The announcer renowned for sticking to the barest of facts had an opinionated alter ago lurking inside him.
Pat Summerall’s trademark as an NFL play-by-play commentator was describing events without wasting words. Now, all those thoughts he used to keep quiet have an outlet in his new sports talk radio program that airs over the Internet.
“I had opinions, but time restrictions and whomever I was working with, they seemed to have the platform more than I did,” the 77-year-old Summerall said. “I had opinions, but we discussed them off the air at other times.”
“The Pat Summerall Show” airs every Tuesday through VoiceAmerica Sports’ Web site. During the premiere this past week, Summerall interviewed Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy and offered his analysis on each of the NFL’s divisions.
Summerall, who played in the NFL from 1952-61 primarily as a placekicker, weighed in on the league’s suspension and fine of Dallas Cowboys quarterbacks coach Wade Wilson for using a banned substance. He faulted Wilson for purchasing the substance, but questioned whether the punishment was excessive.
Summerall also delved into college football and golf, saying that Phil Mickelson doesn’t get the credit he deserves for his work ethic.
Before the show launched, Summerall said he didn’t see himself as a controversial person, but he wouldn’t shy away from offering frank opinions. He expected to stick mostly to on-the-field issues.
After finishing his playing career with the New York Giants, Summerall began a broadcasting career that has spanned more than four decades. He and John Madden formed the top NFL announcing team on Fox from 1994-2001 and on CBS the previous 13 seasons. Summerall underwent a liver transplant in 2004.
The initial plan is for the show to air only during football season, Summerall said.
Madden, a main reason Summerall didn’t have much time for gab all those years, vouched for the fact that his former broadcast partner has plenty to say.
“He just has a vast knowledge of not only football, period, but the NFL,” Madden said. “I think he has a heck of a lot to offer.”
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