Well, yesterday was Tom Brady’s first day on the job. After his official retirement, he took a gap year from work. Yesterday, he stepped into the booth to call the Cowboys and Browns game as the color commentator. Truth be told, I did not catch much of the game and by the time I tuned in the Cowboys had the game at hand. I did listen to Tom for a few minutes of the game though, and you could tell that Tom, well, was a rookie in the booth. Since yesterday’s broadcast, if you look on social media or read any sports news, there have been quite a bit of negative comments about him and his ability to call a game. I thought with this, I would do a quick blog about my perspective of color commentary in football.
My personal feeling is that I really do not like a ton of color commentary announcers in today’s football games. But I was always kind of like this, even when the great John Madden was calling games, I never really got on board with it. It is not to say that they do not serve a purpose though. I mean, other than me, who would want to listen to just a game with pads poppin’, the roar of a crowd, and the occasional curse word being dropped? I really feel that this should be an option for those who are crazy in love with the game in this way. However, I do get sucked into some of the information that they gather and report during the game. Such as what the coaches think, what the players have been working on, what they plan to do during the game, or how to attack the opposing team. Mostly, I would say that I tolerate the play-by-play announcers, they do a good job talking through the game and it is a necessary evil when watching or listening to the game, I get it. It’s the filler comments and conversations that I get challenged with, the color commentary. Then the overworking a certain angle, Collinsworth, that just drives me nuts! Plumb nuts some would argue.
Speaking of Chris Collinsworth, whew, what a challenge to listen to; in my opinion. I am sure that he is a nice enough guy to be around and honestly, one of the most prolific wide receivers back in the day. It is just too much in the booth, sometimes not saying anything says a lot. I would recommend Chris gives this a try. It is the wishy-washy comments of how good a player is and then turning on them later in the game that just gets me fired up to strap on a helmet and shoulder pads to catch him on a crosser between the hashes. Got to do better Chris. Good ol’ Tony Romo; bless him, Jim. Jim, he started off with a bang and was doing pretty well with it. Until, Jim, he didn’t and he continued to go off the rails with way too much commentary. Lastly, Jim, I would not play a drinking game during his call if you cannot hold your liquid, says about 27 ‘Jim’s’ in the first quarter and really ramps it up thereafter. You’ll be on the floor before the half. No surprise to those who are closest to me that I am going to bust on another former Dallas Cowboy. Troy, Troy, Troy, it is like nails on a chalkboard, man. I will just watch the ManningCast, enough said.
The Color Commentators I Enjoy
- Kirk Herbstreit
- Greg McElroy
- Kurt Warner
- Dan Dierdorf
Alright, so I have been pretty negative in this blog so far and I don’t intend to use this platform for negativity. So here is the good, I love Kirk Herbstreit and Al Michaels on Thursday Night Football. They do an excellent job and lately, the NFL, has done a terrible job getting good games their way for the call. It has been a struggle for them calling games because of the mismatches that they have been given, but they do a great job overcoming this and providing great content. And the Herbie and Chris Fowler call on the college football prime time game is phenomenal as well. Herbie just makes it better all the way around! Another color commentator that I will lean into and I absolutely enjoy is Greg McElroy. This may be an unpopular opinion though, and that is okay with me. I think what draws me into Greg is his brilliance of the game and his ability to be relatable to the casual fan. Additionally, I really enjoy listening to Kurt Warner call the NFL exclusive games. His rhythm to the call is great and I mean, really, what is not great about the on the field leader of the Greatest Show on Turf. Here’s a throwback for some of us, Dan Dierdorf. Man, I loved listening to him color commentate. If you want to catch him now, he is the radio color commentator for the Michigan Wolverines; man, what a voice!
There are other iconic voices in the game that if someone just says their name, I will immediately hear them. Brent Musburger is one of them. I can hear him introducing the Rose Bowl as I type this. The aforementioned, Al Michaels is another. Of course, his call of the Miracle on Ice in 1980 for the Olympic hockey gold medal game between the United States and the Soviet Union is legendary. Also, Pat Summerall must be mentioned, his broadcasting of the Thanksgiving Day football games and the Super Bowl’s will be remembered for as long as I will live.
So, color commentary is not really something that I particularly love and there are those out there who just drive me nuts (I probably complain about it too much). But I guess after writing this it has brought new light to an area where I can lean into this aspect of the game. John Madden was revolutionary in changing the color commentary of football games and this opened the way for so many more. I look forward to listening to the next broadcast of my favorite color commentators as well, Herbie is calling Thursday nights game of the Bills v. Dolphins. Should be a good one! Oh, and for that Tom Brady broadcasting guy, remember what happened the last time he was doubted.
Tell me what you think, comment below!
4 responses to “Color Commentary”
Never doubt Tom, from the field to the booth, big difference! Am excited to follow him and watch his from field, to retired, to booth now. Was an exciting weekend for football, from my favorite high school team to NFL ! Never thought I’d see handcuffs come out right before a big game! Can’t wait till Friday night. 🏈
Such a great time of the year, excited for much more football! Excited for Tom as well.
No one likes Chris Collingsworth but me!! Your points are valid, but I don’t listen to his actual words much. I find his voice soothing, like a friendly grandpa 🤣
I think I can get on board with that, his words mean nothing! Thanks for the comment.