Doug Flutie, a Heisman Trophy winner and 21-year professional football quarterback who announced his retirement today from the New England Patriots, has reached an agreement with ABC Sports and ESPN to serve as a college football analyst. He will work on ABC Sports' Saturday studio programming and appear as an analyst on select ESPN studio shows.
"Doug's success, knowledge and popularity will instantly connect with our viewers," said Norby Williamson, ABC Sports and ESPN executive vice president, studio and remote production. "Doug's insights as a college and professional quarterback in the big game will add a key perspective to our in-depth coverage."
"My passion for football remains as strong as ever as I begin this new phase of life," said Flutie. "I'm excited to see the game from the other side and look forward to utilizing my experiences to offer insightful analysis to ABC and ESPN viewers nationwide."
COLLEGEIn his Heisman Trophy-winning senior season with Boston College in 1984, Flutie threw for a school record 3,454 yards and 27 touchdowns, including the famous Hail Mary Pass to lead his team to a last-play victory over Miami in 1984.
Over a four-year college career, Flutie threw for 11,318 yards, becoming Boston College's all-time leader in career yards, yards in one season, touchdowns in one season, yards in one game and touchdowns in one game.
In addition, Flutie was an Associated Press, United Press International, Kodak (American College Football Coaches Association), Walter Camp Foundation, The Sporting News and Football Writers Association of America first team All-American selection.
PROFESSIONALFlutie accounted for 64,938 yards of total offense (58,719 rushing and 6,759 passing) in his prolific professional career in the United States Football League (USFL), Canadian Football League (CFL) and National Football League (NFL).
During his eight years in the CFL, Flutie became the first player in league history to win four consecutive Most Outstanding Player of the Year awards (1991-94) and won six overall (1996 and 1997). In addition, he led his teams to three Grey Cup Championships, receiving the Grey Cup Most Valuable Player in all three (1992, 1996 and 1997). He was also a six-time Canadian All-Star Team member (1991-94, 1996 and 1997).
Flutie's NFL career included stops with the Chicago Bears, New England Patriots (twice), Buffalo Bills and San Diego Chargers. From 1998-2000, he posted a 21-10 record with Buffalo, receiving a Pro Bowl selection and the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award in 1998-99.
PERSONALDoug and his wife Laurie established the Doug Flutie, Jr. Foudnation in 1998 to honor their son Doug Jr., who has autism, and to help other families facing childhood autism through support and education. Log on to http://www.dougflutiejrfoundation.org for more information.
