After an 18-year NFL career, quarterback Matt Hasselbeck has announced that he’s retiring from the game of football.

“As a kid, playing in the NFL was always my dream and it turned out to be way more fun that I could’ve ever imagined,” Hasselbeck said in an ESPN release. “Throughout 18 incredible seasons, I had the chance to forge many relationships with teammates, coaches and staff that I will cherish forever.

“With the support of my family, we’ve made the decision to embark on the next chapter.”

The next chapter of Hasselbeck’s life will be on television, as he’s signed a deal to join ESPN as a studio analyst.

“The exceptional opportunity presented to me by ESPN accelerated my decision to retire from playing football,” Hasselbeck said. “I’m excited for the chance to give everything I have to this new endeavor and share the knowledge I have with our viewers.”

“Matthew has been on our radar for many years and we expect him to have an immediate impact as he transitions from the playing field to a marquee analyst role on our signature NFL shows,” said Seth Markman, ESPN’s senior coordinating producer of NFL studio shows.

Hasselbeck will undoubtedly be one of the forgotten quarterback’s of the 2000’s, but he shouldn’t be.  He revived a Seattle Seahawks franchise and led them to a Super Bowl appearance, one which they very easily could have won if not for a few bogus calls.

In the latter part of his career backing up Andrew Luck, he became the perfect backup quarterback. Someone who could help the starter because he’s seen it all before and step in if need be and operate an offense.  He did this while not being a threat to the young starter.

He played in eight games last season and proved there still is something left in the tank.  Hasselbeck completed nearly 61 percent of his throws with nine touchdowns and five interceptions, and led the Colts to a 5-3 record as a starter.

There would have been plenty of interest for Hasselbeck as a backup in 2016.