ESPN reveals full altcast plans for Super Bowl LXI, including first-ever Super Bowl telecast on NFL Network

ESPN has unveiled its comprehensive alternate telecast strategy for the upcoming Super Bowl LXI, set to air in February. This marks the first time the NFL Network, owned and operated by ESPN, will broadcast a live Super Bowl. ESPN will utilize a variety of networks, including ESPN2, ABC, ESPN, ESPNU, NFL Network, ESPN Deportes, Disney+, and TelevisaUnivision, for its alternate broadcasts.

Traditionally, ESPN2 and ABC will host the ManningCast featuring Peyton and Eli Manning, while Pat McAfee will provide alternate coverage on ESPNU. However, for Super Bowl LXI, McAfee's Field Pass will be shifted to ESPNU. This is ESPN's first foray into live broadcasting the Super Bowl on the NFL Network, a network that has been in operation for 23 years.

The NFL Network's Next Gen Stats altcast will feature predictive analysis using NFL tracking data, providing real-time player overlays to indicate run-pass, blitz, and target probabilities. This altcast will also appear during the regular season as a supplement to Monday Night Football. The first of nine altcasts will debut this Monday for the Buffalo Bills-Los Angeles Rams game, with all subsequent broadcasts airing on the NFL Network.

Field Yates, Chase Daniel, Louis Riddick, and Seth Walder will form the cast for the inaugural Next Gen Stats broadcast. While ESPN notes that the lineup will rotate throughout the year, the specific team will be announced later in the season. Pat McAfee's existing Field Pass altcasts will commence on October 19 for the Washington Commanders-San Francisco 49ers game, airing on ESPN2 during weeks when the ManningCast is not in operation.

Dan Orlovsky and Darius Butler will join McAfee on the field, while McAfee Show regulars Connor Campbell, Ty Schmit, and Tone Digs will call the game from an in-stadium suite.