Summerall: ‘I’m Not Retiring From Broadcasting’

Pat Summerall quit drinking in 1992, had knee replacement surgery earlier this year, does 1,000 sit-ups a day and says he feels great.

But he still believes that it’s time to step down as Fox’s main NFL play-by-play announcer after he calls the 2002 Super Bowl in New Orleans with longtime partner John Madden.

The move, reported Monday by The Times, was announced Monday afternoon by Fox at a news conference in Century City.

Even though a news release was headlined “Pat Summerall Bids Farewell to NFL Broadcast Booth,” Summerall, 69, wanted to clarify one thing.

“I’m not retiring from broadcasting,” he said. “My health is good and I want to keep working. I’d love to do some other sports, particularly golf.”

Summerall said even doing some football isn’t out of the question.

“He can do whatever he wants,” said David Hill, chairman of Fox Sports.

Summerall said after discussing his future with his wife, Cheri, he chose a short-term contract with Fox rather than a long-term one.

“We thought 50 is a nice round number,” said Cheri, who was at Monday’s news conference. The 2002 Super Bowl will mark Summerall’s 50th year of involvement with the NFL as a player and broadcaster.

Summerall broke in as a kicker with the Chicago Cardinals in 1952, began dabbling in broadcasting while still playing and became a full-time broadcaster after retiring in 1962.

He has been paired with Madden since 1981. That season he worked four games with Hank Stram on a trial basis for CBS and four games with Madden before it was decided he would be permanently matched with Madden.

“I knew right away John and I had a certain chemistry,” Summerall said.