Nessler-Mayock paired together for NFL Network broadcasts

The NFL Network is making a complete change in the broadcast booth for its string of Thursday night telecasts this coming season.

It was widely speculated that Mike Mayock would become the color analyst and that proved to be true as the draft expert has been selected to call games. Out as the play-by-play man is Bob Papa, who is also the voice of the New York Giants.

There were rumors that Gus Johnson, who does NFL work for CBS, would replace Papa, but veteran broadcaster Brad Nessler was selected instead, according to NFL spokesman Greg Aiello. The 54-year-old Nessler is the top college football voice for ABC.

Nessler has extensive NFL experience, working on ESPN’s “Monday Night Football” before. He’s also done radio work in the NFL for the Miami Dolphins and Minnesota Vikings.

Per Aiello, Papa and Joe Theismann, who was also ousted as a game analyst, will have parts in NFL Network programs.

Follow me on Twitter: @BradBiggs

Brad Biggs covers the Bears for the Chicago Tribune

Upcoming Games