Jaworski signs 5-year extension with ESPN; MNF sports two-person booth

ESPN announced today that Ron Jaworski has signed a five-year extension for a new, expanded multiplatform NFL analyst role that includes appearances on Sunday NFL Countdown, Monday Night Countdown, NFL Matchup, NFL-branded specials, and other platforms and shows throughout the year.

As part of the announcement, ESPN’s Monday Night Football will have a new two-person commentator team for the first time during the 2012 NFL season with Mike Tirico and analyst Jon Gruden.

ESPN’s MNF commentators offer their thoughts on today’s news:

Jaworski: “I am grateful for having the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of working on Monday Night Football the past five seasons with Mike Tirico, Jon Gruden and so many other talented people behind the scenes who make the show so great, and I look forward to bringing my passion and knowledge of the game to more fans in more places than ever before on any and all football topics.”

Tirico: “It’s been a personal honor and professional pleasure to work with Jaws on Monday Nights. His presence has helped make the last five years so enjoyable on and off the air. We’ve been working together in different roles for almost 20 years at ESPN and I’m thrilled that he will remain a teammate.”

Gruden: “I understand there are times when players have to put their faith in the coaches and other decision-makers who are trying to position a team for success, and that’s what I’m doing here. I have faith in the people I’m working for here at ESPN. Jaws has taught me so much about broadcasting and nobody works harder. He also watches as much film as anyone. I’ll miss working with him on Monday Nights but I’m glad we’re still on the same ESPN team.”