ESPN is positioning NFL reporter Peter Schrager as its next breakout star with the debut of his weekday program, "Big Day with Peter Schrager," set to air at 2 p.m. This move marks a significant effort by the network to develop its own talent, a strategy not seen since the rise of Stephen A. Smith over a decade ago.
Schrager joins an elite group of ESPN personalities, including Pat McAfee, Stephen A. Smith, Mike Greenberg, and Scott Van Pelt, who have shows built around their individual brands. This places Schrager in a key developmental role under ESPN President of Programming and Original Content, Burke Magnus.
Unlike Pat McAfee, who was already a established star before joining ESPN, Schrager represents an attempt by the network to cultivate talent in-house. Previous efforts to build stars around personalities such as Bomani Jones, Sarah Spain, and Mina Kimes did not yield the desired results. Schrager's background in NFL reporting and his focus on sports excitement rather than polarizing commentary are seen as key differentiators.
ESPN executive Mike Foss recently highlighted the company's shift away from "hot takes" towards more positive and engaging content. Schrager's more expertise-driven approach to covering the NFL aligns with this new direction. His 44 years of age also positions him as a potential long-term face for the network, contrasting with some of its more established, older stars.
However, Schrager's ascent is not without potential challenges. Concerns have been raised regarding the leadership under which he is being promoted. OutKick previously reported on Magnus's decision to rehire Stan Verrett, a move that seemed to contradict Magnus's stated goals of moving away from unprofessional behavior and divisive commentary.
There is also a question of whether Schrager possesses the assertiveness to push back against potentially polarizing on-air discussions. Reports suggest that on one occasion during Super Bowl week, Schrager did not challenge NFL defensive lineman Cam Jordan's assertion that Lamar Jackson is a superior postseason quarterback to Josh Allen, despite contradictory evidence.
The success of "Big Day with Peter Schrager" may hinge on Schrager's ability to navigate these internal dynamics and maintain focus on sports content, steering clear of the controversies that have sometimes plagued other ESPN personalities. The network aims for Schrager to emulate the success of shows like "NFL Live," which has seen significant growth, rather than the stagnant "First Take."
ESPN's strategy with Schrager signals a broader industry trend where networks are seeking to cultivate new stars who can connect with younger audiences and drive viewership through personality-driven content. With a roster of established stars aging, Schrager, along with other younger talents like Malika Andrews and Josh Pate, could represent the future of ESPN's on-air talent.
