By Richie Zyontz
FOX NFL Lead Producer
Behind the scenes with FOX’s NFL crew, Hurricanes Helene and Milton have caused significant disruption recently, impacting both professional and personal lives. The storms not only challenged the logistics of the traveling crew but also brought unexpected chaos to specific individuals.
Jamie McCombs, a dedicated Floridian and boating enthusiast, faced a daunting situation with two feet of water still lingering in his home from Helene when Milton made its presence felt. He, along with his wife and two daughters, evacuated their bayside residence to seek refuge with family in Tallahassee. Upon returning two days later, he encountered gas station lines stretching 100 cars deep, yet he was fortunate to find no additional damage to his property. However, his home underwent an extensive drying process, leaving it stripped bare.
The home of FOX Sports’ Jamie McCombs had to be stripped to the bone as part of a drying out process in the wake of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. (Photo courtesy of Richie Zyontz)
For Mike Davis and his wife Kristina, Hurricane Milton’s impact was more severe than that of Helene. Their home sustained wind damage and suffered a total power outage, which remains unresolved. Sleep was scarce for Mike as he anxiously waited out the storm with extended family in Clearwater, while Kristina bravely stayed behind, serving as a social worker on call at a local hospital, providing essential support to those in need.
A boat washed up in the backyard of FOX Sports’ Jamie McCombs after a pair of hurricanes hit his neighborhood in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo courtesy of Richie Zyontz)
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Sounds of the Game
The game between the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys served as a welcome distraction for Jamie and Mike, offering a sense of relief from the storms.
Since its launch in 1994, FOX has prioritized audio in its sports coverage. From NASCAR to college football, the soundscapes of these events play a vital role in the viewer experience.
Jamie expertly manages 150 faders, balancing sound from an array of sources in a booth that resembles a tech enthusiast’s dream, filled with wires and knobs. Mike’s position on the sidelines involves overseeing all wireless microphones, making his workspace a haven for football fans.
Audio engineer Mike Davis (left) and lead audio mixer Jamie McCombs, both residents of St. Petersburg, Florida, form the backbone of the FOX Sports NFL audio team. (Photo courtesy of Richie Zyontz)
The audio team comprises two other essential members who fortunately avoided the hurricane’s wrath last week.
Eddie Verstraete acts as the crucial link between Mike and Jamie, blending the sounds from the field into Jamie’s overall mix. Each time a quarterback shouts commands or a player makes a significant tackle, Eddie’s expertise is at play. When Dak Prescott calls out “here we go” at the line of scrimmage, Eddie’s microphones capture it flawlessly.
The fourth member, Ben Altopp, is a seasoned veteran who has managed the audio operations in the broadcast booth for two decades. He combines technical skill with a knack for ensuring the announcers’ comfort, providing an array of snacks that would impress any caterer.
Evolution of a Rookie Broadcaster
Six weeks into Tom Brady’s broadcasting career, it is evident that he is eager for feedback. While many announcers express a desire for coaching, few genuinely welcome it. Brady, however, actively seeks honest input, leading to noticeable improvements in his performance.
Broadcasting can be perplexing for newcomers, especially without a scoreboard to reference. A broad spectrum of opinions can emerge, with any comment or analysis potentially sparking heated debates.
During the recent matchup between the rising Lions and struggling Cowboys, this phenomenon was evident.
Aidan Hutchinson, Detroit’s star defensive end, suffered a severe leg injury that was so graphic it was deemed unsuitable for broadcast. As players from both teams gathered in concern, the atmosphere in the stadium shifted dramatically.
Brady and his partner Kevin Burkhardt handled the situation with the appropriate gravitas. Once play resumed, the energy returned to the field.
Brady expressed admiration for the dynamic Detroit offense and its innovative coordinator Ben Johnson, stating it was a system he would have loved to play in — a significant compliment from a football legend.
Looking ahead, attention turns to the upcoming Super Bowl rematch between the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers. This matchup will mark Brady’s first opportunity to analyze Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes from the broadcast booth, promising an insightful experience for viewers.
