Ray Didinger The God Father of Sports in Philadelphia | NFL Films Presents

[@michaelhession2105]

That man has a massive impact on where NFL Films is today. We all talk about the Sabols, Facenda, Kalas, and others, but I think Didinger gets overlooked. It'll be tough to see him retire, but he had a knowledge of the game that many would dream of having. He once said that players of older years, compared to those of today, do get overlooked. And he's right.

[@adamdorgant9454]

True!!!

[@chosen_remnant]

Although, the birds becoming such an elite team over such a short 2 year stretch was enough to lure Ray Didi right out of retirement and back on the scene! Glad to have him back!

[@kiasax2]

​@@chosen_remnant So well put.

[@francissmithers952]

Yes I agree. He had a huge impact on NFL films and the direction they went

[@marktrevino8451]

This guy’s good, always wanted to hear him in the old Top 10s

[@SuperSuperbowl1]

Ahhh the good old 2000s days of the top tens with guys like him and the other experts and historians. Before they started shoehorning in all these cringe, worthy blowhards and “comedians” who probably can’t even list half the teams in the NFL.

[@AlejandroSanchez-pl6jw]

Amén to your comment

[@williamstocker584]

@supersuperbowl1 your being generous by calling them comedians

[@briancarter2847]

Quite frankly, this is one of the best NFL Films features, I've seen in a while. And this is coming from a Mets fan.

[@chosen_remnant]

That had to be almost as painful as losing that wildcard series to the Padres in 4-- ouch! As a Phil's guy, sorry, not sorry!🤪

[@wyzeindeed7234]

Ray tearing into that host from New England spoke for every Eagle fan everywhere It was one of the best moments I ever witnessed Thank you Ray for being the most honest person covering sports in Philly When Ray speaks, you pay attention!

[@tweezerjam]

Ray is the man. We miss him on Eagles postgame and with Glen Macnow on WIP. A Philly Icon. 🤟🏼 Fly Eagles Fly 🦅

[@csea__go]

He was always so knowledgeable and I loved watching him in the NFL Top 10 shows on the NFL Network. Enjoy your retirement Mr. Didinger!!!! You deserve it. 😁 You’re truly one of the best in your profession without question.

[@gdhidigs]

Ray is a legend. I grew up in Northern Delaware, very close to Philly, and my father and I would listen to him on the radio for hours growing up. He’s the best

[@Jimmyfly215]

Ray is one of the realest , honest and most knowledgable football minds over the years.

[@adamdorgant9454]

Agreed!!!

[@jacklarue7049]

I had the pleasure of meeting Ray when he came to Sun Valley High School to talk to our class since he was childhood friends with my teacher. Was better than damn near all field trips, and I never left the classroom

[@jduke93]

When was this?!? Man I wish I was there

[@alexandriaocasio-smollett5078]

Ray Didinger is a Hall of Fame sports writer. Ray Didinger is a playwright. Ray Didinger had the highest rated weekend radio show in the entirety of the Philadelphia market for over 10 years. Ray Didinger was an executive producer at NFL films for 15 years. Ray Didinger has never owned a cell phone. Ray Didinger once turned down a date request from Christie Brinkley. Ray Didinger has a hand written yellow notepad from *every* single Eagles game since 1972. Put that all together and it confirms something I’ve suspected for a very long time... Ray Didinger is *clearly* the real-life inspiration for the character who came to be known as “The Most Interesting Man in the World”.

[@rp-ze3bp]

He turned down a date from Christy Brinkley???!!! He is a god utmost men.

[@rp-ze3bp]

One of the few people on this crazy planet that was living his dream. Happy retirement RAY!!!!!

[@adamdorgant9454]

Agreed!!!

[@WOLFENCT]

I was fortunate to meet Ray during Brian Dawkins weekend at the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He was just shopping in one of the souvenir tents outside and I recognized him. Nobody else seemed to know who he was. So I walked up to him and introduced myself and kiddingly said, it appears that nobody has recognized you yet Ray, but I do and it's a pleasure to meet you. We then chatted for about 15 minutes about the Eagles and Dawkins. Ray is a legend

[@Will-tl2sj]

As a eagles fan I’ve listened to him for years and him retiring this year was sad but this video of him and what’s he’s done is spectacular

[@CarolynPA]

The Philly phanatic passionate kiss for Ray. It doesn't get any better than that. 🤣

[@terucks]

Godfather Ray is a legend period!

[@Gungho73]

This is the guy I want to watch the most on NFL Films, NFL top 10. As someone who doesn't live in that part of the country, he's had a tremendous impact on the life of football fans everywhere. I respect and appreciate what he's brought to the sport. With love and tremendous appreciation, we will miss you.

