The trend of former and current pro athletes being in television sports media is the reason for sports media being on the decline. 

It seems like nearly every year now that we see a massive layoff from a major corporation like ESPN due to declining numbers in revenue. The most recent dating back in September 2024, in which writer and sports analyst Zach Lowe was one of many to be let go. It’s also worth mentioning that former Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III was let go as well. Through the sports writer world, Lowe being let go was a bit of a shocker, but RG3 — ehhh who really thought about it twice? It appears that the former pro’s have been taking up big time salaries and space for years now at the World Wide Leader. 

But why though? These former professional players seem to have a big following on social media thanks to their time on the field in college and the pros. Look at Tim Tebow, a guy who’s been on five different teams and has only won two playoff games can critique college games every Saturday. That’s not to say the former Heisman winner doesn’t qualify, but does it bring in ratings? The quick answer is no. 

The debate show 

Let’s talk First Take, one of the longest running shows on ESPN that’s been their head honcho for well over a decade. And though it’s still the top of their top revenue earners, the impact of what it had on the culture isn’t there anymore.

When it first started out back in 2007, the show was ok but it needed a dramatic change. That’s when it changed to a more debate format and Stephen A Smith came along in 2012 across from Skip Bayless and the next nine years was history. Two columnists who spent years on the road covering games, gaining intel, connections, curating their thoughts on paper night after night, and forming their own style of opinion and delivery made the show impactful. It truly felt like we were being let into a debate between two super fans who somewhat lived life adjacent to players in the NFL, NBA and sports world in general. Neither had ‘playing experience’ at any level whatsoever, and that’s what made them relatable, but still respectable due to their resume. And then this happened.

Jalen Rose, former Michigan University star, Indiana Pacer shooter and great all-around player went in on Skip for his lack of playing experience. He came at Skip for not really knowing the game of basketball as in depth than a guy who actually played. 

He said:

“The reason why when you say or you demean the people that’s done it, is because you don’t understand or respect the time, energy and effort that has gone into being a professional. It’s more than watching the 48 minutes of the game. It’s the physical, the mental, the emotional. You can’t determine what’s going on in the fox hole, if you have never been in the fox hole.”

Did Rose make a great point? Absolutely. But would he say that to every living fan who has an opinion? Doubt he has the energy to. It’s understandable that the performative side of television may amplify opinions and turn them into almost sermon-like speeches. But if a guy hasn’t been hitting anything from the free throw line or doesn’t show up in the clutch — then that’s what’s going to be said on TV. It came off as bitter that non-athletes are gaining recognition and clout. That was one of many signs that professional players and columnists didn’t mesh well on television. That trend has carried over for years, but the fan base of some of these players make the numbers seem like that’s not the case. However, over a long period of time, we see the truth. 

But the reality of it is, almost all of the viewers have never played an NBA game, most never played in March Madness, and some played in high school. It created a divide when a professional athlete went up there. 

Fast forward to today. SAS and Hall of Fame Tight End Shannon Sharpe are on television together and the debates aren’t the same. Whether it’s Sharpe, Kendrick Perkins, JJ Reddick or whoever else, SAS can’t just go up there and tell an NBA player he’s wrong about a team’s 5-game losing streak being based off injuries during a certain part of the season if an ex-player has actually been through it and is telling you. Doesn’t make for compelling debates or entertainment. 

Of course, SAS is still performative and does what he can do. The reason ‘Undisputed’ saw some success when Shannon and Skip was together at FOX Sports wasn’t because of debates. It was mostly Sharpe leaning on black stereotypes and slang that would end up being viral moments. The one time a debate caught steam was largely due to Skip comparing Tom Brady’s career to Sharpe, in which Sharpe, understandably so, took it personal. The mesh just isn’t there. 

Let’s keep it honest 

But why are these players being more involved in sports media after and even during their careers? With how social media is nowadays, most players are able to control their own narratives and are able to utilize their platform and fan base more, which has allowed for more opportunities. I enjoy watching Draymond Green talk about his road win against Detroit while in his hotel during the season. JJ Reddick used his podcast with LeBron James and First Take appearances to get the Lakers head coaching job, at least that’s what it appears. 

However, let’s be honest about this. It’s easier nowadays to be part of sports media. No longer do you have to be a reporter, then a columnist, hit the road for games to watch, then maybe do hits as a sideline reporter or on a radio show around midnight before getting on television. The difficulty is less so now players see this pathway as viable.

There’s still places for pro athletes 

By no means am I saying professional athletes don’t serve a place on television. They make for excellent analysts on the game with their IQ. I love watching ‘Inside the NBA’ for example, that’s the perfect match. Kenny ‘The Jet’ Smith: A player who went to North Carolina, won a championship with Kareem, and is from Queens, New York. Charles Barkley: An unintentional walking viral moment with his opinions, jokes, and country slang — while also having been an all-time great who’s never won a ring. And then Shaquille O’Neil: A four-time NBA Champion that has the same amount of endorsements as kids (he has a lot), and is funny. Ernie Johnson: The guy who pushes the show along while also letting the entertainment roll. This is the perfect example of having former pro athletes on television. 

During the actual games, I’m an advocate of having a former player in the booth. I enjoy hearing Tony Romo call out plays before they happen, but Tom Brady has struggled in his early broadcasting career. 

The pro athletes take up the big budgets for the most part. Former NFL punter Patt McAfee signed a $85M/5yr contract with ESPN back in 2023. Whether the show is good or not is for oneself to decipher, but his show is on nearly all day long. Whereas Pardon the Interruption with longtime columnists Michael Wilbon and Tony Kornheiser look to be on its last leg, despite having a loyal fanbase. 

Companies keep pulling the plug on shows, papers are firing reporters, and it seems like there’s no true answer. However, I do think that handing out an absurd amount of cash to former players who don’t possess the same entertainment aspect some of these other reporters can provide is ill-advised.