Manning reportedly has been approached multiple times about becoming a TV analystGETTY IMAGES
Both ESPN and Fox have Peyton Manning "atop their list to be their primetime game analyst," according to sources cited by Andrew Marchand of the N.Y. POST. Manning has been "approached multiple times about becoming a TV analyst since he retired, but has been reluctant." Jon Gruden left his gig as "MNF" analyst to coach the Raiders, and while play-by-play man Sean McDonough is currently in place, sources said that ESPN execs have "considered a total reboot" of their booth. There was a "feeling that McDonough lacked chemistry with Gruden." The four "internal possibilities are Joe Tessitore, Steve Levy, Dave Pasch and Bob Wischusen." Neither Levy nor Tessitore has "ever called an NFL game." Pasch has "been the radio voice" of the NFL Cardinals and Wischusen, the longtime Jets radio voice, also "has NFL experience." ESPN is "still contemplating if any of the four would be an upgrade over McDonough." Levy, Tessitore, Wischusen and Pasch also currently "call college games." Top external candidates "could include" CBS’ Ian Eagle and Fox’ Kevin Burkhardt. A source said that if ESPN is "unable to convince Manning to join the 'MNF' booth, the network is planning to hold auditions for its internal candidates" (N.Y. POST, 2/17). THE MMQB's Peter King writes the "best TV fit" for Manning "might be Fox." That job would be for 11 games this year -- [rimarily Thursday nights -- which means Manning could "dip his toe in the water of TV without being married to it for a long season." But Manning "eventually wants to be" a John Elway or a Derek Jeter -- a "guy who runs his own team" (SI.com, 2/19).
