I started writing these “Anatomy of a Broadcaster” pieces back in 2020, to put a spotlight on some of the best in our business. Until now, we’ve never had a repeat customer. That is until today.
Jim Nantz was first featured back in July of 2020, when COVID-19 was wreaking havoc with the nation and the sports schedule. Nantz was handling golf, basketball and football for CBS. That year the Masters was postponed until November, right in the midst of the NFL season. CBS even had the Super Bowl and of course the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. Nantz was basically working from November 2020 straight until mid-May of 2021. Non-stop. He was one of the busiest, “number ones” in the industry.
With the Masters right around the corner, it’s a good time to catch up on what’s been up with Nantz. There have been a few notable changes to his work schedule. What hasn’t changed is the quality of his work.
What’s Changed Since 2020?
The biggest change for Nantz is his schedule. What he gave up is quite noticeable at this time of the year. He retired from calling NCAA Men’s Basketball, after the 2023 National Championship game.
Nantz was quick to point out that he was absolutely not retiring. “You’re never going to walk away from the NFL — it’s too big — and golf is deep in my heart,” Nantz said. But, he added, “Something had to go” to help balance his work and family life.
I’m sure it was difficult to give up March Madness, but Nantz had the foresight to understand that giving up one, would probably help the other two. A less busy broadcaster, equals a much fresher broadcaster.
Nantz Still At The Top Of His Game
NFL
There’s no doubt that Nantz is still sharp as a tack. When it comes to calling NFL games, his voice is synonymous with big games and moments. Perhaps there’s even an extra pep in his step after carving out some more time for himself during college basketball season?
Recently Nantz called his seventh Super Bowl. He and Tony Romo had the broadcast of Super Bowl LVIII between the Chiefs and 49’ers in Las Vegas. The game went to overtime, with KC winning.
The final call was right on as Mecole Hardman hauled in the game-winning touchdown.
“Mahomes flings it. It’s there! Hardman! Jackpot! Kansas City!” A nice nod to the host city and to his friend Brent Musburger who used to call Raiders games on radio. Musburger would say “jackpot” for Raiders’ touchdowns.
Nantz is a pro’s pro. True to form, he is in control of his broadcast and the booth. Nantz is always prepared for a game and the storylines surrounding the matchup. His voice still rises to the occasion and you know without even watching the action, something big is happening. I love how he spices up his telecast with relevant stories about the players or coaches involved in the game. Since its’ a national broadcast and some may not have a rooting interest, the stories humanize things, giving viewers a reason to watch.
Nantz recently completed a huge milestone for an NFL broadcaster. He called his 500th game. He reached the milestone while calling the Bills/Broncos AFC Wildcard game in January.
“That’s a lot of games. It’s just staggering,” Nantz said. “With the historic relationship between the league and CBS that no one else can boast about and to think I have been given the blessing of calling more NFL games play-by-play than anyone in the network’s history, it’s meaningful and something that resonates for me.”
Nantz became just the eighth NFL TV play-by-play announcer to reach 500 games, but only the second with all of his games at one network. Kenny Albert, who has done games since Fox got the NFL in 1994, reached the milestone on Oct. 13 when the Cleveland Browns faced the Philadelphia Eagles.
According to research done by 506 Sports Archive, Al Michaels, Dick Stockton, Don Criqui, Summerall, Kevin Harlan and Charlie Jones, are also part of The 500 Club.
PGA
Believe it or not, Nantz started his 40th year covering the PGA Tour on CBS. This will also be his 40th Masters.
He’s had a front row seat (so to speak) for a ton of history. His first Masters in 1986, saw Jack Nicklaus winning it all. “The Bear…has come out of hibernation.” Nantz exclaimed.
He was there for Tiger’s first Masters win in 1997, with Nantz uttering the now famous, “There it is, a win for the ages.”
22 years later, Woods won it again, much like the Nicklaus win in ’86, this one came out of nowhere. When the final putt rolled in, Nantz belted out, “The return to glory!”.
Nantz’s voice has become part of the famed tournament at the Augusta National Golf Course. He coined the phrase “A tradition unlike any other” to describe what the first major of the year means.
I still think golf is his strongest sport. His ability to tell the stories, recall the history and paint the pictures shows his incredible talent. The way he’s able to still show excitement, in golf tone, is pretty amazing. Whether it’s the Waste Management Open in January or the Masters in April, his approach to the sport is the same. Every tournament demands his best and he delivers.
What’s Next For Nantz?
Nantz has recently reiterated his desire to retire from the Masters in 2036. In 2016 he told Sports Illustrated he originally thought about leaving after his 50th tournament, in 2035. Then he had a conversation with legendary ABC and CBS broadcaster Jack Whitaker, who had some advice. Whitaker told Nantz that the 2036 Masters would be the 100th playing of the tournament, so that became the new goal.
“A lot of things have to happen for that to occur,” he admitted recently to Bunkered. “First off, my health would have to hold up. Secondly, CBS and Augusta National would have to want me to come back.”
Did You Know?
Nantz revealed in a recent chat with Bunkered magazine that he says the same prayer before the first round of The Masters every year. “On Wednesday every year, as the Par-3 Tournament is taking place, the big course is going through its final prep,” Nantz said. “I go off to the side, park a golf cart down there, and duck under the ropes.” he explained. “I walk down to the creek fronting the green, walk across the bridge, and I allow myself a quiet moment of reflection.” he said. “It’s a spiritual thing, more than anything. It’s a moment of prayer and introspection, and I just give thanks for the gift of being here.”
Nantz was inducted into the PGA of America Hall of Fame in 2023.
In an appearance on the Main Event Podcast w/Andrew Marchand, Nantz talked about the first time he was ever on the air. It was the mid 70’s and he called into John Sterling’s New York radio show. Nantz wanted Sterling to know he wasn’t giving the North Carolina Wolfpack basketball team enough love.
Personal Aside
When the piece was published nearly 5-years ago, I had never met Nantz, I was just an admirer of his stellar work. The main goal of these “Anatomy” pieces is to get the announcer’s story out to you the reader. Since I have some experience in the industry, I also like to give you my thoughts on the subject’s work. I like to dig a little deeper too and tell you a story that you may not have known.
With several of those I’ve written about, I’ve received an email of thanks and gratitude. I always appreciate it, but again, never expect it. With Nantz, I received a phone call and had a chance to chat for several minutes with him. Nantz became someone that I would text or email with from time to time. When I wanted someone to look at a demo I put on my website, he was quick with a critique. As I contemplated my own future in broadcasting, he would make a little time to chat. I always felt like I was bothering him and picked my spots for sure, knowing his schedule. To say that Nantz is a special human being, is selling it a bit short. He is always paying it forward. It’s a great lesson for all of us.
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Andy Masur is a columnist for BSM and works for WGN Radio as an anchor and play-by-play announcer. He also teaches broadcasting at the Illinois Media School. During his career he has called games for the Chicago Cubs, San Diego Padres and Chicago White Sox. He can be found on Twitter @Andy_Masur1 or you can reach him by email at Andy@Andy-Masur.com.
