Fan reactions grow as Bradshaw remains on FOX NFL Sunday
Terry Bradshaw’s long-running role on FOX NFL Sunday has sparked fresh discussion among NFL fans as the 2026 season gets underway. While the Hall of Fame quarterback remains a familiar face on the network, several moments from recent broadcasts have fueled reactions across social media.
From quarterback debates to on-air exchanges, Bradshaw has once again found himself at the center of the conversation. Here’s a closer look at what happened and why his FOX role is drawing attention.
Criticism returned during Week 1
Fan criticism resurfaced when FOX NFL Sunday returned for the 2026 season on September 13. Posts on social media questioned why Bradshaw remained on the program and urged FOX to remove him from the broadcast.
The reactions followed portions of the pregame show that viewers considered difficult to follow. Other viewers, however, publicly welcomed his return.
Bradshaw chose Burrow over Mahomes
During FOX’s September 13 coverage, Terry Bradshaw said he would take Joe Burrow over Patrick Mahomes. The remark became part of the online reaction to Bradshaw’s Week 1 appearance.
FOX’s September 13 programming included FOX NFL SUNDAY, while reports documented fan reactions to Bradshaw’s quarterback comparison. The discussion was part of the network’s opening Sunday coverage of the 2026 NFL season.
Fans also commented on player names
Bradshaw’s pronunciation of player names was also mentioned in reports about his September 13 FOX coverage. Social-media users cited his on-air mistakes while criticizing his performance during the opening week of the 2026 season.
The reporting also showed that reactions to Bradshaw were not identical among viewers. Some comments focused on his long history with NFL coverage, while other viewers called for FOX to move on from him.
The criticism continued into Week 2
Online criticism continued ahead of the September 20 NFL schedule, with fans again posting comments about Bradshaw’s role on FOX NFL Sunday. Pro Football Network reported multiple posts calling for his removal from television.
Those reactions followed the previous week’s discussion. They kept Bradshaw’s broadcasting role in the conversation as the 2026 season moved into its second week.
A McBride exchange became a viral moment
During the September 20 broadcast, Rob Gronkowski identified Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride while discussing the league’s best tight ends. Bradshaw then asked about McBride after Gronkowski had already named him.
Bradshaw later characterized the exchange as a setup for a joke. The moment circulated online and became another focus of criticism from NFL viewers.
Interesting fact: He remains one of the most decorated quarterbacks in Steelers history. Bradshaw won four Super Bowls, two Super Bowl MVP awards and the 1978 NFL MVP award during his playing career.
McBride opened 2026 with strong numbers
Through 2 games, Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride had recorded 17 receptions for 136 yards and 2 touchdowns. FOX Sports lists 9 receptions for 95 yards and 1 touchdown in Week 1, followed by 8 receptions for 41 yards and 1 touchdown in Week 2.
His Week 1 performance came in Arizona’s 26-14 win over the Los Angeles Chargers. In Week 2, McBride recorded 8 catches for 41 yards and a touchdown in Arizona’s 31-7 loss to Seattle.
Interesting fact: He has won three Sports Emmy Awards for Outstanding Sports Personality/Analyst, receiving the honors in 1999, 2001 and 2008.
Michael Strahan referenced Bradshaw during Week 2
During the September 20 FOX NFL SUNDAY discussion about the New York Jets, Michael Strahan joked that Bradshaw probably grew up with author F. Scott Fitzgerald. Strahan then referenced Fitzgerald’s line about there being no second acts in American lives while discussing Geno Smith’s career.
The remark was part of a discussion about the Jets entering a new era with Smith as their veteran quarterback. Strahan described Smith as the veteran on one of the league’s youngest teams.
Bradshaw has not announced a retirement
Bradshaw has said he does not currently plan to retire from television on his own timetable. In a June appearance on Sports Business Radio, he said leaving FOX would be the network’s decision.
He also explained that he intended to remain active. His comments came before the 2026 season and remain relevant as fans debate his continued role on the program.
His FOX tenure stretches more than three decades
Bradshaw joined FOX NFL Sunday when the program launched in 1994 and has remained part of its coverage ever since. FOX Sports credits him with three Sports Emmy Awards for outstanding sports personality or analyst.
The network also identifies him as a co-host and analyst. FOX notes that Super Bowl LIX marked his 10th championship assignment for the network.
His playing career established his football legacy
Before becoming a broadcaster, Bradshaw spent 14 seasons as the Pittsburgh Steelers’ quarterback after being selected first overall in the 1970 NFL Draft. He led Pittsburgh to four Super Bowl championships between 1974 and 1979.
He was named Super Bowl MVP twice. The Pro Football Hall of Fame inducted him in 1989, recognizing his playing career.
Support for Bradshaw remains visible
Not every reaction to Bradshaw has called for him to leave FOX. Recent reporting has documented criticism from some viewers, while other coverage has noted that Bradshaw remains a long-standing and recognizable part of FOX NFL SUNDAY.
Social-media comments represent individual viewers rather than a statistically representative survey of the FOX audience. The available reporting therefore documents a visible debate around Bradshaw’s role without establishing the views of the entire audience.
The internet is also talking about Roger Goodell making his clearest call yet on global NFL expansion.
The debate remains centered on his FOX role
Bradshaw remains listed as a FOX NFL Sunday co-host as of September 22, 2026, while online criticism has continued through the opening two weeks. FOX has not announced that he is leaving the program.
Bradshaw has said retirement would ultimately be the network’s decision. For now, the documented situation is continued participation alongside sustained discussion from viewers.
In other news, Sophie Cunningham reacts to Brittany Mahomes’ Chiefs opener outfit.
What do you think about Terry Bradshaw’s continued role on FOX NFL Sunday? Like this post and comment with your take!
This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.
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