Dan Dierdorf to retire from broadcasting after 2013 season

[Auggie]

A.P. / 11-21-13

NEW YORK -- If Dan Dierdorf could beam himself into the press boxes of NFL stadiums around the country, he might keep calling games a few more decades. But with two artificial knees, two artificial hips and a bad back, the travel required by his analyst job for CBS just became too much.

The 64-year-old Hall of Famer announced Wednesday he would retire after this season - his 43rd straight involved with the NFL.

<SNIP>

Dierdorf said he still feels mentally sharp, a serious concern among retired NFL players. In some ways, the physical limitations made the decision easy; he really had no choice.

FULL STORY: http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000285370/article/dan-dierdorf-to-retire-from-broadcasting-after-2013-season

He has critics, but I've always enjoyed listening to him.

[trotsky]

1. He's had some pretty good moments, but overall I won't be sad to see him go.

Now if only Musberger would hang it up. I simply cannot watch the games he calls.

[RockaFowler]

2. I won't miss him either

Personally I miss Dick Enberg. His voice was one of the best. What the heck happened to him?? Why is he only doing San Diego Baseball now??

[Elwood P Dowd]

3. Not many, if any, left in Enberg's class today. (nm)

[trotsky]

4. I agree, Enberg is great.

I am also a fan of Mike Patrick. Both used to have pretty high profile NFL calling jobs. (Patrick was on Sunday Night Football when it was on ESPN, with Theismann and Paul Maguire. Even though I can't stand Joey T, they made a pretty good team, as Maguire wasn't shy about calling out Theismann on his bullshit!)

Why Enberg and Patrick aren't calling national NFL games anymore is a mystery to me.

[Auggie]

5. My guess: a mis-guided youth movement at CBS

From what I can gather, Enburg, who is 78, was "eased out" of CBS four years ago. At that age I can understand him wanting to stay closer to home. He loves baseball, so the San Diego gig was too good to pass up.

Enberg: "What's important to my future is that I can continue on my terms. At my age, the foot gets bigger that can kick you in the ass and you're out the door. I'd rather close it gently myself."

http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/columnist/hiestand-tv/2011-06-21-enberg-wimbledon-bryant-gumbel_n.htm

[RockaFowler]

6. He was still the best Wimbledon broadcaster

His US Open gig was great, too. I can't stand the guy they have now on NBC or CBS for that matter.

[Fix The Stupid]

7. Since I'm a lions fan, I have to say Brian Billick...

I really like his style and he seems to get all the lions games for some reason...

He throws some interesting thoughts out there.