ESPN
ESPN’s Monday Night Football crew is being shaken up once again as the network removed Robert Griffin III from the program and replaced him with recently retired Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce.
Kelce will be a part of the Monday Night Football crew alongside Scott Van Pelt, Ryan Clark, Marcus Spears, Adam Schefter, and Michelle Beisner-Buck. Joe Buck and Troy Aikman will remain the announcer and color commentator, respectively.
According to Pro Football Talk, RGIII’s name was not included in the press release as he will not be returning to the pre-and-post-game shows. Griffin — who appeared on Monday Night Football in 2022 and 2023 — will, however, remain with ESPN, where he’ll appear on studio shows and call college football games.
“Jason is a highly respected, Super Bowl Champion with a strong connection to fans,” said Burke Magnus, ESPN President of Content, in an official statement. “Walking off the field and immediately to ESPN, viewers will benefit from his perspective which has been shaped through his years as an established locker room leader and a future Hall of Fame center. Jason’s addition to Monday Night Countdown will greatly strengthen our NFL coverage.”
“Turns out, it was a short retirement! I’m excited to join ESPN, and particularly the Monday Night Countdown team. ESPN was a consistent presence in our household growing up and the network helped shape who I am and my love of all sports. To now appear on that same screen is a full circle moment. And, I mean it’s freaking Monday Night Football! and I’m ready for some football,” Kelce added.
Ever since announcing his retirement, Kelce has been one of the most highly sought-after names in sports media given the personality he’s displayed over the years both with the Eagles and on the podcast he hosts with his brother Travis, New Heights.
While RGIII has yet to publicly address his demotion, he did tweet “Stand on business with God” the morning after the news broke.
Stand on business with God
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) May 15, 2024