Photos via ESPN Images

NFL quarterback Josh McCown, who announced his retirement from pro football earlier today after 17 professional seasons, is joining ESPN as an NFL analyst. McCown, who played his final two years for the New York Jets, will appear on NFL Live, SportsCenter, Get Up!, and more.

“I was born in East Texas where, from an early age, life was football. I have been fortunate to play professionally for 17 years and be around so many amazing players, coaches and organizations,” said McCown. “I am excited to make the transition into broadcasting with ESPN which will allow me to still be involved with the game I love. I look forward to bringing ESPN viewers the unique insights that I have gained throughout my career.”

“Josh knows the game and is widely respected throughout the league. Every quarterback room he was in as a player, he made better. Now we’re excited to welcome him to ESPN,” said Seth Markman, ESPN vice president, NFL studio shows.

McCown will make his ESPN debut Wednesday, June 19, on NFL Live (1:30 p.m. ET) and other shows.

During his 16 NFL seasons, McCown played for 10 different teams. Originally a third-round pick (No. 81 overall) of the Arizona Cardinals in the 2002 NFL Draft, McCown threw for 17,707 yards and 98 touchdowns throughout his career, completing 60 percent of his passes.

McCown’s best season was 2013 for the Chicago Bears when he replaced injured starter Jay Cutler. McCown appeared in eight games (with five starts) and ended the year completing 67 percent of his passes for 1,829 yards with 13 touchdowns and just one interception. His 109.0 passer rating was the best in Bears franchise history. Also, McCown started 13 games at quarterback for the New York Jets in 2017, throwing for 2,926 yards and 18 touchdowns with a completion percentage of 67 percent.

In all, McCown played for Arizona (2002-06), Detroit (2006), Oakland (2007), Miami (2008), Carolina (2008-09), San Francisco (2011), Chicago (2011-13), Tampa Bay (2014), Cleveland (2015-16) and the New York Jets (2017-18). In between NFL stints in 2010, McCown played for the Hartford Colonials of the United Football League where he led the UFL with a 79.3 passer rating.

A native of Jacksonville, Texas, McCown played three collegiate seasons at Southern Methodist University before transferring and playing his final year at Sam Houston State University.

– 30 –