CBS' Jim Nantz primed for final March Madness run with 2023 NCAA Tournament
CBS broadcaster Jim Nantz has seen his share of career-defining moments. From Super Bowls to March Madness, Nantz had a front row seat to it all.
Since 1991, Nantz has been the voice of March Madness and a pioneer for the NCAA Tournament. But this year will be be Nantz’s final tournament, as he steps aside to focus on his family and other broadcasting commitments.
"I wanted it to be a CBS year, but especially I wanted Houston to be my last dance for me and to exit college basketball stage right," Nantz said via the Associated Press.
The Final Four will take place in Houston, the city where Nantz began his journey into broadcasting. He attended the University of Houston and found his voice on air. Nantz will return home and be on the call should the Cougars make the Final Four.
"It was truly through the basketball program — being the student public address announcer and while still a student later being entrusted to host the Guy Lewis television show, that was my entryway into television. I was just a kid living in the dorms. With a chance to possibly call my last basketball game with Houston playing for a championship, that would be amazing."
Nantz is still expected to be heavily involved with the NFL and the PGA Tour. He will be around for multiple Super Bowls and The Masters. However, Nantz wanted to re-shift his focus and decided to step down from March Madness.
He has called 18 Final Fours in his career and will finish his NCAA Tournament career with 354 games broadcasted.
"I’ve loved it, and it has been so much fun," Nantz said. "Something had to go, though. You’re never going to walk away from the NFL — it’s too big — and golf is deep in my heart,” Nantz said. "It’s been an amazing ride and a glorious part of my life."
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jim Nantz retiring from March Madness after 2023 NCAA Tournament
