1972 NFL Season
As originally written by Tim Brulia and Jimmy Delach:
The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) was on strike against CBS during most of this season. There were several broadcasts that were flat out canceled due to some skirmishes and vandalism of equipment. Several other games were carried by substitute crews to avoid trouble, while other telecasts were handled by skeletal camera crews or a lack of replay capabilities. Games not televised because of strike issues are noted.
And of course, * = uncertain; any confirmation help is necessary.
PRESEASON
Friday 7/28: Cowboys-College All-Stars (Chicago), 9:30, ABC. Chris Schenkel, Bud Wilkinson, Howard Cosell
Saturday 7/29: Giants-Chiefs (Canton, OH - Hall of Fame Game), 4:00, ABC. Frank Gifford, Howard Cosell
Saturday 8/19: Raiders-Rams, 9:00, NBC. Jim Simpson, Kyle Rote
Friday 8/25: Redskins-Lions, 9:00, CBS. Ray Scott, Tom Brookshier, Don Criqui
Saturday 8/26: Jets-Cowboys, 9:00, NBC. Curt Gowdy, Al DeRogatis
Sunday 8/27: Rams-Chiefs, 9:00, ABC. Lindsey Nelson, Don Meredith
Friday 9/1: Colts-Lions (Tampa), 8:30, NBC. Curt Gowdy, Al DeRogatis
Saturday 9/2: Cowboys-Chiefs, 9:00, CBS. Frank Glieber, Pat Summerall, Don Criqui
Sunday 9/10: Vikings-Dolphins, 6:00, CBS. Jack Whitaker, Pat Summerall, Don Criqui
Note: Nelson was presumably lent to ABC for the 8/27 LA-KC game with Gifford and Cosell in Munich for the Summer Olympics.
WEEK 1, 1972 - NBC Doubleheader:
Sunday 9/17:
Bengals-Patriots, 1, NBC, Jay Randolph, Willie Davis
Packers-Browns, 1, CBS, Jack Buck, Tom Brookshier, Frank Clarke*
Jets-Bills, 1, NBC, Jim Simpson, Kyle Rote
Raiders-Steelers, 1, NBC, Ken Coleman, Dave Kocourek
Falcons-Bears, 2, CBS, Jack Whitaker, Jim Morse, Bruce Roberts*
Giants-Lions, 2, CBS, Ray Scott, Pat Summerall, Dick Stockton*
Eagles-Cowboys, 2, CBS, Don Criqui, Irv Cross, Andy Musser*
Cardinals-Colts, 2, CBS, Frank Glieber, Alex Hawkins, Jim Thacker*
Oilers-Broncos, 4, NBC, Bill Enis, Paul Maguire
Dolphins-Chiefs, 4, NBC, Curt Gowdy, Al DeRogatis
Saints-Rams, 4, CBS, Jack Drees, George Connor, Gil Stratton*
Chargers-49ers, 4, NBC, Charlie Jones, George Ratterman
Monday 9/18:
Redskins-Vikings, 9, ABC, Frank Gifford, Don Meredith, Howard Cosell
WEEK 2, 1972 - CBS Doubleheader:
Sunday 9/24:
Falcons-Patriots, 1, CBS, Don Criqui, Irv Cross, Dick Stockton*
Browns-Eagles, 1, NBC, Ken Coleman, Paul Maguire
Cowboys-Giants, 1, CBS, Frank Glieber, Alex Hawkins, Frank Clarke*
Oilers-Dolphins, 1, NBC, Jay Randolph, Johnny Morris
Steelers-Bengals, 1, NBC, Jim Simpson, Kyle Rote
Cardinals-Redskins, 1, CBS, Jack Buck, Tom Brookshier, Andy Musser*
49ers-Bills, 1, CBS, Jack Drees, George Connor, Ron Barr*
Rams-Bears, 2, CBS, Jack Whitaker, Jim Morse, Jim Thacker*
