The Man Behind the Mic: 34 Years as the Voice of the Patriots

If you've been to a New England Patriots game in the last few decades, you've heard the booming voice of John Rooke.

The Gillette Stadium public address announcer has been dubbed "The Voice of God" by his coworkers. Rooke has been the man behind the mic for 34 years.

"I actually predate the Krafts' ownership of the team," he said. "I'm not sure how I lasted through all of that, but I just kept coming back and they kept saying, okay, here's your chair. Here's your microphone."

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The Two Words You'll Never Hear Him Say

Every time the Patriots move the chains, you can expect to hear Rooke call for a first down – but the truth is, he's never actually said those two words.

The origin behind this moment dates back to the mid-90s. Rooke had been the P.A. announcer for just a few years at the time. He and the Entertainment Manager were trying to find a way to interact with the crowd and bring more life to the game.

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"One of the chief complaints we had at old Foxboro Stadium was the fact that people were sitting on their hands," Rooke said. "They had to sit on their hands because of those old aluminum metal stands and seats they had, but the other thing was just get people involved."

That's when it happened. The build-up to what would become a gameday tradition.

"That's good for another Patriot...." Rooke says.

"FIRST DOWN!" the crowd replies.

Biggest Surprise This Season

Rooke has experienced the highs and lows of the Patriots over the last 30-plus years. He's seen the highs and lows of Pats Nation, but this year took Rooke by surprise.

"I had every reason to think that they would be improved over the last couple of years, but to win 14, now 15 games, is beyond wild expectations," he said. "I think that they've really taken to Mike Vrabel and obviously Drake Maye has had an MVP-caliber year."

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Listen to John Rooke's Appearance on The MGM Show

A Family Affair

Witnessing big moments, big wins and superstar players is something Rooke has been able to enjoy with his wife.

"My other set of eyes is actually my wife, Robin. I taught her how to spot for me when I was doing college football about 20 years ago," Rooke said. "When the opportunity came for her to move into the Patriots booth, I just said, 'Do the same thing you've always done for me on the radio.'"

"She's been magnificent with it, and gives us a chance to spend Sundays together," Rooke said. "When normally I would have spent a 10-hour day away from home, either fighting traffic or fighting 70,000 people at the stadium, now we can fight it together."

Through every snap, every first down, every Super Bowl win, Rooke has been there, grateful and appreciative for the opportunity.

"I'm blessed to have been associated with the franchise for as long as I have been," he said.

Go Pats!