NFL on NBC Radio
Encyclopedia
From 1985
-1986
, the NBC Radio Network was the official, national radio provider for National Football League
games. The program succeeded (and was itself, ultimately succeeded by) the CBS Radio Network
's package.
entered into a two year agreement granting NBC the radio rights to a 37-game package in each of the 1985
-1986 seasons
. The package included 27 regular season games and 10 postseason games.
NBC Radio was bought by Westwood One
shortly after losing NFL rights; Westwood One has owned the rights (either alone or in conjunction with CBS) ever since.
between the Chicago Bears
and New England Patriots
.
In 1987, NBC Radio's broadcast of Super Bowl XXI
between the New York Giants
and Denver Broncos
was heard by a record 10.1 million people.
Besides calling Super Bowls XX
and XXI
, Don Criqui and Bob Trumpy commentated Monday Night Football
games.
Bob Trumpy also hosted a national, postgame call-in show called NFL Live. NFL Live would officially become the name of the pregame show for the NFL on NBC television program.
615,000 annually, $300,000 of which was to go directly into the NFL Player Benefit Plan.
From the 1966
-1976 seasons
, NBC Radio alternated with CBS Radio in coverage of the Super Bowl. After sharing coverage of Super Bowl I
, NBC Radio would go on to broadcast only odd numbered Super Bowls. Jim Simpson
served as the play-by-play man for all of NBC Radio's broadcasts (with the exceptions of Super Bowl III
, which was called by Charlie Jones
and Super Bowl V
, which was called by Jay Randolph
) during this era. Simpson, Jones and Randolph were joined on color commentary by George Ratterman
(Super Bowls I
and III
), Pat Summerall
(Super Bowl III
), Al DeRogatis
(Super Bowl V
), Kyle Rote
(Super Bowl VII
), and John Brodie (Super Bowls IX
and XI
).
For their coverage of Super Bowl III
at the end of the 1968 season
, NBC used Pat Summerall (best known for his work for CBS
and subsequently, Fox
) to provide an "NFL prospective" on the coverage. This was due in part to the fact that NBC was at the time, the network television provider of the American Football League
(whereas CBS was the network television provider for the pre-merger
National Football League
). In return, for CBS Radio's coverage of Super Bowls I
, II
and IV
, they used Tom Hedrick, normally the radio voice of the Kansas City Chiefs
, to provide an "AFL perspective" for their coverage.
, the NBC
television network, resumed their National Football League coverage (under the NBC Sunday Night Football
umbrella) for the first time since losing the American Football Conference
package to CBS
after the 1997 season
.
As part of the relaunch of their coverage, NBC became a co-producer of Westwood One's radio pregame/highlight show NFL Sunday, adding the network's name to the coverage and turning it into an abbreviated radio version of Football Night in America
. Al Trautwig
hosted the show for the first several weeks of the season before being taken off the coverage for unspecified reasons. Chris Carlin
subbed for Trautwig for a week before Scott Graham
took over the hosting duties and continued to helm the show for the remainder of the season. In addition to the typical NFL Sunday score rundown and preview of the game ahead, NBC analysts (usually Jerome Bettis
or Cris Collinsworth
) would provide commentary.
After the 2006 season, Westwood One returned NFL Sunday to its previous format and ended the co-production arrangement with NBC.
1985 NFL season
The 1985 NFL season was the 66th regular season of the National Football League. The season ended with Super Bowl XX when the Chicago Bears defeated the New England Patriots.-Major rule changes:...
-1986
1986 NFL season
The 1986 NFL season was the 67th regular season of the National Football League. The season ended with Super Bowl XXI when the New York Giants defeated the Denver Broncos to win their first league title in 30 years.-Major rule changes:...
, the NBC Radio Network was the official, national radio provider for National Football League
National Football League
The National Football League is the highest level of professional American football in the United States, and is considered the top professional American football league in the world. It was formed by eleven teams in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, with the league changing...
games. The program succeeded (and was itself, ultimately succeeded by) the CBS Radio Network
NFL on Westwood One
The NFL on Westwood One is the brand name given to weekly National Football League games carried on the radio over the Dial Global Radio Network...
's package.
Background
On March 6, 1985, NBC Radio and the National Football LeagueNational Football League
The National Football League is the highest level of professional American football in the United States, and is considered the top professional American football league in the world. It was formed by eleven teams in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, with the league changing...
entered into a two year agreement granting NBC the radio rights to a 37-game package in each of the 1985
1985 NFL season
The 1985 NFL season was the 66th regular season of the National Football League. The season ended with Super Bowl XX when the Chicago Bears defeated the New England Patriots.-Major rule changes:...
-1986 seasons
1986 NFL season
The 1986 NFL season was the 67th regular season of the National Football League. The season ended with Super Bowl XXI when the New York Giants defeated the Denver Broncos to win their first league title in 30 years.-Major rule changes:...
. The package included 27 regular season games and 10 postseason games.
