Favre has little history as a broadcaster and has said he isn't sure if he would pursue broadcasting workGETTY IMAGES
Pro Football HOFer Brett Favre was "not great" during a tryout for ESPN's "MNF," and has "been told he is no longer under consideration," according to sources cited by Andrew Marchand of the N.Y. POST. Sources said that the analyst spot "remains open" as ESPN has lined up Rex Ryan and Booger McFarland for upcoming auditions. ESPN also has had TEs Jason Witten and Greg Olsen "in for auditions," though both are "under contract to play next season." The net has also considered Kurt Warner, Matt Hasselbeck and Louis Riddick, as well as the "recently retired" Joe Thomas. Auditions have been done with Joe Tessitore "on play-by-play." Tessitore is expected to "replace Sean McDonough," though ESPN has not "made it official yet" (N.Y. POST, 4/18).
FOR THE BEST: PRO FOOTBALL TALK's Mike Florio wrote with all due respect to McFarland and Ryan, "neither will come close to restoring the luster" that "MNF" has "quickly lost given the recent departures" of Mike Tirico and Jon Gruden. Florio: "Can't ESPN find someone who'd be both competent and compelling in the Monday night booth?" (PROFOOTBALLTALK.com, 4/17). THE BIG LEAD's Kyle Koster wrote it is worth wondering why ESPN "even kicked the tires on Favre, considering the obvious blow-back looming in the rearview window." Favre has the "biggest target on his back by virtue" of a '10 scandal in which he "allegedly sent lewd images" to former Jets reporter Jenn Sterger. Revisiting the incident in '18 would "breathe new life into the conversation and bring real heat on Favre and the network" (THEBIGLEAD.com, 4/17). In Green Bay, Aaron Nagler writes Favre confirmed the audition in a tweet, "adding that he wasn't sure whether he wanted to pursue broadcasting work." Favre: "Truth is I had a good meeting about possibly joining the MNF crew. I was intrigued when they called yet not sure I want to pursue a broadcasting career right now. I wish them the best of luck and a great season." Favre has "little to no history as a broadcaster," and is known more as a great storyteller "who tends to ramble." It is maybe "not surprising that Favre didn't shine in a role that requires short, concise explanations of fast-moving actions" (GREENBAYPRESSGAZETTE.com, 4/18).
FEAR THE BEARD: In Charlotte, Joseph Person notes an ESPN official "declined comment" yesterday on whether Olsen was still under consideration. Olsen said that he told Panthers coach Ron Rivera and GM Marty Hurney about his ESPN audition ahead of time because he was "certain it would become a media firestorm." Olsen said, "The reality of it is there's not a lot of those jobs out there and when they ask you to come in and go through that audition process and go through those motions; it's a great opportunity. My mind and my prep has always been on playing, but the reality is those jobs do get your attention a little bit and you've at least got to look behind the curtain" (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 4/18). Olsen: "That Monday Night gig is a big deal. You don't just easily dismiss that. But how things play out, my preference would be for things to play out here at Carolina beyond this year. If that's not the case, then other doors remain open is the best way to put it" (ESPN.com, 4/17). Olsen today tweeted he "made it clear" to the Panthers he desires to "play 3-5 more years" with them. He also "never gave" the team an "ultimatum regarding my contract or lack of commitment to this upcoming season" (TWITTER.com, 4/18).
