Matt Hasselbeck will serve as the analyst alongside Monday Night Football’s Sean McDonough and reporter Lisa Salters for the 2018 NFL Pro Bowl telecast on January 28. He replaces Jon Gruden who was named the new coach for the Oakland Raiders
ESPN Senior VP, Events & Studio Production Stephanie Druley, said “Matt has experience calling games and will be a great fit alongside Sean McDonough for this Pro Bowl assignment. 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.
“The process for determining our new Monday Night Football booth is already underway. 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 attractive positions in all of sports broadcasting so we want to take our time to ensure we make the best decision.”
Hasselbeck added: “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. Now I get to do it again in another role. I can’t wait to call the Skills Showdown and the Pro Bowl game with Sean and Lisa.”
The 2018 Pro Bowl will air Sunday, January 28 at 2:50 p.m. ET on ESPN and be simulcast on ABC. The game – to be played at Camping World Stadium in Orlando – will also be available in Spanish on ESPN Deportes and streamed live on the ESPN App, including mobile phones.
Hasselbeck, McDonough and Salters will also call the second annual Pro Bowl Skills Showdown earlier in the week from ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Featuring Pro Bowl players competing in Epic Dodgeball, Drone Drop, Kick Tac Toe and more, the Skills Showdown airs Thursday, January 25 (9 p.m. ET, ESPN).