Ryan Harris began his radio broadcast booth career for Notre Dame after retiring as an NFL player, taking on longtime announcer Allen Pickett’s duties with success. Over time, however, Harris became an integral member of their radio team; during a 55-0 victory against Georgia Tech he engaged listeners by using playful comments like “pickles” and “shillelagh”, prompting laughter from fellow broadcaster Paul Bermeister.
Notre Dame fans should note that Harris will no longer offer his insightful commentary via broadcast media; rather, he recently announced his plans through social media as a potential career change.
“I will be devoting the next season of my life pursuing NFL and television opportunities, and completing my final semester of law school,” Harris shared. “I move on with a full heart, grateful for all the opportunities that Notre Dame has provided me and the people who made me better.”
The former offensive tackle turned broadcaster served as Notre Dame Football’s radio analyst for eight seasons starting in 2018. Upon succeeding Allen Pickett, he secured a permanent role as an on-air color commentator, regularly covering home and away games alongside colleagues Tony Simeone and Paul Bermeister.
Harris is also an alumnus of Notre Dame, where he played from 2003 to 2006. During his four seasons with the Fighting Irish, he made a strong impact as both right and left tackle and earned the Offensive Lineman of the Year award in his sophomore year.
His experience with NFL media is not new. Harris worked as a national radio color analyst for NFL Prime Time game packages, contributed to high-profile Super Bowl programming, and collaborated with major networks. He also provided preseason analysis for the Denver Broncos, a team he played for during five seasons.
Throughout his NFL career, Harris spent time with the Houston Texans, Kansas City Chiefs, and Pittsburgh Steelers. He proudly brought his Super Bowl-winning ring to his broadcasting debut at Notre Dame. Now, he is preparing to explore new opportunities across familiar football territory.
In addition to his broadcast ambitions, Harris is in the midst of completing a law degree, fulfilling a longstanding dream he has pursued since age 16. While eager to advance in media, he remains committed to finishing his education in this next phase of his life.
Transitioning from Player to Broadcaster
Harris’s playing career ended sooner than he hoped due to a severe leg injury in his final NFL season, which even required hospitalization. Recognizing it was time to move on, he quickly found a new direction.
His interest in media began to grow during his tenure with the Broncos. While part of the Super Bowl-winning team, he observed the media world closely, taking notes and seeking advice from former players with broadcasting experience. Harris also participated in the NFL’s mentorship program designed to help players transition into media careers after retiring.
Adjusting to life beyond the field was challenging. Harris likened it to telling a lawyer they couldn’t enter a courtroom again or a writer they could never pick up a pen. Nonetheless, his natural talent for broadcasting soon became evident.
Harris first established himself with Notre Dame through a digital postgame show and has gradually built upon it since. While college football broadcasting remains his preferred specialty, his ultimate ambition has always been calling NFL games on television.
Nearly 10 years after first taking the bold plunge into broadcast journalism, he now stands on the brink of realizing his dream and embarking on an exhilarating new chapter of his career.