The two have worked together on Countdown since 1987, the year Jackson came to ESPN. However, he may not be back for the 2016 National Football League season, ending an incredible run by the former player.
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“He’s still weighing his options”, an NFL TV source said.
Berman is leaving after this upcoming NFL season, but now reports say Jackson will be leaving NFL Countdown and NFL Primetime first. “This will be Tommy’s call”. His partner Chris Berman is possibly leaving after this season, but according to a report from Pro Football Talk, Jackson is leaving ESPN and will not be around for Berman’s (potential) a year ago. Tommy’s driving the train on this one.
The source said Jackson, 65, has been contemplating his TV future for quite awhile. If Jackson goes – and Raissman’s source predicts Jackson will indeed leave – Berman will be the only common link among the core group on the show. Considering his stature at ESPN, and the respect and acclaim he has received, it stands to reason he could be given a role on another ESPN NFL show.
I remember Tom Jackson as a player and have enjoyed watching him on television during his career at ESPN. Charles Woodson and Matthew Hasselbeck also are in, and holdovers like Mike Ditka, Keyshawn Johnson, and Cris Carter are out.
The network announced Cris Carter, Keyshawn Johnson and Mike Ditka all would be leaving their roles with “Countdown”, replaced by Randy Moss, Matt Hasselbeck and Charles Woodson, for the 2016 National Football League season.
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As stated above, Trent Dilfer has been added as well now that Jackson may be leaving. Either way, as one of the few great veterans on the network, he will be missed. That day could be coming much sooner than anyone may have imagined.
