Rich Eisen told Sports Illustrated, “I believe I am done,” when asked about his future calling NFL games — confirming he does not plan to continue as a play-by-play voice following ESPN’s acquisition of NFL Network, according to SI’s interview.
Rich Eisen will stop calling NFL games
In an interview published by Sports Illustrated, Eisen said he does not intend to return to regular play-by-play duties. He described the difference between studio hosting and live game commentary, saying the latter often requires a quieter, more restrained approach that doesn’t play to his instincts as a longtime studio personality. “I enjoyed doing it a lot, man. I enjoyed doing it a lot. But it’s so counter to what I normally do,” he told Sports Illustrated.
The end of Eisen’s play-by-play run is presented in reporting as his own perspective combined with organizational moves after ESPN took control of NFL Network. OutKick, via a Fox News-hosted OutKick story, reported that ESPN made a decision to remove Eisen from game broadcasts as part of broader consolidation; that outlet also reported on an expected replacement. There has been no on-the-record confirmation from ESPN published in those reports.
How the ESPN acquisition led to the change
OutKick’s reporting frames the change as part of ESPN aligning NFL Network production and on-air lineups under its new operational umbrella. When major networks consolidate rights or operations, they frequently reassign talent to fit new programming strategies and to integrate crews across platforms. OutKick presented the move as organizational; the outlet’s reporting attributes the decision to ESPN’s internal planning rather than to any single public statement from the network.
Those adjustments are common in early seasons after an acquisition, when network executives evaluate which voices and production approaches best match their coverage goals. In this case, the available reporting emphasizes that ESPN is drawing from its roster of established play-by-play talent as NFL Network settles into ESPN-run operations.
Who is expected to replace him on broadcasts
OutKick reported that Dave Pasch is expected to move into play-by-play duties on certain NFL Network-exclusive game broadcasts. That reporting says Pasch is being shifted from assignments that included work tied to the Arizona Cardinals and will be deployed more broadly across ESPN’s football coverage.
The claim about Pasch comes from OutKick’s reporting; it is not presented as an official ESPN announcement. Observers quoted in coverage suggested Pasch brings a more traditional play-by-play cadence than Eisen’s studio-honed style, a change some critics say will alter booth pacing and clarity.
What Rich Eisen will still do at ESPN
Reporting indicates Eisen remains under contract with ESPN for other projects. Sports Illustrated and subsequent coverage note a deal that keeps his daily radio show tied to ESPN Radio and distribution on Disney+ platforms. That suggests ESPN intends to continue using Eisen’s strengths as a daily studio personality and interviewer even as it phases him out of play-by-play assignments.
Those ongoing roles include his daily program and occasional studio appearances; they align with Eisen’s long-running profile as a leading studio host and media personality in NFL coverage. Sources in the reporting characterize the shift as a reallocation of responsibilities rather than a departure from the company.
Why this could matter for NFL broadcasts
Changing a lead play-by-play voice affects more than just a byline. Play-by-play commentators set rhythm, manage silence and guide viewers through fast-moving sequences. Critics quoted in reporting argued Eisen’s booth style sometimes favored the instincts of a studio host — more conversational fill and reaction — and that a different voice might let game sounds and analyst interplay breathe more naturally.
Supporters of keeping Eisen in the booth countered that his energy and deep familiarity with NFL storylines added an accessible, fan-forward tone. The debate illustrates the larger production trade-offs networks face: prioritizing studio-driven storytelling and cross-platform personalities versus preserving a classic, unobtrusive play-by-play approach.
Key takeaways
– Rich Eisen told Sports Illustrated he believes he is done calling NFL games and does not plan to continue regular play-by-play duties.
– OutKick (via Fox News’ OutKick coverage) reported ESPN decided to remove Eisen from game broadcasts after acquiring NFL Network and that Dave Pasch is expected to assume play-by-play on some NFL Network games; those claims were reported by the outlet and have not been confirmed on the record by ESPN in those stories.
– Eisen is reported to remain with ESPN in other capacities, including his daily radio show on ESPN Radio and distribution on Disney+ as part of his broader agreement.
What comes next
Expect clarifying statements or lineups as ESPN finalizes broadcast schedules for the upcoming season. If OutKick’s reporting is accurate, viewers will soon hear Pasch more regularly on NFL Network-branded telecasts while Eisen continues in studio and radio roles. Official on-the-record confirmations from ESPN about specific booth assignments would close the reporting loop.
FAQ
Will Rich Eisen still work for ESPN after stopping play-by-play?
Yes. According to Sports Illustrated and related reporting, Eisen remains with ESPN for his daily radio show and studio work; those assignments are expected to continue.
Who is expected to replace Rich Eisen on NFL Network game calls?
OutKick reported that Dave Pasch is expected to take on play-by-play duties on some NFL Network games. That reporting noted Pasch’s reassignment and ties to prior roles connected to the Arizona Cardinals; ESPN has not been quoted on the record in those reports confirming the personnel move.
Why did ESPN remove Rich Eisen from game broadcasts?
Industry reporting attributes the move to ESPN’s post-acquisition consolidation and a judgment that Eisen’s strengths are better suited to studio hosting and daily programming than to live play-by-play. Critics’ views on booth style were cited in coverage, but those are evaluative observations rather than network statements.
Sources: OutKick (reported on Fox News’ OutKick story) and Sports Illustrated (Eisen interview). For the OutKick story, see: foxnews.com.
