Schaub, who resides in Atlanta, will be a part of the broadcast for four UVA games this season, including Richmond, Clemson University (Oct. 19), the University of North Carolina (Oct. 26) and Virginia Tech (Nov. 30).
While he expects to settle into his new role, Schaub admitted last week that his first instinct Saturday may be to take a turn toward the locker room before he gets to the radio booth.
“I think I’m going to be ready to put a helmet and pads on and get down there with the guys,” Schaub said. “But no, I’m really excited for this opportunity. I’m very fortunate to have a veteran like John Freeman and Ahmad, who’s a former teammate of mine, next to me. It’s going to be so much fun. I’m looking forward to it.”
Schaub, a two-time All-Atlantic Coast Conference performer who set 22 school records over his UVA career, went on to play 17 seasons in the NFL, where he threw for more than 25,000 yards and twice made the Pro Bowl. He retired in 2020.
UVA Today caught up with the Wahoo legend to discuss his new career, his UVA memories and his evaluation of the football program under third-year head coach Tony Elliott.
Q. What led you to your role with the UVA football radio crew?
A. I was always drawn toward the broadcasting world, whether it be in TV or radio. Just watching a bunch of games and being a sports fanatic and playing the game for as long as I was blessed to do, I’ve gained a lot of knowledge and I just wanted to relay that to viewers and be a part of the game.
And I wanted to do that in a place that was so good to me: the University of Virginia and the folks in Charlottesville and the football program. (Director of Athletics) Carla Williams and Tony Elliott have done an amazing job with connecting to alumni and having them come back and be a part of the organization.
Q. How often have you returned to Charlottesville since you finished playing here?
A. When I was playing (in the NFL), it was difficult with our schedule. And then there was kid stuff (Schaub and his wife, Laurie, have five children) – not to use that as a crutch, but it is a reason that made it tough to plan a visit.
But over the last few years, I’ve tried to make it up once a year, if not a second time. You know how Charlottesville can be – I mean, once you go up there and you remember what it’s like, and you’re in that valley. I mean, it’s just so pretty and scenic, you’re just like, “Man, I need to make this an annual thing.”
Q. Before becoming a regular interview subject in the NFL, you were often in the media spotlight at UVA. What did you learn from those experiences that can help you now?
A. Those years of Virginia, there were some trials and tribulations. I got hurt the first game of my last year. I was benched the first game of my fourth year and was able to battle back and have some success.
But you learn through those challenges and adversity. There’s no greater learning experience than when you fall flat on your face or you get hurt, and you have to come back from that and deal with the media criticism, deal with the good times and the bad times, and be able to handle those things the right way.
That can really keep you level, and helps you because life’s not going to take it easy on you once you get out of school. It’s ruthless.
Q. Your former coach, Al Groh, has done some broadcasting work, and your former teammate, Chris Canty, hosts a daily show on ESPN Radio. Have you asked them for any tips?
A. I’ve actually been on Chris’s show, which was really fun, being that he always tried to rip my head off and generally couldn’t because he wasn’t allowed to hit me at (UVA practice). But then once we got to the NFL, he certainly tried.
I’m good friends with Dan Orlovsky, who does a ton with ESPN; I’ve talked to him a couple of times. And, yes, I’ve talked with Al and he shared his thoughts and experiences. A lot of them say the same things as far as being the color analyst.
I think when that ball’s kicked off, authenticity is definitely paramount. Listeners are going to be able to see through any type of fluff or anything like that. I’m just focusing on giving my insights as best I can.
Q. What are your impressions of Tony Elliott as he enters his third season as UVA’s head coach?
A. I love coach Elliott’s demeanor. I love his approach, and I love his messages. With what’s taken place there on Grounds, with the adversity that they face – man, that’s so hard. But I think he’s handled it admirably and fantastically with the help of the University and Carla Williams.
As former players, we recognize that. I think that’s another reason why there are more who are reconnecting and being more visible to the team and the players. Because we all know what it’s like to play there. We know how hard it is to be a football player in the college level, and when you pair that with being a student, we can relate to their situation.
Tony’s done a great job. I’m looking forward to this year with him.
Q. The quarterback room in the new Hardie Football Operations Center includes your photo on the wall next to Shawn Moore. Have you had a chance to take a tour yet?
A. It’s really neat that the program put me up there, especially knowing Shawn all these years and what he meant to the program. His face and his accolades were all over the building when I was walking the McCue Center. I’m just honored to be up there and to be thought of in that way.
Everything in there was done in a Virginia way. The weight room, the meal room, the meeting rooms, the lounge, it’s all so impressive. It’s a top-notch facility.
