In our latest edition of “In the Broadcast Booth,” PRO speaks to Curtis Conway about his post NFL career on the other side of the mic and how he made the transition. Conway, a former wide receiver, played for the Chicago Bears (1993-99), the San Diego Chargers (2000-02), the New York Jets (2003), and the San Francisco 49ers(2004). During his 12-year career, Curtis amassed three 1,000 yard seasons before beginning his on-air career in 2009 with Compass Media Networks as an NFL analyst sitting alongside legendary San Diego broadcaster Lee “Hacksaw” Hamilton.
PSC: You got your first on-air job two years ago with Compass Media Networks’ NFL and college football broadcasts and have been going strong ever since. When did you realize a broadcasting career was in your future?
CC: I realized broadcasting was in my future after my first season in the booth. I didn’t get into broadcasting immediately after retiring from the NFL. I wanted to spend time with my family so I was out of the scene for about four years. During those four years I took advantage of my degree from USC (SPPD- Policy, Planning and Developing) and explored real estate development. I liked that business but I missed the game. So, when I received a call from Compass to do color commentary, I was not only excited but also a little surprised. I had never announced a game before, but by mid-season I found myself looking forward to the games. I found something that I really enjoyed doing again.
PSC: You participated in the NFL’s Broadcast Bootcamp last year, tell us what that experience was like and what you learned about what it takes to be successful in the broadcast booth.
CC: Bootcamp was a grind. They wanted us to learn as much as possible, so we were up at 6 am and done around 10:30 pm. I really didn’t understand how important your voice is in broadcasting. It’s not just knowing the game that makes you a good broadcaster. Networks really want your voice to resonate well on radio or on TV. Preparing is also very important. Just like football. You want to know as much as you can on the teams or the subjects.
PSC: When you’re in the analyst’s chair, you have to see the game very differently from the way you see it as a player. Talk about what it takes to make that shift and develop the analytical mindset.
CC: That was the easy part. After breaking down film in the NFL for 13 years, I had essentially already become an analyst. You take notes on your opponents and analyze everything. That’s what made it fun. Now, I’m studying film like I’m playing, except I don’t have to get beat up on Sunday’s and I have to know what the linemen are doing! The hard part was being critical of players, especially players I know. You know as a former player, there are going to be mistakes, both mental and physical. We all have made them, so it was tough. But as a broadcaster, your job is to tell it like it is. Your audience wants to know everything, good and bad, so you have to break out of the being critical thing quickly or you will sound crazy.
PSC: If we listened to old tape from your first few games, what’s the biggest difference between what we would hear now compared to then?
CC: Now you will hear the real Curtis Conway. I know that sounds crazy, but when I first started, I wanted to be good and I did’t know what that meant in broadcasting. As a former player trying to get in the business, networks just throw you on the wall and see if you stick. There was no playbook to study or training routine they give you. So I tried to listen to different analyst that are at the top and tried to be like them, only to realize everyone I was studying was different. They were being themselves. So I had to become the best me I could be.
PSC: What has it been like to work with a veteran like Lee “Hacksaw” Hamilton and what have you learned from him?
CC: I was nervous at first, working with a vet like Lee. It’s like having a veteran QB throwing you passes. You want to hold your end of the game. I learned to prep for the games better. Lee had more notes than he would use in a game. After I saw that, I knew there was no such thing as having too much information.
PSC: For athletes thinking of going into broadcasting post-career, what advice would you have for them based on your own experience?
CC: Knowing the game is not enough. You have to bring more to the table. Learn more about the teams, players & coaches and not just the X’s & O’s.
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