Former Giants WR Victor Cruz is now an ESPN NFL analyst; Fox Sports has added James Laurinitus to its college football team; ESPN has extended a SEC Network host; Rob Stone is returning to PBA bowling coverage.
ESPN Hires Victor Cruz
ESPN has hired the recently retired New York Giants WR Victor Cruz as an NFL analyst, the network announced Tuesday. Cruz, who made his on-air debut Wednesday, will appear on NFL Live, SportsCenter, Get Up! and ESPN Radio year-round. On Get Up!, he will be one of several football analysts serving as a regular guest host during football season, co-hosting the show every Monday with the three regular hosts and Rex Ryan.
Cruz is no stranger to ESPN, having appeared on NFL Live as a guest analyst in January. [ESPN PR 8.21]
Laurinitus Joins FOX CFB Coverage
Fox Sports announced Monday that it has hired former Ohio State and NFL LB James Laurinitus as a college football analyst, who will work select games alongside a rotation of play-by-play partners, starting with Chris Myers in Week 1.
In the same announcement, the network confirmed the hiring of former Cowboys RB DeMarco Murray, which had been previously reported by Dallas sportswriter Barry Horn. Murray will work alongside Justin Kutcher and Petros Papadakis. [Fox Sports PR 8.20]
ESPN Extends SEC Network Host
ESPN has reached a contract extension with SEC Network host Peter Burns, who will continue to anchor the network’s flagship program SEC Now. Burns, who joined SEC Network when it launched in 2014, will also continue to serve as an ESPN Radio host. [ESPN PR 8.22]
Stone Returns to PBA Tour Coverage
Fox Sports soccer and college football host Rob Stone will serve as the play-by-play voice on the outlet’s upcoming PBA bowling coverage. Stone, who called PBA events on ESPN from 2008-12, 2ill work alongside analyst Randy Pedersen and sideline reporter Kimberly Pressler. [Fox Sports PR 8.21]
