For now, Lambeau beats Ludacris: getting to star on a late-night show was a thrill, but it still doesn't compare to my day job.(My Turn)

A couple of weeks ago I found myself on a plane headed for Los Angeles and a two-night career change. I got to be the guest host of The Late Late Show on CBS, and the experience is something I will never forget.

For those two nights, it did not matter who was leading the NFL in receptions or what major league lefthander was hoping to get traded. I didn't wear a headset. I didn't throw it to J.B. for an update from another late-night show. And the only Victor Conte reference I made was to ask the audience members whether they also thought his mustache made him look like he should be selling porn in downtown L.A. in 1948.

I got to do a monologue, and it didn't end with, "Back with the first pitch after this." I interviewed guests, who ranged from Ludacris to Kristin Chenoweth from The West Wing, and never felt compelled to ask if they liked their chances this year. And not once did they tell me they were "trying to stay within themselves" or that they were "going to help the team one day at a time."

I was the host and star of the show, but it felt strange. I think I would rather do a show that featured Peyton Manning on the center stage. Or get to do a special on the Red Sox and Yankees. I am most accustomed to that world. I love what I do. I knew that before, and my trip into Late Night served as a reminder.

The staff there was great, the jokes were funny, and the guests made it easy for me to succeed. I could see myself doing that as a regular gig down the line, but not now. It is too much fun to travel around and feel the excitement of a big game.

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