Most sports fans can’t get enough Gus Johnson. The energy he adds to a sporting event is unmatched and his authenticity is beloved.
We love the sound of Johnson calling a game, but unfortunately for him, the longtime play-by-play announcer doesn’t get the same enjoyment out of hearing his voice. It can be tough for broadcasters to listen back to their work. Surely, there are some who love to hear themselves speak, but for many, being your own harshest critic is uncomfortable.
“I never watch games. I never watch. I hate it,” Johnson said on the Green Light with Chris Long podcast. “I despise hearing my voice. I despise it. That’s everybody, though. You can ask Joe Buck and Jim Nantz and Al Michaels.”
Chris Long didn’t fully believe Johnson, arguing that there’s no way Kevin Harlan hates his own voice. And while I don’t have the issues BSM’s Demetri Ravanos has with Jim Nantz, I do believe the CBS icon enjoys hearing himself speak. Any announcer bold enough to take their tie off and hand it to a senior from the NCAA Men’s Basketball National Champion, viewing it as an honor, certainly admires the sound of their own voice.
Johnson has been with FOX Sports since 2011, meaning it’s been a decade since we last heard him call an NCAA Tournament game. With CBS Sports, Johnson was a major part of March Madness from 1996 – 2011, where he regularly added excitement to the end of close games. Johnson is still in the midst of an incredible career, but it’s a shame he can’t enjoy some of his highlight calls for college and pro sports, and he can only play Madden NFL 11 (the franchise’s best installment) on mute.
Brandon Contes is a former reporter for BSM, now working for Awful Announcing. You can find him on Twitter @BrandonContes or reach him by email at Brandon.Contes@gmail.com.
