“Seven hours of commercial-free football” on NFL RedZone no longer exists. The National Football League’s corporate greed has officially killed one of the greatest traditions in the United States.
We used to be a proper country!
Scott Hanson gave us a taste of this unfortunate reality last weekend. Although he began the afternoon with his typical tagline, he declared that “seven hours of RedZone football continues on” prior to the late window instead of “seven hours of commercial-free football.” To say the latter would be a lie.
The NFL RedZone broadcast aired two different advertisements inside of a doublebox. One of the boxes showed a commercial. The other, which was smaller, showed the game. That happened twice.
so much for 7 hours of commercial free football pic.twitter.com/YyV6LpgIZv
— CJ Fogler 🫡 (@cjzero) December 15, 2024
Hanson has since apologized for his use of the original tagline to open the afternoon when he knew it would not be true.
I just wanted to take a quick second and apologize for using the ‘commercial-free’ catchphrase at the top of last week’s show. I was conflicted about it beforehand, I had a tough decision to make, and I made the wrong decision. And I’m sorry.
— Scott Hanson
He owned up to his mistake and asked the people who trust him most to forgive his regretful decision.
I try to be the best host I can possibly be. What we have shared together, and what we have seen and experienced together for 16 seasons on NFL RedZone is unlike anything else. I love it. I hope to do it for 16 more years. But being a good host means being accurate, being truthful, and having integrity. And so, I hope you consider accepting this apology.
— Scott Hanson
Apology accepted, Scott. I will speak on behalf of all RedZone watchers to say that we understand you had nothing to do with the inclusion of commercials. It’s not your fault. It was forced upon you by the league!
The NFL also issued a statement in response to the controversy and prepared viewers at home for the addition of commercials to RedZone in 2025. Last Sunday was supposedly just a test.
Even though the National Football League clears billions of dollars per year, it is going to ruin its best product for a few additional advertising dollars. NFL RedZone already costs money. Fans pay for seven hours of commercial-free football but seven hours of commercial -free football is officially dead.
Scott Hanson returned to his post on Sunday morning. In lie of “seven hours of commerical-free football” he once again referred to the broadcast as “seven hours of RedZone football.”
"Seven hours of commercial-free football" is officially dead. Sad day for our country. pic.twitter.com/4LOwURzoax
— Grayson Weir (@GsonJW) December 22, 2024
It is officially over. The whiparound show began in 2009 on two simple principles: every touchdown and no commercials. Only one exists today.