Kevin Burkhardt stands tall as one of the most recognizable voices in American sports broadcasting today. With his smooth delivery, sharp insights, and genuine passion, he brings NFL and MLB games to life for millions of fans. As of April 3, 2025, Burkhardt continues to shine as the lead play-by-play announcer for the NFL on Fox and the lead studio host for Fox Major League Baseball. His journey from a small-town dreamer to a national sports icon inspires anyone chasing a big goal. Let’s dive into who Kevin Burkhardt is, what makes him special, and why he’s a name you’ll hear for years to come.
From New Jersey Roots to National Spotlight
Kevin Burkhardt entered the world on March 2, 1974, in Bloomfield, New Jersey, a place that shaped his love for sports and storytelling. Growing up, he cheered for the Philadelphia Eagles, a choice sparked by a stuffed NFL Huddle mascot he snagged from a Sears catalog. Even as a kid, he showed a knack for broadcasting, calling play-by-play for Nintendo games in middle school. That early spark set the stage for a career that would take him far beyond his hometown.
After graduating from Bloomfield High School in 1992, Burkhardt chased his broadcasting dreams at William Paterson University. He earned his degree in 1997, ready to turn his passion into a paycheck. However, the road ahead tested his grit. He kicked off his career at WGHT, a small radio station in Northern New Jersey, where he spent eight years covering high school football and sharpening his skills. Those early days taught him resilience, a trait that would carry him through the ups and downs of the industry.
The Car Salesman Who Never Gave Up
Life doesn’t always hand you a straight path, and Burkhardt learned that the hard way. After years of grinding in local radio, he hit a wall. Unable to land a bigger gig, he took a job as a car salesman at Pine Belt Chevrolet in Eatontown, New Jersey. Selling cars paid the bills, but it didn’t feed his soul. Still, he refused to let his dream die. In 2003, he gave broadcasting one last shot, landing a part-time gig at WCBS-AM in New York City doing sports updates.
That break changed everything. Burkhardt’s hustle caught the eye of WFAN, the country’s biggest sports radio station. He started as a freelancer, then climbed the ranks to become their full-time New York Jets reporter. His time at WFAN polished his skills and built his reputation. Meanwhile, he called minor league baseball games for the New Jersey Jackals, proving he could handle any sport thrown his way. This mix of determination and versatility laid the groundwork for his big leap.
Breaking Into the Big Leagues with SNY
In 2007, Burkhardt’s career took a massive jump when he joined SportsNet New York (SNY). He became the field reporter for New York Mets telecasts, a role he owned from 2007 to 2014. Fans loved his energy as he roamed the sidelines and dug into clubhouse stories. Occasionally, he stepped into the booth to call spring training and regular-season games alongside Gary Cohen, a broadcaster he’d idolized as a kid. Working with Cohen felt like a full-circle moment for Burkhardt.
His SNY gig didn’t stop at reporting. He hosted pre- and postgame shows, anchored the offseason program Mets Hot Stove, and popped up on shows like Jets Extra Point and Daily News Live. Burkhardt’s ability to juggle roles showcased his range. By 2013, he’d caught the attention of Fox Sports, a network ready to bet on his talent. Leaving SNY marked the end of one chapter and the start of something much bigger.
Rising Through the Ranks at Fox Sports
Fox Sports welcomed Burkhardt in 2013 as an NFL play-by-play announcer, pairing him with John Lynch and Erin Andrews on the network’s No. 4 team. Right out of the gate, he proved his worth, calling the 2014 divisional playoff game between the New Orleans Saints and Seattle Seahawks. His clear, engaging style stood out, and Fox took notice. He also dipped his toes into MLB coverage, doing fill-in work in 2012 and 2013, before landing the pre-game host role for Fox and FS1 baseball broadcasts in 2014.
The turning point came in 2022 when Joe Buck and Troy Aikman left Fox for ESPN. Fox tapped Burkhardt to lead their top NFL broadcast team, a huge promotion that thrust him into the national spotlight. He teamed up with Greg Olsen, and the duo clicked instantly. Critics raved about their chemistry during the 2022 season, especially when they called Super Bowl LVII. Burkhardt’s knack for balancing excitement with key details—like noting Kenneth Gainwell’s first-and-goal yardage after an overturned touchdown—earned him widespread praise.
Teaming Up with Tom Brady in 2024
Fast forward to 2024, and Burkhardt’s role evolved again. Fox brought in Tom Brady, the NFL legend with seven Super Bowl rings, as their lead analyst. Burkhardt now shares the booth with Brady, alongside reporters Erin Andrews and Tom Rinaldi, and rules analyst Mike Pereira. The pairing brings a fresh dynamic to Fox’s top games each week. Brady’s star power draws crowds—Burkhardt once joked it takes an extra three hours to navigate the field with him—but their partnership thrives on mutual respect.
Burkhardt values Brady’s willingness to learn. During a practice game, he asked Brady if he could offer feedback, and Brady welcomed it with open arms. That openness fuels their chemistry. Together, they called high-profile matchups in 2024, including NFC showdowns like the Green Bay Packers versus the Detroit Lions. As of April 2025, with the NFL season in full swing, Burkhardt and Brady continue to captivate audiences, blending experience with fresh energy.
