Steve Smith is reportedly coming to ESPN’s studio lineup. The move traces back to Disney’s takeover of NFL Network.
What We Know: Front Office Sports is reporting that Smith will be in a recurring role across ESPN programming. Potential landing spots include Get Up, First Take, NFL Live, and a forthcoming program involving Peter Schrager. That show would follow The Pat McAfee Show at 2 p.m. ET. Smith previously worked as an NFL Network analyst and called Panthers preseason games in 2021.
What’s At Stake: Steve Smith is just the latest NFL Network talent inserted into daily ESPN programming. With ESPN taking oversight over the league’s network, continued use of talent across both platforms is likely to increase ahead of the regular season kicking off in September. While in the NFL, Smith made the Pro Bowl five times and amassed 14,731 receiving yards over his career with the Carolina Panthers and Baltimore Ravens, good for seventh most all-time. He won the “Triple Crown” with the Panthers in 2005 by topping three separate statistical categories, tying for the league lead in catches and touchdowns while leading the league in receiving yards.
What Remains Unclear: Smith’s exact show assignments are unknown. Timing for his ESPN debut also remains undetermined.
What It Means: Smith joins Kyle Brandt and Stacey Dales as former NFL Network voices folded into ESPN’s coverage so far. Moreover, ESPN appears to be actively reshaping its NFL talent roster with the takeover of the NFL Network. Ryan Clark, Cam Newton, Tom Pelissaro, Charles Davis are out. Using Brandt, Dales, and now reportedly Smith on both platforms seems to be the start of those plans. What shows Smith will be a part of remains to be seen.
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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.