Could there be an NFL RedZone without Scott Hanson?

In many ways, Scott Hanson has become the face of the NFL media world. While commentators like Jim Nantz or Joe Buck might call one game a week, Hanson has his finger on the pulse of about a dozen games every Sunday. And for millions of fans across the country, Hanson is the voice of choice when it comes to their football fix.

The longtime NFL RedZone host became the sole whiparound lead this year after Sunday Ticket moved from DirecTV to YouTube TV and the version hosted by Andrew Siciliano was discontinued.

Hanson hosted the NFL version, RedZone, for 15 seasons. But according to a report from Front Office Sports' Michael McCarthy this week, the 2024 season will be the last one he is under contract with NFL Media, raising possible questions about his future.

Hanson's contract with NFL Media, which he signed in 2021, expires after next season, Front Office Sports has learned. The energetic host could receive lucrative offers from NFL broadcast partners such as NBC Sports, Fox Sports, ESPN or Amazon Prime Video. YouTube TV is also an option, as it could use Hanson's appeal to sell more “Sunday Ticket” subscriptions.

The 53-year-old's fame exploded this summer after he served as the lead anchor for NBC Sports' Gold Zone coverage of the 2024 Paris Olympics. Mimicking the live whiparound style of NFLN's RedZone, Gold Zone was the surprise hit of NBC/Peacock's Olympics coverage. As John Green, bestselling author of The Fault in Our Stars, tweeted: “I've taken a lot of drugs in my life, but never one like Peacock's Olympic Gold Zone. What a thrill.”

Scott Hanson is one of the most popular sportscasters. And as he showed at the Olympics, he's capable of many other things outside of the NFL. But the Shield is definitely what made him a household name and what he's passionate about, thanks to his great work at NFL RedZone over the years.

Looking at other possible NFL targets in sports media, the anchor jobs seem pretty secure. Mike Greenberg and Scott Van Pelt have landed ESPN's central roles on Sunday morning and Monday night, so why would Bristol want to cash out another big contract when their biggest stars are already filling those roles? NBC's Maria Taylor is relatively new to her role on Football Night in America and is unlikely to move. The same goes for Charissa Thompson at Amazon. James Brown and Curt Menefee have long served CBS and Fox well, respectively, but there's no guarantee those spots will actually open up next season.

And for what it's worth, do any of these opportunities have the importance and attention that carries NFL fans through seven hours of thrilling action every Sunday? Pregame and studio shows no longer carry the weight they did a generation ago. Right now, RedZone is one of the most culturally significant shows in sports, and Scott Hanson fits the bill perfectly. Considering all that, it would be shocking if this didn't end in a scenario other than a nice contract extension and Hanson hosting NFL RedZone for a long time.

[Front Office Sports]