Peter Donald Drury affectionately known as “The Voice of Football,” born September 24, 1967, a renowned commentator celebrated for his poetic and eloquent narrative of the beautiful game. Peter Drury has captivated global audiences with his vivid descriptions and signature phrases, including the iconic “And it’s a goal, oh what a goal!” As a seasoned professional with over three decades of experience, Drury’s passion and mastery of the craft have earned him widespread acclaim, solidifying his status as one of the most beloved and respected voices in football commentary. With his unique ability to weave words into gold, Drury’s commentary has transcended the sport itself, making him a household name and a treasured fixture in the world of football.
Wiki
Full Name: Peter Donald Drury
Date of Birth: September 24, 1967
Place of Birth: Braintree, Essex, England
Origin: England
Nationality: British
Profession: Football Commentator, Football Broadcaster
Net Worth: $5 Million
Early Life & Career
Peter Donald Drury, born on 24 September 1967 in Braintree, Essex, England, is a renowned British sports commentator celebrated for his eloquent and poetic commentary style during football matches. Drury’s father was a Church of England vicar based in Kent, which contributed to his grounded upbringing. As a child, Drury initially supported West Ham United, a passion sparked at the tender age of four. Over time, his allegiances shifted, and he became a devoted supporter of Watford, reflecting his current residence in Hertfordshire.
Drury’s early education was at St. John’s School in Leatherhead, Surrey. During his formative years, he idolized BBC Radio’s Peter Jones, admiring his “beautiful, authoritative, and poetic voice.” This admiration significantly influenced Drury’s career path. At 18, he often attended Hull City matches at Boothferry Park, being among the first to arrive, demonstrating his deep-seated passion for football.
Drury’s professional journey began briefly as an accountant, a position he held for merely a month after graduating from the University of Hull. Realizing his true calling lay in sports journalism, he joined the sports journalism agency Hayter’s. In March 1990, Drury’s career took a pivotal turn when he joined BBC Radio Leeds. At Radio Leeds, he covered matches involving Halifax Town, Bradford City, and Huddersfield Town, and notably commented on Leeds United’s UEFA Champions League first-round tie with VfB Stuttgart in September 1992. Leeds’ dramatic comeback in the play-off match left a lasting impression on Drury, and his commentary captured the pride and passion of the fans.
Drury’s reputation grew, and he soon moved to BBC Radio 5 Live following its launch on 28 March 1994. His tenure at 5 Live included significant events such as the 1996 UEFA Champions League Final and UEFA Euro 96, where he covered Group D matches. He also expanded his repertoire by commentating on The Open Championship and the Ryder Cup.
In February 1998, Drury transitioned to ITV, where his career truly flourished. His first assignment for ITV was an FA Cup sixth-round replay between Sheffield United and Coventry City, which Sheffield United won on penalties. This marked the beginning of Drury’s long association with major football tournaments. He was a key part of ITV’s commentary team for four FIFA World Cups (1998, 2002, 2006, 2010) and four UEFA European Championships (2000, 2004, 2008, 2012). Drury also lent his voice to the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Cup, and Europa League matches, as well as ITV’s ‘The Premiership’ from 2001 to 2004.
Beyond football, Drury’s versatility shone through as he commentated on The Boat Race, the Grand Slam of Darts, and snooker tournaments like the Nations Cup and the Power Snooker tournament in 2010. His involvement in the “This is Football” video game series further cemented his status as a prominent voice in sports commentary.
After 15 years with ITV, Drury continued to expand his career by freelancing for Premier League Productions on international coverage until May 2022. He also contributed to CBS Sports’ English-language coverage of the UEFA Champions League and Europa League from 2020 to 2022, and worked with Pitch International on the English-language world feed of the EFL Cup through 2022. Drury’s expertise was also sought by Amazon Prime Video for Premier League coverage in the UK, BT Sport for the UEFA Europa League and UEFA Europa Conference League, and Gravity Media for the UEFA Europa League Final in 2023. Additionally, he worked with Host Broadcast Services (HBS) for the English-language world feed of the men’s FIFA World Cups in 2014, 2018, and 2022.
In recent years, Drury has taken on prominent roles at Sky Sports and NBC Sports, serving as the lead play-by-play announcer for their Premier League coverage. His commentary style, characterized by its poetic and emotional delivery, has garnered him a dedicated following among football fans worldwide.
Drury’s impact extends beyond his professional achievements. His ability to capture the essence of the game and convey it with passion and eloquence has made him a beloved figure in sports broadcasting. His commentary idol, Peter Jones, would undoubtedly be proud of the legacy Drury has created in the world of sports commentary.
In his personal life, Drury’s deep connection to football is complemented by his family values. Despite his busy schedule, he remains a devoted family man. He is married to Vicky, and the couple has three children. Drury’s ability to balance his professional commitments with his family life speaks volumes about his character and dedication.
Drury’s social media presence reflects his popularity and influence. With a significant following on platforms like Twitter, he engages with fans and shares insights into his career and personal experiences. His eloquent tweets often mirror the poetic style that has made him famous in the commentary booth.
Peter Drury’s journey from a football-loving child in Essex to one of the most respected voices in sports commentary is a testament to his talent, passion, and hard work. His contributions to the world of sports broadcasting have left an indelible mark, inspiring future generations of commentators. As he continues to call the beautiful game with his unique flair, Drury’s legacy as a masterful storyteller and passionate advocate for football remains secure.
