Sports Broadcaster Keith Jackson passes
Devtun sends us the sad news that iconic sportscaster, Keith Jackson has passed at the age of 89. He was known for his colorful expressions, “Whoa, Nellie!” was probably his most famous proclamation.
He began calling college football games for ABC Sports when it acquired the broadcast rights for NCAA football in 1966.
He also worked NFL and NBA games, World Series, Winter and Summer Olympics and auto racing. For the job, he traveled to 31 countries for ABC’s Wide World of Sports.
Jackson announced he would retire from college football play-by-play after the 1998 season but ended up continuing with ABC Sports, in 1999. He retired for good in May 2006.
According to Wikipedia, he was also a veteran, enlisting in the Marine Corp and working as a mechanic. He used his GI Bill to attend Washington State University where he began his broadcasting career in 1952.
Category: We Remember
RIP Mr. Jackson
Thank you for your service, Sir. And thank you for the many games I heard you call over the years.
Rest well, Sir.
And thank you for many memorable Iron Bowls.
I remember when he did the UW games, it must have been tough gig for a Wazzu Cougar.
While serving, whenever I heard him broadcast a game it always made me feel like home.
You knew is was a fall Saturday when you heard Keith Jackson and Bob Griese on TV… and you just had to stop what you were doing and watch it.
RIP Keith Jackson
Fair winds and following seas, Marine.
Rest in Peace.