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ESPN Dumps Popular NFL Analysts Ahead Of 2026 Season In Shocking Move

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This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.

ESPN logo (Photo Via Imagn Images)

ESPN has decided not to bring back former NFL player and analyst Will Blackmon as it prepares for the 2026 NFL season. The decision comes just a few months before Week 1 and follows ESPN’s purchase of NFL Network and its media assets.

Blackmon joined Good Morning Football in 2025 after earning a strong reputation as a football analyst. However, he did not stay in the role for long after ESPN took over.

Moreover, Blackmon shared the news himself on X with a message that mixed humor and disappointment.

“Dang ESPN/GMFB let me go on my day off. 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.”

The former defensive back spent 11 seasons in the NFL from 2006 through 2016. During his career, he recorded 210 tackles, nine forced fumbles, and four interceptions. He also earned a Super Bowl title with the New York Giants during the 2011 season.

According to Awful Announcing, ESPN did not renew Blackmon’s contract after completing its deal to acquire NFL Network in April.

Reporter Brendon Kleen said, “Since the deal went through in April, ESPN has slowly worked through several contract decisions on top NFL Network talent. A source told Awful Announcing that Blackmon’s exit was due to his contract not being renewed.”

Kleen also added, “It appears that Good Morning Football will continue on NFL Network, which ESPN has said will continue to 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.”

Fans Rally Behind Blackmon

Will Blackmon (Photo Via Good Morning Football)

Many football fans showed support for Blackmon after he announced his departure.

One fan wrote, “Sorry to hear that. I liked you on GMFB.”

Another added, “One door closes, another one will open! Maybe some guest coaching at BC!”

A third fan encouraged Blackmon to build his own platform instead.

“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.”

Blackmon has got all this love for breaking down the game in an engaging way. His NFL experience and on-air presence helped him connect with viewers during his short time on Good Morning Football.

Although ESPN has made quite a few tough decisions recently, many believe Blackmon will not stay off television for long. With the 2026 NFL season approaching, he could soon find another opportunity in football media.

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