The broadcast booth for Amazon's "Thursday Night Football" could be in for a seismic shift by 2027. Kirk Herbstreit, the versatile voice who currently splits his time between ESPN's "College GameDay" and Amazon's NFL coverage, sees his streaming contract expiring soon, opening the door for a potential high-profile succession plan.
Herbstreit has been vocal about his desire to continue his unique dual role. "I'm loving the NFL. I would never want to leave that job on Thursday, and I love 'GameDay,'" he has stated, calling the combination a "dream." He's expressed hope to sign extensions with both Amazon and ESPN, but in the fluid world of sports media, nothing is guaranteed.
The 2027 Broadcasting Carousel Begins to Spin
Industry chatter, as reported by Andrew Marchand of The Athletic, suggests Amazon may be considering a refresh, especially with legendary play-by-play man Al Michaels nearing retirement. This has sparked speculation about who could step into Herbstreit's analyst chair if the network decides to go in a new direction.
While respected veterans like Fox's Greg Olsen and retired star J.J. Watt are logical candidates, the most intriguing possibilities are two names that would send shockwaves through the industry: Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce and Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay.
Why Kelce and McVay Are the Dream Candidates
Both figures represent the modern archetype for a successful broadcaster: charismatic, deeply knowledgeable, and possessing immediate name recognition with a massive audience. Kelce, expected to retire after the 2026 season, has already proven his media savvy through his wildly popular podcast and undeniable on-screen charisma. McVay, despite recently signing a coaching extension, has frequently hinted at an early exit from the sideline, with many believing his sharp football mind and quick wit are tailor-made for the broadcast booth.
The financial commitment would be significant. Industry sources indicate either Kelce or McVay could command annual salaries north of $10 million, a figure that reflects their star power and Amazon's deep pockets in the competitive sports media landscape.
Herbstreit himself acknowledged the challenge of his current workload, revealing he once questioned, "can I do all three (jobs)?" He credited his "College GameDay" colleague Pat McAfee with bringing a new energy that helped make it work. Whether Amazon wants to continue that arrangement or invest in a new, singular star for its NFL coverage is the central question.
The coming months will be crucial as Herbstreit negotiates his future. His departure would not just create a vacancy; it would trigger a high-stakes bidding war for one of the most coveted analysis roles in television. The potential move of a superstar like Kelce or McVay directly from the field or sideline to the broadcast booth would mark a defining moment for sports media, signaling a continued shift towards recruiting active or recently retired megastars to lead coverage.
For now, Herbstreit remains in the seat, but the rumblings about 2027 are growing louder. The possibility of Travis Kelce breaking down touchdowns or Sean McVay dissecting defensive schemes for a national prime-time audience is no longer just a fantasy—it's a very real scenario being plotted in network boardrooms.
