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For NFL fans, there are no sweeter words that can be uttered than when NFL RedZone host Scott Hanson tells them to get ready for “seven hours of commercial-free football.” The phrase represents the start of exactly what Hanson says it is, seven hours of commercial-free whiparound coverage of the National Football League.
But the NFL Network violated the sanctity of the trust it had built with fans last week when it did, in fact, air commercials during NFL RedZone. The massive change appeared set in stone this week when Hanson altered his intro, instead saying telling fans that “seven hours of RedZone football continues on.”
What followed, however, was seven hours of commercial-free football. NFL Network did not run commercials during Sunday’s RedZone show. So, what gives?
NFL Network Not Sure How To Handle Backlash To ‘NFL RedZone’ Commercials
Michael McCarthy of Front Office Sports reports that the league and network are unsure of where to go from here when it comes to airing commercials on NFL RedZone.
“NFL Network remains ‘undecided’ on whether it will employ RedZone ads in the future, said a source with knowledge of the league’s strategy,” McCarthy wrote. “That means the league could test the double-box ads again during Weeks 17 and 18. Or wait until the 2025 regular season, then bring them in more widely.”
Hanson, as the host, is the face of the show. He has held that role since 2009 and takes it very seriously. So when fans complained about the misleading “commercial-free” tagline a week ago, Hanson took it personally.
“I just want to take a quick second and apologize for using the commercial-free catchphrase at the top of last show,” he tweeted. “I was conflicted about it beforehand. I had a tough decision to make. I made the wrong decision. And I’m sorry.”
Now it appears that the NFL has Hanson, and the show, in a state of limbo.