Matt Hasselbeck is ending his playing career in the NFL and will immediately transition into one on television. The 40-year-old quarterback will join ESPN as an analyst on its "NFL Countdown" show that airs Sunday and Monday during the season.
Hasselbeck played in eight games for the Indianapolis Colts last season when he filled in for an injured Andrew Luck. However, he dealt with injuries himself and his season - and ultimately his career - was finished when he hurt his right shoulder in Week 16.
The now-former NFL QB was believed to be weighing retirement since he strongly implied last February that he would leave the Colts. Joining him on ESPN's Bristol, Conn., campus next season will be Charles Woodson, who is coming off his final season in the NFL as well.
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
Hasselbeck's career peaked in the mid-2000s when he led the Seattle Seahawks to four straight division titles and a Super Bowl appearance while posting some of the best numbers of his career. After suffering a back injury in 2008, Hasselbeck never quite returned to form and became a backup for the remainder of his career in 2012, his second season with the Tennessee Titans.
It was better than any of us could have imagined. thanks for the great memories. Welcome aboard. pic.twitter.com/fGNRMl3NuE — tim hasselbeck (@tthasselbeck) March 9, 2016
He finishes his career with 36,638 passing yards, 212 touchdowns and a career passer rating of 82.4, which currently ranks 44th among all QBs.
"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 a statement. "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."
Woodson also appears to be joining ESPN's "NFL Countdown" show and various reports suggest Mike Ditka will be taken off the show to make room, though the former NFL head coach also does not appear to be leaving the company. But Keyshawn Johnson, a "Countdown" analyst since 2007, is leaving ESPN after his contract ended earlier this year. Both moves would leave two open slots for analysts.
ESPN has not confirmed Ditka's departure from "Countdown" nor has it stated what he will be doing next season.
