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Cam Jordan, Tyrann Mathieu And Several Former Saints Players Participated At The NFL Broadcast Boot Camp
24 active and retired NFL players met with broadcast media executives to hone their skills for a career after football.
Cam Jordan, the longtime New Orleans Saints defensive end, recently took a fascinating step to view a career beyond the gridiron. He and Tyrann Mathieu, along with former Saints players Chase Daniel, Terron Armstead, and Jarvis Landry, were chosen from 110 applicants to participate in the exclusive NFL Broadcast Boot Camp held in Los Angeles, California. This opportunity allowed them to explore the world of sports broadcasting from a fresh perspective.
Jordan told Pat McAfee that broadcast network executives from ESPN, Fox Sports, Amazon, and the three-letter networks were on site to evaluate the athlete's future in the industry.
"I feel like this is just dotting my i's and crossing my t's," Jordan commented about the workshop to McAfee. "I feel like I've done reps, been a sideline analyst, a sideline reporter for the XFL before COVID, USFL, and booth analyst. I feel like I've done a lot of reps, but I've never actually gone to the broadcast boot camp."
As a thirteen-year veteran and an eight-time Pro Bowler, Jordan brings a wealth of football knowledge and charisma to the workshop. His player viewpoints on his "Off The Edge" and "Truss Levelz" podcasts are always insightful, entertaining, and engaging.
Retired Saints running back Mark Ingram is a boot camp veteran who has parlayed his post-football career into an analyst with Fox Sports' Big Noon Kickoff.
Jordan told McAfee, "All I ever wanted to be was a good football player. And once we were able to get a couple of pro bowls behind the name, you were like, okay. Well, now we can show some personality. But, you had to have a strong foundation. You have to be a great football player to even have opportunities to have possibilities beyond football."
McAfee mentioned to his crew and Jordan that his application to the boot camp was rejected three times. Well, that was a big miss by the networks and league.
During the workshop, the players delved into various aspects of sports media, including:
- On-Air Presence: Understanding how to connect with viewers, articulate thoughts, and maintain composure during live broadcasts.
- Analysis and Commentary: Sharpening skills in breaking down plays, assessing player performances, and offering expert analysis.
- Interview Techniques: Learning to conduct interviews with players, coaches, and fellow experts.
- Studio Dynamics: Exploring the behind-the-scenes workings of studio shows, pre-game analysis, and halftime discussions.
Cam Jordan's participation benefits his growth and gives him knowledge of what broadcasters are searching for in the next level of NFLers who would become great broadcast legends.
What would football have become if the networks had not allowed John Madden a chance to be John Madden? Like other professional players, Cam has a voice that resonates beyond the field of play, giving us a fresh perspective from someone who knows the game.
