Brian Baldinger facts for kids

Brian David Baldinger (born January 7, 1959) is a former professional American football player. He played as an offensive lineman in the National Football League (NFL). His teams included the Dallas Cowboys, Indianapolis Colts, and Philadelphia Eagles. After his playing career, Brian became a sports analyst. He now works for NFL Network, where he helps explain football on the TV show NFL Total Access. He played college football at Duke University.

Brian's Early Life and School Days

Brian Baldinger was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. When he was young, he played many different sports. He grew up near Cherry Hill, New Jersey, which is close to Philadelphia.

Later, his family moved to Apple Valley, Minnesota. Then they moved to Massapequa, New York. Brian and his brothers were very good at sports. At Massapequa High School, Brian played football, basketball, and ran track. He graduated in 1977.

After high school, Brian planned to go to the Naval Academy Preparatory School. But there was a problem with his application. So, he decided to go to Nassau Community College instead. There, he played football and basketball. He became the starting tight end for the football team. On October 13, 1978, he caught 7 passes in one game. This was a school record! He finished that season with 38 catches for 334 yards and one touchdown. He was honored for his great play in the Coastal Conference.

In 1979, Brian moved to Duke University. In his second year, he was a backup tight end. But because he was so good at blocking, he changed positions. He became an offensive guard.

In his third year, he became the starting right guard. However, he missed some games because of a knee injury. In his final year at Duke, he started all 11 games. His teammates voted him the team's most improved player.

Brian's NFL Playing Career

Playing for the Dallas Cowboys

After the 1982 NFL draft, the Dallas Cowboys signed Brian Baldinger. He was an undrafted free agent, meaning no team picked him in the draft. This happened on April 30. During training camp, the Cowboys tried him at different positions. He played center, guard, and tackle.

As a rookie in 1982, he played in 4 out of 9 games. He mostly played on special teams. In 1983, he played as a backup center and guard.

In 1984, he started two games at right tackle. He filled in for an injured player. He also started two games at right guard. In 1985, he hurt his right knee during a preseason game. He was then placed on the injured reserve list, which meant he couldn't play.

In 1986, Brian was a backup center. He also played as a third tight end in short-yardage plays. On September 2, 1987, he hurt his left knee in a preseason game. He was again placed on the injured reserve list. He was able to return to the team on October 24. But he didn't play in 6 of the last 8 games.

After the 1987 season, the Cowboys did not sign him again. During his time with the Cowboys, Brian played every position on the offensive line. He even played a few snaps as a tight end.

Playing for the Indianapolis Colts

On July 19, 1988, the Indianapolis Colts signed Brian as a free agent. He was brought in to add depth to the team. He played in all 16 games that year. He started three games at right tackle. He also caught his first pass in a game! It was for 37 yards against the Green Bay Packers.

In 1989, Brian played in all 16 games again. He started the first game at right tackle. He also started two games at left tackle when another player was injured. He was also used as a tackle who could catch passes in short-yardage plays.

In 1990, Brian became the starting right guard for the first 8 games. In the second half of the season, he moved to right tackle. He replaced a player who injured his shoulder.

In 1991, Brian started 13 games at center. He took over for a player who broke his leg.

Playing for the Buffalo Bills

On April 2, 1992, the Buffalo Bills signed Brian. He joined his brother, Gary Baldinger, on the team. But he was released by the Bills on August 31.

Playing for the Philadelphia Eagles

On September 28, 1992, Brian was signed by the Philadelphia Eagles. He joined the team to replace an injured player. In 1993, he started 4 games at right guard. He filled in for another injured player. On June 4, 1994, he was released by the Eagles. This was part of a team decision involving many players.

Brian's Broadcasting Career

Brian Baldinger started his broadcasting career in 1995. He worked as a color analyst for Bucknell University football games. In 1997, he moved to Fox. There, he provided analysis for NFL Europe games. Fox liked his voice and how he explained things. So, they promoted him to be a color commentary person for NFL games. Brian worked with famous play-by-play announcers like Joe Buck and Kenny Albert.

In May 2009, Brian was replaced by former NFL player John Lynch at Fox. Soon after, Brian was hired by Compass Media Networks. He became the main analyst for their national radio broadcasts of NFL games.

In 2010, Brian also worked as an offensive line coach. He coached for the Bergamo Lions in the Italian Football League.

Brian also co-hosts a talk show for Sporting News Radio during football season. He teaches seminars and has written a book called The Map to Clear Messages. He has co-hosted other radio shows too. Now, he often talks about sports on Philadelphia's WPEN radio. He is also a frequent contributor to NFL Network and Sky Sports.

In October 2016, Brian made some remarks during a radio appearance. These comments led to him being suspended by NFL Network for 6 months. However, his suspension was later shortened. He returned to NFL Network in April 2017.

Brian's Personal Life

Brian Baldinger lives in Marlton, New Jersey. 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.