On the Air
by Laura Nachman
Bucks County Courier Times
March 27, 2007

 

Former Eagles quarterback Ron Jaworski enjoyed a 17-year career in the NFL, getting to the top of his field by leading the Eagles to the “Super Bowl” in 1981.  Now after 17-years at ESPN, “Jaws” finds himself at the top of the broadcasting field, as the new analyst for “Monday Night Football.”

 

“It is an honor and a privilege to be part of the “Monday Night” team, and I stress the word team,” Jaworski said in a conference call Monday afternoon.

 

Jaworski, who is replacing Joe Theismann, has worked with every member of the ESPN “Monday Night Football” team – Mike Tirico, Suzy Kolber, Michele Tafoya, and Tony Kornheiser over the years.

 

“I know the passion they all have for the game,” said Jaworski, who will be giving up his Sunday and Monday ESPN “Countdown” jobs, as well as his announcing role for the AFL games on ESPN to solely concentrate on his new position at “MNF.”

 

Jaworski has plenty of passion of his own for football.  “I live to talk strategies and X’s and O’s with coaches.  We aren’t talking brain surgery.  It’s football.  It’s fun.”

 

ESPN Executive Vice President Norby Williamson said that Jaworski was selected because of his ability to break down films and to discuss issues, trends, and more.

 

“We’ve known what Ron can bring.  Even though Joe Theismann did a phenomenal job for us, we felt that Ron could enhance our presentation,” said Williamson.

 

For Jaworski, who has announced Philadelphia and Tampa Bay preseason games for years, moving to the booth shouldn’t be a tough transition.

 

The South Jersey resident said his proximity to NFL Films where he has an office to study game tape has been a big help.  He also feels that the exposure he received doing the season opener on ESPN with Brad Nessler and Dick Vermeil was beneficial.

 

“Anybody who loves the game aspires to be part of “Monday Night Football,” said the former Buffalo Bills season ticket holder, Section 23, Row 13, Seat 3. 

 

Williamson offered Jaworski the position during halftime of the Philadelphia Soul-Colorodo Crush game in Philadelphia Thursday night.