Next weekend, the Pro Football Hall of Fame welcomes the Class of 2026. This year, five NFL legends will be recognized for their accomplishments on the field as their stories become immortalized forever in Canton, Ohio. Off the field, another distinguished honoree will also be recognized. During the Enshrinees' Gold Jacket Dinner, Sandy Grossman will become the first television director to receive the Pete Rozelle Radio-Television Award from the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Grossman's recognition marks a historic first for the Hall. Over a broadcasting career that spanned more than five decades, he directed coverage of a record 10 Super Bowls, 18 NBA Finals, five Stanley Cup Finals and multiple Olympic Games opening and closing ceremonies.
Grossman retired in 2012 and passed away in 2014 in Boca Raton, Florida, at the age of 78. Earlier this year, his son, Dean Grossman, received the call informing him that his father would finally receive one of football's highest honors.
"I got a text from Rich [Desrosiers] at the Hall asking if I was available to speak in about an hour. So, he called me along with Joe [Hawkins] and Jim [Porter]. I told them I had never been to the Hall of Fame before, and they told me I'm going to get on a plane this year because my father will be winning the Pete Rozelle Award," said Grossman. "It was very emotional. I hung up and started to cry."
Earning a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame is one of the most difficult accomplishments in football, whether as a player or broadcaster. The selection process for the Pete Rozelle Award is equally demanding. Candidates require an extensive case for consideration, and only one recipient earns the reward each year.
#Football #year
Grossman's recognition marks a historic first for the Hall. Over a broadcasting career that spanned more than five decades, he directed coverage of a record 10 Super Bowls, 18 NBA Finals, five Stanley Cup Finals and multiple Olympic Games opening and closing ceremonies.
Grossman retired in 2012 and passed away in 2014 in Boca Raton, Florida, at the age of 78. Earlier this year, his son, Dean Grossman, received the call informing him that his father would finally receive one of football's highest honors.
"I got a text from Rich [Desrosiers] at the Hall asking if I was available to speak in about an hour. So, he called me along with Joe [Hawkins] and Jim [Porter]. I told them I had never been to the Hall of Fame before, and they told me I'm going to get on a plane this year because my father will be winning the Pete Rozelle Award," said Grossman. "It was very emotional. I hung up and started to cry."
Earning a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame is one of the most difficult accomplishments in football, whether as a player or broadcaster. The selection process for the Pete Rozelle Award is equally demanding. Candidates require an extensive case for consideration, and only one recipient earns the reward each year.
#Football #year
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