[@Fireyninjadog]

I remember him describing chuck bednarik. He met CB at age 11

[@augustusladue7119]

He is the reason I learned so much about my team. Living in California I had my dads history but when I found WIP. When I found uncle Ray I found my love for this great franchise. It’s been 10 years of learning every time that man was on the air. I was 16 washing trucks looking forward to putting on my ear buds to listen to his wisdom. He is the embodiment of Philadelphia fandom. Love you Ray, you help grow a diehard fan for life. Fly eagles Fly.

[@canergames1232]

That is so awesome.

[@r.williamcomm7693]

Ray Didinger is an good man & an ethical journalist who has always valued the truth in all of of his work.

[@flatlineracer3207]

Ray and the Eagles were my Childhood too. Love ya! Thanks for the Great memories.

[@kiasax2]

Ray Didinger's relationship with Tommy McDonald was touching. I can't remember anything I've ever heard of in my 64 years, that competes with the relationship between Ray Didinger and Tommy McDonald. Amazing, just amazing. I've watched and heard Ray Didinger so often over the years. As a kid, I lived all over the country, so it makes sense that I lived near Philadelphia. While living there I read Ray Didinger's writing. I felt like I knew more about sports after reading his columns. I remember being at Veterans Stadium when Karl Wallenda walked a high wire above it, and more importantly, Steve Carlton pitched his 22nd winning game of the season. The reason was that Sam Perlozzo, a family friend tried out for the Phillies and got us tickets. I read Ray's column the next day about that event. Ray Didinger has been something of a constant in my life. His knowledge, his historical perspective of sports, and his compassion are exceptional. His retirement was painful, but well deserved. What a great sportswriter, writer, and more importantly, a great man. And a great man he truly is. Thanks to NFL Films for making this. A very special thanks to #ISSAC GREEN for uploading this to KZbin!

[@wyzeindeed7234]

Ray Didi is a Philadelphia ICON We miss hearing ya on the radio Ray!!! Enjoy retirement!!!

[@mickleandkniolawhsworkouts6749]

Love you Ray!

[@BravoJr1987]

Him and Merrill Reese are my introduction to football, can’t imagine not seeing or hearing them 🐐🐐

[@stevenmaslinski1413]

I love Ray

[@dsbeats5657]

Even as a cowboys fan i knew this guy voice instantly

[@williamstocker584]

You can learn so much about football from this man he’s also wrote several good books

[@daveblack2900]

I watched this with tears in my eyes. Great film about a great guy. We are so fortunate to have him! Thank you Ray!

[@C.Chandler_May]

Thanks Sister Claire! Bravo Ray!

[@richardmorris7063]

I'm a Patriots fa but I'm glad the Eagles finally got one. Classic sports town, very great sports fans.

[@chadly63]

I always like him on NFL top 10s and things, he was always the smartest guy on the program.

[@MattProtrains]

I've always enjoyed Ray's stories, comments, and the knowledge he's always brought upon those NFL network programs, like NFL top 10 and other programs they've done. He was honest, appreciates the game, and makes it easy for anyone to understand the game (mostly from the Philly side of it, of course I've heard and see the other Philadelphia personalities on top 10; like Gonzalez, Eskin, and Werndl, all of them I loved hearing their voices of Philly fan authority, then hearing Didinger was the voice where I'd make sure there was nothing else so I could hear him talk). That being said, as a New England fan, as bummed I was seeing NE lose SB52, I happened to come across the video of Ray and David hugging during the postgame show, and I was glad that he got to experience a Super Bowl for Philadelphia. Thanks Ray for all you've done, enjoy retirement, you've earned it.

[@frederikgiguere12]

Thank you NFL film for an episode on didinger

[@ia5662]

Ray Dids! What a guy - literally the embodiment for class, character and knowledge all wrapped in one heck of a human being. I'm a weird Philly fan - love the Phillies, Sixers and Flyers, but I'm a Steelers fan from my dad's side. I still perked up every time Ray was on screen or on the radio talking sports. You just knew that his takes and analysis were so well informed and researched and he was so compelling to listen to. This special was such an awesome tribute to him and I really hope he's enjoying this Eagles season with his son and family - can't get much better with their current record and trajectory!

[@boywonda3]

Love Ray Diddy true Philadelphia legend thank you!

[@janellemaynait]

Merci, Thank you Mr Didinger

[@stupidmg]

I will always remember him talking about old NFL players, games in NFL Top 10

[@kirgeez-gaming]

We are so blessed to have had sports writers like Ray in this town. Fly Eagles Fly

[@danielschurer3041]

Ray deserves all the praise, my grandfather and dad both have passed and listening to him and Merrill still helps me remember those sundays waiting for the game

[@bobbyb2222]

Top notch sports analysis!

[@togelz]

I'm a "new" American football fan since 2010, i got the basic rules and information from the Japanese manga Eyeshield 21 and then i'm starting to learn about NFL history from The NFL Top Ten video series in which Ray used to appear as a frequent expert analyst on that shows And Ray is always the logical and sensical voice with a vast amount of knowledge about American football history, myth and legends that are not only informative but also very objective, which is ironic since Philadelphia sports fans/experts usually tends to be a little bit emotional and confrontational Thank you Mr. Didinger, enjoy your retirement sir

[@TsuuBandz]

This was just tremendous. What a story.

