As ESPN’s Monday Night Football production team readies for its final regular-season game — Cincinnati Bengals versus Denver Broncos (tonight, 8:15 ET), eight members of the crew share their favorite memories from the past 16 weeks – four months that are noteworthy for many fantastic finishes.
Aladdin Freeman
ISO Director/Replay Director
(Allie Stoneberg/ESPN)
Ravens-Browns: There was a punt return for a touchdown and [Ravens return specialist] Kaelin Clay did “the dab.” At the time, I didn’t understand what one of the operators said. I thought she said ‘dap.’ Next thing you know, everyone’s saying, “It’s called the ‘dab’ not the ‘dap’!” To me it was a good example of the different age groups we have in the truck. Favorite moment by far. I literally stopped during the game and was laughing. [MNF producer] Jay Rothman said, “What’s going on back there? Why are you having so much fun?” And I said, “I don’t know. We’re too busy dabbing back here!”
Joe Accordino
Graphics AP
Definitely when [Steelers running back] Le’Veon Bell beat the buzzer to top the Chargers. It was an awesome game and I lost all professional sensibility and stood up and started hitting the ceiling of the truck to celebrate the Steelers’ win.
Kala Bolton
Imagery ISO Producer
Each Saturday, we shoot interviews and various segments on our ESPN bus with [commentator] Mike Tirico and [analyst] Jon Gruden. Growing up a sports fan, I’ve long admired these two guys, so the opportunity to work alongside and learn from them each week is something I don’t take for granted. There’s rarely a dull moment – the chemistry between the two of them is genuine both on and off the air (especially when the subject of their jokes becomes my ailing college football team, Auburn), and I’m reminded just how good they are each and every week. Like so many others on our MNF crew, I’m thankful to call those two colleagues and friends.
Jeremy Drummond
Associate Producer
Winning the crew curling championship belt (in Green Bay) once again. I won two years ago, but was unable to bring home the belt last year. Definitely wrapping that cheese belt around my waist one more time was my favorite memory.
Chris Jarmon
Content Associate
Going curling and on my first throw splitting my pants open.
Joe Smiley
Content Associate
On Sunday night in Cincinnati, our [technical director] Marc Herklotz always has a get-together, and he usually caters it with Montgomery Inn’s ribs and barbeque. Knowing this, Jeremy Drummond chose not to go out with the crew Saturday night for a King Rack – a really big slab of ribs – because he thought he would have ribs the next night at Herky’s. And then Sunday we had a really late night at work. When we got to Herky’s house, there weren’t any ribs left. If you could see the look on Jeremy’s face, it was classic. I think the lesson learned was not to count your chickens before they hatch.
Kayla Johnson
Content Associate
Dallas at Washington: Growing up a Redskins fan and remembering the intense rivalry and all the iconic moments between the Cowboys and Redskins on Monday Night, it was amazing to be at this game as a crew member of MNF.
Steven Kim
Graphics AP
The blocked field goal returned for a touchdown at the end of Browns-Ravens. We were getting ready for overtime because we think the kick is going to be good, and then the most incredible play of all time happened. The reason why it was really memorable is before the game I said, “Something amazing is probably going to happen in this game,” and something did and it’s something that I’ll never forget.
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