#MediaMonday – Pat Summerall: One of the All-Time Best

Today’s #Media Monday is a little different.  One of broadcasting’s most recognizable voices went silent last week when Pat Summerall died at the age of 82.

I wasn’t born when Pat Summerall was playing in the National Football League.  In his second career, however, he was among the very best.  As I embarked upon my broadcasting career in the early ‘80s as a student play-by-play man for NAU football games – he was the standard.

Whether it was the living room at my parents’ home or my dorm room in Flagstaff, I remember seeing and hearing him every Sunday afternoon, providing play-by-play on CBS’ top football game of the week.  I first remember him working with Tom Brookshier, who also had played in the NFL.  Brookshier died three years ago.

Then, Summerall was paired with John Madden, arguably the game’s most famous color commentator – or analyst as they are known today.   He was the calm amongst Madden’s waving arms, verbal histrionics and larger-than-life presence.

During the off-season, Summerall was also the voice of The Masters, where he was “a voice like no other.”

Who were your favorite old-school broadcasters?