ESPN has chosen a familiar and trusted face to take over as the new host of “Sunday NFL Countdown.” Mike Greenberg, a veteran ESPN personality, has been announced as the replacement for Sam Ponder, who was unexpectedly let go from the network last week along with Robert Griffin III.
Greenberg, who has been a mainstay at ESPN for years, is best known for his work on “SportsCenter” and the popular “Mike & Mike” radio show, which he co-hosted with Mike Golic. Currently, he is the host of ESPN’s morning show “Get Up” and the “Greeny” radio show. Greenberg also previously hosted “NBA Countdown,” adding to his extensive resume of high-profile roles within the network.
The 57-year-old Greenberg was selected over Laura Rutledge, who hosts “NFL Live” during the week, to lead the weekly NFL pregame show. This decision positions Greenberg as the face of one of ESPN’s most prominent football programs, just as the NFL season is about to kick off.
The recent firings at ESPN, including that of Ponder, took many by surprise, especially with the football season so close. According to reports from The Athletic, the moves were driven by financial considerations as the company approaches the end of its fiscal year. Ponder, 38, still had a year left on her contract, worth more than $1 million.
Greenberg will be joined on “Sunday NFL Countdown” by a seasoned panel that includes Tedy Bruschi, Randy Moss, Rex Ryan, and Alex Smith. Together, they will provide in-depth analysis and coverage during the three-hour show, which airs at 10 a.m. on Sundays.
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Ponder’s abrupt departure from ESPN has sparked controversy, with some speculating that her recent comments on social media might have played a role in the decision. Michele Tafoya, a former ESPN colleague, suggested that Ponder’s outspoken views on transgender women participating in women’s sports may have contributed to her firing.
“I don’t believe that anything is just budget cuts anymore,” Tafoya said in an interview with Fox News. “I think that they clearly wanted to find an off-ramp for Sam. What’s troubling to me is the timing. This is three weeks before the NFL season begins.”
Tafoya also noted that “Sunday NFL Countdown” had just come off its best ratings year in a long time, making the timing of Ponder’s exit even more puzzling. “I don’t know why they would do this so close to the season and bring so much attention, unless they want to bring in the next host and give that host a lot of attention. But what Sam said in that tweet was so reasonable,” Tafoya added.
As Greenberg steps into this new role, the spotlight will be on him to maintain and potentially build upon the success that “Sunday NFL Countdown” has enjoyed in recent years.
Meanwhile, the circumstances surrounding Ponder’s exit continue to stir debate, adding an extra layer of intrigue as the NFL season approaches.
