RICHMOND — When ESPN’s “First Take” filmed live from Washington Redskins training camp last week, one of the best segments featured cornerback Josh Norman.
Norman, who never shies away from a challenge, confronted Stephen A. Smith’s co-host Max Kellerman. The All-Pro cornerback discussed the social media reaction to practice videos of him competing against wide receiver DeSean Jackson. More importantly, he took issue with Kellerman’s assertion that New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham beat Norman on a play last season but dropped a touchdown pass.
The biggest issue was that Kellerman said Norman was in man coverage, when in reality he was playing zone, which ended with Kellerman asking if Norman thinks he can play man coverage against Beckham.
The exchange made for great television, which is unsurprising given Norman’s outgoing personality. During the season, the Redskins’ cornerback will have more chances to showcase that on “Fox NFL Kickoff.”
According to Sports Illustrated’s MMQB, Norman will make at least 10 appearances, beginning on Sunday, Sept. 11, at 11 a.m. The appearances, according to the MMQB, will be pre-taped, though some will occur live from the stadium on game days.
“It’s crazy,” Norman said after Monday’s morning walkthrough. “Going on different shows, ended up to be it was worked out I can do that and play at the same time. It won’t be too much of a burden on me or taking away from my number one job. Just communicate, spitting out sports to people who love to watch it.
“I haven’t talked to [coach Jay Gruden] about it. He’s cool with it, I’m pretty sure. He already knows about it.”
Though former players and coaches regularly appear as analysts on ESPN and other major networks, it’s rare for active players to do so. Norman joins New York Jets wide receiver Brandon Marshall, who is regularly on Showtimes’ “Inside the NFL.”
• Anthony Gulizia can be reached at agulizia@washingtontimes.com.
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