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Greg McElroy at the 2010 SEC Media Days in Hoover.

(file photo)

TUSCALOOSA, Alabama — For as long as Greg McElroy's been in the spotlight, his long-term career goals have been subject to speculation.

His engaging personality was obvious and the intelligence was enough to make him a Rhodes Scholarship finalist as an Alabama senior. The former quarterback's multi-year deal to be the next analyst for the new SEC Network was announced Monday.

But what about politics?

"That is something that I have considered," McElroy told AL.com. "And that's something that people have approached me about it."

Like friends or family members?

"Even some of my coaches in the NFL were like 'Hey, have you ever thought about politics?' I don't know if that was a slight toward me or my actual ability, but it's something I've thought about in the past, but right now, I'm just so thrilled to be a part of the ESPN family. This is my job. I'm so fortunate to be able to work in sports and work in college football. That's what I want to do with the rest of my life, or as long as they'll have me."

McElroy graduated with two degrees from Alabama, an undergrad in business marketing and masters in sports marketing.

He spent three years as a backup quarterback in the NFL before retiring last Friday.