NFL Network's new show “Good Morning Football” will be relaunching on July 29 with a new cast of familiar faces, a new setting and a new start time.
Host Jamie Erdahl, who relocated from New York to Los Angeles, has moved west with the show. Original “GMFB” cast members Peter Schrager and Kyle Brandt will continue with a hybrid model of splitting their time between New York (both are raising their kids in the area) and Los Angeles. Former NFL defensive end Akbar Gbajabiamila will join as the fourth member of the traditional “GMFB” desk, with news reporter Shelley Burruss providing breaking news.
“I'm thrilled to join Kyle in this new era of the show, look forward to continuing to talk football with Jamie every morning, and have long been grateful for the work of Akbar and Shelley,” Schrager said in a statement to USA Today Sports.
Jason McCourty, who had been with the show since Nate Burleson left in the fall of 2021, opted not to stay with “GMFB” and will continue to do play-by-play play for CBS. Erdahl replaced Kay Adams in July 2022. For Brandt, the change is part of “GMFB's” identity.
“In the first three years, we worked with three different studios. Nate Burleson left. We won (an Emmy). It doesn't make sense,” Brandt said in a statement to USA Today Sports. “But that's the way we like it: 'Friends Enjoy Football.' This show will continue to do well. And it always will.”
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Gbajabiamila played in 31 NFL games for three teams from 2003 to 2007 and was a studio analyst for the NFL Network from 2012 to 2019. But his TV break came as a co-host of “American Ninja Warrior” in 2013 and then as co-host of CBS' “The Talk” in 2021.
“We are excited to welcome Akbar back to NFL Network, as he brings a unique background in both sports and entertainment on and off the field,” Angela Ellis, NFL Media vice president of original content and entertainment, overseeing “GMFB,” said in a statement.
Burruss will also relocate to Los Angeles and essentially fill the role of former GMFB staffer Will Selva.
“When I think of NFL Network, I think of 'Good Morning Football,'” Burruss told USA Today Sports in a statement, “so being a part of this iconic show is an 'incredible moment' and professional highlight for me.”
Until its recent hiatus, “GMFB” aired for three hours daily at 7 a.m. ET. The show will now air Monday through Friday from 8-10 a.m. The four and Burruss will also appear in another two-hour show, “GMFB: Overtime,” live on Roku, to conclude the discussion and dive into more gaming lifestyle and entertainment segments. Beginning September 2, “GMFB: Overtime” will be available on local FOX stations at different times and channels.
“These changes are never easy and I will miss everyone who has been a part of the show. I'm excited for Good Morning Football, GMFB: Overtime, my new friends at the breakfast table and what the future holds for the 2024 season,” said Erdahl. “I've missed talking football with the players and fans and can't wait to get back to playing games in our new home, at the same table and in the same red chairs!”
“GMFB” premiered on August 1, 2016 and was primarily filmed at SNY's New York City studios rented to the NFL. Amid layoffs and cost-cutting, the NFL decided to move the show to its own studios in Los Angeles.
“Not only are we bringing back the programming that so many fans have loved for so many years, but we're also giving our talent a new, state-of-the-art home with more resources and space to bring their favorite corners and the game of football to life in a fun way,” Ellis said.
