Sometimes the next big move in sports happens before the job is even officially available. That may be happening with ESPN’s Monday Night Football broadcast team, where Troy Aikman’s future remains uncertain.
Aikman’s contract expires after Super Bowl LXI in February, and ESPN may eventually need someone to join Joe Buck in the broadcast booth. One former NFL star has already made his interest pretty clear. He’s not just another familiar face from football, either. He’s a Hall of Fame quarterback who believes he’s getting better at a second career.
Brees Isn’t Hiding His Ambitions
When Front Office Sports asked Brees whether he’d be interested in replacing Aikman, his answer was simple: “Of course.” Brees currently works for Fox Sports, where he’s part of the network’s third NFL broadcast team alongside Adam Amin and Kristina Pink. He’s grateful for the opportunity, but he’s also made it clear that he wants to become one of the best football analysts in the business.
That ambition is interesting because Brees didn’t exactly get off to a flying start in television. His first broadcasting experience came with NBC after retiring from the NFL, but that partnership lasted only one season. His on-air work drew criticism, and he had to find another way back into the business.
Now, he’s getting regular opportunities with Fox and says he feels more comfortable every week. He enjoys the preparation, studying opposing teams and explaining what quarterbacks and coaches are trying to accomplish. Perhaps that experience has changed how he approaches broadcasting. He’s not simply relying on his playing reputation. He’s trying to get better at the craft.
The Job May Be Bigger Than Brees
Of course, Brees isn’t the only possible candidate. Greg Olsen, Tony Romo and others have been mentioned as potential replacements if Aikman leaves. ESPN would have a major decision to make. And there’s no guarantee Aikman is going anywhere. For now, he’s still in the booth, and Brees is still working for Fox.
But something about this story is appealing. Brees was one of the great quarterbacks of his generation. Now he’s trying to prove he can become one of the game’s great voices, too. Getting the Monday Night Football job would be a big step. It would also put him under a much brighter spotlight.
The question isn’t whether Brees wants the opportunity. He’s made that clear. The question is whether ESPN will believe his second act has become good enough for its biggest stage.
Related: Joe Buck and Troy Aikman: What’s Really Going On?
