Collinsworth, Simms & Papa named in Top 25 football broadcasters
2009-11-23

Collinsworth, Simms & Papa named in Top 25 football broadcasters

Sports Business Journal
November 23, 2009
http://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/article/64156

Fans love to argue over their favorite football announcers. Reporters and editors from SportsBusiness Journal/SportsBusiness Daily and Sporting News do too, and have come together to produce their list of the Top 25 Football Broadcasters.

1. Gary Danielson, College analyst, CBS
Our No. 1 combines preparation, football smarts and an almost eerie ability to make observations just as they come into play in the game. If you can't learn something from him, you're not paying attention.


2. Cris Collinsworth, NFL Analyst, NBC
NBC made the right call on "Sunday Night Football." He brings some attitude to the mike, but he backs it up with astute observations and a little self-deprecating humor.


3. Al Michaels, NFL Play-by-Play, NBC
Nearly 30 years after "Do you believe in miracles?" he's the gold standard for football play by play. Always accurate, with insight and some edge thrown in


4. Phil Simms, NFL Analyst, CBS
His extensive preparation shows in every broadcast. Don't let the easy manner and the folksy charm fool you: He has no problem calling players out.


5. Kirk Herbstreit, College Analyst, ABC/ESPN
He's the matinee idol of the campus crowd, but he calls a good game, too. Thoughtful analysis and a likable presence without overdoing the college rah-rah.


6. Troy Aikman, NFL Analyst, FOX
A low-key booth presence, to be sure, but he's nearly always right on target and stays away from silly stuff that can drag a broadcast down.


7. Ron Franklin, College Play-by-Play, ABC/ESPN
Southern gentleman with a polished delivery and a comforting voice. He has a great sense of when to have fun and when to get down to business.


8. Verne Lundquist, College Play-by-Play , CBS
Avuncular, with a playful style and a distinctive voice. Always sounds like he's having a great time calling the game.


9. Joe Buck, NFL Play-by-Play, Fox
Polished, professional multisport pro. Known as a baseball guy, but brings plenty of football knowledge along with a sly wit to every game he calls.


10. Jim Nantz, NFL Play-by-Play, CBS
He's a versatile Mr. Smooth, with a million-dollar delivery and great control of the game. Willing to leave the strong opinions to the analyst.


11. Mike Tirico, NFL Play-by-Play, ESPN
He has one of the most challenging jobs on the list: traffic cop in the three-man "MNF" booth. Knowledgeable, smooth and a total pro.


12. Brad Nessler, College Play-by-Play, ABC/ESPN
Strong voice; when he's doing a game, you know it. Calls a clean game, gets excited when it's called for and sets up his analyst well.


13. Brent Musburger, College Play-by-Play, ABC/ESPN
You are looking live at a broadcaster who generates strong feelings. Backers say he's a big-game announcer. Even his critics wouldn't disagree.


14. Jon Gruden, NFL Analyst, ESPN
Made a big splash in his first year in the booth. Has fallen off a little after a fast start, but he delivers intensity, good details and a TV-ready personality.


15. Daryl Johnston, NFL analyst, Fox
Former fullback adds non-QB diversity (along with ex-receiver Collinsworth) to analyst spot. Never boring; his opinions hit nearly as hard as he did.


16. Ron Jaworski, NFL Analyst, ESPN
Does this guy love his job or what? The consensus was that we like him even better in the studio, but he's entertaining and informative in the booth.


17. Greg Gumbel, NFL Play-by-Play, CBS
Another who gives a clean, professional call every time. Doesn't take it upon himself to excite us about the game; that's fine with us.


18. Sean McDonough, College Play-by-Play, ABC/ ESPN
Forceful voice and active play-by-play presence; not afraid to put his two cents in. Like a guy whose voice carries the drama? He's one of your faves.


19. Todd Blackledge, College Analyst, ABC/ESPN
High-quality commentary, solid delivery, good sense of context.Could be more colorful occasionally. We never miss "Taste of the Town."


20. Dan Fouts, NFL Analyst, CBS
"MNF" alum ran rare crossing pattern from analyst to play-by-play on college games with ABC. Comfortable style, with a good sense of humor.


21. Bob Papa, NFL Play-by-Play, NFL Network
Do you know this broadcaster? Doesn't get much play for a guy doing NFL for a national audience, but he always turns in a solid, professional job.


22. Mike Patrick, College Play-by-Play, ABC/ESPN
Brings excitement to play-by-play, which works well on campus. "Britney moment" of 2007 shouldn't overshadow his body of work


23. Chris Fowler, College Play-by-Play, ESPN
Known more as "College GameDay" host, he also runs Thursday booth for ESPN, adding edginess to mix with nice guys Craig James and Jesse Palmer.


24. Gus Johnson, NFL Play-By-Play, CBS
Memorable calls make him perfect announcer for YouTube generation. Some questioned whether he should save excitement for biggest of big plays.


25. Dick Enberg, NFL Play-By-Play, CBS
Makes more mistakes than he used to, but he's an artist with the language and delivers his catchphrase "Oh, my!" with trademark good cheer.



PERSONAL BEST
Staffers who selected the list discuss their favorites.

PHIL SIMMS
Willing to criticize and take a stand. Being right. Pointing things out to the audience that it doesn't already know. Bringing some levity to the broadcast. Not taking himself too seriously. Meshing well with his partner. Keeping it simple. These are characteristics that make for a great analyst, and CBS's Phil Simms possesses all of them. Watching a game called by Simms, it feels as if you have a good - and incredibly knowledgeable - friend over for Sunday's NFL action. He's direct without being condescending, sagacious without being arrogant, self-deprecating without being silly. Simms' tone is relaxed and conversational. He offers sharp analysis in simple terms, and won't hesitate to call out a coach for going for two too early. He's the perfect blend of X's and O's, opinion and wit.
- Marcus DiNitto

CRIS COLLINSWORTH
It's not easy to take the seat of a football icon. But Cris Collinsworth's transition to the "Sunday Night Football" booth, where he replaced John Madden, has made it look that way. Not one to shy away from a strong opinion, Collinsworth will never be mistaken for Madden in style or substance. But Collinsworth's acerbic wit is now delivered from a much larger stage. Given his new role, one might expect him to tone down his assessments or make things more complicated. That has not been the case. Not everyone appreciates Collinsworth's commentary. But I'd much rather have a game analyst who's willing to call someone out. Keep the catchphrases and hyperbole. I'll take Collinsworth's honesty.
- Betty Gomes