ESPN is keeping one of its most recognizable storytellers in place. The network has signed Marty Smith to a multi-year contract extension, ensuring his continued presence across several of its highest-profile properties.
Smith will remain a key contributor on college football, golf and NFL Draft coverage. He will also continue co-hosting Marty & McGee alongside Ryan McGee on SEC Network.
In addition, Smith is expected to play a central reporting role during The Masters, where his storytelling style has become a staple of the network’s presentation from Augusta National.
Smith has built a reputation as one of ESPN’s most versatile voices. His work regularly appears across signature programs like College GameDay, SportsCenter and SEC Nation. He also contributes to major events, including the College Football Playoff, often delivering feature-driven segments that go beyond the field.
“Working at ESPN is such an immense joy,” Smith said. “I can’t believe it’s been 20 years. Iwalked in the door in 2006 with no concept of how to make television. I went to ESPN University, and I learned very quickly that television is a team sport, especially given the platforms and pressure our company commands, and the excellence it demands”
Smith joined ESPN in 2006 and has since evolved into a prominent storyteller known for blending sports with human-interest narratives. Over the years, he has covered everything from golf’s biggest stages to college football’s most intense environments.
His career includes high-profile interviews with some of the biggest names in sports, including Tiger Woods, Nick Saban and Cristiano Ronaldo. More recently, he landed a notable conversation with Lane Kiffin during a pivotal moment in the coaching landscape.
“Marty is one of our most versatile and distinctive voices,” said Mike McQuade, ESPN’s executive vice president of sports production. “His ability to connect with people helps viewers better understand the personalities shaping sports.”
Beyond football, Smith continues to play a significant role in ESPN’s golf coverage. He contributes annually to both The Masters and the PGA Championship. In 2025, he expanded his portfolio further by joining coverage of TGL, conducting interviews with players and celebrities involved in the tech-driven competition.
Before becoming a network mainstay, Smith served as ESPN’s lead NASCAR reporter from 2007-14. He contributed to NASCAR Now and filed reports for SportsCenter while also writing for ESPN.com. Prior to ESPN, Smith worked for NASCAR.com and held roles with SPEED Channel and Fox Sports Net. A graduate of Radford University, he began his career covering local sports in Virginia.
Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.
