In the unforgiving world of live sports television, one misidentified jersey can spark a firestorm that travels faster than a Barry Sanders touchdown run. ESPN’s Monica McNutt discovered this harsh reality when a simple mix-up during “First Take” turned into a viral moment that had football fans calling for her job.
The mistake? Confusing a Detroit Lions legend’s jersey for that of a Cleveland Browns rookie, igniting a debate about coverage credibility.
How Did Monica McNutt’s Barry Sanders Mistake Go Viral on ‘First Take’?
During ESPN’s “First Take” on August 15, comedian Druski appeared wearing a blue Detroit Lions jersey bearing the number 20 of Hall of Fame running back Barry Sanders. However, McNutt mistakenly identified it as belonging to Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders, telling viewers, “This obviously ties to one Shedeur Sanders.”
The error was quickly captured and shared on social media, where it spread rapidly among football fans who couldn’t believe the mix-up involving one of the sport’s most iconic players.
ESPN’s Monica McNutt confused Druski’s Barry Sanders jersey for a Shedeur Sanders jersey:
“The jersey, obviously this ties to one Shedeur Sanders.” 🤦♂️
And they wonder why ratings are down…
(🎥: @JordanDahms) pic.twitter.com/8pmJKYpI34
— NFL Retweet (@NFLRT) August 16, 2025
While Druski corrected McNutt during the segment and she later issued an on-air apology, the damage was already done. The clip went viral, and fans expressed their disappointment with the host for not recognizing one of football’s greatest running backs.
The backlash was swift and harsh, with many fans questioning how a sports television host could misidentify Barry Sanders’ iconic number 20 jersey. Social media erupted with criticism ranging from disappointment to outright calls for McNutt’s termination.
“ESPN letting just anybody on their programs isn’t a shocker. To not know the jersey of arguably the best RB ever is a disgrace,” one fan wrote on social media.
ESPN letting just anybody on their programs isn’t a shocker. To not know the jersey of arguably the best RB ever is a disgrace
— Philly Sports Truther (@PSportsTruther) August 16, 2025
The criticism intensified as more fans weighed in on the mistake. “That’s a huge blunder, especially on live TV. No wonder people are losing faith in their sports coverage,” another fan wrote.
Others were even more direct in their assessment. “If you don’t know who arguably is best RB of all time you don’t belong anywhere near sports television,” a user wrote.
The severity of fan reactions reflected just how legendary Sanders remains in football circles. Some called the mistake unforgivable for someone in McNutt’s position. “That is a termination level offense,” one fan wrote.
That is a termination level offense
— SUAREZ (@suayrez) August 16, 2025
“You shouldn’t be talking football on TV if you make that mistake. Even non-Lion fans recognize 20 from Detroit,” another fan noted.
The intense reaction becomes more understandable when considering Sanders’ legendary status in the NFL. Selected by Detroit in the first round of the 1989 draft, Sanders spent his entire 10-year career with the Lions, establishing himself as one of the greatest players in league history.
During his career, Sanders led the league in rushing yards four times, earned two Offensive Player of the Year awards, and captured an NFL MVP award. Remarkably, he was selected to the Pro Bowl in every season of his career, a testament to his consistent excellence.
However, not all responses were critical of McNutt. Some fans offered a more understanding perspective on the mistake. “She defaulted to Sheduer because he’s what the buzz is around, She just saw Sanders she didn’t pay attention the the Jersey at all smh lol,” one fan wrote in McNutt’s defense.
McNutt, who holds a degree in sports journalism from the University of Maryland and primarily covers basketball for ESPN, may have simply made an honest mistake during a live television segment. The incident occurred during the preseason, when rookies like Sanders are receiving significant media attention.
Still, the mistake underscores the growing scrutiny over credibility, with even high-profile personalities like Stephen A. Smith drawing headlines for past blunders.
