Notre Dame football: Legendary radio voice Tony Roberts has died
It’s a bittersweet morning for Notre Dame football fans. Legendary voice of Fighting Irish football Tony Roberts has died. Roberts, who called Notre Dame football on the radio from 1980-2005, was 94 years old.
Any sports fan has a play-by-play voice they associate with their team. For so many Notre Dame fans that voice belongs to Roberts because of the quarter-century he spent calling Fighting Irish football.
Harry Oliver to beat Michigan in 1980.
Allen Pinkett and Notre Dame knocking off Dan Marino and No. 1 in 1982.
Timmy Brown’s Heisman season of 1987.
Beating Miami and the national title run of 1988.
Knocking off No.1 Florida State in the 1993 Game of the Century.
Arnaz Battle against Michigan State in 2002.
Arnaz Battle a month later against Florida State.
Zbikowski’s punt return against USC.
Roberts was there for them all with each call being as memorable as the previous.
Thanks for being the soundtrack to so many great memories for all of us. Rest easy, Tony.
And go Irish.
Announcement
I am saddened to hear from his daughter Tracey the passing of HOF broadcaster Tony Roberts. Roberts is best-known as the voice of Notre Dame Football, but he also called Navy football early in his career and we have been friends for more than 30 years. RIP to a legend.
— Scott Strasemeier (@ScottStras) August 26, 2023
Was still a diehard Irish fan
It is with a heavy heart and great sadness to report the loss of my friend and the voice of my childhood NDFB Legend Tony Roberts aka “The voice of @NDFootball “ I will cherish and miss our weekly talks about the @FightingIrish Bye now Tony and may God love you forever!! ☘️🙏🏼😪 pic.twitter.com/73atKrhIGb
— Bruce Straughan (@bruce_straughan) August 26, 2023
Incredible 1980 call of Harry Oliver's game winner
rip Tony Roberts pic.twitter.com/Zr8Fv7ihD3
— marc with glasses (@marcwithglasses) August 26, 2023
Greg speaks for many of us
As a kid playing sports I had to take in a lot of Notre Dame games on the radio in the car. I heard Tony Roberts almost every Saturday, part of my childhood. His memory for me is a blessing. https://t.co/RSGg9CgcSV
— Greg Flammang (@greg2126) August 26, 2023
"Voice of God"
Heartbroken to hear the news of the passing of the great #NotreDame broadcaster Tony Roberts. He would always welcome us into his booth at the stadium to chat. He would also call into the post game show.
We lost a sweet gentlemen and a “voice of God”
— Darin Pritchett (@960Sportsbeat) August 26, 2023
Afterburners are on!
Most of the iconic calls you hear on those classic ND highlights are from Tony Roberts. A master at his craft.
“Afterburners are on!” https://t.co/10TdjMTdvD
— Knute Rockne (@Rocknes_Ghost) August 26, 2023
Tony yelling "afterburners are on" as Rocket Ismail raced to the end zone is engrained in my memory forever. RIP Tony Roberts. https://t.co/78Pg1HcvQl
— FrankieV UHND ☘️ (@FrankieV_UHND) August 26, 2023
A great voice
Never had the pleasure to meet Tony Roberts but boy did I enjoy listening to some of his famous calls as they came up over the years.
Rest in Peace to one of the great voices of the Irish. https://t.co/l9GrFKAY7S
— Angelo Di Carlo (@angdicarlo) August 26, 2023
"You've been listening to Notre Dame football on Westwood One!"
Tony Roberts and Tom Pagna on ND games for Westwood One, staple of my youth. Lonely and homesick freshman year in upstate NY (‘90). Found discarded USA Today at McDonalds. Half-page advert listed ND radio affiliates. One near me. Listened all season. Felt like home again. https://t.co/07wpWNgztR
— Christian Swezey (@SwezeyLacrosse) August 26, 2023
Rocket stuns Michigan...twice
RIP Irish Legend Tony Robertshttps://t.co/FcrGIgF3ef
— Nick Bucholtz (@nrbucholtz) August 26, 2023
ND Fanatics
RIP Tony Roberts pic.twitter.com/0sD5Ik0IRI
— NDFanatics (@FanaticsNd) August 26, 2023
Win for Tony today
Win won for Tony Roberts today!! ☘️🗣️🎙️💯
— Junior ☘️🏈💯 (@FrepanJr) August 26, 2023
So many iconic calls
“Notre Dame is #1!”
Tony Roberts had an iconic sound. He was the perfect voice of the Irish from 1980-2006.
What a thrill to listen to some of his calls after learning the news of his passing.
Audio compilation courtesy of the Radio Hall of Fame, which Tony entered in 2016. pic.twitter.com/F7iZDiO0oZ
— Angelo Di Carlo (@angdicarlo) August 26, 2023
