When the NFL season begins, ESPN will have a new contributor for Sunday Countdown. According to ESPN’s Dan Graziano, Annie Apple, the mother of New York Giants rookie defensive back Eli Apple, will join the Worldwide Leader’s NFL pregame show.
Eli Apple's mother, Annie Apple aka @SurvivinAmerica , will join ESPN's Sunday NFL Countdown as a contributor this fall.
— Dan Graziano (@DanGrazianoESPN) May 23, 2016
Graziano further explained what the specifics of the job would be.
“Starting this fall, Annie Apple will join ESPN’s Sunday NFL Countdown as a contributor. Annie Apple will offer player profiles and other stories for ESPN’s Sunday morning pregame show.”
As these jobs tend to go to reporters or former NFL players/coaches, this is definitely a first. With that said, we can’t say that Annie Apple wouldn’t qualify as an NFL insider. Additionally, the lady has shown quite a personality. She’s also ecstatic to be joining the show.
I am beyond excited to be joining the ESPN family and quite honestly, happier than a Kardashian in an NBA locker room. #Blessed
— Annie Apple (@SurvivinAmerica) May 23, 2016
In addition to being a strong personality, Apple also has background in the field.
For you truthers, ESPN didn't hire me cuz I'm cute. I have degrees in TV production & English. So not only am I quasi cute, I'm semi smart😳
— Annie Apple (@SurvivinAmerica) May 23, 2016
Annie Apple rose to prominence when she defended her son against a scout, who criticized Eli’s inability to cook and cited that as a reason to be concerned about drafting him.
Still, that doesn’t mean that Mrs. Apple will be overprotective if she’s ever called on to analyze her son. She also turned the tables on Eli and showed some tough love, calling him an “unemployed college dropout” when he was offered the chance to wear a Rolex on draft day.
ESPN definitely has a contributor who’s not afraid to speak her mind and show some personality. It’s safe to say that she’ll make Sunday Countdown more interesting. It’s a welcome change.