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Dierdorf, Dan

CARD: Pro Set 1989 Announcers
ACQUIRED: TTM 2023, C/o Home
SENT: 1/3 RECEIVED: 1/23 (20 days)

CAREER SNAPSHOT:

  • Dan Dierdorf played OL/ DL at Michigan in 1967.
  • A skilled athlete, he was an excellent wrestler and accomplished shot putter.
  • By 1968 he was working fulltime at RT, and spot duty at LT.
  • He was a highly regarded and decorated senior in 1970, receiving numerous Big10 and post season awards.
  • Selected by the St. Louis Cardinals with the 43rd pick of the 1971 NFL Draft.
  • Saw action at all positions but center, and finally took over the RT duties for the remainder of his career there in ’73.
  • Considered one of the finest and dirtiest OL of the 1970s.
  • Sustained a grizzly knee injury in 1979 and missed nearly the entire season.
  • Returned to form in 1980, but retired due to wear and tear after the 1983 campaign.
  • Saw action in 160 contests, starting 150.
  • Started working in TV almost immediately as a color man and sports commentator.
  • Best known for his MNF stint with Al Michaels and Frank Gifford from 1987- early 99.
  • Retired after a 7 year stint in 2021 as the color man for the Michigan Wolverines.

ACCOLADES:

  • NFL 1970’s All Decade Team
  • Pro Football Hall of Fame 1996
  • College Football Hall of Fame
  • Arizona Cardinals Ring of Honor
  • Pro Bowl 1974-’78, ’80
  • All Pro 1975-’78, ’80
  • Pete Rozelle Radio- Television Award 2008

NOTES:

Outspoken, beloved, and always ready with a great soundbite, Dierdorf made a natural transition to broadcasting. I remember him fondly for his time working as a commentator/ color man on MNF with Frank and Al. I felt that when he left MNF it was just… missing something. It’s just never been the same. And to me, he’s never been the same. Having him back on CBS after that from ’99 to ’13 just seemed… weird- although I enjoyed it almost as much.

I had wanted to get his autograph on a card for sometime, but the announcer card was the best thing that I had. His Topps cards were all those woeful sideline ‘water cup in hand’ type shots. Although the card got bent in transition back to me, it doesn’t matter, I’m just happy to have this childhood memory secured.