A&E GREENLIGHTS NEW ORIGINAL SERIES “KEYSHAWN JOHNSON: TACKLING DESIGN” FOLLOWING THE TRIALS OF A PRO ATHLETE TRYING TO MAKE A SERIOUS PLAY TO BECOME A RESPECTED INTERIOR DESIGNER

REAL-LIFE SERIES IN PRODUCTION SLATED FOR PREMIERE IN 2009

NEW YORK November 5, 2008 A&E Network today announced a new original series “Keyshawn Johnson: Tackling Design”, a Real-Life series is currently in production and slated for premiere in 2009 as part of the Saturday line-up, The Big Fix. “Keyshawn Johnson: Tackling Design” will follow the day-to-day drama facing former NFL pro and current ESPN analyst Keyshawn Johnson as he embarks on a very different career path: interior designer. “Sports fans are aware of Keyshawn’s formidable skills on the field, but will be completely surprised by his talent as a designer. The fact that he is really trying to get his interior design business off the ground perfectly fits with our real life brand where we capture the real lives of extraordinary people,” said Robert Sharenow, Senior Vice President, Nonfiction and Alternative Programming, A&E.

Outspoken NFL veteran wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson may be known best for his play on the field, but now he’s putting a completely different set of skills to the test in “Keyshawn Johnson: Tackling Design.” Furniture, fabric and finishings used to be just a hobby, but with his football days behind him Johnson’s wide-receiving now has more to do with fitting furniture through the front door of a house. Will clients take this former pro-athlete seriously as an interior designer? The ten episode half-hour series follows Johnson as he tries to make a name in the world of interior design. And given the pressures and personalities, Johnson’s famous temper is sure to be put to the test.

During his eleven year career as an NFL wide receiver Johnson played for the New York Jets, Carolina Panthers, Dallas Cowboys and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he won a Super Bowl Championship during the 2002-2003 season. He retired in 2007 with 814 receptions, 64 touchdowns and 10,571 yards recorded during his career. Away from the gridiron Johnson heads up numerous business ventures and charitable endeavors including The Keyshawn Johnson Education Foundation which is dedicated to the health and well being of children.

“Keyshawn Johnson: Tackling Design” is produced for A&E by Screen Door Entertainment by executive producers Joe Rizor and Alessandra Ascoli. A&E Executive Producers are Robert Sharenow and Andy Berg.

Source: A&E Press Release