Manning, 42, has been recruited by all the networks for the past two years since retiring because of his Hall of Fame stature and his established TV persona from his playing career and his countless commercials, but has continued to say no.
In the wake of Tony Romo’s rookie success as CBS’ lead analyst, both ESPN’s “Monday Night Football” and Fox’s “Thursday Night Football” went hard after Manning, feeling he is a bigger name with the potential to match Romo’s success. Fox and Manning TV’s agent, Sandy Montag, both declined comment.
Fox wanted Manning to give its new 11-game Thursday night package a big-game feel after the network paid $3.3 billion for the five-year deal. The network does not have a clear Plan B. Hall of Famer Kurt Warner is expected to be considered, while Fox has had current Cowboy Jason Witten, retired quarterback Carson Palmer and retired offensive lineman Joe Thomas in for auditions.
Fox also has its own roster of game analysts, beginning with Troy Aikman, the network’s Sunday lead game analyst.
ESPN is still looking to replace Jon Gruden, who left the Monday night booth for a $100 million contract to coach the Raiders. ESPN moved its play-by-play man, Sean McDonough, to college football, while The Post has reported it is promoting Joe Tessitore to Monday night.
ESPN is considering Olsen, Warner, Matt Hasselbeck, Louis Riddick, Randy Moss and others. Brett Favre is considered a long-shot candidate. Riddick is said to be a strong candidate if ESPN opts for a three-man booth.
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