The NFL world went hard at some of its most prominent media members, with the likes of Stephen A. Smith and Skip Bayless, among others, walking through a firestorm of criticism.
Being well-known figures in the media, sports analysts often face a boatload of criticism for their opinions and projections, and the recent online flurry of comments affirmed that once again.
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NFL analysts take a lot of risk with their assessments of games, teams, and players, even more so when they make bold claims. As such, it’s not unusual for these media figures to constantly be under fire for their takes. Not that it deters them.
NFL aggregator Dov Kleiman, however, stirred the pot with a post on X listing nine NFL commentators and asking fans, “Whose mics should be turned off forever?” He listed Skip Bayless, Colin Cowherd, Cris Collinsworth, Stephen A. Smith, Dave Portnoy, Nick Wright, Kendrick Perkins, Jason Whitlock, and Pat McAfee.
Choose two mics to turn off forever: pic.twitter.com/AAncnMb4vV
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) May 16, 2026
The post quickly went viral, as fans didn’t hold back with their takes.
“Whitlock and Portnoy and it’s not even particularly close,” John Brown tweeted. “Gotta be Perk and Whitlock,” BetOnline posted. “The others are at least funny.”
“Whitlock and McAfee,” writer Ibou said.
Whitlock is a Christian sports commentator with about as many followers as detractors. His conservative takes often spark backlash from left-leaning fans. He was one of the early critics who said Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson wouldn’t be a long-term success in the NFL.
“If your answer isn’t Whitlock and Portnoy you have serious mental issues,” writer John Egan tweeted. “Portnoy and Wright,” betting analyst Toad tweeted.
“Stephen A. and Portnoy easily,” journalist Julian Andreone posted. Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy has faced heavy criticism over the years, most notably regarding his encounter with the NFL.
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The sports personality’s employees invaded the NFL’s main office in May 2015, handcuffing themselves together in protest of Tom Brady’s suspension for the ‘Deflategate’ scandal. Portnoy was also thrown out of Mercedes-Benz Stadium at halftime during Super Bowl 53 between the LA Rams and New England Patriots.
“EASY: Nick Wright and Stephen A. Smith,” comedian Patrick W. Cutler wrote. “Smith and Bayless. Not even close,” journalist John Ziegler wrote.
Smith, of course, is arguably the most famous NFL analyst on earth. While he’s earned plenty of fans for his character, criticism has followed him in equal measure.
In 2018, he made some big mistakes while previewing a game between the LA Chargers and Kansas City Chiefs. Bizarrely, he called Chargers tight end Hunter Henry a key player, while Henry hadn’t played yet. He highlighted linebacker Derrick Johnson and running back Spencer Ware as must-watch players for the Chiefs, even though both were no longer with the Chiefs.
