Witten on verge of jumping to ‘MNF’ booth
ESPN was looking for the next Tony Romo for “Monday Night Football.” It is on the verge of settling for one of Romo’s best friends, Cowboys tight end Jason Wittten.
ESPN is reporting that it plans to hire Witten for the “MNF” booth, but Witten first met with Cowboys owner Jerry Jones to break the news to him.
ESPN declined comment on its own report, which stated Witten could potentially change his mind, if Jones can convince him.
Witten has told friends that if he were to receive the right broadcasting opportunity he would retire because he was excited to be on-air and to leave with his health intact, a source told The Post.
“He has some things to think about and discuss with his family from a professional perspective,” Jones said. “He also told me those things are going to require a few more days of consideration, at least through the weekend. He has not made any decisions that are definite at this time.”
The Post first reported last week that Witten auditioned with ESPN. FOX also had Witten in for a tryout, but it is trying to convince its No. 1 team, Joe Buck and Troy Aik- man, to do its new Thursday night package.
Romo retired last year from the Cowboys to become CBS’ lead analyst. He received strong reviews. Between Witten, Romo and Aikman, only NBC, with Cris Collinsworth, would have a lead game analyst who was not a Cowboy.
If Witten does follow through and take the job, he will join new “MNF” play-by-player Joe Tessitore. ESPN has not officially announced Tessitore for the position, but The Post reported more than a month ago he was replacing Sean McDonough. Tessitore has been behind the mic in Bristol for the countless auditions in recent weeks. He has also spent the day with analysts as ESPN tries to find the proper chemistry.
While it may be a two-man booth, ESPN could still opt to add a third voice to the crew.
Witten would be ending a 15-year career for the Cowboys. He is ESPN’s second choice after they were denied by Peyton Manning.
Besides Witten, ESPN has auditioned many candidates, including Brett Favre, Kurt Warner, Randy Moss, Louis Riddick Jr., Booger McFarland, Rex Ryan, Greg Olsen and Joe Thomas. Any of them could be candidates for a third spot.