INDIANAPOLIS -- Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck has announced his retirement and is joining ESPN as an NFL analyst, according to ESPN.
He will part of Sunday NFL Countdown and Monday Night Countdown.
“As a kid, playing in the NFL was always my dream and it turned out to be way more fun than I could’ve ever imagined,” Hasselbeck said in an ESPN press release.
It has been an honor and a pleasure. https://t.co/P9dnvll0EP pic.twitter.com/69DlIa9W1y
— Matthew Hasselbeck (@Hasselbeck) March 9, 2016
“Throughout 18 incredible seasons, I had the chance to forge many relationships with teammates, coaches and staff that I will cherish forever. Those relationships made my playing career all the more memorable. With the support of my family, we’ve made the decision to embark on the next chapter. I’m extremely thankful for the opportunity to have represented the NFL and so many great teams," he said.
“Matthew has been on our radar for many years and we expect him to have an immediate impact as he transitions from the playing field to a marquee analyst role on our signature NFL shows,” Seth Markman, ESPN’s senior coordinating producer, NFL studio shows said.
“Matthew experienced it all in his 18 NFL seasons, he has terrific insights on the game and a great sense of humor, and we are particularly excited to pair him with Tim, who already does such excellent work for us," Markman said.
The Colts announced last month that they would be moving on without Hasselbeck.
Amazing experience w/ Colts. My family & I are grateful to you Indianapolis. Many great friends, you will be missed! pic.twitter.com/3RVNuXOl6M
— Matthew Hasselbeck (@Hasselbeck) February 29, 2016
PREVIOUS | Reports: Colts will move on from Matt Hasselbeck
The 40-year-old played in eight games this last season after Andrew Luck was injured. He threw for 1,690 yards and nine touchdowns.
Hasselbeck was signed by the Colts as a free agent on March 19, 2013 after he was released by the Titans.
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