NBC Radio was bought by Westwood One
Westwood One
Westwood One was an American radio network and was based in New York City. At one time, it was managed by CBS Radio, the radio arm of CBS Corporation, and Viacom and was later purchased by the private equity firm The Gores Group...
shortly after losing NFL rights; Westwood One has owned the rights (either alone or in conjunction with CBS) ever since.
Ratings
In January 1986, NBC Radio figures indicated an audience of 10 million for their coverage Super Bowl XXSuper Bowl XX
Super Bowl XX was an American football championship game played on January 26, 1986 at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana to decide the National Football League champion following the 1985 regular season...
between the Chicago Bears
1985 Chicago Bears season
The 1985 Chicago Bears season was their 66th regular season and 16th post-season completed in the National Football League. The club posted a 15-1 record, earning them the top seed in the NFC for the playoffs. The Bears defeated their three post season opponents by a combined score of 91-10 en...
and New England Patriots
1985 New England Patriots season
The 1985 New England Patriots season was the 16th season for the team in the National Football League and 26th season overall. The Patriots had a record of eleven wins and five losses, and finished tied for second in the AFC East division. They lost in Super Bowl XX to the Chicago Bears...
.
In 1987, NBC Radio's broadcast of Super Bowl XXI
Super Bowl XXI
Super Bowl XXI was an American football game played on January 25, 1987 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California to decide the National Football League champion following the 1986 regular season. The National Football Conference champion New York Giants won their first Super Bowl by defeating...
between the New York Giants
1985 New York Giants season
The 1985 New York Giants season was the 61st season for the club in the National Football League. At the time, the team set a record for most rushing yards in one season by a Giants team.-Regular season:...
and Denver Broncos
1986 Denver Broncos season
-Regular season:The Broncos won their first six games of the season, before being felled by the then-5-1 New York Jets on Monday Night Football. They won two more games to improve to 8–1, tied with the Jets for the best record in the league...
was heard by a record 10.1 million people.
Play-by-play
- Don CriquiDon CriquiDon Criqui is an American sportscaster, currently employed as a play-by-play announcer for CBS Sports. Criqui's duties include occasional television coverage of National Football League games, women's and men's college basketball, occasional college football and radio play-by-play of ISP Sports'...
- Mel ProctorMel ProctorMel Proctor is an American television sportscaster, actor, and book author.-Biography:A Denver, Colorado native, Proctor has called play-by-play for such teams as the Texas Rangers, Baltimore Orioles, Washington Nationals, San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Clippers at various points in his career...
- Marty GlickmanMarty GlickmanMartin "Marty" Glickman was a Jewish American track and field athlete and sports announcer, born in The Bronx, New York. His parents, Harry and Molly Glickmann, immigrated to the United States from Jassy, Romania....
(1985)/Tom Davis (1986)
Besides calling Super Bowls XX
Super Bowl XX
Super Bowl XX was an American football championship game played on January 26, 1986 at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana to decide the National Football League champion following the 1985 regular season...
and XXI
Super Bowl XXI
Super Bowl XXI was an American football game played on January 25, 1987 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California to decide the National Football League champion following the 1986 regular season. The National Football Conference champion New York Giants won their first Super Bowl by defeating...
, Don Criqui and Bob Trumpy commentated Monday Night Football
Monday Night Football
Monday Night Football is a live broadcast of the National Football League on ESPN. From to it aired on ABC. Monday Night Football was, along with Hallmark Hall of Fame, and the Walt Disney anthology television series, one of the longest running prime time commercial network television series...
games.
Color commentary
- Bob TrumpyBob TrumpyBob Trumpy is a former professional American Football tight end who played for the American Football League's Cincinnati Bengals from 1968 to 1969, and for the NFL Bengals from 1970 through 1977...
- Dave RoweDave Rowe (American football)David Homeyer "Dave" Rowe is a former American football defensive tackle in the NFL for the New Orleans Saints, the New England Patriots, the San Diego Chargers, the Oakland Raiders, and the Baltimore Colts....
- Stan WhiteStan White (linebacker)Stanley Ray White is a former American football linebacker.-Early life:Growing up in Kent, Ohio, he attended Theodore Roosevelt High School, graduating in 1968...
Bob Trumpy also hosted a national, postgame call-in show called NFL Live. NFL Live would officially become the name of the pregame show for the NFL on NBC television program.
1985
- Don CriquiDon CriquiDon Criqui is an American sportscaster, currently employed as a play-by-play announcer for CBS Sports. Criqui's duties include occasional television coverage of National Football League games, women's and men's college basketball, occasional college football and radio play-by-play of ISP Sports'...
/Bob TrumpyBob TrumpyBob Trumpy is a former professional American Football tight end who played for the American Football League's Cincinnati Bengals from 1968 to 1969, and for the NFL Bengals from 1970 through 1977...
