After parting ways with one former NFL star, ESPN is reportedly close to hiring another. In other news, ESPN’s Holly Rowe hopes to return to the air soon, and all four NFL broadcast partners will pursue Peyton Manning.
Retired Woodson to Join ESPN
- ESPN is expected to announce next month that it has hired former Raiders DB Charles Woodson as an analyst on Sunday NFL Countdown, The Big Lead reported Friday. Woodson would fill the vacancy left by Keyshawn Johnson, whose ESPN tenure ended on Super Bowl Sunday. (The Big Lead)
Rowe Hopes to Return in Two Weeks, Will Start Treatment in April
- ESPN sideline reporter Holly Rowe plans to return to the network for the February 29 Kansas/Texas college basketball game, Sports Illustrated reported Sunday, after missing time due to recent health troubles. According to the report, Rowe has a “rare form of melanoma cancer that has spread through her body” and will begin undergoing treatment in April. Despite a diagnosis that she admits “sounds daunting,” Rowe called her prognosis “pretty good” and said she is “very hopeful.” (SI.com)
Networks to Pursue Manning
- Broncos QB Peyton Manning will be pursued for an on-air role by all four NFL broadcast partners assuming he retires from the league, Sports Business Journal reported Monday. Sources from NBC, FOX, CBS and ESPN told the publication that “they want a chance to convince” Manning to work as a game or studio analyst. (Sports Business Journal)
