CBS Announces NFL Players Competing on Live Special MVP: MOST VALUABLE PERFORMER

CBS announced today the NFL players who will compete to be crowned the MVP: MOST VALUABLE PERFORMER on a new, live, one-hour interactive talent show hosted by LL COOL J, to be broadcast Thursday, Jan. 25 (8:00-9:00 PM, live ET/delayed PT) on the CBS Television Network.

After a nationwide vote, Brandon Williams, Jonathan Stewart, Justin Tucker, Alex Collins, Cody and Jacob Hollister (performing together), and Kevin Zeitler have been named the finalists who will compete in the talent show to find the current NFL player with the best off-the-field talent. If any player is unable to perform due to their football obligations, Domata Peko and Robert Nkemdiche have been named as alternates.

Players will perform their talent live from the Avalon Hollywood, and viewers can vote from the final three on CBS.com, with the winner revealed during the live broadcast.

"These six NFL player finalists are about to show viewers another side of their personalities and skillsets," said Bob Horowitz, JUMA Entertainment President. "As they prepare for next Thursday night's competition, it's impressive to watch these athletes focus and train in much the same way as they approach a game on Sunday. And just like their day job, their primetime performance will be LIVE!"

The NFL players competing for MVP: MOST VALUABLE PERFORMER are:

Brandon Williams

Baltimore Ravens, Defensive Tackle

Talent: Singing

Thank you video

Follow on Twitter and Instagram @BrandonW_66

Jonathan Stewart

Carolina Panthers, Running Back

Talent: Playing piano

Thank you video

Follow on Twitter and Instagram @Jonathanstewar1

Justin Tucker

Baltimore Ravens, Placekicker

Talent: Opera singing

Follow on Twitter and Instagram @jtuck9

Alex Collins

Baltimore Ravens, Running Back

Talent: Irish dancing

Thank you video

Follow on Twitter and Instagram @Budda03

Cody Hollister

New England Patriots, Wide Receiver

Talent: Singing

**Competing with his brother Jacob Hollister

Follow on Twitter @C_hollister81

Follow on Instagram @codyhollister

Jacob Hollister

New England Patriots, Tight End

Talent: Playing guitar

**Competing with his brother Cody Hollister

Follow on Twitter @hollister_jacob

Follow on Instagram @jacobhollister

Kevin Zeitler

Cleveland Browns, Guard

Talent: Dog tricks

Thank you video

Follow on Twitter and Instagram @kzeit70

If any of the players are unable to perform due to their football obligations, the following have been named as alternates:

Domata Peko

Denver Broncos, Nose Tackle

Talent: Playing guitar

Follow on Twitter and Instagram @DomataPeko

Robert Nkemdiche

Arizona Cardinals, Defensive End

Talent: Playing saxophone

Follow on Twitter and Instagram @Thelegendmerlyn

The MVP CONTEST began Dec. 1 with the first videos of 32 participating NFL players available online at Sports Illustrated's website (si.com/mvp) for fans to watch and vote for their favorite performer. The top finalists from teams that have been eliminated from postseason advanced to the live show and will be assisted by a mentor to help enhance their performances. During the live show, a panel of celebrity judges will critique each player's performance before viewers vote online at cbs.com/shows/most-valuable-performer/ to determine the MVP: MOST VALUABLE PERFORMER. The winner will be revealed at the end of the show.

Additional information will be available closer to air.

MVP: MOST VALUABLE PERFORMER is produced by JUMA Entertainment in conjunction with ACE Media, the content arm of the NFL Players Association. Robert Horowitz and Josh Greenberg of JUMA are the executive producers along with Scott Langerman of ACE. Michael Simon will direct.

RATING: To Be Announced

Image courtesy of CBS