Jim Nantz Achieves Milestone with 500th NFL Game
Jim Nantz, the esteemed sports announcer known for his eloquent commentary and extensive career, is set to reach a remarkable milestone this Sunday as he calls his 500th NFL game during the AFC wild-card matchup between the Buffalo Bills and the Denver Broncos. This milestone marks not only a personal achievement for Nantz but also solidifies his status as a pioneering figure in sports broadcasting.
Nantz’s journey began on October 16, 1988, when he called his first game—the Indianapolis Colts’ victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. His ascent within CBS has been marked by consistency and excellence; he has called 431 regular-season games, 69 playoff games, and seven Super Bowls over his illustrious career. Notably, he is believed to be the first announcer at CBS to reach the half-millennium mark as a play-by-play commentator.
Reflecting on his career, Nantz expressed gratitude and surprise at reaching this significant milestone, stating, "Little did I know back then that I would someday reach a half-thousand games and have all these opportunities to call Super Bowls and playoff games. It’s been a thrill."
Nantz’s tenure with CBS has included various roles. From 1988 to 1993, he primarily called games before stepping in as the host of "The NFL Today" after CBS regained its NFL coverage in 1998. He returned to play-by-play duties in 2004, after serving as host through 2003. His first Super Bowl broadcast as an announcer came in 2007 during Super Bowl XLI, a game featuring the Colts and the Bears.
Throughout his career, Nantz has had the honor of being part of many memorable games. He named a few career highlights, including playoff games that ended on dramatic Hail Mary passes, and particularly mentioned the Chiefs’ overtime victory over the 49ers in last year’s Super Bowl, which stands as the most-watched telecast in history. Nantz noted, "But every game has its own highlight in its own story, and I feel blessed to have been at so many of them."
The broadcast veteran has worked alongside numerous color analysts, including notable former NFL quarterbacks like Phil Simms and current partner Tony Romo. This season also marks his 11th year collaborating with Tracy Wolfson, CBS Sports’ lead sideline reporter.
As Nantz prepares for this weekend’s game—significantly between two teams eager to make their mark in the postseason—he recalls his last encounter with both teams. The Broncos are striving for their first playoff victory since winning Super Bowl 50, a game Nantz also called, while the Bills aim to secure their first Super Bowl title following several near misses, including a nerve-wracking game against the Chiefs in 2021.
Nantz’s extensive experience and distinctive voice have made a lasting impact on NFL broadcasting. His 500th game is not merely a personal milestone; it signifies a dedication to sports journalism and a legacy that has shaped how fans experience the NFL. As he steps into the booth for this landmark event, Nantz’s contributions to the world of sports remain a testament to his skills and passion, inspiring the next generation of announcers and sports enthusiasts alike.
