After a 12-year NFL career that included a memorable run with the Arizona Cardinals, A.Q. Shipley is heading back to the franchise in a new capacity—this time behind the microphone. Shipley has been named the new color analyst for the Cardinals radio broadcast, stepping into the role previously held by longtime voice Ron Wolfley, who retired in February after two decades in the booth.
“I loved every aspect of my time in Arizona,” Shipley said. “To come back and be part of the organization again, in this way, it means a lot.”
Shipley will join veteran play-by-play voice Dave Pasch and sideline reporter Paul Calvisi on the team’s game-day radio coverage. He will also contribute to team content across various platforms, including television and podcasts, while also serving as a brand ambassador for the organization.
The former center spent five seasons with the Cardinals, starting 51 games between 2015 and 2019. His deep ties to Arizona include close friendships with former teammates like Justin Pugh, Carson Palmer, and Drew Stanton, and his family still lives in the Valley.
Pasch, who has called Cardinals games since 2002, said Shipley impressed during a mock broadcast session as part of the interview process.
“He’s a natural,” Pasch said. “The biggest common denominator with great analysts is passion for the game. A.Q. has that in spades.”
While Shipley is no stranger to the media—making regular appearances on The Pat McAfee Show and co-hosting podcasts with Pugh—radio presents a different challenge. Still, the former offensive lineman is confident he can break down the game in a way that both diehards and casual fans can appreciate.
“There’s a whole different level of expertise to explaining the game, and that starts and ends with the offensive line,” Shipley said. “I want to talk about the inside zone or why a defensive stunt worked—but in a way my mom can understand it.”
After a neck injury ended his playing career with the Buccaneers in 2020, Shipley joined Bruce Arians’ staff in Tampa Bay in 2021, but stepped away from coaching to focus on family life. Now, he sees the radio booth as a perfect fit.
“This is basically everything I love about coaching, but from the media angle,” he said.
Shipley’s debut alongside Pasch and Calvisi will come when the Cardinals kick off the 2025 regular season. For the franchise and its fans, it’s the beginning of a new era in the booth—and a familiar face helping tell the story.
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