As the NFL tries to capture a global audience, a key investment in that endeavour has been their willingness to have more games take place in international locations across the year. This week, too, it is the Denver Broncos taking on the New York Jets in London with a special start time of 9:30 a.m. ET.
However, there has been one hindrance to expanding the fan base that remains a common complaint amongst fans. Even as the product becomes more exciting and unpredictable by the day, the announcing crew and commentators remain unbearable. This time around, the fans’ vitriol piled on against two relative newcomers to the booth, Rich Eisen and Kurt Warner.
Rich Eisen Leaves Fans Unsatisfied With Broadcast Duties
The football crowd is never 100% satisfied with those handling broadcasting duties during games. However, the duo of Warner and Eisen has particularly stuck their craw, with unanimous anger all across social media.
Eisen, who usually hosts “NFL GameDay Morning” from the network’s home base in Los Angeles, is a familiar name for sports fans after his time at ESPN and the NFL Network. However, the game between Denver and the Jets was especially brutal for him.
One of the more egregious errors came when he misnamed the same player on two separate occasions. A slip is entirely justifiable in the heat of the moment, but, as one fan pointed out, “Rich Eisen has now called Isiah Williams ‘Isaiah Oliver’ and ‘Isaiah Rodgers’ on two separate occasions.”
Rich Eisen has now called Isiah Williams “isaiah oliver” and “isaiah rodgers” on two separate occasions
— Scott Messina (@TheScottyMoose) October 12, 2025
That becomes a major problem, especially when he hasn’t had the best night outside of those incidents as well. As one fan put it rather harshly, “The only thing worse than the Jets’ clock management in this game… Rich Eisen’s commentary. Love Rich as a host and presenter. But he ain’t a commentator, imho”
The Broncos fans, in particular, believed the longtime media host was being biased against their squad. One fan wrote, “Rich Eisen when the Jets get a 1-yard gain: Big gain for my New York Jets. Rich Eisen, when the Broncos pick up 6 yards: And it looks like maybe he’ll pick up a yard.”
I know I say this every Sunday morning but Rich Eisen is unbearable on these broadcasts. It’s incredible to me he still has this gig after years of this nonsense.
— Ryan (@OmaLAW2019) October 12, 2025
Another fan was clear in his diagnosis. “I know I say this every Sunday morning, but Rich Eisen is unbearable on these broadcasts. It’s incredible to me he still has this gig after years of this nonsense.”
Others were rather blunt, plainly stating, “Why are we still letting Rich Eisen call games? He’s not good at it.” Another fan went the hyperbole route to make his point, claiming, “Rich Eisen on play-by-play makes my ears bleed.”
For some, though, the criticism towards the media legend was rather specific. As one fan explained, “Rich Eisen and his non-stop, snarky schtick makes broadcasts on @nflnetwork absolutely unlistenable.”
Relatively new to the role, Eisen could always grow into it in a way that makes him more appealing to the fan base. But, with something as subjective as commentary, there is always the matter of taste.
For all of the criticism levelled in his direction, some fans seemed quite impressed with his work, stating, “I wish Rich Eisen called more games. He’s so underrated. Maybe replace Al Michaels.”
I wish Rich Eisen called more games. He’s so underrated.
Maybe replace Al Michaels
— 🅿️🇨🇴🇺🇸 (@MaDDrone97) October 12, 2025
A game played on international soil gives Eisen the opportunity to hone in on his craft and potentially become a mainstay at the announcer’s desk. For the time being, though, it might take him a while before he becomes a true fan favorite across the league.
