While some players around the NFL are using the break between minicamp and training camp for some rest and relaxation, others are using the free time to chase their off-the-field goals.
Tight end Joel Dreessen participated in the sixth annual NFL Broadcast Boot Camp in Mt. Lauren, N.J., where he spent four days learning the business from talent, producers and executives from each of the NFL’s broadcast partners.
“Our days were jam-packed,” Dreessen said of the experience. “We were in meetings all day long. It was really cool because we’d go to a meeting about a different facet of broadcasting, whether it be how to set up the teleprompter, how to do the in-studio analysis or how to do a play-by-play call — whether it be on the radio or on TV. Then we’d do the out-in-the-field reporting. We went to a bunch of meetings about how we would do each of those things and take notes, then go put our suit and tie on and get a chance to do it. Then we’d go watch the film and get feedback from some of the professionals like James Brown, Greg Cosell and Kenny Albert. It was exceptionally informative.”
At the conclusion of the camp, Dreessen, along with Lions wide receiver Nate Burleson earned a guest co-hosting spot on SiriusXM NFL Radio this season.
Dreessen and Burleson became the first players in the six years of the camp to earn a guest hosting position.
The Broadcast Boot Camp is directed by the NFL Player Engagement and NFL Broadcasting departments and covers a wide range of topics with instructors from each of the NFL’s broadcast partners – CBS, ESPN, FOX, NBC, NFL Network, SiriusXM, Dial Global Radio, plus local radio and TV.
Of the 105 players who took part in the Broadcast Boot Camp from 2007-2011, 44 have earned broadcasting jobs as a result of their participation in the program.
“I don’t know what exactly is going to come from that,” Dreessen said. “But I guess Sirius saw something they liked in me and want to explore that a little bit more.”
DenverBroncos.com had a chance to talk to Dreessen about his experience:
Where did your interest in the sports broadcasting industry come from?
“I’ve always had an interest in the broadcasting side of it just because as an NFL player, you’re always getting interviewed, you’re doing radio shows and you’re doing TV shows. I wanted to see if I was any good at being on the other side of the microphone. This was definitely an eye-opening experience, because it’s not as easy as it looks. It’s really not – as far as being smooth with your words and being able to edit your thoughts from your brain to your speaking voice. It was definitely eye opening.”
Do you think your background as a player helps you as a broadcaster?
“I definitely have the foundation of the work ethic of what it takes to excel at a different career. Plus, I wanted to do this because I’m not getting any younger. I have to start thinking about life after football eventually. Hopefully that isn’t for several more seasons down the road, but it’s something I definitely want to prepare for.”
Which type of broadcasting did you feel most comfortable with?
“The radio aspect, that’s something that I think I could pursue. That interested me, as well as the field reporting. That was fun to get out there and kind of go through the interview process. That impromptu stuff, I was better at.”
Was it strange having the tables turned with you asking the questions instead of answering them?
“Yeah, because you have to sit down and write a script and think of questions to ask and present it in a way that would be interesting to the viewers. It was tricky. It was a lot more difficult than I thought it would be.”
-Stuart Zaas
Tags: Broadcast Boot Camp, Joel Dreessen
Just cause you were a great NFL player doesn’t always translate into being a good radio/television personality. Like he said, it’s much harder than the pros make it look………just like playing the game itself. But this bootcamp is def a step in the right direction for those who want to pursue it and it’s great the NFL does this every year.
I would have to say that my fave ex-player/commentator would have to be Tom Jackson…………..of course I’m biased! lol But he is really good at what he does. I gotta give it up to QBKilla Sapp too……….he’s funny, animated and def knows his stuff when it comes to defense.
Ya kod its def harder than it looks and they do hire some ex players that show just how hard it is by doing a terrible job. I agree on tom jackson and like you I’m biased, but as far as sapp i couldn’t disagree more. I cant stand listening to him and dont get anything out of it. Could be just me tho. I also cannot stand deon sanders, Michael Irvin, and when rod woodson did it didnt like him either. Not many others i dont like tho. Some people get mad when they select ex players to do broadcasting jobs because theres so many people going to college to do it for years and they feel they get passed over by people not as qualified who didnt truly earn it like they did. In some cases i agree.
Article from ESPN….. didn’t realize part of the allure for Manning landing in Denver was for him to play with Demaryius Thomas. This according to the link below….
http://espn.go.com/blog/afcwest/post/_/id/45184/thomas-hopes-to-pay-big-dividends
KK
I like Tom Jackson also. The most x player that needed some mouth boot camp would have been Shanon Sharpe. LOL He had to learn to slow down I remember him saying that some where after his first stint. The guy I can not stand is Chris Collinsworth!! He never has any thing good to say about the Broncos! He is like the secound comming of Howard Cosell. FTR house be getting out the Bronco Bricks!!!
