• Ranking of top NFL players turned broadcasters. 25. Ron Jaworski (ESPN): A majority owner of Albany Empire, he introduced viewers to X?s and O?s.A majority owner of Albany Empire, he introduced viewers to X?s and O?s.. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union) Photo: Lori Van Buren / 20042721A
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Ranking of top NFL players turned broadcasters. 25. Ron Jaworski (ESPN): A majority owner of Albany Empire, he introduced viewers to X?s and O?s.A majority owner of Albany Empire, he introduced viewers to X?s and O?s.. (Lori Van Buren/Times Union) less
Ranking of top NFL players turned broadcasters. 25. Ron Jaworski (ESPN): A majority owner of Albany Empire, he introduced viewers to X?s and O?s.A majority owner of Albany Empire, he introduced viewers to X?s ... more
Photo: Lori Van Buren
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Ranking of top NFL players turned broadcasters. 24: Jeff Saturday (ESPN): If he were a QB and not Peyton Manning?s center, he would get better gigs. (Photo by Wayne Davis / ESPN Images)
Ranking of top NFL players turned broadcasters. 24: Jeff Saturday (ESPN): If he were a QB and not Peyton Manning?s center, he would get better gigs. (Photo by Wayne Davis / ESPN Images)
Photo: Wayne Davis / ESPN Images
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Ranking of top NFL players turned broadcasters. 22: Boomer Esiason (ABC, CBS, Showtime): Versatility helps land ?Norman? a spot on this list. (Photo by Andy Kropa/Invision/AP)
Ranking of top NFL players turned broadcasters. 22: Boomer Esiason (ABC, CBS, Showtime): Versatility helps land ?Norman? a spot on this list. (Photo by Andy Kropa/Invision/AP)
Photo: Andy Kropa
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Ranking of top NFL players turned broadcasters. 20 Hank Stram, left (CBS, CBS Radio): His penchant for predicting plays made him a radio cult hero. (Photo by David Maxwell/Getty Images)
Ranking of top NFL players turned broadcasters. 20 Hank Stram, left (CBS, CBS Radio): His penchant for predicting plays made him a radio cult hero. (Photo by David Maxwell/Getty Images)
Photo: David Maxwell
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Ranking of top NFL players turned broadcasters. 19 Paul Maguire, right (NBC, ESPN): An iconic figure in Buffalo as a player, he got two Super Bowl nods.
Ranking of top NFL players turned broadcasters. 19 Paul Maguire, right (NBC, ESPN): An iconic figure in Buffalo as a player, he got two Super Bowl nods.
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Ranking of top NFL players turned broadcasters. 18 Steve Mariucci, right (NFL Network): The ex-49ers coach is the best of the NFL Network collection.
Ranking of top NFL players turned broadcasters. 18 Steve Mariucci, right (NFL Network): The ex-49ers coach is the best of the NFL Network collection.
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Ranking of top NFL players turned broadcasters. 17 Irv Cross, far right (CBS): The first African-American to work full-time as a sports analyst on national TV.(CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved)
Ranking of top NFL players turned broadcasters. 17 Irv Cross, far right (CBS): The first African-American to work full-time as a sports analyst on national TV.(CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved)
Photo: Unknown
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Ranking of top NFL players turned broadcasters. 16 Frank Gifford (ABC): Among the first former athletes to become a network play-by-play man. (Barton Silverman/ The New York Times)
Ranking of top NFL players turned broadcasters. 16 Frank Gifford (ABC): Among the first former athletes to become a network play-by-play man. (Barton Silverman/ The New York Times)
Photo: BARTON SILVERMAN
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Ranking of top NFL players turned broadcasters. 15: Michael Strahan (Fox): His multi-tasking ability showed when he co-hosted a morning show. (Fred R. Conrad/The New York Times)
Ranking of top NFL players turned broadcasters. 15: Michael Strahan (Fox): His multi-tasking ability showed when he co-hosted a morning show. (Fred R. Conrad/The New York Times)
Photo: FRED R CONRAD
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Ranking of top NFL players turned broadcasters. 13: Jon Gruden (ESPN): He was different, if not always good; his ?QB Camp? was must-watch TV. (Photo by Joe Faraoni/ ESPN Images)
Ranking of top NFL players turned broadcasters. 13: Jon Gruden (ESPN): He was different, if not always good; his ?QB Camp? was must-watch TV. (Photo by Joe Faraoni/ ESPN Images)
Photo: Joe Faraoni
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Ranking of top NFL players turned broadcasters. 12 Terry Bradshaw, second from right (CBS, Fox): A guy whose intelligence is questioned is in his fourth decade of TV.(Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP)
Ranking of top NFL players turned broadcasters. 12 Terry Bradshaw, second from right (CBS, Fox): A guy whose intelligence is questioned is in his fourth decade of TV.(Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP)
Photo: Charles Sykes
