Ava Romero
Jim Nantz is a renowned sports commentator and anchor, known for his work with CBS Sports and CBS Radio Sports. He has been a commentator and anchor for several sports, including golf, basketball, and football. Nantz's career in sports began as a student-athlete at the University of Houston, where he played on the golf team and studied sports broadcasting. He has authored a book, Always By My Side, which includes personal stories from his career in sports, including golf. Nantz has also been referred to as the voice of golf, and his distinctive style has made him synonymous with major golf tournaments like the Masters.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plays golf | Yes, in high school and at the University of Houston |
| Golf commentator | Yes, for CBS Sports and the BBC |
| Career as a golfer | Was the worst player on the golf team at the University of Houston |
| Golf-related media appearances | Jack Nicklaus 6: Golden Bear Challenge, Golden Tee Golf, Papa John's Pizza ad |
| Golf-related books | Always By My Side – A Father's Grace and a Sports Journey Unlike Any Other |
| Other | Nantz has a home overlooking Pebble Beach Links with a replica of the seventh hole in his backyard |
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What You'll Learn
Jim Nantz's career as a golfer
Jim Nantz is a well-known sports commentator and anchor, whose voice is synonymous with golf and the NFL. He has been commentating and anchoring sports events for decades, becoming one of the most recognisable announcers worldwide.
Nantz's career in sports began as a student-athlete at the University of Houston, where he played on the Cougars men's golf team alongside future professional golfers Fred Couples and Blaine McCallister. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Radio and Television Broadcasting in 1981, and it was during his time at university that he got his first experience in sports broadcasting with CBS Radio Network. He started as an anchor and sportscaster for KHOU in Houston, Texas, in the early 1980s, before becoming a weekend sports anchor on KSL-TV in Salt Lake City from 1982 to 1985.
In 1985, Nantz joined CBS Sports, initially working as a studio host for college football and basketball coverage, and as an on-course reporter for PGA Tour golf. From 1988 to 1990, he called NFL games on CBS Radio Sports, and in 1989, he moved from college football to play-by-play, calling a full season of games, including the Army-Navy game and the Cotton Bowl.
Since 1989, Nantz has anchored CBS' coverage of the Masters Tournament, becoming as synonymous with the Masters as its traditional food offerings. In 2020, he celebrated his 40th year of calling golf at Augusta National. Nantz has also guest-commentated on the final round of The Open Championship for the BBC since 2009, and in 2019, he made a guest appearance on Fox's broadcast of the U.S. Open at Pebble Beach, becoming the only person to commentate at all four of golf's majors.
In addition to his broadcasting career, Nantz is also an author, releasing his first book, "Always By My Side – A Father's Grace and a Sports Journey Unlike Any Other", in 2008. The book tells personal stories from golf, football, and basketball, and how the people he met along the way reminded him of the virtues his father instilled in him. Nantz's father, Jim Nantz Jr., passed away in 2008 after being diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. In 2011, Nantz and Houston Methodist Hospital launched the Nantz National Alzheimer Center to improve care and treatment for patients with Alzheimer's through research.
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Jim Nantz as a sports commentator
James William Nantz III is an American sportscaster who has worked on telecasts of the National Football League (NFL), NCAA Division I men's basketball, the NBA, and the PGA Tour for CBS Sports since the 1980s. Nantz joined CBS Sports in 1985, initially working as a studio host for CBS's college football and basketball coverage and as an on-course reporter for PGA Tour golf. He has anchored CBS's coverage of the Masters Tournament since 1989 and has been the lead play-by-play announcer on CBS's NFL coverage since 2004.
Nantz's career in sports broadcasting began during his time at the University of Houston, where he played on the Cougars men's golf team and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Radio and Television Broadcasting in 1981. He got his first experience in sports broadcasting with the CBS Radio Network, transmitting taped interviews for Sports Central USA weekend reports. Nantz started his career as an anchor and sportscaster for KHOU in Houston, Texas, in the early 1980s and then became a weekend sports anchor on KSL-TV in Salt Lake City from 1982 to 1985, where he called BYU football games and Utah Jazz games.
Nantz has become synonymous with the Masters Tournament, celebrating his 40th year of calling golf at Augusta National in 2020. He has provided commentary for the Madden NFL series and has appeared in various advertisements, including a Papa John's Pizza ad with Peyton Manning and Capital One's March Madness ad campaign. In addition to his broadcasting career, Nantz is also an author, releasing his first book, "Always By My Side – A Father's Grace and a Sports Journey Unlike Any Other" in May 2008, which tells personal stories from his experiences in sports, including golf.
Jim Nantz's journey from a student-athlete to a renowned sports commentator is a testament to his dedication and passion for sports. He has reached the pinnacle of his profession, becoming one of the most famous voices in American sports.
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Nantz's work with CBS
Jim Nantz's career in sports broadcasting began with CBS in 1985. Initially, he worked as a studio host for CBS's college football and basketball coverage and as an on-course reporter for PGA Tour golf. Nantz has anchored CBS's coverage of the Masters Tournament since 1989 and has been the lead play-by-play announcer on CBS's NFL coverage since 2004.
