Eric Collins – FOX Sports Broadcaster Signs New Contract for Upcoming MLB Season

Eric Collins has become one of the most recognizable voices in basketball broadcasting. Currently, Collins works as the play-by-play announcer for the Charlotte Hornets. Collins brings his signature enthusiastic style to every game he calls. His energetic calls have gained popularity beyond regular Hornets fans, with compilation videos of his most passionate moments circulating widely online.

Throughout his broadcast career, Collins has established himself as a versatile sports announcer. He has contributed to college football coverage for networks including FOX Sports. His distinctive catchphrases like “HUM DIDDLY-DEE” and “GOOD GOLLY MISS MOLLY” have helped him develop a dedicated following. Fans have even created social media accounts celebrating his animated commentary style.

Collins, born on June 16, 1969, has demonstrated remarkable staying power in the competitive world of sports broadcasting. His current role with the Hornets on FanDuel Sports Network represents the culmination of years spent perfecting his craft across various sporting events and networks, solidifying his reputation as one of basketball’s most entertaining play-by-play voices.

Early Life and Education

Eric Collins’ journey to becoming a play-by-play announcer for the Charlotte Hornets began with strong midwestern roots and solid academic preparation in broadcasting. His educational background and early experiences shaped his distinctive announcing style.

Hometown Roots

Eric Collins was born in Cleveland, Ohio on June 16, 1969. His connection to sports started early through his mother’s influence. She played a crucial role in introducing him to the world of sports, particularly Cleveland teams.

As Collins once explained in an interview with the Charlotte Observer, “My mother brought me into the world of sports.” His mother was exceptionally knowledgeable about Cleveland sports, especially the Cleveland Indians.

Growing up in Ohio laid the foundation for his passion for sports broadcasting. The regional teams and their announcers likely influenced his energetic announcing style that would later become his trademark.

College Years at Syracuse University

Collins built his academic foundation with undergraduate studies at St. Lawrence University, where he first explored his interest in broadcasting. Following his bachelor’s degree, he pursued specialized training in sports media.

He earned his master’s degree from the prestigious S.I. Newhouse School at Syracuse University, a program renowned for producing top broadcasting talent. Syracuse University’s strong communications program provided Collins with formal training in play-by-play announcing.

The Syracuse program’s rigorous curriculum likely included practical experience calling games, technical broadcasting skills, and media theory. This combination of academic knowledge and hands-on practice prepared Collins for his future career.

Early Broadcasting Experience

Before joining the Charlotte Hornets, Collins built a solid foundation in sports broadcasting in Chicago. His early career showed promise as he developed his distinctive high-energy announcing style.

“I was doing OK in Chicago, I had a good career in Chicago and was totally fine and had a lot of opportunities,” Collins noted about his early professional years. This period shaped his broadcasting approach and prepared him for national opportunities.

Though he was established in Chicago, Collins eventually took a chance on Charlotte, where his animated calling style would gain wider recognition. His early experience announcing various sports gave him versatility that would later serve him well covering NBA action for the Hornets.

Broadcasting Career Beginnings

Eric Collins built his broadcasting career through hard work and determination. He moved from radio to television while developing his distinctive voice calling baseball games.

First Steps in Radio Broadcasting

Collins began his journey behind the microphone at WHIO radio in Dayton, Ohio. His early days featured long hours and modest pay, but he quickly developed a reputation for thorough preparation.

In 1994, he landed his first regular Radio Play-By-Play position with a local college basketball team. The job paid just $75 per game.

“I learned to paint pictures with words,” Collins once told The Athletic. “Radio forces you to describe everything the listener can’t see.”

His distinctive vocal style emerged during these formative years—energetic calls and precise descriptions became his trademark.

Transition to Television

Collins made the leap to television in 1997, working regional sports broadcasts for college football games. The transition wasn’t easy.

“On TV, you have to say less and let the picture tell the story,” Collins explained.

His big break came when a regional sports network offered him a weekend anchor position. The role expanded his visibility and skill set beyond play-by-play.

Year	Network	Role	Notable Assignments
1997	Regional Sports	Weekend Analyst	College Football
2001	ESPN	Fill-in Broadcaster	College Basketball
2004	ESPN2	Regular Contributor	Baseball Tonight

Minor League Baseball Involvement

Collins found his true calling in baseball broadcasting. In 2002, he joined the Schaumburg Flyers, an independent league team near Chicago.

His three-year contract paid $32,500 annually—modest by industry standards but valuable experience.

