Merrill Reese on receiving 2024 Pro Football HOF award: 'I cried'

The Pro Football Hall Of Fame has announced longtime legendary voice of the Philadelphia Eagles Merrill Reese will receive its 2024 Pete Rozelle Radio-Television Award.

"Hugh, I am going to be honest with you, I cried," Reese told Hugh Douglas and Joe Giglio on Thursday's 94WIP Midday Show. "I had no idea, I got a call from Canton, Ohio and I thought, 'Huh, why am I getting a call from Canton, Ohio?'

"I am overwhelmed, honestly," he said. "It was something I never imagined and here it happened. I am very, very grateful to everybody at the NFL and everyone at WIP and to the greatest fans in the NFL."

Some of the other Pete Rozelle Radio-Television Award winners include: Fred Guadelli, Howard Katz, John Facenda, Joe Buck, Dick Ebersol, Andrea Kremer, David Hill, James Brown, Tom Jackson, Bob Trumpy, Al Michaels, Len Dawson, Jim Nantz, Chris Berman and more.

“Each year, the Hall of Fame recognizes an individual who has dedicated their career to improving radio and television in professional football, and this year’s recipient, Merrill Reese, represents exactly what we look for when we talk about who’s made a big impact in broadcasting,” said Jim Porter, president of the Pro Football Hall of Fame via ProFootballHOF.com . “For nearly a half century, fans tuning into Eagles games, including opposing fans, have had the privilege of hearing Merrill’s legendary voice.”

Reese will be honored during the 2024 Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Week on Saturday, August 3rd in Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium.

Reese, 81, has been the Eagles' play-by-play announcer since 1977, making him the longest-serving current NFL play-by-play announcer.

Over the years, Merrill Reese has had countless memorable calls and unforgettable moments, like the Eagles' Super Bowl victory in 2018 . However, his most iconic call may be DeSean Jackson's walk-off punt return touchdown in 2010 .