To the casual college football fan, they may not know the name of Keith Jackson, but they surely know the voice. He's the voice of college football and even does those great Gatorade commercials, talking about where Gatorade came from and the history behind it.
In my humble opinion, he is the best sports broadcaster any sport has ever seen. He's better than Al Michaels, he's better than Marv Albert, he's better than anyone else I can think of. He's the best play by play caller, and he adds a soothing tone to the games, but still gives perspective. He's amazing, and when he announced his retirement back in 1998 as the Nokia Sugar Bowl kicked off I cried. I knew I wouldn't have another sportscaster that reminded me in many ways of my grandfather. They are nothing alike but are strikingly the same in my heart and mind.
But the sadness turned to joy when he decided against it and gave us more time. But I'm selfish and I want more. What can I say? If I could write a computer program with his voice and have him be the play by play voiceover for every game I'll ever watch I'd die happy.
He's a great, kind, gentle man, and I'll miss his voice over the college football airwaves. This would have been his 40th season broadcasting for ABC. The wear and tear have taken their toll on him, and he's content with the fact that he's hanging up his headset. And if he is, I guess so am I.
Here's to the best damn sports broadcaster the business has ever seen. Big shoes to fill, and I don't know if that is even possible.
Take care, Keith.
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