Could Travis Kelce be the next voice of TNF? Prime Video mulls big-name switch

Thursday Night Football is one of the NFL’s most-watched primetime events, and changes could be coming to the broadcast booth. One of the most intriguing possibilities involves Travis Kelce.

Prime Video has Travis Kelce on its Thursday Night Football radar

According to The Athletic’s senior media reporter Andrew Marchand, Prime Video could be considering Kelce as a potential replacement for current color commentator Kirk Herbstreit once Herbstreit’s contract expires after the 2026 season.

While the primary candidates reportedly include long-time broadcaster Greg Olsen and former pass rusher J.J. Watt, Kelce, along with NFL head coach Sean McVay, has been mentioned as a “wild card” possibility in the network’s decision-making process.

Kelce, one of the most decorated tight ends in NFL history and a perennial fan favorite, has not publicly committed to retiring. Sources suggest he’s still weighing his playing future, and that decision will impact his broadcasting options. Earlier coverage notes Kelce has expressed a preference for calling games from the booth rather than working studio shows if he eventually transitions into television broadcasting, aligning with the kind of role TNF would offer.

Kirk Herbstreit, a widely respected commentator who works alongside iconic play-by-play voice Al Michaels on Thursday Night Football, is entering the final year of his contract with Amazon Prime Video. That’s opened the door for speculation about the future of the broadcast team and how Amazon will position its NFL coverage moving forward.

Historically, color commentators have been retired players or career media figures with prior broadcasting experience. But Kelce’s massive popularity, media presence (especially with his podcast and crossover celebrity profile), and communication skills could make him a unique fit for Amazon’s entertainment-forward NFL package.

Of course, nothing is finalized, and Amazon has not made any official announcements. Prime Video’s TNF team currently features a mix of experienced voices alongside Herbstreit and Michaels, and decisions about future personnel won’t be public until the network confirms them.

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