Why is Stephen A. Smith on 'Monday Night Football'? Explaining ESPN analyst's role for Chiefs vs. Giants

Stephen A. Smith continues to broaden his range at ESPN.

The longtime analyst, whose primary roles include commentating on "First Take," appearing on the network's NBA platforms like "NBA Countdown," and providing analysis on "SportsCenter," is reportedly set to get more involved with the NFL in 2025.

Smith told Front Office Sports that he will work on "at least" three editions of ESPN's "Monday Night Football" games this football season, which will begin in Week 3 for the Detroit Lions vs. the Baltimore Ravens.

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Here's what to know about Smith's role on "Monday Night Football" this season.

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Why is Stephen A. Smith on 'Monday Night Football'? 

Smith told Front Office Sports on Thursday that he will work "at least" three games of "Monday Night Football" for ESPN this season. Particularly, Smith is set to appear on the pregame "Monday Night Countdown" coverage.

“I’m going to be doing at least three 'Monday Night Football' games this year,” Smith told Front Office Sports. 

Previously, Front Office Sports had also reported that Smith's "MNF" appearances were a part of his new five-year extension with ESPN. Smith's contract was reportedly worth $100 million over five years.

The "Monday Night Countdown" crew already typically includes Scott Van Pelt, Ryan Clark, Jason Kelce, Marcus Spears, Adam Schefter, and Michelle Beisner-Buck, as the crew usually travels to the location of the Monday game.

Which 'Monday Night Football' games will Stephen A. Smith be on?

Smith told Front Office Sports that there are three "Monday Night Football" matchups on ESPN he knows he'll be providing coverage for:

• Detroit Lions at Baltimore Ravens, Week 3
• Arizona Cardinals at Dallas Cowboys, Week 9
• Philadelphia Eagles at Los Angeles Chargers, Week 14

However, Smith did say the phrase "at least" for his NFL Monday night coverage, so there's a chance he could make more appearances on "Monday Night Countdown."

“Those are just the three I know about. Knowing them at ESPN, they’ll want more,” Smith told Front Office Sports. 

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Stephen A. Smith roles at ESPN

Here's the listing of (growing) roles Smith currently has at ESPN:

• Featured Commentator and Executive Producer, "First Take"

• Analyst, "NBA Countdown"

• Host/Co-Executive Producer, "NBA in Stephen A's World"

• Contributor, "SportsCenter"

• Contributor, "Monday Night Countdown"