In 2025, viewers tuning into FOX NFL Sunday will notice a change in the lineup as Jimmy Johnson, a fixture of the show, steps away from his role.
The 81-year-old ex-Dallas Cowboys coach announced his retirement in March, being left tearful by an AI tribute before Erin Andrews also paid him an emotional goodbye, describing it as an “extremely difficult decision”.
While FOX has yet to name Johnson’s successor, the team remains robust with host Curt Menafee and analysts Terry Bradshaw, Howie Long, Michael Strahan, and Rob Gronkowski.
Speculation abounds on who will take up Johnson’s mantle next season. FOX might opt for another former coach, perhaps a past Cowboys player to maintain the Dallas connection (given FOX’s extensive coverage of Cowboys games), or they could leave the spot open, holding out for a marquee name.
The network isn’t short on talent, especially after securing Tom Brady with a staggering 10-year, $375 million deal last year.
Irvin, a three-time Super Bowl champion with the Cowboys, ranks second in franchise history with 11,904 receiving yards. The Pro Football Hall of Famer is as well known for his vibrant commentary as he is for his impressive on-field stats.
Over his 15-year tenure with NFL Network, Irvin became renowned for his memorable soundbites before parting ways with the network in 2024. A die-hard Cowboys fan, Irvin maintains positive relationships with many current team members and is close friends with Johnson, his former coach from the 90s.
Currently, Irvin co-hosts the debate show ‘Speak’ on FOX alongside Paul Pierce, Keyshawn Johnson, and Joy Taylor.
Kelce’s relationship with pop star Taylor Swift has catapulted him into the spotlight, making him one of the most recognizable figures in American sports. While he’s set to return to the Kansas City Chiefs for at least another season, age appears to be catching up with him – he was limited to just four catches in his team’s Super Bowl LIX loss.
Could his presence be redundant next to another recently-retired tight end (Gronkowski)? Possibly, but his star power could draw millions of new viewers.
