Legendary Texas QB Colt McCoy retires, to join NBC as Big Ten broadcaster

Cam Smith

•
Legendary Texas QB Colt McCoy retires, to join NBC as Big Ten broadcaster image

Colt McCoy remains one of the most beloved Texas Longhorns legends, full stop. A two-time Heisman finalist, he came a freakish shoulder injury short of a potential national title, and then went on to a 14-year NFL career, remarkable as much for its longevity as its persistent lack of full opportunity. 

No, Colt McCoy never became an NFL star, but he became a beloved backup in a number of markets. Now he'll get the chance to show the nation that the charm he's flashed back home in the offseason can transfer to the small screen during college football action in the fall. 

In announcing his retirement Monday, McCoy simultaneously was officially unveiled as a member of a new broadcasting crew for NBC Sports. McCoy will predominantly be working Big Ten football games in 2024, but he'll get his first action with a non-conference matchup between Nebraska and Colorado. 

“College Football has always held a special place in my heart. With the expansion of the Big Ten and new era of College Football, it is the perfect time to join NBC Sports,” McCoy said, via the NBC Sports press release. “I can’t wait to share in the passion, excitement, and competitive spirit every week!”

There's every reason to believe that McCoy could be both insightful and campy enough to emerge as a hit, not unlike the quarterback who was on the other sideline in that fateful national championship game in the Rose Bowl, Greg McElroy. 

Cam Smith

Cam Smith Photo

Cam Smith is a 20-year sports journalism veteran whose career includes time writing for Yahoo Sports, The Washington Post, USA TODAY and contributions at The Boston Globe Sunday Magazine, the Associated Press, Boston Herald and many others. He was born and raised in Texas, but later went to college in the Northeast and never moved back. Now based in Boston, he returns home to Austin as often as he can.