ESPN officially took over operations of NFL Network this week, the long-awaited result of the transfer of NFL assets to ESPN. The government approved ESPN’s purchase of NFL Network in January.
Some NFL Network employees were expected to be lost in the shuffle as ESPN looked to consolidate any overlapping jobs.
Advertisement
Ian Rapoport will not be one.
MORE: Super Bowl champion, 13-year NFL veteran announces immediate retirement at 35
The NFL Network insider, who’s covered the league since 2009, will be staying with ESPN after his contract expires next month according to Front Office Sports.
Advertisement
Exclusive: ESPN leadership is high on NFL Network stars Ian Rapoport and Daniel Jeremiah, who are seen as possible longterm successors to Adam Schefter and Mel Kiper Jr.
ESPN intends to keep Rapoport, whose deal is up next month, FOS has learned.https://t.co/ucTXthzWHE
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) April 2, 2026
Before joining NFL Network, Rapoport served as the New England Patriots’ beat reporter for the Boston Herald for three seasons. He also has covered the Alabama Crimson Tide for the Birmingham News and Mississippi State for the Jackson Clarion-Ledger.
In 2025, ESPN acquired NFL Network, NFL Fantasy and the rights to distribute the RedZone channel to cable and satellite operators. The league acquired a 10 percent equity stake in ESPN, subject to regulatory approval.
Advertisement
MORE: Jason Kelce among ex-NFL stars who could reshape ESPN broadcast booth
More to come on this story.