Former Notre Dame football legend begins broadcasting career tonight during NFL preseason

NFL football officially kicked back off last week, making for some preseason action. On Thursday night, the games continued. That included the New York Giants taking on the Detroit Lions, giving some players their first opportunity to play professional football.

It was also a first for former Notre Dame legend Golden Tate, who was added this offseason to the Detroit Lions Preseason TV Broadcast Team as an analyst. Tate is joined by play-by-play announcer Jason Ross Jr. and sideline reporter Dannie Rogers, marking the beginning of his broadcast career.

Originally coming to Notre Dame as a high school running back out of the state of Tennessee, Tate spent his freshman year in 2007 making the transition to wide receiver. His breakout came as a sophomore in 2008, hauling in 58 receptions for 1,080 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Tate took his game to an even higher level his final year in 2009. During that campaign, the talented pass catcher became the first and only Irish player to ever win the Biletnikoff Award, given to the nation’s best pass catcher. He ended that year with 1,496 yards and 15 touchdowns on 93 receptions. Tate also carried the ball 25 times for 186 yards and two more scores.

After leaving South Bend as one of the greatest wide receivers in program history, Tate proceeded to be selected in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft by the Seattle Seahawks. Also playing for the Detroit Lions , Philadelphia Eagles , and New York Giants during his 11-year NFL career, Tate would win a Super Bowl with the Seahawks, while also being selected to a Pro Bowl.

During that span, Tate ended his career with 695 receptions for 8,278 yards and 46 touchdowns. In total, Tate recorded three 1,000 yard seasons, and four seasons with 90 receptions or more.

If Tate is anything in the booth like he was on the football field, he will be spectacular. Tonight begins another chapter in his football career.