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What is Ed Daniels best known for in the sports community?
Meta Title: Remembering Ed Daniels: Beloved Saints Enthusiast and WGNO-TV Sports Director
Meta Description: Learn about the life and legacy of Ed Daniels, the legendary WGNO-TV Sports Director and passionate Saints enthusiast. Discover how his work and dedication left a lasting impact on the sports community.
Remembering the Legendary Ed Daniels: WGNO-TV Sports Director and Beloved Saints Enthusiast
The sports community, especially in New Orleans, suffered a great loss with the passing of Ed Daniels, the renowned WGNO-TV Sports Director. Ed Daniels, a beloved figure in the sports broadcasting industry, was not only a highly respected professional but also a passionate Saints enthusiast who left an indelible mark on the local sports scene. In this article, we will take a closer look at the life and legacy of Ed Daniels, paying tribute to his extraordinary contributions to sports journalism and his unwavering dedication to the New Orleans Saints.
Early Life and Career
Ed Daniels began his career in sports journalism in New Orleans, where he quickly established himself as a reliable and knowledgeable source of sports news and commentary. His passion for sports, particularly football, became evident early on, and his infectious enthusiasm endeared him to countless viewers and fans.
Throughout his career, Ed Daniels remained committed to delivering comprehensive and insightful sports coverage, earning the respect and admiration of his colleagues, athletes, and fans alike. His tenure as WGNO-TV Sports Director allowed him to showcase his expertise and passion for sports, making him a household name and a trusted voice in the industry.
Beloved Saints Enthusiast
As a proud resident of New Orleans, Ed Daniels had a deep-rooted love for the city’s sports teams, particularly the New Orleans Saints. His unwavering support for the Saints was evident in his reporting and commentary, as he consistently provided valuable insights into the team’s performances, challenges, and triumphs.
Ed Daniels’ connection to the Saints extended beyond his professional responsibilities; he was a devoted fan who shared in the collective joy and heartbreak experienced by the team’s supporters. His genuine affection for the Saints resonated with viewers and fans, fostering a sense of camaraderie and unity within the local sports community.
Impact and L
Obituary of Highly Respected Local Sports Director Ed Daniels
The sports world mourns the loss of a beloved figure, local ABC affiliate WGNO-TV sports director Ed Daniels, who passed away at the age of 67 due to complications from a heart attack he suffered while covering the New Orleans Saints’ training camp in late July.
A New Orleans native, Daniels held the record for the longest-serving sports director in the city, dedicating over three decades to WGNO. Unlike the boisterous sports commentators often heard on podcasts and cable TV, Daniels was distinguished by his composed demeanor, both in his reports and in his “ED”-itorials, which were characterized by a balanced, straightforward, and unflinching delivery.
LeBron “LBJ” Joseph, co-anchor of WGNO’s “Good Morning New Orleans,” fondly recalled Daniels as a “rock star newscaster” with a strong work ethic and an encyclopedic knowledge of sports statistics. Daniels began his media career in 1977 as an intern at WVUE-TV while still a student at Loyola University, where he graduated four years later with a communication degree.
After working at various stations, Daniels joined WGNO in 1991, a station he considered his professional home throughout his life. Known for his extensive coverage of high school, college, and professional sports, Daniels was highly respected for his dedication and integrity, with car dealer Ronnie Lamarque attesting to his unwavering commitment to sports reporting.
In addition to his on-air duties, Daniels was actively involved in community events and sports programs, often collaborating with local sports figures and organizations to highlight and promote Louisiana’s sports culture.
A devout Catholic and avid participant in the Krewe of Endymion, Daniels was twice honored as the Louisiana Sportscaster of the Year and received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Press Club of New Orleans in 2014. His passion for sports was evident throughout his career, and he remained dedicated to his work until the very end.
Tragically, Daniels suffered a heart attack while covering the Saints’ training camp in Southern California. Thanks to the quick response of his wife, Robin, and the medical staff at the Tommy Lasorda Heart Institute at Centinela Hospital, Daniels was able to receive prompt medical attention. Although his passing is a great loss to the sports community, he will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to covering the sports he loved.
With his family at his side, Daniels’ legacy as a dedicated journalist and advocate for youth sports will continue to inspire future generations. Funeral arrangements are currently being made to honor the life and career of Ed Daniels, who left an indelible mark on the sports world and the New Orleans community as a whole.
