Rich Eisen has announced he will not continue as a play-by-play commentator for NFL games following ESPN’s acquisition of NFL Network. In an interview with Sports Illustrated, Eisen stated, “I believe I am done,” when asked about the upcoming season.
Eisen has been a commentator for NFL Network since 2018, often collaborating with color analyst Kurt Warner, particularly for international games. Reports from OutKick indicate that ESPN decided to remove Eisen from game broadcasts. Dave Pasch is expected to take over announcing NFL Network-exclusive games. Known as one of ESPN’s top play-by-play voices, Pasch will replace Eisen, who faced criticism for his commentary style.
Fans and media often critiqued Eisen’s reliance on clichés and consistent use of certain phrases, including calling midfield “the shield,” and his tendency to talk over key moments in games.
In the interview, Eisen reflected on these challenges, attributing them to his instincts as a studio host. He explained, “I enjoyed doing it a lot. But it’s so counter to what I normally do.” Eisen shared that as a studio host, he fills silence, while as a commentator, the job requires allowing the game’s natural moments to resonate.
Despite this change, Eisen’s position at ESPN remains stable with his radio show broadcast on ESPN Radio and Disney+. He continues to contribute to special editions of SportsCenter.
Within the industry, Eisen is a well-known studio anchor but a divisive figure. While many recognize his talent and appeal to casual sports fans, others critique his frequent references to his past and political discussions on his show.
Though no longer a play-by-play commentator, ESPN values Eisen for his other contributions, emphasizing his strengths as a host rather than a game-day commentator.