In Tampa, Abby DiSalvo noted former Buccaneers coach Jon Gruden “seemed thrilled by his upcoming play-by-play opportunity” during the team’s Aug. 22 preseason game against the Chiefs. Gruden, who will call the game with former NFLer Ronde Barber, said that he “missed the camaraderie of the TV booth.” Gruden has not called a game since ending his nine-year run as an analyst on “Monday Night Football” in 2018. While calling the play-by-play “will be a new challenge … he did not seem fazed” (TAMPA BAY TIMES, 8/6).
A DECISION TO MAKE: In N.Y., Phil Mushnick wondered what CBS intends to do with Tony Romo following his OWI arrest last month. Mushnick: “Does Romo’s deal include a morals clause to invoke -- to fire him ‘for cause’ and, more importantly, to rescue CBS from the balance of Romo’s insane salary?” Mushnick wrote he has “enjoyed Romo’s hoarse-throated analysis on CBS’s telecasts.” Mushnick: “He could be funny, no forced laughter needed, wickedly sarcastic and … provided spoken foresight, often correct, about what was coming and why” (N.Y. POST, 8/6).
THE DYNAMIC DUO: VARIETY’s Ryan Gajewski reported Winter State Entertainment is developing a documentary based on longtime N.Y. Daily News writer Gary Myers’ 2015 book “Brady vs. Manning.” Hamid and Camille Torabpour “are attached to direct the project,” which will including interviews with “teammates, coaches, executives, journalists and other prominent figures” (VARIETY, 8/6).