A familiar voice will return to the airwaves during NBC's Hall of Fame Game broadcast between the Chargers and Lions.
Brent Musburger's gravelly tone accompanied a great many of sport's finest moments in the 20th century. From Doug Flutie's Hail Mary vs. Miami to Catholics vs. Convicts, Musburger tended to say the right thing at the right time more than most broadcasters.
This offseason, he was rewarded for his efforts, landing the Pro Football Hall of Fame's greatest recognition for a media member. He'll also get a chance to turn back the clock during Thursday night's broadcast; Musburger will be a central part of NBC's coverage, both as an interviewee and an analyst — at least for a fleeting moment.
With that, here's what you need to know about Musburger's return to the booth.
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Why is Brent Musburger on NFL Hall of Fame game broadcast?
Musburger was granted one of the most prestigious honors an NFL media member can receive during the offseason, being named the Pete Rozelle Award recipient. It was a long time coming for the 86-year-old, whose dulcet tones soundtracked big league broadcasts, college football matches, NBA jousts and more for more than five decades.
Musburger will receive a hero's welcome during the first half of Thursday's game, taking part in a pregame interview with Maria Taylor. The second half will see Musburger return to the booth, trading barbs with Mike Tirico and Cris Collinsworth in his first play-by-play appearance since 2022.
What is the Pete Rozelle Award?
The Pete Rozelle Radio Television Award is an annual prize awarded to a media member who exhibits excellence in and around the booth — both on radio and television. Musburger's name has swirled around the award for some time — Dan Patrick made an impassioned plea for Musburger to receive the honor last year. The Rozelle Award operates in a similar space to MLB's Ford C. Frick Award in baseball and NBA's Curt Gowdy Media Award, both of which are doled out by each league's respective Hall of Fame.
MORE HALL OF FAME GAME NEWS:
- How 'fireworks mishap' led to Najee Harris missing start of training camp
- Revisiting Trey Lance's career timeline from No. 3 pick to Chargers backup role
- Location, capacity and more details on Tom Benson Stadium
- How Dan Campbell replaced former coordinators Ben Johnson, Aaron Glenn
Journalists, broadcast executives and members of a given production crew are all eligible for enshrinement. Eagles play-by-play man Merrill Reese landed the honor in 2024.
Brent Musburger broadcast career timeline
Musburger spent more than 50 years charming viewers and listeners with his friendly drawl, biting catchphrases (March Madness, for example!) and his willingness to embrace the more unsavory parts of the sports world, including gambling. He was lauded for his contributions to coverage of the NBA Finals, World Series, U.S. Open, World Cup and more during his half-century at the top.
In 2017, Musburger stepped away from his usual post at CBS, citing a desire to move to Las Vegas and help his family start a sports handicapping business.
"A love of sports allows me to live a life of endless pleasure," Musburger said in a statement. "And make no mistake, I will miss the arenas and stadiums dearly. Most of all, I will miss the folks I have met along the trail."
Musburger's retirement was temporary, however. Within a year, he found a new stead; he was calling Raiders games in Sin City with the nascent broadcast company he founded, Vegas Sports Information Network.
Musburger lasted four years with the broadcaster. Following the conclusion of the 2021 season, he returned to the shadows. He still contributes regularly on VSiN. But his vocals have rarely swept across national broadcasts.
On Thursday, that will change. For those who have followed Musburger's journey through the limelight, that's only a good thing.