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A quarterback legacy is set to continue at BYU — and no, I’m not talking about Zach Wilson.
Earlier today it was announced that former quarterback and part-time Pantene hair model Riley Nelson will join Greg Wrubell in the radio broadcast booth, replacing another former quarterback Marc Lyons. Mitchell Juergens and Jason Shepard will continue their roles as the sideline reporter and pre-game host.
Former BYU quarterback Riley Nelson has been named the new game analyst for Cougar football radio broadcasts.
— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) May 21, 2019
Nelson succeeds longtime BYU broadcaster Marc Lyons, who retired at the conclusion of the 2018 season after a 38-year career in the radio broadcast booth.#BYUFOOTBALL pic.twitter.com/811fvTr86p
The opening was created by the retirement of Lyons, who had been the radio game day analyst for the last 38 football seasons. His grandfatherly presence and references to players of yesteryear will be missed, but the addition of Nelson will breath new life into the broadcasts . Riley hasn’t been part of the broadcast crew at BYU but he has been a regular on sports programming in Utah for the last few years. In those opportunities his insights have always been well articulated, without falling into the gee-golly optimism or debbie-downer negativity that some less-experienced voices provide.
Right as the news was announced, Riley joined BYU Sports Nation to discuss his new gig and it’s clear that he won’t be lacking enthusiasm in his new role. Here’s to hoping that he’ll be more accurate with his assessments in the booth than he was on the field.
.@RileyNelson_ says the best part of his new job will be being there, in person at every single @BYUfootball game. #BYUSN pic.twitter.com/DKEjdCjVnb
— BYU Sports Nation (@BYUSportsNation) May 21, 2019