Nantz's first on-air appearance for CBS came in 1987 when he served as a reporter during an NFL game between the Dallas Cowboys and New York Jets. In 1988, he worked his first NFL play-by-play assignments, covering the Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Indianapolis Colts and the Dallas Cowboys vs. Cleveland Browns games. Nantz's role expanded in 1989 when he moved from the college football studio show to play-by-play, calling a full season of games, including the Army-Navy game and the Cotton Bowl.
In 1990, following Brent Musburger's departure from CBS, Nantz transitioned to the lead play-by-play role for the NCAA Final Four men's basketball finals, partnering with Billy Packer. Nantz continued in this role until 2008, working with various analysts, including Clark Kellogg, Steve Kerr, and Greg Anthony. He has also anchored CBS's coverage of the PGA Championship since 1991 and served as the lead broadcaster for the NCAA men's basketball tournament from 1990 to 2023.
Nantz's career with CBS has been illustrious, earning him induction into the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame and both the Pro Football and Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. He has won four Emmy Awards and been honoured as National Sportscaster of the Year five times. In 2019 and 2021, Nantz achieved a rare feat, calling five major sporting events within a span of 120 days: the AFC Championship, Super Bowl, Final Four, Masters, and PGA Championship.
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![Always by My Side (08) by Nantz, Jim [Hardcover (2008)]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/21DsWbhn4DL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
His book, 'Always By My Side'
Jim Nantz is a well-known sports commentator and broadcaster, who has covered many sports, including golf, for CBS since 1985. Nantz has authored a book titled 'Always By My Side: A Father's Grace and a Sports Journey Unlike Any Other'. The book was released in May 2008 and offers a sentimental look at Nantz's relationship with his father, who passed away from Alzheimer's disease the same year.
The book traces Nantz's career, from his early ambition to become a sports announcer to his rise as a successful broadcaster. It provides an insider's look into a 63-day stretch in 2007 when Nantz became the first broadcaster to call the Super Bowl, the Final Four, and the Masters. Nantz recounts his journey, from creating his own imaginary TV studio as a boy to his college days, where he roomed with future PGA Tour golfers.
A significant focus of the book is Nantz's close relationship with his father. As Nantz's career blossomed, he sought his father's companionship and advice. However, in May 1995, their relationship changed as Nantz's father was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Nantz candidly expresses his anguish and struggle with his father's illness, questioning the injustice of it all.
'Always By My Side' also delves into Nantz's broadcasting career, which began during his student days at the University of Houston. He honed his craft by observing renowned sportscasters such as Jim McKay, Win Elliott, and Pat Summerall. Nantz credits his father's encouragement to aim for the stars as a driving force behind his success.
The book offers a unique perspective on some of the most dramatic moments in American sports. It also showcases Nantz's ability to remain understated while emphasising the action, a quality that has defined his broadcasting style. 'Always By My Side' provides readers with a collection of memories and anecdotes, including Nantz's special relationships with former President George H. W. Bush and sports icons such as Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, and Tiger Woods.
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Nantz's net worth
Jim Nantz is an American sportscaster and author with a net worth of $15 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. Nantz has been a prominent figure in sports broadcasting since the 1980s and is known for his work in golf, NFL, and NCAA basketball. His distinctive voice, preparation, and storytelling abilities have made him one of the most respected and recognisable figures in sports broadcasting.
Nantz's annual salary is estimated to be around $10.5 million, with some sources placing it as high as $15 million. In 2009, during his divorce proceedings, it was revealed that his annual income was $7 million, of which $5 million came from his CBS contract. His salary was later increased to $6.5 million per year, and his most recent contract with CBS, signed in 2021, is rumoured to have earned him a significant raise.
In addition to his broadcasting career, Nantz has authored a book titled "Always By My Side: A Father's Grace and a Sports Journey Unlike Any Other," published in 2008. In the book, he shares personal stories about his life and the influence of his father, who passed away from Alzheimer's disease that same year. Nantz has also invested in the Nantz National Alzheimer Center, which was named for his father and received funding from Nantz to research the causes of Alzheimer's disease.
Nantz's involvement in various business ventures and his long-standing career in sports broadcasting have contributed to his substantial net worth. While the exact details of his current contract with CBS are unknown, it is clear that his talent and contributions to the world of sports broadcasting are invaluable.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Jim Nantz played golf in high school and was co-captain and number one player on the golf team. He also played golf for the University of Houston Cougars men's golf team.
Yes, Jim Nantz is a commentator and anchor for golf and other sports. He has been referred to as "the voice of golf" and "the most famous voice in sports".
Jim Nantz has commentated on golf for over 40 years. He has anchored CBS' coverage of the Masters Tournament since 1989 and has called some of the most consequential shots in the tournament's history. He has also guest commentated on the final round of The Open Championship for the BBC.
