Scott Van Pelt named 'Monday Night Countdown' host with Ryan Clark, Marcus Spears joining
Scott Van Pelt has signed a new, multiyear extension with ESPN to become the new host of "Monday Night Countdown," while Ryan Clark and Marcus Spears will be new additions to the show, the network announced Monday.
Joining them on the show will be Robert Griffin III, Adam Schefter and features reporter Michelle Beisner-Buck, while Larry Fitzgerald Jr. and Alex Smith will join periodically during the season.
The new group will debut together during ESPN’s only preseason game tonight, airing from 7-8 p.m., before the Baltimore Ravens and Washington Commanders game. Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Lisa Salters and John Parry will call the matchup.
"Monday Night Countdown" is set for a regular-season premiere before Aaron Rodgers’ debut with the New York Jets as they host the Buffalo Bills on Sept. 11.
ESPN’s changes come following a series of layoffs earlier this summer, which included former Monday Night Countdown host Suzy Kolber and longtime contributor Steve Young.
Van Pelt will add "Monday Night Countdown" to his repertoire of ESPN shows, which include "SportsCenter with Scott Van Pelt," coverage at golf majors such as the PGA Championship and the Masters, the monthly "Bad Beats" show and the weekly "SVPod" podcast.
Clark, who won the Super Bowl with the Pittsburgh Steelers after the 2008 season, won the Sports Emmy for Outstanding Studio Analyst in May. He is also host of "The Pivot" podcast, featuring former NFL standouts Fred Taylor and Channing Crowder.
Spears, the former Dallas Cowboys’ first-round pick, also continues his rise at the network following appearances on ESPN’s "Get Up" and "NFL Live" programs.