Mike Petke will be playing a part in the Hudson River Derby Sunday evening — it’s just not the role anyone would have envisioned a short six months ago.

Instead of roaming the touchline like a caged animal, firing up his side in the confines of Yankee Stadium, the former New York Red Bulls boss will be a halftime guest on ESPN and a lead analyst in their post game coverage, offering his insight on the New York City FC encounter.

For those that know Petke, his transition into the world of media is a surprising one — every bit as surprising as that of his former star striker Thierry Henry and his Sky Sports move. Neither was particularly enamored with the media aspect of their position in the sporting realm, yet both find themselves on the other side of the fence in their post club careers.

“I did not choose a broadcasting role,” Petke tells EoS. “The opportunity simply fell on my lap and I’m very happy that it did because I am enjoying every minute of it.”

Sunday marks the second time the Long Island native has leant his voice to a Red Bull broadcast on ESPN. He last appeared when New York took on the LA Galaxy at Red Bull Arena in April. However, his first real introduction into a media role came shortly after his Red Bull dismissal — and from a very surprising source.

“One World Sports reached out to me early in the year, and after several conversations, it was an opportunity that I would be foolish to pass up,” he said.

That’s not to say he didn’t have his reservations about joining the outfit. As Petke explains, he was hesitant to take up a role with the network due to their “Cosmos connection.” That’s when the MLS veteran turned to a veteran broadcaster in Shep Messing for guidance.

“He really put it into perspective for me,” Petke explained. “He said to me ‘Do you love the game of soccer? Do you want it to prosper and continue to grow in the US? If yes, then it doesn’t matter if it’s the Cosmos, MLS or a youth team. It’s all about the growth.’ He’s always had great advice for me going back to my Metrostars days. And he along with JP Dellacamara have been invaluable to me learning in the booth.”

Shortly after agreeing to his new OWS gig in March, Petke received another call while in Las Vegas with his family — this time, from ESPN analyst Taylor Twellman.

“I assumed he wanted some insight into the Red Bull / KC game that night,” he recalled.

That wasn’t the purpose of the call at all. Instead, Twellman invited Petke to join him at halftime of the opening day match to offer his insight on the encounter — just two short months after his messy dismissal from Red Bull. While he agreed to appear on the ESPN broadcast, the idea of taking stage in front of a national audience so quickly after his firing caused Petke excruciating agita.

“I was adamantly against it, but within a week, was convinced to do it,” Petke recalled. “I was in agony because I was torn between my true feelings — that it was wrong for so many reasons — and my professional feelings — that if I pass up this opportunity, ESPN may never ask again.”

He carried those nerves for days. While his potential appearance was kept under wraps, Petke quietly suffered tremendous inner turmoil over his decision. Was he doing the right thing? Was it too soon?

Luckily for him, that inner monologue was quelled by an outside force.

“The day before the game I was a wreck when my phone rang,” he began. “It was the ESPN producer and he informed me that he, along with Taylor and a few others at ESPN, came around to agree that it wasn’t a good idea for the opener.

“It was a huge relief and the right call. Best sleep I ever had that night.”

Since then, Petke has continued to hone his new-found craft. He has appeared on several New York Cosmos broadcasts, most recently adding his color to the U.S. Open Cup encounter against NYCFC.

How far has he come in his media transition? Asked about his rooting interest for Sunday’s encounter, Petke said, “I’m rooting for it to be an exciting game. How’s that for a PC answer!” adding “Obviously everyone who follows MLS knows where my heart is.”

Despite his new-found passion for broadcasting, Petke isn’t closing any doors. Coaching is still a passion that drives him. Due to terms of his severance package, finding a new managerial gig immediately following his dismissal wasn’t an option. However, things are about to change. Petke will be back in the market come early July, and he wouldn’t be averse to another go at the touchline — if a club is interested in having him, of course.

“I think about coaching everyday, but unfortunately I am not permitted to take a coaching role or even speak to a team until July 7th as part of my severance agreement,” Petke revealed. “What this six months has afforded me is to explore other areas that I am passionate about, and broadcasting is at the top of that list.”