Gregg Giannotti questions ESPN leaning Greg Olsen over Troy Aikman
ESPN’s reported interest in Olsen
Reports that talks between Troy Aikman and ESPN had fallen apart were followed by news that the network was interested in Fox analyst Greg Olsen for Monday Night Football. Aikman works alongside Joe Buck, and ESPN could consider other game analysts if his role opens up.
Olsen has sought a return to a No. 1 booth since Tom Brady took his position at Fox in 2024. Giannotti argued that ESPN appeared to have focused on Olsen quickly, describing him as a “sympathetic figure” after his demotion.
Aikman comparison and cost concerns
Giannotti said Aikman was “much better” than Olsen and suggested cost could influence ESPN’s decision. He said replacing Aikman with Olsen would leave him confused, while speculating that a desire to upgrade the booth and spend less could lead to a mistake.
Olsen and Joe Davis’s Fox booth was ranked readers’ favorite in the league in each of the past two seasons. Still, the article notes that Olsen has less star power than Aikman, a Dallas Cowboys legend.
Other names in the discussion
Giannotti called Olsen a possible fallback if ESPN cannot attract Peyton Manning or Travis Kelce. He and co-host Boomer Esiason said neither appeared to have much incentive to take on a full-time announcing role.
The two said Jason Kelce might be a better fit, though he is less proven than Olsen and already works on ESPN’s No. 2 broadcast team. The discussion also follows criticism from Olsen about New York Giants receiver Malik Nabers; Olsen said the media exaggerated his comments.
Key points
- ESPN was reportedly interested in Greg Olsen after talks with Troy Aikman fell apart.
- Gregg Giannotti questioned whether Olsen is a stronger choice than Aikman.
- Giannotti and Boomer Esiason discussed Peyton Manning, Travis Kelce and Jason Kelce as alternatives.