NFL Network layoffs 2024: Michael Irvin latest star let go as company continues to cut costs
NFL Network layoffs 2024: Michael Irvin latest star let go as company continues to cut costs
Business is booming around the NFL, if this year’s salary cap spike is any indication, but one aspect of the business won’t look the same this season.
NFL Network is undergoing a facelift ahead of the 2024 season, with one round of layoffs in April leading to another with the draft now in the rearview mirror. Major changes are expected for the network’s programming in addition to the layoffs, with some of the changes already evident.
The overhaul comes after reports earlier in the year that ESPN had engaged in talks about a direct partnership with the NFL that could involve ESPN taking control over at least some of the NFL’s media arm. NFL Network could very well be part of that potential transaction, though no deal is known to be finalized.
Here are the details about NFL Network’s latest round of layoffs and programming changes.
MORE: Updated power rankings after NFL Draft
NFL Network layoffs
Hall of Fame wide receiver and analyst Michael Irvin is among the latest round of NFL Network layoffs, according to the New York Post. Other names have not yet been revealed.
Irvin had been with the network since 2009, though he was taken off the air for a portion of 2023 after a woman made an unspecified allegation against him leading up to Super Bowl 57. He was reinstated after the case was settled, but Irvin’s time with the network is now up.
Irvin, who served as an analyst for NFL Network on different shows over his 15 years and had a regular role on “GameDay Morning” during the season, is still working as a guest on FS1’s “Undisputed.”
NFL Network didn’t explain its latest round of cuts any further. The network’s vice president of communications, Alex Riethmiller, referred to an April that described them as “normal course of business this time of year,” per the Athletic.
NFL Total Access
In addition to impending layoffs, “NFL Total Access” is ending after 21 years. The nightly news show is set to air its final show later on May 17, after eyebrows were raised when it took a weeklong hiatus in late March.
Kimmi Chex and Mike Yam served as the most recent hosts of the show, with David Carr and Michael Robinson as full-time analysts. Chase Daniel also joined the show as a guest analyst in 2023.
“NFL Total Access” was originally hosted by Rich Eisen. Several former players and coaches have served as analysts for the program over the years, from Willie McGinest to Terrell Davis. Scott Hanson, Lindsay Rhodes and Chris Myers are among personalities who hosted the show at one point.
“Insiders,” which features reporters Ian Rapoport, Mike Garafolo and Tom Pelissero, will tentatively fill the void left by “NFL Total Access.”
MORE: 2024 NFL Draft grades for all 32 teams
NFL Network layoffs in April
NFL Network parted ways with four on-air personalities in April: Melissa Stark, Andrew Siciliano, James Palmer and Will Selva.
Siciliano and Stark served a number of roles for the network, regularly taking on hosting roles for NFL Network’s coverage of major events. Siciliano also hosted DirecTV’s edition of NFL Red Zone from 2005-2022. Stark remains NBC’s sideline reporter for “Sunday Night Football.”
Palmer was one of NFL Network’s top national reporters, often offering insight on-site before major games. Selva was a reporter who regularly appeared on “Good Morning Football.”
In addition to the layoffs, production of “Good Morning Football” was moved from New York to Los Angeles under mysterious circumstances. The show has not yet relaunched from its new studio.
Michael Irvin net worth
Irvin has an estimated net worth of $12 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
The 58-year-old hasn’t played since 1999, but he’s a well-known figure even among younger generations as one of the faces of the Cowboys’ 1990s dynasty. A Hall of Famer, Irvin has continued to make money through endorsement deals and his roles as an NFL analyst.
Irvin remains a guest analyst for FS1’s “Undisputed” with Skip Bayless.