Alex Smith hung up his cleats this offseason after 16 years in the NFL. With his playing career behind him, the former No. 1 overall pick could soon follow Tony Romo and other former quarterbacks into the broadcast booth
Smith, who retired before his age-37 season, has often been considered one of the league’s most cerebral players. With nearly two decades of football experience, learning from some of the coaching greats, it has helped set him up nicely for a post-football career.
After seeing the success Romo had jumping to the broadcast booth, it seems networks are considering Smith for an analyst role.
According to the New York Post‘s Andrew Marchand, CBS recently held auditions for Smith, former New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez, former Dallas Cowboys linebacker Sean Lee and retired wide receiver Joey Galloway.
CBS isn’t the only network interested in Smith. Marchand noted that FOX and NFL Network each hosted the beloved quarterback for an audition and held a meeting with him.
Networks are always looking toward former players for potential roles on the television side. ESPN has courted Peyton Manning for years to become its Monday Night Football analyst, multiple networks pitched Drew Brees before he joined NBC and Jay Cutler even received some interest.
Related: Alex Smith heard from multiple teams before retiring
An individual who watched Smith’s audition told the New York Post that Smith has the potential to become a “No. 2 or 3 game analyst”, but it’s unknown how interested he is at this point with a TV job. Sanchez reportedly fared better, drawing strong marks for his personality.
Alex Smith announces retirement from NFL
With the 2021 NFL season approaching, football fans can look forward to one familiar face appearing more in the broadcast booth. Marchand noted that Aqib Talib is expected to serve as an analyst for multiple games on Fox this season after making his debut last year.
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Author: Matt Johnson