Dan Dierdorf to retire from broadcasting

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.

1996 inductee into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as well.

Arguably the greatest lineman in the history Michigan football.

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.

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.

He transcended generations and is enshrined in rap lyrics. 

Them diamonds clear, like Smirnoff, them diamonds big, like Dan Dierdorf"

I'm not so sure he wasn't the great user of double negatives ever to grace the broadcast booth.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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!"

With effed up Wolverine helmet and missing front teeth:

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. 

"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.”"

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.

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.