Sapp Tackles 'Inside The NFL' Gig
Former Defensive Stalwart Completes Showtime’s On-Air Roster
By Mike Reynolds -- Multichannel News, 8/19/2008 7:58:00 AM
Showtime’s Inside The NFL completed its on-air roster by naming former NFL defensive lineman Warren Sapp to its telecast team.
Sapp, a seven-time All-Pro performer during his playing days, which were highlighted by his being named NFL defensive player of the year in 1999 and in his role keying the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to the Super Bowl XXXVII championship, will join analysts Phil Simms and Chris Collinsworth and host James Brown on Inside The NFL.
The program, produced by CBS Sports and NFL Films, kicks off its rookie run on Showtime on Sept. 10 at 9 p.m. and will continue to premiere on Wednesdays in that time slot through the 2008-09 season’s conclusion on Feb.11, following Super Bowl XLIII.
The 31-year-old Emmy Award-winning show had aired on HBO for 31 seasons.
“This is a dream job,” said Sapp, who has served as a guest analyst on CBS Sports’ The NFL Today pre-game show, in a statement “It’s the job I’ve always talked about wanting after my playing career. Inside The NFL has been a staple of television for a long time. The show digs deeper into the games and the issues surrounding the league more than any other football show out there. I think this new approach will be fresh. For my part, I just came off the field and I’ve got 13 years of experience in the trenches to bring to the table.”
Added Showtime chairman and CEO Matt Blank: “With his defensive perspective, Sapp is the perfect complement to Simms and Collinsworth. And having just come off the field, his energy will help push the boundaries of the show to new limits. We are thrilled to have him on Showtime.”
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