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Donovan McNabb inks national radio deal

Donovan McNabb, already an analyst for the NFL Network, now has a national radio deal.

Donovan McNabb, already an analyst for the NFL Network, now has a national radio deal.

He's joining the fledging NBC Sports Radio network, which launched Sept. 4, expanded to offer weekend-long programming on Jan. 5, and will go 24/7 on April 1.

The NBC rollout is the latest challenge to turf once ruled by ESPN. On Jan. 2, CBS Sports Radio went national, offering a broad perspective at 610 on the AM band, while 94 WIP continued with its local lineup on FM. ESPN's represented in Philadelphia by 97.5 The Fanatic, also on FM.

McNabb will be one of NBC Sports Radio's top NFL analysts, taking part in this weekend's Super Bowl coverage, and regularly talking by phone with shows on various affiliates.

"In addition, McNabb will play a big part in a soon-to-be-announced daily Monday-Friday talk show that will debut April 1, 2013, as the network expands its programming lineup," according to a news release.

But to regularly hear McNabb, forget area airwaves. You'll have to listen via the Internet (www.nbssportsradio.com).

Although NBC Sports Radio network's affiliations include WBCB (1490 AM), operating out of Levittown, the station, co-owned by Eagles broadcaster Merrill Reese, won't be carrying NBC's round-the-clock sports lineup, according to program director Matthew Mirro.

The one possibility is McNabb might be heard as part of the station's carrying of select NFL games - when they don't conflict with Eagles coverage.

"We don't use anything else besides their updates," Mirro said of NBC Sports Radio.

The station, whose signal reaches Northeast Philadelphia, does a mix of news, sports, politics and other local programming.

The next nearest NBC Sports Radio stations broadcast out of Harrisburg.

"Donovan's vision and intelligence as a quarterback will translate into great insights as a commentator. I'm sure he will be a great listen," said Rob Simmelkjaer, senior vice president of NBC Sports Ventures and International.

McNabb had a brief comment, too: "As I continue to segue further into the broadcasting field, adding a radio relationship like Dial Global and NBC Sports Radio is the perfect next step. This platform allows me a weekly forum to communicate with fans on a personal basis and I'm excited for the opportunity."

Early this month, McNabb denied rumors he might return to the playing field for the Kansas City Chiefs, which hired former Eagles coach Andy Reid.

"I'm focusing on perfecting what I'm doing right now, and that's working with NFL Network, the Playbook," an analysis show, he said.

He laughed when asked if he had yet filed his retirement papers.

He'd only come back, he said, to take a shot at leading a team to a Super Bowl victory, not to teach a young QB or be a "scapegoat" again.

For more about NBC Sports Radio, go to www.nbcsportsradio.com.