"I think ESPN rightly wanted to own and operate and produce RedZone outright because of the galactic popularity of the show. But the NFL, for their reasons, wanted to retain control of the production of RedZone."
Blackledge will work as the color commentator for ESPN Radio's coverage of the College Football Playoff National Championship Game as his final assignment for the network on Monday.
"I think ESPN rightly wanted to own and operate and produce RedZone outright because of the galactic popularity of the show. But the NFL, for their reasons, wanted to retain control of the production of RedZone."