Dan Dierdorf: Broadcast Hall of Famer

Now do you feel sheepish for all those years complaining about Dan Dierdorf being a part of "Monday Night Football"?
Don't be.
Even with the news today that he's the 2008 recipient of the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Pete Rozelle Radio-Television Award, which recognizes "long-time exceptional contributions to radio and television in professional football." He'll be given the award at the Aug. 1 Pro Football Hall of Fame induction ceremonies.
Here are some things you may not know about this broadcast legend who one former local radio wiseguy used to refer to as the "Dorkster":

==Immediately after retiring as a Pro Bowl offensive lineman for the St. Louis Cardinals (the football team, not baseball) for 13 seasons, he started behind the mike in 1984 as the St. Louis Cardinals (football, not baseball) analyst on KMOX radio.

==He also did color commentary for the St. Louis Blues (yes, the NHL team).

==He was the sports director for KMOX TV in St. Louis.

==He did play by play on CBS Sports Radio NFL games in 1985. The next year, he switched to an analyst.

==He started on ABC's "MNF" in 1987, added to the Al Michaels-Frank Gifford team. He lasted 12 seasons, spending one of them with a Michaels-Boomer Esiason booth, but then left after 1998.

==He did Super Bowl XXII in 1988, XXV in '91 and XXIX in '95, each with Michaels and Gifford.

==He did boxing for ABC starting in 1989.

==He went to CBS to do NFL games in 1999 with Verne Lundquist. In 2000, he was paired with Dick Enberg. Since 2006, he's been with Greg Gumbel.

==He is referenced by George Carlin in his 1996 "Back in Town" album. Carlin is talking about capital punishment and wonders how a crucifixion would fly as a halftime show during a "MNF" game: "Wouldn't you like to hear Dan Dierdorf explain why the nails have to go in at a certain angle?"