Keith Jackson

Keith Jackson was a renowned American sportscaster, best known for his work on College Football broadcasts, particularly with ABC Sports and ESPN. He was often referred to as "The Voice of College Football" due to his iconic voice and extensive experience in covering the sport, including the Rose Bowl, Sugar Bowl, and Fiesta Bowl. Jackson's career spanned over five decades, during which he worked alongside notable sportscasters such as Howard Cosell, Frank Gifford, and Al Michaels. He also covered various other sports, including NFL games, MLB games, and the Olympic Games, working with networks like NBC Sports and CBS Sports.

● Early Life and Education

Keith Jackson was born in Roopville, Georgia, and grew up in a rural area, where he developed a strong interest in sports, particularly Football and Baseball. He attended Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia, but later transferred to West Georgia College (now University of West Georgia) in Carrollton, Georgia. During his time at West Georgia College, Jackson began his broadcasting career, working at the college radio station, WGCX, and later at WAGA (TV) in Atlanta, Georgia. He also worked with notable sportscasters like Red Barber and Mel Allen, who were known for their work on Brooklyn Dodgers and New York Yankees broadcasts.

● Career

Jackson's professional broadcasting career began in the 1950s, working as a sportscaster for WAGA (TV) in Atlanta, Georgia. He later moved to ABC Sports in the 1960s, where he worked alongside notable sportscasters like Chris Schenkel and Jim McKay. Jackson's work on College Football broadcasts earned him widespread recognition, and he became known for his iconic voice and phrases, such as "Whoa, Nellie!" and "Big Uglies." He covered numerous high-profile games, including the Iron Bowl between Auburn University and University of Alabama, and the Red River Showdown between University of Texas and University of Oklahoma. Jackson also worked on NFL broadcasts, including Monday Night Football with Frank Gifford and Howard Cosell, and covered various other sports, such as MLB games, including the World Series, and the Olympic Games, working with networks like NBC Sports and CBS Sports.

● Broadcasting Style and Legacy

Jackson's broadcasting style was characterized by his deep, resonant voice, and his ability to convey excitement and energy during games. He was known for his folksy, down-to-earth approach, which endeared him to fans and players alike. Jackson's legacy extends beyond his own broadcasting career, as he inspired a generation of sportscasters, including Al Michaels, Bob Uecker, and Verne Lundquist. He was also praised by coaches and players, such as Bear Bryant, Woody Hayes, and Joe Namath, who appreciated his knowledge and passion for the sport. Jackson's work on College Football broadcasts helped to popularize the sport, and he played a significant role in shaping the way the game is presented on television, working with networks like ESPN and FOX Sports.

● Personal Life

Jackson was married to his wife, Turi Ann Jackson, for over 60 years, and the couple had three children together. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing in his free time. Jackson was also a longtime supporter of University of Georgia athletics, and was a frequent visitor to Sanford Stadium in Athens, Georgia. He was friends with notable figures like Jimmy Carter, Ted Turner, and Hank Aaron, and was involved in various charitable organizations, including the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the United Service Organizations.

● Awards and Honors

Throughout his career, Jackson received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to sports broadcasting. He was inducted into the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association Hall of Fame in 1994, and received the American Sportscasters Association's Sportscaster of the Year award in 1972. Jackson was also awarded the Emmy Award for Outstanding Sports Personality in 1996, and was named the National Football Foundation's Distinguished American in 2001. He received the Pete Rozelle Radio-Television Award from the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1999, and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2001.

● Later Life and Death

In his later years, Jackson continued to work as a sportscaster, although at a reduced pace. He made occasional appearances on ESPN and ABC Sports broadcasts, and was involved in various charitable organizations. Jackson passed away on January 12, 2018, at the age of 89, in Los Angeles, California. He was remembered by the sports broadcasting community for his iconic voice, his passion for the sport, and his enduring legacy as one of the greatest sportscasters of all time, with tributes from notable figures like Bob Costas, Jim Nantz, and Mike Tirico. Category:American sportscasters