By Ben Krakow
While there are many quality broadcasting play-by-play commentators, color analysts and sideline reporters, some stand out more than others. Over the next few weeks, KCOU Sport’s Ben Krakow will be highlighting some of his favorites across several sports, continuing this week with the best of the NFL.
Play by Play (no order):

• Al Michaels – A legendary football voice. Michaels, who has been calling football for a very long time, is one of the all-time greats. He currently calls Sunday Night Football for NBC with Cris Collinsworth and doesn’t miss a beat at age 73. His voice is synonymous with prime time football and he is always so smooth when describing the action. In addition, you know he is always aware of the betting line and, how a late score could impact the viewers who bet on the game.
• Ian Eagle – Eagle is a versatile voice for CBS and YES Network, calling multiple sports- including full-time TV play-by-play for the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets. He calls the number two CBS NFL game each week alongside Dan Fouts. Eagle has become well known for his classic one liners in game situations. He also brings a good amount of energy to every broadcast. Eagle also appears to have a good rapport with Fouts, and they are an excellent broadcasting duo.
• Kevin Burkhardt – A fast riser in the broadcasting business, Burkhardt is now on the number two FOX NFL broadcast teams after starting calling football with FOX in just 2013. Burkhardt also anchors FOX’s studio baseball show and does select baseball broadcasts. Burkhardt and Charles Davis combine to form a very formidable football broadcasting duo. Burkardt has a great voice for broadcasting and the viewer always gains knowledge when listening to a Burkhardt broadcast.

Color Analysts (no order):

• Tony Romo – Romo is in just his second year of broadcasting after retiring as the quarterback of the Dallas Cowboys, but he has become a star. Working on the top CBS NFL broadcasting team with legendary broadcaster Jim Nantz, Romo is funny and engaging. He brings great energy and excitement to broadcasts and has become very popular with the viewers. Romo’s ability to predict play calls before they happen is a special talent that has rarely been seen in broadcasting, especially on a consistent basis.
• Troy Aikman – Another former Dallas quarterback, Aikman is now a broadcasting veteran on the top FOX game on Thursdays this year and some Sundays. He and his broadcasting partner, the legendary Joe Buck, have been together for a long time now.  AIkman provides a solid, honest look during broadcasts and isn’t afraid to criticize even if some feel that he is not harsh enough when talking about certain quarterbacks. While he may not have the star power as a broadcaster like Romo, Aikman is really steady and a good football voice to listen to during a game.
• Chris Spielman – Spielman spent many years as a college football analyst for ESPN, but now calls NFL games with Thom Brennaman. While he may not call a marquee game each week, Spielman mixes in an excellent blend of former player analysis with up to date broadcaster analysis. He is excellent at breaking down plays and teaching the viewer about what is going on and why it is taking place. A bit underrated as a broadcaster, Spielman does a really nice job and probably deserves to move up the ranks at FOX if there is some turnover in the coming years.

Edited by Garrett Jones | [email protected]