Courtesy: ESPN
ESPN has named its replacement for Jon Grudent at this year’s NFL Pro Bowl.
Matt Hasselbeck will join Sean McDonough in the booth Jan. 28 for ESPN’s broadcast of the league’s annual best of the best exhibition game. Hasselbeck already serves as an analyst on ESPN’s weekly Monday Night Football pre-game broadcasts, making him a familiar voice and face for audiences during the game.
According to ESPN Senior Vice President, Events & Studio Production Stephanie Druley, Hasselbeck had already been scheduled to be part of the network’s studio coverage team for the Pro Bowl ahead of this new announcement. She said in a prepared statement that his experience played a big part in the decision to place him alongside McDonough.
“Matt has experience calling games and will be a great fit alongside Sean McDonough for this Pro Bowl assignment,” Druley said. “He is a three-time Pro Bowl quarterback with connections to many players and coaches throughout the league, and he was already scheduled to cover the game as part of our ESPN studio team.”
Hasselbeck was humble as he talked about getting to help call the game.
“Making the Pro Bowl is a special achievement as a player — it’s pretty humbling, but the part I enjoyed most is getting to know the best of the best in a relaxed setting,” Hasselbeck said. “I can’t wait to call the Skills Showdown and the Pro Bowl game with Sean and [reporter] Lisa (Salters).”
While Hasselbeck will play a direct role in calling this year’s Pro Bowl, his stint alongside McDonough is currently only for the one game. Druley stressed in additional comments that the search for Jon Gruden’s replacement is ongoing and that no one has yet been named to take his place.
“The process for determining our new Monday Night Football booth is already under way,” Druley said. “We are looking at both internal and external candidates and expect to have a decision made this spring. This is one of the most high-profile and and attractive positions in all of sports broadcasting, so we want to take our time to ensure we make the best decision.”
The 2018 NFL Pro Bowl will air Jan. 28 at 2:50 p.m. ET on ESPN live from Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida. It will be simulcast on ABC and will stream live on the ESPN App. Spanish-speaking audiences will be able to enjoy the game on television on ESPN Deportes.
The Skills Showdown, which is part of the NFL Pro Bowl festivities, will air Jan. 25 at p.m. ET on ESPN.
More information on ESPN’s NFL Pro Bowl coverage is available online now along with all of the latest NFL headlines at:
Website: http://www.espn.com/nfl
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NFLonESPN
Twitter: http://twitter.com/ESPNNFL
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