Best athletes turned analysts

The three-time Super Bowl champion quarterback and Hall of Famer has built a broadcasting career that's been almost as successful as his work on the field. Fox's lead analyst for the NFL since 2002, Aikman seemed comfortable in the booth from the beginning and makes even Joe Buck tolerable. Aikman is not afraid to be honest and always comes prepared to a broadcast.

Barkley is generally loved more for being a character than a consistent source of knowledge. But that's OK: Sports need more analysts like Barkley, who have fun and don't take themselves too serious. When he does dig deep for an opinion, it's worth listening, too, especially when it comes to his critiquing of coaching decisions and tactics. Plus, he's always well-dressed. 

Bilas was a four-year starter at Duke and played in the 1986 National Championship Game. But to today's college basketball fan he's best known for his work as a commentator and analyst for ESPN, a position he has held for more than 20 years. At times, Bilas, who also lends his talent to CBS for the NCAA Tournament, will show his love for Coach K and the Blue Devils, but he's arguably the best and most impartial college basketball television mind out there. Oh yeah, he's also a practicing attorney.

Like Barkley, Bradshaw is a character — the good 'ol boy from Louisiana who likes to talk but doesn't always make sense. Some believe it's just an act. Bradshaw, though, can still break down those quick-paced, halftime highlights pretty well and is not afraid to criticize players, coaches, general managers or owners, especially in Pittsburgh, where he won four Super Bowls. 

A standout guard at Providence College, where she left as the school's all-time assists leader, Burke has enjoyed even more success reporting and talking about the sport of basketball. Her knowledge of the game and strong interview skills have earned Burke a sideline reporter stint for ABC's coverage of the NBA Finals and an analyst's role for the NBA with ESPN. This month, Burke will receive the Curt Gowdy Media Award for her excellence in sports broadcasting. 

An Olympic gold medal winner in 1948 and 1952, Button enjoyed a stellar career in men's figure skating. When it was time to hang up the blades, he earned a law degree, did some acting and in 1960 began a long run as a skating analyst for CBS, ABC and NBC. Known for his truthful and often blunt commentary and analysis, the popular Button won an Emmy in 1981 for Outstanding Sports Personality.

Carillo didn't have a long pro tennis career (1977-80), but she did win the 1977 French Open mixed doubles title with John McEnroe. Yet, it's been in her work as a broadcaster and journalist where Carillo has shined. A champion of women's athletics on all levels, Carillo has consistently been named top commentator by various tennis publications and is also a regular analyst, broadcaster, commentator and host for the Olympics.

The three-time Pro Bowl receiver at one point was one of the busiest men in sports broadcasting, doing radio shows, working for HBO, hosting "Guinness World Records Primetime" and, of course, commentating, reporting and analyzing college football and NFL games. Since 2009, Collinsworth has served as lead analyst for NBC's "Sunday Night Football." His opinions are not for everybody — just ask Philadelphia Eagles fans about his insight during last season's Super Bowl. 

Danielson was a serviceable quarterback for Detroit and Cleveland during his decade-plus stint in the NFL, but it's been his work as a college football broadcaster, especially for CBS, that gets him on this list. After going over from ESPN/ABC, Danielson hooked up with veteran play-by-play man Verne Lundquist to make up CBS' No. 1 team for SEC football, a juicy role that Danielson has thrived in — now with Brad Nessler on the call.

Following a career that featured 18 Grand Slam singles titles, the popular Evert is enjoying a successful stint in the broadcast booth. For the last several years, Evert has provided commentary and analysis for ESPN's coverage of Grand Slam events, offering conversational and knowledgeable insight. She also is a contributor for Tennis magazine.

A three-time winner of both the Masters and the Open Championship, Faldo is one of the most successful golfers of all time. Now, he's blossomed into one of golf's top television analysts. He started with ABC last decade, where he earned positive reviews for his knowledge and humor in the tower. Since 2006, Faldo has been lead analyst for CBS' golf coverage.

A solid major league catcher and World Series champion with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1946, Garagiola was an All-Star when it came to his work as a play-by-by and color commentator, mostly for NBC. He was a regular on the network's "Saturday Game of the Week" and enjoyed great success while providing analysis alongside the legendary Vin Scully in the 1980s. The Ford Frick Award winner in 1991, the late Garagiola also hosted game shows, often sat in as co-host of the "The Today Show" and even helped host the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

Love him or hate him, Herbstreit is perhaps the most knowledgeable college football analyst around. The ESPN/ABC veteran also does a nice job of humoring Lee Corso and his collection of mascot heads. The former Ohio State signal-caller is not afraid to offer his opinion on topics like the College Football Playoff and the NCAA in general. Then there's his apparent disdain for the Group of Five. 

Lalas is a true ambassador for American soccer, but he's also a strong analyst who is not shy about calling out managers and players when they do something questionable. Whether it be working for ESPN or now Fox, the MLS and U.S. National Team star will also go after his fellow analysts or studio hosts if he disagrees with what they are saying.

It's possible these former Olympic skaters share the same brain because it seems they share the same wardrobe closet. They also might be the most entertaining analyst pair — in any sport — on the planet. The duo burst on to the broadcast scene during NBC's coverage of the 2014 Winter Olympics. After receiving positive reviews for their insight, smart opinions and, of course, impeccable fashion sense, they were added to the network's No. 1 broadcast team for figure skating. They also offer fashion and entertainment reports for events like the Super Bowl and Kentucky Derby. 

