Top 10 NFL Play by Play Broadcasters of All Time

This list focuses strictly on national broadcasters — no local radio voices, no regional homers, and no team-specific legends. These are the men who shaped the sound of the NFL for generations of fans, elevating classic moments and making even slow Sunday afternoons feel important.

Ranking announcers is always subjective, but this list comes from fans who were alive to hear each of these voices call NFL action and understand how they changed the craft. Great play-by-play announcers don’t just describe a game — they enhance it. They give big moments gravitas, keep dull games interesting, and add a soundtrack to memories fans keep for life.

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10) Mike Tirico

Mike Tirico has become one of the most versatile and polished voices in modern sports broadcasting. For nearly a decade, he energized ESPN’s Monday Night Football, pairing crisp description with an easy, conversational feel. Tirico brings an unmistakable rhythm to his calls — excited when appropriate, reserved when the moment calls for subtlety, and always completely in command.

His move to NBC only elevated his standing. Taking over Sunday Night Football and stepping in for major events such as the Olympics and the Triple Crown, Tirico has proven that he can handle anything. Few announcers today make big games feel as smooth, professional, and enjoyable as he does.

Mike Tirico Best Calls Of The 2023 Season!

9) Charlie Jones

Before becoming a national television staple, Charlie Jones lived several lives — college tennis player, military veteran, and law school graduate. His true legacy, though, is behind the microphone. Jones began calling AFL games in 1960 and remained a fixture of NFL broadcasting until 1997.

Jones’ deep, warm voice and friendly delivery made him a favorite for decades. Whether covering the AFL, NFL, Olympics, or golf, he brought a sense of knowledge and calm authority to every assignment. He capped his career by receiving the Pete Rozelle Award, marking his place among the all-time greats.

1973 N.Y. Jets vs Baltimore Colts Charlie Jones PBP Bert Jones QB

8) Ray Scott

Ray Scott revolutionized football broadcasting by proving that less could indeed be more. With the Green Bay Packers during their dynasty years, Scott developed his famously minimalist style — “Starr… Dowler… Touchdown.” It was simple, it was powerful, and it became iconic.

Scott later became CBS’s lead NFL voice, calling multiple Super Bowls, championship games, and the legendary 1967 Ice Bowl. His understated approach let the game breathe in a way few announcers ever dared. His influence remains visible in today’s most polished broadcasters.

Ice Bowl (1967)

7) Don Criqui

Don Criqui was a constant presence in American sports for nearly half a century. From 1967 to 2013, his unmistakable, host-like cadence filled living rooms across the country on NBC and CBS. Criqui called everything — NFL Sundays, major college basketball, and 14 Orange Bowls.

His longevity alone is remarkable, but his quality was equally high. Criqui later served as the radio voice of Notre Dame for more than a decade, earning the Pete Rozelle Award and cementing his reputation as one of the most reliable and respected play-by-play professionals in history.

10 Minutes of Don Criqui Calling Touchdowns

6) Jim Nantz

“Hello, friends.”

With those two words, Jim Nantz has welcomed millions of viewers into NFL broadcasts for nearly 30 years. Nantz joined CBS’s NFL team in 1991, later hosted The NFL Today, and ultimately became the network’s No. 1 voice in 2004.

What makes Nantz unique is his ability to effortlessly move from the NFL to the Final Four to the Masters — often all within a span of weeks. His smooth, warm, and comforting delivery fits every sport he touches. His first Super Bowl call featured Devin Hester returning the opening kickoff for a touchdown, and Nantz captured it perfectly: “Gets past the first wave… and here he goes!”

Jim Nantz guesses his greatest calls based on sound | NAME THAT CALL | NFL on CBS

5) Jack Buck

While Jack Buck may be most closely associated with St. Louis Cardinals baseball, his NFL résumé is just as impressive. Buck began calling AFL action for ABC before joining CBS, where he covered the Bears, Cowboys, and numerous NFC playoff games.

His voice — deep, gravelly, instantly recognizable — gave big games an unmistakable weight. He served nearly 20 years as the radio voice of Monday Night Football alongside Hank Stram, calling 17 Super Bowls and countless unforgettable postseason moments. Buck’s ability to capture drama with clarity and emotion put him in rare company.

Jack Buck Calls Scott Norwood’s Missed FG in Super Bowl XXV

4) Dick Enberg

“Oh my!”

Dick Enberg’s signature call became synonymous with his smooth, polished, and endlessly professional style. Enberg first gained fame calling UCLA basketball during the John Wooden dynasty, then quickly expanded to NFL coverage, college hoops, MLB, tennis, and golf.

At NBC, Enberg became one of the network’s premier voices, calling eight Super Bowls and some of the biggest games of the era. His versatility was unmatched — few broadcasters could pivot between sports with greater ease or elegance. Enberg was always prepared, always polished, and always classy.

Dick Enberg Says “Plump P*ssy” on Air

3) Al Michaels

No one combines precision, timing, and personality quite like Al Michaels. His career is filled with iconic calls, none bigger than the 1980 “Do you believe in miracles?” gold medal moment. But Michaels’ NFL legacy is just as monumental.

For nearly two decades, he was the voice of Monday Night Football, then transitioned seamlessly to Sunday Night Football on NBC, where he continued calling the biggest games in the league. Michaels has called 11 Super Bowls, 8 World Series, multiple NBA Finals, and even breaking news moments like the 1989 World Series earthquake. His dry wit, perfect timing, and command of the broadcast make him a giant in the industry.

Al Michaels roasts all NFL kickers

2) Curt Gowdy

Curt Gowdy wasn’t just a football announcer — he was the voice of American sports for nearly a generation. Inducted into more than 20 Halls of Fame, Gowdy called everything: 13 World Series, 16 All-Star Games, 9 Super Bowls, 24 Final Fours, 14 Rose Bowls, and multiple Olympic Games.

His warm, polished delivery made him accessible to every fan, regardless of the sport. Gowdy was also a beloved television personality, hosting The American Sportsman and becoming so associated with the outdoors that Wyoming named Curt Gowdy State Park in his honor. His versatility and longevity remain unmatched.

Curt Gowdy broadcasts finish of the Heidi Game between New York Jets Oakland Raiders Nov. 17, 1968

1) Pat Summerall

Pat Summerall is the gold standard. His voice — deep, steady, and authoritative — could turn even routine plays into something important. Summerall originally joined CBS as a color commentator, but his natural gift for pacing and tone made him one of the greatest play-by-play voices ever.

His partnership with John Madden for more than 20 seasons stands as the most iconic booth pairing in NFL history. Summerall worked 11 Super Bowls, anchored Masters coverage, and even filled in on MLB broadcasts when needed. His minimalist, powerful style could make a moment legendary with just a few perfectly chosen words.

“Montana… Rice… Touchdown.” That was Summerall — efficient, elegant, unforgettable.

CBS Tribute to Pat Summerall the voice of the NFL by Jim Nantz