NFL RedZone host Scott Hanson felt compelled to deliver a genuine apology after using his well-known catchphrase, “Seven hours of commercial-free football,” during Week 15’s show, which ran promotions during the broadcast. The change upset NFL fans, who believed that the show’s uninterrupted coverage was the main point of the viewing experience.
NFL RedZone is mostly known for its up-to-the-minute analysis, live game highlights, touchdowns, and fantasy updates. The official blurb of the program described by the NFL is a “Direct simulcast of the American feed, with no commercial breaks,” which never claims to be completely ad-free. In a minute-long video posted on X Friday night, Hanson spoke directly to his loyal supporters and acknowledged his mistake that shifted from its commercial-free promise.
“Hey everyone, as we kick off a great football weekend, I just wanted to take a quick second and apologize for using the commercial-free catchphrase at the top of the last show,” Hanson said. “I was conflicted about it beforehand. I had a tough decision to make, and I made the wrong decision, and I’m sorry. I try to be the best host I can possibly be.
“What we have shared together for 16 seasons on NFL RedZone is unlike anything else. I love it. I hope to do it for 16 more years. But being a great host means being accurate, being truthful, and having integrity. And so I hope you consider accepting this apology.”
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Hanson wrapped up his message by plugging the upcoming weekend’s NFL playoff scenarios and fantasy football stakes, but the damage was already done to a portion of the show’s fanbase. Fans were torn online as some celebrated Hanson’s accountability, while others criticized him for misleading them.
Pepsi, Verizon, and Gatorade ads aired during the Baltimore Ravens game against the New York Giants. One spot featured Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson in a picture-in-picture format. Though the Ravens comfortably won 35-14, the commercials caused fans to wonder if Hanson had prior knowledge of the ad placements due to the nature of his apology. Others simply blamed the NFL.
One NFL fan wrote, “So you admit you knew you were lying and still chose to lie. Interesting.” Another fan added, “RedZone is dead. Didn’t apologize for the commercials, only for saying it was commercial-free.”
NFL RedZone saw picture-in-picture ads during the Ravens-Giants game (
NFL RedZone)
Some sympathized with Hanson, suggesting the undelivered promise was outside his control. “It isn’t your fault at all, Scott. I just hope the higher-ups realize what makes RedZone unique and don’t sell out any further,” one commenter said. Fans also criticized the rising cost of NFL RedZone, which costs $99 annually via NFL+ Premium, $46 monthly on Sling TV, and around $90 on platforms like YouTube TV and Hulu Live Sports.
Hanson’s X post asking fans to share their favorite parts of RedZone backfired. Over 1,000 comments were received, including one saying, “It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it.” Hanson could only reply with a sad face emoji to show the emotional toll of all the backlash he’s received.
Hanson will prepare to host the next edition of NFL RedZone on Dec. 27. The program will face one of its biggest moments, as fans are already questioning whether it can reclaim its uninterrupted appeal or if they will have to turn elsewhere if ads continue.
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