ESPN has announced that Mike Greenberg will replace Sam Ponder as the host of 'Sunday NFL Countdown' following Ponder's firing as part of the network's budget cuts. Ponder, who had hosted the show since 2017, and analyst Robert Griffin III were let go due to financial reasons, with both reportedly earning over a million dollars annually. Greenberg, a veteran of ESPN since 1996 and currently the host of 'Get Up,' will join returning analysts including Tedy Bruschi, Randy Moss, Rex Ryan, Alex Smith, and insider Adam Schefter. The decision has sparked criticism from media circles, with some suggesting ulterior motives behind the firings. ESPN is gearing up for the 40th season of 'Sunday NFL Countdown' as it prepares to broadcast a Super Bowl for the first time in 2027. The revamped show will premiere on September 8.