(Detroit1985 Detroit Lions seasonThe 1985 Detroit Lions season was their 56th in the National Football League. The team improved upon their previous season's output of 4–11–1, winning seven games. Despite the improvement, the team missed the playoffs for the second straight year.-Schedule:...
vs. New York Jets1985 New York Jets seasonThe 1985 New York Jets season was the 26th season for the team and the 16th in the National Football League. It began with the team trying to improve upon its 7–9 record from 1984 under head coach Joe Walton. Among quarterbacks, Ken O'Brien had the lowest rate of interceptions. He had 8...
) - Mel ProctorMel ProctorMel Proctor is an American television sportscaster, actor, and book author.-Biography:A Denver, Colorado native, Proctor has called play-by-play for such teams as the Texas Rangers, Baltimore Orioles, Washington Nationals, San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Clippers at various points in his career...
/Dave RoweDave Rowe (American football)David Homeyer "Dave" Rowe is a former American football defensive tackle in the NFL for the New Orleans Saints, the New England Patriots, the San Diego Chargers, the Oakland Raiders, and the Baltimore Colts....
(Dallas1985 Dallas Cowboys seasonThe Cowboys finished the 1985 season with a record of ten wins and six losses, good for first place in the NFC East, and earning a trip to the playoffs , where they lost in a divisional playoff game to the Los Angeles Rams.Tom Landry's team got off to another fast start, opening the season with a...
vs. St. Louis Cardinals1985 St. Louis Cardinals (NFL) seasonThe 1985 St. Louis Cardinals season was the 66th season the team was in the league. The team failed to improve on their previous output of 9-7, winning only five games. This was the third straight season in which the team did not reach the playoffs.-Schedule:...
)
1986
- Don CriquiDon CriquiDon Criqui is an American sportscaster, currently employed as a play-by-play announcer for CBS Sports. Criqui's duties include occasional television coverage of National Football League games, women's and men's college basketball, occasional college football and radio play-by-play of ISP Sports'...
/Bob TrumpyBob TrumpyBob Trumpy is a former professional American Football tight end who played for the American Football League's Cincinnati Bengals from 1968 to 1969, and for the NFL Bengals from 1970 through 1977...
(Detroit1986 Detroit Lions seasonThe 1986 Detroit Lions season was their 57th in the league. The team failed to improve upon their previous season's output of 7-9 and missed the playoffs for the third straight year.-Schedule:-References:...
vs. Green Bay1986 Green Bay Packers seasonThe 1986 Green Bay Packers season was their 66th season in the National Football League. The club posted a 4–12 record under coach Forrest Gregg, earning them 4th place finish in the NFC Central division.-NFL Draft:-Staff:-Roster:-Schedule:...
) - Mel ProctorMel ProctorMel Proctor is an American television sportscaster, actor, and book author.-Biography:A Denver, Colorado native, Proctor has called play-by-play for such teams as the Texas Rangers, Baltimore Orioles, Washington Nationals, San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Clippers at various points in his career...
/Dave RoweDave Rowe (American football)David Homeyer "Dave" Rowe is a former American football defensive tackle in the NFL for the New Orleans Saints, the New England Patriots, the San Diego Chargers, the Oakland Raiders, and the Baltimore Colts....
(Dallas1986 Dallas Cowboys seasonThe Dallas Cowboys concluded the 1986 season with a record of 7 wins and 9 losses, finishing without a winning record for the first time since 1965....
vs. Seattle1986 Seattle Seahawks seasonThe 1986 Seattle Seahawks season was the team's 11th season with the National Football League.-1986 NFL Draft:-Staff:-Schedule:-Standings:-External links:* *...
)
Wild Card playoffs
- Joe McConnellJoe McConnellJoe McConnell is a retired American sports announcer.-Early life and career:McConnell grew up in Goodland, Indiana and is a 1962 graduate of Franklin College. His broadcasting career began in 1962 at Purdue's campus radio station, WBAA...
/Stan WhiteStan White (linebacker)Stanley Ray White is a former American football linebacker.-Early life:Growing up in Kent, Ohio, he attended Theodore Roosevelt High School, graduating in 1968...
(New England1985 New England Patriots seasonThe 1985 New England Patriots season was the 16th season for the team in the National Football League and 26th season overall. The Patriots had a record of eleven wins and five losses, and finished tied for second in the AFC East division. They lost in Super Bowl XX to the Chicago Bears...
vs. New York Jets1985 New York Jets seasonThe 1985 New York Jets season was the 26th season for the team and the 16th in the National Football League. It began with the team trying to improve upon its 7–9 record from 1984 under head coach Joe Walton. Among quarterbacks, Ken O'Brien had the lowest rate of interceptions. He had 8...
) - Don CriquiDon CriquiDon Criqui is an American sportscaster, currently employed as a play-by-play announcer for CBS Sports. Criqui's duties include occasional television coverage of National Football League games, women's and men's college basketball, occasional college football and radio play-by-play of ISP Sports'...
/Bob TrumpyBob TrumpyBob Trumpy is a former professional American Football tight end who played for the American Football League's Cincinnati Bengals from 1968 to 1969, and for the NFL Bengals from 1970 through 1977...
