Poll: Which Bengals player would be a great TV broadcaster?

Life after the NFL is a far-off prospect for many Cincinnati Bengals players. As a result of the recent youth movement, only six players on the current roster are older than 30 and none are older than 33. However, the further players make it in their career, the more they will think about their future plans.

Some former players like Dave Lapham and Cris Collinsworth have gone on to be great, recognizable broadcasters after their playing days, a natural transition that comes from their ability to talk their way through any situation in a colorful, well spoken way. Although few Bengals players have expressed much about their post-NFL plans, these players might want to consider a career in broadcasting:

Vincent Rey

Rey’s ability to spin words and affinity for speaking with the media, translate well into the broadcasting booth, according to Katherine Terrell of ESPN, who chose Rey as the Bengals’ most likely player to become a broadcaster in an ESPN roundtable.

Rey may not be a big name, but he's one of the go-to players for reporters because of his unique insight. Rey has a way of providing big picture answers in easy, digestible terms, which would translate well to TV. Two other candidates for this, Andrew Whitworth and Domata Peko, both left the team in the offseason.

Terrell is correct that Rey is not a huge name, but his name certainly carries more weight than the average backup, particularly in Cincinnati. Bengals fans have come to appreciate his presence on the team as a reliable member of the defense and special teams units. It would be interesting to hear his take as a broadcaster, particularly if he sticks around in Cincinnati to focus on broadcasting for the Bengals.

Andy Dalton

The unquestioned leader of the Bengals’ locker room, Dalton has plenty of experience speaking to a crowd about football. He is one of the Bengals’ most well-spoken and positive players, which pairs well with his propensity for speaking with the media. The NFL has a long history of former quarterbacks going on to be broadcasters due to their natural inclination toward public speaking and leadership as well as knowledge of the game. The friendly, down-home demeanor of the Bengals’ current franchise quarterback seems to fit in perfectly. It seems very possible Dalton could follow in the footsteps of Tony Romo and Jay Cutler who retired from the NFL en route to the broadcast booth this year.

Jeremy Hill

Although the Bengals’ former second round pick’s production has trailed off significantly in the last couple of years, Hill is still one of the most outspoken members of the Bengals’ current squad. In many ways, his love for harmless trash talk and his eccentric personality on the field is a throwback to Chad Johnson, who also could be a great broadcaster, if he were to pursue the idea and stick with it. Hill has a way of making things sound exciting for the Bengals, even when there isn’t much to be excited about. That quality is perfect for making a game sound fun, even when a team isn’t playing particularly well.

What do you think, Bengals fans? Which Bengals player would be best in the broadcast booth, when their playing career is over? Is there anyone else who you think would be a better choice? Let us know in the poll and the comments!