Tom Pelissero, a well-known NFL insider, has joined Netflix as an insider and sideline reporter, the streaming service announced Monday. The move comes less than a month after Pelissero was among those laid off by ESPN as part of budget-saving measures. Pelissero had worked for NFL Network for nearly a decade before ESPN acquired the company earlier this year.
Pelissero will contribute to Netflix's five NFL broadcasts during the 2026 season. These broadcasts include the season opener between the Los Angeles Rams and the San Francisco 49ers, which will take place in Melbourne, Australia. Netflix's NFL schedule also features a game the day before Thanksgiving, two games on Christmas Day, and one game in Week 18.
In addition to his on-air role, Pelissero will also host a podcast and make appearances on The Ringer's platform, which is owned by Bill Simmons. He will be a weekly guest on "The Bill Simmons Podcast," which livestreams on Netflix, and will co-host "The Ringer NFL Show" on the same platform.
Pelissero confirmed his new role on social media, posting a simple message: "Let's go."
According to reports, Amazon Prime Video had also expressed interest in Pelissero for its "Thursday Night Football" broadcasts. Previously, Amazon featured Ian Rapoport, a former NFL Network colleague of Pelissero's. Rapoport signed a new deal following the ESPN acquisition that prevents him from working with Amazon's TNF. Another former NFL Network personality, James Palmer, is reportedly moving to Amazon.
Pelissero joined the NFL Network in 2017 after four years covering the league for USA Today. His previous on-air roles included appearances on shows such as "Good Morning Football," "GameDay Morning," and "The Insiders."