[@joevanlear7566]

One of the classiest men I've ever known of. I live near Philly and cried when he announced his retirement. I'm crying mow. 😢

[@kevinm8871]

Absolute legend. Miss hearing him on the radio but his retirement is well earned.

[@mattdisanto7184]

Ray is one of one. Thank you, NFL Films, for telling his story.

[@gtrDan1963]

Fabulous salute to a sports legend ! Had the chance to meet him once and this feature really captured the man. He truly loved what he did and we as fans reaped the benefits of all his hard work... All the BEST, Ray !!!

[@Stephenwhite013]

Man ray is a legend. Only reporter that was fair, reasonable, honest and real. The postgame is not the same without him

[@OldSchool-dr5ql]

He's the Best, Never will be duplicated.

[@Dudemandudeman19]

Ray Diddy

[@nickbradfordsr80]

How the hell did I miss this? Better late than evera I love Ray Diddy

[@chrisglasser1777]

For over 20 years, I used to tune into postgame live religiously just to hear his take on the game. No matter how the game went, you could always count on him to give it to you straight. He's a walking encyclopedia of the Eagles. He's the God Father, no question.

[@ReverendBrown.]

Thongs change scent from one end to the other. Knowledge is power. God bless

[@patrickthomas8890]

Always loved this guy. Always had great insight and was NEVER an obnoxious blowhard like so many other sports pundits

[@iranmillan94]

This man was the eagles he truly made love the eagles even more so much respect for Ray and wish till this i could have the opportunity to sit and talk eagles with him may god bless the god father of the best football team FLY EAGLES FLY 🦅

[@jduke93]

So grateful to have him in the city of Philly

[@thegodbox12]

Ray a Philadelphia and NFL legend Congratulations FlyEaglesFly

[@og9575]

Ray's a football icon. Deserved this spotlight and more.

[@joemancuso7033]

Ray can we get Donovan Mcnabb in the hall of fame? Let's do it!!!

[@bulldogbobinmath]

I’m not sure I’ve ever loved a man I’ve never met more than ray didinger

[@maxpuppy96]

5:38 There it is.

[@gramps5157]

I have some similarities with Ray when it comes to McDonald. I started following the Eagles in 1960. Tommy McDonald was my guy. I met McDonald after a game, got his autograph, had his pictures all over my bedroom mirror, I cut my jersey sleeves real short just like his and of course my number to this day is #25. I also went to Hersey in the preseason. I have a pic of me and Ray at an Eagles game. I would love nothing better than to sit down with Ray and talk about Tommy. I think I have a couple stories that Ray would enjoy.

[@_dnitty]

A true legend

[@Josh-go5lu]

The McDonald part of this where Tommy realizes that Ray was also the kid he carried his helmet and became his little brother... tears came down ngl

[@AlejandroSanchez-pl6jw]

I’ve always felt better when I see him in any NFL Top 10. It’s been embarrassing seeing with some celebs

[@scazermazz]

I can't even count how many people heard of Ray's soon to be retirement and said "What are we going to do?" He meant that much to the Philly faithful

[@sdot7436]

Diddy is a legend.

[@TheGammingPie]

We need a football life on ray!!!!!

[@francissmithers952]

Legend

[@dansteyer1202]

The absolute best

[@imbleeding89]

Glad to see the eagles are doing good this year. Hopefully they get to watch Philly in the Super Bowl together finally.

[@SillyGoose2024]

as a long time redskins fan who happens to live in the philly area, i've always said there's only 1 thing associated with philadelphia football that I ever respected and that was and is Ray Didinger

[@adamdorgant9454]

Great video!!!!

[@judyburton2997]

Best story every

[@gabeamick4869]

NFL Top 10s GOAT

[@Nypism]

@NFL Films. Please do a comprehensive video on refereeing and how it has evolved over the years!

[@kevinjackson7382]

14:15…beautiful….GO BIRDS 🦅

[@bilmckenty8841]

Ray Hill 2:16 2:17 2:17 2:17

[@showmeyourdaleel6568]

Wow

[@tweezerjam]

He’s Back! In a limited role… Fly Eagles Fly 🦅

[@montysday]

Every time I’ve listened to him on WIP about draft picks he’s been wrong

[@MalEvansUSA]

Great story. Fantastic. Tommy McDonald is no hall of famer. His stats are a joke. Real joke. And That play oy vey. Certainly no hall of fame for plays is so corny and sophomoric though. Very awful acting and insipid writing

[@AlejandroSanchez-pl6jw]

Yup you don’t know football and pray it’s sarcasm

[@MalEvansUSA]

@@AlejandroSanchez-pl6jw big fan of ray. The play is horrid and tommy McDonald as hall of famer is a disgrace.

[@williamstocker584]

Fake nfl fan