The search for the next great analyst has TV networks focusing on Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers, per a report.
NBC already has locked up Drew Brees before his career is done. And now that Rivers has hinted he could be coming to the end of his playing career, could he be the next in line for an announcing job?
The ex-San Diego Chargers QB could become a candidate for the No. 2 game analyst job at FOX Sports behind Troy Aikman, said sources. Fox doesn’t currently have a set No. 2 TV team behind Aikman and Joe Buck.
Aikman has spoken openly about possibly taking an NFL front office job. The Fox job would also be more enticing to Rivers if he’s Aikman’s possible heir apparent. But Rivers is not the only candidate on Fox’s radar. Greg Olsen of the Seattle Seahawks is also leaning toward retirement. Olsen (is already signed by FOX) was impressive in his guest game announcing duties for FOX.
ESPN’s “Monday Night Football” could be another option for Rivers, especially if MNF game analyst Louis Riddick leaves the three-person booth for an NFL GM job. Don’t forget Romo’s own CBS Sports controls game rights to the AFC Conference, where Rivers has played his entire career.
If Amazon or Apple lands an NFL package in the current negotiations, the tech giants could make Rivers the face of their coverage. Amazon, for example, could add Rivers to its “Thursday Night Football” team of Andrea Kremer and Hannah Storm.
Rivers is known to be yappy on the field and networks believe his mouth would translate to the broadcast booth.
Philip Rivers on the mic is gold. 🤣@Colts pic.twitter.com/CJZETdh63G
— NFL Films (@NFLFilms) October 1, 2020
“He’d be amazing on TV. First of all, he’s a great player. He’s got that Southern, down-home warmth. And he’s a quarterback like Romo,” said a source. “Manning’s the white whale for everybody. But Rivers might be just as good. If not better.”