Dexter Manley's TV show

In researching the best quotes in D.C. sports history, I had occasion to go back and review my item on Dexter Manley's greatest quotes. He was a soundbite machine. Almost seems like he should have been on TV full-time.

Well, say no more. Dexter's Rush Hour is currently in pre-production, with a hopeful debut date of the first week in September. "Think Dexter Manley hosting Sports Center meets Mr. Rogers Neighborhood," I was told, which sounds good by me.

It's called "the fastest hour on television," which is awesome, because the show only lasts 30 minutes, but that's kind of the spirit of the thing. Not super serious, in other words. There will be one segment called "Dexter the Professor," in which Manley will answer football questions from fans. There will be another called "Grounds Crew," involving Dexter and six or seven puppets. There will be a "Fantasy Island" halftime bit focused on fantasy football.

There will also be a weekly guest interview, conducted by Dexter, with subjects drawn from the current NFL, the alumni ranks, the media, politics, and so on.

The show was conceived by Dexter and a couple of local production companies. They've already recruited sponsors, and the producers are talking with a couple of local stations about a football-season run, with hopes to possibly extend it into a year-round operation if things go well. D.C. sports are hot right now, if you hadn't heard.

I'm hoping to get out to the set for a more detailed report in coming days, but in the meantime, there's a Twitter account and a (soon-to-launch) Web site. And if these photos don't sell you, I don't know what will.