In the early 2000s, executive producers at ESPN2 started a morning talk show called Cold Pizza. When Skip Bayless joined the fold the following year, he encouraged the producers to focus more on their debate segment called "1st & 10." Once the show fully transitioned to the debate format, it helped launch the careers of notable journalists such as the "2 Live Stews," Jemelle Hill, and the great Stephen A. Smith. Not only did Skip's run on ESPN play a significant role in Cold Pizza evolving into First Take, it also provided him with a platform that made him the country's most famous Dallas Cowboys fan. His fiery takes about "America's Team" were often opposed by Stephen A. Smith. The formula was just as impactful after Skip left ESPN for FS1 to start Skip and Shannon: Undisputed in 2016. During his many soliloquies about the Dallas Cowboys, Skip would sometimes refer to Michael Irvin, a Hall of Famer with the team, as the greatest wide receiver of all time, ranking him ahead of Jerry Rice. Now, instead of engaging in spirited discussions about the state of the Dallas Cowboys with those who oppose his views on the team, he will be talking sports with one of the most famous players from the team's dynastic era in the 1990s.
FS1 has reached a deal with Michael Irvin, who was previously one of Stephen A. Smith's debate partners on First Take before being suspended by ESPN and the NFL Network. Michael Irvin will join what Skip has dubbed his new "dream team," featuring the likes of Super Bowl XXVII Champion Richard Sherman, former ESPN reporter Rachel Nichols and his "brother" Lil Wayne. The newly reformatted version of Undisputed will debut with its new lineup and theme song next Monday.
Source: NBC Sports
