Stephen A. Smith made his debut on ESPN's Monday Night Football coverage last night during the Baltimore Ravens-Detroit Lions game, wearing a chartreuse suit and bringing his characteristic energy. Host Scott Van Pelt and Jason Kelce welcomed him to Monday Night Countdown, but viewer reactions were mixed, with some less enthusiastic about the NBA-focused personality joining the NFL broadcast.
Smith confirmed he will appear on at least three Monday Night Football games this season. He told Front Office Sports, 'I'm going to be doing at least three Monday Night Football games this year. Those are just the three I know about. Knowing them at ESPN, they'll want more.' He added that he is willing to take on additional roles across the network, including on SportsCenter and NBA Countdown.
The other two scheduled appearances are on November 3, when the Arizona Cardinals visit the Dallas Cowboys, and December 8, for the Philadelphia Eagles-Los Angeles Chargers game. ESPN president Jimmy Pitaro had previously indicated the network was open to Smith's increased NFL involvement, noting that the league likes him.
Smith's expanded role comes as part of his five-year, $100 million contract with ESPN, which also includes his daily show First Take. The network has been increasing its use of outspoken personalities like Smith, Pat McAfee, and Fox Sports' Dave Portnoy across its programming.