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Ranking of top NFL players turned broadcasters. 11: Phil Simms, right (CBS, Showtime): Despite his demotion from game analysis, his studio work is strong. (John P.Filo / CBS)
Ranking of top NFL players turned broadcasters. 11: Phil Simms, right (CBS, Showtime): Despite his demotion from game analysis, his studio work is strong. (John P.Filo / CBS)
Photo: John P. Filo
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Ranking of top NFL players turned broadcasters. 10: Dan Fouts (CBS, ABC): It has been three decades since the ex-Chargers QB was flinging passes.:(Jeffrey R.Staab/CBS)
Ranking of top NFL players turned broadcasters. 10: Dan Fouts (CBS, ABC): It has been three decades since the ex-Chargers QB was flinging passes.:(Jeffrey R.Staab/CBS)
Photo: Jeffrey R. Staab
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Ranking of top NFL players turned broadcasters. 9: Tony Romo (CBS): One of three Cowboys on this list, his star may eventually shine the brightest. (David Needleman/CBS )
Ranking of top NFL players turned broadcasters. 9: Tony Romo (CBS): One of three Cowboys on this list, his star may eventually shine the brightest. (David Needleman/CBS )
Photo: DAVID NEEDLEMAN
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Ranking of top NFL players turned broadcasters. 8: Troy Aikman (Fox): Hard to believe he is in his 18th season after a Hall of Fame career with Dallas. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
Ranking of top NFL players turned broadcasters. 8: Troy Aikman (Fox): Hard to believe he is in his 18th season after a Hall of Fame career with Dallas. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
Photo: Norm Hall
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Ranking of top NFL players turned broadcasters. 7:: Dan Dierdorf, right (CBS, ABC): For three decades he offered proof that offensive linemen are well-schooled.. (JOHN PAUL FILO/CBS)
Ranking of top NFL players turned broadcasters. 7:: Dan Dierdorf, right (CBS, ABC): For three decades he offered proof that offensive linemen are well-schooled.. (JOHN PAUL FILO/CBS)
Photo: JOHN P. FILO
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Ranking of top NFL players turned broadcasters. 6: Don Meredith, (ABC). Among the first former players to show his personality once the helmet came off.Ranking of top NFL players turned broadcasters. (AP Photo/ABC) less
Ranking of top NFL players turned broadcasters. 6: Don Meredith, (ABC). Among the first former players to show his personality once the helmet came off.Ranking of top NFL players turned broadcasters. (AP ... more
Photo: Anonymous
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Ranking of top NFL players turned broadcasters. 5: Tom Jackson, right (ESPN): The ex-linebacker lasted 14 seasons in the NFL and 30 more in the ESPN studio. (Photo by Melissa Rawlins / ESPN Images)
Ranking of top NFL players turned broadcasters. 5: Tom Jackson, right (ESPN): The ex-linebacker lasted 14 seasons in the NFL and 30 more in the ESPN studio. (Photo by Melissa Rawlins / ESPN Images)
Photo: Melissa Rawlins / ESPN Images
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Ranking of top NFL players turned broadcasters. 4: Merlin Olsen (NBC): He showed that linemen can not analyze games, they can act and sell flowers. (AP Photo/NFL Photos)
Ranking of top NFL players turned broadcasters. 4: Merlin Olsen (NBC): He showed that linemen can not analyze games, they can act and sell flowers. (AP Photo/NFL Photos)
Photo: NFL
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Ranking of top NFL players turned broadcasters. 3: Cris Collinsworth (Fox, HBO, NBC): He is simply the best of the current analyst; no one else is close. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images)
Ranking of top NFL players turned broadcasters. 3: Cris Collinsworth (Fox, HBO, NBC): He is simply the best of the current analyst; no one else is close. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images)
Photo: Scott Halleran
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Ranking of top NFL players turned broadcasters. 2: John Madden (CBS, Fox, NBC): No one changed the analyst?s game more than the former Raiders coach. (Photo by Ida Mae Astute/ABC via Getty Images)
Ranking of top NFL players turned broadcasters. 2: John Madden (CBS, Fox, NBC): No one changed the analyst?s game more than the former Raiders coach. (Photo by Ida Mae Astute/ABC via Getty Images)
Photo: Handout
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Ranking of top NFL players turned broadcasters. 1: Pat Summerall (CBS, Fox). The ex-Giant gained fame as Madden?s low-key, unselfish play-by-play partner..(AP Photo/Nick Ut)
Ranking of top NFL players turned broadcasters. 1: Pat Summerall (CBS, Fox). The ex-Giant gained fame as Madden?s low-key, unselfish play-by-play partner..(AP Photo/Nick Ut)
Photo: NICK UT
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ESPN has been bringing in candidates to audition for its "Monday Night Football" analyst position to work alongside Niskayuna native Joe Tessitore (still no official annoucement on Tessitore's play-by-play promotion, but it is going to happen.)

