ESPN & FOX Trying To Hire Peyton Manning As Prime Time Analyst

According to the New York Post, ESPN and FOX both have Peyton Manning atop their list to be their primetime game analyst.

Manning has reportedly been approached multiple times about becoming a TV analyst since he retired from the NFL but he has been reluctant to agree to anything up to this point.

The report says that Manning is still hoping to land a similar position as John Elway has with the Broncos along with an ownership stake in a franchise.

Even so, Manning hasn’t reportedly ruled out working in TV in the interim.

ESPN’s is looking to fill Jon Gruden’s spot on “Monday Night Football” and FOX just acquired the rights to “Thursday Night Football” games.

One source has told The Post that ESPN is willing to “back up the truck” to get Manning to replace Gruden, who was their highest paid employee before taking the Raiders’ head-coaching job.

While ESPN still has Sean McDonough as play-by-play caller, they’re reportedly considering a total reboot and possible replacement could include Joe Tessitore, Steve Levy and Dave Pasch along with external candidates Ian Eagle and Kevin Burkhardt.

If Manning were to join FOX, the Post mentions Gus Johnson as a possible play-by-play caller.

One aspect that could work in FOX’s favor, according to the report, is the fact that working Thursdays would keep Manning’s weekends open.

We’ll have more regarding Manning as the news is available.