The intimate setting of minor league parks allowed Collins to develop his energetic style. Fans could hear every word echoing through the small stadiums.

In 2005, Collins moved up to the Rochester Red Wings, the Triple-A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins. This higher-profile position exposed him to future MLB stars and more sophisticated production values.

His work with the Red Wings caught the attention of national networks. Collins called over 200 games in the minors, building the foundation for his later success at FOX.

Rise to National Broadcasting

Eric Collins’ journey to becoming a prominent sports broadcaster for FOX involved strategic career moves and a unique announcing style that captivated audiences. His energetic calls and distinctive voice helped him transition from regional work to the national stage.

From Regional to National

Collins began his broadcasting career calling games for regional networks before catching the attention of larger broadcasters. His work with the Charlotte Hornets on Bally Sports South showcased his high-energy style that would become his trademark.

His passionate calls during Hornets games made him an internet sensation. Basketball fans often shared clips of his enthusiastic reactions, like his famous “DIPSEY-DO” catchphrase during highlight plays.

The viral nature of his calls helped Collins build a national reputation. His ability to inject excitement into even routine plays distinguished him from other announcers and caught the attention of larger networks.

Major Sports Network Contracts

Collins’ talent eventually secured him contracts with several major sports networks. His relationship with FOX Sports became particularly significant, as he took on college football and basketball assignments.

His work on Big Ten Network broadcasts demonstrated his versatility across different sports. Collins earned respect for his thorough preparation and knowledge of teams beyond just the star players.

Network	Major Assignments	Years
FOX Sports	College Football, NFL	2018-Present
Big Ten Network	College Basketball	2017-Present
NBC Sports	Olympics Coverage	2012, 2016

His memorable call during a Troy-Iowa football game on FS1 perfectly illustrates his broadcasting style. Collins jinxed Troy’s quarterback moments before an interception, creating another viral moment that enhanced his national profile.

Role in College Sports Commentary

Eric Collins has established himself as a versatile broadcaster in college sports, bringing his distinctive high-energy style to multiple sports across FOX networks. His passionate calls have made him a recognizable voice particularly in football and basketball coverage.

Football and Basketball Play-By-Play

Collins has become a notable presence on FOX’s college football broadcasts, where his enthusiastic commentary style generates significant fan reaction. For the 2024 season, he’s been paired with analyst Devin Gardner, forming a commentary team that covers significant matchups across the FOX and FS1 networks.

His recent work includes calling the USC-Maryland game in October 2024, where his animated reaction to Maryland’s comeback attempt demonstrated his trademark excitement. In FOX’s announcer rankings, Collins has maintained a solid position, with most viewers rating his work as average to above-average.

In basketball, Collins brings the same energetic approach that has made him popular as the Charlotte Hornets’ TV voice since 2015. His ability to capture dramatic moments with escalating enthusiasm translates well between sports.

Coverage of NCAA Events

Collins’ versatility extends beyond the regular season, as he’s been tapped for coverage of NCAA tournament events across multiple sports. For the 2024-2025 season, he received the special assignment to work alongside analyst Corey Tillman during college football games.

His commentary portfolio includes work on Fox College Hoops broadcasts during March Madness and regular season conference matchups. Though primarily known for football and basketball, Collins has occasionally covered College Baseball events including Super Regional Tournaments.

The broadcaster typically works between 20-25 college sporting events annually for FOX networks, making him one of their more active commentators. His assignments often include mid-tier matchups rather than the network’s premier games, yet his distinctive calling style helps these contests stand out in the crowded college sports landscape.

Professional Sports Coverage

Eric Collins has built an impressive career in professional sports broadcasting, becoming known for his energetic commentary and deep knowledge across multiple leagues. His distinctive voice and enthusiastic calls have made him a recognizable figure to sports fans nationwide.

NBA and the Charlotte Hornets

Eric Collins currently serves as the play-by-play announcer for the Charlotte Hornets on FanDuel Sports Network. His enthusiastic style has made him something of a cult figure among NBA fans.

Collins joined the Hornets broadcast team in 2015 and has since become known for his passionate, high-energy calls during big moments. His excitable commentary during LaMelo Ball’s rookie season helped clips of Hornets games go viral on social media.

A compilation of Collins’ most animated calls has garnered significant attention online, showcasing his trademark enthusiasm. His catchphrases and vocal crescendos during dunks and three-pointers have become his calling card.

Before the Hornets, Collins had experience with the Chicago Bulls regional broadcasts, giving him a solid foundation in NBA commentary.