(New York Giants1985 New York Giants seasonThe 1985 New York Giants season was the 61st season for the club in the National Football League. At the time, the team set a record for most rushing yards in one season by a Giants team.-Regular season:...
vs. San Francisco1985 San Francisco 49ers seasonThe 1985 San Francisco 49ers season was the team's 36th year with the National Football League. Roger Craig achieved the rare feat of having both 1,000 rushing yards and 1,000 receiving yards in the same season...
)
Divisional playoffs
- Marty GlickmanMarty GlickmanMartin "Marty" Glickman was a Jewish American track and field athlete and sports announcer, born in The Bronx, New York. His parents, Harry and Molly Glickmann, immigrated to the United States from Jassy, Romania....
/Stan WhiteStan White (linebacker)Stanley Ray White is a former American football linebacker.-Early life:Growing up in Kent, Ohio, he attended Theodore Roosevelt High School, graduating in 1968...
(Miami1985 Miami Dolphins seasonThe 1985 Miami Dolphins season was the 20th season in franchise history. The club won their fourth consecutive AFC East championship and appeared in the AFC Championship Game.-NFL Draft:-Schedule:-Monday Night game vs...
vs. Cleveland1985 Cleveland Browns seasonThe 1985 Cleveland Browns season was the team's 36th season with the National Football League.In Marty Schottenheimer's first full year as head coach, the Browns bounced back from a horrible 5–11 season in 1984 to make the playoffs, despite a .500 season...
) - Mel ProctorMel ProctorMel Proctor is an American television sportscaster, actor, and book author.-Biography:A Denver, Colorado native, Proctor has called play-by-play for such teams as the Texas Rangers, Baltimore Orioles, Washington Nationals, San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Clippers at various points in his career...
/Dave RoweDave Rowe (American football)David Homeyer "Dave" Rowe is a former American football defensive tackle in the NFL for the New Orleans Saints, the New England Patriots, the San Diego Chargers, the Oakland Raiders, and the Baltimore Colts....
(Los Angeles Rams1985 Los Angeles Rams seasonThe 1985 Los Angeles Rams season was the team's 48th year with the National Football League and the 40th season in Los Angeles. The Rams played in the NFC Championship Game but lost to the eventual Super Bowl champion Chicago Bears. Eric Dickerson rushed for 1,234 yards in 1985 while missing the...
vs. Dallas1985 Dallas Cowboys seasonThe Cowboys finished the 1985 season with a record of ten wins and six losses, good for first place in the NFC East, and earning a trip to the playoffs , where they lost in a divisional playoff game to the Los Angeles Rams.Tom Landry's team got off to another fast start, opening the season with a...
) - Don CriquiDon CriquiDon Criqui is an American sportscaster, currently employed as a play-by-play announcer for CBS Sports. Criqui's duties include occasional television coverage of National Football League games, women's and men's college basketball, occasional college football and radio play-by-play of ISP Sports'...
/Bob TrumpyBob TrumpyBob Trumpy is a former professional American Football tight end who played for the American Football League's Cincinnati Bengals from 1968 to 1969, and for the NFL Bengals from 1970 through 1977...
(Chicago1985 Chicago Bears seasonThe 1985 Chicago Bears season was their 66th regular season and 16th post-season completed in the National Football League. The club posted a 15-1 record, earning them the top seed in the NFC for the playoffs. The Bears defeated their three post season opponents by a combined score of 91-10 en...
vs. New York Giants1985 New York Giants seasonThe 1985 New York Giants season was the 61st season for the club in the National Football League. At the time, the team set a record for most rushing yards in one season by a Giants team.-Regular season:...
) - Mel ProctorMel ProctorMel Proctor is an American television sportscaster, actor, and book author.-Biography:A Denver, Colorado native, Proctor has called play-by-play for such teams as the Texas Rangers, Baltimore Orioles, Washington Nationals, San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Clippers at various points in his career...
/Dave RoweDave Rowe (American football)David Homeyer "Dave" Rowe is a former American football defensive tackle in the NFL for the New Orleans Saints, the New England Patriots, the San Diego Chargers, the Oakland Raiders, and the Baltimore Colts....
(New England1985 New England Patriots seasonThe 1985 New England Patriots season was the 16th season for the team in the National Football League and 26th season overall. The Patriots had a record of eleven wins and five losses, and finished tied for second in the AFC East division. They lost in Super Bowl XX to the Chicago Bears...
vs. Los Angeles Raiders1985 Los Angeles Raiders seasonThe 1985 Los Angeles Raiders season was their 26th in the league. They improved upon their previous season's output of 11–5, winning 12 games. The team qualified for the playoffs for the fourth straight season.-Schedule:-Playoffs:-Standings:-MVP:...
)
Conference Championships
- Mel ProctorMel ProctorMel Proctor is an American television sportscaster, actor, and book author.-Biography:A Denver, Colorado native, Proctor has called play-by-play for such teams as the Texas Rangers, Baltimore Orioles, Washington Nationals, San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Clippers at various points in his career...
