The sports community in New Orleans and across Louisiana is mourning the tragic loss of Ed Daniels, the long-serving and revered sports director at WGNO-TV. Ed Daniels passed away on Friday, August 16, 2024, after suffering complications from a massive heart attack he had three weeks earlier. His death marks the end of an era in Louisiana sports journalism, leaving a void in the hearts of his colleagues, viewers, and countless athletes whose stories he brought to life.
Ed Daniels, 67, was on assignment covering the New Orleans Saints training camp in Los Angeles when he suffered the heart attack just after midnight on July 26. His wife, Robin Daniels, was with him on what was supposed to be both a professional engagement and a relaxing getaway. What began as an ordinary trip quickly turned into a harrowing ordeal as Ed was rushed to a local hospital in critical condition. His heart attack was described as “massive,” and despite the immediate medical attention he received, his condition remained grave.
For nearly three weeks, Ed fought for his life in a Los Angeles hospital while surrounded by his loving wife and other family members. His battle was met with an outpouring of prayers, well-wishes, and support from the New Orleans community, the Saints organization, and sports fans across the state. Saints owner Gayle Benson personally arranged for a plane to fly Ed back to New Orleans so that he could be closer to home for his remaining time in care. This act of kindness allowed him to be transferred to Ochsner Health’s main campus on Jefferson Highway, where he spent his final days.
His wife, Robin, expressed her heartfelt gratitude in a letter published in the Clarion Herald, thanking Gayle Benson for her generosity in facilitating Ed’s return to Louisiana. It was a fitting gesture for a man who had dedicated his life to covering the Saints and Louisiana sports with passion, insight, and integrity. Despite the best efforts of the medical team at Ochsner, Ed Daniels passed away, leaving behind a legacy that few in sports journalism could ever hope to match.
Ed Daniels was not just a sports director; he was a towering figure in the world of Louisiana sports media. He first joined WGNO in 1992, quickly establishing himself as an authoritative voice in sports coverage. Over the course of his career, he became synonymous with the station’s commitment to high-quality sports journalism. One of his most significant contributions was the creation of Friday Night Football, a program that highlighted high school football teams across the state. The show became a cultural institution in Louisiana, showcasing the talent and dedication of young athletes and bringing communities together every Friday night.
Friday Night Football wasn’t just a television program—it was a celebration of local sportsmanship, an opportunity for students and their families to share their triumphs and challenges on a statewide stage. The program’s success later inspired Friday Night Fastball, which brought the same level of enthusiasm and attention to high school baseball. Through these shows, Ed Daniels played a pivotal role in elevating youth sports in Louisiana, giving athletes a platform to shine while fostering a sense of pride within the state’s diverse communities.
Beyond his work at WGNO, Ed Daniels was deeply committed to the community. He was a proud alumnus of Archbishop Rummel High School, graduating in 1975, and Loyola University in 1979. Both institutions held special places in his heart, and he frequently gave back to them, whether through mentorship, guest lectures, or simply offering his time and advice to aspiring journalists and athletes. Ed embodied the spirit of giving, and his commitment to his alma mater was emblematic of the broader commitment he showed to his city and state.
Throughout his career, Ed Daniels received numerous accolades, cementing his reputation as a preeminent sports journalist. Among his many honors was the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award from the New Orleans Press Club. He was also twice named Louisiana Sportscaster of the Year by the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association, a testament to his enduring influence and excellence in the field of sports reporting.
Yet, despite his many achievements, Ed Daniels remained humble and focused on the work that mattered most to him—telling the stories of athletes, teams, and fans in a way that captured the passion, struggles, and victories inherent in the world of sports. He was never one to seek the limelight for himself; instead, he was always looking for ways to elevate the people and stories that surrounded him. Whether he was interviewing a high school football player after a big game or reporting from the sidelines of a Saints practice, Ed’s approach was marked by empathy, professionalism, and a genuine love for the craft.
In addition to his professional achievements, Ed Daniels was beloved for his warm personality, sharp wit, and deep knowledge of the sports world. He had an uncanny ability to connect with people, whether he was on air, in the newsroom, or in the stands. His colleagues at WGNO spoke of him not just as a mentor and leader but as a friend who was always willing to lend a helping hand or offer a kind word. For many in the newsroom, Ed was the heart and soul of the operation, setting a standard of excellence that others strived to meet.
Ed’s passing has left an indelible mark on the WGNO team. In a statement released by the station, colleagues described him as “the most important and influential person to have worked in our newsroom.” They noted that his absence will be deeply felt, but that his legacy will continue to guide the station’s approach to sports journalism. The entire WGNO family has pledged to uphold the professional standards that Ed set during his decades-long tenure, ensuring that his influence will be felt for years to come.
The loss of Ed Daniels is also felt keenly by the athletes, coaches, and fans who came to know him through his work. In the days following his passing, social media was flooded with tributes from sports figures across the state. From high school coaches to professional athletes, many shared their memories of Ed—praising his dedication, kindness, and his unwavering commitment to the sports community. Saints players and coaches, in particular, expressed their sadness at the news, noting that Ed was a constant presence at training camps and games, always ready with insightful questions and thoughtful analysis.
Ed Daniels’ contributions to sports journalism extended far beyond the broadcasts. He was a storyteller, someone who understood the power of sports to unite people and to inspire. His reporting brought people together, whether it was through a shared love of football, baseball, or basketball, or through the common experience of rooting for a local high school team. Ed’s work transcended the games he covered; it was about the people, the communities, and the values that sports represent.
As the news of Ed Daniels’ passing continues to spread, the outpouring of grief is matched by a sense of gratitude for all that he accomplished during his life. He touched the lives of so many people, whether through his reporting, his mentorship, or his friendship. For those who knew him personally, his loss is profound, but his memory will live on in the stories he told, the athletes he inspired, and the countless viewers who looked forward to his broadcasts.
The Daniels family has yet to release details regarding Ed’s obituary and funeral arrangements. However, it is expected that there will be a large outpouring of support from the community, with many wanting to pay their respects to a man who meant so much to so many. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations to be made to [insert charity or cause] in Ed’s honor, ensuring that his legacy of generosity and giving back will continue.
Ed Daniels was more than just a sports director—he was a beloved figure in Louisiana, a man who dedicated his life to his community, his profession, and the athletes whose stories he told. His passing marks the end of a remarkable career, but his impact will be felt for generations to come. As New Orleans and the sports community mourn the loss of this giant, there is comfort in knowing that Ed Daniels’ legacy will endure through the countless lives he touched, the stories he told, and the standards of excellence he set for sports journalism in Louisiana.
