It's common for a professional athlete to transition from their playing career to broadcasting as a color commentator or studio analyst, but an athlete transitioning immediately to a lead play-by-play man for an NFL team is unprecedented...until now.

Zach Strief retired several months ago after an 12 year career with the New Orleans Saints. Today, he was officially named the play by play radio announcer for the New Orleans Saints radio network. WWL, the flagship radio station of the team, made the announcement this afternoon.

Strief joins a player he once blocked for in the booth, as former running back Deuce McAllister continues in his role as color commentator.

"What's great about play-by-play is that it is different, and it's a challenge. It's seeing the game through a different mindset, and it's bringing the game to an everyday fan," Strief said in a statement. "I won't be a finished product in August or September, but it's something I think that would be very special and unique to the Saints to have two players in the booth."

Strief replaces Louisiana Sports Hall of Famer Jim Henderson, who retired following the end of the 2017 season.

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