Brett Favre fared poorly, according to sources cited by Andrew Marchand of the New York Post, and later tweeted that he won't pursue the position. Kurt Warner, solid on NFL Network. remains a strong candidate.

Fox also is wading in the talent pool of former — and even current — NFL players to find an analyst for its new Thursday night football package.

That got us to thinking about some of the players and coaches who successfully transitioned from the playing field to the broadcast booth.

More Information

Sound bytes

1 The NFL schedule was released Thursday night, and the most interesting thing isn't necessarily who plays who in what week. The league has moved kickoff times for all of its prime-time telecasts: 8:15 for Mondays (from 8:30), 8:20 for Sunday (from 8:30) and 8:20 for Thursday (from 8:25). The changes are subtle, but as NFL vice president Brian McCarthy tweeted, "Remember when MNF started after 9:05p ET?"

2 Fox, which agreed in January to a five-year deal for the NFL's Thursday night package, hopes to bring it to the level of its Sunday games. The network will use three "Fox NFL Sunday" analysts — Terry Bradshaw, Howie Long and Michael Strahan — for its half-hour Thursday night pregame show. Still to be determined are the booth announcers. The Thursday pregame and game telecasts will be simulcast on NFL Network.

3 The Breeders' Cup Challenge Series will include seven Saratoga races among the 26 that NBC and NBC Sports Network plan to air between June and October. A two-hour Travers Day (Aug. 25), which includes the Sword Dancer and a race to be determined, on NBC highlights the schedule. The Saturday race cards on Aug. 4 (Whitney, Test) and Sept. 1 (Woodward, Spinaway) will air on NBCSN.

Someday we could expand this list to emcompass all sports, but for now we offer the 25 former NFLers who have become successful broadcasters:

25Ron Jaworski (ESPN): A majority owner of Albany Empire, he introduced viewers to X's and O's.

24 Jeff Saturday (ESPN): If he were a QB and not Peyton Manning's center, he would get better gigs.

23 Al DeRogatis (NBC): Ex-Giant worked three Super Bowls with Curt Gowdy; solid, not spectacular.

22 Boomer Esiason (ABC, CBS, Showtime): Versatility helps land "Norman" a spot on this list.

21 Bob Trumpy (NBC): Former Bengals tight end was his network's top analyst from 1992 to 1995.

20 Hank Stram (CBS, CBS Radio): His penchant for predicting plays made him a radio cult hero.

19 Paul Maguire (NBC, ESPN): An iconic figure in Buffalo as a player, he got two Super Bowl nods.

18 Steve Mariucci (NFL Network): The ex-49ers coach is the best of the NFL Network collection.

17 Irv Cross (CBS): The first African-American to work full-time as a sports analyst on national TV.

16 Frank Gifford (ABC): Among the first former athletes to become a network play-by-play man.

15 Michael Strahan (Fox): His multi-tasking ability showed when he co-hosted a morning show.

14 Tom Brookshier (CBS): He and Pat Summerall were at the top of the CBS roster for eight seasons.

13 Jon Gruden (ESPN): He was different, if not always good; his "QB Camp" was must-watch TV.

12 Terry Bradshaw (CBS, Fox): A guy whose intelligence is questioned is in his fourth decade of TV.

11 Phil Simms (CBS, Showtime): Despite his demotion from game analysis, his studio work is strong.

10 Dan Fouts (CBS, ABC): It has been three decades since the ex-Chargers QB was flinging passes.

9 Tony Romo (CBS): One of three Cowboys on this list, his star may eventually shine the brightest.

8 Troy Aikman (Fox): Hard to believe he is in his 18th season after a Hall of Fame career with Dallas.

7 Dan Dierdorf (CBS, ABC): For three decades he offered proof that offensive linemen are well-schooled.

6 Don Meredith (ABC). Among the first former players to show his personality once the helmet came off.

5 Tom Jackson (ESPN): The ex-linebacker lasted 14 seasons in the NFL and 30 more in the ESPN studio.

4 Merlin Olsen (NBC): He showed that linemen can not only analyze games, they can act and sell flowers.

3 Cris Collinsworth (Fox, HBO, NBC): He is simply the best of the current analyst; no one else is close.

2 John Madden (CBS, Fox, NBC): No one changed the analyst's game more than the former Raiders coach.

1 Pat Summerall (CBS, Fox). The ex-Giant gained fame as Madden's low-key, unselfish play-by-play partner.

Pete Dougherty is the Times Union's sports TV/radio columnist • pdougherty@timesunion.com • 518-454-5416 • @Pete_Dougherty