Broadcaster O’Neill retiring
Longtime UCF football radio host, reporter stepping away
For 24 years, UCF fans have turned on the radio on game days and heard the familiar voice of Jerry O’Neill as the Knights’ pre-game host and sideline reporter. But after nearly a quarter of a century, O’Neill is stepping away, announcing his retirement Wednesday morning.
O’Neill shared the news on Marc Daniels’ The Beat of Sports show on 96.9 The Game, the UCF flagship radio station.
“To the UCF family … and to the hundreds and hundreds of players, my sincere thanks for the love and friendship and a common bond,” O’Neill said. “… But like a baton in a relay race, it is time to pass the mic … nobody will love it more!”
Daniels, who does play-by-play for the Knights, has been around O’Neill since the beginning. He has fondly referred to O’Neill’s prominent mustache on socialmedia posts the past few years.
“After 24 seasons, ‘The Stache’ has cho
sen to spend his Saturdays with his lovely bride Annie at their new home at the Villages. Jerry was an amazing partner for all of us and his work, passion, humor and friendship will be missed,” Daniels said of O’Neill.
Scott Adams, who spent the past 18 seasons as part of the broadcasting crew, will take over as pre-game host and sideline reporter for the broadcasts.
Former UCF defensive lineman and NFL veteran Leger Douzable will also join the broadcasting team for the 2019 season.
“I am really pumped to welcome Leger Douzable to the broadcast team. Leger played at UCF up until 2008 and then enjoyed a 10-year career in the NFL. He worked on our spring broadcast and joins us for the 2019 season,” Daniels said. “With experience working for CBS Sports HQ and NFL Network, Leger brings a wealth of football and broadcasting background to our crew.
“Leger will be a part of our pre-game shows working on several segments for home games and involved with a few segments for road games. For all home games and the FAU game, he will be on the sidelines with Scott offering his perspective and game analysis. As a former Knight, I am really excited to bring Leger aboard.”
O’Neill retired as the host of the afternoon radio show, The Finish Line, on 96.9 FM in February.
The new-look radio broadcast team will debut on Aug. 29 when the Knights host Florida A&M at 7:30 p.m. on 96.9-FM and 740-AM The Game.