Brown shared his perspective in a recent conversation, highlighting a quote he admires from Marilyn Hickey. Before her passing, Hickey was asked why she did not retire. She responded that retirement is not a concept found in the Bible. She believed in using every gift and talent to the fullest, and not leaving unused potential behind when life ends. Brown finds inspiration in that mindset and recalls a memorable trip to Pakistan with Hickey for CBS News when she was 86 and still actively engaged in her work. That encounter underscores his own motivation to continue his career.
James Brown began his sports broadcasting career in 1984. He initially called Washington Bullets (now Washington Wizards) basketball games on television, worked as a sports news anchor in Washington, D.C., hosted radio programs, and announced Black college basketball games on BET before moving to national television. After joining CBS Sports in 1984, he covered a wide range of sports and events, including NFL football, college basketball, the NBA Finals, the NBA All-Star Game, Major League Baseball’s 1990 National League Championship Series, and the 1992 and 1994 Winter Olympics.
Since 2006, Brown has been a regular host on CBS’s The NFL Today. While the network has not signaled an immediate replacement, there have been reports that CBS was working on securing a new contract for him. There has also been speculation that Nate Burleson could take over the role in the future, but no transition has occurred yet.
Over the years, Brown has earned numerous accolades. He has won five Emmy Awards, was inducted into the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame in 2020, hosted a record 11 Super Bowl pregame shows, and was named Sports Illustrated’s “Best Studio Host of the Decade” in 2010. As the 2026 NFL season approaches, CBS adds a new studio analyst to The NFL Today lineup: Russell Wilson joined the show in June 2026, joining Brown, Pro Football Hall of Fame coach Bill Cowher, and retired NFL wide receiver Nate Burleson. The network’s intent appears to be maintaining continuity while expanding the desk with new voices.
Despite the addition of a high-profile new analyst, Brown reiterates his enthusiasm for his work and his singular focus on continuing what he loves. His single, clear plan is to “give it all” and pursue whatever opportunities his talents may bring in the future.
In summary, James Brown remains an enduring presence on The NFL Today at age 75, driven by passion for his craft and a philosophy of using his gifts to the fullest for as long as he can.
