Mel Kiper Jr. helped elevate ESPN’s NFL Draft coverage to a new level, making it one of the biggest spectacles in sports.
In 2006, Todd McShay joined ESPN as a football analyst, working in both college football and the NFL. McShay became a college football sideline reporter and one of ESPN’s biggest voices, often covering the draft alongside Kiper Jr.
The two formed a popular duo, but McShay was laid off by ESPN in the summer of 2023.
Why Is Todd McShay No Longer Part Of ESPN’s NFL Draft Coverage?
McShay began his football career as a quarterback for the Richmond Spiders, but a back injury put an end to the former walk-on’s career. He graduated from Richmond and worked for ‘The War Room” under former NFL scout Gary Horton. The publication was eventually bought by ESPN. McShay worked his way up at the Worldwide Leader in Sports and, within a few years, had joined Kiper Jr. and ESPN’s NFL draft coverage.
McShay took a break from ESPN in September of 2021, citing a focus on his health and family as the reason.
“I am going to take some time away to focus on my health and my family. Thank you ESPN for being so supportive and for all the well wishes – I can’t wait to be back on the sidelines soon,” McShay wrote.
ESPN backed McShay’s decision and told him he had their full support. McShay returned to the air a few weeks later, but in June of 2023, he was among the many laid off by ESPN.
In 2024, McShay joined the Ringer, reuniting with pal Ryen Russillo, with whom he often collaborated back at ESPN. He received significant support during his exit from ESPN and thanked his supporters in 2024.
“Just want to take a minute to say thank you! The outpouring of support during draft season has been noticed and greatly appreciated,” McShay said.
McShay did not work the 2024 draft, but has obviously ramped back up his coverage since then.
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“Thanks again for all the support and inquiries on where to find me during the 2024 draft,” McShay explained. “I can’t wait to get back out there and will keep you posted on what’s coming next!”
McShay now has his own podcast and a section of the Ringer dedicated to his draft coverage (you can see his most recent mock draft here).
McShay is married to Lauren “Lo” McShay (née Sullivan). The pair wed in 2006 in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. She is the founder of LoLo Event Design, and they have two children together.
The first round of the NFL draft begins tonight at 8:00 p.m. ET in Pittsburgh.