McCord never won a PGA Tour event, but practically every golf fan knows his name from watching CBS' golf coverage. From his handlebar mustache to those infamous comments that got him banned from calling the Masters, McCord might be golf's most popular analyst. He has great knowledge of the game and displays it in a casual, often humorous way that speaks to the weekend hack struggling to break 100.

Known for his hot-headed but always entertaining antics toward match umpires and officials as a player, McEnroe is often just as opinionated and volatile as an analyst. The seven-time Grand Slam singles champion provides Wimbledon coverage for the BBC as well as other tournaments for U.S.-based networks. McEnroe also had stints as a talk show and game show host. 

A member of the U.S. gold medal-winning Olympic softball team in 2004 and silver-medal squad four years later, Mendoza traded in her aluminum bat for a microphone. She became the first female to be part of an ESPN broadcast team for the College World Series and a Major League Baseball game. Mendoza's currently part of ESPN's "Sunday Night Baseball" crew.

"Dandy Don" was a three-time Pro Bowl quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys and a true character in the broadcast booth. The late Meredith's television fame came while part of ABC's "Monday Night Football" crew during the 1970s and '80s, most notably with Frank Gifford and Howard Cosell. His carefree often comical analysis, comments and antics at times were a refreshing contrast to the stuffy Cosell. 

A two-time major champion in the 1970s, Miller has offered his expertise and insight as the lead golf analyst for NBC since 1980. Never afraid to say what he feels, Miller's analysis is not everybody's cup of tea. But if anything, anybody is fair game — golfers, PGA officials, caddies. Because of that honesty, Miller remains well-respected within the professional golf community.

A 20-year veteran of the NHL, the journeyman Olczyk has transitioned into a successful career as an analyst. The Chicago native shares his time calling games for the Chicago Blackhawks and as part of NBC's top broadcast crew with the stellar Mike "Doc" Emrick. Olczyk, who is cancer-free following a colon cancer diagnosis last year, also provides analysis for NBC's coverage of horse racing's Triple Crown. 

Smith was a solid college and NBA player, but he really seems comfortable and at his best with a microphone in hand. Whether it's analyzing the NBA for TNT or the NCAA for the CBS family of networks, Smith is insightful, funny and always ready to mix it up with Charles Barkley and Shaquille O'Neal.

Raftery enjoyed a successful playing career at La Salle and coaching stint at Seton Hall, but he's become a star as an award-winning college basketball analyst. Armed with a myriad catchphrases such as "onions" or "man-to-man," Raftery remains a coach while donning a head set — and college hoops fans are better for it. His talent finally earned him a spot on CBS' No. 1 college basketball broadcast team.

Romo went from the football field right to the broadcast booth, and the transition has been smooth. Though the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback is still finding his way around the booth, his rookie season for CBS in 2017 alongside No. 1 play-by-play man Jim Nantz was refreshingly honest, especially for those who like the technical aspect of the game. Romo is at his best when bringing viewers inside the huddle to what the players are thinking and how they must execute.

Regardless of his popularity, Rodriguez was destined to follow up his baseball career by joining the media. He's gone from an analyst at Fox to a member of ESPN's "Sunday Night Baseball" crew. A-Rod is far from the best analyst in the business and his commentary might not always be well thought out, but he's not afraid to offer an opinion about players, managers or front office execs, which is interesting considering he has his detractors. 

Rose was always the most outspoken member of Michigan's iconic "Fab Five," so it was no surprise when he moved to television and radio after his lengthy NBA career ended during the last decade. He's been a consistent analytical presence for ESPN and ABC since retiring, offering extensive knowledge about the sport. Rose has never shied away from voicing his opinion on all facets of basketball on and off the court.

Smoltz was an eight-time All-Star, a Cy Young winner and a World Series champion, and now he's growing into a standout analyst. The Hall of Famer has provided top-notch analysis and commentary for MLB Network, TBS and Fox. He takes fans inside the dugout and does a fine job of offering spot-on knowledge of game situations without being too pretentious.

There are times as a player, and certainly as an analyst and commentator, that Walton seems like he's on another planet. But that's what makes him special, whether he's calling NBA or college basketball games. It's a wonder his ESPN broadcast partner, Dave Pasch, doesn't want to run out of the gym while they're on the air, putting up with Walton antics. Though often distracted during a broadcast, Walton is entertaining and has tremendous insight about West Coast college hoops.

The NASCAR Hall of Famer was a natural choice to move into the Fox booth after leaving the track for good in 2000. Waltrip actually did some commentary before officially retiring. The lead analyst alongside veteran announcer Mike Joy, Waltrip's first event with Fox was the 2001 Daytona 500 in which he openly cheered on his brother Michael to victory while also showing concern for Dale Earnhardt, who died as a result of injuries from the race. Waltrip has not been shy about voicing his opinion regarding driver safety and often criticizes NASCAR for that and other issues.

Another member of the "Fab Five," an NBA rookie of the year and a five-time All-Star, Webber enjoyed a fantastic playing career. Now he's plying his trade as an analyst for NBA TV and TNT. Though he might not have the same level of charisma as Barkley or Smith, Webber has been a pleasant surprise with his candid opinions on players, coaches, officials and the state of the NBA in general.