Ohio State Football: Interview with LB James Laurinaitis

COLUMBUS, OH - NOVEMBER 03: James Laurinaitis #33 of the Ohio State Buckeyes gets ready on the field during the game against the Wisconsin Badgers on November 3, 2007 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State defeated Wisconsin 38-17. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH - NOVEMBER 03: James Laurinaitis #33 of the Ohio State Buckeyes gets ready on the field during the game against the Wisconsin Badgers on November 3, 2007 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State defeated Wisconsin 38-17. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
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ANN ARBOR, MI – NOVEMBER 26: Ohio State Head Coach Luke Fickell watches tha action during the fourth quarter of the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on November 26, 2011 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The Wolverines defeated the Buckeyes 40-34. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MI – NOVEMBER 26: Ohio State Head Coach Luke Fickell watches tha action during the fourth quarter of the game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on November 26, 2011 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The Wolverines defeated the Buckeyes 40-34. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /

Scarlet & Game: How did you get your start in broadcasting? What has that experience been like for you?

Laurinaitis: “The NFL has a thing called broadcast bootcamp for former and current players who are interested in the profession and you get to learn everything from studio, calling games on tv and radio, doing radio interviews, etc. They invite an executive from all the leagues partners. Big Ten Network was there that year, as they are owned by Fox, and things went well. Those connections have helped as stuff with Westwood One Radio for NFL games came to fruition this last year as well. It was very helpful.”

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Scarlet & Game: You achieved tremendous success both in your football career and in your broadcasting/radio endeavors after your NFL career. What has made you successful both on and off the field?

Laurinaitis: “Preparation. I had to be ready when the opportunity presented itself. Luke Fickell did an amazing job making sure freshman year the entire 3 deep knew what we were doing. When opportunity presented itself in Ann Arbor in 2005, I had already been expected to know everything mentally like a starter so it wasn’t anything a shock to go in. I knew the game plan. I tried to prepare the same way in broadcasting as well. I want to be so prepared that I can just go out and analyze during a game, or give my thoughts during our radio show. It’s all about preparation. It’s like taking a test, when you know the material you’re confident to walk in their and crush it and leave confident. Just apply that to whatever in life.”

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Big thank you to James for taking the time to chat with Scarlet & Game!