NFL
The Real Reason Why Michael Irvin Isn't Returning to The NFL Network
Many observers speculated that the NFL Network didn't renew his contract because of the incident's bad image, but that was not the case.
May 4, 2024
For a long time, Michael Irvin found himself sidelined after an incident at the 2023 Super Bowl when he was sent home from NFL Network’s 2023 Super Bowl coverage after he was accused of making lewd comments to a woman in a Phoenix hotel.
What followed was a lot of litigation, Irvin's firing by ESPN, and his eventual return to the NFL Network after he legally put the incident behind him. Irvin has been a mainstay of the NFL Networks since 2009 and has played a major role in the Sunday football pregame show, “GameDay Morning.”
Many observers speculated that the NFL Network didn't renew his contract because of the incident's bad image, but that was not the case. The NFL Network had what can best be described as major layoffs and program cancellations.
From putting Good Morning Football on hiatus as it moves its studio from New Jersey to Los Angeles after this year to canceling its primary nightly show, “NFL Total Access,” The NFL Network may have wanted to bring Irvin back, but the economics of the business finally caught up with the network.
Front Office Sports reported that NFL Network had a round of layoffs this week and will air “an altered programming schedule this upcoming season.”
An NFL Network spokesperson confirmed to the outlet that the cuts were made to “ensure the continued strength of our game and the business.”
Irvin is still working at FS1 on Undisputed, and I'm willing to bet he will eventually have an opportunity to appear on a studio show on Sunday, Monday, or Thursday. It's just a matter of time before the playmaker surfaces again on your pre- and or post-game coverage.