Ranking the Most Entertaining NFL Color Commentators

As we get ready to kick of Week 8 of the 2011 NFL season, let's take a look at some of the game's most entertaining color commentators.

These are guys that are knowledgeable about the game of football, yet also provide a spark of entertainment and the occasional laugh, whether intentional or not.

Find out who made the cut.

Cover Photo Credit: ESPN

10. Randy Cross

Who's that?

No, but seriously, this guy can talk some football. Haven't seen much of him, but I guess I've seen enough to add him to my list.

But I couldn't find a picture of him, so here's a CBS Sports cameraman.

9. John Lynch

What more can a guy accomplish after making nine Pro Bowls and earning a Super Bowl ring?

He can make a top 10 color commentators list, of course.

As a former NFL player, John Lynch has a lot of NFL experience and knowledge and always seems to know what he's talking about.

8. Rich Gannon

A former stud quarterback, Rich Gannon also has a lot of NFL knowledge and consistently adds some nuggets of wisdom to his play-by-play counterpart.

Oh, and he usually cleans up a little better than this.

7. Daryl Johnston

Daryl Johnston is a great pair with play-by-play man Kenny Albert, and he's definitely interesting to listen to during football games.

He may have been relegated to blocking for Emmitt Smith, but he's certainly the more verbally articulate of the two.

6. Phil Simms

Phil Simms was an awesome quarterback back in the day, and now he's a pretty awesome color commentator.

Yet another former player who uses good knowledge of the game to his advantage.

5. Troy Aikman

I'm sensing a theme here. Aikman was a great quarterback in the NFL, and now he pairs with Joe Buck to be one of the NFL's best commentating pairs.

The only thing they could work on is their enthusiasm; they treat a 50-yard touchdown like a 5-yard gain.

4. Ron Jaworski

How could you be nicknamed "Jaws" and NOT be on a list like this?

3. Brian Billick

Brian Billick was a very successful NFL head coach, and you can tell with his commentary.

He's very knowledgeable and may be in line for another coaching job soon if he so chooses.

2. Jon Gruden

Another very successful head coach, John Gruden seems to love his job, because he combines the NFL knowledge with a ton of enthusiasm.

In fact, sometimes it's a little bit strange how excited he gets. But hey, entertainment comes in many different forms.

1. Cris Collinsworth

How about this guy as a replacement for John Madden?

Chris Collinsworth isn't your run-of-the-mill color commentator by any means. He has a lot of enthusiasm and knowledge and makes a fantastic pair with Al Michaels.

The Monday Night Football crew hasn't missed a beat with Madden's successor.