• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, July 8, 2025

Rivers’ Next Big Payday?

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

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. 

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

ESPN Brings Pat McAfee to Atlanta for Home Run Derby Showcase

The Disney-owned network will bring one of its top stars to Atlanta.
Malika Andrews
exclusive

Joe Buck, Malika Andrews to Guest-Host ABC’s ‘Good Morning America’

Elle Duncan and Laura Rutledge have also had discussions.
Dan Orlovsky and Ryan Clark
exclusive

Dan Orlovsky, ESPN Agree to Terms for Contract Extension

Orlovsky had faced possible free agency this summer with his contract ending.
Jul 2, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani (17) heads to the dugout prior to the first inning against the Chicago White Sox at Dodger Stadium.

MLB Changes Are ‘Showing Great Results’: Former CFO

Big stars playing in major markets “make a real difference.”

Featured Today

American Celebs Want to Be Sports Owners. Soccer Is Where They Start

As U.S. team prices climb, investors set their sights abroad.
July 5, 2025

Baseball’s Celebrity Row: Behind MLB’s First-Pitch Ritual

Often planned, sometimes spontaneous, the ritual throw is baseball’s celebrity row.
July 4, 2025

3,000 Hot Dogs, $20K in Prizes: Behind the Nathan’s Eating Contest

Nathan’s serves up thousands of hot dogs and $20,000 in prize money.
July 3, 2025

Geoffrey Esper Can’t Catch a Break at Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest

“Hot dogs is not one of my favorite competitions of the year.”
Dewanna Bonner

DeWanna Bonner Will Sign With Phoenix Mercury After Fever Saga

Bonner will rejoin the franchise where she won two titles.
July 7, 2025

An FSU Amateur Golfer Beat the World’s Best—but Can’t Accept $79K Prize

Top-ranked amateur Lottie Woad won the KPMG Women’s Irish Open.
July 7, 2025

How Bradley Beal Buyout Would Save Suns $230M, and What’s Next

Beal has two years and $110 million remaining on his deal.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Dealmaker Jeffrey Kaplan maps the evolution of sports as an asset class
July 6, 2025

WNBA All-Stars Will Earn $2,575 for Playing in Game

The WNBPA is in the midst of negotiations for a new CBA.
July 6, 2025

Unrivaled Co-Founders Deny Conflict of Interest With WNBPA Leadership

The WNBA and its union are negotiating a new CBA.
exclusive
July 2, 2025

WNBA Players Reject League’s First CBA Offer

Players felt the initial proposal wasn’t “entirely responsive” to their request.
Nike banners featuring Caitlin Clark are installed along the eastern side of Des Moines' Court Avenue Restaurant and Brewing Company on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2025.
July 2, 2025

Caitlin Clark’s Signature Shoe Could Be $100 Million Business: Sneaker Expert

Clark’s shoe could rival top NBA signature lines.