The Final Call
This April, Verne Lundquist, the legendary sports commentator known for his unforgettable calls, is preparing to say his final goodbye to the broadcast booth. This marks his 40th and last call at The Masters, a milestone announced by CBS.
At the age of 83, Lundquist is wrapping up a broadcasting career that has left an indelible mark on college sports and golf history. His distinctive voice has become a symbol of some of the most memorable moments in these fields.
Lundquist, born in Duluth, Minnesota, in 1940, found his calling in broadcasting quite unexpectedly. Initially considering a career in priesthood, he realized the demanding nature of a TV presenter’s role, stating, “A TV presenter’s job is a round-the-clock commitment, and it’s crucial to have a value system that allows you to be that involved in people’s lives.” He chose a different path, returning to Texas, where his future as a broadcasting icon was waiting.
Lundquist’s remarkable career began as a sports anchor for WFAA in Dallas and KTBC in Austin. His voice soon became a national sensation as the radio announcer for the Dallas Cowboys from 1967 to 1984. In 1974, he joined ABC, making a significant impact on the national stage, before moving to CBS in 1982.
It was at CBS where Lundquist’s commentary became an integral part of sports history. His most memorable calls include the triumphant “Maybe yes, sir!” during Jack Nicklaus’s victory at the 1986 Masters, the electrifying call during Christian Laettner’s buzzer-beater in the 1992 Final Four, and the unforgettable “Touchdown, Auburn! An answered prayer!” during the Alabama-Auburn “Kick-Six” game in 2013.
Even after retiring from college football commentary in 2016 and college basketball in 2018, Lundquist’s voice continued to be a staple at prestigious events like the PGA Championship and The Masters on CBS.
As Lundquist gets ready to retire his microphone, his legacy continues to reverberate in the world of sports broadcasting. His career, characterized by passion, precision, and the ability to capture sporting greatness in every word, will continue to inspire future generations.
