He was the first broadcaster for the Minnesota Timberwolves for nine seasons before going to CBS and TNT to broadcast the NBA, the NFL and college basketball but he's also the play-by-play voice for Westwood One's Monday Night football coverage.
Since replacing Marv Albert in 2009, Kevin Harlan has become the best NFL broadcaster on network radio, giving fans who are in their cars and push the mute button on their TV remotes a vivid word picture of the game.
What makes Harlan outstanding is his ability to use descriptive phrases in his commentary. The radio broadcaster is the eyes of the listener and what he describes is what's happening on the field. He sets the scene by mentioning the type of offense and how many receivers are in the formation as well as the defense and when the play starts he mentions a running back going over right or left tackle or end also states where the runner is such as "between the hash marks." He also punctuates a good play with energy and enthusiasm.
Harlan is way better than Vikings radio voice Paul Allen. Whereas Allen lacks in visual description, relying too much on shtick, Harlan really gives the listener a very detailed word picture. He's a viable option for fans who don't get ESPN or not near a TV when Monday Night Football or the Super Bowl is on.
If you haven't heard Harlan do football, turn on 100.3 FM in the Twin Cities on a Monday night. You'll be impressed by the way a great radio football broadcaster brings listeners close to the action.
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