Just saying
ILMSDB!!
FTR
Tom Jackson and Shannon Sharpe are my favorite broadcasters for sure. Kudos to Dreessen for being interested in doing it in the fuure!
Rbf1 I love that article thanks! I remember in an interview Peyton saying that he had never played with a guy like DMT. Can you imagine a compliment like that? I hope this is just amazing. I cannot wait! The Neck to Optimus Prime (-;
No. Phil Simms is the worst announcer in the NFL. My favorite season was when Chris Simms was our backup because Phil couldn’t call our games. He hates the Broncos and he should get over it cuz he beat us in the SB. Just my two cents FTR
Cat Your correct how could I forget Phil and little Bro Chris.
FTR
I hear you cat! I’m looking forward to both Demaryius & Decker having productive seasons with PM!!
I bet these guys can’t wait to hit the field. Hope they both stay healthy and have a great year!!
What was the announcers name that used to yell out… “OH MY” whenever there was a great play by the Broncos.
I used to like that guy!
I lookit up… it was Dick Enberg who wrote his autobiography entitled… you guessed it – Oh My!! lol.
I don’t remember that guy rbf1!
I miss John Madden. Honest I do. Don’t hate me for sayin that!!!
Yeah, the last SB he called as a color commentator was in 1998 along with Phil Simms and Paul Maguire. The Broncos first championship. (Dick Enberg).
Scalp Got your bbbp.
I will have to listen closely when I watch that replayed rbf1… maybe I ought to watch my SB dvds again. Get me pumped for the season!
Sinnce there are a lot of new bloggers, I feel it’s to refresh one and alll about the BBBP “Contest”. BBBP stands for Bold Bronco Blog Prediction. Any blogger canh make two predictions before training camp officially opensd and two more up to the day before the final preseason game. A cBBBP must be about a sopecific player , not necessarily a current Bronco, and what he will do as related to the Broncos.
Some BBPs include:
Bay: McCoy as Dolphions HC, Sherer as OCV. Five min utes after BAy posted this the Dolphinsd new HCX was announced. Not picking on you BAY.
OSS: McNabb siognred as TT backup. DDDUUUU!!!! Sure missed that one.
Killer: TT traded before start of season. DING!!! DING!!!! DING!!! Correctamundo!!!!
Scalpthechiefs: Miller leads Broncos with 18.5 sacks.
Etc, etc ad nasium.
Jump right in and see how great a seer you can be.
After the last preseason game I’ll try to attach a list of all of the BBPS. It should be interesting.
Howdy Broncos country.
Been out for a while. Making a quick post. May be a while longer due to personal health issues.
As many of us already know Trviathan W2 and Irving will compete for WLB while DJ is suspended. DJ is now appealing the dismissal. He sure is putting in a lot of money to get it fixed. Makes me think he is telling the truth that they contaminated his sample. If he wasnt why waste his money and accept the bargain deal McBean did for only a 3 game suspension.
No point calling for him to be cut. We would end up having to pay out a lot of money and only get 1-2 mil in free cap space instead of the full 8 mil. Trade value all time low. Wont have any takers. Like Moreno give him this year (When DJ plays) to increase value and try to trade them next offseason for something.
Percy Harvin dont want him dont need him. We have a good group of WRs already dont really want to give up players/picks for yet another WR.
From what little I have been reading/hearing of the Denver camp/OTAs all the rookies have been really impressive. Treviathan Bolden and Wolfe especially. Warren was also impressive during the camp.
Well the Docs in to do a checkup. Ill catch yall later.
ILMSDB!!!!!!!!!!! Peace out for now Broncos country!!!
My bbbp about moreno getting at least 1500 all purpose yards is looking awfully shaky. Other day in an interview about the offense Elway mentioned McG and Hillman. No mention of Moreno. So long as he can still make the roster, I still think he can do it though.
Is it football camp yet? I`m starting to get that itch for some NFL FOOTBALL. I believe the 2012 season is going to be a great season for our DENVER BRONCOS!!
OldSouth-
Here’s one for ya!
BBBP #1- Adam Weber will be named #2 behind Manning as the backup QB (He does wear #2, LOL).
We all know there were some good things that were said about him during last years training camp, and he knows the system, hence takeing 2nd team snaps in minicamp.
BBBP#2- Ronnie Hillman will run for 600+ yards (Running the ball).
Can’t top the BBBP with the Tebow trade, though. That should win it right there.
Rock on Bronc ON!
I am very curious to see how many yards Ronnie Hillman will not only run, but after he catches the ball out of the backfield. I think he`s going to light it up his rookie season. I can`t wait to see how Hillman does.
