Cardinals’ Rolando Cantu joins Telemundo Deportes as lead NFL analyst

PHOENIX — Rolando Cantu is known for his trailblazing ways.

The first Mexican-born player to cross over from the Mexican collegiate system to ever play in the NFL has built an impressive resume over the years that includes calling more than 300 Cardinals games and covering 11 Super Bowls on top of a 15-year career as Arizona’s manager of international business.

Now, the former player is taking his broadcasting career to another echelon, joining Telemundo Deportes as lead NFL analyst for Sunday Night Football beginning this season.

Cantu’s first formal assignment in his new role is the upcoming 2022 NFL Draft which kicks off Thursday in Las Vegas and runs through Saturday.

“It’s one of those things where you dream of it and then, ‘OK it’s here. Finally, it’s here,'” Cantu said Monday. “This is another dream come true.

“Every step in my career has become something that I’m pioneering, we’re trailblazing in this. And for me, it’s another opportunity to be a part of something great for the parameters of an NFL broadcast in Spanish. I couldn’t be more excited to join this crew and to be a part of the Telemundo family.”

Aside from Cantu’s part in Telemundo Deportes’ multiplatform coverage of the draft, he will also have daily recaps airing on Zona Mixta through Sunday.

It couldn’t have happened to a better person, co-host of Arizona Sports’ Wolf & Luke and Cardinals broadcaster Ron Wolfley said Tuesday.

“Rolando Cantu is a guy that played in the trenches and that I think really gives him some valuable insight because he sees it from the beating pulse, or the beating heart I should say, of the game. Down in the trenches, that is where football is played,” Wolfley said. “Rolando Cantu will bring a very significant view and perspective. … And he’s got great hair.”

Other duties include pre- and post-game coverage for all 23 games broadcasted this season as well as preseason color analysis from training camps leading into the season.

“We are thrilled to welcome Rolando Cantú to the team and excited to work with him to further enhance the NFL fan experience for our audiences,” Eli Velazquez, EVP Sports, Telemundo Enterprises, said in a press release.

“This announcement comes on the heels of our historic broadcast of Super Bowl LVI, and we’re proud to add the best Hispanic NFL analyst in Spanish-language media to our NFL offering and continue our efforts and commitment to serving the passionate and vibrant Hispanic community.”

And while he’ll exclusively be on Telemundo Deportes’ NFL broadcasts moving forward, Cantu will remain in his role with the Cardinals as manager of international business during the week.

But come weekends, Cantu’s off to wherever the Sunday Night Football broadcast takes him.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to have great, great leadership at the Arizona Cardinals and developed an incredible relationship with ownership out there,” Cantu said.

“I’ve been blessed to keep my role with the Cardinals and also move into this lead analyst role for Sunday Night Football.”

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