Barber, 31, had his choice of broadcasting jobs since he announced he was retiring from the New York Giants. Fox and ABC/ESPN had also sought him.

"My dream has always been to be on the `Today' show," Barber said.

He'll be a contributing correspondent on the morning show. He said he's interested in stories on health and technology, and NBC said they'd also like to see him doing human interest stories and those on family issues.

He will also be an analyst on NBC's "Football Night in America," the hour-long highlight show that precedes the network's Sunday-night football game. Barber said the ability to stay close to his family in New York made NBC's offer particularly appealing.

NBC, which is owned by the General Electric Co., wouldn't reveal other details of the multiyear deal.

Barber ended his playing career at the Pro Bowl in Honolulu last weekend, scoring a touchdown but also throwing an interception and rushing for only 4 yards.

(Click here for an Advertiser video interview with Tiki Barber.)

Barber laid the groundwork for a broadcasting career while still active in the NFL. He was a correspondent for the Fox News Channel morning program "Fox & Friends," and has two programs on Sirius Satellite Radio, one on general topics and another on football that he does with his brother, Ronde Barber of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

NBC News President Steve Capus said he thought Barber was "just going to light up the screen."