When you search for Gary Danielson info, you’ll find the story of a man who has been a fixture in American football for over 50 years. Known for his sharp analysis, decades-long run in the broadcast booth, and a solid NFL career before that, Danielson is a familiar voice to millions of fans.
But who is the man behind the microphone? This article provides a complete hub of Gary Danielson info, diving into his story from his early football days, his time as an NFL quarterback, and his celebrated—and sometimes controversial—career with CBS Sports.
Key Gary Danielson Info & Bio
| Attribute | Information |
| Full Name | Gary Dennis Danielson |
| Famous As | College Football Analyst, Former NFL Quarterback |
| Date of Birth | September 10, 1951 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 74 Years Old |
| Birthplace | Detroit, Michigan, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | Bachelor’s Degree from Purdue University |
| High School | Divine Child High School, Dearborn, Michigan |
| College Football | Purdue Boilermakers (1970–1972) |
| NFL Teams | Detroit Lions (1976–1984), Cleveland Browns (1985–1988) |
| Broadcasting Debut | ESPN (1990) |
| Major Networks | ESPN, ABC Sports, CBS Sports |
| Known For | Lead Analyst for SEC Football on CBS Sports |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Wife | Kristy Danielson (m. 1973) |
| Children | 4 (including Matt Danielson, former Northwestern QB) |
| Residence | Naples, Florida, USA |
| Retirement Status | Announced retirement from CBS after the 2025–26 season |
Early Life & College Football Info
Key info on Gary Danielson begins in Detroit, Michigan, where he was born in 1951. His passion for football started early, leading him to play quarterback at Divine Child High School before earning a spot at Purdue University.
From 1970 to 1972, he served as the Boilermakers’ starting quarterback, throwing for over 2,700 yards and 14 touchdowns. His college career laid the groundwork for his future in professional sports.
Info on Gary Danielson’s NFL Career
Danielson’s journey to the NFL was one of persistence. He went undrafted in the 1973 NFL Draft but started his professional career in the World Football League (WFL).
His NFL break came in 1976 when he joined the Detroit Lions. He spent eight seasons with the Lions (1976–1984), becoming one of the franchise’s most consistent quarterbacks. He threw for over 10,000 yards and still holds a franchise record with five touchdown passes in a single game.
Following his time in Detroit, Danielson joined the Cleveland Browns in 1985, where he spent the final years of his playing career before retiring in 1988. This stint with the Browns, where he brought veteran experience to the quarterback room, marked the end of his on-field chapter and the beginning of his transition to broadcasting.
Gary Danielson Broadcasting Career Info
Even during his NFL days, Danielson was preparing for a life after football. He worked part-time as a sports anchor at WDIV-TV in Detroit and later co-hosted a sports talk show in Cleveland.
After retiring from the NFL, he transitioned to broadcasting full-time.
- ESPN (1990s-2005): His first major break came with ESPN, where he was hired as a college football analyst. His ability to explain complex plays simply made him a standout.
- CBS Sports (2006-2025): In 2006, he made his career-defining move to CBS Sports. As the lead college football analyst, often paired with Verne Lundquist and later Brad Nessler, his voice became synonymous with the “SEC on CBS.”
Gary Danielson Info: Net Worth and Salary
A key piece of info many seek is related to his financial success. After a long career in both the NFL and top-tier broadcasting, Danielson has built significant wealth.
While CBS doesn’t publicly disclose salaries, reports estimate Gary Danielson’s salary in his final years at CBS was between $1–$2 million per year.
As of 2025, Gary Danielson’s net worth is estimated to be in the range of $10–$15 million. This wealth was accumulated through his NFL career earnings and, more significantly, his 35+ years as one of college football’s most prominent broadcasters.
| Source of Income | Estimated Value |
| NFL Career Earnings | $1–$2 Million |
| Broadcasting Salary (CBS) | $1–$2 Million/Year |
| Endorsements & Appearances | $500K+ |
| Total Net Worth (2025) | $10–$15 Million |
Personal Info: Wife, Family, and Lifestyle
Beyond the stadium and the booth, Gary Danielson leads a grounded, family-centered life.
- Wife & Family: He has been married to Kristy Danielson since 1973. Kristy’s father, George King, was the athletic director at Purdue University, where Gary played. The couple shares four children. Their son, Matt Danielson, followed in his father’s footsteps as a quarterback at Northwestern University.
- Lifestyle: Fans often ask, “Where does Gary Danielson live?” He and his wife reside in Naples, Florida. He maintains a private lifestyle, enjoying golf and family time away from the national spotlight.
Legacy, Controversies, and Retirement Info
No collection of Gary Danielson info would be complete without addressing his complex legacy.
- Controversies: Danielson has been a polarizing figure. He was frequently accused by fans of showing broadcasting bias, particularly toward the Alabama Crimson Tide. He also faced backlash in 2019 for his reaction during a live game when a photographer was seriously injured on the sideline, an incident for which he later apologized.
- Retirement: After an illustrious 35+ year career in broadcasting, Gary Danielson announced his retirement from CBS Sports, with his final season being the 2025–2026 college football season. He will be succeeded by Charles Davis.
- Legacy: Despite the controversies, Danielson’s legacy is secure. For nearly two decades, his voice was the soundtrack of Saturday afternoons in the SEC, and his detailed, analytical style shaped how a generation of fans watched the game.
Final Thoughts
From his days as a determined NFL quarterback for the Detroit Lions and Cleveland Browns to his long, storied career as CBS’s top football analyst, this profile provides a complete picture of Gary Danielson info. He built a career rooted in a deep, intellectual passion for football, and his voice will remain a memorable part of the sport’s broadcast history.
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