I’ll admit when I heard the name “Rob Riggle” when ESPN announced him as host of this year’s ESPY’s, I said to myself, “Who?” I never watch the ESPY’s so this was not a big deal to me.
Then, Fox sent a press release today announcing that this same guy will replace Frank Caliendo as the comic prognosticator. I don’t watch The Daily Show nor do I see Saturday Night regularly to know who he is, and his role was so short on “The Hangover” that it didn’t leave an impression. That’s not to say that he isn’t funny or talented, I’m just not familiar with him. But some of you are and some have reacted on Twitter that this a good move. I’ll have take your word for it.
In a nutshell, Riggle takes over the role that was created by Jimmy Kimmel, then continued by Caliendo for 9 seasons. We’ll see how Rob does.
Here’s the press release.
THE RIGGLE ERA BEGINS ON FOX NFL SUNDAY
Actor/Comedian Rob Riggle Joins America’s Favorite Pregame Show For Weekly Segment Debuting Sunday, Sept. 9
New York – FOX Sports has invited Rob Riggle, one of America’s most popular comedians, to join Terry Bradshaw, Curt Menefee, Howie Long, Jimmy Johnson, Michael Strahan, and Jay Glazer on FOX NFL SUNDAY, Americas No. 1 NFL pregame show. The announcement was made today live on-air during the network’s coverage of the San Francisco 49ers vs. Denver Broncos preseason game.
An actor, comedian, and writer, Riggle assumes the role of the show’s comedic prognosticator in a weekly segment where, in addition to lampooning the game, its stars and his co-stars, he challenges Bradshaw, Long, Johnson and Strahan as they vie for the coveted “Lead Dog” trophy for the most correct selections at season’s end.
“We’ve been No. 1 since Day 1 because we’ve never strayed from our formula to inform and entertain in the right mix, and our audience is going to really like Rob’s comedy and what he brings to the show,” said producer Bill Richards.
Riggle is best known for his starring role in the hit movie 21 Jump Street, as well as hilarious roles in blockbuster films such as The Hangover and Step Brothers. He’s also a former Saturday Night Live cast member and Daily Show correspondent, and recently hosted the 2012 ESPY Awards. None of those roles are more important than Riggle’s distinguished military background and career. Currently a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Marine Corps Reserves, he has served our nation in uniform for over 22 years, including nine years as an active duty service member. He has received numerous military honors throughout his career.
“I’m very excited to join the FOX NFL SUNDAY team! Wait, what does NFL stand for again?” quipped Riggle.
Riggle follows a short but distinguished line of comedians who have raised their profile on FOX NFL SUNDAY. He succeeds comedic impersonator Frank Caliendo, now one of the hottest comics in the country, whose nine-year run ended last season. Caliendo’s spot-on impersonations of John Madden, Jack Nicholson, Terry Bradshaw, George W. Bush, among many others, combined with the playful shots he took at NFL owners, coaches and players, delighted fans for nearly a decade.
Preceding Caliendo was the wise-cracking Jimmy Kimmel, FOX NFL SUNDAY’s first comedian, who left to launch his career as a late night talk show host. Kimmel appeared on the show from 1999 to 2002, and for four years skewered Bradshaw and company along with the game’s newsmakers and playmakers with his nothing-held-back style.
Riggle was raised in Overland Park, Kansas where he quickly became a Kansas City Chiefs fan. He graduated with a B.A. in Theater & Film from the University of Kansas and received a Masters in Public Administration while serving in the United States Marine Corps.
That’s all.
