NEW YORK — Legendary NFL quarterback and longtime FOX Sports analyst Terry Bradshaw has made a definitive statement about his future, confirming his retirement from the network's flagship "FOX NFL Sunday" pregame show. The announcement comes as the network officially named his replacement, former Dallas Cowboys tight end and current "Undisputed" co-host Greg Olsen, as a permanent fixture on the broadcast.
Bradshaw, a four-time Super Bowl champion with the Pittsburgh Steelers and a Hall of Famer, has been a cornerstone of the most-watched pregame show in sports for over two decades. His folksy charm, boisterous laugh, and chemistry with co-hosts Curt Menefee, Howie Long, Jimmy Johnson, and Michael Strahan became a Sunday morning ritual for millions of football fans. However, his appearances became sporadic in recent seasons due to well-documented health battles, including two bouts with cancer and a struggle with bladder cancer.
A Health-Driven Decision
In a heartfelt segment on the show, Bradshaw explained that his decision was ultimately guided by the need to prioritize his well-being and family. "It's time. I've been doing this for 24 years. I've loved every minute of it," Bradshaw said. "But with my health the way it is, and I'm fine, by the way, I just need to take care of myself. I'm 75 years old, and it's time to be with my family and my ranch and my animals."
His co-hosts and the network were effusive in their praise. FOX Sports CEO Eric Shanks stated, "Terry Bradshaw is a legend, both on the field and in the broadcast booth. His contributions to FOX Sports and the NFL are immeasurable. We are incredibly grateful for his two decades of work, humor, and insight on our NFL pregame show."
The Greg Olsen Era Begins
The transition had been in the works since the 2023 season began. With Bradshaw stepping back, Greg Olsen, who had been serving as the primary fill-in, was officially promoted to a full-time cast member. Olsen’s ascent in the broadcasting world has been meteoric. After retiring from the NFL, he quickly established himself as one of the premier game analysts in the booth, earning widespread acclaim for his work alongside Kevin Burkhardt on FOX's No. 1 broadcast team.
Olsen's analytical depth, honed from his 14-year playing career, brought a new dynamic to the studio show. His ability to break down complex schemes in an accessible way, combined with a natural on-air presence, made him a fan and network favourite. Key reasons for his successful integration include:
- His immediate chemistry with the existing cast.
- A modern, detailed Xs-and-Os perspective.
- A seamless transition from the field to the studio.
In a statement, Olsen expressed his gratitude and acknowledged the giant shoes he has to fill: "To join this iconic show and this incredible cast is truly an honor. I grew up watching these guys every Sunday. Terry is a one-of-a-kind personality and a Hall of Famer in every sense. I'm just excited to bring my perspective and continue the incredible work this team has done for years."
A Changing of the Guard
Bradshaw's retirement marks the end of a significant era in sports broadcasting. He was one of the first major athletes to successfully cross over into a high-profile media career, helping to define what a modern NFL pregame show could be—a blend of hard analysis, entertainment, and genuine camaraderie. His departure follows a trend of veteran broadcasters stepping away, including his former colleague Jimmy Johnson, who retired from the show in 2021.
The move solidifies FOX's commitment to a younger lineup while retaining its core identity. While Bradshaw's unique humor and energy are irreplaceable, the network is betting that Olsen's football IQ and fresh voice will attract a new generation of viewers while keeping the existing audience engaged. The chemistry of the new core four—Menefee, Long, Strahan, and Olsen—will be the network's focus moving forward.
Bradshaw’s Legacy and Future
While he is stepping away from the weekly grind, Bradshaw assured fans this is not a final goodbye. He plans to make occasional special appearances on the show, particularly for major events like the Super Bowl and NFC Championship coverage. "I'm not disappearing," he joked. "They can't get rid of me that easy. I'll be popping in now and then to bother these guys."
His legacy is secure not just as a broadcaster, but as a trailblazer. He helped transform "FOX NFL Sunday" from an upstart challenger into an institution, consistently dominating the ratings and setting the standard for its competitors. His willingness to be self-deprecating, emotional, and wildly entertaining broke the mold for how former athletes could behave on television.
As one chapter closes, another begins. Greg Olsen now carries the torch, tasked with upholding the show's legacy while imprinting his own style. For Terry Bradshaw, a well-earned retirement on his ranch awaits, leaving behind a void filled with laughter, insight, and an indelible mark on the game he helped popularize for a new century. The final word from the man himself: "I've had a blast. Thank you, fans, for all the years. Now, I've got some horses to go feed."