The New Orleans Saints hall of fame posthumously honored former WGNO Sports Director Ed Daniels by giving out the Joe Gemelli "Fleur-de-lis" award. Established in 1989, the award honors an individual who has made significant contributions to the New Orleans Saints and shown support for the franchise.
His widow, Robin Daniels, accepted the award in his place.
"I'm deeply touched every time we go to one of these things. Everyone means the same as the last; it's wonderful. I do want to thank the selection committee and everyone who is recognizing Ed today, but especially the Saints and Mrs. Benson." Robin Daniels said when accepting the award. "... Ed loved the Saints."
Ed Daniel's roots
Ed Daniels was with WGNO-TV from 1991 up until his death on Aug. 14, 2024. Over his 33-year tenure, Daniels' creativity and sustainability were on full display.
Daniels created one of the longest-running high school football shows in the country: "Friday Night Football." He also created a New Orleans trivia show, "N.O. It Alls," which became a favorite among the locals.
Throughout his legendary career with WGNO, Daniels was named Louisiana Sportscaster of the year by the National Sports Media Association on three separate occasions, in 1997, 2014 and 2018. Also in 2014, he received a lifetime achievement award from the Press Club of New Orleans.
However, Daniels had been a member of the New Orleans community for much longer. Daniels graduated from Archbishop Rummel High School in 1975 and stayed local for college, attending Loyola University of New Orleans.
Daniels maintained a strong connection to his faith throughout his career. He served as an altar server at St. Jerome Catholic Church in Kenner and sang in the choir at St. Philip Neri Church in Metairie. Additionally, the Clarion Herald, the official newspaper of the Archdiocese of New Orleans, featured his bi-monthly sports commentary.