ORLANDO, FL -- Orlando Sports knows its voice.
Everyday on FM 96.9's 'The Finish Line' from 3-6p.m., that voice is heard.
“He connects with his audience and he represents Orlando and Central Florida as well as anybody I’ve ever been around,” said Orlando radio personality Mike Tuck.
“I don’t think the guy sleeps," said Michael "The Shot Doctor" Joseph, co-host of The Finish Line. "He does show prep at home. He does show prep in the bathroom. He does show prep in the car. He comes in with a stack of notes everyday like this.”
Well prepared and well-respected. Jerry O'Neill is a legend in this market.
“He’s incredible and the best part about Jerry is I don’t think he knows how good he is,” said 96.9's Brandon Kravitz.
For the last 25 years, Jerry O'Neill has captured the hearts of City Beautiful sports fans with his knowledge, loyalty, and quick wit.
“Part of the beauty of Orlando is people move here from all over and they bring their allegiance," O'Neill said. There’s no line at the state line that says leave your fandom here. I love this town because of its love of football. College football especially.”
“If somebody comes up and says to me they really enjoyed it. I do digest that. My hope is that I can close the book on my run in Orlando with pride.”
After two and a half decades of dedication, Jerry is running through The Finish Line for a final time. Today marked his last show of his illustrious career.
“I’m not going to be 'me' anymore. I’m not going to be Jerry O’Neill. I want to blend in and just go on.”
Onward he goes but not out of the game completely. Jerry will serve as the sideline reporter for the Orlando Apollos radio broadcast. His impact in talk radio will be felt long after his finale.
“He was basically the guy that made sports entertaining," Tuck said. "I just think he’ll always be a beloved figure in Central Florida.”
“If I ever offended you, from the bottom of my heart I’m truly sorry. If I’ve brought you some pleasure and some fun, I’m really grateful for that.”