Philadelphia, PA– On August 11th, the Eagles will kickoff their 82nd year of football, however, this isn’t the only milestone that should be celebrated this upcoming football season. Merrill Reese, the legendary voice of the Eagles, will also be celebrating his 40th year behind the microphone.
This feat is incredible for a man who admired broadcasting pioneers such as Bill Campbell, the man who called Wilt Chamberlain’s 100 point game, and Ray Scott, who called the first two Super Bowls.
Reese assumed the duties during the 1977 season when the previous play by play man, Charlie Swift, committed suicide. At the time, Merrill was the color commentator and would be elevated to the play by play after Swift’s death. Reese would be paired with Philadelphia native and Green Bay Packer’s great, Herb Adderley.
Reese still prepares the same way for games that he did back in the late 1970s. He attends practice daily and then his nights are spent watching game tape and reading up on the upcoming opponent.
Since the beginning of his career, Reese’s signature call of “IT’S GOOOOOOD!!!” has been heard over the airwaves by thousands of Eagles’ fans throughout the Philadelphia area. Many of which prefer to turn down the sound on their TVs and turn up the radio on game days.
One of the most memorable calls of Reese’s career was in the 1980 NFC Championship game against Dallas. All Eagles’ fans can close their eyes and hear his call of Wilbert Montgomery’s 42 yard touchdown run and it will still bring a smile to their face.
(Youtube/joephila)
Over the years, Merrill has seen many greats play for the birds. The greatest of them, according to the long-time announcer, was the Minister of Defense, Reggie White. Although, he does mentions that Randall Cunningham was the most exciting.
Merrill has become part of every Eagles fan’s family and is welcomed into many living rooms on game day.
Mr. Reese, keep up the great work and we all look forward to many more seasons to come.
Fly, Eagles, Fly
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