Aqib Talib recently discussed his transition from the NFL field up to the booth as a broadcaster.
Aqib Talib joined the ranks of former-player-turned-broadcaster in 2020. The five-time Pro Bowler got into the booth at FOX this past season and proved he was not shy from the start.
The Super Bowl champion did not change who he was, and for that he earned plenty of respect from fans. The Big Lead’s Brian Giuffra caught up with Talib and the former feared defensive back discussed the transition from shoulder pads to a suit.
Talib sheds light on his new career
“There’s different types of white guys and there’s different types of Black guys,” Talib said in the interview. “I think my type of Black guy is not necessarily seen in the booth, you know what I’m saying. It would mean a lot to me, for kids, for anybody to see, who knows me, they know who Qib is, he’s been in trouble, he’s been a champion, now he’s in the booth. It just goes to show you anything you want to do you can get it done.”
Unfortunately, Talib did face the usual negative energy on social media because of how he talked so straightforward. However, he points out how being himself and shifting away from the expectations that sometimes come with such a role can potentially inspire others.
Talib is a former first-round pick of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who turned himself into an elite player after several years in the NFL. His knowledge shone through his broadcasts and had others enjoying his unique viewpoint as a former player.
“He has a refreshing viewpoint,” says FOX play-by-play announcer Brandon Gaudin in the interview, who worked with Talib on the Eagles-Cardinals game. “He has that ability to take the viewer forward, explain to them what they can expect, what the offensive coordinator and defensive coordinator are thinking and make the viewer feel like they’re getting something unique.”
Talib is being the most authentic version of himself in the booth, and that’s good for everyone. He brings the knowledge of a former player and isn’t trying to model himself after anyone else. He is just being Aqib.
There is no right or wrong way to talk. What matters is that a color commentator adds a voice to a broadcast that gives viewers more insight into the inner workings of a sport and the game at hand. Talib did just that, and it will be fun to see how he continues to improve from year to year.