ESPN makes right decision by removing Rich Eisen from play-by-play amid NFL Network acquisition

Is Pat McAfee officially saving a "woke" ESPN as he nears a massive new contract extension? Dan Dakich breaks down how the College GameDay star is completely dethroning Stephen A. Smith to become the undisputed face of the network.

Rich Eisen confirmed he will no longer call NFL games as a play-by-play commentator following ESPN's acquisition of NFL Network.

"I believe I am done," Eisen told Sports Illustrated when asked if he would continue calling games this upcoming season.

Eisen had called games for NFL Network since around 2018, including most of the network's international slate. Kurt Warner often served as the color analyst alongside him.

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SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 08: NFL Network host Rich Eisen poses for a photo prior to the NFL Super Bowl LX football game between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks at Levi Stadium on February 8, 2026 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images) (Getty Images)

Sources tell OutKick it was ESPN's decision to remove Eisen from game broadcasts. Dave Pasch is expected to replace him on NFL Network-exclusive games.

Pasch, who is leaving his role with the Arizona Cardinals, will be a significant upgrade. He is one of ESPN's best play-by-play voices.

Eisen never reached that level.

His game-calling drew consistent criticism from fans and media observers. He relied too heavily on clichés and talked over replays and the natural sounds of the game. He too often defaulted to the same phrases. Critics frequently pointed to his limited vocabulary, such as repeatedly referring to midfield as "the shield," and his tendency to call games in the passive voice.

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