The Top Ten Television Play-by-Play Football Announcers
Posted on January 17, 2012 by Jacob Bunn
Since we are entering the college football offseason, I am going to explore some other topics on the show and in my columns. Today, I put together a list of my top ten television play-by-play announcers in college football and the NFL. Later in the week, I will give my top ten television color analysts in football. There is no science behind this other than my opinion. Email me with your list.
1. Joe Buck (FOX – NFL)
I think Buck has the smoothest voice in sports. When he calls an NFL game, you know it has significant meaning. He does not try to manipulate the moment. Instead, he gives the least amount of spoken words possible and allows the game to tell its own story. His MLB calls are also fantastic. He follows the golden rule of television broadcasting, which is say less often.
2. Al Michaels (NBC – NFL)
Michaels spent many years with co-host John Madden calling then ABC’s Monday Night Football. Now, he shares the booth with Chris Collingsworth at NBC for Sunday Night Football. The game he calls usually has a lot of impact in the NFL, but if it doesn’t, his voice makes it sound like it does.
3. Brad Nessler (ESPN – College Football)
I think Nessler is the premiere play-by-play announcer in contemporary college football. Unlike some of the other lead announcers, he does not try to inject a ton of witty comments or turn attention to himself. He calls the game as it unfolds and is always fair.
4. Verne Lundquist (CBS – College Football)
While some criticize Lundquist for his occasional slip of the tongue or temporary memory loss, he is still one of the most prominent voices in sports. There is hardly a stage larger than the SEC on CBS, and Lundquist fills the role of lead announcer on that program more than adequately. His jolly attitude accompanied by his sharp phraseology make him the best lead announcer on CBS.
5. Sean McDonough (ESPN – College Football)
McDonough has quickly become one of the top announcers at the ESPN/ABC family of networks. He carries a very businesslike on-air demeanor. Look for him to rise on the priority list for ESPN announcers.
6. Gus Johnson (FOX – College Football)
Johnson has gained popularity at a rapid clip in the past couple of years. That is largely due to his exhilarating calls of NCAA basketball games on CBS. Now, he works for FOX and is part of the network’s new college football package. He has done very well in his new role, and I think as the FOX package gains steam, Johnson’s popularity will follow suit.
7. Joe Tessitore (ESPN – College Football)
In addition to his work as an ESPN announcer, Tessitore is the network’s Heisman-ologist. In other words, he breaks down the week-by-week unfolding in the race for the coveted trophy. Because of that, his work as an announcer can be underappreciated. I think he does a brilliant job describing the play on the football field.
8. Jim Nantz (CBS – NFL)
At one time, I thought Nantz was one of the best football announcers. Now, I think his stock has faded. Yes, he is given the best game each week by CBS. However, my complaint about Nantz is the fact that he attempts to say too much. Nonetheless, he has one of the top sports voices in America.
9. Tom Hammond (NBC – Notre Dame and NFL)
When you hear Hammond calling a game, you know one thing: It is either a Notre Dame game or it is the NFL wild card weekend. He does a solid job for NBC and will enter history as a legendary announcer because of his work with the Olympics and more.
10. Brent Musburger (ESPN – College Football)
As ESPN’s lead college football announcer, Musburger has called some of the finer moments in the recent history of the sport. He has a distinct style that can be exciting, but it can also grow old quickly. There is no doubt he is a legendary sports announcer.
Don’t forget to return later in the week to see my top ten television color analysts in football.
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Email Jacob at jacob@bunnsports.com and follow him on Twitter at @JacobBunn
