Joe Thomas had his pick of NFL teams if he chose to keep playing, but the now retired offensive lineman might also have his pick of broadcasting opportunities.
After announcing his retirement from the Cleveland Browns, Thomas revealed, “I’ve got several options that are on the table,” via his podcast, The ThomaHawk Show by Uninterrupted.
“I’ve auditioned for a few colors jobs on TV. I’m going to audition for one coming up. I’ve had a number of broadcast people reach out to me to gauge my interest. Like I mentioned, the Browns have talked to me about doing something with them,” said Thomas.
According to Andrew Marchand of The New York Post, the “colors jobs” Thomas was referring to included broadcast opportunities with Fox and ESPN. Fox was reportedly very impressed with Thomas’ audition, especially his studio work.
Both networks have prime opportunities with Monday Night Football and Thursday Night Football in need of color analysts. In addition to TNF, Fox has openings on its fifth and seventh broadcast teams, they could also add him to another tandem as the third person in the booth. If Thomas is interested in studio analysis, it makes ESPN a more viable option, since he would currently be considered an underdog to land the MNF opening.
Thomas launched his podcast last December with an eye toward life after the NFL. The former lineman played his entire 11-year career with the Cleveland Browns, making the pro-bowl in each of his first ten seasons, a feat matched by only four other NFL players, Merlin Olsen, Mel Renfro, Barry Sanders and Lawrence Taylor.
Brandon Contes is a freelance writer for BSM. He can be found on Twitter @BrandonContes. To reach him by email click here.
