Former Ohio State University wide receiver and Central Catholic High School standout, 27, who played professionally for the Chicago Bears and the Cincinnati Bengals, has joined WTOL-TV, Channel 11, as a semi-regular sports reporter/​analyst. The deal was signed earlier this month.

“He’s an exciting addition to our team,” said Anthony Knopps, WTOL news director. “He brings a perspective that we really don’t have, a former college and professional athlete from our area. It’s unusual that we have a homegrown athlete that’s made it to the professional level and wants to come back here and make a difference in the community.

“What I like is he’s willing to do whatever it takes to put the best story on the air. He has several exciting ideas on how to look at the impact of sports on families.”

For his first WTOL news story Sanzenbacher interviewed Jim Tressel, his former coach while at OSU, and is working on long-form stories that will air in the coming weeks, Knopps said.

“[Sanzenbacher] was brought on to do more than just football,” he added. “He has a unique skill set that will serve not just our sports department but our entire news department as well.”

First Published October 24, 2015, 4:00 a.m.