In recent years, several former NFL players have successfully transitioned into prominent roles across various networks, and we may soon witness another such shift with former NFL wide receiver Chad Johnson.
During Wednesday’s live episode of the Nightcap podcast from Radio Row in New Orleans, ahead of Super Bowl LIX, Johnson, along with Shannon Sharpe, engaged with Fox color analyst Greg Olsen, who shared insights about moving from player to broadcaster.
Johnson inquired if someone like him, with no broadcasting experience, could learn to excel in the booth. “Listen, I have watched you transition from playing the game to doing color commentary,” he said to Olsen. “Your work ethic and discipline clearly paved the way for that. If I’m someone who has never ventured into that realm, is it even possible for me to learn, especially if I can tone down my cursing a bit?”
Olsen responded affirmatively, emphasizing that with dedication, anyone could acquire the necessary skills. “I think anybody can learn it,” he stated. “The key foundation is a love for football and a desire to keep learning. It’s about communicating in a different setting. For me, the biggest challenge was adjusting to the tempo and rhythm of the broadcast—finding that balance of making an impact without overdoing it.”
As Olsen prepared to leave, Johnson declared his aspiration to pursue a color commentary role with any network interested. “I want to do color commentary this next year. I’m putting it out there,” he stated. However, Sharpe expressed skepticism about Johnson’s suitability for such a role, noting, “You gotta call it as you see it. It’s right there in the moment, not something that already happened.”
In addition to his work on Nightcap, Johnson also acts as an analyst on The CW’s Inside the NFL. Nonetheless, as he pointed out, he lacks experience in calling live games. This past season, even seasoned players like Tom Brady, who began his role as a color analyst with Fox, faced challenges adapting to the booth. Despite this, Johnson’s charismatic personality suggests he could engage audiences effectively if he pursues a spot in broadcasting.