Drury began his career at BBC Radio in 1990, where he initially called matches for Leeds United. His talent and passion for the craft quickly became apparent, leading to his move to BBC Radio 5 Live in 1994. During his tenure at BBC Radio, Drury covered several high-profile events, including the 1996 UEFA Champions League Final, UEFA Euro 1996, and major golf tournaments such as the Open Championship and the Ryder Cup. These early experiences honed his skills and laid the foundation for his future success in television commentary.
In 1998, Drury transitioned to television by joining ITV as a football commentator. His debut in television commentary was marked by his coverage of the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France, where he quickly established himself as a prominent voice in sports broadcasting. Over the next 15 years with ITV, Drury called four FIFA World Cups (1998, 2002, 2006, and 2010) and four UEFA European Championships (2000, 2004, 2008, and 2012). His work at ITV also included commentary on the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, and UEFA Europa League, as well as contributions to Sony’s “This Is Football” video game series.
In 2013, Drury joined BT Sport, where he continued to enhance his reputation as a premier football commentator. At BT Sport, he covered the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, and the FA Cup. A career highlight came in 2014 when Drury was selected to commentate on the FIFA World Cup final between Germany and Argentina at the Maracanã Stadium. His evocative and memorable commentary during this match further solidified his status as one of the leading voices in football.
Drury’s involvement in video game commentary began in earnest in 2015 when he replaced Jon Champion as the primary commentator for the Pro Evolution Soccer (PES) series, starting with PES 2016. This role, combined with his previous work on Sony’s “This Is Football” series, showcased his versatility and ability to engage with different media formats.
Throughout his career, Drury has also contributed to FIFA’s international feed and its YouTube channel, particularly during the 2014 and 2018 FIFA World Cups. His coverage of the 2018 final between France and Croatia was especially noteworthy, adding to his impressive portfolio of high-profile events.
In 2019, Drury expanded his reach by signing with SuperSport, a leading sports broadcaster in Africa. This move allowed him to bring his distinctive commentary style to a new and diverse audience. In August 2020, Drury joined CBS Sports in the United States for its UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League coverage, serving as the second-choice play-by-play commentator behind his former ITV colleague Clive Tyldesley. Additionally, he has provided commentary for Amazon Prime Video’s Premier League coverage in the United Kingdom, further cementing his global presence.
A significant career milestone occurred in July 2022 when Drury joined NBC Sports as the lead Premier League play-by-play commentator, replacing Arlo White. This position was officially confirmed on 6 July 2022, following Drury’s announcement that he had left Premier League Productions at the end of the 2021–22 season. Drury’s role at NBC Sports has allowed him to continue calling Premier League matches, bringing his unique style to a wide audience.
On 18 June 2023, it was announced that Drury would join Sky Sports, where he would cover one game per week on Sundays, Mondays, or midweek. Despite this new role, he continues to call games for NBC Sports during their Saturday 12:30 p.m. ET broadcasts, demonstrating his enduring dedication to his craft and his ability to balance multiple high-profile commitments.
Currently, Peter Drury holds significant roles at both Sky Sports and NBC Sports, serving as the lead play-by-play announcer for their Premier League coverage. His contributions have brought his expertise and poetic commentary style to fans worldwide, further cementing his reputation as one of the greatest football commentators of all time. With over 30 years of experience across TV and radio, Drury’s career is a testament to his dedication, talent, and enduring impact on the world of sports commentary
One of Drury’s most cherished moments in his commentary career is the goal by Siphiwe Tshabalala for South Africa at the start of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Drury’s impassioned call of the goal encapsulated the excitement and historical significance of the moment: “It’s Tshabalala! Goal Bafana Bafana! Goal for South Africa! Goal for all of Africa! Jambulila… Rejoice!” This match was not only significant for the historic goal but also for the electric atmosphere and the pride Drury felt in commentating on such a momentous occasion
Peter Drury’s career is marked by his expressive and literary style of commentary, often described as poetic. Known for his use of phrases such as “in a trice,” Drury’s distinctive approach has endeared him to audiences worldwide. His ability to convey the drama and emotion of sporting events with eloquence and insight has made him one of the most respected and beloved commentators in the industry. As he continues to work with leading broadcasters and cover major sporting events, Peter Drury’s legacy as a masterful sports commentator remains firmly intact.
Awards and Recognition
Drury’s contributions to sports commentary have not gone unrecognized. He is a two-time winner of the Football Supporters’ Association Commentator of the Year award (2019 and 2021) and the recipient of the Sports Journalists’ Association Commentator of the Year honor in 2020. These accolades reflect the high regard in which he is held by both fans and peers.
Personal Life
Peter Drury’s biography would be incomplete without mentioning his loving family. He has been married to Vicky Drury since 1990, and together they have three children: Adam (born in 1994), Dan (born in 1997), and Joey (born in 2001). The Drury family is known for their close-knit bond, and Peter and Vicky take great pride in their enduring marriage and the joy their children bring to their lives.
Social Media
Peter Drury has successfully extended his influence beyond traditional media through social media. He has amassed over 140k followers on Instagram (@officialpeterdrury), where he shares insights into his professional life and personal moments, further connecting with his audience.
Net Worth
As of 2024, Peter Drury’s net worth is estimated to be $3 million. This wealth has been accumulated through his successful commentary career and various broadcasting roles, reflecting his long-standing dedication and impact on the world of sports commentary.