Community leaders remember Ed Daniels
NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — Community leaders are mourning the loss of WGNO Sports Director Ed Daniels.
Ed was known for his community spirit and promoting the New Orleans sports scene. He has been the face and voice of WGNO and high school sports for the past 33 years. His Friday Night Football show, co-hosted by J.T. Curtis, showcased high school prep stars and future NFL Hall of Famers.
Ed passed away on Friday, Aug. 16 at the age of 67.
The New Orleans Saints and New Orleans Pelicans are saddened by the passing of longtime New Orleans sports personality Ed Daniels. Ed was one of the longest-tenured members of the media in our market, covering the Saints for over 40 years and covering the Pelicans (formerly Hornets) since they began play in New Orleans in 2002. A New Orleans native, Ed also had a great love for his hometown, both as a sportscaster and as a man, recognizing the importance of high school sports locally and the value of them to our youth. We send our thoughts and condolences to Ed’s family, friends and colleagues.
New Orleans Saints and Pelicans
New Orleans native and sports broadcasting pioneer Ed Daniels passed away at the age of 67. He was a trailblazer in the industry, and launched the city’s first high school sports television show during a remarkable five-decade career dedicated to telling the stories of Louisiana sports. His legacy in sports journalism and his impact on the community will be deeply missed. My prayers are with his family and loved ones during this time.
Louisiana Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser
My deepest condolences and respect for a real gentleman and friend.
New Orleans Saints Announcer Mark Romig
LSU mourns the loss of Ed Daniels. A true professional who was more than a member of the media, he was a dear friend.
LSU Tigers
The entire Tulane Athletics family mourns the passing of WGNO Sports Director Ed Daniels. Ed played such a tremendous role in the coverage of so many New Orleanians over the course of his more than 40 years in the market. His dedication to telling the stories of the Green Wave was second to none. We send our thoughts and condolences to Ed’s family, friends, colleagues and fans.
Tulane Athletics
Ed Daniels was in the business of reporting news, but did it in a way that not many could. Whether you were the Saints, Delgado baseball, or prep, you got his all. He was a true friend and a true professional. He will be missed. Godspeed, my friend!
Delgado Athletic Director Joe Scheuermann
Heartbreaking news today. Losing Ed Daniels is an absolutely crushing blow. In my short time here at Tulane, he was so good to me, our program and my family. I just really, really liked and appreciated him. I will miss Ed tremendously. Thank you, Ed,
Tulane University Head Baseball Coach Jay Uhlman
After Loyola won the national title, we returned to campus at 2 am. A proud Ed Daniels was there to greet us. A true professional. A Loyola graduate. He covered so many of our teams over the years and served as our Hall of Fame emcee. Prayers to his family, friends, and colleagues. He will be missed.
Loyola University Athletics Director Brett Simpson
The Archbishop Rummel High School community mourns the death of Ed Daniels – Class of 1975 Alumnus, Athletic Hall of Fame Recipient and lifelong Rummel supporter. Ed’s unmatched career in sports media helped shape athletic coverage for 3 decades, both locally and nationally. His unwavering dedication to his alma mater was felt by all and will be greatly missed. Our prayers go out to his family and loved ones, and we ask that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” – Matthew 5:4
Archbishop Rummel High School
This is a big loss. Ed Daniels was a well-known and trusted sportscaster in the New Orleans region. Can’t remember a time he wasn’t on the news, in fact, he was the longest-serving sports director in New Orleans. He also was a major supporter of youth sports. I know this is a tough time for his family and his colleagues at WGNO. Keeping them in my prayers. RIP Ed Daniels.