/Dave RoweDave Rowe (American football)David Homeyer "Dave" Rowe is a former American football defensive tackle in the NFL for the New Orleans Saints, the New England Patriots, the San Diego Chargers, the Oakland Raiders, and the Baltimore Colts....
(Chicago1985 Chicago Bears seasonThe 1985 Chicago Bears season was their 66th regular season and 16th post-season completed in the National Football League. The club posted a 15-1 record, earning them the top seed in the NFC for the playoffs. The Bears defeated their three post season opponents by a combined score of 91-10 en...
vs. Los Angeles RamsSt. Louis RamsThe St. Louis Rams are a professional American football team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are currently members of the West Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League . The Rams have won three NFL Championships .The Rams began playing in 1936 in Cleveland,...
) - Don CriquiDon CriquiDon Criqui is an American sportscaster, currently employed as a play-by-play announcer for CBS Sports. Criqui's duties include occasional television coverage of National Football League games, women's and men's college basketball, occasional college football and radio play-by-play of ISP Sports'...
/Bob TrumpyBob TrumpyBob Trumpy is a former professional American Football tight end who played for the American Football League's Cincinnati Bengals from 1968 to 1969, and for the NFL Bengals from 1970 through 1977...
(New England1985 New England Patriots seasonThe 1985 New England Patriots season was the 16th season for the team in the National Football League and 26th season overall. The Patriots had a record of eleven wins and five losses, and finished tied for second in the AFC East division. They lost in Super Bowl XX to the Chicago Bears...
vs. Miami1985 Miami Dolphins seasonThe 1985 Miami Dolphins season was the 20th season in franchise history. The club won their fourth consecutive AFC East championship and appeared in the AFC Championship Game.-NFL Draft:-Schedule:-Monday Night game vs...
)
Wild Card playoffs
- Don CriquiDon CriquiDon Criqui is an American sportscaster, currently employed as a play-by-play announcer for CBS Sports. Criqui's duties include occasional television coverage of National Football League games, women's and men's college basketball, occasional college football and radio play-by-play of ISP Sports'...
/Bob TrumpyBob TrumpyBob Trumpy is a former professional American Football tight end who played for the American Football League's Cincinnati Bengals from 1968 to 1969, and for the NFL Bengals from 1970 through 1977...
(New York Jets1986 New York Jets season-Regular season:-Postseason:-Standings:-External links:*...
vs. Kansas City1986 Kansas City Chiefs seasonThe 1986 Kansas City Chiefs season ended with a 10–6 record, the most wins for the franchise since 1971. The Chiefs clinched a wild card playoff berth, but lost to the New York Jets 15–35....
) - Mel ProctorMel ProctorMel Proctor is an American television sportscaster, actor, and book author.-Biography:A Denver, Colorado native, Proctor has called play-by-play for such teams as the Texas Rangers, Baltimore Orioles, Washington Nationals, San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Clippers at various points in his career...
/Dave RoweDave Rowe (American football)David Homeyer "Dave" Rowe is a former American football defensive tackle in the NFL for the New Orleans Saints, the New England Patriots, the San Diego Chargers, the Oakland Raiders, and the Baltimore Colts....
(Washington1986 Washington Redskins seasonThe 1986 Washington Redskins began with the team trying to improve on their 10-6 record from 1985.-Schedule:-Standings:-NFC Wild Card Game:-NFC Divisional Playoff:-NFC Championship Game:-References:...
vs. Los Angeles Rams1986 Los Angeles Rams seasonThe 1986 Los Angeles Rams season was the team's 49th year with the National Football League and the 41st season in Los Angeles.-NFL Draft:-Schedule:-Playoffs:-Awards and records:* Eric Dickerson, NFC Pro Bowl selection...
)
Divisional playoffs
- Tom Davis/Stan WhiteStan White (linebacker)Stanley Ray White is a former American football linebacker.-Early life:Growing up in Kent, Ohio, he attended Theodore Roosevelt High School, graduating in 1968...
(Cleveland1986 Cleveland Browns seasonThe 1986 Cleveland Browns season was the team's 37th season with the National Football League. The death of Don Rogers, a promising young defensive back who was preparing to enter his third season in the NFL, cast a black cloud over the team as it prepared for the 1986 season.-NFL...
vs. New York Jets1986 New York Jets season-Regular season:-Postseason:-Standings:-External links:*...
) - Mel ProctorMel ProctorMel Proctor is an American television sportscaster, actor, and book author.-Biography:A Denver, Colorado native, Proctor has called play-by-play for such teams as the Texas Rangers, Baltimore Orioles, Washington Nationals, San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Clippers at various points in his career...
/Dave RoweDave Rowe (American football)David Homeyer "Dave" Rowe is a former American football defensive tackle in the NFL for the New Orleans Saints, the New England Patriots, the San Diego Chargers, the Oakland Raiders, and the Baltimore Colts....