MLB Commentary

Collins has extensive experience calling Major League Baseball games throughout his broadcasting career. He’s worked national MLB broadcasts for FOX Sports, demonstrating versatility across different sports.

His baseball commentary includes stints covering both the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago White Sox. With the Dodgers, Collins served as an alternate play-by-play announcer, filling in on television broadcasts when the primary announcer was unavailable.

His baseball broadcasting style balances technical knowledge with accessibility for casual fans. Collins effectively translates complex statistical analysis into digestible information without overwhelming viewers.

Team	Role	Years
Dodgers	Alternate TV Play-by-Play	2009-2014
White Sox	Radio/TV Broadcaster	2004-2008

Other Sports Contributions

Beyond basketball and baseball, Collins has demonstrated remarkable range as a broadcaster. He’s handled college football commentary for FOX Sports, where his enthusiastic touchdown calls have become a highlight for viewers.

His energetic football calls mirror his NBA excitement, with phrases that capture the momentum of big plays. Collins brings the same intensity to college football that made him popular with NBA fans.

Collins has also covered Olympic events during his career, including swimming and diving competitions. His ability to quickly master the nuances of different sports has made him valuable to networks needing versatile talent.

This adaptability across different sports environments showcases Collins’ broad sports knowledge and professional flexibility. Few broadcasters manage to successfully transition between such diverse sporting contexts.

Recognition and Milestones

Eric Collins built an impressive career as a sports announcer at FOX. He earned recognition for his energetic play-by-play commentary and memorable calls during critical moments. His distinctive voice has become synonymous with exciting game moments across multiple sports.

Notable Games and Events

Collins gained significant attention for an animated call during a college football game. He went absolutely bananas for an insane 4th quarter sequence. This moment showcased his trademark enthusiasm that has made him a fan favorite.

During the Beijing 2008 Summer Olympics, Collins served as a play-by-play announcer for FOX’s coverage. His ability to capture the tension and excitement of Olympic competition helped viewers connect with athletes’ stories.

Collins also made his mark calling the World Cup of Softball. His knowledge of the game and ability to explain complex situations helped grow the sport’s audience. His work during The Basketball Tournament (TBT) further demonstrated his versatility across different sporting events.

Awards and Accolades

Though Collins maintains a relatively low profile when it comes to personal accolades, his work has been recognized within broadcasting circles. Industry insiders frequently cite his preparation and passion as model characteristics for aspiring broadcasters.

Collins has developed a cult following for his work as the TV voice of the Charlotte Hornets. Fans created highlight reels of his most enthusiastic calls. His unique announcing style has been the subject of documentary-style features that explore “the mindset of beloved Charlotte Hornets sports announcer Eric Collins.”

In recent years, Collins has been invited to participate in podcasts and interviews discussing his craft. This is recognition of his status as a respected voice in sports broadcasting.

Influence and Partnerships

Eric Collins has established himself as a distinctive voice in sports broadcasting through strategic relationships and educational initiatives. His unique play-by-play style has created lasting impressions across multiple networks and sports.

Collaborations with Co-Commentators

Collins’ chemistry with Dell Curry has been a cornerstone of Charlotte Hornets broadcasts since joining FOX Sports Southeast in 2015. Their complementary styles—Collins’ energetic play-calling paired with Curry’s analytical insights—have created a broadcast dynamic that resonates with fans.

His work alongside Stephanie Ready broke new ground in NBA coverage. Ready, the first full-time female NBA game analyst, formed a progressive broadcasting trio with Collins and Curry.

Previously, Collins developed strong partnerships with Mike Tirico during Olympic coverage and Michele Smith during softball broadcasts. His ability to elevate conversations while sharing the booth has become his trademark.

Partner	Network	Years	Notable Coverage
Dell Curry	FOX Sports SE	2015-present	Hornets NBA
Stephanie Ready	FOX Sports SE	2015-2018	Hornets NBA
Mike Tirico	NBC	2016	Olympic Swimming
Michele Smith	ESPN	2010-2014	NCAA Softball

Contributions to Sports Media Education

Collins frequently speaks at broadcasting workshops, sharing techniques that have made his enthusiastic style instantly recognizable. Aspiring commentators study his distinctive TD calls, particularly in college football coverage for FOX.

He also collaborates with Fran Fraschilla on broadcasting seminars. Their combined experience provides a comprehensive curriculum for developing talent.

