Broadcasting legend Jim Nantz’s final work on an NCAA game went as smoothly as the many hundreds he’s called before: smooth, professional, and informative.
Then, after UConn had defeated San Diego State in the NCAA championship game Monday night and Nantz wrapped up the broadcast, things got a little emotional.
The 63-year-old Nantz, who has been the voice of the Final Four on CBS since 1991, is stepping away from his NCAA basketball duties after 37 years covering the sport. He will remain involved in his roles doing NFL and golf broadcasts with CBS.
As Monday’s broadcast concluded and Nantz finished his 354th and final NCAA Tournament game, he said simply, “Guys, I’m at a loss.”
Broadcast partner Bill Raftery, who worked with Nantz on his second NCAA broadcast way back in 1986, echoed, “We’re at a loss.”
Grant Hill, another longtime broadcast partner with Nantz, added, “We’re at a loss for sure — ‘The G.O.A.T.'”
“Just remember, one thing I learned through all of this is that everybody has a dream, and everybody has a story to tell,” Nantz said. “Just try to find that story. Be kind.”
“You told it better than most, let me tell you,” Raftery said.
“To everyone, to you, everybody in the college game, the CBS family, my family, all the viewers — thank you for being my friend.”
"Thank you for being my friend."- Jim Nantz 🏀🎙️ pic.twitter.com/URf6a8xzfk
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) April 4, 2023
That final sign-off tugged at the heartstrings of viewers.
Direct shot to my chest https://t.co/YLpES6PQmx
— Jori Schiraldi (@JohnSchiraldi) April 4, 2023
I’ll miss hearing his voice. https://t.co/6VS6F9rw27
— KatGotYourTongue (@kimarshall15) April 4, 2023
Nobody did it & does it better then the Legend & Goat “My Friend “ Jim Nantz! Thank U Jim for the way you helped grow March Madness to the Spectacular event it is.
— Brendan Suhr (@brendansuhr) April 4, 2023
Jim Nantz is the GOAT, he was masterful tonight. An absolute legend of the biz.
— Nick Farrell (@ByNickFarrell) April 4, 2023
Terrific sign-off from a terrific broadcaster. Salute to Jim Nantz. 🎙 https://t.co/F25SyviHzH
— Joel Hoover (@JoelHoover) April 4, 2023
No, Sir.
Thank you for your friendship.Thank you for the dance. https://t.co/o7pLsz8yNq pic.twitter.com/Zwc2WE5hhP
— Netstryke (@Netstryke) April 4, 2023