20 athletes who make the perfect sports commentators

Some former athletes are pros in front of a camera and behind a mic, and Shannon Sharpe is one of them. The former NFL tight end not only hosts his popular podcasts, Nightcap and Club Shay Shay, with athletes and entertainers, but the Hall Of Fame tight end also appears on ESPN's First Take alongside Stephen A. Smith.

Chad Johnson appears regularly on Nightcap alongside Shannon Sharpe, but now and then, the outspoken former wide receiver shares his opinion on shows like Inside the NFL, giving the viewers factual information and a good laugh.

Sanya Richards-Ross is a four-time Olympic gold medalist, former Real Housewives star, and the best track-and-field commentator NBC has ever seen. Her latest gig offering insight into the sport was during the 2024 Olympic Games, where she commentated on big stars like Sha'Carri Richardson and Michael Norman.

The WNBA is lucky to have the legendary Sheryl Swoopes commentating on the league's biggest and most competitive matchups. She also dives deeper into the game and culture of the league during episodes of her podcast, Queens of the Court.

Michael Strahan does it all. Good Morning America. Live! with Kelly Ripa . And Fox NFL Sunday , where the former New York Giants player commentates on the league's biggest plays, rising players, and dramatic scandals.

Gronk was a dynamic football player and is an amazing television personality — the perfect combination for an NFL Sunday presenter.

People loved it when Tony Romo began calling NFL games for CBS. The myth was that his pre-snap predictions were so accurate the network asked him to dial it back so he didn't ruin the action!

After fans heard Dwyane Wade behind the mic commentating on NBA greats like LeBron James, Steph Curry, and Kevin Durant during the 2024 Olympic Games, some watchers felt they had heard enough, but many begged for more of him. And I'm one of them. The former basketball star was natural, serving some noteworthy one-liners that broke the internet. 

If you haven't listened to Chiney Ogwumike commentating on a WNBA game yet, you're missing out. The former Los Angeles Sparks player breaks everything down with style and grace while keeping it all the way real.

You may know Steve Kerr as the head coach of the Golden State Warriors, but we can't forget he was once a sports analyst for TNT in 2003. The five-time NBA champion (as a player) has also lent his voice to EA Sports for them to use for commentary in the popular video game NBA2K.

Even though this former NBA legend does too much behind the mic at times, nobody can deny the value Charles Barkley brings to Inside the NBA.

I mean, let's be real for a second. Who better is there to offer commentary on the game of basketball than Shaq? When he speaks, you better listen because you're in for a lesson and a good laugh.

Jake Butt brings good energy, good vibes, and good looks to the Big Ten Network as an analyst, commentating on several college football games throughout the season. If you give him a listen, you'll likely enjoy him, too!

It's Johnny Weir! Is there anyone who wouldn't expect the former Olympic figure skater to be a fantastic sports commentator? Certainly not me. 

Tara Lipinski is a former figure skater with an Olympic gold medal under her belt, so it comes as no surprise that she's also a top-notch commentator. Plus, she's Johnny's best friend. They were practically made for this.

John Madden was a legendary NFL head coach, and somehow, he was an even more legendary broadcaster. The late Madden made his mark in the league as one of the best to call a game. He was so beloved they even named the Madden NFL video game after him!

Even if watchers call Kenny the "third wheel" on Inside the NBA, Smith is clearly an essential member of the crew, offering a more in-depth and often serious analysis of the league, players, and their game.

Terry Bradshaw is an NFL legend with four Super Bowl rings to his name. It's only right that he'd be one of the faces of Fox's NFL Sunday, sharing insightful comments alongside some greats like Howie Long and Michael Strahan.

Hey, Troy Aikman recently advocated for Taylor Swift to join his show on Monday Night Football to chat about her life and mega-successful career, so that's a big dub next to his name in our book.

Cris Collinsworth of the Cincinnati Bengals used to host Inside the NFL before joining the NBC family in 1996. He's also offered commentary on big events like Wimbledon alongside Billie Jean King and Martina Navratilova and provided his voice for color commentary in the Madden football game.