ESPN Signs Yankees Announcer Michael Kay to Mega-Deal After Retirement Talk: How Much Is It Worth?

Isn’t it amazing to be deemed “too old”? Tom Brady played until he was 45, capturing a Super Bowl at 43, while Aaron Rodgers is poised for a new chapter with the Jets at 39.

Meanwhile, Yankees broadcaster Michael Kay, who almost retired from his radio show at 62, has just secured a multi-year, seven-figure contract with ESPN to keep the Michael Kay Show running—even though he’s been lagging behind in the ratings compared to WFAN’s Carton and Roberts.

Kay revealed on Thursday’s program, “I was almost certain I would step away from the show after 21 years come September. It had been a remarkable and lengthy tenure. I thought, ‘Maybe I’m too old for this now.’”

It appears age is not a barrier after all, much to the relief of his colleagues Don La Greca and Peter Rosenberg, who will continue to benefit financially.

In January, Andrew Marchand of the New York Post noted that ESPN was considering replacements if Kay retired, which had been anticipated.

Chris Carlin, who currently co-hosts ESPN’s afternoon show with former Giants defensive lineman Chris Canty, was seen as a leading contender for Kay’s slot, given his established reputation in New York radio and frequent appearances with La Greca and Rosenberg, according to Marchand.

There were even rumors about Chris “Mad Dog” Russo making a comeback to New York radio. Russo, who left WFAN and his partnership with Mike Francesa in 2008, has been with SiriusXM since then.