Thursday Night Football analyst Andrew Whitworth thinks veteran sportscasters like Terry Bradshaw still have plenty to offer, even though they've been the subjected to criticism from younger viewers
James Desborough
23:48 ET, 24 Oct 2025Updated 23:48 ET, 24 Oct 2025
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - FEBRUARY 06: Former NFL Player and NFL Sunday co-host Terry Bradshaw speaks to the media during FOX Sports Media Day at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on February 06, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
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Terry Bradshaw is one of the most recognizable NFL analysts
Thursday Night Football analyst Andrew Whitworth insists Terry Bradshaw and his fellow veteran sportscasters remain relevant — even if they occasionally endure an awkward moment on the air.
Bradshaw, 77, ventured into the world of sports broadcasting immediately after retiring from the NFL in 1984, with his popularity reaching new heights once he teamed up with FOX a decade later. The Pittsburgh Steelers legend was part of the original FOX NFL Sunday cast alongside Howie Long, Jimmy Johnson, and host James Brown, using his charisma and sense of humor to help the show go on a 31-year run as America's most-watched NFL pregame program.
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In the past few years, though, Bradshaw has been in the line of fire of younger audiences, who often point out on social media his slightly outdated comments and question his understanding of the game. But Withworth has come to his defense, insisting Bradshaw and other veteran sportscasters still have plenty to offer.
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"I think anybody at any level from the history of our game has a place," the former Cincinnati Bengals and Los Angeles Rams tackle told Mirror U.S. Sports at Amazon's NBA On Prime Studio launch when asked about the criticism Bradshaw receives.
"And there's people that played it before I ever did it and will play it long after, that's for sure. And I think all of them, because they've taken that field, they've had the opportunity to be in those moments, they have something to give.
"And is it all there? No. I mean, even I'm that way. There's certain things that aren't territory that I'm familiar with. There's always going to be places where all of us maybe don't have the full take of everything that goes on, the full grasp of the experiences.
"I couldn't speak to being a corner in the NFL and much about playing defense other than the guys I might've faced in defense alignment and linebackers.
CINCINNATI, OH - OCTOBER 16: Andrew Whitworth looks on during the TNF on Prime pregame show prior to an NFL football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium on October 16, 2025 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
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Andrew Whitworth believes Bradshaw remains relevant despite criticism from younger viewers
"So I try to avoid that as much as possible, but I am also in the process of learning it. So I think that whether you've played it a long time ago, you play it now, or you're going to play it in the future. It's always a level of respect for those guys and an appreciation for the journey and road they went on.”
Take business
As for his own broadcasting style, Whitworth admits that he doesn't like to serve up extreme, controversial comments or harsh "takes" on players, unlike many of his outspoken peers.
The Prime Video star says he adopts the “same attitude” he had as a player in the locker room and on the field when evaluating talent during games on the air. "I want to celebrate the game," Whit said.
"I want to encourage and promote guys that are playing well. And then when there's moments that there needs to be challenge, and there needs to be something where we need to step it up, we need to play better, the expectation level or the standards not being met.
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"I don't see those as any different than when I was a captain of a football team for 13 and 16 years as in the NFL. I needed to challenge teammates and challenge coaches and walk into an office and say, 'Hey, coach, we've got to do it a different way. I need to challenge you that maybe there's a different philosophy I need to challenge. Who's on our roster? Who are the guys we're leaning on?'
"I look at it more like challenges than call outs and takes because I really am not in the take business. I'm in the business of, if I feel like it's not quality football, I feel like it's not the way I want to see it played, then I want to challenge guys to see if maybe there's a better way they could do it.
"I look forward, actually, to hopefully getting the responses and seeing them improve and maybe them reaching their potential.
"I'm not saying it in a way that I want them to not get there. I'm hoping they do. And so it's a lot of fun to see guys live up to some of the challenges, those expectations you have for their career."
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - FEBRUARY 09: Jalen Hurts #1 of the Philadelphia Eagles is interviewed by Terry Bradshaw after winning Super Bowl LIX against the Kansas City Chiefs at Caesars Superdome on February 09, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Eagles defeated the Chiefs 40-22. (Kara Durrette/Getty Images)
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Bradshaw has been a staple of FOX NFL Sunday for over three decades
Prime time
Whitworth also spoke about the "fresh new energy" of Amazon covering sports as the streaming giant launched Amazon Prime Video's new NBA On Prime Studio launch at The Culver Studios in LA.
Whit joined a raft of ex-pros making up the streamer’s cutting-edge new TV coverage, which began on Prime with a blockbuster double-header — the Boston Celtics taking on the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden, followed by the Minnesota Timberwolves facing the Los Angeles Lakers in a rematch of their 2024 playoff series — tipping off on Friday, October 24.
Fans will get to see the multi-million dollar new set at Amazon Studios in Culver City. In between NBA on Prime doubleheaders this season, Prime will bridge games with The Crossover. Every game night will be followed by NBA Nightcap, a one-hour postgame show featuring player interviews and in-depth analysis of the game.
Superstar talent signed to NBA on Prime include Steve Nash, Taylor Rooks, Dirk Nowitzki, Ian Eagle, Rudy Gay, Stan Van Gundy, Blake Griffin, John Wall, Candace Parker, and Dwyane Wade.
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For up-to-date information regarding Prime Video’s NBA coverage, visit the NBA on Prime page on Prime Video and follow @NBAonPrime on X, Instagram, and TikTok.