Fox NFL Sunday icon tipped for shock return in 2025 season after emotional exit – 'sure he'll be back'

A FOX NFL icon has been predicted for a stunning return to the 2025 season.

The Fox NFL Sunday veteran announced his retirement from the program earlier this year.

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One of Fox NFL Sunday’s core members retired from the show earlier this year[/caption]

Fox NFL Sunday’s crew was down in New Orleans, Louisiana, for Super Bowl 59 back in February.

The contest saw the Philadelphia Eagles blast the Kansas City Chiefs.

However, just weeks later, Jimmy Johnson called it quits from Fox NFL Sunday to spend time with his family and friends in an emotional announcement on FS1’s The Herd with Colin Cowherd.

The 81-year-old has starred on the show since its inception in 1994.

But Johnson’s former colleague, New England Patriots icon and Fox NFL Kickoff’s Julian Edelman, believes that the NFL world will be seeing him once again on the airwaves.

Edelman appeared at Fanatics Fest in New York City late last month and told The U.S. Sun that he expects Johnson to be back for a few segments on Fox NFL Sunday in the 2025 season.

“I’m sure he’ll be back in some capacity. He’s got to do a couple of bits,” Edelman said.

The 39-year-old then opened up on Johnson’s retirement and how he not only impacted the hit pregame show, but also himself.

“It’s crazy. He’s such a pivotal part of that show, and I learned so much from him. Jimmy’s the best,” Edelman said.

“I love Jimmy… What an unbelievable career.”

Edelman is one of the youngest NFL analysts in the business.

The three-time Super Bowl champion has appeared on Fox NFL Sunday since 2023.

Edelman addressed whether he sees himself being part of the primary pre-game show in the future.

“I don’t know. I love what I do. I get to explain the game that I love with people I like working with,” Edelman said.

“Right now, I’m just enjoying Fanatics Fest right here… and excited like everyone else for the start of the season.”

AP

Johnson will likely be replaced by Rob Gronkowski, who filled in for the 81-year-old during portions of the 2024 season.

Analysts Michael Strahan, Terry Bradshaw, Howie Long, and host Curt Menefee are all expected to be back on the show this fall.

However, the futures of host and sideline reporters Charissa Thompson and Erin Andrews are both uncertain as their contracts with Fox expire this summer.

And the 76-year-old Bradshaw revealed that he’ll retire the next time Fox broadcasts the Super Bowl, which will be when he’s 80 in the year 2029.

Fox NFL

Johnson announced he was calling it quits from broadcasting during an appearance on The Herd with Colin Cowherd in March[/caption]