‘All about the football’ – Fans slam new look NFL RedZone after immediate change ‘ruins’ popular show

The 2025 NFL season has already been ruined.

That is, at least, according to many fans who tuned into RedZone on Sunday afternoon.

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For the first time in the popular program’s history, beloved host Scott Hanson did not open with his iconic ‘seven hours of commercial-free football starts now’ line.

Instead, he welcomed fans to the new season by saying he was excited to bring ‘every touchdown’ to their screens with ‘seven hours of RedZone football’.

With five simple words, Hanson confirmed what viewers had been dreading — RedZone is no longer ad free, even if it still is ‘all about the football’.

News of changes to the show first left fans fuming last month — and they were still upset come Sunday afternoon.

“I’m boycotting NFL RedZone due to them adding commercials. I hope many more do the same,” one person wrote on X.

“NFL RedZone has been killed off. What a pathetic dirty trick,” another said.

“F***ing ruined it with commercials,” a third wrote.

“I can’t believe NFL RedZone got commercials,” a fourth concluded.

What has Hanson said about RedZone commercials?

In the days building up to the first week of NFL Sunday action, host Hanson announced that ‘seven hours of commercial-free football’ was no longer accurate as the show will now include ads in a separate box while the action remains on screen.

Amid fan frenzy, he pleaded with viewers to at least give the revamped show a shot.

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“Thank you, thank you, thank you, to those of you who make RedZone your Sunday routine,” Hanson said, addressing fans this weekend.

“We’re going into season 17, and the crew and I are as fired up as ever to bring you every touchdown.

“I put everything I’ve got into being the best host I can be for you — I want to make it fun, energetic, passionate, informative, entertaining — so you love your football Sundays.

“As for the business side of things, I have no control over that, I have no say.

“I will say, there is no one on the planet who wants to show you more football than I do.

“As for the angst, frustration, anger, confusion over the last few days, I get it. I understand.

X: @ScottHanson

“I would simply say, I hope you’ll join us on Sunday and judge for yourself whether or not we are still what we’ve been — what’s been described as the greatest football show on TV.

“I hope you’ll join us and you can make that determination for yourself.”

How much of RedZone will be commercials?

After sharing his message to viewers, Hanson went on to clarify exactly how much of Sunday’s RedZone show would feature commercials.

“The four total commercials tomorrow will be :15 seconds and in a double box, in between plays,” he wrote on X, adding there would be none during the ‘Witching Hour’.

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He also noted that the new commercials were not an ESPN decision, with many fans assuming it was after the sports network obtained rights to the show.

While it seems RedZone will be keeping ads to a minimum, it’s little surprised that fans believe the show has been ruined heading into its 17th season.

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