show, which he has helmed for the past 22 seasons. The program provides in-depth analysis of team strategies and Xs-and-Os insights, cementing Paolantonio’s role as both reporter and analyst. He will also appear periodically on ESPN Radio as an analyst during live NFL broadcasts.
The reporter remains closely associated with the Philadelphia Eagles, covering the team as they aim to defend their Super Bowl title this season. Despite the scope of his NFL coverage, his reporting has retained a local focus, giving fans a window into one of the league’s most passionate markets.
Paolantonio’s tenure at ESPN places him alongside some of the network’s most enduring figures, including Holly Rowe and Jeremy Schaap. Rowe began sideline reporting for ABC Sports in 1995 before joining ESPN full-time in 1998, while Schaap joined ESPN in 1994 as a producer and became a reporter in 1996.
Paolantonio’s contract extension comes alongside a renewed agreement for fellow NFL national reporter Dan Graziano, who joined ESPN in 2011 and has grown his multiplatform presence across digital and studio shows. Graziano regularly appears on Get Up, NFL Live, and SportsCenter, in addition to contributing to ESPN’s digital platforms, including his “Buzz Files” and “Overreaction” series, which often examine player contracts and NFL business developments.
Both Paolantonio and Graziano will continue covering major NFL events, from the draft and combine to league meetings, while also contributing to ESPN’s studio programming. Graziano has occasionally hosted Get Up and NFL Live, reflecting his versatility, while Paolantonio remains the network’s cornerstone reporter, combining on-field insight with analytical depth.
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