Brief Introduction of Kevin Burkhardt
Kevin Burkhardt is a distinguished American sportscaster who has risen to the pinnacle of his profession as the lead play-by-play voice for the NFL on Fox. His authoritative yet engaging commentary has made him a familiar and respected voice in millions of households across the nation. Burkhardt’s journey to the top is a compelling story of perseverance, beginning with local radio gigs and even a stint as a car salesman before breaking into the highly competitive New York sports media market. He gained significant recognition as a field reporter for SportsNet New York’s (SNY) coverage of the New York Mets, where his passion and professionalism shone through. Since joining Fox Sports in 2013, he has become a versatile and indispensable asset to the network, also serving as the lead studio host for their Major League Baseball coverage. His ascent culminated in calling Super Bowl LVII, solidifying his status as one of the premier sportscasters in the industry.
Kevin Burkhardt Overview
| Full Name | Kevin Burkhardt |
| Date of Birth | March 2, 1974 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 51 |
| Birthplace | Bloomfield, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Profession | Sportscaster |
| Husband/Wife | Rachel Burkhardt |
| Family | Parents: Wayne and Betty Burkhardt; Brother: Brian Burkhardt; Children: Logan (son), Brook (daughter) |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Not publicly available |
| Net Worth | Estimated between $4 million and $5 million |
Early Life and Education of Kevin Burkhardt
Kevin Burkhardt was born on March 2, 1974, in Bloomfield, New Jersey, where he was also raised. Growing up in the Garden State, he developed a deep-seated passion for sports from a young age. His family, consisting of his parents, Wayne and Betty, and his brother, Brian, played a significant role in nurturing this interest. Sundays were a cherished family ritual, often involving watching football together after church. It was during these formative years that Burkhardt, surprisingly for a New Jersey native, became an ardent fan of the Philadelphia Eagles. This allegiance was sparked by a beloved stuffed animal mascot from the Sears Catalog’s “NFL Huddle” collection, with the Eagles mascot being his favorite. His childhood sports hero was Eagles quarterback Ron Jaworski. Even in middle school, Burkhardt was already honing his craft, providing play-by-play commentary for Nintendo games and idolizing Gary Cohen, who, in a twist of fate, would later become his colleague in the New York Mets’ broadcast booth. He attended Bloomfield High School, graduating in 1992. Burkhardt then pursued higher education at William Paterson University, where he majored in broadcasting. On campus, he was actively involved in gaining practical experience, covering Pioneer athletic events for the university’s television station and hosting a news show. He graduated in 1997, equipped with a degree and the foundational skills for his future career.
Kevin Burkhardt’s Career
Kevin Burkhardt’s career is a testament to resilience and unwavering dedication. After graduating from William Paterson University, his path was far from glamorous. He started at WGHT, a small AM radio station in Northern New Jersey, where he spent eight years covering local news and high school football. He also called minor league baseball games for the New Jersey Jackals. The financial struggles of a budding broadcaster were real, and for a period, Burkhardt famously took a job as a car salesman at Pine Belt Chevrolet in Eatontown, New Jersey, to make ends meet after feeling his broadcasting career had stalled. However, he never abandoned his dream. In 2003, he decided to give his passion one last shot, landing part-time work at WCBS-AM in New York City. This opportunity eventually led to a position at the iconic sports radio station WFAN, where he started with freelance work and rose to become the station’s full-time New York Jets reporter.
The major breakthrough in his television career came in 2007 when he was hired by SportsNet New York (SNY) as a field reporter for their New York Mets broadcasts. Over seven seasons, Burkhardt became a beloved figure among Mets fans, known for his insightful reporting and personable on-screen presence. His role at SNY expanded to include hosting pre- and post-game shows like “Mets Hot Stove” and occasionally filling in on play-by-play duties. While at SNY, he continued to pursue his passion for football, calling college games and later, Dallas Cowboys games nationally for Compass Media Networks from 2011 to 2012. This national exposure caught the attention of Fox Sports, which hired him in 2013 as an NFL play-by-play announcer. Initially part of the network’s #4 broadcast team with analyst John Lynch, Burkhardt quickly impressed. His hard work and talent led to a rapid ascent up the network’s depth chart. By 2014, he had left SNY to join Fox full-time, also taking on the role of lead studio host for MLB on Fox coverage, a position he holds to this day. Over the years, he partnered with analysts Charles Davis, Daryl Johnston, and Greg Olsen. In 2022, following the departure of Joe Buck, Burkhardt was promoted to the lead play-by-play announcer for the NFL on Fox. In this role, he called Super Bowl LVII in February 2023 alongside Greg Olsen, receiving widespread praise for his performance on the biggest stage. He is now paired with legendary quarterback Tom Brady in the broadcast booth.
