The NFL Network went to air November 4, 2003. It produces thousands of hours of original programming each and every year and is owned and operated by the National Football League.
The channel has also produced some fine on-air talents, most notably, Rich Eisen, who is the host of NFL Total Access, the channel's one-hour year round show dedicated to the NFL.
Another on-air personality who has become the channel's 'beat reporter' and source for breaking stories is Adam Schefter.
Schefter, a former sports writer for the Denver Post, covered the Denver Broncos for 15 years before joining the NFL Network in 2004.
Schefter Gaining Popularity
Schefter has become quite popular within the NFL community as one of the very best at what he does. He recently edged out ESPN's Chris Mortenson in a USA Today Survey which was published in January.
But Schefter has not been seen for months on the NFL Network. According to various sources, Schefter is expected to leave the network in August when his contract expires and will head to a heated competitor.
That competitor is ESPN. The 'World Wide Leader In Sports'. Apparently, Schefter, 42, will become the heir to Chris Mortenson, who at 57 years of age, isn't getting any younger. Mortenson is ESPN's 'insider' and it'll be interesting to see whether the two of them could co-exist.
Why Would The NFL Network let Schefter Leave?
It's a question that needs to be answered. Why would a Network that has 24 hour a day coverage of the most popular professional sport in North America, let a prominent name like Schefter leave?
All signs point to money. Schefter is apparently not happy with his current contract and has been in disputes with NFL Network executives for quite some time.
These two major cable networks, the NFL Network and ESPN, have been fighting each other tooth and nail for ratings ever since the inception of the popular football channel.
Breaking stories is what reporters strive for. Networking and creating a sufficient contact list is a priority.
Schefter has worked hard at building relationships with NFL team executives while working for the NFL's cable channel.
If the reports are indeed accurate, acquiring a talent like Schefter would create a large abundance of 'news breakers' at ESPN. Schefter would join Mortenson, John Clayton, Michael Smith and various others.
Is Schefter Making A Big Mistake?
You have to wonder if leaving the NFL Network to join a stable of reporters at ESPN is the right thing to do. Will Schefter get lost in the shuffle? Or will he still find ways to do what he's been known to do, 'break' stories?
It's a question that has yet to be answered and time will tell whether Schefter is making the right career choice.
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