Michelle Smallman’s First NFL Live Appearance Turns Into a Wild Ride—And She Nailed It
By all accounts, Michelle Smallman’s first appearance on NFL Live should’ve been a total trainwreck. But instead, it became her moment of triumph.
The sports media personality and radio host was given her shot to shine on one of ESPN’s flagship shows, NFL Live, and everything seemed in place. She had practiced her cadence, reviewed her segments, and mentally walked through every part of the broadcast. But one minute before going on air, everything changed.
“They got in my ear and said, ‘Hey Michelle, breaking news—blow out everything we told you and just go with it,’” Smallman recalled on a recent episode of Unsportsmanlike. “I was like, ‘Excuse me?!’”
It was the kind of gut-punch moment that could shake even the most seasoned anchor. But Smallman didn’t panic. She took a deep breath, adjusted, and delivered—live, unfiltered, and unfazed.
“I didn’t fall and I didn’t crash the bus,” she said with a smile. “So I consider it a successful first NFL Live.”
The moment sparked playful banter from her co-hosts Chris Canty and Evan Cohen, who admitted they were half-expecting—and secretly hoping—for a viral blooper.
“You were literally rooting for her downfall,” one joked. “As MGK says, I had tickets to her downfall yesterday!”
Still, it was all in good fun. Beneath the jokes was genuine admiration and pride. Even Canty, a former NFL lineman turned analyst, admitted how different TV is from radio. “On radio we can riff, pivot, get sidetracked,” he said. “On live TV—especially NFL Live—it’s tight, fast, and there’s no room for error.”
Smallman navigated it all. And while she forgot to shout out her radio crew during the show—a move her co-hosts lovingly roasted her for—she promised to sneak in a nod during her next ESPN appearance on Vibe Check.
“I promise I will work it in,” she said. “There’s a spot. I’ll make it happen.”
That second opportunity is already locked in. ESPN has invited her back for another round on August 21. And with one live appearance under her belt—and the respect of her peers—Smallman is heading into that broadcast with more confidence than ever.
Her growth is reminding everyone of that iconic Good Will Hunting scene: the moment when Ben Affleck hopes one day Matt Damon won’t be there when he comes to pick him up—because he’s made it.
“We just want to be mentioned on the resume,” Canty said, half-joking. “Don’t forget about us when you’re big-time.”
If her NFL Live debut is any indication, Smallman’s TV journey is only just beginning.