The clock is ticking toward Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season, and ESPN has already made a tough roster move — but this one isn't on the field. The network has decided to part ways with analyst Will Blackmon, just months after acquiring NFL Network and its assets.
Blackmon, a 41-year-old former NFL defensive back who played from 2006 to 2016, joined NFL Network's Good Morning Football in 2025 as an analyst. His resume includes 210 tackles, nine forced fumbles, and four interceptions, plus a Super Bowl ring with the New York Giants in 2011. But his time on the show was short-lived.
“Dang ESPN/GMFB let me go on my day off,” Blackmon wrote on X. “I was added to the roster in April and didn’t even get a snap. A Healthy scratch. I went from practice squad to a camp body.”
According to Awful Announcing, the reason for Blackmon's departure comes down to a contract that wasn't renewed. Since the deal to acquire NFL Network went through in April, ESPN has been working through several contract decisions on top talent. A source told Awful Announcing that Blackmon's exit was simply due to his contract not being renewed.
It appears that Good Morning Football will continue on NFL Network, which ESPN has said will operate largely independently, similar to how the SEC and ACC Networks function within the company. But outside of longtime host Kyle Brandt, full-time analyst Manti Te'o — a 2026 rising star highlighted this year by Awful Announcing — and anchor Jamie Erdahl, the show has cycled through several contributors in recent years.
NFL fans have Blackmon's back. After he announced his departure, several supporters voiced their encouragement. “Sorry to hear that. I liked you on GMFB,” one fan said. “One door closes, another one will open,” a second fan commented. “Let's go, creating content and owning it would be great for someone that has proven what you have in a short period of time,” another fan replied.
There's no question Blackmon has the football knowledge and charisma to thrive on TV. Hopefully, he'll land an exciting broadcasting gig before the start of the 2026 season. This shake-up at ESPN comes alongside other analyst moves, including promotions for Chase Daniel and Jordan Rodgers in college football coverage.
For now, Blackmon is a free agent in the broadcasting world — but given his experience and fan support, it probably won't be long before he's back on air.
