Todd Blackledge is a name that resonates with college football fans across the country. After a notable career as a quarterback for Penn State, where he led his team to a national championship in 1982, Blackledge transitioned to broadcasting and made a significant impact at ESPN for 17 years.
In 2023, he made a high-profile move to NBC Sports, where he now provides analysis for Big Ten Saturday Night, the primetime Big Ten Football game series aired weekly on NBC.
Blackledge’s move to NBC has piqued interest as it marks a new chapter in his illustrious career while anchoring the network’s prime college football coverage. His partnership with play-by-play announcer Noah Eagle promises to bring fresh insights and engaging commentary to viewers.
This career shift is not just a change of network; it’s an opportunity for Blackledge to continue his passion for college football on a new platform.
The financial aspect of his career also draws attention. Blackledge’s long-standing work and popularity in sports commentary have significantly contributed to his net worth, making him a figure of interest not only for his football expertise but also for his successful transition from the field to the broadcast booth.
As he embarks on this new journey with NBC, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how his unique perspectives will enhance the viewing experience for college football enthusiasts.
Who Is Todd Blackledge?
Todd Blackledge has had a notable career as a college football analyst and former NFL quarterback. His journey from a college football star to a respected sports commentator is rooted in his early years, professional achievements, and personal life.
Where Did Todd Blackledge Grow Up?
Todd Blackledge grew up in Canton, Ohio. This city, known for its rich football history, provided a strong foundation for his future career.
His father, Ron Blackledge, was a football coach, which greatly influenced Todd’s early exposure to the sport. Canton, home to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, played a crucial role in shaping his ambitions and passion for football.
The community’s strong football culture was a perfect backdrop for a young athlete poised to make a mark in the sport.
Where Did Todd Blackledge Play College Football?
He played college football at Penn State University for the Nittany Lions. Under Coach Joe Paterno’s guidance, Todd led the team to a national championship in 1982.
He graduated with a degree in speech communication and was an Academic All-American. His impressive performance on the field earned him the prestigious Eric Walker Award.
Penn State was the ideal stage for Blackledge to develop his skills and gain national recognition as a standout quarterback.
Find the best accommodations
Check availability at 5* hotels, guest houses and apartments rated "superb" or "exceptional" by visitors just like you.
NO RESERVATION FEES
CHECK AVAILABILITY FOR YOUR DATES HERE
Did Todd Blackledge Play In The NFL?
Todd Blackledge was selected in the 1983 NFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs. As part of the famed quarterback class that included John Elway and Dan Marino, he played for both the Chiefs and the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Although his NFL career didn’t achieve the same success as his college days—earning him the label of a “draft bust”—he still made substantial contributions to the teams. His NFL experience provided valuable insights that later enriched his career as a broadcaster.
Where Does Todd Blackledge Live?
As of now, Todd Blackledge resides in Canton, Ohio. Staying close to his roots, he remains connected to the local community.
Living in Canton allows him to keep a close relationship with family and friends. This connection to his hometown also reflects his commitment to maintaining a grounded lifestyle despite his busy career.
The familiarity and closeness of Canton offer a sense of stability and belonging.
Who Is Todd Blackledge Married To?
Blackledge is married to Cherie Blackledge. Together, they have four children, fostering a loving and supportive family environment.
The couple’s commitment to family values is paramount, and they remain actively involved in their children’s lives.
Despite the demands of Todd’s career, he prioritizes family time, reflecting his dedication to balancing professional and personal life. This strong family foundation supports his ongoing success and well-being.
Todd Blackledge Professional Career
Todd Blackledge has had a notable career both as a professional football player and as a college football analyst. His journey through various networks and roles has made him a prominent figure in sports broadcasting.
What Network Has Todd Blackledge Previously Worked For?
Todd Blackledge has worked for several major networks during his broadcasting career. He started at ABC Sports, moved to CBS Sports, and spent a significant part of his career at ESPN.
At ESPN, he was a college football analyst and color commentator for 17 years. His tenure at ESPN included covering many high-profile college football games, making his voice familiar to fans of the sport.
What Network Is Todd Blackledge Currently Working For?
In 2023, Todd Blackledge joined NBC Sports. He took on the role of lead analyst for NBC’s primetime Big Ten Football coverage. This coverage airs each week on NBC and streams live on Peacock.
The decision to move to NBC was partly influenced by the exciting opportunity to cover Big Ten games and reach a new audience.
Who Is Todd Blackledge Broadcast Partner?
Todd Blackledge’s broadcast partner is Noah Eagle. Eagle serves as the play-by-play announcer for NBC’s primetime Big Ten Football games.
The dynamic pairing of Blackledge and Eagle aims to bring engaging and insightful commentary to fans. Together, they debut on Big Ten Saturday Night on NBC.
Does Todd Blackledge Want To Cover The NFL?
There is no public indication that Todd Blackledge wants to shift his focus to covering the NFL. His passion seems to lie in college football, where he has built a significant part of his career.
Blackledge has consistently dedicated himself to college football, both as a player and an analyst, making a move to the NFL unlikely at this point.
What Are Todd Blackledge Future Prospects?
Todd Blackledge’s future prospects likely involve continuing his role at NBC Sports. Given his experience and expertise, Blackledge is expected to excel in his current position.
With the new Big Ten sports rights deal in place, he has a bright future ahead covering high-profile games in the Big Ten Conference. This deal will keep him in the spotlight for years to come.
Todd Blackledge Major Achievements And Awards
Todd Blackledge has had a storied career with many achievements. As a player, he led Penn State to a national championship in 1982. In his broadcasting career, he has covered numerous major college football games and has become a respected voice in sports media.
Similar Announcers To Todd Blackledge
Other notable announcers with similar careers to Todd Blackledge include Brad Nessler, who has also had a prominent role in college football broadcasting. Sean McDonough is another respected figure in the field.
These announcers bring a wealth of knowledge and experience, much like Blackledge, to the broadcasting booth, adding depth and insight to their game coverage.
Does Todd Blackledge Do Private Speaking Engagements?
Yes, Todd Blackledge does participate in private speaking engagements. His extensive experience as a college football analyst and former player makes him a sought-after speaker.
Organizations often invite him to speak on topics related to sports, teamwork, and leadership. His engaging and knowledgeable speaking style adds value to various events and conferences.
What Is Todd Blackledge Net Worth?
Todd Blackledge has built a notable career in football and broadcasting, contributing significantly to his net worth. His main earnings come from his contracts with networks and his annual salary. This section will explore these aspects in detail.
How Much Is Todd Blackledge’s Contract For?
Todd Blackledge recently joined NBC Sports, where he serves as a commentator for Big Ten Saturday Night. While the exact terms of his contract with NBC have not been publicly disclosed, it’s evident that networks typically offer lucrative deals to experienced analysts like Blackledge.
Industry standards suggest that contracts for high-profile commentators can range from several hundred thousand to a few million dollars annually.
How Much Does Todd Blackledge Make In Salary Per Year?
Todd Blackledge’s yearly salary is estimated to be significant given his experience and role at NBC.
Before joining NBC, he worked with ESPN for 17 years, indicating his expertise and value.
Although his precise salary at NBC is not publicly detailed, commentators with his level of experience and recognition often earn in the range of $500,000 to $1 million per year.
For more information on his overall earnings, one can refer to Celebrity Net Worth, which estimates his net worth at $2 million.
Get the latest sent right to your inbox