Jets-Colts, 2, NBC, Charlie Jones, Sam DeLuca
Raiders-Packers, 2, NBC, Curt Gowdy, Al DeRogatis
Broncos-Chargers, 4, NBC, Ross Porter, Dave Kocourek
Vikings-Lions, 4, CBS, Ray Scott, Pat Summerall, Bruce Roberts*
Monday 9/25:
Chiefs-Saints, 9, ABC, Frank Gifford, Don Meredith, Howard Cosell
WEEK 3, 1972 - NBC Doubleheader:
Sunday 10/1:
Colts-Bills, 1, NBC, Ken Coleman, Alan Miller
Bengals-Browns, 1, NBC, Jay Randolph, Paul Maguire
Rams-Falcons, 1, CBS, Ray Scott, Pat Summerall, Andy Musser*
Redskins-Patriots, 1, CBS, Jack Whitaker, Jim Morse, Dick Stockton*
Cowboys-Packers (Milwaukee), 2, CBS, Frank Glieber, Alex Hawkins, Frank Clarke*
Lions-Bears, 2, CBS, Jack Drees, George Connor, Bruce Roberts*
Jets-Oilers, 2, NBC, Jim Simpson, Kyle Rote
Steelers-Cardinals, 2, NBC, Charlie Jones, George Ratterman
49ers-Saints, 2, CBS, Jack Buck, Tom Brookshier, Ron Barr*
Chiefs-Broncos, 4, NBC, Bill Enis, Willie Davis
Dolphins-Vikings, 4, NBC, Curt Gowdy, Al DeRogatis
Chargers-Raiders, 4, NBC, Ross Porter, Dave Kocourek
Monday 10/2:
Giants-Eagles, 9, ABC, Frank Gifford, Don Meredith, Howard Cosell
WEEK 4, 1972 - CBS Doubleheader:
Sunday 10/8:
Broncos-Bengals, 1, NBC, Jim Simpson, Kyle Rote
Lions-Falcons, 1, CBS, Lindsey Nelson, Johnny Sauer, Dick Stockton*
Chiefs-Browns, 1, NBC, Charlie Jones, Al DeRogatis
Dolphins-Jets, 1, NBC, Jay Randolph, Dave Kocourek
Patriots-Bills, 1, NBC, Ken Coleman, Paul Maguire
Saints-Giants, 1, CBS, Jack Whitaker, Jim Morse, Jim Thacker*
Eagles-Redskins, 1, CBS, Jack Buck, Tom Brookshier, Andy Musser*
Bears-Packers, 2, CBS, Jack Drees, George Connor, Gale Sayers, Bruce Roberts*
Steelers-Cowboys, 2, NBC, Bill Enis, Willie Davis
Cardinals-Vikings, 2, CBS, Don Criqui, Irv Cross, Frank Clarke*
Chargers-Colts, 2, NBC, Ross Porter, George Ratterman
49ers-Rams, 4, CBS, Ray Scott, Pat Summerall, Ron Barr*
Monday 10/9:
Raiders-Oilers, 9, ABC, Frank Gifford, Don Meredith, Howard Cosell
WEEK 5, 1972 - CBS Doubleheader:
Sunday 10/15:
Bears-Browns, 1, CBS, Jack Buck, Tom Brookshier, Bruce Roberts*
Oilers-Steelers, 1, KTRK-Houston, Dan Lovett, Jim Norton
Rams-Eagles, 1, CBS, Don Criqui, Irv Cross, Gale Sayers, Jim Thacker
Jets-Patriots, 1, CBS, Jack Whitaker, Tucker Fredrickson, Ron Barr*
Chargers-Dolphins, 1, KCST-San Diego, Jerry Gross, Mike Smith
Falcons-Saints, 2, CBS, Ed Thilenius*, Johnny Sauer
Redskins-Cardinals, 2, CBS, Lindsey Nelson, Jim Morse, Dick Stockton*
Bills-Raiders, 4, NBC, Jay Randolph*, Kyle Rote
Bengals-Chiefs, 4, NBC, Charlie Jones, Al DeRogatis
Cowboys-Colts, 4, CBS, Frank Glieber, Alex Hawkins, Frank Clarke*
Vikings-Broncos, 4, CBS, Jack Drees, George Connor
Giants-49ers, 4, CBS, Ray Scott, Pat Summerall, Gil Stratton
Monday 10/16:
