Former NFL linebacker and Notre Dame icon Manti Te’o has been added to the roster of analysts for the league-owned network, as reported by Ben Axelrod of Awful Announcing.
Te’o will join Ron Rivera, Nate Tice, and Isaiah Stanback as new contributors to the NFL Network.
Many know Te’o from the Netflix documentary Untold: The Girlfriend Who Didn’t Exist, which debuted over ten years ago. Now, Te’o is embarking on a new and exciting chapter.
Rivera is the former head coach of the Carolina Panthers and Washington Commanders, having been let go by the Commanders in 2023.
“While Rivera possesses a more distinguished coaching resume, Te’o is likely the most recognized name among the NFL Network’s newcomers,” Axelrod stated. “Following his remarkable yet controversial career at Notre Dame, the 2012 Heisman Trophy runner-up played eight seasons in the NFL before retiring after the 2020 campaign. Like Rivera, he has appeared on NFL Network shows in recent weeks, signaling his official onboarding.”
Rivera brings extensive connections within the NFL and offers a valuable coaching perspective.
“Each of the four analysts brings unique experiences to the network, with Rivera standing out among them,” Axelrod observed. “The 62-year-old has served as a head coach in the NFL for the past 14 years, most recently with the Washington Commanders, equipping him with a deep understanding of the league’s players and coaches.”
The 2024 NFL season is set to kick off on Thursday, featuring the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs against the Baltimore Ravens. The following night, the Green Bay Packers will face off against the Philadelphia Eagles.
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