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Qadry Ismail, a former Ravens receiver with a deep imprint in Baltimore’s record books, is returning to his former team, this time as a game-day broadcaster on WBAL-Radio.
With extensive experience as an NFL expert for ESPN, Ismail will join Gerry Sandusky and Stan White in the booth, taking the place of Rob Burnett.
Ismail has been a frequent contributor on WBAL’s radio shows and was host of RaveTV’s Ravens Report, which aired on MASN in 2009.
“This is going to be a great chance to not only be a part of WBAL for the game-day broadcasts and the various Ravens shows, but also continue my work with SportsLine , as well,” Ismail said. ”I couldn’t pass it up. It’s great to be a former Raven and now talk about a team that has strong potential this year and years to come.”
Ismail has strong ties to the Ravens. As a wideout from 1999-2001, he won a Super Bowl ring and owns the third-most career receiving yards in team history (2,819). Ismail is also No. 2 in career receiving touchdowns, with 18.
Ismail had previously worked as a college football color analyst for Comcast, before his stint with ESPN.
“It’s one thing to be on the sideline and in the game, but it’s quite another to be in the booth and being able to articulate what you’re seeing from up there,” said Ismail. ”I look forward to using my experience watching all the games for ESPN for the last six years and analyzing that for the masses.
“I think I can bring that experience and knowledge to the listener, along with Gerry Sandusky and Stan White.”
Sandusky is excited to have Ismail on his team.
“I’m thrilled,” Sandusky said on Thursday. ”Qadry is a pro. He has tremendous talent and will bring great insight to the broadcast as a former player. He really has a unique personality that listeners will love.”
The two actually worked together during the Ravens’ Super Bowl run in 2000, where they collaborated on a post-game show each week.
“At that point, I knew he had a future in broadcasting, as well as the fact that I would enjoy working with him,” continued the voice of the Ravens.
Burnett may still contribute to WBAL on a part-time basis, but the fact that the former Ravens defensive end does not live in Baltimore (Ismail is local) was a key factor to the change.
