‘The dab’s not all, folks’: MNF production crew shares 2015 favorite memories

As ESPNâ€™s Monday Night Football production team readies for its final regular-season game -- Cincinnati Bengals versus Denver Broncos (tonight, 8:15 ET), eight members of the crew share their favorite memories from the past 16 weeks - four months that are noteworthy for many fantastic finishes. Aladdin Freeman ISO Director/Replay Director Ravens-Browns: There was a punt return for a touchdown and [Ravens return specialist] Kaelin Clay did "the dab." At the time, I didnâ€™t understand what one of the operators said. I thought she said 'dap.' Next thing you know, everyoneâ€™s saying, â€œItâ€™s called the â€˜dabâ€™ not the â€˜dapâ€™!â€ To me it was a good example of the different age groups we have in the truck. Favorite moment by far. I literally stopped during the game and was laughing. [MNF producer] Jay Rothman said, â€œWhatâ€™s going on back there? Why are you having so much fun?â€ And I said, â€œI donâ€™t know. We're too busy dabbing back here!â€ Joe Accordino Graphics AP Definitely when [Steelers running back] Leâ€™Veon Bell beat the buzzer to top the Chargers. It was an awesome game and I lost all professional sensibility and stood up and started hitting the ceiling of the truck to celebrate the Steelersâ€™ win. Kala Bolton Imagery ISO Producer Each Saturday, we shoot interviews and various segments on our ESPN bus with [commentator] Mike Tirico and [analyst] Jon Gruden. Growing up a sports fan, I've long admired these two guys, so the opportunity to work alongside and learn from them each week is something I donâ€™t take for granted. Thereâ€™s rarely a dull moment - the chemistry between the two of them is genuine both on and off the air (especially when the subject of their jokes becomes my ailing college football team, Auburn), and Iâ€™m reminded just how good they are each and every week. Like so many others on our MNF crew, Iâ€™m thankful to call those two colleagues and friends. Jeremy Drummond Associate Producer Winning the crew curling championship belt (in Green Bay) once again. I won two years ago, but was unable to bring home the belt last year. Definitely wrapping that cheese belt around my waist one more time was my favorite memory. Chris Jarmon Content Associate Going curling and on my first throw splitting my pants open. Joe Smiley Content Associate On Sunday night in Cincinnati, our [technical director] Marc Herklotz always has a get-together, and he usually caters it with Montgomery Innâ€™s ribs and barbeque. Knowing this, Jeremy Drummond chose not to go out with the crew Saturday night for a King Rack â€“ a really big slab of ribs â€“ because he thought he would have ribs the next night at Herkyâ€™s. And then Sunday we had a really late night at work. When we got to Herkyâ€™s house, there werenâ€™t any ribs left. If you could see the look on Jeremyâ€™s face, it was classic. I think the lesson learned was not to count your chickens before they hatch. Kayla Johnson Content Associate Dallas at Washington: Growing up a Redskins fan and remembering the intense rivalry and all the iconic moments between the Cowboys and Redskins on Monday Night, it was amazing to be at this game as a crew member of MNF. Steven Kim Graphics AP The blocked field goal returned for a touchdown at the end of Browns-Ravens. We were getting ready for overtime because we think the kick is going to be good, and then the most incredible play of all time happened. The reason why it was really memorable is before the game I said, â€œSomething amazing is probably going to happen in this game,â€ and something did and itâ€™s something that Iâ€™ll never forget.

Jeremy Drummond Associate Producer

Related Articles

Jeremy Drummond
Associate Producer