Ed Daniels, a native of New Orleans, Louisiana, was a respected sports journalist whose career spanned nearly five decades. Born and raised in the Crescent City, Ed Daniels deep passion for sports and his hometown led him to become a central figure in Louisiana's sports media landscape. He passed away at the age of 67 on a Friday, following complications from a cardiac event he suffered in July 2024.
Early Life and Education
Ed Daniels grew up in New Orleans, where his love for sports was cultivated from a young age. He attended Archbishop Rummel High School, graduating in 1975. His pursuit of a career in journalism led him to Loyola University, where he earned a degree in communications in 1979. These formative years laid the foundation for what would become a remarkable career dedicated to sports journalism.
A Pioneer in Sports Television
Ed Daniels career began at WDSU-TV, where he made his mark as a versatile sports journalist. However, it was at WGNO-TV where he truly made history. Joining the station in 1991, Ed Daniels became its first sports director, a position he held for 33 years until his passing. His time at WGNO was marked by innovation and dedication to local sports coverage, particularly high school athletics.
In 1992, Ed Daniels launched "Friday Night Football" (FNF), the first-ever high school sports television show in New Orleans. The program quickly became a local institution, known for its in-depth coverage of Friday night high school football games. FNF was co-hosted by Hall of Fame coach J.T. Curtis and set the standard for high school sports programming in the region. The show's success led to two other spin-off programs: "Friday Night Sports" and "Friday Night Fastball," which covered winter and spring sports, respectively.
Multi-Platform Journalism
Ed Daniels was a true multimedia journalist long before the term became widespread in the industry. In addition to his television work, Ed Daniels was a prolific sports columnist for the Clarion Herald for nearly two decades, succeeding his former WDSU boss, Buddy Diliberto. He also contributed regularly to Crescent City Sports, a digital platform that has become a vital source for local sports coverage since its launch in 2008.
On the radio, Ed co-hosted the "Three Tailgaters" show for nearly 30 years with his high school and college classmate, Ken Trahan. The show, which aired on various frequencies over the years, became a Saturday morning staple for sports fans in New Orleans. Ed Daniels also lent his voice as a radio analyst for New Orleans Saints preseason games, New Orleans Night Arena Football games, and University of New Orleans men’s basketball broadcasts.
Champion of High School Athletics
While many sports journalists focused on professional and college sports, Ed Daniels was unwavering in his commitment to high school athletics. He believed that the stories of young athletes deserved just as much attention as those of professionals. This dedication led to the creation of the Allstate Sugar Bowl National Prep Classic basketball tournament in 2011, alongside former Riverside Academy coach Timmy Byrd. The event, which started as a 16-team boys' tournament, grew into a major showcase with five brackets for both boys and girls. The success of the National Prep Classic inspired similar events in baseball and 7-on-7 football, with an inaugural volleyball event scheduled for the fall of 2024.
Honors and Recognition
Throughout his career, Ed Daniels received numerous accolades for his contributions to sports journalism. He was a three-time recipient of the Louisiana Sportscaster of the Year award, in 1997, 2014, and 2018, as voted by his peers and awarded by the National Sports Media Association. In 2014, he was honored with the Press Club of New Orleans’s Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his enduring impact on the field.
Ed Daniels was also inducted into the Archbishop Rummel High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2013, an honor he shared with his longtime friend and colleague Ken Trahan. Additionally, he was a member of the De La Salle High School Athletic Hall of Fame, further cementing his legacy in New Orleans' sports history.
Personal Life and Legacy
Ed Daniels was deeply rooted in the New Orleans community. He and his wife, Robin, were active parishioners at St. Philip Neri Church, where hundreds gathered to pray for his recovery after his cardiac event. His dedication to his family and community was evident in all aspects of his life.
Ed Daniels is survived by his wife, Robin, their five children, and five grandchildren. His passing marks the end of an era in New Orleans sports journalism, but his legacy will live on through the countless stories he told and the young athletes he championed. His contributions to Louisiana sports will be remembered for generations to come.
FAQs
1. How old was Ed Daniels when he passed away?
- Ed Daniels was 67 years old at the time of his death as of 2024.
2. What was Ed Daniels career in sports journalism?
- Ed Daniels had a nearly 50-year career in sports journalism, primarily working in television. He spent over 40 years in television, including 33 years at WGNO-TV as the sports director. He also worked as a sports columnist, radio show co-host, and analyst.
3. Where did Ed Daniels receive his education?
- Ed Daniels graduated from Archbishop Rummel High School in 1975 and earned a degree in communications from Loyola University in 1979.
4. Who was Ed Daniels wife?
- Ed Daniels was married to Robin Daniels.
5. How many children and grandchildren did Ed Daniels have?
- Ed Daniels had five children and five grandchildren.
6. What was Ed Daniels religious affiliation?
- Ed Daniels and his wife were parishioners at St. Philip Neri Church in New Orleans.
7. What was Ed Daniels nationality?
- Ed Daniels was an American, born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana.
8. What TV shows did Ed Daniels create or host?
- Ed Daniels created and hosted "Friday Night Football" (FNF), which was the first high school sports television show in New Orleans. He also hosted "Friday Night Sports" and "Friday Night Fastball."
9. What awards and achievements did Ed Daniels receive?
- Ed Daniels received several awards, including three Louisiana Sportscaster of the Year titles (1997, 2014, 2018) and the Press Club of New Orleans's Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014. He was also inducted into the Archbishop Rummel High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2013.
10. What other roles did Ed Daniels have in sports media?
- In addition to his television work, Ed Daniels wrote sports columns for the Clarion Herald, contributed to Crescent City Sports, co-hosted the "Three Tailgaters" radio show, and served as a radio analyst for various sports events.
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