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Jim Nantz, born James William Nantz III on May 17, 1959, in Charlotte, North Carolina, is one of the most recognized and respected sports broadcasters in American television history. With a voice that has become synonymous with some of the greatest moments in sports, Nantz is known for his extensive coverage of the NFL, the NCAA men’s basketball tournament, and The Masters golf tournament. His versatility, professionalism, and iconic broadcasting style have made him a beloved figure in sports journalism for over four decades.
Early Life and Education
Jim Nantz grew up in New Orleans, Louisiana, and later moved to Colts Neck Township, New Jersey, where he attended Marlboro High School. From a young age, he showed an interest in sports, playing golf and basketball, and even serving as co-captain of his high school’s basketball team. His love of sports would eventually extend beyond the playing field as he nurtured an interest in broadcasting.
After high school, Nantz attended the University of Houston, where he majored in broadcasting. While there, he befriended future professional golfers Fred Couples and Blaine McCallister, deepening his love for sports, especially golf. During his time at Houston, Nantz worked as an announcer on the campus radio station and honed the broadcasting skills that would become the foundation of his successful career.
Early Career in Broadcasting
After graduating from the University of Houston, Jim Nantz began his professional career in the early 1980s. He started as a sports anchor and reporter for KHOU-TV in Houston and later moved to KSL-TV in Salt Lake City, Utah, where he covered a variety of sports including BYU football games. His work in regional sports broadcasting quickly gained attention, leading to his big break.
CBS Sports and Rise to Fame
In 1985, Nantz joined CBS Sports, which would become his broadcasting home for the next several decades. His early work at CBS included covering NFL games, college football, and basketball. His calm demeanor, detailed analysis, and smooth delivery set him apart, quickly making him a trusted and popular voice among sports fans.
One of the defining moments in Nantz’s career came when he began covering The Masters golf tournament in 1986. His ability to capture the emotion and intensity of the sport, combined with his poetic commentary, made his coverage of The Masters iconic. He has been the lead announcer for the prestigious tournament ever since, making phrases like “Hello, friends” and his yearly signoff “A tradition unlike any other” a cherished part of sports history.
NCAA Basketball and NFL Broadcasting
While Jim Nantz became a fixture in golf broadcasting, he also gained fame as the lead announcer for CBS’s coverage of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament, commonly known as “March Madness.” Since 1991, Nantz has been the voice behind some of the most memorable moments in college basketball, including buzzer-beaters, Cinderella stories, and championship-winning plays. His ability to balance excitement and professionalism during tense moments has made his commentary integral to the tournament’s viewing experience.
In addition to his work in golf and basketball, Nantz is equally renowned for his coverage of the NFL. He became CBS’s lead play-by-play announcer for the NFL in 2004, partnering with legendary analysts like Phil Simms and Tony Romo. Nantz has called numerous Super Bowls, playoff games, and other high-profile NFL matchups, delivering some of the sport’s most iconic calls with his signature voice and tone.
Awards and Recognition
Jim Nantz’s remarkable contributions to sports broadcasting have earned him numerous accolades and awards over the years. He has won multiple Emmy Awards for Outstanding Sports Personality, Play-by-Play, and has been honored with the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association’s Sportscaster of the Year award several times.
In 2008, Nantz became the first broadcaster to call the Super Bowl, NCAA Final Four, and The Masters in the same year, a remarkable achievement that underscores his versatility and excellence in covering different sports.
In 2011, he received one of the highest honors in broadcasting when he was inducted into the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Hall of Fame. Additionally, in recognition of his contributions to the game of golf, he was awarded the Ambassador of Golf Award in 2018.
Personal Life and Challenges
Beyond the world of sports, Jim Nantz has faced personal challenges that have shaped his life and career. One of the most significant challenges was his father’s battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Nantz has spoken publicly about the emotional toll of his father’s illness, and in response, he established the Nantz National Alzheimer Center in Houston in 2011 to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s research. His dedication to the cause reflects his deep commitment to helping others facing similar battles.
Nantz has been married twice. He married his first wife, Ann-Lorraine “Lorrie” Carlsen Nantz, in 1983, and they had a daughter, Caroline. The couple divorced in 2009. In 2012, Nantz married Courtney Richards, with whom he has two children, a daughter, Finley, and a son, Jameson.
Legacy and Impact
Jim Nantz’s legacy in sports broadcasting is undeniable. He has been the voice behind some of the most thrilling and memorable moments in sports history, from Tiger Woods’ iconic victories at The Masters to buzzer-beating shots in the NCAA tournament and championship-deciding moments in the NFL.
His ability to seamlessly transition between different sports, bringing the same level of enthusiasm, expertise, and eloquence, has made him a trusted voice for millions of sports fans. Nantz’s contributions have not only elevated the viewing experience for fans but have also set a standard for excellence in sports broadcasting.
Conclusion
Jim Nantz’s storied career spans over 40 years, during which he has become a beloved and iconic figure in the world of sports. His calm, friendly, and insightful commentary has made him a staple in the homes of sports fans across the country. Whether it’s on the football field, the basketball court, or the golf course, Nantz’s voice has become inseparable from the sports he covers.
As he continues to call major sporting events, Jim Nantz’s place in the pantheon of great sports broadcasters is well-established, ensuring that his contributions will be remembered for generations to come.
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