Sports World Is Paying Tribute To Jim Nantz Monday Night
AUGUSTA, GA - APRIL 06: Jim Nantz, CBS Sportscaster, is seen on set during the first round of the 2017 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 6, 2017 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
Rob Carr/Getty Images
Jim Nantz is calling the men's National Championship Game for the final time Monday night.
After 32 years, the iconic broadcaster will step down from his Final Four duties. Before Nantz announced Monday's game between San Diego State and UConn, CBS Sports honored his legendary run.
CBS made a tribute video featuring colleagues (Clark Kellogg, Tracy Wolfson, Ian Eagle), coaches (Mike Krzyzewski, Tom Izzo, Steve Kerr), and NBA legends (Clyde Drexler, Grant Hill, and Hakeem Olajuwon).
Fans expressed their gratitude to Nantz after watching the touching tribute.
"I’m going to miss hearing this man so much," sports editor Robby Fletcher wrote.
"As much fun as the game will be tonight, this is honestly why I’ll be tuning in - to listen to the GOAT call his final college basketball game," Chris Sharer said.
"March Madness won’t be the same," Sarah Foote of UC Athletics wrote.
"What a legend Jim Nantz is," a fan declared. "Going to be so strange at the Final Four next year without him."
"This is amazing! So long friend," a fan said.
His voice has become synonymous with the Final Four, but fans will have to adjust when somebody else assumes play-by-play responsibilities next year.
However, this isn't a full farewell. Nantz will continue to call NFL games and golf events for CBS, including The Masters Tournament this weekend.
