In the world of sports broadcasting, Kevin Burkhardt is a name that resonates with fans, especially NFL enthusiasts. Known for his distinctive voice and insightful commentary, Burkhardt has established himself as one of the leading voices in sports media. From his early days as a reporter to his rise as a premier play-by-play announcer for Fox Sports, Burkhardt’s career is a testament to hard work, perseverance, and an innate talent for storytelling.

This article explores Kevin Burkhardt’s career, his role in shaping the sports broadcasting industry, and the impact he has had on fans and viewers alike. We will delve into his background, career milestones, personal life, and the factors that make him one of the most respected and recognized broadcasters today.

Who Is Kevin Burkhardt?

Kevin Burkhardt was born on March 2, 1973, in Bloomfield, New Jersey. From an early age, Kevin showed an interest in sports, and this passion would eventually lead him to a successful career in broadcasting. While he is now best known for his role as an NFL play-by-play announcer, Burkhardt’s journey to the top was not a straightforward one. Before becoming the prominent figure he is today, Burkhardt worked in various roles in the broadcasting industry. His work ethic, keen understanding of sports, and relatable approach to the job allowed him to stand out in an increasingly competitive field.

Education and Early Career

Kevin attended William Paterson University in Wayne, New Jersey, where he graduated with a degree in Communication. His college years played a significant role in shaping his broadcasting career, as it was during this time that Burkhardt began to hone his skills and passion for sports journalism.

Upon completing his education, Burkhardt started out in local radio. He worked as a sports anchor and reporter for WRNJ, a small radio station in Hackettstown, New Jersey. During this period, he gained valuable experience by covering a range of sports and learning the ins and outs of sports broadcasting. His work in local radio served as the foundation for his future success in the national spotlight.

Breaking into the Big Leagues

Burkhardt’s big break came when he was hired by SNY (SportsNet New York), a regional sports network covering New York sports. Initially, he served as a reporter and host for the station, primarily covering the New York Mets and other local teams. His natural charisma, along with his ability to present the information in a clear and engaging manner, quickly made him a fan favorite.

His coverage of the New York Mets helped Burkhardt establish a reputation as a reliable and insightful sports reporter. Burkhardt’s chemistry with players, coaches, and fellow analysts made him an invaluable asset to SNY. As a result, his work on Mets broadcasts garnered attention from national networks, and it wasn’t long before Burkhardt started attracting opportunities from larger platforms.

Transition to National Broadcasting

Burkhardt’s talent was noticed by executives at Fox Sports, and in 2007, he made the leap to national television. Initially, he served as a field reporter for Fox’s Major League Baseball coverage and covered NFL games. His sharp reporting and relatable on-screen presence made him a standout figure in sports broadcasting.

In 2013, Kevin’s hard work paid off when he was promoted to a full-time play-by-play announcer for Fox Sports. His rise through the ranks was swift, and it was clear that Burkhardt had a bright future ahead in the world of sports commentary.

Kevin Burkhardt’s Role at Fox Sports

Kevin Burkhardt’s big break with Fox Sports came when he was chosen as the primary play-by-play voice for NFL coverage. As part of Fox’s NFL broadcasting team, Burkhardt quickly became a familiar face during Sunday afternoon games. His dynamic commentary and ability to convey the excitement of the game helped establish him as one of the top announcers in the NFL.

Burkhardt’s ability to make the game accessible to casual fans while still providing depth for diehard followers made him a unique asset to the team. His play-by-play style is smooth, energetic, and focused on keeping the action moving. Burkhardt’s work has been praised for its clarity and accuracy, as well as his ability to make even the most complex plays seem easy to understand.

Working Alongside Analysts

One of the hallmarks of Burkhardt’s career is his ability to work seamlessly alongside a variety of color analysts. He has had notable partnerships with analysts such as Greg Olsen and Charles Davis. The chemistry between Burkhardt and his analysts is often praised for its natural flow and informative yet entertaining dynamic.

Burkhardt’s work with Greg Olsen, in particular, has garnered widespread recognition. Olsen, a former NFL tight end, brings a unique perspective to the broadcast, providing expert analysis on what is happening on the field. Together, Burkhardt and Olsen have become one of the most respected duos in NFL broadcasting, with fans appreciating the informative yet engaging nature of their broadcasts.

Playoff and Super Bowl Coverage

Burkhardt’s role extends beyond the regular season, as he also plays a pivotal role in Fox’s playoff and Super Bowl coverage. His voice has been the soundtrack to some of the most memorable playoff games in recent years, and he’s provided commentary during some of the most exciting Super Bowl matchups.

In 2023, Burkhardt had the privilege of calling Super Bowl LVII between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles. The game, which ended in a 38-35 Chiefs victory, was one of the most thrilling in recent memory, and Burkhardt’s performance as the lead announcer further solidified his standing as one of the top voices in sports broadcasting.

