Philly Leader

The Pro Football Hall of Fame has announced Merrill Reese as the 2024 recipient of the Pete Rozelle Radio-Television Award. Reese, known for his long tenure as a play-by-play announcer in the NFL, will be honored alongside the Hall of Fame's Class of 2024 in Canton, Ohio on August 2-3.

Reese expressed his emotions upon receiving the news from Pro Football Hall of Fame President Jim Porter. "I cried. I was overwhelmed," he said after learning about the award through a call from Canton.

Porter praised Reese's contributions to broadcasting: "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."

Reese joins a distinguished group that includes past recipients like John Facenda and Al Michaels. He is only the third team radio play-by-play announcer to receive this honor, following Myron Cope and Van Miller.

Eagles Chairman and CEO Jeffrey Lurie lauded Reese's legacy: "Merrill Reese is a true broadcasting legend whose iconic voice has served as the soundtrack of Philadelphia Eagles football for more than four decades." Lurie highlighted Reese's enthusiasm and dedication to his craft.

Mike Quick, Eagles Hall of Fame wide receiver and Reese's partner since 1998, shared his excitement about Reese's recognition. "That is so good. Oh, my goodness. I'm so excited. I'm so happy for him," Quick said.

Reflecting on their partnership, Quick noted how Reese set an example with his professionalism and dedication: "He just showed me just by the way he operated... He led by the way he did things."

Reese began his sports broadcasting career after serving in the U.S. Navy as a public affairs officer. His journey included high school football games at WPAZ before joining WBCB in Levittown—a station he now co-owns—where he transitioned from color commentator to play-by-play announcer following Charlie Swift's sudden passing in 1977.

As he approaches his 48th consecutive season with the Eagles' broadcast team, Merrill Reese continues to be a beloved figure among fans across generations.