How to Become a Football Analyst

by Clayton Browne, Demand Media Google

Professional football is the most popular spectator sport in the U.S., according to the Sports Business Journal. College football ranks third, behind baseball. Moreover, millions of American youngsters play and learn the game every year and carry their passion for it into adulthood, creating a large and knowledgeable football fan base. This also creates a large pool of potential football analysts. Because there is a lot of competition for these kinds of jobs, it pays to prepare early to become a football analyst.

Step 1

Learn the game. You have to be an expert on football to be an analyst. If you are young and physically able, try out for a youth league or school team. There is no substitute for on-the-field experience. Read about football strategy and football history. Study classic games on video or the Internet, and pay close attention to the techniques of the broadcast analysts.

Step 2

Enroll in college and get a degree in journalism or a related field such as communications. You can specialize in print or broadcast journalism, depending on whether you plan to be a print/web or radio/TV football analyst. While there is some overlap between the two types of analysts, analysts tend to become established in one type of media. Find work on your college newspaper or radio station covering games or serving in some other capacity. The important thing is to get hands-on experience, build your knowledge of the game and develop a network of professional contacts.

Step 3

Apply for football-related journalism internships after your sophomore year. Apply for internships with local newspapers, radio or TV stations, and football-oriented websites. Take any positions that are available to get your foot in the door, even if it means covering football practices at local high schools. Again, it is important to develop your personal and professional network as much as possible in your last couple of years in school, and internships are the ideal way to accomplish this.

Step 4

Apply for entry-level football-related positions at local newspapers, radio and TV stations after earning your degree. Also consider applying to Web-based sports publications such as ESPN or Yahoo Sports. Depending on your experience and background, you might have to start at the bottom as an assistant, but you can work your way up to a full-time football analyst position within a few years.


  • Start a football blog. Colorful, insightful sports blogging is a good way to demonstrate your football knowledge and analytical abilities.

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