Oakland Raiders: Which Player Has a Future in Broadcasting?

The Oakland Raiders have always been a team noted for interesting characters and personalities. Hence why they’ve had so much success.

This is true both on the field and off. So what about calling games rather than playing them? Seeing Tony Romo and Jay Cutler making the jump to the broadcast booth following their careers gets one to think. Who are some other potential NFL personalities that could end up doing the same once they hang up the cleats? Specfically are there any members of the current Raiders roster that fit the profile of what TV stations might look for in such a job.

ESPN reached out to all of its primary team writers for an answer. They asked for one name that would fit the bill for becoming broadcaster in the future. There were some obvious choices like Larry Fitzgerald in Arizona or Martellus Bennett in Green Bay. Then there were a couple shockers like Chris Conley from Kansas City and Clinton McDonald from Tampa Bay.

So who qualified for the Silver and Black? According to Paul Gutierrez, it was an easy decision.

"Derek Carr, QB“If Carr’s biggest perceived sin is telling the people what he thinks they want to hear rather than what they want to know, well then, step right into the broadcast booth. Being a quarterback already gives him a leg up on breaking down a game, and he has shown he has a gift for gab in his weekly media sessions. Besides, as his star continues to rise as one of the top young QBs in the league, he has learned what not to do by watching his older brother David — a former No. 1 overall pick of the Texans — struggle early in his career. Then again, the elder Carr did not have an offensive line like his younger brother does in Oakland. And now, David has found a calling with the NFL Network. Might Derek follow David into another career field?”"

Carr certainly has the personality and presence

Of course the talent initially is what attracted Derek Carr to the Raiders brass in the first place. He’s got that coveted mix of size, arm strength, accuracy and mobility that’s hard to find. However, what really sold a lot of people on him was charismatic personality. Not only was he a bright, well-spoken young man but also a positive presence. He genuinely seems to love the game of football. He reminded many people of a young Brett Favre with that infectious enthusiasm. Is it a coincidence he also wears #4?

Favre claims he plans to get back into the pro game sooner than later, though he aims at coaching or front office work. A shame because he would make a great broadcaster with his knowledge and sense of humor. The same goes for Carr. He has a long career still ahead of him, so this isn’t a question he’ll visit for a long time to come. Still, it’s interesting to contemplate nonetheless.