Mel Kiper, Jr.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Mel Kiper, Jr. (born July 25, 1960 in Baltimore, Maryland) is an American football analyst for the ESPN television channel, known for his knowledge of college football and the National Football League draft as well as his distinct hairstyle. He has served as an analyst for ESPN's annual NFL draft coverage since 1984, providing in-depth information on the nation's potential draft picks.
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[edit] Early career
Kiper is president of Kiper Enterprises, which he founded in 1981 while in college. It is responsible for all aspects of a series of annual publications including the NFL Draft Report and Draft Preview.
With the emergence of ESPN2 and the ESPN.com, Kiper's visibility has increased. Kiper has said that Ernie Accorsi, the general manager of the then-Baltimore Colts, encouraged Kiper to become a draft analyst. He says that Accorsi told him that there was a market for draft information and that Kiper should convert his expertise into a business.
[edit] Claim to Fame
In 1994, then Indianapolis Colts general manager Bill Tobin commented in a live interview with a mortified Chris Mortensen, “Who the hell is Mel Kiper anyway? He has no more credentials to do what he’s doing than my neighbor, and my neighbor’s a postman.” Kiper had criticized the Colts' choice of linebacker Trev Alberts over quarterback Trent Dilfer in that year's NFL entry draft. Kiper responded to Tobin with a biting tirade that drew huge cheers from the fans in the gallery and rye smiles from Chris Berman and the other ESPN commentators.
[edit] Personal
Kiper grew up in Baltimore, Maryland and resides in Jarrettsville, Maryland with his family. He attended Calvert Hall College High School and Essex Community College. He never participated in football on any level in high school or college. He is a devout Catholic.
[edit] Video Game appearance
- Kiper lent his voice to the videogame, ESPN NFL 2K5 as the NFL Draft expert in season mode, he is also unlockable as a Free Agent tight end in the game.
- Kiper also appears in NFL Head Coach, again as the NFL Draft expert.
- Kiper appears in Madden NFL 07 during the college draft workout period in the offseason
