ESPN is adding two alternate broadcasts for Super Bowl LXI: Field Pass with The Pat McAfee Show on ESPNU and Playbook with Next Gen Stats on NFL Network.
The new options will air alongside the traditional Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Lisa Salters and Laura Rutledge telecast on ESPN, ABC and Disney+. Peyton and Eli Manning will have a separate ManningCast on ESPN2.
Both broadcasts arrive during the regular season
Playbook with Next Gen Stats starts Monday, October 12, with the Buffalo Bills at the Los Angeles Rams. The analytics-focused presentation uses NFL tracking data, wide camera framing, augmented-reality replays and live probability graphics.
Field Pass makes its NFL debut Monday, October 19, for the Washington Commanders at the San Francisco 49ers. Pat McAfee will work from behind an end zone with Dan Orlovsky and Darius Butler, while Connor Campbell, Ty Schmit and Tone Digs join from an in-stadium suite.
ESPN has not announced the commentary team for the Super Bowl edition of Playbook. Super Bowl LXI is scheduled for Sunday, February 14, 2027.
Source: ESPN’s October 11 announcement