Total Pro Sports
One of the NFL’s most recognizable insiders is suddenly a free agent.
Jordan Schultz, who made waves over the past year with Fox Sports, is parting ways with the network after his one-year contract came to an end. While the split wasn’t officially dramatic, the timing and backstory have certainly raised some eyebrows across the league and among fans.
In a feature published by The Washington Post, reporter Ben Strauss confirmed through a Fox spokesperson that Schultz is “no longer on our air.” Schultz, known for breaking news and developing close ties with players, told Strauss he had always planned to leave when his deal expired. Now, he’s exploring his options, including going independent.
“I’m having conversations with multiple places,” Schultz said, though he stopped short of revealing any frontrunners.
Things got a bit rocky earlier this year when Schultz clashed with league norms. During the NFL Draft, he jumped the gun by tweeting picks before they aired on television. That didn’t sit well with the league, which reminded Fox of the strict no-tipping policy it has with media partners. Then came the schedule release, where Schultz again moved ahead of protocol by leaking a Fox-aired game before the network was ready to make it public. That incident reportedly frustrated Fox executives and may have played a role in the decision to part ways.
It wasn’t just the NFL office that took notice. At the NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Schultz had a tense run-in with longtime insider Ian Rapoport. Schultz told The Post that Rapoport accused him of offering stock in Starbucks and Uber to sources in exchange for scoops. Schultz denied the claim outright. “Total blasphemy,” he said. “Dumb, unfounded — and yet very damaging.”
Critics have also questioned Schultz’s approach to building sources. Howard Schultz’s son regularly vacations with players and has hosted stars like Bijan Robinson at his home. He even sent a $700 coffee machine to NFL execs. One unnamed reporter compared his tactics to LIV Golf’s strategy of buying loyalty.
Schultz isn’t backing down. “If I’m going on a dope vacation and invite Pat [Surtain] and he comes for a few days, people can judge,” he said. “But for me, it’s really important to have these friendships.”
Where Schultz lands next is still unclear. But wherever he goes, the headlines are likely to follow.
