The Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation announced that the First Family of New Orleans Sports, the Romigs, including Mark Romig, Jerry Romig (posthumously), Jay Romig and Mary Beth Romig Haskins, will join Marc and Malcolm (posthumously) Ehrhardt as inductees into this year’s Hall of Fame class. Their induction will take place on the turf of the Caesars Superdome on Oct. 15 at Sports Foundation Honors, presented by Hancock Whitney and New Orleans & Company.
For generations, the Ehrhardts and Romigs have shaped the fan experience, communications and operations behind some of New Orleans’ most iconic sporting events. Together, their careers span journalism, broadcasting, public relations, tourism and professional sports, contributing to the success of countless Saints seasons, Super Bowls, NCAA championships and other major events that have elevated New Orleans as one of the nation’s premier sports destinations.
“The Romig family has been synonymous with New Orleans sports for decades,” said Philip Sherman, chairman of the board of the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation. “From Jerry’s unforgettable voice in the Caesars Superdome to Jay’s decades of service behind the scenes with the Saints and Mary Beth’s leadership in promoting New Orleans on the national stage, each has played an important role in strengthening our city’s reputation as a world-class sports destination. Their collective commitment to our community, our teams and our signature events has left an enduring legacy, and we are proud to recognize them as part of this year’s Hall of Fame class.”
A lifelong New Orleanian, Jerry Romig built a distinguished career in journalism, broadcasting and public service while becoming one of the city’s most recognizable voices. After beginning his career as a teenage sports reporter for The Times-Picayune and later serving in the Korean War, Romig joined WDSU-TV, where he spent 19 years and rose to vice president and program director. He later served the state of Louisiana as director of communications for the Louisiana Public Hospital System and director of marketing and public relations for the Medical Center of Louisiana. Romig is perhaps best remembered by generations of football fans as the in-stadium announcer for the New Orleans Saints, serving in the role for 44 years and 446 consecutive home games without missing a game – one of the longest tenures of any stadium announcer in NFL history. His legacy of civic leadership also includes serving as president or chairman of numerous community organizations, including the Sugar Bowl Committee, the Press Club of New Orleans, the New Orleans Rotary Club and Goodwill Industries.
