Monday, October 5, 2026
  • -
    days
  • -
    hours
  • -
    minutes
  • -
    seconds

Rivers’ Next Big Payday?

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Want more from Front Office Sports
in your search results?

Add Front Office Sports on Google

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers announced his retirement yesterday after 17 years in the NFL and more than $240 million in earnings.

Rivers, who ranks fifth in league history in both passing yards and touchdown passes, could continue to see big paydays.

While he plans to coach his sons’ football team at St. Michael Catholic High School in Fairhope, Alabama, TV networks are also eyeing the always-chatty Rivers as an NFL analyst. 

Openings include the color commentator role for Fox and ESPN’s “Monday Night Football.” 

Rivers would join the growing list of NFL alumni on weekly broadcasts:

  • Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo has excelled as an analyst for CBS since 2017, and now makes a reported $18 million per season.
  • Fellow retired Dallas QB Troy Aikman has become a staple in homes alongside Joe Buck on Fox.
  • Former wideout Cris Collinsworth has been a color analyst for NBC since 1990 and has won 15 Sports Emmys.
  • New Orleans Saints QB Drew Brees has a deal to join “Sunday Night Football” as an analyst now that he’s retired.

Networks have also sought former Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning since he retired in 2016, though he’s hosting the ESPN+ show “Peyton’s Places.”

“Manning’s the white whale for everybody. But Rivers might be just as good. If not better,” a source told FOS in December. 

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Suzy Kolber at Front Office Sports

Suzy Kolber Talks ESPN Layoff, ‘Unconventional’ Path to Scripps

Kolber also addressed why she thinks ESPN’s “middle class” is disappearing.
Dec 31, 2025; Arlington, TX, USA; A detailed view of the College Football Playoff logo on the pylon during the game between the Miami Hurricanes and Ohio State Buckeyes during the 2025 Cotton Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

ESPN’s Exclusive Window Closes Next Week As 24-Team CFP Looms

The College Football Playoff has until Dec. 1 to expand for 2027.
Atlanta, GA - March 7, 2026 - Turner Studios: Shaquille O'Neal , Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith, and Charles Barkley during the 2026 NBA marketing campaign featuring Inside the NBA on ESPN.

Barkley Gets His Wish: More ‘Inside the NBA’ on ESPN This Season

Charles Barkley publicly complained about the show’s previous ESPN schedule.
Texas quarterback Arch Manning (16) during a college football game between Tennessee and Texas at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn. on Sept. 26, 2026.

College Football Viewership Down 11% Through September vs. 2025

FBS game broadcasts are averaging 1.7 million viewers.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

A Conversation with Gronk about Sports Betting, Tom Brady & More

0:00

Featured Today

How the Baseball Cap Became a ‘Behemoth’

The hat has become essential for athletes, fans, and the sports-agnostic.
Morishita-Sato-homerun-celebration-at-Meiji-Jingu-Baseball-Staidum-2025
September 28, 2026

Japanese Baseball Is Fighting Back Against MLB Talent Drain

Nippon Professional Baseball is reimagining how to be a global juggernaut.
Aug 9, 2026; Bedminster, New Jersey, USA; President Donald Trump walks out of the clubhouse during the final round of the LIV Golf New York tournament at Trump National Bedminster.
September 25, 2026

Trump’s Year of Sports Gets Busier With CFB, Presidents Cup

The impact of Trump’s attendance varies across each sporting event.
A Bar of Their Own
September 25, 2026

Women’s Sports Bars: Novelty Has Worn Off, ‘That’s a Good Thing’

They’re leveling up, but sustainability remains the first consideration.
Hot & Social/Mets
September 18, 2026

Sports Teams Are Playing a New Role: Matchmaker

The latest promotion at the stadium? Love.

LeBron’s Fanatics Deal Includes Helicopter Use

The helicopter has repeatedly gone between NYC and Philly.
Tom Brady Raiders
September 30, 2026

Tom Brady Biographer Still Not Ruling Out NFL Comeback

Brady’s last NFL season was in 2022.
October 5, 2026

Alex Ovechkin Announces Retirement After 22 Seasons

The Capitals superstar said this season will be his last.
Sponsored

Beyond the Scorecard: How Dow Is Putting Purpose at the Center of Women’s Golf

Discover how Dow and the LPGA are building a partnership with lasting impact.
Sponsored

Beyond the Scorecard: How Dow Is Putting Purpose at the Center of Women’s Golf

Discover how Dow and the LPGA are building a partnership with lasting impact.
September 27, 2026

U.S. Avoids Disaster With Biggest Presidents Cup Comeback Ever

Donald Trump was on hand a day after attending Texas-Tennessee.
September 27, 2026

Some NFL Players Tone Down Celebrations After Surprise Fines

Star wide receivers decided to keep their money.
First at FOS
September 24, 2026

Albert Pujols Says He Pursued MLB Ownership

The three-time MVP said his group was outbid for multiple franchises.