Chester R. [Chet] Simmons, who had as much to do with the halcyon advancement of sports television broadcasting as anyone, is the fifth inductee into the 2019 Football Bowl Association Hall of Fame.
"Chet was not only the consummate creative television executive, but he was a kind and caring mentor to thousands of young people who were interested in television and sports careers," said Steve Ehrhart, Executive Director of the AutoZone Liberty Bowl who himself was mentored by Chet Simmons.
Simmons's list of achievements is legendary. His network career was nurtured by none other than Roone Arledge, a superstar in his own right. Simmons helped lead the way for ABC Sports to become the leader in sports television with its creation of
ABC's Wide World of Sports as well as coverage of the Winter and Summer Olympic Games.
In 1964, Simmons moved to NBC Sports, first as director of programming, then became, in 1977, the first president of the network.
During his 15 years at the NBC headquarters in Rockefeller Center, Simmons was instrumental in the acquisition of numerous high-profile sports properties. They included the Rose and Orange Bowls, the latter of which he eventually moved to prime time. Others included the American Football League, National Football League, Major League Baseball, Wimbledon, NCAA basketball championship, National Hockey League and the 1972 and 1980 Olympics.
In 1979, just before its launch, Simmons joined the Entertainment & Sports Programming Network as the country's first 24-hour, round-the-clock sports network. With cable and satellite transmission in its formative stages, Simmons accurately predicted there would be a viewership for sports at any hour. It became known by its initials, ESPN.
Together with programming chief and longtime friend Scotty Connal, Simmons led ESPN in its early stages. One of his innovations was a sports news program that was known, then as now, as
Sports Center. The first show was anchored by George Grande and Lee Leonard. Simmons later helped forge the careers of such ESPN commentators as Bob Ley, Chris Berman, Tom Mees, Greg Gumbel and countless others.
In 1982, Simmons departed ESPN to become Commissioner of the new United States Football League, a springtime league that began play In 1983.
The 12-team USFL was considered one of the most well-known startups in sports history. Before the first game, the league had contracts with both ABC Sports and ESPN for live over-the-air and cable programming.
The USFL played three seasons and launched the careers of Herschel Walker, Reggie White, Jim Kelly, Doug Flutie, Steve Young, Bobby Hebert, Sam Mills and many others who would later go on to prominence in the NFL.
Simmons continued to remain active in broadcast circles after leaving the USFL. He passed away in 2010 at the age of 81, leaving behind an unparalleled sports television legacy.
Previously-announced 2019 FBA Hall of Famers include George Olsen, longtime Gator Bowl executive director; former Fiesta and Holiday bowl executive John Reid; longtime coach, broadcaster and bowl founder Mike Gottfried; and Rose Bowl builder/contributor William Leishman.
This is the second FBA Hall of Fame class. The first two classes are found below.
FBA 2018 HALL OF FAME FBA 2019 HALL OF FAME
Bud Dudley, Liberty Bowl George Olsen, Gator Bowl
Field Scovell, Cotton Bowl John Reid, Fiesta/Holiday Bowl
Fred Digby, Sugar Bowl Mike Gottfried, Coach/Broadcaster
Warren Miller, Sugar Bowl William Leishman, Rose Bowl
Earnie Seiler, Orange Bowl Chet Simmons, Broadcast Executive
