NEW ORLEANS—This Super Bowl Sunday marks the conclusion of Fox NFL Sunday‘s 31st season. The pregame show, which debuted in 1994, has maintained a remarkably stable cast: Terry Bradshaw, Howie Long, and Jimmy Johnson have been there since the beginning (with Johnson briefly coaching from 1996-1999). Michael Strahan joined in 2008, while host Curt Menefee has been with the show since 2006 after James Brown left for CBS. Rob Gronkowski is the newest member, joining in 2022.
This consistency in sports television is impressive, especially as long-time voices like Menefee integrated into a well-established team. Menefee shared with Awful Announcing during Fox Sports’ Super Bowl LIX Media Day that the transition was nerve-wracking at first, especially when Fox Sports president David Hill’s advice was simply, “Don’t f*ck it up.” Initially tentative, Menefee has grown more confident in his hosting role over the nearly two decades since then. “This is my 19th season now, so I’m definitely much more confident,” he noted, adding that he feels a greater sense of direction in guiding the show’s flow and that the team listens to his input.
Recent years have brought slight casting changes, particularly with Gronkowski’s addition and frequent appearances of fellow Fox colleagues Tom Brady and Julian Edelman, introducing more diversity to the cast’s dynamics. “It was stable with Terry, Howie, Michael, and Jimmy forever; Michael was the youngest for 17 years until recently. Now we have to juggle a more varied cast, which is interesting,” Menefee explained.
FOX NFL Sunday continues to excel in ratings, claiming victory as the most-watched pregame show each year of its run. Long credited the cast’s chemistry as pivotal to their success, which also extends off-screen. “From the minute I walk in to the minute I leave, if you think it’s funny on air, it’s even more so off air,” he observed. The camaraderie is evident, particularly during shared experiences like the NFC Championship games and Super Bowls where laughter is abundant. This kinship has been particularly meaningful, highlighted by moments such as Bradshaw’s 2022 cancer battle and the cast’s supportive response.
Long emphasized the essential nature of their friendships, stating, “I think you have to really grow to love one another.” The diverse backgrounds and personalities contribute to an exceptional on-air chemistry; they successfully connect and produce engaging content despite significant age differences. Menefee noted that even those who have transitioned from active playing or coaching careers stay closely linked to the game, which contributes to the show’s appeal. “They’re always engaged in what’s happening in the current NFL; it’s not all about past experiences,” he explained.
Johnson also praised the talent behind the scenes, noting that the synergy extends to both on-camera and production staff. Looking ahead, there may be changes for Fox NFL Sunday. Although Bradshaw expressed a desire to remain on the show for four more years, he is only under contract for two, while Johnson has uncertain plans for next season. “I used to say ‘One more year,’ but now it’s ‘One more day at a time,’ I’ll see how I feel going into next year,” Johnson remarked. Nonetheless, he remains passionate about football, indicating he would continue watching games avidly, even without the show.
As the cast concludes another year of Fox NFL Sunday, they are set to provide five and a half hours of pregame coverage starting at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday, culminating in 31 successful seasons of leading pregame show ratings. It seems Menefee has indeed taken Hill’s advice to heart.