New Orleans City Councilmember Helena Moreno
As a local boy who loved the Saints, I grew up watching Ed on TV and hung on every word during his Saints reporting from training camp and elsewhere. As I pursued a career in sportscasting and visited WGNO one day, Ed was helpful, showed me around the station and talked with me for a while when I’m sure he had better things to do. When I moved back to New Orleans in 2009, I ended up working with him professionally, in both local news and government. I’ve never met someone with more passion for local sports, particularly at the high school level. I know his loss is immeasurable, but I also know you will be comforted by the fact that his impact on this community was tremendous. He made a difference and will never be forgotten. My deepest condolences.
Jefferson Parish Councilman-at-Large Scott Walker
The New Orleans community has lost an incredible ambassador, passionate journalist and thoughtful man. His passion for local prep sports was unparalleled. Please join Catherine and me in praying for his family, WGNO co-workers and all those who knew and loved him.
St. Tammany Parish President Mike Cooper
Our deepest condolences go out to the Daniels and WGNO family. The world is a better place because of his presence. The entire Curtis family will pray for his family at this time.
John Curtis School
The Board of Directors and staff at the Sports Foundation mourn the loss of legendary New Orleans sports anchor Ed Daniels. For more than 40 years, Ed was one of the most steadfast promoters of Louisiana sports. Our hearts and prayers go out to his family and colleagues.
Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation
It is a sad day in New Orleans sports. Ed leaves a legacy that has positively impacted many people. I will miss our on and off the record conversations.
Tulane University Head Football Coach Jon Sumrall
The University of New Orleans Athletic Department is deeply saddened by the passing of Ed Daniels. The name Ed Daniels has been synonymous with the sports media for several decades, dating back to when he first started in sports media in 1977. Ed has spent countless hours on the Lakefront, whether it was covering a game or getting an interview from a head coach. We are forever appreciative of the light he continued to shine on our student-athletes, coaches and programs. Our condolences are with his wife, Robin, his family and friends.
University of New Orleans Athletic Department
Ed Daniels embodied the true spirit of New Orleans. As a New Orleans sports reporter and broadcast TV anchor, Ed was a permanent fixture within our home and our hearts. May his soul rest peacefully as we celebrate his life and honor his memory. My condolences to the Daniels family and to our city as we mourn the loss of a great man.
New Orleans City Councilmember Oliver Thomas
We are so sad to hear the news of the passing of Ed Daniels. Ed was not just a friend of the Sugar Bowl, he was a part of the Sugar Bowl family. He was an ambassador for our city and a supporter of athletes and fans, young and old. New Orleans has lost an irreplaceable piece of its heart. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
Sugar Bowl CEO Jeff Hundley
Today, we honor the life and legacy of Ed Daniels, WGNO Sports Director and CCS Contributor. A cherished figure in our sports community, his unwavering passion for storytelling and dedication to the spirit of New Orleans inspired us all. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family and friends during this difficult time.
New Orleans and Co.
Ed Daniels had a deep passion for high school sports, seeing them as more than just games but as powerful experiences that shape young lives and bring communities together. He was there for every moment, celebrating the players, coaches, and fans with a unique ability to capture the heart of the story. His legacy will continue to inspire us to cherish the impact of sports on our youth and community. Please join the city in reflecting on his memory and legacy.
City of Kenner
We are saddened to hear of the death of long-time sportscaster, Ed Daniels. Ed was a broadcast staple here in New Orleans for more than four decades, covering sports. He earned our trust and became our friend over the years as he was welcomed into our homes as an effective, reliable communicator. He was also an accomplished journalist and earned the respect of his peers. Ed received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Press Club of New Orleans in 2014, and he is a two-time Louisiana Sportscaster of the Year recipient from the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association. Ed will be dearly missed. The City of New Orleans extends its condolences to his family, friends, and so many others who worked alongside him. May he rest in perfect peace.
City of New Orleans
Ed Daniels was an old school journalist who was a leader in his profession that so many looked up to. Our community will miss Ed and his incredible professionalism, insight and knowledge of Louisiana sports. Jennifer and I extend our deepest condolences to his wife, Robin, and his family.
Majority Leader of the U.S House of Representatives La. Steve Scalise
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