History was made on Monday night as Beth Mowins became the first woman in 30 years to call a nationally-televised NFL game, and the first female to ever do full play-by-play on a nationally (and worldwide!) televised game.
There's an established MO to these things on American television. The men are in the commentary booth. The women do the brief interviews from the sideline, and give updates on injured players. They are announced as part of the broadcast team, but they see about 1% of the action.
Last night, ESPN turned that on its head for the second of their two live games on the first "Monday Night Football" of the new NFL season.
With the Denver Broncos hosting the LA Chargers, the established College Football commentator took charge of the game which the Broncos won by 3 points.
Joined by Rex Ryan on co-commentary, the reaction to this breakthrough has been understandably positive.
History is made.
Listen as @BethMowins becomes the first female to call a nationally-televised NFL game. #LACvsDEN https://t.co/EZT07K94ji— NFL (@NFL) September 12, 2017
Rex Ryan is learning on fly. Sergio Dipp is out his league. That this telecast is watchable tells you how amazing Beth Mowins is at her job.
— Mike Barber (@RTD_MikeBarber) September 12, 2017
So excited to see @bethmowins shatter a ceiling tonight. Even MORE excited knowing women now have something to shoot for. See it. BE it #MNF
— Laura Okmin (@LauraOkmin) September 11, 2017
I love tv. I love making tv. I could never do what @bethmowins is doing tonight. pic.twitter.com/IgRNDbrcLB
— Michelle Beadle (@MichelleDBeadle) September 12, 2017
Somewhat less heralded in advance was the presence of the wonderfully named Sergio Dipp on the sideline. Though, when he was initially called upon to give a report on the Bronco's coach Vance Joseph, the results sparked a new love affair in American broadcasting. A star was born.
Looking just a little bit awkward in his delivery, Dipp's contributions did not go unnoticed.
The man's name is Sergio Dipp. And he's the only sideline reporter I ever want to hear from in any sport ever again.
— Ross Bolen (@WRBolen) September 12, 2017
I was about to go to sleep and now I have no choice but to watch this entire broadcast just for the chance we hear Sergio Dipp again
— KFC (@KFCBarstool) September 12, 2017
Thankfully, the 29 year old, who is originally from Mexico, took this new found attention in good spirits.
— Sergio Dipp (@SergioADippW) September 12, 2017
He may not be the next Howard Cosell, but, a star has undoubtedly been born.
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