Kevin Burkhardt’s Style and Approach to Commentary

A Smooth, Engaging Play-by-Play Announcer: Burkhardt is known for his calm, yet energetic voice, which makes him incredibly effective at maintaining the flow of the game. Unlike some announcers who can become overly excited or loud, Burkhardt maintains a balanced tone, ensuring that viewers feel both the excitement of the game and the depth of the analysis. His voice is easy to listen to, making him an ideal fit for covering long, intense football games.

Connection with the Audience: One of Burkhardt’s strengths is his ability to connect with the audience. Whether he’s calling a thrilling touchdown or explaining a complicated rule, Burkhardt makes sure to keep things simple and accessible. His enthusiasm for the game is evident in his voice, but he never overshadows the action on the field. This subtlety is one of the reasons why Burkhardt is so beloved by viewers.

Providing Context and Analysis

While Burkhardt is primarily known as a play-by-play announcer, he is also skilled at providing context during key moments in the game. Whether it’s explaining a significant injury or breaking down a crucial play, Burkhardt’s knowledge and understanding of the sport come through in his commentary.

His ability to balance play-by-play commentary with insightful analysis makes him a valuable asset to Fox Sports. Viewers appreciate how he works with his analysts to break down plays and provide depth to the broadcast without losing the energy and excitement of the game.

Kevin Burkhardt’s Personal Life

Family and Background: Kevin Burkhardt is known to be a private person when it comes to his personal life. However, it is known that he is married to Rachel Burkhardt, and the couple has one son. Kevin has often mentioned his family in interviews, citing them as a source of support throughout his career. Despite his rise to fame, Burkhardt has always remained grounded and focused on his family. He enjoys spending time with his wife and son, and it is clear that they are an essential part of his life.

Philanthropy and Community Involvement: Outside of his broadcasting career, Kevin Burkhardt is involved in various philanthropic efforts. He is a supporter of several charitable organizations, particularly those that focus on helping underprivileged children. Burkhardt has used his platform to raise awareness for causes that are important to him, demonstrating that he values giving back to the community.

Hobbies and Interests: In his downtime, Burkhardt enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, and participating in outdoor activities. He is known to be an avid sports fan, not just of football, but also of other sports like baseball and basketball. His well-rounded interests have only served to deepen his understanding of sports and make his commentary even more insightful.

FAQs

What is Kevin Burkhardt’s background and early career?

Kevin Burkhardt graduated from William Paterson University in 1997 with a degree in broadcasting. He began his career at WGHT, a radio station in Northern New Jersey, where he spent eight years covering events like high school football. Additionally, he called minor league baseball games for the New Jersey Jackals. 

How did Kevin Burkhardt transition to television broadcasting?

After his radio tenure, Burkhardt worked as a freelancer at WFAN, eventually becoming the station’s full-time New York Jets reporter. He also appeared on CN8’s “Out of Bounds” and provided sports reports for Time Warner Cable and WCBS 880. His big break came in 2007 when he joined SportsNet New York (SNY) as a field reporter during New York Mets telecasts, a position he held until 2014. 

What roles has Kevin Burkhardt held at Fox Sports?

In 2013, Burkhardt began calling NFL games for Fox, initially teaming up with analyst John Lynch and reporter Erin Andrews. By 2014, he became the primary studio host for Fox’s Major League Baseball coverage. Following Joe Buck’s departure to ESPN in 2022, Burkhardt was promoted to Fox’s lead NFL play-by-play announcer, working alongside analyst Greg Olsen. He called Super Bowl LVII in 2023, marking a significant milestone in his career. 

How did Kevin Burkhardt’s early life influence his career choice?

Growing up in Bloomfield, New Jersey, Burkhardt was a fan of the Philadelphia Eagles. In middle school, he did play-by-play for Nintendo games and idolized Gary Cohen, who later became his partner in the Mets’ broadcast booth. These early experiences fueled his passion for sports broadcasting. 

What advice has Kevin Burkhardt shared for aspiring broadcasters?

Burkhardt often emphasizes the importance of perseverance, adaptability, and seizing opportunities, no matter how unconventional they may seem. His own journey from radio to television, and from local to national broadcasting serves as an inspiration for many aspiring sportscasters. Kevin Burkhardt’s career reflects a blend of talent, hard work, and resilience, making him a respected figure in sports broadcasting.

In Summary

Kevin Burkhardt’s journey to becoming one of the most recognized names in NFL broadcasting is a story of hard work, talent, and determination. From his humble beginnings as a local radio reporter to his rise as the lead play-by-play announcer for Fox Sports, Burkhardt has earned the respect and admiration of fans and peers alike. His unique voice, engaging style, and in-depth understanding of the game make him a vital part of sports media, and his future in broadcasting continues to look bright.

As fans eagerly tune in for his broadcasts, Kevin Burkhardt remains a key figure in the sports broadcasting world, providing fans with insightful, energetic, and memorable coverage of the NFL’s biggest games.

To read more, Click Here .