Former Notre Dame star and NFL linebacker Manti Te’o is reportedly a candidate to take over a prominent position on NFL Network.
According to a report from Andrew Marchand of The Athletic, Manti Te’o and former NFL defensive end Akbar Gbajabiamila are among the candidates being “considered” to replace Jason McCourty on NFL Network’s “Good Morning Football” program.
Per Marchand, McCourty is leaving to stay with his family in New Jersey. The “Good Morning Football” show was previously filmed in New York, but they’re relocating to another studio in Los Angeles:
“NFL executives have been trying to determine how to replace McCourty. Two names that have been considered are former NFL players Manti Te’o and Akbar Gbajabiamila, according to the sources. Te’o impressed during a recent NFL Media Boot camp, while Gbajabiamila has been part of CBS’ “The Talk,” which is reportedly being canceled at the end of the year.”
One of the greatest players in NCAA football history, Manti Te’o racked up 34 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, seven interceptions, six pass breakups and 437 tackles during his four-year run at Notre Dame (2009 to 2012).
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Te’o had one of the best individual seasons in college football history during the 2012 season, tallying 113 tackles (5.5 for a loss), 1.5 sacks and seven interceptions. That year, he won the Walter Camp Award, Chuck Bednarik Award, Butkus Award, Lombardi Award, Maxwell Award as well as the Bronko Nagurski Trophy and the Lott Trophy.
Manti Te’o Spent Eight Seasons In The NFL
The San Diego Chargers drafted Te’o in the second round (38th overall) back in 2013. He spent his first four seasons with the organization before joining the New Orleans Saints in 2017.
Te’o spent three years in New Orleans, helping them to three straight NFC South division titles and a trip to the 2018 NFC Championship Game. Te’o spent his final season with the Chicago Bears in 2020, though he didn’t play any snaps.
In all, Te’o played 62 games in the NFL. He tallied two interceptions, 13 pass defenses, one forced fumble, 1.5 sacks and 307 combined tackles. His most productive season was 2015, when Te’o recorded one interception, two pass breakups, one forced fumble, 0.5 sacks and 83 combined tackles.
