Even though former NFL tight end Greg Olsen had broadcasted some games for FOX in 2017 and 2019, this past season was a unique experience for Olsen as he was able to participate in more prep work that he could not do while he was an active player.
On the most recent episode of The Colin Cowherd Podcast on The Volume, Olsen talked about being a part of the production meetings this year and getting to speak with players and coaches and just talk football.
“When I called the games as a player, I was never allowed in the production meetings,” said Olsen. “I was not allowed at the facilities, I was not allowed on the calls with the head coach, the offensive coordinator, the players… That was a FOX rule, that was a my rule. I didn’t feel comfortable being a part of that.
“This was the first time now calling NFL games that I could be in the production meetings and talk to Matt LaFleur and Aaron Rodgers and pick the brains of Sean McVay. We had a 45-minute conversation with Bill Belichick and I don’t even know if we talked about the upcoming game with Indianapolis. We talked about coaching philosophy and how he views the players and how he views relationships and storytelling… We just had a really cool conversation.”
Olsen said taking part in the production meetings allowed the broadcasts that he did with Kevin Burkhardt to be as strong as they were.
“Those are the things I couldn’t really prepare for because I had never done it before,” Olsen said. “That was probably the highlight of the week and made the game with Burkhardt on Sunday so fun and organic and we can tell stories and share perspectives. I always knew that part I was going to enjoy. The week of work and staying connected with the players and the schemes and trying to stay close to the game, I really enjoyed that part of it.”
With the NFL broadcast free agent frenzy still in full swing, it is unclear what team Olsen will be on yet for the 2022-23 NFL season. However, he knows he can be in the booth for a long time and that he has had a lot of fun broadcasting:
“I would say it’s as fun, if not more than I anticipated. I always knew that I would like it,” said Olsen.
