Netflix makes surprise decision on lead NFL analyst… as Hall of Famer with little TV experience gets the nod
Netflix has hired Hall of Fame linebacker Luke Kuechly to be its new No. 1 NFL color analyst for the upcoming season.
Kuechly will work alongside Noah Eagle and his first game in the booth will be the Melbourne showdown between the Los Angles Rams and San Francisco 49ers on September 10.
Netflix has the rights to five NFL games in the upcoming season, including a double header on Christmas Day.
According to The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand, Kuechly landed the job after blowing Netflix chiefs away in a recent tryout alongside Eagle at NBC’s studios. The pair reportedly showed ‘immediate chemistry’.
The Carolina Panthers icon certainly has the experience to step seamlessly into the booth. He is part of the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame class that will be inducted on August 8 in Canton, Ohio.
But he does not have the broadcast experience that some other candidates boast, including the likes of J.J. Watt, Greg Olsen and Drew Brees.
Netflix has hired Hall of Fame linebacker Luke Kuechly to be its new No. 1 NFL color analyst
Kuechly is considered one of the best NFL linebackers of all time and impressed in the booth
The 35-year-old has previously worked as a radio analyst on the Panthers’ team broadcast. He also hosts a podcast with former teammate, J.J. Jansen.
Kuechly joins the likes of Tom Brady, Troy Aikman, Cris Collinsworth, Tony Romo and Kirk Herbstreit as the NFL’s other top color commentators.
His career was brief but impactful. The first-round pick by the Carolina Panthers in 2012 was an All-Pro five times, with seven Pro Bowl nods and a Defensive Rookie of the Year award.
Over his eight-year career, Kuechly led all linebackers in the NFL in tackles (1,090), takeaways (26), interceptions (18) and passes defended (66).
Kuechly played in the Super Bowl in 2016 when the Panthers were beaten 24-10 by the Denver Broncos.
