Few voices in modern television carry the warmth, authority, and emotional resonance of Jim Nantz. For over four decades on CBS Sports, Nantz has narrated some of the most memorable chapters in sports history. Whether greeting viewers with his trademark “Hello, friends,” welcoming fans to Augusta National for the Masters, or anchoring marquee NFL playoff games, he represents the gold standard of American sports broadcasting.
Recently, Nantz once again demonstrated why fans and peers revere him not just as an announcer, but as a master storyteller. Following the passing of legendary Chicago Bears head coach and Hall of Fame tight end Mike Ditka at age 86, Nantz delivered a moving on-air tribute during CBS’s NFL broadcast that perfectly captured Ditka’s larger-than-life legacy.
Here is an in-depth look at Jim Nantz’s illustrious career, his signature broadcast style, and the powerful words that recently made headlines across the sports landscape.
Jim Nantz’s Moving On-Air Tribute to Mike Ditka
In October 2026, the football world mourned the loss of Mike “Iron Mike” Ditka, an icon whose fierce personality and championship pedigree reshaped NFL history. As tributes poured in from across sports media, Jim Nantz took a moment during CBS’s national NFL broadcast of the Steelers-Colts matchup to honor his longtime friend and former colleague.
Speaking to millions of fans watching at home, Nantz highlighted Ditka’s rare path from an All-American college career in Pittsburgh to a dominant tight end with the 1963 champion Bears, a Super Bowl winner with the Dallas Cowboys, and the head coach of the immortal 1985 Chicago Bears.
“A friend, a colleague, a legend… As long as there’s football being played, the name Mike Ditka will be on that roll call of legendary players who were bigger than life.”
— Jim Nantz on the NFL on CBS
The tribute struck a chord with viewers nationwide. It highlighted Nantz’s innate ability to step outside the standard play-by-play format and provide heartfelt, historically grounded context when the moment demands it.
The Making of a Legend: Jim Nantz’s CBS Sports Journey
Born James William Nantz III in Charlotte, North Carolina, Nantz attended the University of Houston, where he played on the men’s golf team alongside future PGA Tour stars Fred Couples and Blaine McCallister. His collegiate days laid the groundwork for a lifelong passion for sports media, leading to initial radio and local television roles before CBS Sports hired him in 1985.
Over the decades, Nantz accomplished a rare “triple crown” of broadcasting: serving as the lead voice for three of the nation’s biggest sporting institutions:
- The Masters Tournament (1989–Present): Nantz has anchored CBS’s coverage from Augusta National for over 35 years, framing iconic wins from Jack Nicklaus to Tiger Woods.
- The NFL on CBS (1988–Present): After hosting The NFL Today and calling games throughout the 1990s, Nantz took over as the network’s lead play-by-play voice in 2004, calling multiple Super Bowls.
- NCAA Men’s Final Four (1990–2023): For 33 years, Nantz was the voice of March Madness, narrating national championships with his signature dramatic flair before stepping away from college basketball to balance his schedule.
Jim Nantz at a Glance: Key Milestones
| Category | Career Details |
| Birthdate | May 17, 1959 |
| Alma Mater | University of Houston |
| Network | CBS Sports (1985–Present) |
| Primary Broadcasts | NFL on CBS (Lead Play-by-Play), The Masters, PGA Tour |
| Signature Catchphrase | “Hello, friends” |
| Hall of Fame Honors | Pete Rozelle Radio-Television Award (Pro Football Hall of Fame), Curt Gowdy Award (Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame), NSMA Hall of Fame |
What Sets Jim Nantz Apart in the Booth?
Broadcasting live sports requires precision, quick thinking, and vocal discipline. However, several defining qualities elevate Jim Nantz into the upper echelon of sports journalism:
Reverence for Sports History
Nantz never treats a game in isolation. He constantly connects modern athletic achievements to the past, reminding audiences of the historical milestones on the line.
Chemistry with Broadcast Partners
From his historic run with Phil Simms to his electric dynamic alongside Tony Romo in the NFL booth, Nantz provides steady pacing that allows his analysts to shine while keeping the broadcast structured.
Iconic Calls in Clutch Moments
Nantz is famous for scripting brief, poetic phrases in high-pressure finishes:
- “The Bear has come out of hibernation” — Jack Nicklaus winning the 1986 Masters.
- “A win for the ages!” — Tiger Woods claiming his groundbreaking 1997 Masters victory.
- “The return to glory!” — Tiger Woods capturing his fifth green jacket in 2019.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Jim Nantz’s signature greeting?
Jim Nantz is universally known for opening broadcasts with the phrase “Hello, friends.” He originally introduced the greeting as a subtle personal homage to his father, who battled Alzheimer’s disease.
Did Jim Nantz retire from calling college basketball?
Yes. Jim Nantz called his final NCAA Men’s Division I Basketball Tournament in 2023 after serving as the lead voice of March Madness for 33 years, handing over lead duties to Ian Eagle while continuing his work on the NFL and golf.
How did Jim Nantz honor Mike Ditka?
During CBS’s NFL broadcast on October 11, 2026, Nantz offered a heartfelt tribute to Ditka, who passed away at age 86. Nantz praised Ditka as a player, coach, and friend, remarking that as long as football is played, Ditka will remain on the roll call of legends who were bigger than life.
How many Super Bowls has Jim Nantz called?
Jim Nantz has called seven Super Bowls as the lead play-by-play announcer for CBS, including Super Bowl XLI, XLIV, XLVII, 50, LIII, LV, and LVIII.
Jim Nantz continues to be the reassuring, articulate pulse of American sporting events. Whether elevating an October Sunday game with historic perspective or celebrating legends who shaped the sport like Mike Ditka, his contributions transcend simple play-by-play commentary. In an evolving media era, Nantz remains a classic institution whose words will echo in highlight reels for generations.
