Dan Dierdorf to retire from broadcasting
Dan Dierdorf to retire from broadcasting after the end of the 2013 NFL season.
One of the finest offensive tackles ever to play for Michigan and a consensus 1970 All- American. A native of Canton, Ohio, he was twice All-Big Ten and went on to become an all-pro with the St. Louis Cardinals of the National Football League and player representative for the team. He twice was named best offensive lineman of the NFL.
http://nfl.si.com/2013/11/20/dan-dierdorf-retirement-nfl-broadcasting/?eref=sihp
November 20th, 2013 at 3:06 PM ^
And his daughter played basketball for Michigan, but got sidelined by a bad hip, if memory serves. Had a bunch of classes with her, really nice girl.
November 20th, 2013 at 3:14 PM ^
1996 inductee into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as well.
Arguably the greatest lineman in the history Michigan football.
November 20th, 2013 at 3:27 PM ^
1st time I heard Dierdorf do a game was 1986, with CBS. Opening week of the NFL regular season, the marquee game - defending champs the '85 Bears at home vs Cleveland. A 45-35 win that turned out to be (arguably) Chicago's best game of the season. He got to do the intro by himself and was so good I about fell off my sofa. Think William F Buckley with a midwest accent.
The next season he was in the MNF booth. You have earned your retirement sir.
November 20th, 2013 at 4:41 PM ^
and thought it was a Super Bowl preview. Browns went 12-4 that year. That was the last time the Browns won 12 games.
Damn you Humble Pie chart, Michigan football is supposed to be my happy place.
November 20th, 2013 at 3:31 PM ^
/s
/not really s
November 21st, 2013 at 5:30 AM ^
November 20th, 2013 at 4:30 PM ^
Because of my signature it only seems appropriate to comment. Bo rode him harder than anyone. When asked about it later Bo said that if he got after the star players like Dan then no one else would consider themselves safe from criticism. Of course, Bo said it much more colofully than that.
Here's to you Dan, consummate Michigan Man.
November 20th, 2013 at 4:03 PM ^
He transcended generations and is enshrined in rap lyrics.
Them diamonds clear, like Smirnoff, them diamonds big, like Dan Dierdorf"
November 20th, 2013 at 4:04 PM ^
I'm not so sure he wasn't the great user of double negatives ever to grace the broadcast booth.
November 20th, 2013 at 4:06 PM ^
Other career highlights for Dierdorf:
6-time Pro Bowl selection (1974, 1975, 1976, 1977,1978, 1980)
5-time First-team All-Pro selection (1974, 1975,1976, 1977, 1978, 1980)
NFL 1970s All-Decade Team
3-time NFLPA NFC OL of the Year (1976, 1977, 1978)
Between his decorated pro and broadcasting careers (which includes a Pete Rozelle Radio-Television Award, I believe), he has definitely earned a rest.
November 20th, 2013 at 4:07 PM ^
I had the chance to meet Dan when he was hired to do a radio spot for a car delaership in St. Louis. He loves the University and is fun to talk too. I hope he has many years of good health and is able to represent the University and NFL for years to come.
November 20th, 2013 at 4:09 PM ^
Dan Dierdorf never had to be told he should not do another year in the broadcast booth when he wasn't ready to do it anymore.
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Seemed like a good guy, I (generally) enjoyed his broadcasting over the years and he's was a complete stud as an OL at Michigan and in the NFL. Hope he enjoys retirement.
November 20th, 2013 at 4:27 PM ^
He was one of the guys who stayed when Bo showed up and got to be a part of the beat down of a supposedly invincible Ohio team that was riding a long winning streak. Can we get a replay this year for Taylor Lewan's sake?
November 20th, 2013 at 4:37 PM ^
also, its probably over-due, but i would support #72 getting Dierdorf legacy status before #2. i don't think they could retire it because of the number rule, but it should be done and especially soon since dan is still in good shape.
November 20th, 2013 at 4:42 PM ^
November 21st, 2013 at 7:50 AM ^
November 20th, 2013 at 4:54 PM ^
One story I've read in several books about Bo is when he met Dierdorf.
Bo recruited him in 1966 to come to Miami University. When Bo was supposed to meet him, Dierdorf, not wanting anything to do with MU, slipped out the back door.
Three years later, Bo gets hired at Michigan.
This is how Bo's first meeting with Dierdorf at Michigan went-
Dierdorf reaches his hand out shake Bo's and Bo grabs Dierdorf's gut. Bo says "You're fat, you're mine and I NEVER forget!"
November 20th, 2013 at 5:15 PM ^
With effed up Wolverine helmet and missing front teeth:
November 20th, 2013 at 5:45 PM ^
retirement is health. I know he's had both hips and at least one knee replaced, plus ankle surgery of late. Travelling all the time to these NFL games may have gotten physically very demanding. Either way, I wish him the best in retirement. He was always one of my favorite NFL announcers. He had a way of not pulling punches on most topics.
November 20th, 2013 at 6:13 PM ^
Dream radio team.....Mike Tirico and Dan Dierdorf
November 20th, 2013 at 7:37 PM ^
A few of my favorite Monday Night Football memories are of him during that magical 1997 season. I believe they were doing ads for the Michigan/Wisconsin game and Dan mentioned that Michigan was #1 in the other poll and that they were the best team in the world. Once a Michigan Man always a Michigan Man. Here's to many years of great health and a happy retirement.
November 20th, 2013 at 8:00 PM ^
"Dierdorf said he will stay involved in the game in some capacity, including possibly working in his hometown in St. Louis. He also wants to work a Michigan game in the radio booth with his college teammate, Jim Brandstatter, the longtime analyst for Michigan football. ”I can’t just stare at the walls,” Dierdorf said. “I’m too young for that.”"
November 20th, 2013 at 10:28 PM ^
Too bad. There's way too many Buckeye polluting my ears every weekend from Spielman to Galloway to Eddie George to Robert Smith to Herbstreit, etc. etc.
Who do we have left? Rich Eisen, Dez, Griese that it?
November 20th, 2013 at 11:01 PM ^
It was for ABC when go was calling college football. It was a blowout win at Indiana. I can't remember if they sang The Victors in the 4th Quarter or if they did some other crowing. As a Michigan fan, I thought this was suitable payback for all the years of what I thought was biased coverage against Michigan.
November 21st, 2013 at 4:28 AM ^
I have so many great memories of watching Dierdorf on MNF and countless other games. A Michigan legend, who deserves all of our respect and thanks.
November 21st, 2013 at 7:11 AM ^
I always liked to hear him call a football game. I definitely hope he can work some Michigan games in the future. A well deserved retirement and I hope he is around the Michigan program a lot. GO BLUE!