Former NFL linebacker and Notre Dame legend Manti Te’o has been included in the league-owned network’s roster of analysts, as conveyed by Ben Axelrod of Awful Announcing.
Te’o will be accompanied by Ron Rivera, Nate Tice and Isaiah Stanback as fresh faces in the NFL Network.
Many are familiar with Te’o from the Netflix documentary Untold: The Girlfriend Who Didn’t Exist, which aired over a decade ago. Now, Te’o embarks on another well-deserved journey.
Rivera, of course, is the previous coach of the Carolina Panthers and Washington Commanders, having been dismissed by the Commanders in 2023.
“Although Rivera holds the more notable resume, the most recognized name among the NFL Network newcomers is probably Te’o,” Axelrod reported. “After his storied — and ultimately, disputed — career at Notre Dame, the 2012 Heisman Trophy runner-up spent eight years in the NFL prior to retiring following the 2020 season. Similar to Rivera, he has made several appearances on NFL Network shows in recent weeks, hinting at his official recruitment.”
Rivera indeed has extensive connections throughout the NFL and can contribute a valuable coach’s perspective.
“All four analysts contribute varied experiences to the network, with Rivera being the standout of the group,” Axelrod noted. “The 62-year-old has spent the past 14 years as a head coach in the NFL, most recently with the Washington Commanders, providing him with a wealth of knowledge regarding the league’s players and coaches.”
The 2024 NFL season begins on Thursday, with the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs facing off against the Baltimore Ravens. The Green Bay Packers will take on the Philadelphia Eagles the following night.
Image Source: Brad McPherson / Shutterstock
