Jim Williams: The voice of NFL Sunday Night Football also tackles the UFL
By: Jim Williams
Examiner Sports Columnist
November 22, 2009
Dave Sims' voice is one of sports radio's most recognizable. His NFL and NCAA coverage has been heard for years as a voice at Westwood One. Sims handles the play-by-play chores for NFL Sunday Night Football. He has legions of fans nationally and worldwide on Armed Forces Radio.
Sims and I talked about his radio work as well as being the signature voice of the United Football League on VERSUS:
Why do so many fans still like their sports via radio?
Sims » It's personal and intimate. Marty Glickman taught me the importance of putting the fans in the game, letting them know what was happening at all times. Also, my print background (seven years with the New York Daily News) served me well because, after all, radio is about being able to tell a story. The all-time best like Vin Scully, Bob Prince, Ray Scott, Ernie Harwell and the rest of the great radio broadcasters were always the best storytellers.
Why are sideline reporters on radio used more often than their TV counterparts?
Sims » We have the advantage of time. There are no replays on radio, we can use our sideline reporters like a second analyst and many times we do. Guys like Doc Walker, Steve Tasker, John Dockery, Warren Moon and the many great guys we have had doing the sidelines can go hard-core football. They break down the game and complement what we are doing in the booth. It is much tougher for the fine people who handle the sidelines on TV to get that kind of time.
What are your impressions of the first season of the UFL?
Sims » The people behind the UFL have really thought this through. They have gone to school on what was done right and wrong with leagues in the past. There's no question that the founders of the UFL have a solid business model that I feel will make them a success as they go into the future. The players are good and I can see how much they love playing and living the dream. Some may go on and play in the NFL, but even if they don't they are playing pro football and that is all that matters.
Sims will call the UFL Championship Game (Florida vs. Las Vegas) Nov. 27 on VERSUS along with his fellow analysts Doug Flutie in the booth and sideline reporters Kordell Stewart and Anita Marks. Kickoff is at 8 p.m.
Jim Williams is a seven-time Emmy Award-winning TV producer, director and writer. Check out his blog, Watch this! on washingtonexaminer.com.
More from Jim W. Williams
- Jim Williams: Super Bowl is a team effort
- CBS and Rivals Radio on Sirius/XM have National Signing Day covered
- Jim Williams: Broadcast networks prosper from NFL's big year in ratings
- Jim Williams: Could CSN-Washington and Leonsis become partners?
- "The Late Show" comes to DC and will be seen on both CSN and NBA TV
