The Pro Football Hall of Fame recently announced that longtime The NFL Today pregame host Brent Musburger will be honored with the 2025 Pete Rozelle Radio-Television Award at the upcoming induction this year. Meanwhile, sports radio host Dan Patrick revealed—after the news became official—that he had penned a handwritten letter to the Hall regarding Musburger’s candidacy for the award. Furthermore, he even called a few years earlier to discuss how NFL Films voice John Facenda should also be considered for the honor.
During Monday’s Dan Patrick Show, ESPN NFL Draft insider Mel Kiper Jr. was a guest on the program. At that point, Patrick noted that he also feels Kiper belongs in the Hall of Fame.
“I campaigned for him (Musburger), I reached out to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the Pete Rozelle Award,” recalled Patrick to Kiper. “I’d like to do the same for you. I think you should be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.”
Notably, Mel Kiper Jr. has served as an analyst for ESPN’s annual NFL Draft coverage since 1984, providing in-depth scouting information on the nation’s most talented collegiate football players. In addition, he makes frequent appearances on several ESPN programs and is the president of Kiper Enterprises, which he founded while in college in 1981.
Kiper was flattered to hear the news from Patrick on the program. However, he said there are others he feels may be more deserving.
“I just believe there are so many people that just, you’re fortunate, you get a little luck on your side, you’re around great people,” Kiper said. “I was, Dan. I was around you all those years.”
In response, Dan Patrick then stepped in to explain why he believes Kiper is deserving of the award from the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
“You changed an industry,” said Patrick. “What you have meant to the NFL, it’s a different version of John Facenda. Like, he was the voice, and you were the draft guy. It’s a cottage industry that you created. That is contributions to the game. I know you’re modest; I don’t care. I’m going forward with it. You deserve to be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.”
Kiper continued to deflect the praise from Patrick, saying he’s a good friend and that he’s heard others say the same thing. Additionally, he credited several people behind the scenes who have helped him along his path at ESPN. He also noted that he didn’t bring the NFL Draft broadcast to ESPN.
“ESPN televised the draft before I got here,” said Kiper. “The draft was on ESPN before I became part of the telecast.”
Finally, Kiper went on to joke with Patrick to give up his quest and offer, noting that he has a lot of people in the NFL who hate him—so maybe a shot at the Pro Football Hall of Fame may not be in the cards.
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