Twitter gets a bad wrap most of the time, but every now and then it produces something we can all cherish. Rich Eisen helped facilitate that this week when he requested comedian Frank Caliendo work his magic on a rare NFL play.
Late in the third quarter of Thursday night’s battle between the Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams, Seattle punter Michael Dickson had his initial punt attempt blocked, only to pick it up seconds later and punt it again.
The second go-around was successful, but the referees still threw penalty flags because they weren’t sure if what Dickson pulled off was legal. They quickly confirmed in the rule book and upheld the quirkiest play of the NFL season so far.
Rich Eisen knew exactly what the clip needed: commentary from Pat Summerall and John Madden.
So he called on famous comedian and impressionist Frank Caliendo to revive the voices, for America.
Frank Caliendo saw the bat signal go up and heeded his friend’s request. The comedian is famous for his impressions and had a long stint on FOX NFL Sunday doing comedic segments from 2003-12. He has also done bits for a variety of ESPN shows as well.
Madden: “Russell Wilson might have them cut that finger off and get back in the game.”
Summerall: “Dickson back to punt…It’s blocked! He’s trying to get it back.”
Madden: “He’s scooping it up, what’s he going to do now?”
Summerall: “Looks like he’s gonna kick it again?”
Madden: “He did kick it again, Pat!”
Summerall: “Sure did.”
Madden: “You know, I don’t know if I’ve ever seen that! Have you ever seen that, Pat?”
Summerall: “I just did.”
Madden: “But is it legal?”
Summerall: “We’re about to find out.”
Madden: “That’s a double punt right there.”
Summerall: “And speaking of doubles! Coming up later tonight, a special double episode of Murder…She Wrote, except on the west coast.”
Summerall passed away in 2013, but Frank Caliendo is still carrying the torch for him and the great John Madden today.
In addition to Summerall and Madden, some of Caliendo’s best known impressions from the sports world include ESPN NFL Draft Expert Mel Kiper Jr and Las Vegas Raiders coach Jon Gruden.