Stephen A. Smith Once Again Set for Multiple MNF ‘Countdown’ Appearances
Smith made his 2026 debut ahead of Rams-Giants on Monday.
Stephen A. Smith is set to reappear multiple times on ESPN’s Monday Night Countdown this season. ESPN officials have confirmed Smith will feature on three or four episodes of the pregame show. Smith made his first return on Monday night’s telecast of the Giants-Rams game, joining host Scott Van Pelt and fellow cast members Pat McAfee, Marcus Spears, Jason Kelce, and Jason McCourty.
The former New York commentator participated in a celebratory moment with Van Pelt, McAfee, and Spears, and then departed New York for his regular weekday morning program following the Rams’ 28–6 win. This is Smith’s first appearance on Monday Night Countdown with McAfee, who is new to the pregame show this season. Growing up in Queens, New York, Smith aspired to emulate Howard Cosell by covering the NFL.
In 2025, Smith negotiated a lucrative five-year contract worth over $100 million, which included the opportunity to work on Monday Night Football. Speaking to Front Office Sports during ESPN’s Media Day in 2024, Smith expressed his desire to contribute to Monday Night Football rather than join Troy Aikman and Joe Buck in the booth.
Smith’s departure from Malika Andrews’s NBA Countdown pregame show last season was due to TNT licensing Charles Barkley’s Inside the NBA for ABC/ESPN’s primary pregame hoops program. The current question surrounding Monday Night Football revolves around the future of Troy Aikman, as Joe Buck has secured a six-year, $108 million contract extension, while Aikman's renewal remains uncertain.
Monday Night Football, the pioneering primetime sports program, celebrated its 56th anniversary on Monday night.
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