DETROIT – The Detroit Lions announced today that they are welcoming Detroit Tigers TV play-by-play announcer Jason Benetti and Detroit Lions Radio Analyst & Lions Legend OL T.J. Lang to the Detroit Lions Preseason TV Broadcast Team. The crew will be composed of play-by-play announcer Jason Benetti; analyst T.J. Lang; and sideline reporter Dannie Rogers.
Jason Benetti is an award-winning sports broadcaster, currently in his second year as the TV play-by-play announcer locally for the Detroit Tigers (Major League Baseball) and nationally for FOX Sports. At FOX, Benetti calls many of the biggest matchups in sports across their college football, NFL, college basketball and MLB coverage. Prior to joining the Tigers and FOX, Benetti spent eight seasons as the television voice of the Chicago White Sox and twelve years as a play-by-play announcer for ESPN. His voice has also reached national audiences through Westwood One radio, where he's covered both the NFL and NCAA tournament. Recognized for his excellence in sports journalism, he was named the 2024 Michigan Sportscaster of the Year and is a two-time Illinois Sportscaster of the year. A proud graduate of Syracuse University (2005) and Wake Forest Law School (2011), he also serves as an ambassador for the Cerebral Palsy Foundation, using his platform to support inclusivity and awareness in sports.
"Detroit's sports tide is rising and lifting all boats. I saw first-hand for Westwood One radio last year on Thanksgiving the magic of a Lions home game. We've seen the power of the city's fandom at Comerica Park all summer," said Detroit Tigers TV play-by-by announcer Jason Benetti. "I'm grateful to the Lions and [Detroit Lions Director of Broadcasting] Carl Moll for the opportunity to begin their season and join their wonderful crew. I'm also grateful to the Tigers for their willingness to have me cross the street for a few games in August."
Joining the crew alongside Benetti is native metro-Detroiter T.J. Lang, who attended Eastern Michigan University (EMU) where he played football for the Eagles (2005-2008) and was subsequently named to the 2000s EMU Football All-Decade Roster for Offensive Line. Lang served as team captain for his senior season in 2008 and currently ranks 11th on EMU's all-time list for games played (47) and 14th for game starts (37). Selected by the Green Bay Packers in the fourth round, 109th overall pick of the 2009 NFL Draft, Lang played 10 years in green and gold before signing with Detroit and later retiring after a stint with the Lions (2017-2018). After a successful career on the field, including earning a Super Bowl ring with the 2011 Packers and being selected to the NFL Pro-Bowl twice, he now serves as an analyst for the Detroit Lions Radio Network.
"As someone who was able to spend the end of my playing career with my hometown team and continue my career as a Lion on the radio, it's an honor to expand my role as an analyst to now include the preseason TV broadcast as well," said Detroit Lions Radio Analyst & Lions Legend OL T.J. Lang. "I am excited to work with Jason and the rest of the crew and combine all our backgrounds to create the best possible show for all our viewers."
Returning to the crew as Sideline Reporter is Detroit Lions Team Reporter Dannie Rogers. From Monroe, Michigan, Rogers attended University of Michigan before working with BCSN in Toledo, Ohio and later the University of Arizona football team. She now serves as an in-house reporter for the Lions in addition to reporting on College Football for Big Ten Network.
"Jason Benetti and T.J. Lang are extremely exciting additions to our preseason TV broadcast," said Detroit Lions President & CEO Rod Wood. "Combining Jason's unique and exciting style on the mic with T.J.'s experience as both a former Lions player and our current radio analyst will bring a new dimension to our broadcast this year. We are grateful to the Tigers organization for graciously lending us Jason for our preseason."
The crew will broadcast three preseason games locally on Fox 2 Detroit (WJBK) and throughout the Detroit Lions Television Network:
Friday, August 8 (7 PM ET) | Detroit Lions at Atlanta Falcons
Saturday, August 16 (1 PM ET) | Detroit Lions vs Miami Dolphins
Saturday, August 23 (1 PM ET) | Detroit Lions vs Houston Texans
