The broadcast booth for ESPN's secondary "Monday Night Football" team is shaping up to be one of the network's most intriguing storylines, with a familiar voice potentially making a high-profile comeback. According to industry reports, longtime ESPN stalwart Steve Levy is gaining serious consideration to reclaim a play-by-play role he once held, setting the stage for a fascinating personnel decision.
Andrew Marchand of The Athletic has identified Levy as having an "outside chance" to take over the No. 2 play-by-play duties currently handled by Chris Fowler. This would mark a significant return for Levy, who called "Monday Night Football" games for the network during the 2020 and 2021 seasons before being replaced. The move suggests ESPN may be reconsidering its previous lineup decisions.
"I think Steve Levy has an outside chance," Marchand stated, via Awful Announcing. "I think he's somebody you got to put on the list... [Dave] Pasch has the inside track when you talk about classic play-by-players for that NFL job. And then Levy is a guy who I do think there are people at ESPN who felt did him wrong when they replaced him with Fowler on that second team after Levy was on the No. 1 team."
Levy isn't the only experienced broadcaster in the mix. Dave Pasch, known for his steady and polished calls across multiple sports, is reportedly the frontrunner due to his extensive play-by-play resume. The competition highlights ESPN's depth of announcing talent and the importance the network places on its NFL coverage, especially as it continues to evolve its prime-time football presentation.
Fan Revolt Against a Potential Booth Addition
While the play-by-play conversation centers on veterans, the analyst positions are generating even more buzz—and significant backlash. Reports that recently retired Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce is a "dark horse candidate" to join the booth have been met with overwhelming disapproval from the NFL fanbase.
Social media reactions have been brutally clear. "Nobody, and I mean NOBODY, wants more Jason Kelce," declared one fan, with another emphatically stating, "Trust me when we say this. We don't want Jason Kelce. Thank you." This strong negative sentiment presents a potential public relations challenge for ESPN if they pursue the popular but inexperienced former player for a major broadcast role.
The current No. 2 crew features Fowler alongside analysts Dan Orlovsky and Louis Riddick, but significant changes are expected. The network's decision will signal its philosophy: whether to prioritize established broadcasting chemistry or inject new, personality-driven talent into the booth, a strategy that has yielded mixed results across sports media.
The Bigger Picture at ESPN
This potential shuffle is part of a larger pattern of evaluation and change within ESPN's talent ranks. The network frequently assesses its on-air teams, seeking the right blend of expertise, charisma, and audience connection. Levy's possible return speaks to institutional memory and a recognition of past contributions, much like discussions surrounding other network figures following high-profile social media incidents.
The final decision, expected to shape the 2026 season broadcast, will reveal much about ESPN's priorities. Do they go with the safe, experienced hand of a Pasch or the redemption story of Levy? And do they risk fan alienation by pushing a beloved but unproven personality like Kelce into a premium role? These questions loom large in Bristol.
One thing is certain: the audience is watching and isn't shy about voicing opinions. In an era where broadcaster popularity can directly impact viewership, ESPN's choice will be a calculated gamble. Will they listen to the vocal fanbase, or trust their internal metrics and instincts? The answer will be revealed in the makeup of the booth come fall, making this one of the offseason's most compelling off-field stories.
