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…
HOUSTON, TEXAS – APRIL 03: Announcer Jim Nantz watching One Shining Moment on the big screen at NRG Stadium with daughter Caroline after the Connecticut Huskies defeated the San Diego State Aztecs 76-59 during the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament National Championship game at NRG Stadium on April 03, 2023 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
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.
Even Governor Murphy offered his support Nantz's way.
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.
