Spurned by teams, former Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb signs with NFL Network

If it's more blessed to give than receive, Donovan McNabb is now blessed.

He's joined the NFL Network as an analyst, enabling him to dish out the kind of criticism he endured for years, mostly while amasssing all sorts of records as the Philadelphia Eagles starting quarterback.

But once again local fans are sure to make cracks about his accuracy.

The six-time Pro Bowler and former Chunky Soup pitchman will join Sterling Sharpe and Brian Baldinger on Playbook, which has its NFC editions at 8 p.m. Fridays followed by its AFC roundup at 9 p.m., according to NFL Network writer Marc Sessler.

Ex-players LaDainian Tomlinson, Darren Sharper and Shaun O'Hara are also joining the pro-football channel, Sessler said.

McNabb's rep Mark Lepselter told TMZ that he'll also be part of "other platforms on the network," and that, while he'll "devote 100 percent of his attention" to broadcasting, he also has "business interests ... real estate in particular."

After being released by the Minnesota Vikings in December, the 35-year-old free agent vowed to keep playing but failed to land even a backup job.

The previous year, after being traded by the Eagles to the Washington Redskins, he racked up a lackluster five wins.

Unless injuries prompt a mid-season invitation from a team desperate for a veteran passer, McNabb's quarterbacking days are probably over.

When he retires, it's possible he'll do so as an Eagle, following in the footsteps of teammates Brian Dawkins and Brian Westbrook, who have also gone into broadcasting.

Dawkins joined ESPN as an analyst, the sports network announced today. (See http://bit.ly/PHEYyZ.)

McNabb, an affable married father of four who earned a communications degree at Syracuse University, has done a lot of TV and radio work, from his own shows as an Eagle to various commercials.

McNabb holds almost every Eagles passing record, but never won a Super Bowl, a distinction that has eluded every quarterback wearing an Eagles uniform.

Contact staff writer Peter Mucha at 215-854-4342 or pmucha@phillynews.com.