A.Q. Shipley, the former center for the Arizona Cardinals, is set to debut as the new radio color analyst for the team this season. He takes over the role from Ron Wolfley, who stepped down in February after two decades in the position.
With 12 years of NFL experience, Shipley entered the league as a seventh-round pick in 2009. He will collaborate with seasoned commentators Dave Pasch, who has been the play-by-play announcer for 24 years, and sideline reporter Paul Calvisi, who has held his role for 21 years.
Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill praised Shipley, emphasizing his extensive knowledge of the game, particularly from his time as a center, a crucial position on the field. “A.Q. is so smart. I think he’s going to do a great job of translating the game and filling those big cleats of Ron Wolfley,” Bidwill shared.
Shipley spent five of his NFL seasons with the Cardinals, contributing under coaches Bruce Arians, Steve Wilks, and Kliff Kingsbury. He participated in 60 of his 110 NFL games with the team, starting in 51, although an ACL injury sidelined him for the entire 2018 season. His experience running an NFL-developed offense gives him insight that fans will appreciate as he moves into this new role.
Previously, Shipley was an offensive assistant under Arians in 2021 and has made guest appearances on popular football podcasts, including The Pat McAfee Show. The excitement surrounding his addition to the commentary team stems from his hands-on experience in the trenches, making him a relatable figure in modern football.
Wolfley, who remains a co-host on Arizona Sports’ Wolf & Luke, revealed that his departure was driven by a desire to focus on his children’s activities in high school. He expressed confidence that younger analysts like Shipley will better resonate with today’s game, commenting on the generational gap in understanding the current NFL landscape.
This transition brings a fresh perspective to the Arizona Cardinals’ commentary team as Shipley steps into a role where his knowledge, experience, and passion for the game can truly shine. It represents not only a new chapter for him but also a hopeful evolution in how the game is analyzed and presented to fans.