Question, questions….

For starters, let’s begin with the age-old concept of TV networks falling in love with the recently retired big star. They drool at the thought of the future Hall of Famer fresh off the field becoming part of their studio show, or as an analyst on games.

Dan Marino and Shannon Sharpe once fell into that category. CBS was thrilled to be able to add them to NFL Today.

Now they are gone as of yesterday.

I bring this up to temper the anticipation about CBS jumping on the Tony Gonzalez train. The tight end was a popular star. He’s good looking and glib.

However, will he make a good analyst on NFL Today?

In an interview with USA Today, there was this passage from Gonzalez:

Gonzalez admitted he only recently felt comfortable with the idea of making a full-time transition to television even though his marquee looks and engaging personality made him an obvious candidate for the switch.

“I didn’t really want to do this until three years ago. I was kind of intimidated and didn’t have the experience,” said Gonzalez, who frequently made guest appearances on other networks in recent years.

“I’ve been able to get somewhat comfortable. It’ll be tough, and I’ll have to learn and get as many reps as I can in front of the camera. … Everything I’ve done before, you work for it for a long time. But I have prepared for this, though I admit quarterbacks are more used to it.”

Indeed, therein lies the potential issue for CBS. Does Gonzalez have anything to say?

CBS Sports chairman Sean McManus obviously thinks so. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have hired him.

However, Gonzalez knows he is raw, and that this figures to be a work in progress. Even then, will his presence be enough to lure viewers away from the Terry Bradshaw show on Fox? It’s a tough road for CBS.

For now, though, Gonzalez is the celebrated new guy. That is, until the next new guy comes along.

*******

McManus said yesterday that he is looking to make another addition to the panel. Speculation is that Bart Scott will be the choice.

Now that would be a great hire. The former Jets linebacker shined on The Other Pregame Show on CBS Sports Network.