Finding the next Romostradamus: What the data tells us

For all the on-field fireworks the NFL delivers, the league’s media footprint has become just as much a battleground as the gridiron. Networks are spending billions for rights, fighting for talent, experimenting with alternative broadcasts, and trying to differentiate in a crowded sports media environment. Through it all, one constant has emerged: fans want personality.

We’re in an era where former quarterbacks become household-name broadcasters, coaches evolve into weekly storytellers, and front-office executives land their own media platforms. Tony “Romostradamus” Romo reset expectations for what an analyst could be, while Peyton and Eli helped redefine Monday nights with a conversational format that felt more like a group chat than a broadcast booth.

To understand who fans want next, YouGov fielded a Custom Research study to a nationally representative sample of 1,000 sports fans, including 640 NFL fans, asking which current players and head coaches they would most want to hear in the booth.

The results highlight where fan demand sits today; they also provide a road map for the future of NFL media.

The coaches: Andy Reid tops a deep field

When NFL fans were asked which head coaches they’d most like to see become commentators or analysts, Andy Reid led by a wide margin at 34%. His mix of credibility, dry humor, and approachable communication style plays well on camera, and his press conferences already feel broadcast-ready.

Just behind him is a pair of high-profile leaders:

• Jim Harbaugh – 26%
• Mike Tomlin – 24%

This is the “CEO coach” tier: coaches who control locker rooms, cut through the noise, and project confidence every time they step up to the podium. They each bring personality and unpredictability, two qualities that networks highly value.

A second cluster also sits at 22%, including:

• Dan Campbell
• Pete Carroll

Campbell’s inclusion is no surprise. He has become one of the league’s most quotable figures, and fans clearly respond to his energy. If you’re a media executive, imagine him on the big screen every Sunday.

Below them, a tactical tier emerges:

• Sean Payton – 18%
• Mike Vrabel – 14%
• Kyle Shanahan – 14%
• Sean McVay – 14%
• Nick Sirianni – 11%

These coaches appeal to fans who perhaps want to understand the deeper layers of the sport, not just the storylines. Their presence points to continued demand for content that blends strategy with personality. Networks building alternate feeds or midweek breakdown shows could find strong value here.

The players: Mahomes, Kelce, and Allen lead, and fans prefer familiar stars

Quarterbacks and star skill players dominate the list of current athletes fans want in the booth next. At the top:

• Patrick Mahomes – 34%
• Travis Kelce – 30%
• Josh Allen – 29%
• Aaron Rodgers – 25%
• Joe Flacco – 23%

Mahomes at 34% mirrors Andy Reid’s appeal; fans see him as thoughtful, polished, and easy to understand. Kelce’s 30% reflects his obvious crossover cultural influence, and Allen’s presence solidifies the idea that fans gravitate toward quarterbacks who feel grounded and relatable.

Flacco is the surprise of the group. At 23%, he outranks several active superstars. Longevity matters in broadcast perception, maybe fans simply feel like they know him now, and familiarity can be a powerful asset.

Below the top tier, fans highlight a mix of rising stars and charismatic personalities:

• Christian McCaffrey – 22%
• Joe Burrow – 22%
• Jalen Hurts – 20%
• Lamar Jackson – 18%
• George Kittle – 18%

These are players with brand equity, humor, swagger, or unique communication styles. Nearly all of them have already demonstrated the ability to own a moment on camera.

Top write-in candidates: Baker Mayfield and Jameis Winston

Two additional names surfaced repeatedly in open-text write-in responses: Baker Mayfield and Jameis Winston. Neither was included in the preset list of choices, yet both showed clear organic demand.

Mayfield’s comeback story and outspoken personality make him appealing to fans who enjoy authenticity. Winston remains one of the league’s most charismatic voices, capable of turning routine press conferences into viral moments. Their write-in support underscores a broader insight: fans want analysts who are expressive, unfiltered, and entertaining; they certainly don’t want bland personalities.

Why these names rise: The ‘Preferred Personalities’ data

The study also asked fans what types of personalities they most want to hear from when consuming sports content. The preferences are unmistakable:

• Former players – 52%

No other category is close. The next-highest is “I don’t know / No opinion” at 25%. Fans perhaps trust former players because their commentary feels lived-in. They speak plainly, improvise well, and connect with viewers who already have strong memories of their careers.

This helps explain why Kelce, Kittle, Mahomes, Mayfield, and Winston score well. Coaches with personality (Harbaugh, Tomlin, Campbell) also benefit from similar dynamics.

What this Means for networks, brands, and the NFL itself

For Networks: the data suggests an increasingly personality-driven landscape. Fans want relatability and natural conversation more than polished, textbook analysis. That reality will shape future talent contracts and booth pairings.

For Brands: Sponsors follow attention, and attention follows big personalities. Kelce, Burrow, Mahomes, and Harbaugh offer immediate cultural reach. Meanwhile, personalities like Mayfield and Winston may present cost-effective upside.

For the NFL: The next decade of football broadcasting will not rely on a single star analyst but rather a deep bench of rotating voices across linear TV, streaming, and emerging digital formats. Alternate feeds, breakdown shows, and platform-specific content each require different types of personalities, and fans are already telling the league who they want.

Conclusion: The search for the next Romostradamus

NFL fans have made their preferences clear. They want authenticity, star power, humor, and insight delivered by people they already feel connected to. Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes sit at the top of their respective lists. Travis Kelce, Josh Allen, Jim Harbaugh, and Mike Tomlin all bring distinctive styles that translate well to TV. Baker Mayfield and Jameis Winston emerged organically as fan favorites. And across all categories, former players remain the gold standard for engaging content.

As networks look to fill booths, expand alternate broadcasts, and build personality-driven digital offerings, the search continues for the next Romostradamus - the right blend of credibility, anticipation, and entertainment.

The fans have identified the shortlist. Now, it’s only a matter of time until we see who picks up the headset next.