(Washington1986 Washington Redskins seasonThe 1986 Washington Redskins began with the team trying to improve on their 10-6 record from 1985.-Schedule:-Standings:-NFC Wild Card Game:-NFC Divisional Playoff:-NFC Championship Game:-References:...
vs. Chicago1986 Chicago Bears seasonThe 1986 Chicago Bears season was their 67th regular season and 17th post-season completed in the National Football League. The club posted a 14-2 record and won the NFC Central for the third consecutive season....
) - Don CriquiDon CriquiDon Criqui is an American sportscaster, currently employed as a play-by-play announcer for CBS Sports. Criqui's duties include occasional television coverage of National Football League games, women's and men's college basketball, occasional college football and radio play-by-play of ISP Sports'...
/Bob TrumpyBob TrumpyBob Trumpy is a former professional American Football tight end who played for the American Football League's Cincinnati Bengals from 1968 to 1969, and for the NFL Bengals from 1970 through 1977...
(New York Giants1986 New York Giants seasonThe 1986 New York Giants season was one of the most successful seasons in the professional American football franchise's history. The Giants, who play in the National Football Conference of the National Football League , won their fifth championship—and first Super Bowl—in franchise history during...
vs. San Francisco1986 San Francisco 49ers seasonThe 1986 San Francisco 49ers season was the team's 37th year with the National Football League.-Staff:-Schedule:-NFC Divisional Playoff:* San Francisco 49ers 3, New York Giants 49...
) - Mel ProctorMel ProctorMel Proctor is an American television sportscaster, actor, and book author.-Biography:A Denver, Colorado native, Proctor has called play-by-play for such teams as the Texas Rangers, Baltimore Orioles, Washington Nationals, San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Clippers at various points in his career...
/Dave RoweDave Rowe (American football)David Homeyer "Dave" Rowe is a former American football defensive tackle in the NFL for the New Orleans Saints, the New England Patriots, the San Diego Chargers, the Oakland Raiders, and the Baltimore Colts....
(Denver1986 Denver Broncos season-Regular season:The Broncos won their first six games of the season, before being felled by the then-5-1 New York Jets on Monday Night Football. They won two more games to improve to 8–1, tied with the Jets for the best record in the league...
vs. New England1986 New England Patriots seasonThe New England Patriots finished the National Football League's 1986 season with a record of eleven wins and five losses, and finished first in the AFC East division.-Staff:-Schedule:-Standings:-Roster:...
)
Conference Championships
- Mel ProctorMel ProctorMel Proctor is an American television sportscaster, actor, and book author.-Biography:A Denver, Colorado native, Proctor has called play-by-play for such teams as the Texas Rangers, Baltimore Orioles, Washington Nationals, San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Clippers at various points in his career...
/Dave RoweDave Rowe (American football)David Homeyer "Dave" Rowe is a former American football defensive tackle in the NFL for the New Orleans Saints, the New England Patriots, the San Diego Chargers, the Oakland Raiders, and the Baltimore Colts....
(Denver1986 Denver Broncos season-Regular season:The Broncos won their first six games of the season, before being felled by the then-5-1 New York Jets on Monday Night Football. They won two more games to improve to 8–1, tied with the Jets for the best record in the league...
vs. Cleveland1986 Cleveland Browns seasonThe 1986 Cleveland Browns season was the team's 37th season with the National Football League. The death of Don Rogers, a promising young defensive back who was preparing to enter his third season in the NFL, cast a black cloud over the team as it prepared for the 1986 season.-NFL...
) - Don CriquiDon CriquiDon Criqui is an American sportscaster, currently employed as a play-by-play announcer for CBS Sports. Criqui's duties include occasional television coverage of National Football League games, women's and men's college basketball, occasional college football and radio play-by-play of ISP Sports'...
/Bob TrumpyBob TrumpyBob Trumpy is a former professional American Football tight end who played for the American Football League's Cincinnati Bengals from 1968 to 1969, and for the NFL Bengals from 1970 through 1977...
(New York Giants1986 New York Giants seasonThe 1986 New York Giants season was one of the most successful seasons in the professional American football franchise's history. The Giants, who play in the National Football Conference of the National Football League , won their fifth championship—and first Super Bowl—in franchise history during...
vs. Washington1986 Washington Redskins seasonThe 1986 Washington Redskins began with the team trying to improve on their 10-6 record from 1985.-Schedule:-Standings:-NFC Wild Card Game:-NFC Divisional Playoff:-NFC Championship Game:-References:...
)
Prior to 1985
On April 5, 1961, NBC was awarded a two-year contract for radio and television rights to the NFL Championship Game for $United States dollar
The United States dollar , also referred to as the American dollar, is the official currency of the United States of America. It is divided into 100 smaller units called cents or pennies....
615,000 annually, $300,000 of which was to go directly into the NFL Player Benefit Plan.
From the 1966
1966 NFL season
The 1966 NFL season was the 47th regular season of the National Football League, and the season after which was played Super Bowl I, though it was called the AFL-NFL World Championship Game. The league expanded to 15 teams with the addition of the Atlanta Falcons, thus an odd number of teams...
