Scott Van Pelt was officially named the new ESPN Monday Night Countdown host. Long considered the heavy favorite and obvious frontrunner for the position, Van Pelt’s addition ends several months of turmoil and turnover at ESPN.
ESPN underwent a massive restructuring where they fired many analysts and commentators. Van Pelt brings instant credibility to the position and ties the cast together nicely.
Who Is Scott Van Pelt?
Also known as SVP, Van Pelt has been an anchor for ESPN on various programming, most notably, SportsCenter. He’s a renowned golf analyst and is considered by many to be one of the top golf correspondents in the world.
Scott Van Pelt is the new host of Monday Night Countdown. Joining him on MNCD for the first time will be Emmy-winner Ryan Clark and Marcus Spears, while Robert Griffin III, Michelle Beisner-Buck, Larry Fitzgerald and Alex Smith also return to the show.
MNCD tonight at 7 pm. pic.twitter.com/MpKWdK6gpx
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 21, 2023
Van Pelt continues his rise to stardom as a personality on ESPN radio. Van Pelt had several excellent radio programs, including Tirico and Van Pelt, The Scott Van Pelt Show, and SVP & Russillo.
Van Pelt receives credit for raising his colleague’s platforms as much as anything. He helped Mike Tirico, Ryan Russillo, and many others reach greater heights in sports broadcasting.
Van Pelt is the voice of EA Sports’ golf video games Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10 and Tigers Woods PGA Tour 11.
Since 2015, he’s been the anchor for the midnight edition of SportsCenter.
Who Will Be Joining Scott Van Pelt as Cast Members?
Van Pelt is not coming to the Monday Night Countdown gig alone, he’s bringing along some friends.
Ryan Clark, Analyst
The former Steelers’ defensive back has quickly developed into one of the better analysts on the network. Ryan Clark has taken home an Emmy due to his analysis.
Booger McFarland is out, Ryan Clark and Marcus Spears are in on Monday Night Countdown. https://t.co/4TJKzdl3Vd
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) August 21, 2023
Robert Griffin III, Analyst
Affectionately known as RG3, the former Heisman Trophy winner has risen through the ESPN ranks. Robert Griffin III brings a light-hearted temperament to the set and backs up his analysis with real-life experience from the QB position.
Update: Scott Van Pelt will indeed take over ESPN's new Monday Night Countdown crew, per @AndrewMarchand https://t.co/HTBtUWlt8Z
Robert Griffin III, Marcus Spears and Ryan Clark will join him on set.
Van Pelt previously denied the reports he's the new host of MNF but the new… pic.twitter.com/MnF4OPmZ08
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) August 21, 2023
Marcus Spears, Analyst
Marcus Spears is no stranger to analytical debate, as a regular on First Take with Stephen A. Smith. “The Big Swagu” gets rilled up on occasion but brings a high football IQ and experience in the trenches to the set.
Adam Schefter, Senior Insider
Adam Schefter has been the most renowned ESPN insider for the better part of a decade. With sources spread across the NFL landscape, Schefter is at the forefront of breaking news.
Michelle Beisner-Buck, Features Reporter
Michelle Beisner-Buck is a former cheerleader, dancer, actress, and now reporter. She cut her teeth at NFL Network as a host for NFL Weekly Countdown.
Larry Fitzgerald Jr.
Larry Fitzgerald was a dominant receiver during his illustrious NFL career. He brings a nuanced approach, having been around the NFL his entire life.
The new ESPN Monday Night Countdown crew:
– Scott Van Pelt
– Ryan Clark
– Robert Griffin III
– Marcus Spears
– Adam Schefter
– Michelle Beisner-Buck
– Larry Fitzgerald
– Alex SmithRate the crew from 1 – 10 👇 pic.twitter.com/gWQbB369Fc
— SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) August 21, 2023
Alex Smith
Alex Smith played the QB position under head coach Andy Reid for years. He was one of the most intellectual QBs during his NFL playing career.