10 NFL Players Who Would Make Great Announcers

The NFL is filled with colorful characters—some who endear themselves to the crowd, some who irk even their most patient followers and some whose bizarre habits baffle fans and pundits alike.

Only a handful of these athletes have the loquacious swagger to exchange the pads for a flashy suit and successfully analyze football for the masses on TV. 

Whether they succeed with a colorful personality, eloquence and poise or just plain weirdness, here are 10 NFL players who could definitely entertain and engage as sportscasters.

Marshawn Lynch

Marshawn Lynch is an interesting guy. "Rockin a lil beast mode" at this event, the Seattle Seahawks' (then Buffalo Bills) running back proceeded to say absolutely nothing during his interview.

Aside from his clearly impressive vocabulary, Lynch is a charmer with his shiny grill and winning smile.

He'd be an excellent choice for the guy who yells out colorful exclamations after big plays; his "DAMMNN" and "Awww yeeeaaahh" might even replace Chris Berman's famous "WHOOOP!" one day.

His nonsensical ramblings would bring a smile to the face of even the most disheartened football fan.

We'd love to see this guy on television, if only to see what dental bling he would break out each day.

Derek Anderson

I'm not sure if Derek Anderson has the orating skills required to pull off a successful broadcast.

We can actually understand him, which is a plus, and you know that every single week Anderson will put his heart and soul into the broadcast!

Don't question that if you know what's good for you.

Bart Scott

Let's put aside for one second the fact that Bart Scott is a loud and colorful personality with plenty to say and a guy who would probably debate all day just for the sake of the show.

Wouldn't you just want to see him do ONE guest spot on ESPN's Sunday NFL Countdown, alongside Keyshawn Johnson and Tom Jackson? It would be hilarious just to see what he'd have to say to them.

Don't ever say he wouldn't make it in broadcasting—we all know how he feels about "non-believers."

Adrian Peterson

Everyone's favorite high-character poster boy among the NFL's running backs, Adrian Peterson would be an easy sell as an NFL announcer.

With effortless eloquence and poise, the stud running back could easily become one of the most well-respected NFL sportscasters in the business.

After all, a guy who bangs his head for a living shouldn't be this articulate. It's meant to be.

Terrell Owens

He's loud, he's proud and he's obnoxious. Everyone loves a Terrell Owens.

Or do they?

Owens has marked his career by making headlines more often for his antics than for his Hall-of-Fame play.

I would just like to see him get this emotional during a game broadcast.

Darnell Dockett

Ever watched Warren Sapp on the NFL Network? If you answered yes, then it is probable that you've laughed listening to him.

Darnell Dockett is a similar personality, full of the behemoth bravado that comes with being a gargantuan quarterback-crushing machine.

His verified Twitter account is full of hilarity, leading me to believe that he would translate well to a television role.

He'll be even funnier to watch than to read—he's a fat guy after all.

Peyton and Eli Manning

Both of the Manning brothers are well-spoken and intelligent. Well, Peyton is anyway.

Either one would make a solid NFL announcer.

However, nothing says entertainment like some sibling strife. Since both Eli and Peyton would bring a goofy twist to a broadcast, why not have them both there for twice the goof and twice the fun?

James Harrison

Hard hits, flags, fines and harsh words are ubiquitous when it comes to Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison.

Harrison can't get through a game without being berated for his violent play style, nor does he let himself be chastised without voicing his contempt for the entire situation.

It stands to reason that Harrison would love to air his displeasure with the NFL on national television.

Maybe a station could bring him on as a "rules consultant."

Ray Lewis

Ray Lewis tells it like it is. The crafty old veteran linebacker doesn't take nonsense from anybody; the mere mention of something he disagrees with can set off a long, angry, volatile rant.

Lewis would be more likely to toss a cameraman through the green screen than allow someone to belittle his weekly predictions, and his edgy nature would make him hysterical to watch.

This guy doesn't hold anything back. Sports television needs personalities like Ray Lewis on its talk shows.

Chad Ochocinco

He's outspoken. He's delightfully unhinged. He drives a Toyota Prius.

We're talking about a man who wanted to live with a New England Patriots fan for his first month with the team, rather than get his own place. Can you say reality show?

He wears capes that say future Hall of Famer, changed his last name to eight-five and has the acrimony to refer to Rodger Goodell as "Dad" on Twitter.

Ochocinco's consistent chatter endears him to most, while select others find him obnoxious. The important thing is, he knows how to get attention, good or bad.

If you want to see Skip Bayless get owned, look no further than the above video.

If Chad Ochocinco does not become a sportscaster after his NFL career, it will be a disappointing turn of events indeed.