Look, it’s the end of Week 13 in the 2022 NFL season. While there’s still a lot to sort through in the coming weeks when it comes to seeding and playoff spots, we’ve definitely started to hit the doldrums portion of the regular season. But don’t ask Joe Buck if he’s bored. The man might be having the time of his life as he starts to wrap up his first season calling Monday Night Football.
Before the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans squared off on Monday night, ESPN’s play-by-play commentator seemed a lot more excited about the festivities than usual. Buck showed it during pre-game set-up, most notably while Tom Brady got set through his usual warm-up routine:
— highlight heaven (@lowdarkhell) December 6, 2022
In Tom Brady’s two-plus decades as an NFL quarterback, I can’t say I’ve ever heard an announcer try to narrate his usual “let’s [expletive] go” deal before he plays a game. It’s just … not a fourth wall you expect anyone to break, to be honest.
But Buck surprised me, in a good way, while he ran through Brady’s process and various other notable players in this game. A joyful Buck as we hit the end of the season is a welcome closer to 2022.