Tom Pelissero has joined Netflix as an NFL insider and sideline reporter for the streaming service's live game broadcasts, weeks after being laid off by ESPN.
In his new role, Pelissero will contribute to Netflix's coverage of NFL games throughout the year. He will also co-host "The Ringer NFL Show" and appear on other NFL-related podcasts available on the platform, including a weekly segment on "The Bill Simmons Podcast."
Pelissero spent nine years as an insider at NFL Network before his departure from ESPN. He was part of a round of layoffs that also affected other notable ESPN personalities, including Ryan Clark, Cam Newton, Bart Scott, Karl Ravech, David Lloyd, and Stephania Bell. During his tenure at NFL Network, Pelissero was a regular on "The Insiders" alongside Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo.
Pelissero's debut with Netflix is scheduled for Week 1 of the NFL season, when he will be in Melbourne for the San Francisco 49ers' game against the Los Angeles Rams, marking the NFL's first regular-season game in Australia. He will also be part of Netflix's holiday programming, covering the Thanksgiving Eve game between the Green Bay Packers and the Rams, as well as a Christmas Day doubleheader featuring games between the Chicago Bears and Packers, and the Denver Broncos and Buffalo Bills.
For the Week 1 game in Australia, Pelissero will be part of the studio broadcast team alongside Elle Duncan, Michael Irvin, Nick Foles, and Clay Matthews III. Noah Eagle and Luke Kuechly will handle play-by-play duties, with MJ Acosta-Ruiz serving as the sideline reporter.