Recently retired Browns LT Joe Thomas said he is "still weighing some offers" for a possible future in broadcasting this season. Appearing on NFL Network's "NFL Total Access" last night after officially hanging up the cleats, Thomas said, "I've got a few more auditions to go and then I guess it's kind of a wait and see. See what opportunities are out there and see what fits my lifestyle and fits in with the needs of my family." He added, "After 11 years in the NFL, six head coaches, a bunch of GMs and a lot of teammates, I've got an interesting perspective. I think I have interesting knowledge that I've gained through those 11 years that I could impart on the fans and I think I would enjoy that so we'll see." Thomas has been mentioned as person of interest for both ESPN and Fox, and he said, "I don't know what the opportunities are going to look like, but I'm trying to keep all of my doors open and see what the best fit is for me and my family" ("NFL Total Access," NFL Network, 3/19).
TOP OF THE LIST: SPORTING NEWS' Michael McCarthy cited sources as saying that Peyton Manning will "likely decide this week" whether he will join Fox' "TNF" booth this season. Manning is the most "sought-after free agent in sports TV," and he has to decide whether he wants to "hold out for an opportunity to own/manage an NFL franchise the way John Elway has with the Broncos or join the long list of star QB's who've moved to the broadcast booth." Fox execs were "encouraged when Manning passed on ESPN's offer to succeed Jon Gruden" on "MNF." Sources said that Fox and ESPN were "willing to pay" Manning at least $10M a year, an "unheard of sum for an NFL game analyst." However, with NFL viewership "falling nearly 20% over the past two seasons, Manning is viewed as a game changer." Sources said that if "Manning stays retired," Fox is pursuing Cowboys TE Jason Witten as "Plan B" (SPORTINGNEWS.com, 3/19).
