NFL 100

Broadcast Innovation

ESPN NFL Primetime

"If you loved football and you wanted to see how things really went down, you would turn on Primetime." - Trey Wingo

by Chris Berman Trey Wingo

From 1987 to 2005, ESPN broadcasted a studio TV show on Sunday nights called “NFL Primetime.” Hosted by Chris Berman, NFL Primetime showed highlights and offered in-depth commentary of each of that day’s games over a rotation of catchy, fast-paced soundtracks. Before the Internet and satellite TV packages, die-hard fans tuned in to the show religiously. With a comedic and upbeat tone, it featured Berman, an eccentric broadcaster who yelled and repeated phrases like “He…could…go…all…the….way!” when a player was en route to the end zone and “It’s a fum-ble!” when someone coughed up the ball. Berman was teamed up with the analyst and former NFL linebacker Tom Jackson; for each game, the duo analyzed many plays – including less prominent clips that were nonetheless meaningful – and bantered back and forth.

by Mina Kimes

"The entire team was so perfect and had such a strong identity." - Mina Kimes

reporter Seahawks

by Peter King

"I'm not entirely sure they had any weakness. Most teams have one or two strengths." - Tony Romo

reporter Patriots

by Matt Walsh Men in Blazers

"The '85 Bears were a breath of fresh air to Chicago." - Kevin Cronin

actor celebrity Bears

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Chris

Berman

Chris Berman is a longtime anchor for ESPN’s “Sportscenter” who has hosted “NFL Primetime,” “Sunday NFL Countdown,” and the halftime show of “Monday Night Football.” He has appeared in football movies such as Necessary Roughness, The Longest Yard (2005), and the Waterboy. Berman, who on “Sunday Night Countdown” famously made predictions while dressed as his fictional character, “The Swami,” is a Bills fan. An Emmy Award winner, Berman received the Pete Rozelle Award from the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010.

Profession:

reporter

Place of Birth:

Greenwich, CT

Preferred Team:

Buffalo Bills

Trey

Wingo

Trey Wingo is an ESPN host for the shows “NFL Live,” “NFL Primetime,” “Sportscenter,” and “Golic and Wingo.” Wingo, whose voice is used in multiple NFL video games, grew up rooting for the Cowboys. His entire family is from Texas; during the first game he ever watched on TV, a Monday night came between St. Louis and Dallas many years ago, he asked his father about the blue star that graces the Cowboys’ helmet – and consequently became a fan.