By admin 
Generally, NFL games are remembered for the plays. Few are remembered for the voice that called them.
The best NFL announcers do much more than describe what’s happening on the field. They explain the game in a way that makes sense to all, add excitement without overshadowing the action and know exactly when to let a huge moment speak for itself. A great call can turn a memorable play into something fans never forget.
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Over the years, the NFL has been blessed with truly legendary broadcasters. Some became famous for their unforgettable play-by-play calls, while others earned respect through sharp analysis and deep knowledge of the game. They have called Super Bowls, championship games and “Monday Night Football” classics, becoming the soundtrack to some of the NFL’s greatest moments.
With that in mind, here’s our ranking of the 11 best NFL announcers of all time.
11. Vin Scully
Vin Scully is best known for baseball, but he was also an outstanding NFL announcer. During his time with CBS (1975-1982), he brought the same calm voice and great storytelling to football broadcasts.
He had a way of making every play easy to understand. Instead of shouting during vital moments, Scully takes action and makes it interesting. His most memorable NFL call came when Dwight Clark made “The Catch” in the 1981 NFC Championship Game to send the San Francisco 49ers past the Dallas Cowboys and into the Super Bowl. “It’s a madhouse at Candlestick,” Scully said after Clark pulled in the pass from Joe Montana.
10. Dick Enberg
Dick Enberg had a warm and welcoming style that made fans feel connected to every game. He never tried to become the center of attention. Instead, he let the game do everything.
During his career, he called eight Super Bowls, 11 AFC Championship Games and many other top events, primarily for NBC. His partnership with Merlin Olsen became one of the most respected broadcast teams in the NFL. He was also successful in tennis, college basketball and Olympic coverage, showing just how versatile he was. And who can forget his signature call, “Oh, my!” to punctuate the most exciting moments.
9. Kevin Harlan
Kevin Harlan brings unmatched energy to every game he calls. His powerful voice and perfect timing make exciting moments feel even bigger, whether it is a dramatic playoff finish or an unexpected moment during a game. His enthusiasm has made him one of today’s most popular play-by-play announcers.
As one of CBS’ top NFL broadcasters and a longtime national radio voice, Harlan has delivered countless memorable calls throughout his career. Harlan’s sense of humor adds another dimension when he is on the mic.
8. Frank Gifford
Frank Gifford enjoyed a Hall of Fame playing career before becoming one of television’s most respected NFL announcers. He broadcast the first Super Bowl on CBS, then spent nearly 30 years on ABC’s “Monday Night Football,” becoming one of the league’s familiar voices thanks to his calm, natural style.
His personality balanced Howard Cosell’s outspoken approach perfectly. The unlikely pair created one of the most memorable three-man broadcast teams in football history with “Dandy” Don Meredith. Gifford’s football knowledge and smooth delivery helped shape prime-time NFL coverage.
7. Howard Cosell
Howard Cosell brought something completely different to sports broadcasting. His unique delivery, strong opinions and fearless style made him one of the most talked-about announcers in television history. Whether fans agreed with him or not, he always kept people listening.
Alongside Gifford and Meredith, Cosell helped turn “Monday Night Football” into one of the biggest television events during his tenure from 1970-1983. Cosell’s close relationship with legendary boxer Muhammad Ali and his pledge to “tell it like it is” pushed him beyond sports broadcasting into entertainment icon status.
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6. Joe Buck
Joe Buck has called many of the biggest NFL games during the modern era. After spending 22 years leading Fox’s top broadcast team alongside Troy Aikman, he moved to ESPN to become the voice of “Monday Night Football.” Over time, he developed into one of the most respected play-by-play announcers in sports.
His calls of the Helmet Catch, Malcolm Butler’s goal-line interception and the Minneapolis Miracle remain some of the most memorable moments in recent NFL history. Along with six Super Bowl broadcasts, Buck has earned several top broadcasting awards, including induction into the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame, that reflect his long and successful career.
5. Cris Collinsworth
Cris Collinsworth, who enjoyed an eight-year career as an NFL wide receiver, has become one of the best football analysts on television because of his ability to explain the game simply and engagingly. He breaks down offensive schemes and player decisions without making things too complicated, making his analysis easy for every fan to follow.
His preparation shows in every broadcast, and his “Sunday Night Football” partnership with Al Michaels became one of the strongest in the NFL. Collinsworth and Mike Tirico forged another great booth after Michaels’ departure for “Thursday Night Football.” After more than 30 years in broadcasting and multiple Sports Emmy Awards, Collinsworth continues to set the standard for football analysis. And he delighted fans with his “Collinsworth slide,” the way he joined Michaels or Tirico at the open of every game.
4. Curt Gowdy
Curt Gowdy was one of the broadcasters who helped football grow into America’s most popular sport. His voice became familiar to fans during the 1960s and 1970s as he called many of the league’s biggest games. His clear and easy style made every broadcast enjoyable.
Gowdy covered the first seven Super Bowls along with several NFL Championship Games during a key period in league history. He also built an outstanding career calling baseball, basketball and Olympic events, showing why he is remembered as one of the greatest all-around sports broadcasters. He called “The Immaculate Reception,” Super Bowl III in which Joe Namath guaranteed and delivered a New York Jets win and the infamous “Heidi Game.”
3. Al Michaels
For more than four decades, Al Michaels is one of the most trusted voices in football. His smooth delivery, sharp storytelling and ability to stay calm during dramatic moments have made him part of countless unforgettable NFL games.
Although his famous “Do you believe in miracles?” call came during an Olympic hockey game, his football career is just as impressive. Michaels has worked for ABC, NBC and Prime Video while calling some of the biggest games in NFL history, including 11 Super Bowls. Highlights include Malcolm Butler’s Super Bowl-winning interception for the New England Patriots and the “Philly Special” trick play that sent the Philadelphia Eagles over the Patriots in another Super Bowl. Even in his 80s, he continues to call national NFL games at the highest level.
2. Pat Summerall
Pat Summerall proved that a great announcer does not need to be loud. His calm, steady style made the scenes feel even more important because he knew exactly when to let the game tell the story. Fans trusted his voice during the NFL’s biggest games, and he became one of the league’s most recognizable broadcasters.
His long partnership with John Madden remains one of the greatest in sports broadcasting history. Summerall covered the NFL for more than 40 years on CBS and Fox and still holds the record with 16 Super Bowl television broadcasts. Top moments include Marcus Allen’s reverse-field touchdown run in the Super Bowl, and “The Catch II” by the 49ers’ Terrell Owens to beat the Green Bay Packers in a 1998 playoff game.
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1. John Madden
John Madden changed the way fans watched football on television. As a Hall of Fame coach, he understood every part of the game, but what made him special was his ability to explain it in simple language. His excitement was genuine — he punctuated big hits with a “Boom!” — and viewers could feel how much he loved football every time he was on the air.
His partnership with Summerall became one of the greatest in NFL history. They called more than 300 games and eight Super Bowls together. Madden introduced the All-Madden Team and the turducken and turkey-leg traditions to Thanksgiving games. Madden’s impact also stretched beyond television through the hugely successful “Madden NFL” video-game series, which introduced millions of fans to the sport and helped grow football around the world.