Scott Hanson clarifies RedZone future after fans feared the worst following tearful final broadcast
Scott Hanson is going nowhere.
The beloved host of NFL RedZone sent social media into a frenzy on Sunday night as he signed off from the final show of 2025, which wrapped a season hit by technical issues at times.
Choking up, Hanson told viewers: “We’ve come to the end of the road, ladies and gentlemen.
“As we always say… it always gets me a little bit. Don’t cry that it’s over, smile that it happened.
“A fantastic 2025, and God bless you in 2026.”
The emotional Week 18 sign off soon went viral online, with plenty of viewers sharing their fears that Hanson was done as host.
RedZone will not air during the NFL playoffs, or in the build up to Super Bowl LX.
“I am very scared Scott Hanson is leaving RedZone. He almost cried on live TV and didn’t say see you September,” one person, with the account handle ‘Myles Colvin Enthusiast’ wrote.
“Also made a comment saying ‘don’t cry that it’s over’.
“If Scott leaves it would be the worst thing to ever happen to the NFL. Don’t leave me Scott.”
That message to the longtime RedZone host was seen by more than 1.2 million people in the day that followed — including Hanson himself.
Not one to disappoint viewers, the NFL Network legend quickly moved to clarify his future.
Scott Hanson explains emotional RedZone farewell
“Thanks for the concern, Myles. Appreciate the love,” Hanson wrote on X.
“I just got caught up in the moment. Hit me right that second… all the hard work and sacrifice from our crew.
“I’ll be back – and we will see you in September!! Enjoy the playoffs.”
That news, it’s fair to say, went down very well with fans.
“Scott I love you so much. Thank you for all you do,” one responded.
“We salute you, sir,” a second said.
“Thank goodness you are staying!!!” a third wrote.
“Greatest news of the year,” a fourth said.
What is the future of RedZone after NFL-ESPN deal?
While Hanson has confirmed he will be returning, the show could look a little different in 2026.
Last year, ESPN struck a deal with the NFL to purchase RedZone, NFL Network and other league holdings.
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The NFL, in return, will receive equity in ESPN that is ‘potentially worth billions’.
If the federal government approves the deal in time, next fall could see Hanson and RedZone appearing on ESPN platforms.
Some fans have already shared fears over what the product will look like under the banner of the ‘Worldwide Leader’ — and the decision to add commercials to RedZone in 2025 had already upset many.
While the highly-popular show might well look different come next fall, fans will not have to spend time worrying about Hanson’s involvement.
He will return, and so too will the viewers.
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