Mike Mayock, Brad Nessler New NFL Network Thursday Night Team

[strahanfan92]

It's official: Mike Mayock is joining the NFL Network's Thursday Night Football booth.

The network's chief draft analyst will team with new play-by-play partner Brad Nessler on the NFL Network's eight-game schedule this fall.

The duo replaces the three-man booth of Bob Papa, Matt Millen and Joe Theismann -- who said on Twitter last month he would not return to the show.

Mayock's elevation continues his ascent among NFL Network talent. He is the NFLN's chief draft analyst.

Last season, he began working Notre Dame football games on NBC. He also worked an NFL playoff game for NBC.

Nessler is a play-by-play veteran who calls college football for ESPN. He has also called some Monday Night Football games for ESPN in the past.

He will likely continue in his college role. Mayock will remain in his role as draft analyst.

"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," NFL Network senior VP of production and programming Mark Quenzel said.

Mayock and Nessler are scheduled to debut on Nov. 10 when the Oakland Raiders visit the San Diego Chargers.

"To have the opportunity to call NFL games in primetime on NFL Network is like a dream come true," Mayock said.

Papa will remain with NFLN in a limited role, while Theismann will still serve as an analyst for the network's Playbook series. NFL Network reportedly considered CBS play-by-play announcer Gus Johnson for the Thursday night role also.

Papa addressed his removal from Thursday Night Football on Twitter.

I don't mind the new team, but getting rid of Bob Papa because he was drug down by the two retards Theismann and Millen is rediculous.

 

[Shayn•Da•Pain]

Has there been anybody more retarded about football than Millen?

 

[Aso]

I like Theismann a lot. I always agree with what he says and I think he's usually right. It's just that he's pushy with what he says and if Millen ever got anything wrong he'd jump at the opportunity to correct him. He just needs to chill out a little. Whether Millen says retarded shit or not he's still getting a paycheck.

 

[strahanfan92]

Theismann is a retard. The weekly "you know, the players can't see the yellow first down line that you viewers can" almost drove me to suicide. One of my least favorite announcers of all time.

 

[Senser81]

I like Theismann a lot. I always agree with what he says and I think he's usually right. It's just that he's pushy with what he says and if Millen ever got anything wrong he'd jump at the opportunity to correct him. He just needs to chill out a little. Whether Millen says retarded shit or not he's still getting a paycheck.

I somewhat agree with you. Thiesmann is like the opposite of most announcers...he actually makes valid points but he's so unlikable that the viewers hate him.

 

[NAHSTE]

I like Nesser a lot as a PBP guy, but for whatever reason I can't stand Mayock's voice. His inflection style and emphatic way of saying things as if they're law grates on me.

 

[Esjay]

Thiesmann always comes off as a huge prick to me. I like Mayock and Nessler both, they should be decent at least.

 

[1ke]

Very good choice for the NFLN

 

[Leftwich]

I love Nessler. I'll have to give mayock the benefit of the doubt but i really will enjoy watching the NFLN broadcast's now.