-1976 seasons
1976 NFL season
The 1976 NFL season was the 57th regular season of the National Football League. The league expanded to 28 teams with the addition of the Seattle Seahawks and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers...
, NBC Radio alternated with CBS Radio in coverage of the Super Bowl. After sharing coverage of Super Bowl I
Super Bowl I
The First AFL-NFL World Championship Game in professional American football, later known as Super Bowl I and referred to in some contemporary reports as the Supergame, was played on January 15, 1967 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, California.The National Football League ...
, NBC Radio would go on to broadcast only odd numbered Super Bowls. Jim Simpson
Jim Simpson (sportscaster)
Jim Simpson is a retired American sportscaster, known for his smooth delivery as a play-by-play man and his versatility in covering many different sports. In 1997, he won the Sports Lifetime Achievement Award, and in 2000 he was inducted into the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters...
served as the play-by-play man for all of NBC Radio's broadcasts (with the exceptions of Super Bowl III
Super Bowl III
Super Bowl III was the third AFL-NFL Championship Game in professional American football, but the first to officially bear the name "Super Bowl". This game is regarded as one of the greatest upsets in sports history...
, which was called by Charlie Jones
Charlie Jones (sportscaster)
Charlie Jones was an American Emmy Award-winning sportscaster for NBC and ABC.-Education:Born in Fort Smith, Arkansas, Jones earned an undergraduate degree at the University of Southern California and a law degree at the University of Arkansas.-American Football League/National Football...
and Super Bowl V
Super Bowl V
Super Bowl V was an American football game played on January 17, 1971, at the Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida, to decide the National Football League champion following the 1970 regular season...
, which was called by Jay Randolph
Jay Randolph
Jennings "Jay" Randolph, Jr. is an American sportscaster whose career has spanned more than fifty years.-Early life and career:...
) during this era. Simpson, Jones and Randolph were joined on color commentary by George Ratterman
George Ratterman
George William Ratterman was an American Football player in the All-America Football Conference and the National Football League.-Early life:...
(Super Bowls I
Super Bowl I
The First AFL-NFL World Championship Game in professional American football, later known as Super Bowl I and referred to in some contemporary reports as the Supergame, was played on January 15, 1967 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, California.The National Football League ...
and III
Super Bowl III
Super Bowl III was the third AFL-NFL Championship Game in professional American football, but the first to officially bear the name "Super Bowl". This game is regarded as one of the greatest upsets in sports history...
), Pat Summerall
Pat Summerall
George Allen "Pat" Summerall is a former American football player and television sportscaster, having worked at CBS, Fox, and ESPN.Summerall is best known for his work with John Madden on NFL telecasts for CBS and Fox.-High school:...
(Super Bowl III
Super Bowl III
Super Bowl III was the third AFL-NFL Championship Game in professional American football, but the first to officially bear the name "Super Bowl". This game is regarded as one of the greatest upsets in sports history...
), Al DeRogatis
Al DeRogatis
Albert John "Al" DeRogatis was an American football player and television and radio sportscaster.-Biography:...
(Super Bowl V
Super Bowl V
Super Bowl V was an American football game played on January 17, 1971, at the Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida, to decide the National Football League champion following the 1970 regular season...
), Kyle Rote
Kyle Rote
William Kyle Rote, Sr. was an American football player and sports announcer.-Early life:Rote attended Thomas Jefferson High School in San Antonio, Texas, where he was an all-state basketball and football player....
(Super Bowl VII
Super Bowl VII
Super Bowl VII was an American football game played on January 14, 1973, at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, California, to decide the National Football League champion following the 1972 regular season...
), and John Brodie (Super Bowls IX
Super Bowl IX
Super Bowl IX was an American football game played on January 12, 1975 at Tulane Stadium in New Orleans, Louisiana to decide the National Football League champion following the 1974 regular season. It would be the last pro game at legendary Tulane Stadium...
and XI
Super Bowl XI
Super Bowl XI was a football game played on January 9, 1977 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California to decide the National Football League champion following the 1976 regular season...
).
For their coverage of Super Bowl III
Super Bowl III
Super Bowl III was the third AFL-NFL Championship Game in professional American football, but the first to officially bear the name "Super Bowl". This game is regarded as one of the greatest upsets in sports history...
at the end of the 1968 season
1968 NFL season
The 1968 NFL season was the 49th regular season of the National Football League. As per the agreement made during the 1967 realignment, the New Orleans Saints and the New York Giants switched divisions; the Saints joined the Century Division while the Giants became part of the Capitol Division.The...
, NBC used Pat Summerall (best known for his work for CBS
NFL on CBS
The NFL on CBS is the brand name of the CBS television network's coverage of the National Football League's American Football Conference games, produced by CBS Sports.-Market coverage and television policies:...
and subsequently, Fox
NFL on FOX
NFL on Fox is the brand name of the Fox Broadcasting Company's coverage of the National Football League's National Football Conference games, produced by Fox Sports...
