For years NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport has been the second-most followed person in his field behind only ESPN's Adam Schefter. Now that Rapoport is an employee of The Worldwide Leader in Sports, his future has a very clear path.
According to Front Office Sports, Rapoport is receiving a multi-year deal that will keep him at ESPN now that the company controls NFL Network. Per the report, Rapoport's new deal will allow him to appear across ESPN platforms while continuing his work at NFL Network.
"Exclusive: NFL insider Ian Rapoport is finalizing a multi-year deal to remain with ESPN. Rapoport will appear across ESPN platforms while continuing his coverage on NFL Network, which ESPN acquired earlier this year," the outlet reported on X.
Rapoport's Rise
Rapoport has built one of the most prominent careers in NFL media as a leading insider and breaking-news reporter. He began as a newspaper reporter covering the New England Patriots for the Boston Herald.
Rapoport joined NFL Network in 2012 and quickly became one of the league’s most recognizable insiders. He is known for breaking major stories involving trades, free-agent signings, coaching changes, injuries, and contract negotiations across the National Football League.
© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Appearing regularly on shows such as NFL GameDay Morning and other network programming, Rapoport has become a trusted source for fans, teams, and media outlets. His combination of speed, accuracy, and access has made him one of the defining NFL reporters of the modern media era.
With ESPN acquiring NFL Network, ESPN now have pretty much every top NFL insider under their umbrella in one way or another.
