When it comes to broadcasting roles, many networks look first two quarterbacks when trying to find their next superstar analysts. FOX turned Troy Aikman, a three-time Super Bowl champ, into the face of America’s Game of the Week. CBS found instant success with Tony Romo. So who is the most likely to follow in those footsteps?
The Big Lead ranked all 32 NFL starting QBs based on potential broadcasting success. Not surprisingly, Drew Brees tops the list. The New Orleans Saints signal caller already has a deal in place to join NBC when his playing days are over. Phillip Rivers, now of the Indianapolis Colts, sits at number 2, although he seems to prefer a future on the sidelines, having already inked a deal with St. Michael’s Catholic High School in Baldwin County, Alabama to become the Cardinals’ coach when his playing days are over.
The rest of the top five is rounded out by Ryan Fitzpatrick of the Dolphins, Gardner Minshew of the Jaguars, and Russell Wilson of the Seahawks. Minshew, and especially Wilson, would almost certainly be home run hires. Both are likely planning to have a lot of years left in the league before they have to make that decision though.
Scrolling through the list, it becomes apparent how few big personalities serve as NFL quarterbacks. Reigning Super Bowl champ Patrick Mahomes is at number 9. The Browns’ Baker Mayfield is at number 13. Reigning league MVP Lamar Jackson is at number 17. After that, I don’t know if I could tell you who on this list would be good and who wouldn’t.
One thing that really sticks out is that one of the biggest personalities to ever play in this league isn’t just no longer a starting QB. He is unemployed! It’s hard not to think Cam Newton lands in the top 5 if he were eligible.
We will learn sooner rather than later just how much networks value some of the names near the top of the list. Tom Brady (#6), Aaron Rodgers (#8), Matt Ryan (#12), Ben Roethlisberger (#14), and Matthew Stafford (#15) are all near the end of their respective playing careers and could soon be weighing their options for their next career.