4 Highest-Paid NFL Analysts in History
By Jerry Trotta
Tony Romo signed a long-term contract extension with CBS on Friday that will make him the highest-paid NFL analyst in league history. Per the New York Post, Romo will earn approximately $17 million annually.
When you consider the former Dallas Cowboys signal caller's seamless transition to the booth and the mesmerizing reputation he's established alongside Jim Nantz, this contract truly isn't anything less than he deserves.
However, it does make you wonder where the bar was set before Romo's record-setting extension. Let's highlight the wealthiest TV analysts in NFL history.
4. Jon Gruden
Before ESPN and Monday Night Football treated football fans to the polarizing broadcasting tandem of Joe Tessitore, Booger McFarland and (formerly) Jason Witten, Jon Gruden was making $6.5 million per year to call the primetime game. Given how woefully the network has failed to find a competent replacement for Gruden, the now-Oakland Raiders head coach was worth every penny.
3. Troy Aikman
Romo was actually rumored to be Aikman's replacement on FOX when the latter was reportedly considering returning to the Cowboys in a front office role. That, of course, never came to be, as Aikman kept his gig alongside Joe Buck as FOX's top analyst, where he reportedly makes around $7.5 million per year.
2. John Madden
That's right, folks. Before Romo, the legendary John Madden held the record for the highest-paid analyst. The kicker? Romo's salary more than doubles Madden's $8 million per year, which the Hall of Famer was paid 20 years ago!
1. Tony Romo
The man of the hour. Romo would have been eligible for free agency starting in March, and he was reported to be heavily pursued by ESPN, among other prominent networks. According to the New York Post, Romo's contract with CBS is reportedly for longer than five years and will ultimately eclipse $100 million.