Jersey’s Jim Nantz Signs Off After Final NCAA Championship
Jim Nantz was born in Charlotte, North Carolina, and went to college at the University of Houston, but in between he has strong Jersey routes.
Having grown up in Colts Neck and Marlboro, New Jersey, where he attended High School at Marlboro, High School, Nantz has put together one of the great sports broadcasting careers ever. He has been the voice of CBS Sports seemingly forever, dating back to 1985 where he has been either a play-by-play man or studio host. On Monday night he called his final college basketball game for the network with UCONN’s 76-59 win over San Diego State.
The man who made the simple phrase, “Hello friends,” his trademark before each broadcast signed off at the conclusion of the game, saying “Thank you for being my friend,” while choking back tears.
"Thank you for being my friend"
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) April 4, 2023
Jim Nantz with some amazing words as he wraps up his final National Title Game ❤️ pic.twitter.com/NtxPkxzcAp
Even Governor Murphy offered his support Nantz’s way.
"Hello, friends."
— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) April 4, 2023
Legendary sportscaster Jim Nantz will cover his last #MarchMadness championship tonight.
Jim, while this may be your last Big Dance, I'm sure I speak for Marlboro High School when I say you're welcome back to cover their games any time. https://t.co/uql9Xd8ag1
Nantz isn’t fully retiring. He will anchor coverage of the Master’s later this week for CBS, and remain the number 1 voice for the NFL on CBS. He, Tony Romo and Tracy Wolfson will have the call of the AFC Championship Game next January and Super Bowl LVIII next February.
Ian Eagle, another Jersey broadcast legend, who has carved his own path with CBS on football and basketball, and has a resume that includes voice of the New Jersey/Brooklyn Nets and New York Jets, will take over as the lead play-by-play man for next year’s March Madness.