Graziani lets his voice be heard
Published on October 27, 2006 under Arena Football League (1987-2008) (AFL I)
Philadelphia Soul News Release
Preparing for the big game on Sunday can be trying.
Going over scouting reports, readying yourself for the teams at hand; it can be tough for a profesisional quarterback.
Just ask Philadelphia Soul signal-caller Tony Graziani.
The season may be about four months away, but "Graz" is still gearing up his appearances each week, that being for Sports USA Radio.
After impressing Sports USA Radio owner Larry Kahn in last year's Champs Sports Bowl game between Clemson and Colorado, Graziani recently accepted a job as an analyst during the NFL season.
"I have always thought about doing something like that," Graziani said. "I could see myself doing this after my playing career. I'd love to continue, traveling around and seeing games."
Graziani has two games under his belt, having assisted on the broadcasts of the Browns/Ravens in Week 3, and this past weekend's shocker in Seattle between the Seahawks and Vikings.
"It's good to be around the game; there's nothing better on the weekend to be in the stadium - college or pro," said Graziani, the only player in the Arena Football League supplying his knowledge of the game for the network. "It's a lot harder than one might think, getting your voice prepared and learning when to speak and not to speak and saying your thoughts as concise as possible within the time you have to say what you need to.
"It's a different deal getting prepared as an analyst, as opposed to getting prepared as a player."
The seven-year AFL veteran, who returns for his third season with the Soul, was drafted by the Falcons in the seventh round of the 1997 NFL Draft, played 18 games over three seasons with Atlanta and finished his stint in the NFL with the Browns.
This is the week that Graziani's experience from both leagues will come in handy in the booth for what easily will be the Game of the Week in the NFL and likely the best game he's been in the booth for, since joining the network: Indianapolis at Denver.
And though it'll be arguably one of the most prolific quarterbacks in the AFL watching and analyzing the most prolific quarterback (Peyton Manning) in the NFL, Graziani said he'll be more interested in sharing his insight as to why something might be taking place, rather than picking up tips on how to avoid a vicious pass rush like the Broncos employ.
"The (AFL and NFL) games are so different, but sure, any time you're watching - especially a guy like Peyton Manning - you can pick something up," Graziani said. "But also, because I've played both games, I can add perspective from the booth and explain things and why they're happening."
Arena Football League (1987-2008) Stories from October 27, 2006
- Brigade signs af2 wide receiver and standout Big Ten lineman - Kansas City Brigade
- Ex-AFL stars Davis and Furrey excelling in NFL - AFL I
- Graziani lets his voice be heard - Philadelphia Soul
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