Manning is ready for TV today, even if he says to chill
Retired quarterback showed wit, analytical skill during ‘The Match’
With Peyton Manning now saying he has not said “no forever” to an NFL TV analyst gig, it’s time for some network to sign him to a futures contract without a set start date. Manning would be worth the wait.
“I said ‘no’ to this year. This doesn’t feel like the right time,” Manning said on “The Rich Eisen Show.” “This just doesn’t feel like the right time. I hate having this sort of ‘check-with-me-next-year-type-deal,’ but that’s really how I have approached this chapter. I believe in taking it a year at a time.”
Moving quickly on Manning is not without precedent. NBC already signed quarterback Drew Brees, who is still playing for the Saints this season. Not making a quick move can wind up burning a network for years.
With ESPN/ABC and NBC in the NBA business, Turner Sports, many moons ago, signed Charles Barkley to a studio contract. The lasting results of the Barkley hire was NBC getting out of the NBA business when then-commissioner, the late David Stern, made his league a mostly cable TV product. Barkley became the face of the NBA.
The long-lasting effect resulted in TNT having the premier NBA studio operation for all these years and ESPN still desperately searching for an NBA studio team that works.
Like Barkley, Manning could be that kind of difference maker.
Was it just a coincidence Manning decided to tell Eisen he hasn’t totally ruled out TV and could be willing to make a move in 2021?
After all, his remarks came just two days after the Free World (which also includes network suits) experienced his brilliant verbal skills during TNT’s “The Match: Champions for Charity” golf event in Hobe Sound, Fla.
Manning had it all going: He was funny (he encouraged the non-existent crowd to cheer for him), analytical (while discussing strategy with his partner Tiger Woods) and a step ahead in his thinking (he said he would not wear Woods’ traditional black and red garb, fearing Georgia head football coach Kirby Smart would use video of him wearing Bulldog colors as propaganda).
The ease in which Manning communicated on a big stage, playing golf with Woods against Phil Mickelson/Tom Brady and the rain pounding down, justified all who rave about his potential in a broadcast booth.
In “The Match,” Manning was in the unique role of participant/analyst.
His performance should serve as a pointed reminder to those suits who are interested in Manning — if you wait and don’t sign him now, you may never get the opportunity again.