Brian Baldinger

Brian David Baldinger (born January 7, 1959) is a former professional American football player and former color commentator for National Football League telecasts on the Fox network. He also covers Philadelphia Eagles preseason games as an analyst with Scott Graham. Baldinger is currently in his sixth year with NFL Network, where he serves as an analyst with Sterling Sharpe and Brian Billick on Thursday and Friday editions of Playbook, as well as NFL Network’s signature show NFL Total Access. He is also a regular contributor to NFL.com.

Early years

Baldinger was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Always big, strong and athletic for his age, Baldinger spent much of his youth playing a variety of sports in and around Cherry Hill, New Jersey. His family later moved to Apple Valley, Minnesota, then Massapequa, New York where he and his brothers became well-known locally as they continued to excel in sports. He played high school football at Massapequa High School, and lifeguarded at Tobay Beach during summers.

After high school he joined the Naval academy, but decided to transfer to Nassau Community College where he played as a tight end and also practiced basketball.^[1] In 1979, he transferred to Duke University where he was a two-year starter at guard.^[2]

Professional career

Dallas Cowboys

Baldinger was not selected in the 1982 NFL Draft and was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Dallas Cowboys. The next year he saw playing time as a backup at center and guard.^[3]

In 1984, he started 4 games at right guard in place of an injured Kurt Petersen.^[4] The next season he injured his right knee in a preseason game against the Chicago Bears and was placed on the injured reserve list.^[5] In 1987, he was placed on the injured reserve list with a left knee injury and was later activated on October 24.^[6]

Indianapolis Colts

On July 19, 1988, he was signed as a free agent by the Indianapolis Colts. In 1991, he started 13 games at center in place of an injured Ray Donaldson.^[7]

Buffalo Bills

On April 2, 1992, he was signed in Plan B free agency by the Buffalo Bills.^[8] He was released on August 31.^[9]

Philadelphia Eagles

On September 28, 1992, he was signed as a free agent by the Philadelphia Eagles to replace an injured John Hudson.^[10] The next year he started 4 games at right guard in place of an injured Eric Floyd.^[11]

Broadcasting career

Baldinger began his broadcasting career at Fox in 1997, providing analysis for NFL Europe games. The network was impressed with his soothing voice and handy repertoire of clichés, and promoted him to a color commentary slot for NFL games. Baldinger worked alongside play-by-play voices Ray Bentley, Curt Menefee, Joe Buck, Pat Summerall, Kenny Albert, and Dick Stockton.

In May 2009, it was reported that Baldinger would be replaced by former NFL safety John Lynch on Fox's telecasts. Shortly thereafter, Baldinger was hired by Compass Media Networks to serve as lead analyst for their national radio broadcasts of select Sunday afternoon NFL games.^[12]

Baldinger also co-hosts a talk show for Sporting News Radio during football season, and teaches seminars for Nadia Communications. He is the author of the book The Map to Clear Messages.

Baldinger has previously co-hosted various radio shows, and now is a frequent contributor for a sports-talk radio show for Philadelphia's "97.5 The Fanatic" sports station, an ESPN Affiliate.

Personal life

A resident of Marlton, New Jersey,^[13] Baldinger has two younger brothers, Rich Baldinger, and Gary Baldinger, who also played in the NFL. He has a heavily mutilated right pinky finger that was injured when it became entangled in the facemask of Randy White.

References