Packers-Lions, 9, ABC, Frank Gifford, Don Meredith, Howard Cosell
WEEK 6, 1972 - CBS Doubleheader:
Sunday 10/22:
Colts-Jets, 1, WBFF/WJZ-Baltimore, Jim Karvellas, Dave Kocourek
Bills-Dolphins, 1, WKBW-Buffalo, Rick Azar, Paul Maguire
Patriots-Steelers, 1, WCVB-Boston, Jay Randolph, Alan Miller
Cardinals-Giants, 1, CBS, Jack Whitaker, Jim Morse, Andy Musser*
Falcons-Packers (Milwaukee), 2, CBS, Lindsey Nelson, Johnny Sauer, Frank Clarke
Browns-Oilers, 2, WKBF-Cleveland, Ken Coleman, Willie Davis
Eagles-Chiefs, 2, CBS, Don Criqui, Irv Cross, Jim Thacker*
Chargers-Lions, 2, KCST-San Diego, Bill Enis, Kyle Rote
Bengals-Rams, 4, NBC, Charlie Jones, Al DeRogatis
Cowboys-Redskins, 4, CBS, Ray Scott, Pat Summerall, Dick Stockton*
Broncos-Raiders, 4, NBC, Ross Porter, George Ratterman
Saints-49ers, 4, CBS, Jack Buck, Tom Brookshier, Ron Barr*
Monday 10/23:
Vikings-Bears, 9, ABC, Frank Gifford, Don Meredith, Howard Cosell
WEEK 7, 1972 - NBC Doubleheader:
Sunday 10/29:
Oilers-Bengals, 1, NBC, Ross Porter, Willie Davis
Patriots-Jets, 1, NBC, Jim Simpson, Kyle Rote
Steelers-Bills, 1, NBC, Jay Randolph, Paul Maguire
49ers-Falcons, 1, CBS, Ray Scott, Pat Summerall, Dick Stockton*
Redskins-Giants, 1, CBS, Jack Whitaker, Jim Morse, Andy Musser*
Bears-Cardinals, 2, CBS, Jack Drees, George Connor, Bruce Roberts*
Vikings-Packers, 2, CBS, Lindsey Nelson, Johnny Sauer, Frank Clarke*
Eagles-Saints, 2, CBS, Frank Glieber, Alex Hawkins, Jim Thacker*
Browns-Broncos, 4, NBC, Ken Coleman, Dave Kocourek
Chiefs-Chargers, 4, NBC, Charlie Jones, George Ratterman
Rams-Raiders, 4, CBS, Jack Buck, Tom Brookshier, Gil Stratton
Dolphins-Colts, 4, NBC, Curt Gowdy, Al DeRogatis
Monday 10/30:
Lions-Cowboys, 9, ABC, Frank Gifford, Don Meredith, Howard Cosell
WEEK 8, 1972 - NBC Doubleheader:
Sunday 11/5:
Bears-Lions, 1, CBS, Lindsey Nelson, Johnny Sauer, Frank Clarke*
Bengals-Steelers, 1, NBC, Charlie Jones, George Ratterman
Broncos-Giants, 1, NBC, Jim Simpson, Kyle Rote
Oilers-Browns, 1, NBC, Bill Enis, Paul Maguire
Dolphins-Bills, 1, NBC, Ken Coleman, Dave Kocourek
Cardinals-Eagles, 1, KSD-St. Louis, Jay Randolph, Ron Jacober
Redskins-Jets, 1, No telecast (IBEW strike)
Saints-Vikings, 2, CBS, Don Criqui, Irv Cross, Andy Musser*
49ers-Packers (Milwaukee), 2, CBS, Jack Whitaker, Jim Morse, Bruce Roberts*
Falcons-Rams, 4, CBS, Jack Drees, George Connor, Gil Stratton*
Cowboys-Chargers, 4, KDFW-Dallas, Bill Mercer, Dick Risenhoover
Raiders-Chiefs, 4, NBC, Curt Gowdy, Al DeRogatis
Monday 11/6:
Colts-Patriots, 9, ABC, Frank Gifford, Don Meredith, Howard Cosell
WEEK 9, 1972 - CBS Doubleheader:
Sunday 11/12:
Bills-Jets, 1, NBC, Bill Enis, Paul Maguire
Chiefs-Steelers, 1, NBC, Jim Simpson, Kyle Rote
Patriots-Dolphins, 1, NBC, Jay Randolph, Dave Kocourek
