Sirius XM Radio To Use Rich Gannon For Blitz

Rich Gannon is not as mobile and agile as he used to be, but who knew that he might one day be a defensive threat? Well somebody saw it, and Sirius NFL Radio has signed the former quarterback to lead "The Sirius Blitz" on weekdays, replacing Solomon Wilcots. The change is effective today.

Here is the press release issued by Sirius Radio.

"NFL MVP RICH GANNON JOINS SIRIUS NFL RADIO

Former NFL star quarterback will host ‘The SIRIUS Blitz’ weekdays

NEW YORK – August 4, 2009 - SIRIUS XM Radio (NASDAQ: SIRI) announced today that former NFL quarterback Rich Gannon, the 2002 NFL MVP, will host an exclusive show on SIRIUS NFL Radio, SIRIUS XM’s 24-hour NFL talk channel (SIRIUS channel 124 and XM channel 124 with the “Best of SIRIUS” programming package).

Starting today, August 4, Gannon will host The SIRIUS Blitz alongside longtime SIRIUS NFL Radio personality Adam Schein weekdays (10:00 am – 1:00 pm ET/7:00 – 10:00 am PT) throughout the NFL season. NFL fans around the country will have the chance to call in to the shows to talk one-on-one with Gannon about their favorite teams and players, weekly match-ups, and many other NFL topics.

“SIRIUS NFL Radio is the premier radio destination for football fans,” Gannon said. “It’s a terrific source of information for anyone who listens – that includes current and former players, coaches and executives. I’m excited to be a part of it and I’m looking forward to getting on the air and talking to the fans every day.”

“Ask any of his coaches or teammates and they’ll tell you Rich was one of the most intense competitors ever to play the game,” said Steve Cohen, SIRIUS XM’s Senior Vice President of Sports Programming. “We’re thrilled to have him bring that passion to SIRIUS NFL Radio. He knows today’s game and its players as well as anyone and he brings strong analysis and opinion to every show. He’s a tremendous addition to our roster and our listeners will really benefit from his presence on our air.”

Gannon, a 17-year veteran NFL quarterback, was named the 2002 NFL MVP by the Associated Press while leading the Oakland Raiders to an appearance in Super Bowl XXXVII. During his six seasons with the Raiders, from 1999-2004, he was named to four Pro Bowls, won two Pro Bowl MVP awards and was a two-time first-team All-Pro selection. Prior to joining the Raiders, Gannon was under center for the Minnesota Vikings, Washington Redskins and Kansas City Chiefs. He was drafted by the New England Patriots in the fourth round of the 1987 NFL Draft after an All-American, record-setting career with University of Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens. He retired following the 2004 season and became a game analyst for network television in 2005.

Gannon joins a lineup of former NFL players, coaches and executives on SIRIUS NFL Radio that includes Carl Banks, Gil Brandt, Randy Cross, Dean Dalton, Pat Kirwan, John Madden, Jim Miller, Tim Ryan, Ross Tucker and Solomon Wilcots.

As the Official Satellite Radio Partner of the NFL, SIRIUS XM broadcasts every NFL game live nationwide, from the pre-season through the Pro Bowl and Super Bowl. For more information on SIRIUS XM’s NFL coverage, visit www.sirius.com/nfl."

Posted August 4, 2009