Josh Norman to join FOX pregame coverage

At this time last season, Josh Norman was virtually unknown to most football fans, but things have changed.

Just months after becoming the highest-paid cornerback in the NFL, the Washington Redskins' new star defender will be getting a TV spot as well.

Norman will be joining "Fox NFL Kickoff" beginning Week 1 at 11:00 ET and will make at least 10 appearances as part of his one-year agreement, Norman told Emily Kaplan of MMQB.

"I haven’t told Coach (Jay) Gruden or (defensive coordinator Joe) Barry yet, but I’ll give them a nice shout out on TV," Norman said. "It’s not at all going to be a distraction. If you keep your focus on you and not anybody else, you’re going to be fine. I’m going to be me on Sunday."

Norman's decision to join the media ranks as an active player was inspired by New York Jets wideout Brandon Marshall receiving two Emmy nominations for his work on Showtime's "Inside the NFL."

The 28-year-old will appear in pre-taped segments, live hits, and is scheduled for an in-studio assignment on his bye week.

Both Norman and Fox Sports insist the arrangement will not interfere with his performance for any football activities.

"Our No. 1 priority in this relationship is to make sure we do not get in the way of anything on the field, this is completely secondary," says John Entz, Fox Sports president of production and executive producer. "If there is ever a time where he feels this is something that gets in the way of his focus, then we completely understand that and we will respect that. If he ever came to us, and said, 'I need a break,' that’s something we would be comfortable allowing.

"It takes a special and unique individual that wants to do this and would be good at it. It’s not as easy as going down the starting lineups. We’re very excited about Josh. We’re going to try this out, and see where it goes."