Saints-Falcons, 1, CBS. Don Criqui, Irv Cross, Andy Musser*
Giants-Redskins, 1, CBS, Ray Scott, Pat Summerall, Dick Stockton*
Raiders-Bengals, 1, NBC, Charlie Jones, George Ratterman
Packers-Bears, 2, CBS ad-hoc, Roy Broyles, John Campbell
Eagles-Oilers, 2, CBS, Jack Whitaker, Jim Morse, Jim Thacker*
Cardinals-Cowboys, 2, CBS, Frank Glieber, Alex Hawkins, Frank Clarke*
Broncos-Rams, 4, NBC, Curt Gowdy, Al DeRogatis
Lions-Vikings, 4, CBS, Jack Buck, Tom Brookshier, Ron Barr*
Colts-49ers, 4, NBC, Ross Porter, Willie Davis
Monday 11/13:
Browns-Chargers, 9, ABC, Frank Gifford, Don Meredith, Howard Cosell
WEEK 10, 1972 - CBS Doubleheader:
Sunday 11/19:
Colts-Bengals, 1, NBC, Jay Randolph, Willie Davis
Bills-Patriots, 1, NBC, Ross Porter, Dave Kocourek
Cowboys-Eagles, 1, CBS, Frank Glieber, Alex Hawkins, Jim Thacker*
Saints-Lions, 1, CBS, Jack Buck, Tom Brookshier, Frank Clarke*
Jets-Dolphins, 1, NBC, Curt Gowdy, Al DeRogatis
Steelers-Browns, 1, NBC, Bill Enis, Paul Maguire
Packers-Oilers, 2, CBS, Jack Drees, George Connor, Ron Barr*
Giants-Cardinals, 2, CBS, Jack Whitaker, Jim Morse, Dick Stockton*
Chargers-Chiefs, 2, NBC, Jim Simpson, Kyle Rote
49ers-Bears, 2, CBS, Lindsey Nelson, Johnny Sauer, Bruce Roberts*
Vikings-Rams, 4, CBS, Ray Scott, Pat Summerall, Gil Stratton*
Raiders-Broncos, 4, NBC, Charlie Jones, George Ratterman
Monday 11/20:
Falcons-Redskins, 9, ABC, Frank Gifford, Don Meredith, Howard Cosell
WEEK 11, 1972 - NBC Doubleheader:
Thursday 11/23:
Jets-Lions, Noon, NBC, Curt Gowdy, Al DeRogatis
49ers-Cowboys, 3:30, CBS, Ray Scott, Pat Summerall, Bruce Roberts*
Sunday 11/26:
Bills-Browns, 1, NBC, Charlie Jones, George Ratterman
Broncos-Falcons, 1, NBC, Jim Simpson, Kyle Rote
Packers-Redskins, 1, CBS, Jack Buck, Tom Brookshier, Jim Thacker*
Vikings-Steelers, 1, CBS, Jack Drees, George Connor, Bruce Roberts
Eagles-Giants, 1, No telecast (IBEW strike)
Bengals-Bears, 2, NBC, Bill Enis, Paul Maguire
Rams-Saints, 2, CBS, Don Criqui, Irv Cross, Frank Clarke*
Patriots-Colts, 2, NBC, Ken Coleman, Dave Kocourek
Oilers-Chargers, 4, NBC, Ross Porter, Willie Davis
Chiefs-Raiders, 4, NBC, Curt Gowdy, Al DeRogatis
Monday 11/27:
Cardinals-Dolphins, 9, ABC, Frank Gifford, Don Meredith, Howard Cosell
WEEK 12, 1972 - CBS Doubleheader:
Sunday 12/3:
Browns-Steelers, 1, NBC, Curt Gowdy, Al DeRogatis
Oilers-Falcons, 1, NBC, Bill Enis, Paul Maguire
Dolphins-Patriots, 1, NBC, Jim Simpson, Kyle Rote
Saints-Jets, 1, No telecast (IBEW strike)
Giants-Bengals, 1, CBS, Jack Buck, Tom Brookshier, Jim Thacker*
Redskins-Eagles, 1, CBS, Jack Whitaker, Jim Morse, Dick Stockton*
Bills-Colts, 2, NBC, Jay Randolph, Dave Kocourek
Bears-Vikings, 2, CBS, Lindsey Nelson, Johnny Sauer, Bruce Roberts*
Broncos-Chiefs, 2, NBC, Ross Porter, Willie Davis