) to provide an "NFL prospective" on the coverage. This was due in part to the fact that NBC was at the time, the network television provider of the American Football League
American Football League
The American Football League was a major American Professional Football league that operated from 1960 until 1969, when the established National Football League merged with it. The upstart AFL operated in direct competition with the more established NFL throughout its existence...
(whereas CBS was the network television provider for the pre-merger
AFL-NFL Merger
The AFL–NFL merger of 1970 was the merger of the two major professional American football leagues in the United States at the time: the National Football League and the American Football League...
National Football League
National Football League
The National Football League is the highest level of professional American football in the United States, and is considered the top professional American football league in the world. It was formed by eleven teams in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, with the league changing...
). In return, for CBS Radio's coverage of Super Bowls I
Super Bowl I
The First AFL-NFL World Championship Game in professional American football, later known as Super Bowl I and referred to in some contemporary reports as the Supergame, was played on January 15, 1967 at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, California.The National Football League ...
, II
Super Bowl II
The second AFL-NFL World Championship Game in professional American football, later to be known as Super Bowl II, was played on January 14, 1968 at the Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida....
and IV
Super Bowl IV
Super Bowl IV was the fourth AFL-NFL World Championship Game in professional American football, and the second one to officially bear the name "Super Bowl"...
, they used Tom Hedrick, normally the radio voice of the Kansas City Chiefs
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs are a professional American football team based in Kansas City, Missouri. They are a member of the Western Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League . Originally named the Dallas Texans, the club was founded by Lamar Hunt in 1960 as a...
, to provide an "AFL perspective" for their coverage.
NBC NFL Sunday
In 20062006 NFL season
The 2006 NFL season was the 87th regular season of the National Football League.Regular season play was held from September 7 to December 31, 2006...
, the NBC
NBC
The National Broadcasting Company is an American commercial broadcasting television network and former radio network headquartered in the GE Building in New York City's Rockefeller Center with additional major offices near Los Angeles and in Chicago...
television network, resumed their National Football League coverage (under the NBC Sunday Night Football
NBC Sunday Night Football
NBC Sunday Night Football is a weekly television broadcast of Sunday evening National Football League games on NBC that began airing on Sunday, August 6, 2006 with the pre-season opening Hall of Fame Game. Al Michaels serves as the play-by-play announcer, with Cris Collinsworth as the color...
umbrella) for the first time since losing the American Football Conference
American Football Conference
The American Football Conference is one of the two conferences of the National Football League . This conference and its counterpart, the National Football Conference , currently contain 16 teams each, making up the 32 teams of the NFL....
package to CBS
NFL on CBS
The NFL on CBS is the brand name of the CBS television network's coverage of the National Football League's American Football Conference games, produced by CBS Sports.-Market coverage and television policies:...
after the 1997 season
1997 NFL season
The 1997 NFL season was the 78th regular season of the National Football League. The Oilers relocated from Houston, Texas to Nashville, Tennessee...
.
As part of the relaunch of their coverage, NBC became a co-producer of Westwood One's radio pregame/highlight show NFL Sunday, adding the network's name to the coverage and turning it into an abbreviated radio version of Football Night in America
Football Night in America
Football Night in America is the studio pregame show usually preceding NBC's broadcasts of Sunday night and Wild Card Saturday National Football League games starting in the 2006 National Football League season...
. Al Trautwig
Al Trautwig
Al Trautwig is a commentator with the MSG Network, NBC, Versus, and USA Network. He does the pre-game and post-game shows for the New York Knicks and New York Rangers, as well as fill-in play-by-play for both teams.-Early life:...
hosted the show for the first several weeks of the season before being taken off the coverage for unspecified reasons. Chris Carlin
Chris Carlin
Chris Carlin is an American television and radio personality. Along with on-air partner Bob Ojeda, co-hosts pre- and post-game telecasts for New York Mets games on local New York television station SNY...
subbed for Trautwig for a week before Scott Graham
Scott Graham
Scott Graham is an American sportscaster best known for his broadcasts of the Philadelphia Phillies. He has lived and worked near Philadelphia for most of his life. He was born June 10, 1965 in Belleville, New Jersey, and now lives in Voorhees Township, New Jersey. His sportscasting résumé covers...
took over the hosting duties and continued to helm the show for the remainder of the season. In addition to the typical NFL Sunday score rundown and preview of the game ahead, NBC analysts (usually Jerome Bettis
Jerome Bettis
Jerome Abram "The Bus" Bettis is a retired American football halfback who played for the NFL's Los Angeles/St. Louis Rams and Pittsburgh Steelers. Bettis is considered one of the best big backs ever because his footwork and power, and is currently fifth on the National Football League's all-time...
or Cris Collinsworth
Cris Collinsworth
Anthony Cris Collinsworth is a former American college and professional football player who was a wide receiver in the National Football League for eight seasons in the 1980s. He played college football for the University of Florida, and thereafter, he played his entire professional career for...
) would provide commentary.
After the 2006 season, Westwood One returned NFL Sunday to its previous format and ended the co-production arrangement with NBC.