He grew up in the suburb of Kenmore, New York, and attended St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute in Kenmore. He later pursued higher education at the University of Notre Dame, where he honed his skills and passion for sports. Criqui also served in the U.S. Air Force Reserve, showcasing his dedication to service and discipline.
Don's broadcasting journey commenced in 1967, and he has been a prominent figure in American sports broadcasting ever since. He holds the remarkable distinction of being the longest-tenured NFL broadcaster in U.S. television history, having called NFL football for an impressive 47 seasons from 1967 to 2013. His contributions to the sport and the millions of fans who tuned in to listen to his broadcasts are immeasurable.
Throughout his illustrious career, Criqui lent his voice to a wide range of sports, showcasing his versatility and expertise. His career highlights include:
- His association with the National Football League (NFL) spans decades, where he served as a play-by-play announcer for both NBC and CBS. His final NFL broadcast took place on December 8, 2013, during an ice storm in Dallas, filling in for Bill Macatee and calling the New England Patriots' thrilling victory over the Cleveland Browns.
- From 1995 to 2012, Criqui was the voice of the New England Patriots' pre-season football broadcasts. His engaging commentary brought the excitement of Patriots football to fans.
- College Football and Basketball: Criqui's expertise extended beyond the NFL, as he also provided commentary for college football and basketball. He was a familiar voice during college sports broadcasts, adding depth and insight to the games.
- Called an impressive 14 Orange Bowl games, including four games that decided the college football national championship. His memorable calls extended to other sports events, such as Triple Crown horse racing and various Summer Olympics events.
- Serving as the football radio play-by-play voice for his alma mater, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, from 2006 to 2018, Criqui maintained a special connection with the university and its passionate fan base.
Don's contributions to sports broadcasting were not limited to the booth. He engaged with various projects, including hosting radio talk shows about sports, serving as a part-time TV announcer for the New York Mets in 1991, and working as the play-by-play announcer for New England Patriots pre-season telecasts. His versatility shone through as he took on various roles within the sports media landscape.
In recognition of his exceptional career, he received the prestigious Pete Rozelle Radio-Television Award from the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2003. He also holds a place in the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame, a testament to his enduring impact on the world of sports.
Throughout his career, Criqui was the voice behind numerous unforgettable NFL moments, including Tom Dempsey's historic 63-yard field goal in 1970, the Miracle at the Meadowlands in 1978, and the Epic in Miami in 1982. His passion for sports and his ability to capture the essence of the game endeared him to fans and made him a beloved figure in the world of sports broadcasting.
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