ESPN locks up its top NFL insider. Adam Schefter signs a new multi-year deal, extending his run at the network past 20 years.
What We Know: Schefter joined ESPN in 2009 after five seasons at NFL Network. Before that, he covered the Broncos for the Rocky Mountain News and The Denver Post. Additionally, he’s a two-time Colorado Sportswriter of the Year and a former Pro Football Writers of America president. Now, he’ll continue reporting across ESPN.com, ESPN Digital, and shows like NFL Live, SportsCenter, and Sunday NFL Countdown. Front Office Sports was first to report of Schefter’s extension last week.
What They Said: Burke Magnus, President, Content, ESPN: “Adam reaches NFL fans wherever they are — on air, on ESPN Digital and on social — and that multi-platform instinct is a big part of what makes him so valuable to us. ESPN NFL news has a way of cutting through everything else on the sports calendar, and Adam is a big reason our audience comes to ESPN first when it breaks. His credibility with sources, relentless work ethic and ability to deliver news in real time are second to none. Fans know it, the league knows it and we know it. We’re thrilled he’ll continue leading our NFL coverage for years to come.”
Adam Schefter: “It is the highest honor of my career to continue to get to work at ESPN. My profound appreciation to Jimmy Pitaro, Burke Magnus, Mike Foss, Mike McQuade, Mark Gross, Seth Markman, and the many great people at the network who have had such an impact and influence on my career. When I left NFL Network in 2009 for ESPN, my then and now colleague Rich Eisen predicted to me that I never would work anywhere other than ESPN. Rich called it.”
What Remains Unclear: Financial terms and length of the extension weren’t disclosed.
What It Means: Ultimately, ESPN keeps its most trusted NFL voice locked into its biggest broadcasts. Schefter’s reach — 17 million-plus social followers — keeping the network central to breaking news. Earlier this year, Schefter dismissed any speculation about retirement after comparisons to former ESPN NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski’s departure. Instead, the deal suggests the network intends to keep one of its most influential personalities for years to come.
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John Mamola is Barrett Media’s sports editor and daily sports columnist. He brings over two decades of experience (Chicago, Tampa/St Petersburg) in the broadcast industry with expertise in brand management, sales, promotions, producing, imaging, hosting, talent coaching, talent development, web development, social media strategy and design, video production, creative writing, partnership building, communication/networking with a long track record of growth and success. He is a five-time recognized top 20 program director in a major market via Barrett Medi’s Top 20 series and has been honored internally multiple times as station/brand of the year (Tampa, FL) and employee of the month (Tampa, FL) by iHeartMedia. Connect with John by email at John@BarrettMedia.com.