Merrill Reese to receive Pete Rozelle Award

Eagles Play-by-Play announcer Merrill Reese will receive the Pete Rozelle Radio-Television Award from the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Reese, who is the longest tenured play by play announcer, will receive the award during the Hall of Fame’s Enshrinement Week during the beginning of August.

“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,” said Jim Porter, president of the Pro Football Hall of Fame in a statement. “For nearly a half century, fans tuning into Eagles games, including opposing fans, have had the privilege of hearing Merrill’s legendary voice.”

“I can’t tell you what this means to me,” Reese said over the phone when notified of the news, according to the announcement.

Reese has had a long and illustrious career, spanning 48 seasons with the Eagles as the play by play announcer since 1977, and including an additional eight as the color commentator since 1969. He also owns WBCB 1490 AM and has held a number of other radio positions. Reese’s first tour of duty following his graduation from Temple University was as a Public Affairs Officer in the US Navy, holding the rank of Lieutenant Senior Grade. His true passion, however, is calling the games each week for the Philadelphia faithful.

“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.”