Scott Hanson Issues Heartfelt Apology to NFL RedZone Viewers

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt De Lima | Last updated Dec 20, 2024 9:25 PM ET

The idiom "best thing since sliced bread" should be changed to "best thing since NFL RedZone." The channel has been operating since the start of the 2009 NFL season and has been hosted by Scott Hanson every week since its inception, featuring uninterrupted NFL highlights from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern.

Every week, Hanson begins each broadcast, "Seven hours of commercial-free football start now!" But last week, that statement was false as RedZone aired commercials in a test run, according to an NFL media spokesperson, per Front Office Sports.

With fans revolting on social media, Hanson posted a video apologizing to NFL RedZone fans for failing to uphold his integrity and doing the wrong thing.

To our great fans… pic.twitter.com/vFcOhK4T0M
— Scott Hanson (@ScottHanson) December 21, 2024

"I made the wrong decision (in using the commercial-free catchphrase) and I'm sorry. I try to be the best host I can possibly be. ... Being a great host means being accurate, truthful and having integrity. And so I hope you consider accepting this apology."

Several NFL fans took to social media last Sunday to complain about the inclusion of commercials.

"Commercials during NFL RedZone: the final death blow to Western Civilization," said one fan.

"RIP 'SEVEN HOURS OF COMMERCIAL FREE FOOTBALL!' while watching RedZone. We used to live in a proper society," commented another fan.

"Redzone throwing an audible Verizon ad mid-broadcast while claiming “7 hours commercial-free football” is a crime against humanity," replied a fan.

"Even redzone showing some split screen commercials nowIt all starts somewhere," complained another.

Hanson began his professional career as an anchor for WPBN-TV in Traverse City, Michigan, in 1993. In 2000, he worked for Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia and eventually joined NFL Network in 2006.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: