Robin Roberts to Host Opening Night of 2019 NFL Draft

“Good Morning America” co-host and former “SportsCenter” anchor makes her return to sports

Robin Roberts
Imeh Akpanudosen/Getty Images

“Good Morning America” co-host Robin Roberts will emcee the opening night of the 2019 NFL Draft on April 25, as the annual three-day event makes its move from ESPN to ABC, the network announced Monday.

As part of her emcee role, Roberts will highlight the prospects selected by NFL teams and conduct interviews from an ABC set in Nashville, Tennessee, where this year’s draft will take place. She will be joined on a different set by ESPN host Rece Davis and the “College Gameday” crew.

“As a former college athlete and devoted football fan, I am thrilled to host such an exciting event that honors the hard work and talent of student athletes,” said Roberts, who previously covered the draft during her time at ESPN. “I’m looking forward to working with my ESPN colleagues again and watching dreams come true!”

This is the first year that ABC will cover all three days of the draft. While coverage on ESPN and NFL Network will focus on team-by-team analysis, ABC’s coverage will focus on top NFL prospects and shine a light on the road they and their families took to the pros.

“The only thing better than broadcasting the NFL Draft on ABC is having Robin Roberts co-host the first of three live installments of this pinnacle event for the upcoming football season,” said Rob Mills, senior vice president, Alternative Series, Specials and Late Night, ABC Entertainment. “She is a master at her craft and will be a resonating voice that brings life to the stories of this year’s crop of talented athletes and the families that support them.”

The 2019 NFL Draft will kick off with the first round at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, April 25. Rounds 2 and 3 will air on Friday starting at 7 p.m. ET, with the remaining rounds airing Saturday starting at noon ET.

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