Rich Eisen Ends Play-by-Play Role Following ESPN’s Acquisition of NFL Network

Rich Eisen has confirmed his decision to step down from play-by-play commentary for NFL games, following ESPN’s acquisition of the NFL Network. Speaking with Sports Illustrated, Eisen remarked, “I believe I am done,” when asked about his future in game calling.

Eisen had been a familiar voice for fans, calling games for NFL Network since around 2018. He often covered international matches alongside color analyst Kurt Warner.

Reports from OutKick indicate that ESPN decided to remove Eisen from broadcasting games. Dave Pasch is anticipated to succeed him on NFL Network-exclusive broadcasts. Pasch is considered among ESPN’s top play-by-play talents, moving on from his previous position with the Arizona Cardinals.

Eisen’s style met with some criticism from fans and media alike. His commentary was often noted for clichés and over-talking during replays and game sounds. Critics pointed out his repetitive language and his tendency to use passive voice during broadcasts.

In an interview, Eisen attributed these habits to his instincts as a studio host. He shared his enjoyment of the role, but recognized it differed from his norm of filling dead air during studio broadcasts. Eisen stated, “Sitting in this chair on this set, three-hour radio TV simulcast game day morning on Sunday morning, if there’s dead air, if there’s blank space, if there’s no talking, my first thought is to jump in and fill the void. It’s the exact opposite when you’re calling a game.”

Despite the shift, Eisen’s position at ESPN remains robust. Before the NFL Network acquisition, he secured a separate agreement with ESPN for his daily radio show on ESPN Radio and Disney+. He also hosted special SportsCenter editions.

Eisen remains a polarizing figure in the industry. While recognized as a talented studio anchor, his affinity for personal reminiscences from the 1990s has drawn critique. His inclination towards political discussions has included guests like Doug Emhoff and Gov. Josh Shapiro, signs of his broader interests beyond sports.

Overall, while Eisen’s skill as a play-by-play commentator faced challenges, his value remains significant elsewhere in sports media.