Lions-Packers, 2, CBS, Don Criqui, Irv Cross, Frank Clarke*
Cowboys-Cardinals, 4, CBS, Ray Scott, Pat Summerall, Gil Stratton*
Raiders-Chargers, 4, NBC, Charlie Jones, George Ratterman
Monday 12/4:
Rams-49ers, 9, ABC, Frank Gifford, Don Meredith, Howard Cosell
WEEK 13, 1972 - NBC Doubleheader:
Saturday 12/9:
Browns-Bengals, 1, NBC, Curt Gowdy, Al DeRogatis
Redskins-Cowboys, 4, CBS, Jack Whitaker, Jim Morse, Don Criqui
Sunday 12/10:
Bears-Eagles, 1, CBS, Lindsey Nelson, Johnny Sauer, Jim Thacker*
Lions-Bills, 1, CBS, Jack Drees, George Connor, Dick Stockton*
Dolphins-Giants, 1, NBC, Charlie Jones, Kyle Rote
Packers-Vikings, 2, CBS, Ray Scott, Pat Summerall, Bruce Roberts*
Rams-Cardinals, 2, CBS, Jack Buck, Tom Brookshier, Gil Stratton*
Patriots-Saints, 2, NBC, Ken Coleman*, Dave Kocourek
Chargers-Broncos, 2, NBC, Jay Randolph, Johnny Morris
Falcons-49ers, 4, CBS, Frank Glieber, Alex Hawkins, Ron Barr*
Colts-Chiefs, 4, NBC, Bill Enis, Paul Maguire
Steelers-Oilers, 4, NBC, Curt Gowdy, Al DeRogatis
Monday 12/11:
Jets-Raiders, 9, ABC, Frank Gifford, Don Meredith, Howard Cosell
WEEK 14, 1972 - CBS Doubleheader:
Saturday 12/16:
Colts-Dolphins, 1, NBC, Curt Gowdy, Al DeRogatis
Vikings-49ers, 4, CBS, Ray Scott, Pat Summerall, Dick Stockton
Sunday 12/17:
Bills-Redskins, 1, NBC, Jim Simpson, Kyle Rote
Browns-Jets, 1, NBC, Jay Randolph, Dave Kocourek
Packers-Saints, 1, CBS, Don Criqui, Irv Cross, Jim Thacker*
Chiefs-Falcons, 1, NBC, Curt Gowdy, Al DeRogatis
Bengals-Oilers, 2, NBC, Bill Enis, Paul Maguire
Eagles-Cardinals, 2, CBS, Jack Whitaker, Jim Morse, Bruce Roberts*
Bears-Raiders, 4, CBS, Lindsey Nelson, Johnny Sauer, Ron Barr*
Lions-Rams, 4, CBS, Jack Buck, Tom Brookshier, Gil Stratton*
Patriots-Broncos, 4, NBC, Charlie Jones, George Ratterman
Giants-Cowboys, 4, CBS, Frank Glieber, Alex Hawkins, Frank Clarke*
Steelers-Chargers, 4, NBC, Ross Porter, Willie Davis
DIVISIONAL PLAYOFFS:
Saturday 12/23:
Raiders-Steelers, 1, NBC, Curt Gowdy, Al DeRogatis, Jay Randolph
Cowboys-49ers, 4, CBS, Ray Scott, Pat Summerall, Dick Stockton
Sunday 12/24:
Packers-Redskins, Noon, CBS, Jack Buck, Tom Brookshier, Bruce Roberts*
Browns-Dolphins, 3, NBC, Jim Simpson, Kyle Rote
Note: The OAK-PIT game featured the fabled "Immaculate Reception."
CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS:
Sunday 12/31:
Dolphins-Steelers, Noon, NBC, Jim Simpson, Kyle Rote, Bill Enis
Cowboys-Redskins, 3, CBS, Jack Buck, Pat Summerall, Jack Whitaker
SUPER BOWL VII from Los Angeles:
Sunday 1/14: Dolphins-Redskins, 3:30, NBC, Curt Gowdy, Al DeRogatis, Bill Enis
Pro Bowl from Irving, TX:
Sunday 1/21: NFC-AFC, 4, CBS, Frank Glieber, Alex Hawkins, Gil Stratton*
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