Beyond Football: Mastering Baseball and More
Burkhardt’s talents stretch beyond the gridiron. Since 2014, he’s anchored Fox’s MLB studio coverage, hosting regular-season games, the All-Star Game, and the postseason. His baseball roots run deep—think back to those New Jersey Jackals days—and he brings that passion to every broadcast. He also calls select Tampa Bay Rays games for Fox Sports Sun, keeping his play-by-play skills sharp across sports.
Not content with just football and baseball, Burkhardt dives into college basketball too. He hosts and calls games for Fox Sports’ college hoops coverage, proving he’s a triple-threat broadcaster. Plus, he’s popped up on the History Channel, hosting Alone reunion episodes, a fun side gig that shows his range. Whether it’s a touchdown, a home run, or a buzzer-beater, Burkhardt delivers every moment with flair.
The Family Man Behind the Mic
Away from the spotlight, Burkhardt cherishes his family. He married Rachel Blanken, his college sweetheart from William Paterson University, on June 10, 2000. They’ve built a strong partnership over nearly 25 years, raising two kids—son Logan and daughter Brook—in a home filled with love and support. The family moved from New Jersey to Los Angeles to align with Burkhardt’s Fox gig, but they keep their private life low-key.
Rachel stands as Burkhardt’s rock. He credits her as his biggest cheerleader, especially when he landed the Fox job. In 2019, they launched the Kevin and Rachel Burkhardt Scholarship at their alma mater, helping communications students chase their own broadcasting dreams. When he’s not working, Burkhardt enjoys golfing and family trips—like their 2017 London adventure—balancing a hectic career with the people who matter most.
What Makes Burkhardt Stand Out?
So, what sets Kevin Burkhardt apart in a crowded field of sportscasters? For starters, he blends excitement with smarts. He knows when to amp up the energy—like during a game-changing play—and when to break down the nitty-gritty for viewers. His journey from car salesman to Super Bowl caller adds a relatable, everyman vibe that fans connect with. Plus, his versatility across sports keeps him in demand.
Critics and peers agree he’s a natural. His first season as Fox’s lead NFL voice in 2022 won him accolades for keeping games lively yet informative. Teaming with Olsen, and now Brady, shows he adapts to any partner, a rare skill in the booth. Off-air, his down-to-earth personality shines—whether he’s joking about his gluten allergy or crushing opponents in Tecmo Bowl. Burkhardt’s authenticity keeps him grounded, even as his star rises.
Burkhardt’s Net Worth and Future
By April 2025, Burkhardt’s hard work has paid off handsomely. Reports peg his annual salary at around $4 million as Fox’s lead NFL voice, though exact figures stay under wraps. His net worth reflects years of climbing the ladder, likely landing in the multimillion-dollar range. Compared to peers like Joe Buck ($12-15 million yearly) or Al Michaels ($11 million), he’s still building toward that elite tier—but his trajectory points up.
What’s next for Burkhardt? With Fox locked into NFL and MLB coverage, he’ll keep calling marquee games. Super Bowl LIX on February 9, 2025, aired on Fox, and Burkhardt likely took the mic again, cementing his status. As Brady settles into broadcasting, their partnership could redefine Fox’s football identity. Long-term, Burkhardt’s mix of talent and likability positions him for even bigger roles—maybe even a shot at the top paycheck in the game.
FAQs About Kevin Burkhardt
What inspired Kevin Burkhardt to become a sportscaster?
Kevin Burkhardt’s love for sports and storytelling sparked in childhood, when he called Nintendo games in middle school. Growing up in Bloomfield, New Jersey, he idolized broadcasters like Gary Cohen, dreaming of a career in the booth. His passion drove him through early struggles, from local radio to car sales, until he broke into the big leagues with grit and determination.
How did Kevin Burkhardt transition from car salesman to Fox Sports star?
Burkhardt hit a rough patch after years in local radio, taking a job at Pine Belt Chevrolet to pay the bills. In 2003, he landed a part-time gig at WCBS-AM, which led to WFAN and SNY. His talent shone at SNY, catching Fox’s eye in 2013. Hard work and versatility propelled him to Fox’s top NFL team by 2022.
What’s it like for Kevin Burkhardt to work with Tom Brady?
Brewers Burkhardt calls it a “circus” on game days, with Brady’s fame drawing players and fans alike. He loves Brady’s eagerness to improve, sharing how he coaches the NFL legend during practice runs. Their chemistry grows stronger each week, blending Burkhardt’s polish with Brady’s football genius for must-watch broadcasts.
How does Kevin Burkhardt balance his career and family life?
Josh Burkhardt leans on his wife, Rachel, his college sweetheart and biggest supporter, to keep him grounded. They raise Logan and Brook in Los Angeles, squeezing in family trips—like their 2017 London adventure—between his NFL, MLB, and college basketball gigs. He prioritizes family, even with a packed schedule.
To read more, Click Here
Leave a Reply