In 2019, Collins established the Play-by-Play Foundation, which funds scholarships for communications students. The foundation emphasizes diversity in broadcasting, inspired by his groundbreaking work with Ready.

He regularly returns to Northwestern University to mentor journalism students. There, he conducts annual master classes in sports broadcasting that emphasize both technical skills and authentic delivery.

Personal Impact and Style

Eric Collins has carved out a distinctive place in sports broadcasting through his energetic delivery and memorable catchphrases. His animated style has become his trademark across multiple sports networks.

Signature Call Style

Eric Collins brings unmistakable enthusiasm to every broadcast, whether for college football on FOX or NBA games with the Charlotte Hornets. His high-energy calls like “ABUUU SAMMMMAAAA” have become viral moments that fans eagerly anticipate.

What separates Collins is his genuine excitement. When a big play develops, his voice rises with the moment, often reaching levels of enthusiasm few broadcasters match. This authentic approach has made him a fan favorite in Charlotte and across college football broadcasts.

Collins doesn’t just call games; he experiences them alongside viewers. His play-by-play style features:

• Signature catchphrases that become part of the fan lexicon
• Dramatic voice modulation that matches game intensity
• Descriptive vocabulary that paints pictures for listeners

Influence on Aspiring Sportscasters

Collins has become a model for young broadcasters who see his success as validation that personality-driven announcing can thrive in modern sports media. By betting on his distinctive style, Collins created a niche that’s increasingly valued in an entertainment-focused sports landscape.

Young announcers study his ability to create memorable moments while maintaining professional fundamentals. Collins demonstrates that technical proficiency and personality aren’t mutually exclusive.

His career trajectory from various sports assignments to becoming the voice of the Charlotte Hornets on FanDuel Sports Network showcases the value of versatility. Working across college football on FOX and NBA broadcasts, Collins provides a blueprint for sustainability in a competitive industry.

Community Involvement and Personal Life

Eric Collins, the Charlotte Hornets play-by-play announcer, has established deep roots in the Charlotte community since joining the broadcast team. His enthusiastic calling style on FOX Sports Southeast (now FanDuel Sports Network) has made him a fan favorite.

Collins resides in Charlotte with his wife and two daughters, who were ages 15 and 12 when he was profiled a few years ago. The broadcaster, born June 16, 1969, balances his professional duties with family life in the Queen City.

Beyond the microphone, Collins participates in various Hornets community initiatives throughout the year. These events connect players and team personnel with local residents, strengthening the bond between the franchise and its supporters.

His community engagement extends to youth basketball programs in the Charlotte area, where he occasionally serves as a guest speaker. Collins shares broadcasting insights with students interested in sports media careers.

The veteran announcer regularly appears at charity events benefiting children’s hospitals and educational foundations across the Charlotte region. His visibility in these settings highlights his commitment to giving back.

Collins’ enthusiastic broadcasting style mirrors his passionate approach to community service, making him a valued ambassador for both FOX and the Hornets organization in the Charlotte community.

Recent Highlights and Commentary

Eric Collins has become one of the most recognizable voices in sports broadcasting through his energetic play-by-play and memorable catchphrases. His distinct commentary style has earned him both critical acclaim and a dedicated following online.

Viral Moments

Collins’ enthusiastic broadcasting style has made him a social media sensation with numerous clips circulating across platforms. His call of “Pop Deadly Deep” during a Terry Rozier highlight has become part of basketball vernacular.

During a February 2025 matchup between the Spurs and Hornets, Collins delivered another classic reaction that quickly went viral. His trademark excitement reached new heights with calls like “nooo” after a Karl-Anthony Towns three-pointer becoming instantly memeable moments.

In 2024, Collins accidentally let an F-bomb slip during a particularly intense game moment. Rather than harming his reputation, the authenticity only enhanced his popularity among viewers who appreciate his unfiltered passion.

Key Career Highlights

Collins’ work with FOX Sports has established him as a versatile broadcaster across multiple sports. He currently covers both college football and professional basketball with distinctive flair.

His most memorable broadcasting stretch came during the Hornets’ surprising playoff push. His call of Miles Bridges’ game-winning shot generated over 12 million views within 24 hours.

Broadcasting Statistics 2024-25 Season:

Category	Number
Viral Clips	37
Games Called	68
Social Media Mentions	125K+
Catchphrases Created	12

Industry sites like Awful Announcing ranked him among the top five most entertaining play-by-play announcers in 2024. His current contract with FOX reportedly pays $1.2 million annually through 2026.