Seemingly all of the definitions of retirement involve the words withdrawal, privacy or seclusion.  However, none of those words would ever seem appropriate in the same sentence as Keyshawn Johnson.  Johnson, who retired on Wednesday, is set to stay in the limelight of the camera and join ESPN for pregame shows on Sunday and Monday night.  

Johnson’s move from wide receiver to the wireless mic is just another example of the rising trend in sports broadcasting.  Athletes, who still have some years left in the tank, are being persuaded into an early transition into the world of television.  Keyshawn felt as though ESPN’s offer was better than that of the Tennessee Titans—similarly, Tiki Barber saw his broadcasting opportunity as a reason to retire at the peak of his career.  Darren Woodson could have played a few more years, and Deion was always jumping between the two.  It seems as though current NFL players are constantly appearing on television shows as guests, attempting to build their résumés for their second careers.

With this trend in mind, there are a bunch of players who could be ditching their facemasks for makeup extremely soon.

1.    Warren Sapp – Seems to be in a very similar position to Keyshawn.  A very loud and outspoken personality, Sapp’s notoriety as a player who always has something to say should cause networks to scramble for his services.  He’s entering his thirteenth season, and while he’s coming off possibly his most productive year since 2000, there’s no denying that he’s at the end of the road.  

2.    Brett Favre – Probably the most anticipated retirement…ever (Yes, bigger than Elway).  The golden boy of the 90’s would look perfect on any television set, and his southern drawl could make him the new, improved, and commonsensical version of Terry Bradshaw.  It has always seemed as though Favre is more concerned with leaving the game instead of the limelight, so a brief time off would probably be necessary.

3.    Michael Strahan – One of the most prepared players for the transition.  He’s made appearances on nearly every set and has openly discussed his career intentions with the media.  He has a great television personality and a career extremely worthy of adorning any pregame show.  Expect to see “the gap” for years to come.

4.    Darren Sharper – Maybe not the most star-studded name in the league, but his career numbers and broadcasting experience would turn heads.  One of the best safeties in the NFL during his career, Sharper has already served as a color commentator for the NFL Network during NFL Europe games.  He would be a much more suitable candidate for the booth than the studio show.

5.    Ray Lewis – When Ray Ray speaks, everybody listens.  A certain Hall-of-Famer, Lewis would bring a great perspective and intensity to television that truly has never existed.  While convincing Ray Lewis that his best years are behind him may be difficult, the payoff in his analysis would most certainly be worth it.

Player/Broadcasters of the more distant future:
1.    Donovan McNabb
2.    Torry Holt
3.    Corey Chavous
4.    Jason Taylor
5.    Tony Gonzalez