SHERMAN OAKS, Calif. (AP) — Keith Jackson, the down-home voice of college football during more than five decades as a broadcaster, has died. He was 89.
He died Friday and no cause was given in a statement Saturday by ESPN. Jackson's longtime employer was ABC Sports. From 1977-85, he teamed with then-Arkansas athletics director Frank Broyles to announce the network's featured game of the week.
Jackson covered many sports, but he was best known for college football. His signature phrases like "Whoa, Nelly!" gave his game calls a familiar feel.
Disney chairman and CEO Bob Iger says Jackson "was college football" for generations of fans.