Los Angeles, CA (AP) – Julian Edelman, the former star wide receiver of the New England Patriots, is set to join Fox NFL Kickoff as an analyst for the upcoming season. Edelman, who won three Super Bowl titles during his 12 seasons with the Patriots, will be replacing Sean Payton on the show, which airs on Sundays at 11 a.m. EDT.
This isn’t Edelman’s first foray into the world of sports analysis. After retiring from the NFL in 2020, he spent the past two seasons as part of the Inside the NFL team. Edelman’s transition from player to analyst has been impressive, as he has displayed a natural ability to engage with viewers and discuss the game in an insightful manner.
Brad Zager, Fox Sports executive producer and president of production & operations, spoke highly of Edelman’s interest in broadcasting and his ability to connect with fans. It’s not just the fact that he’s done TV, it’s that he’s taken such an interest, even toward the end of his playing career, Zager said. He’s somebody that’s so engaging when you talk to him in person, or when you see the clips of him doing TV or doing these podcasts as he’s done. He’s also gained the credibility of fans with the teams that he was on.
With Edelman now joining the Fox NFL Kickoff crew, he joins Tom Brady’s other favorite target, Rob Gronkowski, who has made appearances on Fox NFL Sunday. It seems that retiring players finding a career in broadcasting is becoming a common trend. Zager speculates that in the future, we may see players from successful teams like the Kansas City Chiefs following a similar path.
Fox NFL Kickoff also features Charissa Thompson, Charles Woodson, Michael Vick, and Peter Schrager, all of whom are returning for the upcoming season.
The addition of Julian Edelman to the Fox NFL Kickoff lineup is sure to bring a fresh perspective and unique insights to the show. Fans can now look forward to hearing his analysis and expert opinions as they tune in on Sundays.