Kevin Burkhardt Personal Life & Family
Away from the broadcast booth, Kevin Burkhardt is a dedicated family man. He is married to Rachel Burkhardt (née Blanken). The couple’s story began at William Paterson University, where they were college sweethearts. Their shared experience in the broadcasting world started early, as Kevin was an on-air talent for the university’s station while Rachel worked as an audio technician in the TV truck. They married on June 10, 2000, and have built a strong partnership that has lasted for over two decades. Kevin has often credited Rachel for her unwavering support and guidance throughout the ups and downs of his demanding career. Together, they have two children: a son named Logan and a daughter named Brook. While Burkhardt occasionally shares glimpses of his family life on social media, he and Rachel maintain a relatively private life for their children. The family, who once resided in Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey, now lives in Los Angeles, California, to accommodate his high-profile roles with Fox Sports. In 2019, showcasing their commitment to giving back, Kevin and Rachel established the Kevin and Rachel Burkhardt Scholarship at their alma mater, William Paterson University. The scholarship supports full-time students majoring in Communications who are pursuing a career in broadcast journalism, helping to pave the way for the next generation of broadcasters.
Awards and Achievements of Kevin Burkhardt
- Two-time Emmy Award winner as a studio host for the World Series on FOX.
- Honored as Distinguished Alumnus by the William Paterson University Foundation in 2019.
- Received the President’s Medal from William Paterson University in 2014, where he also served as the commencement speaker.
- Became the lead play-by-play announcer for the NFL on Fox in 2022.
- Called his first Super Bowl (Super Bowl LVII) in February 2023.
Kevin Burkhardt Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Kevin Burkhardt’s net worth is estimated to be between $4 million and $5 million. This wealth has been accumulated through his long and successful career in sports broadcasting. His income saw a significant increase upon his promotion to the lead play-by-play announcer for the NFL on Fox in 2022. While the exact figures of his current contract with Fox Sports are not publicly disclosed, reports suggest his annual salary is in the range of $1.5 million to $2 million. This represents a substantial rise from his earlier roles and reflects his status as one of the network’s top talents. His income sources are primarily his salary from Fox for his extensive work on both NFL and MLB coverage. His journey from earning a modest income in local radio to his current lucrative position highlights his remarkable ascent in the sports media industry.
Legacy and Influence
Kevin Burkhardt’s legacy is one of perseverance, professionalism, and versatility. His career trajectory, from selling cars to calling the Super Bowl, serves as an inspiration for aspiring broadcasters, demonstrating that dedication and talent can overcome early career setbacks. In the booth, he is known for his smooth delivery, accuracy, and ability to capture the excitement of a game without overpowering it. Critics and viewers alike have praised him for striking a perfect balance of excitement and information, a quality that was particularly commended during his Super Bowl LVII broadcast. He has successfully stepped into the monumental role of replacing a broadcasting legend, Joe Buck, and has carved out his own respected identity. His influence also extends to his philanthropic efforts, notably the scholarship he and his wife established at their alma mater, which will help shape future generations of journalists. His public image is that of a consummate professional who is well-prepared, respected by his peers, and genuinely passionate about the sports he covers. Burkhardt has proven to be a steady and reliable voice for some of sports’ biggest moments.
Interesting Facts about Kevin Burkhardt
- Before his broadcasting career took off, he worked as a car salesman at Pine Belt Chevrolet in New Jersey. He has since appeared in commercials as a celebrity endorser for the same dealership.
- He became a Philadelphia Eagles fan as a child because his favorite stuffed animal was an Eagles mascot from the Sears “NFL Huddle” collection.
- In middle school, he would practice his play-by-play skills by calling Nintendo games.
- He is the first play-by-play announcer other than Joe Buck, Al Michaels, or Jim Nantz to call a Super Bowl since 2004.
- In addition to his sports work, he has hosted the “Reunion” episodes of the History Channel’s reality series “Alone.”
Controversies
Kevin Burkhardt has maintained a professional career largely free of any major controversies. His public persona is one of a dedicated and well-respected sportscaster. While all on-air personalities receive criticism from fans on social media regarding their commentary style or specific calls during a game, Burkhardt has not been involved in any significant on-air gaffes or off-air scandals that have generated widespread negative media attention. He has addressed the nature of online criticism, stating that it is a subjective business and he cannot let it affect how he does his job.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram – Information not disclosed.
- Twitter – Information not disclosed.
- YouTube – Not publicly available.
Final Words about Kevin Burkhardt
Kevin Burkhardt’s career is a masterclass in perseverance. He has ascended to the highest echelon of sports broadcasting, a position earned through decades of hard work, from the humble beginnings of local radio to the bright lights of national television. As the lead voice of the NFL on Fox and a staple of their MLB studio coverage, he continues to be a prominent and trusted presence in sports media. His pairing with Tom Brady in the NFL booth marks a new and highly anticipated chapter in his career, placing him at the forefront of the nation’s most-watched sport. Beyond his professional achievements, his commitment to his family and his philanthropic contributions speak to his character. Kevin Burkhardt’s journey is far from over, and his voice will likely continue to narrate some of the most memorable moments in sports for years to come, solidifying his legacy as one of the great modern sportscasters.
