MEAWW.COM / NEWS / SPORTS

Joe Buck surprised with NFL Hall of Fame induction at halftime, fans say 'haters can sit down forever'

Buck will receive the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Pete Rozelle Award for 'longtime exceptional contributions to radio and television in professional football'

It was a pleasant surprise on Thursday for Fox Sports' famous sportscaster, Joe Buck when David Baker, the President of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, announced that Buck would join his father, fellow legendary sportscaster, Jack Buck, in the Hall of Fame. He will receive the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s prestigious Pete Rozelle Award that's given for people for their "longtime exceptional contributions to radio and television in professional football."

The news broke during the Week 2 NFL tussle between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns. Over the years, Buck has been one of the renowned voices to call games. He was commentating for games as early as 25 and his career with Fox dates back to '94. This was followed by calling MLB games. Talking about the award, Baker said he and his dad would be proud. “Joe’s preparation for his games and his delivery in key moments of those games bring an added quality to the network’s production,” Baker said.

“Being named this year’s Rozelle Award winner is well-deserved recognition for over two decades of excellence in his craft. I know his dad would be proud." In response, Buck had surely not seen this coming. “I don’t even know what to say. That’s unbelievable."

Meanwhile, the internet had contrasting opinions after they heard the news. Some didn't take kindly to the news. "He is possibly the worst announcer on every sport he does, he doesn’t have any spirit, his voice is always monotone," read one of the tweets. "So Joe Buck gets inducted into the @ProFootballHOF before Tom Flores? Am I the only one that has a problem with this?" added another.

At the other end, accolades flowed in as well. "You can say what you want about Joe, but it’s an awesome feeling when you hear his voice, cause then you know its a game that means something," read one of the comments on Twitter. "Very well deserved, congratulations! @Buck! I love seeing HOF performers find out they've been chosen. Grew up listening to Jack Buck, and looking forward to see Joe join his Dad in the @baseballhall as well!" a fan congratulated after hearing the news. Another said, "I will never understand the hate for Joe Buck. One of the greats and 110% deserves to be in the Hall of Fame." "This genuinely made me so happy. Joe Buck haters can sit down forever," added a user. 

For some, while it wasn't really perfect, he was still one of the best callers out there. "I’ve always enjoyed Joe Buck’s commentary work in sports. I know there were many epic moments that he should’ve called better but overall, he’s a great commentator. Congratulations to Joe Buck I’m being the next inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame."

In addition, Buck has been the recipient of numerous Sports Emmy Awards for his work with Fox Sports. This also including his roles as lead play-by-play announcer for the network's NFL and MLB coverage. Buck is also a three-time winner of the National Sportscaster of the Year award.