CBS NFL announcer Kevin Harlan has always been the consummate professional in that he never tries to make himself a focal point of attention. His CBS colleagues working the Texans/Bengals game in Cincinnati on Sunday were able to utilize that to their advantage and celebrated Harlan reaching a milestone – 500 NFL telecasts.
During a 3rd quarter kickoff, Harlan tossed it to sideline reporter Melanie Collins, who used her time to surprise Harlan with the milestone recognition.
“We know you don’t like to draw attention to yourself, but today is a significant day because it is your 500th NFL telecast,” Collins said as a few photos of Harlan’s early days with CBS were shown on the screen.
She mentioned Harlan started in 1991 and his first broadcast partner was Joe Namath and then complimented Harlan on how his personality has helped provide longevity as an announcer.
“Your energy and humor has carried you through all these years,” she said, pointing out that Harlan is just the 10th person to do 500 TV broadcasts. She added that Kevin mentioned earlier in the week that he hopes to be broadcasting another 15 years before she threw it back to Trent Green, Harlan’s color commentator, who appeared to be in on what was happening.
“He has the energy to do it,” Green said. He then congratulated Harlan again who really wasn’t expecting the shout-out.
“Thank you very much. I didn’t know that,” he said. “You’ve caught me by surprise. I better call my wife and tell her.”
Kevin Harlan finished by thanking producer Ken Mack and director Jim Cornell as well.
“And you’re only as strong as the people you work with,” he said. “Like my buddy Trent Green. I’ve known him for so long, and it’s an honor to be with CBS.”
