First off, what have you learned about the job since taking over the role this year?
I’ll say this – I did basketball play-by-play on TV before I did football on the radio. It’s almost the opposite experience with football. You have to be much more organized – TV is much easier. You can’t see it live on radio – you have to describe all of it and that takes more time. So you have to be much more organized to do that. It’s those little things – those nuances that I’ve been concentrating on.
But it’s been a blast. I mean. I’m really having a blast doing it!
How did you first learn you got the job – was it somewhat expected?
I was told that I was one of a couple candidates before I left to go on vacation with my wife in Portugal. We were walking on the cobblestone streets of Porto when I got the call. It was an exciting and surreal experience.
I know you don’t see this as replacing Bill Hillgrove. But is there a nuanced approach you find yourself taking as you now do play-by-play?
I think I’m just doing it the best way I can. I don’t really self-reflect on it. I just want it to reflect what I’d like to hear as a listener and what I want to be as a broadcaster – to marry the two. I don’t self-reflect enough to name a style. I just like things to transpire organically.
I’m just trying to paint the picture in someone’s mind so they feel like they are there. I used to drive thousands of miles to school – I had a Diesel Rabbit that barely hit 58 mph. I remember one day being hunched over in the right lane listening to a Nolan Ryan no-hit bid on the radio and being so excited because the broadcaster made me feel like I was there. That’s who I want to be.
Who have been some of the mentors over your career that helped shape your career and approach to broadcasting? And how so?
Rich Gould and Bob Ramsey in St. Louis – I interned with them at KPLR-TV. They were instrumental to me – their personalities and approach to the job.
But over the years there have been too many others to mention. You find your own voice over the years – your own unique personality. You have to – listeners see right through you if you’re not doing it naturally. I am sure through osmosis you absorb a lot of the styles you experience, but you have to have your own voice.
As broadcasting platforms have become more diverse – radio, digital, etc – has that affected how you approach what you do? Is there a podcast in your future?
I enjoy podcasting and have done some with DraftNation. As long as what I do is enjoyable and fans like it, I’ll do it. I like sports – I don’t like the gossip – if I keep it about sports -then I’m happy.
And I still do the Pirates pre and post-game work. That’s year-to-year and I’m thrilled to do that!
Did you grow up a Steelers fan? What Steelers/sports memories most impacted you growing up that influenced your desire to pursue a sports broadcasting career?
I grew up a Giants and Mets fan. But in the 70s those weren’t good teams, so you better have other teams, especially in the postseason! My dad had a shortwave radio and we listed to the Pirates and Bob Prince then. I rooted for the Giants but needed a postseason team. And since the Cowboys were in our division, we had to dislike them, so I rooted for the Steelers.
It’s funny too, because every picture of me as a kid was with a Boston Red Sox hat on – for the same reason – the Mets weren’t good and as a Mets fan I couldn’t root for the Yankees -I had to support their rivals!
Maybe it was all an early sign that I needed to get to Pittsburgh!
In your broadcasting career with the Steelers so far, what personal experiences – funny/poignant – with players and front office people stand out most to you?
Really, I just love sports. I went to school at Hobart and fell in love with lacrosse. I love volleyball and Irish football. I told my wife that when I retire don’t think I’m done! We’ll have to find a rugby team or other sport to root for!
I don’t think there was one thing. Some people say something like they heard their first Brent Musberger call and fell in love with it. But growing up, my family didn’t watch TV a lot. My parents would tell me to go outside and play. So I just fell in love with sports. I’m an English Lit major. I love to read and I love sports.
One guy I loved listening to – I wouldn’t say he was anything like a mentor. But Dick Enberg – when I listened to him I always felt like there was no place he’d rather be then covering the game. That’s the way I feel.
No specific memory stands out?
I will say, the first game I did this year was the first time in a long time I had nerves before calling a game! I think because it’s because I’m not just filling in anymore – I’m hoping to do this for a very long time!
When I filled in for Bill during Covid and right after I felt like I was just filling in for him. The first time I did that was the game against the Jets in New York – and I woke up that morning deathly sick! I had a 103 degree temperature. I was face-down on the counter when they did the countdown to calling me in. When the countdown was done I popped up: “Welcome to Metlife Stadium!” Craig Wolfley just patted me on the back and said “Go get ’em!”
I worked with Craig for 10 years before doing Steelers play-by-play doing high school football, so that helped with the transition. And I worked with Missi Matthews and Max Starks before as well.
One other thing that stands out is just how Steelers fans show up. I’ve done shows in Steelers bars in places like Vegas and Atlanta and they just get packed with fans. I like to go and exercise the morning before games and go for walks. Just seeing all of those people with Steelers jerseys on – that has always been amazing. I don’t think that exists with many – if any – other teams. It’s jaw-dropping just how many fans you see hanging round the Steelers buses and hotels.
Any advice to those trying to break into the broadcasting business today?
Get hands-on experience. Get as much as you can. And be yourself – find your voice. Once you get that underneath you – show up and be prepared. It’s surprising how many people don’t do that – and there’s no excuse not to do either of those things. Show up and be ready.