In his 25 years with Fox, Buck has accrued his fair share of fans and detractors with his callsFOX SPORTS
Fox' Joe Buck will call Super Bowl LIV alongside Troy Aikman, and while the former might be the "most despised sportscaster in America," many question whether that hate is warranted, as he "has his supporters," according to Chuck Barney of the San Jose MERCURY NEWS. Buck has a "baritone, often emotionless, delivery that features touches of dry humor and snark, he can come across like a smug frat boy to those who aren't into that sort of thing." He also is "not really prone to the colorfully lyrical descriptions we get from some sportscasters." But some like how Buck "doesn't take himself too seriously." Buck's fans also "cite his seven Emmy awards and insist that his economical delivery allows big moments to speak for themselves" (San Jose MERCURY NEWS, 1/31). In Chicago, Jeff Agrest writes the grief Buck has taken in his 25 years since joining Fox has been "off the charts." If polling numbers "existed for Bucks' popularity, they'd probably come in right below those of NFL officials." But Buck "wouldn't be where he is if he couldn't do the job." He "isn't flashy, he does his homework and he doesn't take himself too seriously." He is "understated in his call of a game," and he knows that the viewers "see exactly what's happening, so he lets the game play out and adds perspective" (CHICAGO SUN-TIMES, 1/31).
ODDS ON FAVORITES: In L.A., Tom Hoffarth notes Buck has "not been one to lean on any sort of gambling parlance," and OddsShark.com has favored odds that neither he nor Aikman will "specifically make mention of a point spread." Buck in a text wrote that he was "told to avoid it," and for the most part, he does "anyway." Buck: "But I have said something about it before, even this year. I referenced the early line for the Super Bowl at the conclusion of the NFC Championship Game before we went off the air" (L.A. TIMES, 1/31).
UNSUNG HEROES: The AP's Joe Reedy notes Erin Andrews and Chris Myers will be "reporting from the sidelines" during Sunday's game, serving as the "eyes and ears for the production truck," as well as for Buck and Aikman in the booth. Andrews will be on the 49ers' sideline, while Myers will be with the Chiefs. Fox NFL producer Richie Zyontz said of Andrews and Myers, "They can't be judged on how many times they appear on TV. They are always in contact with me on the truck, alerting me to what is going on as well as trying to marry their observations with the broadcast." What Andrews and Myers are "able to see from the field level might end up being more important" than what Fox' cameras can see, "especially when it comes to them pointing out certain formations or tendencies to Buck and Aikman" (AP, 1/31).
A NATIONAL TREASURE: In DC, Ben Strauss notes Kevin Harlan will call the Super Bowl for Westwood One, marking his 10th straight Super Bowl for the network." He said that it will be the "most consecutive by any Super Bowl play-by-play man in any medium." Harlan is "ubiquitous on radio and television, calling NBA games for TNT and college basketball and NFL games for CBS." It is Harlan's "radio-honed style, whimsical and performative and big, that makes him a relic of a bygone era of broadcasting" (WASHINGTON POST, 1/31). In K.C., Blair Kerkhoff notes Harlan served as the Chiefs' radio voice from '85-93, and no national broadcaster "has a stronger connection to the Chiefs." However, if someone believes his history with the Chiefs is "reflected in his broadcasts, he says that's not the case." Harlan: "Professionally speaking, when the game starts the only thing I'm hoping for is a great broadcast from our crew" (K.C. STAR, 1/31).
