Josh Norman says he took a TV job without telling Redskins coach, eyes four Emmys
Norman will make at least 10 appearances during Fox's NFL coverage this year
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3 min read
So, make that two new jobs -- not just one -- for Josh Norman this offseason. Norman, who inked a mega contract with the Redskins, recently landed a second part-time gig.
Norman is coming to TV. Well, to even more TVs.
As Monday Morning Quarterback's Emily Kaplan revealed Monday, Norman accepted a one-year offer from Fox to be a regular contributor for the network's NFL coverage. He'll make at least 10 TV appearances -- with the first of those appearances occurring at 11 a.m. ET on Sept. 11 (Week 1) -- which will include pre-taped segments, live shots from his home and FedEx Field, and in-studio pieces during the Redskins' Week-9 bye.
According to Norman, he didn't tell his coaches ahead of time. So, if you're reading this Jay Gruden, don't shoot the messenger.
"I haven't told Coach [Jay] Gruden or [defensive coordinator Joe] Barry yet, but I'll give them a nice shout out on TV," Norman told MMQB's Kaplan. "It's not at all going to be a distraction. If you keep your focus on you and not anybody else, you're going to be fine. I'm going to be me on Sunday."
Norman clarified later that the Redskins' staff knew about his job, according to CSN Mid-Atlantic's JP Finlay.
But Gruden also confirmed Norman's initial claim. The coach had "no idea" about Norman's new job.
"I have no idea what you're talking about," Gruden said, per The Washington Post's Dan Steinberg. "Pre-game show for what? Great to know."
Freaking out when a star player takes on something that could serve as a "distraction" is a time-honored tradition for fans and teams, but from Norman's perspective, he just landed the opportunity of a lifetime. Assuming he successfully adapts to the TV world, his one-year gig should morph into a potential career once his playing days are over. Remember, this is the same player who pretends to be a different movie character during every game.
This isn't a distraction. This is a win for America.
"I have a good personality," Norman said. "Talking in that space. ... I'm not sure if that's what I'll do after my career, but I like exploring it now. It's nice that I'm able to get my truth out there."
But Norman's new job might matter to the coaches. As Kaplan wrote, Norman might actually make his appearances on game day, which he said won't "be a problem at all."
Fox agreed.
"Our No. 1 priority in this relationship is to make sure we do not get in the way of anything on the field, this is completely secondary," said John Entz, president of production and executive producer for Fox Sports. "If there is ever a time where he feels this is something that gets in the way of his focus, then we completely understand that and we will respect that. If he ever came to us, and said, 'I need a break,' that's something we would be comfortable allowing."
Secondary, because, you know, Norman plays in the secondary.
He doesn't, however, plan on being secondary to any current player who is also involved with TV. And by "any current player," I mean Jets receiver Brandon Marshall, who joined Showtime as an analyst on Inside the NFL in 2014, flying from Chicago to New York mid-week during the season. His trade to the Jets in early 2015 made his commute a bit easier, so Marshall's remained on the show since. He garnered two Emmy nominations this spring.
As Kaplan reported, Norman told his friends that he isn't aiming for two Emmy Awards. He wants four.
So, make that two feuds with top-flight receivers -- not just one -- for Norman.
Wink of the CBS eye to MMQB's Emily Kaplan
