Rowan and the Sports Communication and Media (Sports CaM) program are welcoming a new face: former Eagles wide receiver and current WIP color commentator, Mike Quick. Quick will be stopping in to guest lecture in select courses, as well as headline this semester’s first “Pizza With the Pros” on Oct. 2nd in King Auditorium.
Quick and Program Director, Neil Hartman, have known each other since their days at Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia. When Hartman reached out to Quick, it was a full-circle moment for both of them.
“I’ve known Neil for a long time, so when he asked if I would help out, I said yes, simple as that,” Quick said.
Along with Phillies alum and television color-commentator, Ruben Amaro Jr., Quick will serve as a guest lecturer for both the “Inside the Front Office” and “The History of Sport in Philadelphia” courses.
Student and aspiring play-by-play broadcaster, Aaron Hook is currently in the History of Sport in Philadelphia class.
“I think Mike Quick is going to be a great guest in class. He has been around the Eagles organization and the city of Philadelphia for a very long time,” Hook said. “He is one of the best wide receivers in Eagles history and for this class specifically, I think that’ll be really cool to hear about, as he has also done extensive work as a sports media professional post-retirement.”
Hartman underscored how their expertise impacts the program, “Their incredible longevity with their respective franchises, in a variety of roles, make them ideal contributors to both classes,” Hartman said. “They offer first-hand experiences from the playing field to the front office, which they are uniquely qualified to share.”
Quick is excited to join Rowan Sports CaM, one of the largest programs of its kind in the nation, as it revolutionizes the sports industry.
“I think that’s really cool. There are so many young people who would like to be in this space and eventually go into the field,” Quick said. “Because Rowan has that platform– I think it’s pretty outstanding. I think more people should know about it. I’m hoping what Neil is doing with myself and Ruben Amaro Jr., and what he’s doing there will shed more light on that campus.”
The North Carolina native spent his entire career with the Eagles where he was a five-time Pro Bowler. After retiring in 1990, Quick explored the business world before getting a job at Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia. In 1998 he began his current role as a color analyst for 94.1 WIP alongside Eagles play-by-play announcer Merrill Reese.
During his transition into broadcasting, Quick studied the way those around him worked and used them as models for what he wanted to be. He’s now worked with Merrill Reese, one of the best in the business, for the last twenty-six years.
“I know he is going to bring it each and every game, so I want to make sure I’m not slacking. Because I work with such a professional, it forces me to raise the level,” Quick said. “ I absolutely love working with Merrill.”
The two even called the Eagles Superbowl win in 2018 and Quick had a lot to say about the experience.
“It’s hard to put into words how fun it was. I am so blessed and so fortunate to do what I do. It’s a great place to be and then you get the opportunity to call the ultimate game. I was so excited about it and I was confident the Eagles were going to win it after the 2017 season. I remember the day before, and I remember it just brought tears to my face because I was at a place that I never even dreamed of being in,” said Quick.
In the same way that Quick has learned through professionals like Merrill, he is teaching Rowan students.
“I want to impart some of the experiences, wisdom, and knowledge that I have onto others and help them along the way.”
Now, Quick will do just that, serving as a role model for Rowan students as they enter the field. Quick’s main piece of advice for students is to continue learning.
“Read everything, even things that are not related to the specifics of where you want to be– make sure you’re well rounded and gather knowledge,” Quick said. “You’ll find there are so many things that are connected in a lot of ways. Find your passion and put the time into it.”
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