Greg Olsen talks NFL, Tom Brady and youth sports
Greg Olsen was one of several speakers at Aspen Institute’s Project Play Summit. He talks to USA TODAY Sports about his Youth Sports initiatives, and NFL storylines.
The new-look “Good Morning Football” show on NFL Network will relaunch July 29 with a familiar cast of characters, as well as some new ones, and a different setting and start time.
Relocated from New York to Los Angeles, host Jamie Erdahl moved west with the show. Original “GMFB” cast members Peter Schrager and Kyle Brandt remain in a hybrid model that will have them splitting their time between New York (both are raising families in the area) and Los Angeles. Former NFL defensive end Akbar Gbajabiamila joins as the fourth person at the traditional “GMFB” desk, while news reporter Sherree Burruss will provide updates and more.
“I’m happy to be with my guy Kyle for yet another era of the program, look forward to keep talking football every morning with Jamie, and have long appreciated Akbar and Sherree’s work,” Schrager said in a statement to USA TODAY Sports.
Jason McCourty, who had been with the show since Nate Burleson’s departure in the fall of 2021, opted not to remain with “GMFB” and will continue calling games for CBS. Erdahl took over for Kay Adams in July 2022. For Brandt, the changes are part of the “GMFB” identity.
“In our first three years, we worked in three different studios. Nate Burleson left and we won (an Emmy Award). It doesn’t make sense,” Brandt said in a statement to USA TODAY Sports. “But that’s the way we like it. ‘Friends having fun with football.’ It keeps working. This will, too.”
Gbajabiamila appeared in 31 NFL games between 2003-07 for three teams and was an in-studio analyst with NFL Network from 2012-19. But his television breakthrough came in 2013 as co-host of “American Ninja Warrior,” and he became a co-host of CBS’ “The Talk” in 2021.
“We are thrilled to welcome Akbar back to NFL Network, with his unique experience on and off the field and spanning both sports and entertainment,” NFL Media vice president of original content and entertainment Angela Ellis, who oversees “GMFB,” said in a statement.
Burruss will also relocate to Los Angeles and will essentially fill the role of former “GMFB” staffer Will Selva.
“When you think NFL Network, you think ‘Good Morning Football,’” Burruss told USA TODAY Sports in a statement. “So, to be able to join this iconic show is one of those ‘pinch me moments’ and a professional highlight for me.”
Until its recent hiatus, “GMFB” began at 7 a.m. ET daily and had a three-hour run time. The show will now go from 8-10 a.m., Monday through Friday. The foursome and Burruss will stick around for another two-hour show, “GMFB: Overtime,” that will stream live on Roku and wrap up the previous discussions while also delving more into the lifestyle and entertainment corners of the game. Starting Sept. 2, “GMFB: Overtime” will be available on local FOX television stations, with times and channels varying.
“These changes don’t come lightly as we’ll certainly miss all those that served the show previously. I’m excited about the future of ‘Good Morning Football,’ ‘GMFB: Overtime,’ our new friends at the breakfast table and the 2024 season,” Erdahl said. “I’ve missed talking football with the guys and the fans, and I can’t wait to get rolling again in our new home but with the same table and red chairs!”
“GMFB” debuted on Aug. 1, 2016, and was primarily filmed at studios rented to the NFL by New York regional sports station SNY. Amid layoffs and cost-cutting, the NFL decided to relocate the program to its own studios in Los Angeles.
“Not only are we bringing back a show that so many fans have woken up to and loved for years, we are giving it a state-of-the-art new home with even more resources and space for our talent to showcase their signature segments and fun takes on the game of football,” Ellis said.