Can Football Announcers Call Basketball Games Better Than Basketball Announcers Call Football Games?
Greg Olsen’s Take on the Crossover
In May, ex-point guard Austin Rivers initiated a discussion about potential crossovers between the NBA and NFL, suggesting that 30 current NBA players could transition to the NFL successfully, but not the reverse.
Insights from Greg Olsen
In a recent appearance on Pardon My Take, Fox NFL Sunday announcer Greg Olsen, 39, offered his insights on how game broadcasters would fare if they were to switch sports.
Broadcasting Styles: Football vs. Basketball
Olsen expressed his opinion that an NFL broadcaster could more effectively broadcast an NBA game compared to the other way around. He highlighted the stark contrast in storytelling between the two sports, emphasizing that in football, “every play is an individual story.” This stands in contrast to basketball, where the pace of the game often requires announcers to provide commentary in short bursts, focusing on significant sequences rather than every play.
Analyzing the Airtime
The former NFL star elaborated on the need for football announcers to fill more air space due to the start-and-stop nature of the game. Football broadcasts demand a more detailed analysis of each play, while basketball announcers tend to use jargon sparingly, especially after key moments in the game.
Navigating the Fast Pace of Basketball
According to Olsen, basketball announcers seamlessly transition between various gameplay situations in real-time, offering detailed commentary only during specific instances. He noted that the incessant flow of basketball actions allows announcers to provide a more generalized description of the game.
Adaptability Factor
Olsen suggested that the faster pace of basketball could potentially enable football announcers to “fake it a little bit more” due to the continuous nature of the game. Additionally, he emphasized the need for a deeper breakdown in football broadcasts, highlighting the sport’s complexity compared to basketball.
Future Aspirations
Despite the potential changes in broadcasting teams, Olsen remains steadfast in his goal to secure a lead analyst position. He expressed his unwavering determination to strive for the top spot, underscoring his relentless pursuit of excellence in his broadcasting career.