Story by
Greg Olsen Viewed As Clear Favorite To Replace Troy Aikman At ESPN
- Story by
- Greg Olsen Viewed As Clear Favorite To Replace Troy Aikman At ESPN
With all signs pointing towards Troy Aikman departing ESPN at the end of this NFL season, the network will have to find a suitable replacement quickly. Fortunately there appears to be a viable replacement that everyone can get behind.
According to The Athletic's Andrew Marchand via Awful Announcing , FOX's No. 2 color commentator Greg Olsen is believed to be the frontrunner to replace Aikman on Monday Night Football .
Advertisement
Olsen has been with FOX since 2021 and is widely regarded as one of the best analysts in football today.
It wouldn't be the first time that Olsen has replaced Aikman either. After Aikman first left FOX to take the ESPN job, Olsen spent two years working alongside Kevin Burkhardt, receiving widespread critical acclaim in the process. But the signing of Tom Brady to the No. 1 color commentator role saw Olsen relegated to No. 2 in the FOX pecking order.
Fans love the idea.
Olsen has been a fan favorite for years now so the idea of having him in the leading role is practically a dream come true to some:
Advertisement
"Good. Greg Olsen is the best in the game," one user on X declared .
"That would be a phenomenal duo, and well-deserved he was #1 until Brady showed up…" wrote another .
"I certainly hope this is true! #GregOlsen knows 🏈 like no body else can…as far as I'm concerned. Let's go!" a third wrote .
"How it always should've been. The right answer is sometimes the easiest. Take the layup ESPN ."
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – OCTOBER 10: Former player Greg Olsen of the Carolina Panthers reacts during the football game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Bank of America Stadium on October 10, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Mike Comer/Getty Images)Mike Comer/Getty Images
Prior to joining FOX in 2021, Olsen was a star tight end for 14 years split between the Chicago Bears, Carolina Panthers and Seattle Seahawks. He was a three-time Pro Bowler and a two-time All-Pro selection. He retired with 742 receptions for 8,683 yards and 60 touchdowns.
This story was originally published by The Spun on Oct 30, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
