"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."
Spake had been the host of NASCAR coverage, including anchoring coverage of NASCAR Cup Series and NASCAR Xfinity race broadcasts. She also worked the sidelines for NFL broadcasts where she was teamed with Kenny Albert and Jonathan Vilma.
"The players obviously want to play their best; and then you have the media and FOX who wants to put out the best production, and so that I can really appreciate.”
Vilma worked on ABC's college football studio team before joining Fox Sports in 2020 and is now paired as a game analyst with Kenny Albert. Payton coached the former linebacker from 2008-2013.
"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."