Broadcasting Veteran Becomes MNF’s Fifth Play-By-Play Voice All-Time

Photos via ESPN Images

Q&A via ESPN Front Row

MNF commentators all-time

Sean McDonough, one of sports television’s most versatile broadcasters, will be the new play-by-play voice for ESPN’s Monday Night Football. He will work alongside analyst Jon Gruden and reporter Lisa Salters when the 2016 NFL season kicks off this fall.

McDonough – whose broadcasting resume includes the World Series, NCAA Final Four and the Olympic Games – has worked on major properties including college football, college basketball and Major League Baseball in recent years. He has also called NFL games for ESPN Radio since 2013.

McDonough has been with ESPN since 2000 – his second stint with the company (previously 1989-95) – and recently signed a new extension. He becomes just the fifth person to occupy the play-by-play position in the 46-year history of MNF, joining broadcasting stalwarts Keith Jackson, Frank Gifford, Al Michaels and Mike Tirico, who called the past 10 seasons on ESPN.

“Sean is a premier play-by-play commentator who combines a signature voice with intelligence, passion and humor, and he always brings out the best in his partners,” said John Wildhack, ESPN Executive Vice President, Programming and Production. “Monday Night Football has a rich history and a bright future ahead with our new booth team of Sean and Jon.”

“This is a dream come true,” said McDonough, who will make his MNF debut at the Pro Football Hall of Fame game in Canton, Ohio, on Aug. 7. “One of my favorite memories of my childhood was watching Monday Night Football with my Dad, who I know is smiling down on me today. I am humbled and deeply honored to have the opportunity to be a part of the most iconic franchise in the history of sports television.”

Added Gruden: “I have met Sean and I am excited about the opportunity to work with him. Like me, he comes from a family of three boys. Passion for sports has been a way of life for him and his brothers. He’s a seasoned pro, who’s called some of the biggest sporting events, including lots of football. I’m looking forward to getting started.”

McDonough joins MNF from the college ranks where he has been a top play-by-play commentator on Saturday afternoon ABC college football and ESPN’s Big Monday ACC basketball games. McDonough recently called the NCAA Final Four for ESPN International, and he has also provided play-by-play for ESPN for Major League Baseball, NHL, tennis, golf, the College World Series and other college sports.

Prior to ESPN, McDonough was the television play-by-play announcer for the Boston Red Sox from 1988-2004. He also spent 10 years at CBS Sports when he was the network’s lead college football play-by-play announcer from 1997 to 1999. As CBS’s lead Major League Baseball broadcast voice in 1992 and 1993, he called the All-Star Game, the National League Championship Series and the World Series. McDonough’s other CBS assignments included a diverse array of sports – men’s and women’s college basketball, NFL, golf, U.S. Open Tennis and the Olympic Winter Games.

In addition to MNF, McDonough will continue his ESPN college basketball assignments after the NFL season.

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