Matt Hasselbeck will be going from playing in primetime last season to appearing on TV in primetime next season.
The free agent quarterback will be joining ESPN’s “Sunday Countdown” crew for the upcoming season, according to a report. He reportedly will be replacing Mike Ditka on the show.
The Big Lead’s Jason McIntyre reports the news and says Ditka is not leaving ESPN but just being replaced on the high-profile show.
Ditka’s controversial political comments over the past few years (such as this) have caused a stir, potentially leading to some issues with ESPN, though that is pure speculation based on what has happened with similarly outspoken ESPN employee Curt Schilling.
This is also noteworthy in terms of NFL news given that Hasselbeck was a competent backup for the Colts last season. The 40-year-old replaced the injured Andrew Luck and went 5-3 in eight starts, throwing for nine touchdowns and five interceptions. The Colts reportedly informed him recently they were not planning to bring him back, which could have had an effect on his decision to transition careers.
