Former NFL center A.Q. Shipley is trading in his uniform for a headset and will join the Arizona Cardinals as their new radio analyst this season. This is an inspiring move from his on-the-court career to the mic! Shipley stepped away from professional football in 2021. Since then, he’s been carving out a greater hold on his football godfather credentials, flexing an impressive knowledge of the beautiful game all while enhancing his reputation as a true football fanatic.
Shipley began his media journey in 2022 when he made appearances on the popular Pat McAfee Show, discussing offensive line play and sharing insights from his extensive experience. He joined former players Colt McCoy and Justin Pugh to start a fantasy football podcast. Regular collaboration Coach Jay Gruden also got in on the act. Shipley could not have been more excited to be chosen for the new role of radio analyst. In a million years, he never thought he would ever receive this amazing opportunity.
Shipley, who grew up only 20 miles from Pittsburgh’s legendary Three Rivers Stadium. From childhood, he nurtured an all-consuming passion for soccer. He watched the Steelers play and listened to the legendary radio voice of Myron Cope, which influenced his appreciation for sports broadcasting. As he gets ready to assume this new role, Shipley’s excitement gives way to a feeling of being prepared. He wants to recreate that energy on the airwaves.
Shipley’s wife notes that people tend to have strong opinions about him, saying they will either “love A.Q. Shipley or hate A.Q. Shipley when they meet him.” His strong personality will probably serve him well in the broadcast booth, where authenticity and relatability are key.
Shipley, are beginning what will hopefully be a long, fruitful collaboration with the Cardinals. He comes with nearly a decade of experience as an analyst for San Diego State University football. He recognizes the challenge ahead, especially following Ron Wolfley’s departure after two decades as the team’s radio analyst. Shipley appreciates Wolfley’s quirky style as well, calling it “unduplicatable.”
“I mean that voice is unduplicatable, if that’s even a word,” – A.Q. Shipley
Rich Ohrnberger, a former NFL player and Shipley’s media colleague, put it aptly when he said that Wolfley’s voice is medicine. He has praised Shipley’s intelligence and command of the sport, stating, “I played with a lot of super intelligent players over the course of my career in college and professionally, and A.Q. is easily one of the most intelligent.” Ohrnberger highlighted Shipley’s curiosity about the game as a whole: “He has a command for the sport that extends beyond his position and always has.”
Shipley knows that he won’t be able to replicate Wolfley’s rare vocal gifts. That’s about all he knows—he’s excited to bring his own personal touch to the analysis. He really does seem to care about being the most academic commentator out there, diving into the intricacies of the game.
“I know football inside and out. I know offensive line play, obviously more than most. But I also know the whole field. I know the whole game and I think I can bring a unique perspective from that.” – A.Q. Shipley
Fans are eagerly counting down the days until the new season! Perhaps best of all, they can expect a new dynamic in the booth, as Shipley teams up with his MiLB radio counterpart, Rich Pasch, beginning with the first week of the regular season. Through his evident love for the game and his dedication to being transparent, he hopes to resonate with his listeners.
“At the end of the day, I’m honest,” – A.Q. Shipley
Shipley’s confidence and optimism are easy to see as he reflects on his upcoming move to THU. He predicts that listeners will quickly see him as a seasoned analyst:
“I think you’ll think you’re listening to a 10-year veteran of the broadcast by week three of the season.” – A.Q. Shipley
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