The shake-up at NFL Network continued this week, with analyst Michael Irvin among the latest names who will not be part of the network’s coverage going forward. The former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver and Pro Football Hall of Famer had been with NFL Network since 2009 and was a regular on its “GameDay Morning” program.
The New York Post, which first reported that Irvin’s contract would not be renewed, also reported Friday that “NFL Total Access” will air its final show this month. The decision to discontinue the signature nightly program, which launched along with the network in 2003, comes one month after NFL Network laid off on-air talent James Palmer, Will Selva, Andrew Siciliano and Melissa Stark, and two months after the NFL announced NFL Network’s popular “Good Morning Football” program would move its production from New York to Los Angeles and be on hiatus until August.
In addition to Irvin’s contract not being renewed, Front Office Sports reported that “at least six” NFL Network employees were laid off Thursday.
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“As is normal course of business this time of year, we are evaluating our talent roster for the upcoming 2024 season and beyond,” Alex Riethmiller, NFL Network’s vice president of communications, told the Athletic after last month’s layoffs. “That process results in renewals, non-renewals and additions to our talent lineup depending on programming needs. To those departing talent, we give our sincere thanks and appreciation for their hard work and contributions to NFL Media.”
The Athletic reported that “Insiders,” which features reporters Ian Rapoport, Mike Garafolo and Tom Pelissero, will replace “NFL Total Access,” at least on an interim basis.
The 58-year-old Irvin, who also serves as a co-host for Fox Sports 1′s “Undisputed,” was suspended by NFL Network in February 2023 after he allegedly made advances toward a hotel employee during Super Bowl week in Arizona. Irvin returned to NFL Network ahead of the 2023 regular season after settling the $100 million defamation lawsuit he filed against Marriott International.
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