Former Pro Bowl receiver Randall Cobb will join the SEC Network as a college football studio analyst, but the 13-year NFL veteran said he’s “not officially retired” from a professional playing career spent mostly with the Green Bay Packers.
ESPN announced the hiring of the 33-year-old Cobb in a news release on Thursday. Although the release posted online did not mention retirement, ESPN reported on its website that an initial announcement said Cobb had retired.
Cobb clarified his status in a social media post. The former University of Kentucky standout said he was “incredibly excited” to return to the SEC in his role with the network and added: “The level of greatness this conference provides year after year is unmatched.”
SEC Network coordinating producer Pete Watters said Cobb’s experience at Kentucky and in the NFL will be an asset to the network’s football coverage. Cobb will also co-host another show on the network.
Cobb grew up in Tennessee, where he was a prep star for TSSAA power Alcoa, contributing in all phases of the game and winning four state championships and the state’s Mr. Football Award for Class AA before moving on to play for the Wildcats.