Kirk Herbstreit Nears Contract Extension with Amazon Prime Video for Thursday Night Football
The veteran announcer's deal reportedly includes flexibility for Amazon to pursue other options.
Kirk Herbstreit, a prominent commentator for Amazon Prime Video's Thursday Night Football, has reportedly agreed to a contract extension with the streaming service. However, the agreement includes a clause allowing Amazon to pursue other candidates should they become available, according to The Athletic.
Sources told The Athletic that Amazon maintains the option to pivot to other high-profile figures, such as Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay, if they become available. Details of Herbstreit's new deal have not been fully disclosed, but it is believed to be an eight-figure contract and shorter in duration than his previous three-year agreement.
Herbstreit, who played quarterback at Ohio State before joining ESPN in 1995, has become a significant voice in college football, serving as a lead analyst for College GameDay and ESPN/ABC broadcasts. He expanded his role into the NFL in recent years, first with duties at the 2018 draft and then on Monday Night Football in 2020, before becoming the lead color commentator for Thursday Night Football in 2022.
Working alongside play-by-play announcer Al Michaels, Herbstreit has been part of a team credited with improving the ratings for TNF. Prime Video reported a 16 percent increase in viewership in 2025 compared to the previous season.
Herbstreit's contract with ESPN is also set to expire. ESPN plans to address his college football contract after the current college football season concludes. Amazon had previously pursued Sean McVay, reportedly offering him approximately $20 million annually to join their broadcast team, but McVay re-signed with the Rams.
Herbstreit is also recognized for his golden retriever, Peter, who often accompanies him and is frequently seen at games.