Did ESPN demote Ron Jaworski to make room for Peyton Manning?

Life will be a bit more dull when we finally figure out what the future holds for Peyton Manning. At the moment, he could either retire, stay with the Colts, or wind up with any NFL team that is in need of a quarterback. One second he’s healthy enough to play and the next his arm strength is reportedly nonexistent. Unsurprisingly, a new theory has emerged as to where Manning may end up next year: in the announcer’s booth.

As we know, ESPN announced earlier this week that Ron Jaworski has been removed from the Monday Night Football broadcast booth. For now, Mike Tirico and Jon Gruden will share the duties. The NY Daily News wonders if Manning might join them next season.

For if Peyton Manning decides to call it quits, not return to football for the 2012 season, ESPN has positioned itself perfectly to lure the Indy legend to Bristol.

If Manning wants to do TV next season, ESPN is our odds-on favorite to get him. Teams clear cap space. ESPN has cleared booth space…

A network would not hire a star like Manning to work regional telecasts seen by 15% of the country. If you hire Manning he must work on the No. 1 team.

If someone like Manning were to break into broadcasting, Monday Night Football would be an appetizing offer. Something tells me, however, that Manning has not given this any thought. Regardless of how many neck surgeries he has had over the past year, Peyton still wants to play football. With that in mind, I wouldn’t put it past the folks in Bristol to have kicked around the idea.