Matt Hasselbeck Retires After 18 Seasons, Will Join ESPN As NFL Analyst

Matt Hasselbeck officially is hanging up his shoulder pads — and picking up a microphone.

The quarterback announced his retirement Wednesday morning after 18 NFL seasons with the Green Bay Packers, Seattle Seahawks, Tennessee Titans and Indianapolis Colts.

With his playing career now behind him, Hasselbeck also announced he will be joining ESPN’s NFL coverage this season. The Norfolk, Mass., native and Boston College product will serve as an analyst on the network’s “Sunday NFL Countdown” and “Monday Night Countdown” pregame shows.

“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 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.”

Hasselbeck’s younger brother, Tim, works as a fantasy football analyst for ESPN.

The elder Hasselbeck will replace Mike Ditka on “Sunday NFL Countdown,” sources told The Big Lead. The Hall of Famer reportedly will remain with the network in “an unspecified emeritus-type NFL role.”

Thumbnail photo via Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports Images