Tom Pelissero has found a new home for the upcoming NFL season. The veteran NFL insider joins Netflix as a sideline reporter and insider this season. He also adds duties with hosting The Ringer NFL Show, which also streams on Netflix.
What We Know: Pelissero will work Netflix’s full game slate, starting with 49ers-Rams in Week 1 from Melbourne. He spent years at NFL Network prior to ESPN’s takeover of the network. ESPN decided to part ways with Pelissero earlier this year. Beyond the sideline, he’ll co-host The Ringer’s NFL Show and contribute across Ringer NFL podcasts. He’ll also join The Bill Simmons Podcast weekly, which streams through Netflix’s Ringer partnership.
What They Said: Tom Pelissero (via X): “Let’s Go.”
What Remains Unclear: Terms of the agreement are unknown. Also, Pelissero’s role with The Ringer outside of football season is yet to be announced.
What It Means: The hire signals Netflix’s growing appetite for established football voices as its game package expands. Pairing a broadcast role with Ringer podcast duties also reflects the deeper Netflix-Spotify cross platform partnership. For Pelissero, it marks a swift return to national NFL coverage after his NFL Network exit just months ago. Expect Netflix to lean further into insider-driven storytelling as its NFL slate grows.
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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.