Hines Ward to join NBC’s ‘Football Night in America’

Hines Ward didn’t stay retired for long. And, not suprisingly, the former football great’s new career is in television.

Ward, one of the all-time most popular players for the Pittsburgh Steelers as well as a champion on ABC’s “Dancing With the Stars,” is the newest analyst for NBC’s “Football Night in America,” the network announced Thursday.

In addition, he will serve as a studio analyst for college football and appear on “NBC SportsTalk” on NBC Sports Network.

“I am really excited. It’s not everyday that you get the chance to work for a powerhouse like the NBC Sports Group,” Ward said in a press release. “It is a big honor for me and I am looking forward to making the most of this great opportunity.”
He apparently had a successful tryout when he joined the studio during this year’s Super Bowl pregame broadcast on NBC. Soon after, he retired from football after being released by the Steelers, his only team during a 14-year career that included two Super Bowl championships, three Super Bowl appearances, one Super Bowl MVP and four Pro Bowl selections.

“We think Hines is a perfect match for television because he brings with him a unique combination of charisma and football experience, which he demonstrated on our Super Bowl pregame show from Indianapolis,” said Sam Flood, executive producer for NBC Sports and NBC Sports Network. “He’s an opinionated personality who can draw upon his 14 years of experience, having excelled at the highest levels of the game. Just don’t expect him to dance.”

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