It's decision time for Peyton Manning.
The former NFL star will likely decide this week whether he'll call "Thursday Night Football" on Fox Sports this season, say sources.
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Manning, the two-time Super Bowl winner with the Broncos and Colts, had a "soft" deadline last Friday on whether he'll move to TV the way fellow quarterback Tony Romo did with CBS Sports last season, said sources.
It's been a delicate mating dance between Fox and the 41-year old Manning. The most sought-after free agent in sports TV has to decide whether he wants to hold out for an opportunity to own/manage an NFL franchise the way John Elway has with the Broncos or join the long list of star QB's who've moved to the broadcast booth, including Troy Aikman and Terry Bradshaw at Fox and Romo and Dan Fouts at CBS.
Fox executives pitched Manning when he drove the honorary pace car during their telecast of the Daytona 500 in February. They were encouraged when Manning passed on ESPN's offer to succeed Jon Gruden as game analyst for "Monday Night Football."
Said a source: "Thursday is more appealing [to Manning]. It's only 11 weeks . It should have a better game schedule than Monday Night Football. It leaves his weekends free too — which is important."
Fox and Manning's representatives declined to comment. Manning is represented by super-agent Sandy Montag.
Fox and ESPN are willing to pay Manning $10 million or more a year, said sources. That's an unheard of sum for an NFL game analyst (Gruden made $6.5 million as ESPN's highest-paid employee).
But with NFL viewership falling nearly 20% over the past two seasons, Manning is viewed as a game changer.
The five-time NFL MVP was the league's most popular player during his career. With his multiple endorsements and "Saturday Night Live" appearances, Manning would appeal to both advertisers on Madison Avenue and viewers.
"Peyton is worth every penny. Advertisers love him — and the league wants this to happen," said another source.
With Manning's vast knowledge of football and penchant for film study, network executives are hoping he is getting bored with retirement.
His new life has been filled with charity events, such as singing with country music star Thomas Rhett last week in Indianapolis, and ceremonial appearances like Daytona. He sold his stake in 31 Papa John's restaurants in the Denver area just two days before the league dropped the brand as its official pizza sponsor.
TV networks can't wait around forever for Manning to make up his mind.
Fox and ESPN can't hire play-by-play announcers for TNF and MNF until Manning makes his decision. Why? Because No. 18 will have veto power over who he works with in the broadcast booth, said sources.
That's why ESPN hasn't announced the successor to former MNF play-by-play announcer Sean McDonough. Even though the New York Post reports Joe Tessitore is expected to get the job.
If Manning stays retired, Fox is pursuing Cowboys tight end Jason Witten as Plan B, say sources.
The 35-year old Witten could be another Romo, say sources. He has the same direct-from-the-huddle knowledge of today's game and TV-friendly personality. Like Romo, he'd have a built-in fan base of Cowboys fans across the country. With America's Team constantly featured in the best broadcast windows, Witten is a household name after 15 seasons in the league.
On the other hand, Witten won't make as much in the booth as he can on the field. Under his current deal, he averages $7.4 million annually, according to Spotrac.com . Unlike the oft-injured Romo, Witten is still at the top of his game. He's coming off his 11th Pro Bowl season and has played 239 straight games for the Cowboys. Jerry Jones gave him a four-year contract extension in 2017.
That could leave Joe Thomas, the just-retired Browns offensive lineman. Or another star tight end: Greg Olsen of Panthers.
Sporting News previously reported Olsen was interested in TV gig. During his bye week in November, Olsen called a game on Fox with Kevin Bukhardt, Charles Davis and Pam Oliver. He was also part of ESPN's Super Bowl coverage.
If Witten and Olsen both return to the playing field in 2018, "Thomas could be the last man standing," said a source.