I predict that VonDoom together accumulate 35 plus sacks between the two.
If McGahee can stay healthy, he`ll exceed over 1200 yards rushing.
Love it OSS.The old BBBP!
I well have to think on this one with so many changes!
Good to see a Tradition back on the blog! Hope it catches on with all our new blogers!
Just Saying!
Peace Out FTR
LMSDB!!
OSS I am going to think about it and get back to you. Great idea though! Love it!
And congrats to killer for his wicked good prediction!!!! It was amazing how fast that one came true.
Evening Cat.
Hey strand whats up?
My BBBP:
#1- Peyton Manning has three come from behind wins that ties Elway’s record of 47.
#2- Tracy Porter gets 4 Pick 6′s
OSS – My BBBP – #88 Demaryius Thomas will go over a thousand yds receiving and catch 10 touchdowns!
cam, strand, cat: Got your BBBPs..
Rather funny. Think some people on here might like this.
Rex Ryan is in Afam Sandlers “Thats my boy” Here is a scene involving the NYJ coach
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yyqhpuphIXE
Oldsouth: Afraid I’m getting old. Pretty sure I posted a BBBP right around when you first started the competition. Unfortunately I can’t recall what it was
can you remind me please.
Thanks London
OSS – My 2nd BBBP
Broncos will go undeafted at Sports Authority Field at Mile High this year!!!!!!!
OSS – My 2nd BBBP
Broncos will go undeafeated at Sports Authority Field at Mile High this year!!!!!
AB that is very funny! I love Tom Brady’s jawline too!
Rbf1 Great BBBP’s! Seeing as Peyton has never lost in Denver there’s a good chance that one comes true (-;
Morning Broncos Country!
What another gorgeous day here on the island! LOL I’m making Newfoundland sound like Hawaii or something! haha
Gonne get out and enjoy it with a walk with my two favorite ladies and soak up some sun.
I forgot I made that BBBP and I believe it was just after the playoff loss, before any talks of Manning coming here came about. I just had a gut feeling about it. I know the other has fallen…..with Hillis now gone to KC. Can’t get them all! LMAO
Anyways, time to go get some breaky on the go and get the day started. Hope everyone enjoys their Saturday and I’ll check back in later to say hello.
GO BRONCOS!
I am off to Florida people! Have a great week… I am praying to doesn’t rain everyday even though it says it’s going to! My friend has her hopes up to meet someone famous and I just hope there isn’t a hurricane! LOL
Have a great trip!
london: Hillman most all purpose yards.
Royalty: BBBPs need to be about a specific player.
Great prediction though!!!
Maybe somethging like: PM throws for 30 TDS at Mile High as they undefeated at Mile High.
Ok oss since now I’m not the only one. I know mine was roy on o or d but cant remember my other one.
Oh ok, about a specific player… did you get my first one on Demaryius Thomas?
2nd BBBP – Andre “Bubba” Caldwell will have the best YAC for the Broncos this year!
Oldsouth, I made my predictions early on in the contest under my former name (buck484) I think one was Royal being gone and the other Willis being top receiver. Was that correct? Thanks
LBF: Only have BBBP of QB 4000 yds, RB 1000, Rookie of Year. All in one BBBP. Thinking you may have weanted to split it into more that one???
Wolfe: Have you for Royal trdaed and Willis leading WR as #1, McG with 1300 yards as #2.
RoyalBF1: I have a Royalty BBBP of Q Carter secondary star. This you? If iyt’/s not you I missed your DMT BBBP. Please repeat.
Got 2nd BBBP.
ok oss thats good. its one and thats fine. i may come up with a secondary one though…..
LT almost played for the Broncos but decided to retire cause of the NECK
this is awesome every year there is going to be a feeding frenzy on free agents by the Broncos !!
as long of the neck is as good as Chuck Norris and stays healthy !!!!!
you have mine right Oldsouth?
Slikz: Dressen 10 TDs, Adams 5 Ints. Correct??
Fun story! I wore my Manning t-shirt on the plane and my mom says before I leave “are you sure you want to wear that in Florida?” I’m like “Yeah? What’s going to happen?” and she says “just checking” LOL so I land in Florida and this is the conversation:
Me to the pilot: Awesome flight!
Co-pilot notices the logo on th front of my shirt: hey! Go Broncos! Wait… Tebow’s not a Bronco anymore.
Me: Yeah
Co-pilot sees the back of my shirt: oh! Manning!
Me: yeah, I’m not crying!
IT WAS AWESOME! Then I woke up to giraffes outside my window this morning so I’m like in heaven. Even with the tropical storm Debby’s breathing down my neck!
I missed you skillz! And I am glad LT retired. He hates us as much as we hate him.