Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Jim Nantz

How Jim Nantz built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Jim Nantz is a prominent American sportscaster renowned for his long tenure with CBS Sports, beginning in the 1980s. He is best known for anchoring CBS's coverage of the Masters Tournament since 1989 and serving as the lead play-by-play announcer for CBS's NFL coverage starting in 2004. Additionally, Nantz was the lead broadcaster for the NCAA men's basketball tournament from 1990 until 2023, solidifying his status as a versatile and iconic figure in sports broadcasting.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2007: Nantz Comments on Luke Donald's Putt

In 2007, Jim Nantz commented on Luke Donald trying to solve this piece of geometry while reading a putt at The 2007 PGA.

2007: Florida's Back-to-Back NCAA Tournament Victory

In 2007, the Florida Gators won the NCAA Tournament, defeating the Ohio State Buckeyes, whom they had also defeated in the BCS National Championship game in football three months prior.

May 2008: Release of Jim Nantz's First Book

In May 2008, Jim Nantz's first book, Always By My Side – A Father's Grace and a Sports Journey Unlike Any Other, was released, featuring personal stories and a foreword by George H. W. Bush.

Always By My Side: A Father's Grace and a Sports Journey Unlike Any Other

Check it on Amazon

2008: Kansas's NCAA Tournament Victory

In 2008, Jim Nantz called Kansas's comeback in the NCAA Tournament as they took the title.

2008: Davidson College's Sweet 16 Upset

In 2008, Jim Nantz highlighted Davidson College's Sweet 16 upset in the second round of the 2008 NCAA Tournament over Georgetown, referring to it as a David and Goliath story.

2009: Y.E. Yang Wins the PGA Championship

In 2009, Jim Nantz announced Y.E. Yang's victory at the PGA Championship after defeating Tiger Woods.

2009: North Carolina's NCAA National Championship

In 2009, Jim Nantz called North Carolina's performance as they became the National Champion in the NCAA Tournament.

2009: Nantz Partners with Peter Deutsch to Launch Wine Label

In 2009, Jim Nantz partnered with Peter Deutsch to launch a private wine label named The Calling.

2010: Phil Mickelson Wins the Masters

In 2010, Jim Nantz acknowledged that Phil Mickelson's win at the Masters was a win for the family as he sealed the victory with a birdie on the 18th hole.

2010: Duke Wins the NCAA Tournament

In 2010, Jim Nantz called Duke's victory in the NCAA Tournament after Gordon Hayward of the Butler Bulldogs missed the final half court shot.

January 2011: Launch of Nantz National Alzheimer Center

In January 2011, Jim Nantz and Houston Methodist Hospital launched the Nantz National Alzheimer Center to improve care and treatment for Alzheimer's disease.

2011: Baltimore Ravens Lose AFC Championship Game

In 2011, Jim Nantz called the Baltimore Ravens' loss in the AFC Championship Game to the New England Patriots after a missed field goal by Billy Cundiff.

2011: Denver Broncos Defeat Pittsburgh Steelers in NFL Playoffs

In 2011, Jim Nantz called the Denver Broncos' victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers in the NFL Playoffs, highlighting Demaryius Thomas's pivotal play.

2011: Connecticut Wins the NCAA Tournament

In 2011, Jim Nantz declared that Connecticut won best in show after they clinched the NCAA Tournament.

2012: Bubba Watson's Putt at the Masters Tournament

In 2012, Jim Nantz was in anticipation of Bubba Watson's putt on the first hole of a sudden death playoff at the Masters Tournament.

2012: Release of First Vintage of The Calling Wine Label

In 2012, the first vintage of The Calling wine label, partnered by Jim Nantz and Peter Deutsch, was released.

2013: Kevin Ware's Injury During NCAA Tournament

In 2013, Jim Nantz reacted to a replay of Kevin Ware of the Louisville Cardinals suffering a compound fracture of his right leg during the NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament.

2016: Villanova Wins NCAA Championship with Buzzer-Beater

In 2016, Jim Nantz called Kris Jenkins's famous buzzer-beater point that secured Villanova's victory in the NCAA Tournament.

2016: UNC Loses to Villanova in National Championship Game

In 2016, North Carolina lost to the Villanova Wildcats in the National Championship game.

2017: North Carolina Wins NCAA Tournament

In 2017, Jim Nantz called UNC's triumph in the NCAA Tournament.

2019: Tiger Woods Wins the Masters

In 2019, Jim Nantz called golf legend Tiger Woods's 15th major win at the Masters Tournament, his first major win since 2008 and first green jacket since 2005.

2019: Virginia Wins National Championship

In 2019, Jim Nantz called the end of the National Championship game, with the Virginia Cavaliers winning their first national championship, capping off a redemption story after losing to UMBC Retrievers the previous year.

2024: Bears Botch Game Against Lions on Thanksgiving

In 2024, Jim Nantz called the end of the Chicago Bears–Detroit Lions Thanksgiving game where poor clock management by the Bears results in their sixth straight loss and the firing of Matt Eberflus the following day.