Quarterback Donovan McNabb returns to NFL, but he won't be under center, instead he will join the a set on the NFL Network.

The former Philadelphia Eagles quarterback leaves one career and embarks on an different one as an analyst according to TMZ:

TMZ has learned the quarterback has inked a deal to join the NFL Network as a broadcaster. 

TMZ spoke with McNabb's rep Mark Lepselter who confirms McNabb has officially signed on ... adding, "He is going to be a part of their 'Playbook' show, as well as other platforms on the network."

We're told McNabb will tape the show in both New Jersey and Los Angeles.

he Philadelphia Inquirer also reports McNabb will be joining the game-tape intensive show Playbook, which also features Sterling Sharpe and Brian Baldinger and airs its NFC editions at 8 p.m. Fridays, with its AFC edition following at at 9 p.m.

Though McNabb is looking at other ventures off the field like business and real estate, he states is 100 percent committed to being the best analyst he can be.

He enters a new career as a studio analyst with one thing being clear. It will be tough to follow the job he did as an NFL quarterback.