Brian Baldinger facts for kids

Brian David Baldinger (born January 7, 1959) is a former American professional football player. He played as a guard in the National Football League (NFL). Brian played for the Dallas Cowboys, Indianapolis Colts, and Philadelphia Eagles. Today, he works as an analyst for NFL Network. He also serves as a lead analyst for Compass Media Networks.

Early Life and College Football

Brian Baldinger was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He grew up playing many sports in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. His family later moved to Massapequa, New York. There, Brian continued to be great at sports. He played football, basketball, and track at Massapequa High School.

After high school, Brian went to Nassau Community College. He played football and basketball there. He became the starting tight end for the football team. In one game, he set a school record with seven catches. He finished that season with 38 catches.

In 1979, Brian transferred to Duke University. He started as a backup tight end. Later, he became an offensive guard because he was very good at blocking. In 1980, he became the starting right guard. In 1981, he was named the team's most improved player. He started all 11 games that season. The Duke Blue Devils finished with a 6–5 record. This was their best record in seven years.

Playing in the NFL

Dallas Cowboys Years

The Dallas Cowboys signed Brian Baldinger in 1982. He was an undrafted free agent. This means he was not chosen in the NFL draft. During training camp, he tried playing different positions. These included center, guard, and tackle. As a rookie, he played in 4 games. He mostly played on special teams.

In 1983, he was a backup player. He played as a center and guard. In 1984, he started four games. He played both right tackle and right guard. In 1985, he got a knee injury. He was placed on the injured reserve list. This meant he could not play.

In 1986, he was a backup center. He also played as a third tight end in short-yardage plays. In 1987, he had another knee injury. He was activated later in the season. After the 1987 season, the Cowboys did not re-sign him. During his time with the Cowboys, Brian played every position on the offensive line. He also played a few times as a tight end.

Indianapolis Colts Years

In 1988, the Indianapolis Colts signed Brian Baldinger. He played in all 16 games that season. He started three games as a right tackle. He even caught his first pass for 37 yards. This happened when he was allowed to play as a tackle-eligible receiver.

In 1989, he played in all 16 games again. He started some games at right tackle and left tackle. He was also used as a tackle-eligible player in short-yardage situations. In 1990, he became the starting right guard for the first eight games. Later, he moved to right tackle to replace an injured teammate.

In 1991, he started 13 games as a center. He filled in for a teammate who had a broken leg.

Buffalo Bills and Philadelphia Eagles

In 1992, Brian signed with the Buffalo Bills. His brother, Gary Baldinger, also played for the Bills. Brian was released by the Bills before the season started.

Later in 1992, the Philadelphia Eagles signed him. He joined the team to replace an injured player. In 1993, he started four games as a right guard. He was released by the Eagles in 1994.

Broadcasting Career

After his playing career, Brian Baldinger became a broadcasting analyst. He started at Bucknell University in 1995. Then, he moved to Fox in 1997. He provided analysis for NFL Europa games. Fox was impressed with his voice and knowledge. They promoted him to a color commentary role for NFL games. He worked with many play-by-play announcers.

In 2009, Brian joined Compass Media Networks. He became their lead analyst for national radio broadcasts of NFL games. In 2010, he worked as an offensive line coach for the Bergamo Lions in Italy.

Brian also co-hosts a talk show for Sporting News Radio. He teaches seminars for Nadia Communications. He wrote a book called The Map to Clear Messages. Brian has been a frequent guest on sports radio shows. He also works for NFL Network and Sky Sports.

In 2016, Brian made a comment about a player that caused controversy. NFL Network suspended him for a short time. He returned to NFLN in April 2017.

Personal Life

Brian Baldinger lives in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He has two younger brothers, Rich and Gary. Both of his brothers also played in the National Football League. Brian often works at The NFL Network in Mount Laurel, New Jersey. He has an injured right pinky finger. It was hurt during a game when it got caught in another player's jersey.