NBC set to unveil Barber
Network sets ex-footballer for 'Today,' 'SNF'
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The former Giants running back, who officially retired from professional football on Monday, has long sought a full-time broadcasting career, and several networks, including Fox and ABC/ESPN, had been vying for his services.
He played his last NFL game on Saturday in Hawaii as a member of the NFC team in the Pro Bowl before wrapping up a 10-year career marked by 15,631 total yards, 10th in league history.
Deal with NBC U, said to be worth $3 million per year over four years, will see Barber, 31, as a regular correspondent on "Today." He will file segments for the show starting in April.
"Today" is expanding to four hours in September, putting additional demands on on-air talent, producers and crew. Barber hasn't been tapped specifically for the fourth hour; his interests may be a better fit in the first two, newsier hours.
Barber will also have a role on NBC's "Sunday Night Football," but he made it clear in his contract talks that he wants to pursue broadcast journalism outside of sports.
At the news conference to introduce Barber set for today, NBC News prexy Steve Capus will appear along with NBC Sports chairman Dick Ebersol and newly minted NBC Universal CEO Jeff Zucker.
Barber has had a weekly gig on Fox News' "Fox & Friends" for several years and has regularly appeared on other shows, including "Live With Regis & Kelly."
