ESPN's morning show Get Up got a jolt of energy this week when Kyle Brandt, the longtime NFL Network personality, dropped in for a guest appearance. And if the reaction from fans is any indication, this might be the start of something special.
Brandt, who became a fan favorite during his time on Good Morning Football, brought his signature blend of humor and passion to the set. The topic? Which 0-2 teams have been the biggest disappointments of the young 2026 season. But when the conversation turned to the Los Angeles Chargers, Brandt didn't just criticize—he unleashed a rant that had viewers hitting the replay button.
“We give you a quarterback, we give you offensive linemen, running back, tight ends and wide receivers,” Brandt said, his voice rising. “You give us two losses against a couple of teams that are trying to make something of themselves. I think you’re too focused on beer right now. Think about why your consequences come from your actions. … I’m not disappointed, I’m BLEEPIN’ mad.”
The “beer” jab was a playful nod to the rumored relationship between Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert and pop star Madison Beer, and fans couldn't get enough of it. Social media lit up with praise for Brandt, with many urging ESPN to make him a permanent fixture on Get Up.
“Kyle Brandt is sooooo good at TV,” one fan posted. Another wrote, “Petition for Kyle Brandt to chastise football teams 5 days a week on Get Up.” A third declared, “Best move ESPN has made was to bring in Peter Schrager and Kyle Brandt.”
This comes on the heels of ESPN's recent decision to part ways with several NFL analysts, including Ryan Clark and Cam Newton, as part of a roster shakeup. The network has been looking for fresh voices to keep morning viewers engaged, and Brandt's electric personality seems like a perfect fit.
Brandt's ability to mix humor with sharp analysis is nothing new. He was a key reason Good Morning Football became an Emmy-winning show, thanks to his infectious energy and willingness to take risks on air. If ESPN wants Get Up to stay must-see TV, adding a fireball like Brandt makes all the sense in the world.
It's also worth noting that Brandt isn't afraid to ruffle feathers, as he showed earlier this year when he called Deshaun Watson's press conference career-ending. That kind of boldness resonates with fans who crave authenticity over canned talking points.
Of course, the Chargers' struggles are just one storyline in a season that's already full of surprises. From the NFL's controversial Wednesday opener to the 49ers' mounting injury woes, there's no shortage of drama. But if Brandt keeps delivering moments like this, he might just become the reason fans tune in every morning.
Only time will tell if ESPN makes it permanent, but one thing's for sure: Kyle Brandt just made a strong case for a full-time gig.
