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Many NFL players transition into other careers after retirement, and one popular choice is sports analysis. Former players can use their knowledge and experience from the field to provide insightful commentary on the game.
Most people love analyzing the plays and decisions made by players and coaches as they can help deepen our understanding of the sport.
It's worth noting that players who have played the game are not excluded from this phenomenon. This is evident as many of them have taken on a career in sports analysis. While some did not have the success they had hoped for, a few have thrived in the media as sports analysts.
Here is a list of former NFL players who have succeeded in transitioning to a career as sports analysts.
#5. Ryan Clark
Ryan Clark is a former NFL player who played as a safety for the New York Giants, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Washington Redskins. He was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Giants in 2002.
Despite having a sickle cell trait condition that made it dangerous to play in high altitude conditions, Clark had a successful career. He made two Super Bowl appearances and won one with the Steelers.
On February 18, 2015, he announced his retirement from the NFL and signed a one-day contract with the Steelers so he could retire with them. In March 2015, he was hired by ESPN as an NFL analyst, where he was a regular contributor on shows such as First Take, Get Up, and NFL Live.
Additionally, he co-hosts The Pivot Podcast with former NFL players Fred Taylor and Channing Crowder.
#4. Brandon Marshall
Brandon Marshall is a former NFL player who played as a wide receiver. He played for 13 seasons and amassed 12,351 receiving yards -- the most for an NFL player who never played in the playoffs.
He was drafted by the Denver Broncos as the 119th overall pick in the 2006 NFL draft and went on to play for six other teams during his career.
Marshall began his career as a sports analyst while still playing in 2014, as an analyst for the NFL Network show Inside the NFL. On August 20, 2020, he signed with FOX Sports to co-host the First Things First show.
However, a year later, he did not renew his contract and instead decided to start his own sports media outlet, House of Athletes. The outlet features shows like I Am Athlete Tonight and I Am Athlete podcasts.
#3. Daniel Orlovsky
Daniel Orlovsky is a former NFL player who played quarterback and was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the fifth round of the 2005 NFL draft. He was initially drafted as a second-stringer but was demoted to third-choice quarterback after the Lions traded for Joey Harrington and Jon Kitna.
He went on to play as a backup for several teams, starting in a few games. On October 11, 2017, he announced his retirement from football. On May 18, 2022, ESPN hired him as a sports analyst alongside Steve Levy and Louis Reddick Jr.
He has made frequent appearances on shows such as First Take, Get Up, and SportsCenter.
#2. LeSean McCoy
LeSean McCoy is a former NFL player who played running back and was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles as the 53rd overall pick in the 2009 NFL draft. Popularly known as "Shady," he is a two-time Super Bowl champion and a six-time Pro Bowler.
He led the league in rushing yards in 2013 with 1,607 yards and in rushing touchdowns in 2011 with 17. During his six seasons with the Eagles, he set five franchise records as a running back.
He is widely regarded as a future first-ballot Hall of Fame candidate. He also played for the Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, winning Super Bowls with the latter two teams.
In addition to his playing career, McCoy is a sports analyst and co-hosts the FOX Sports show Speak. He is also a member of the House of Athlete podcast show.
#1. Shannon Sharpe
Shannon Sharpe is a former NFL player who played tight end and is considered one of the greatest to ever play the position. He played for 14 seasons, won three Super Bowls, and was a four-time First-Team All-Pro.
On February 6, 2011, Sharpe was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He ended his career with 10,060 receiving yards and 62 touchdowns. After retiring, he transitioned to a career as a sports analyst. He was a commentator on the CBS pregame show NFL Today.
He is currently the co-host of the FOX Sports show Skip and Shannon: Undisputed, alongside sports analyst Skip Bayless.
Sharpe also hosts a podcast called Club Shay Shay, where he interviews former sports stars and celebrities.
