With today’s announcement that Dick Enberg will become the television voice of the San Diego Padres in 2010, and in the process give up his CBS announcer duties of National Football League games, it made me reflect about his great career.
Enberg is a Renaissance man within the realm of sportscasters.
I will never forget what to me is his most memorable Bronco game, “The Drive.” He agrees with my assessment, even though he has done more games with the Broncos than perhaps any other franchise. But that game is routinely listed as one of the top 25 in NFL history, and that makes it pretty special historically.
Just about every announcer has a college degree, but how many have not only a master’s but a doctorate? Dick has both, from Indiana University, after he did his undergrad work as a Central Michigan Chippewa (he always checks to see if we have any Chippewas on the roster).
Back in the days when he was a college professor (a full time college professor, which most cannot claim to have ever been), he also was a baseball coach — at what is now Cal State Northridge, but which in those days still had the moniker of San Fernando Valley State College (incidentally, the Broncos once had a starting quarterback who played there, Max Choboian).
Enberg has done football, baseball, auto racing, basketball, boxing, golf, tennis, horse racing, and the Olympic Games.
I could get into the specific events, or seperate college sports from pro sports, but you get the idea.
He also has done a considerable amount of radio and has hosted game shows as well. It all started with his Indiana Hoosiers football play-by-play in 1957 and has continued until now, when he will call the action for this week’s Denver game at Kansas City and next week’s at Indianapolis — meaning he will have done three consecutive Sunday Broncos games.
Next year, Enberg will forsake the NFL for the Padres, and it is distinctly their gain. He is on a list so short, you can count it on your thumbs.
Enberg has 13 Emmys (besides an Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award), nine National Sportscaster of the Year awards and the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Pete Rozelle Award. He is the only sportscaster in history thus far to win Emmys in three categories (broadcasting, writing and producing. And on and on.
There are thing we encounter that are low class, no class, second class……and then there is Dick Enberg class — which is all-class.
Congrats and best wishes, Dick.
Tags: Dick Enberg, Kansas City Chiefs, Week 13
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The good (or even moderately adequate) sportscasters (especially for the NFL) are becoming more and more of a rarity, and Mr. Enberg is certainly one who has always upheld what I consider excellent standards, in his performance. He will be missed.
I have said all along that McHoodie leaked the trade rumors to expose the immaturity of Cutler. The fact that we acquired Orton, with the stockpile of draft picks, would provide dividends for years to come! We got our Franchise QB. A blue chip running back, three young defensive studs (who by the way were captains on their respective teams) and a possible top 10 pick next season. Via that trade!
I live in Chicagoland and many of my friends are Bears fans. One in particular told me that as a diehard fan, the fact that we have Orton and a high draft pick- a playoff berth on top of it would be added insult to injury.
I can’t wait for Sunday’s game. Doom and Gloom in Kansas City. GO BRONCOS!!!!!!!!
Heh ill miss this guys voice =-/ that sounds weird but w.e…Whos with me on wanting gus johnson calling all of our games?? lol screw collinsworth i was another “OMG STOKELY!!!!! DOWN THE SIDELINES!!!!”
Want**
I haved always liked Enberg.Thanks whitebronco#1 that made my day too. GO BRONCOS DOOMSDAY IN KC!!
I love the energy he had when calling games. I’m with you bronco-blaze I want another one of those.
Go Broncos!!!!
Congrats to Enberg. I’ve really enjoyed him calling football games and enjoy him when I watch tennis. He truly is a great voice and hope him all the best!!
Dick Enberg was one of my favorite football announcers along with Ian Eagle( who I noticed commentated two Chiefs game, but last week did the Bengals game. Be awesome if Eagle commentated the Chiefs Broncos game )
Dick Enbergs’ voice will remain in our memories long after he’s gone from the booth. Always called a great game and enjoyed his enthusiasm. Much like the late Curt Gowdy.
Dick Enberg is one of the greatest football commentaters of all time,his enthuisiasm,and love for the game is unmatched.Over half the Bronco’s games I’ve ever seen were called by him,he will surely be missed.Good luck Enberg in whatever you do.
Enberg is still at the top of his game. It should have been Phil Simms.
Go Broncos, Go Orton
Always enjoyed Enberg calling the Bronco games he was never annoying to listen too like some announcers today
Ian Eagle is my favorite announcer on television, CBS or otherwise, but I’ve always loved hearing Dick Enberg do our games. This week, I want to hear, Orton to Scheffler/Marshall/Royal/Gaffney, Touchdown Broncos. OH MY! Sadly, not only will the NFL be different without Dick Enberg, but tennis as well. God bless Dick Enberg and go BRONCOS!!!
bradyjamesbroncofan: I can hear that OH MY!! from Enberg right now.
Dick Enberg is one of my favorite sportscasters, as well. I had heard about Him joining the Padres, but hadn’t put two and two together to realize that he’d no longer be doing football, as he’s always had so many different gigs.
I also, it turns out, didn’t know that much about his history. Once again, Mr. Saccomano, you have provided us with a very informative and interesting post.
And good luck in your new position, Mr. Enberg. It is always a treat when I hear that you are the play-by-play man for a game I’m watching. Your voice will be missed on NFL Sundays. Oh…my!
JIM JIM hello anybody home??? yes you jim. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE ABOUT TIM THE BARREL MAN. I THINK WE SHOULD RENAME THE STADIUM FOR THE LAST GAME OF THE YEAR IN HIS HONNOR.
you just wrote a long art. on Enberg now do something that counts. and don,t say it can,t be done B/C of sponsors they will get beter PR than money can buy