Emotional Jim Nantz at Rare Loss for Words as Alma Mater Honors Career
Longtime March Madness announcer Jim Nantz was honored by his alma mater, the University of Houston, on Saturday during the No. 1 Cougars’ game against No. 14 Kansas.
The Cougars unveiled a banner, which reads “Jim Nantz: Voice of March Madness 1991-2023,” for the CBS Sports great. The CBS announcer called his last NCAA tournament in ’23 after 32 Final Fours. Nantz’s banner hangs alongside ones honoring the retired jerseys of Cougars legends such as Elvin Hayes, Clyde Drexler and Hakeem Olajuwon.
The ceremony, which took place at halftime at Fertitta Center, caused Nantz to become overwhelmed with emotion. He ended nearly speechless, something that is highly unusual for the broadcasting legend.
“I’m at a loss for words,” Nantz said. “Doesn’t happen very often.”
Jim Nantz gets visibly emotional and tearful as a new banner is revealed for him in the Fertitta Center rafters. Nantz is now right up there with UH greats like Hakeem Olajuwon, one spot over from Elvin Hayes' banner. pic.twitter.com/xdZqlZL2Mx
— Chris Baldwin (@ChrisYBaldwin) March 9, 2024
Nantz attended the game as a fan instead of working the booth.
The 64-year-old Nantz graduated from Houston in 1981 with a degree in television and radio broadcasting. Nantz still works as the top play-by-play announcer for NFL games on CBS, and he will be the network’s main announcer during The Masters next month.
The Cougars went on to beat the Jayhawks, 76–46.