Dan Patrick, who successfully campaigned for Brent Musburger’s induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, is now advocating for Mel Kiper Jr. as well. Musburger is set to receive the 2025 Pete Rozelle Radio-Television Award, a success attributed largely to Patrick’s efforts. Patrick is now focused on Kiper joining Musburger in Canton.
Patrick is not alone; Kiper’s ESPN colleague Matt Miller, who recently signed a new deal, also supports the initiative. He called for Kiper to be inducted into the Hall of Fame after the 2024 NFL Draft. Kiper, though flattered, has not yet embraced Patrick’s campaign.
“I just believe there are so many people that you’re fortunate to be around, great individuals,” Kiper deflected. “I was, Dan. I was around you all those years.” Patrick passionately responded, “You changed an industry. Your impact on the NFL is comparable to that of John Facenda. You’re the draft guy who created a whole cottage industry. These are contributions to the game. I know you’re modest; I don’t care. I’m moving forward with this. You deserve to be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.”
In reply, Kiper humbly noted, “So many people with ESPN contributed to what has happened. ESPN televised the draft when the NFL didn’t want it. The great producers I worked with—like Bill Fitz who offered me my position in ’84 and John Wildhack—really made an impact. It was ESPN that brought the draft to the forefront even before I arrived.” Patrick humorously interrupted, insisting they were already drafting Kiper’s Hall of Fame speech.
Kiper continued, “Seth Markman has always believed in me; he has been a great friend. The ESPN team and the people behind the scenes responsible for producing highlight packages have contributed to the draft’s success. Keep in mind, ESPN was already covering the draft before I became part of it.” Although this is true, Kiper undeniably changed how we consume the draft.
“I appreciate that, but for John Facenda, the voice you mentioned creates an undeniable presence in the NFL,” Kiper acknowledged. While Kiper may not possess Facenda’s deep baritone, his influence on the draft coverage is significant. Critics including the late George Young, former GM of the New York Giants, playfully suggested Kiper needed a voice coach. Kiper simply stated, “Whatever I am, I am.” For Patrick, there’s no doubt—Kiper is a Hall of Famer.
“I would say, Dan, give that up,” Kiper concluded to Patrick. “There are plenty of people in the league who dislike me. I don’t think anything NFL-related will ever align with that.” Time will reveal the outcome.
