The familiar voice of Kirk Herbstreit on Thursday nights might not be a permanent fixture. A new report suggests the veteran broadcaster's tenure with Amazon Prime Video's "Thursday Night Football" could be winding down, setting the stage for a potential seismic shift in the NFL's broadcast booth.
Contract Clock is Ticking
Herbstreit, who joined Amazon alongside legendary play-by-play man Al Michaels for the 2022 season, has a contract that runs through the 2026 NFL campaign. According to a detailed report from The Athletic's Andrew Marchand, Amazon is already contemplating its next move and may look to replace the former Ohio State quarterback when his deal expires.
While Herbstreit has publicly expressed his love for the NFL role and his desire to sign an extension, the corporate wheels are apparently in motion. "I'm loving the NFL. I would never want to leave that job on Thursday, and I love 'GameDay,'" Herbstreit told The Athletic. "I hope to be able to sign an extension at some point with both Amazon and ESPN."
Who's on Amazon's Wish List?
The potential candidates to succeed Herbstreit are a fascinating mix of current stars and respected analysts. The report names Kansas City Chiefs superstar tight end Travis Kelce and Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay as the intriguing "wild cards." McVay recently signed a new deal with the Rams, which complicates but doesn't eliminate a potential post-2026 move to the booth.
More traditional broadcasting names are also in the mix. Fox's highly-regarded analyst Greg Olsen is mentioned as a potential candidate, as is recently retired star J.J. Watt. The report also notes that ESPN is already eyeing Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford for a future role whenever his playing days conclude.
Herbstreit's Juggling Act
The 56-year-old Herbstreit maintains a relentless schedule, balancing his Amazon duties with his iconic role on ESPN's "College GameDay" and calling the network's marquee Saturday night college football game. He initially questioned whether he could handle the triple duty. "I had to look myself in the mirror and be like, can I do all three (jobs)?" Herbstreit said.
He credits colleague Pat McAfee with helping him maintain the necessary energy. "Pat coming on the show, it's been a game-changer for me and for the show. He brings a certain level of intensity and energy. Him and I have a great relationship."
What Comes Next?
While nothing is official, the report makes it clear that Herbstreit's return for the 2027 season is far from guaranteed. Amazon's potential pivot signals a desire to possibly inject a new, high-profile personality into its flagship NFL broadcast as it continues to solidify its place in the sports media landscape.
For now, Herbstreit remains a central figure across two football worlds. But as the 2026 season approaches, all eyes will be on Amazon's decision—a move that could redefine one of the NFL's premier broadcasting teams and alter the career trajectory of one of sports media's most recognizable faces.
