Thomas has done studio work for the NFL Network and appears regularly on ESPN RadioGETTY IMAGES
Former NFLer Joe Thomas said that he "won't be pursuing" the "MNF" analyst role recently vacated by Jason Witten despite "drawing positive reviews last year when he auditioned for the job," according to Jason Wilde of the WISCONSIN STATE JOURNAL. Thomas said, "I'm not sure I'm interested in the color analyst side of things yet. I'm actually really enjoying the radio gig, and some of the pregame and studio-type analyst stuff that I'm doing (on television)." He added he is "not sure I really want to step into the booth -- especially after watching" what Witten "had to endure this season." Wilde notes since retiring after the '17 season, Thomas has done "studio work for the NFL Network, started a popular podcast with former Browns teammate Andrew Hawkins called 'The ThomaHawk Show,' and appears regularly on the radio on ESPN Madison, ESPN Milwaukee and ESPN Cleveland." Thomas said, "Maybe down the line I think I would like to call a game, but right now, I recognize where my talents are and how much work and growth I would have to have in order to be able to step into that booth" (WISCONSIN STATE JOURNAL, 3/6).
PAT ON THE BACK: In Pittsburgh, Tim Benz writes "MNF" execs "need to grasp that no one watches the games based on the name recognition of broadcasters." They "keep trying to market that idea, and it keeps failing." Benz: "Just get color analysts who are good at their jobs." The game will "sell itself on a week-to-week basis, or it won't." "MNF" has "constantly tried to strike a balance between humor and analysis" and has "frequently searched for sound, polished, X-&-O delivery blended with TV entertainment and ratings buzz." Former NFLer Pat McAfee "can do that but via the role of a former player." His "quirky personality, online following and I-don't-give-a-damn approach would provide the energy and social media zip that the broadcast is looking to add" (TRIBLIVE.com, 3/6).
