FOX is considering hiring the Dallas Cowboys tight end as an analyst on its “Thursday Night Football” broadcasts, The Sporting News’ Michael McCarthy reported Sunday, citing sources. FOX’s pursuit of Witten reportedly depends on whether he retires this offseason and if Peyton Manning declines a potentially lucrative offer to work “TNF” broadcasts. Witten is considered FOX’s plan B if it can’t land Manning amid competition from ESPN and the former quarterback’s other post-NFL options.
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Jason Witten might catch a big break if he decides to retire from the NFL.
FOX is considering hiring the Dallas Cowboys tight end as an analyst on its “Thursday Night Football” broadcasts, The Sporting News’ Michael McCarthy reported Sunday, citing sources. FOX’s pursuit of Witten reportedly depends on whether he retires this offseason and if Peyton Manning declines a potentially lucrative offer to work “TNF” broadcasts. Witten is considered FOX’s plan B if it can’t land Manning amid competition from ESPN and the former quarterback’s other post-NFL options.
FOX executives reportedly believe Whitten, 35, might have the same broadcasting impact as his former teammate and roomate Tony Romo, whose first season as a CBS analyst was successful. FOX also believes Witten’s popularity among the Cowboys’ national fan base will attract viewers.
Witten caught 63 passes for 560 yards and five touchdowns last year and remains a key component in the Cowboys’ offense. Given what he told The Dallas Morning News’ Kate Hairopoulos in December, the retirement talk seems premature.
Jason Witten: Oh, I’m coming back. I love playing this game too much and I know I can play at a high level.
— Kate Hairopoulos (@khairopoulos)
Nevertheless, things can change quickly in the NFL, and Witten might become a target in a different sense if he decides against playing a 16th pro-football season.
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