Enberg's early career saw him working at KTLA in Los Angeles, where he covered a variety of sports, including UCLA basketball games during the John Wooden era. His work with UCLA basketball was particularly noteworthy, as he was present during the team's remarkable run of 10 NCAA championships in 12 years. This period helped establish Enberg as a respected voice in college basketball.
In 1975, Enberg joined NBC Sports, where his career truly flourished. At NBC, he covered a wide array of sports, including the NFL, Major League Baseball, Wimbledon, the Olympics, and more. His versatility allowed him to seamlessly transition between different sports, and he became a familiar presence in American households. Enberg's ability to convey the excitement and drama of sports events endeared him to fans across the nation.
One of Enberg's most memorable roles was as the play-by-play announcer for the NFL on NBC. His voice became synonymous with Sunday afternoons, as he called numerous high-profile games, including Super Bowls. Enberg's partnership with analyst Merlin Olsen was particularly well-received, and the duo became one of the most popular broadcasting teams in NFL history.
In addition to football, Enberg was a prominent voice in tennis. He covered the Wimbledon Championships for NBC for over two decades, bringing the elegance and intensity of the tournament to viewers with his insightful commentary. His work in tennis extended beyond Wimbledon, as he also covered the French Open and the U.S. Open, further cementing his reputation as a versatile broadcaster.
Enberg's career was not limited to NBC. In 2000, he joined CBS Sports, where he continued to cover a variety of sports, including the NFL, college basketball, and the U.S. Open Tennis Championships. His tenure at CBS further showcased his ability to adapt to different networks and maintain his status as a respected broadcaster.
Throughout his career, Enberg received numerous accolades for his work. He was a 13-time Sports Emmy Award winner and was inducted into the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association Hall of Fame. In 2015, he was awarded the Ford C. Frick Award by the National Baseball Hall of Fame, recognizing his excellence in baseball broadcasting.
Enberg's signature phrase, "Oh, my!" became a hallmark of his broadcasts, capturing the excitement and unpredictability of sports moments. His ability to convey emotion and connect with audiences made him a beloved figure in sports broadcasting.
In addition to his work in sports, Enberg was also an accomplished author and playwright. He wrote several books, including his autobiography, "Oh My!: 50 Years of Great Moments in Sports," which provided an inside look at his illustrious career.
Dick Enberg retired from broadcasting in 2016, concluding a remarkable career that spanned over five decades.
🎙️