Scott Hanson had a heartfelt message for NFL fans before the first football Sunday of the season.
The “NFL RedZone” host addressed the controversy surrounding the program since it was revealed that it will air commercials this year.
“I’m the host of the show, I put everything I’ve got into trying to be the best host I can possibly be for you,” Hanson said in a video he posted on X. “I want it to be fun, energetic, passionate, informative, entertaining, so that you love your football Sundays. As for the business side of things, I have no control over that. I have no say in the business side of things.
“I will say, there is no one on the planet that wants to show you more football than I do. And if there is someone, I would love to meet him because we’d have something in common.”
“NFL RedZone” will air four 15-second commercials in a double box in between plays — and none during the “witching hour,” which occurs during crunch time of games.
Even though it is a minuscule change, the decision caused an uproar from fans since the program was long billed as “seven hours of commercial-free football.”
Fans initially blamed ESPN and parent company Disney, which made a deal with the NFL to acquire “RedZone” and NFL Network in exchange for 10 percent equity of ESPN.
But it was not ESPN’s decision — it was the NFL’s, as the deal won’t take effect until 2026.
“As for the angst, frustration, anger, confusion over the last few days, I get it,” Hanson said. “I understand. I would simply say — I hope you join us on Sunday and judge for yourself whether or not we’re still what we’ve been. What’s been described as the greatest football show on TV. I hope you’ll join us and you can make that determination for yourself.
“The crew and I are gonna focus on the football and the incredible men who play it and coach it and thrill us, entertain us, inspire us, enrich our sporting lives for 18 straight Sundays.”
