ESPN’s “Sunday NFL Countdown” is a staple for many NFL fans who are eager for the slate of games to get underway. The show debuted back in 1985 and is celebrating its 40th season. Initially, the program was called “NFL GameDay” and then “NFL Countdown,” but it’s been titled “Sunday NFL Countdown” ever since 1998.
The “Sunday NFL Countdown” crew breaks down the upcoming slate of games while also providing real-time news updates, in-depth analysis, feature stories, exclusive interviews, and on-site reporting. Entering the 2024 NFL season, let’s look at the various analysts, insiders, and former players who make up the current cast.
Sunday NFL Countdown Crew
Host | Mike Greenberg
Greenberg is the newest member of the crew. The longtime ESPN host replaces Sam Ponder, who was recently fired by the network along with former NFL player Robert Griffin III.
Greenberg also hosts the show “Get Up” as well as his own radio show (“Greeny”). NFL fans likely recognize Greenberg, as he has hosted ESPN’s NFL Draft coverage since 2021. Greenberg is perhaps best known for his nearly two-decade run on “Mike & Mike,” which he co-hosted alongside Mike Golic.
Analyst | Randy Moss (Currently On Leave)
Moss has been a staple on the program since 2016, but he recently left the show while dealing with a personal health matter. ESPN released the following statement: “Pro Football Hall of Famer Randy Moss will step away from Sunday NFL Countdown for an extended time to focus on a personal health challenge. He briefly addressed the matter at the start of the show on Dec. 1. For nearly a decade, Randy has been an invaluable member of the team, consistently elevating Countdown with his insight and passion. He has ESPN’s full support, and we look forward to welcoming him back when he is ready.”
Moss is a Hall of Famer and one of the best wide receivers in NFL history. Throughout the course of his 14-year NFL career, Moss became a six-time Pro Bowler, five-time receiving touchdowns leader, and four-time All-Pro. He suited up for the Minnesota Vikings, Oakland Raiders, New England Patriots, Tennessee Titans, and San Francisco 49ers. He was selected to the NFL’s 2000s All-Decade Team and NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team.
Analyst | Tedy Bruschi
Bruschi is a three-time Super Bowl champion and former New England Patriot linebacker. The 13-year NFL veteran is respected for his football IQ, and he brings a level-headed approach to the group.
Bruschi joined ESPN in 2009, making the jump to broadcasting immediately after retiring from the NFL. He’s been a valued member of the ESPN team ever since.
Analyst | Rex Ryan
Rex Ryan is a former NFL coach who had head-coaching stints with the New York Jets and Buffalo Bills. He has an all-time record of 61-66 in the regular season (.480 winning percentage) and 4-2 in the postseason (.667 winning percentage).
During Ryan’s coaching days, he became popular due to his sense of humor and big personality, so it was clear that he had a future in broadcasting. Sure enough, he joined the “Sunday NFL Countdown” crew in 2017, and he’s provided his interesting perspective and entertaining takes ever since.
Analyst | Alex Smith
Alex Smith has been with ESPN since his retirement from the NFL in 2021, but this will be just his second season as a member of the “Sunday NFL Countdown” team.
Prior to his broadcasting career, Smith was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft and went on to play 16 seasons in the NFL. He became a three-time Pro Bowler and won the Comeback Player of the Year award in 2020. Over the course of his NFL career, he threw for 35,650 yards, 199 touchdowns, and 109 interceptions. Smith suited up for San Francisco, Kansas City, and Washington.
NFL Senior Insider | Adam Schefter
If you’re a hardcore NFL fan, you know Adam Schefter and likely follow him on social media. He has emerged as the top news-breaker in the football media space.
Schefter has been with ESPN since 2009. His role on the “Sunday NFL Countdown” crew is to break news and provide real-time updates on various storylines throughout the NFL in a way only he can.
