Merrill Reese was honored with the 2024 Pete Rozelle Radio-Television Award on Hall of Fame weekend in Canton, Ohio. Reese, 81, has been the Eagles radio announcer since 1977. He and is often the voice associated around Philadelphia with the religion of Eagles football in the Tri-State area. The award was announced in June with celebrations scheduled at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium for the enshrinees’ Gold Jacket Dinner on August 2 and the Class of 2024 Enshrinement on August 3.
Merrill Reese’s iconic final call of SuperBowl LII announcing “The Philadelphia Eagles are SuperBowl Champions” will live on forever in Philadelphia media. In the Eagles’ greatest moment, he spoke to fans directly declaring “Eagles fans, this one’s for you” as he told fans around the world to start the party. Reese was ecstatic to be able to celebrate a Title victory after so many difficult championship losses.
Reese was inducted into the Eagles Hall of Fame in 2016 during his 40th season of loyal service to the organization. He will be entering his 48th season on the radio call in September.
The 2024 Pete Rozelle Radio-Television Award
The Pete Rozelle Radio-Television Award was created in 1989 and represents the highest honor in NFL broadcasting. Each year, the NFL honors one individual for a long-time contribution to football. The next time Merrill Reese steps behind the microphone, he will be immortalized in “football heaven” alongside Hall-of-Fame voices John Madden, Jim Nantz, Chris Berman, and so many more smooth-voiced broadcasters.
In June, the president of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Jim Porter, spoke candidly regarding Merrill Reese’s 47-year broadcasting efforts:
“Each year, the Hall of Fame recognizes an individual who has dedicated their career to improving radio and television in professional football, and this year’s recipient, Merrill Reese, represents exactly what we look for when we talk about who’s made a big impact in broadcasting.”
Merrill Reese Speaks on Joining Pro Football Hall of Fame
The Pro Football Hall of Fame was established in 1963. Only 362 football players, coaches, and/or contributors have been bestowed with a Gold jacket.
Reese appeared in Canton, Ohio at the Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium and spoke on receiving the prestigious honor of a spot in pro football elite company.
Reese & Birds Prepare for 2024 International Kickoff
It has been an impressive journey for the Overbrook native nearing almost five decades in football. Reese does not appear to be finished anytime soon. “I will never willingly retire,” Reese once said in an interview. “They will have to remove me with a crane, because this is what I love doing more than anything else in the world.”
The Philadelphia Eagles are currently engaged in Training Camp for the 2024-25 NFL season. Philadelphia will serve as the host team for the international American football contest against the Green Bay Packers from San Paulo, Brazil on Friday, September 6.
The Eagles announced a ticketed Watch Party at Lincoln Financial Field for the season opener that will surely be a hit for Birds fans around the Delaware Valley. Earlier this week, the Eagles welcomed 50,000 fans and raised over half a million dollars for Autism research during an open practice experience at the stadium.
Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
