The NFL Network announced today that Mike Mayock and Brad Nessler will be the new announcing team for Thursday Night Football in 2011, replacing the triumvirate of Bob Papa, Matt Millen and Joe Theismann.
“Mike Mayock’s in-depth knowledge of all aspects of the game and his no-nonsense analytical style has made him a rising star in the business. He is regarded by many as the best NFL Draft analyst in the business and he will be excellent on our NFL games,” said NFL Network Senior Vice President of Production and Programming Mark Quenzel. “Brad Nessler is one of the premier play-by-play announcers on television. Teaming them on Thursday nights will be entertaining and informative for our fans.”
Said Mayock, “My favorite aspect of this industry is to do live games. You are able to get up close to the coaches and players and the environment is electric. To have the opportunity to call NFL games in primetime on NFL Network is like a dream come true.”
Said Nessler, “The NFL has always been a big part of my life and my career. To join NFL Network and the great team they’ve assembled is an honor. Primetime football on Thursday nights is an event. It’s an exciting new challenge and I can’t wait to be part of it all.”
Mayock has been an analyst on NFL Network for the past seven years. In addition to the NFL Draft, he provides analysis on NFL Total Access, Path to the Draft, Playbook and other NFL Network specials. He is also the game analyst on NBC’s Notre Dame college football games on Saturdays and called the NFC Wild Card Playoff game for NBC last season.
Nessler will continue to serve as a play-by-play voice for college football and basketball games on ESPN and ABC. He previously called NFL games on radio for the Atlanta Falcons (1982-1988) and Minnesota Vikings (1988-89).