Longtime NFL Receiver Randall Cobb Joins ESPN as Analyst

Cobb has totaled 13 years in the NFL, primarily catching passes from Aaron Rodgers.

Jan 8, 2023; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) and wide receiver Randall Cobb (18) walk off the field following the game against the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports / Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Editor's note, 1:40 p.m. ET: A previous version of this article stated Cobb retired from the NFL. Cobb has since clarified he is not officially retiring; the headline and body have been altered to reflect this update.

It seems longtime NFL wideout Randall Cobb won't be suiting up next season. But he isn't going far from the game of football.

On Thursday, Cobb was announced as the newest analyst for ESPN's SEC Network. The veteran NFL receiver spent last year with the New York Jets but is not under contract for the upcoming year.

Welcome to the @SECNetwork team, @rcobb18! 🏈

Cobb will join SECN as a college football studio analyst

Details: https://t.co/qBkXxrQYdp pic.twitter.com/6oSydLOO3d

— ESPN PR (@ESPNPR) July 18, 2024

ESPN's official release initially noted Cobb retired from the NFL following the 2023 season. However, Cobb himself stepped in to clarify that he is not retired yet. Via Cobb's official X (formerly Twitter) account:

Not officially retired but I’m excited for this new opportunity! Catch me and @AlyssaLang on Out of Pocket Wednesdays on the SEC Network! https://t.co/FbsIKCQK3G

— Randall Cobb (@rcobb18) July 18, 2024

Cobb has spent the last 13 years playing professional football and established himself as one of Aaron Rodgers's favorite targets. His first stretch with the Green Bay Packers lasted eight seasons and was quite prolific; he made the Pro Bowl in 2014 and caught more than 50 passes in five of those seasons. Last year Cobb appeared in 11 games and caught five passes for 39 yards.

Cobb's decision to join the analyst ranks is not terribly surprising. There is plentiful opportunity to shine at SEC Network. Cobb was an All-American at Kentucky and totaled nearly 3,000 all-purpose yards in his three years as a Wildcat.

While it seems Cobb's playing days aren't coming to a close quite yet, his decision to join ESPN seems to signal it is on hold for now.