About
Jim Nantz is a prominent American sportscaster known for his work on CBS Sports covering NFL, NCAA, and PGA events. He has anchored CBS’ Masters Tournament for decades, and has been play-by-play announcer on CBS’ top NFL game since 2004.
Nantz went to high school in Marlboro Township, New Jersey, where he played basketball and golf. Graduating from the University of Houston with a broadcasting degree, Nantz began his career as a sportscaster for KHOU Houston, and subsequently as a weekend sports anchor on KSL-TV in Salt Lake City.
Joining CBS Sports in 1985, Nantz began as a studio host for college football and basketball coverage, as well as a reporter for PGA Tour gold. In 1989, Nantz began anchoring the Masters Tournament, and has done so since. From 1998 to 2003, Nantz hosted CBS’ pre-grame program The NFL Today, and in 2004 was promoted to The NFL on CBS’ top play-by-player announcer. When Nantz called the play-by-play of Super Bowl XLI, he became one of four other announcers to ever call both a Super Bowl and NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship Game. In 2014, Nantz joined Phil Simms to call Thursday Night Football games. Throughout his career, Nantz has garnered numerous awards, including two Emmy Awards for Outstanding Sports Personality, and five NSSA National Sportscaster of the Year Awards.
Nantz has made appearances in a number of television programs including The Price Is Right, Arliss, Criminal Minds, and How I Met Your Mother. He has also provided extensive commentary on video games such as Jack Nicklaus 6: Golden Bear Challenge, Golden Tee Golf, and Madden NFL. Nantz released his first book, Always By My Side — A Father’s Grace and a Sports Journey Unlike Any Other, in 2008, which featured a foreword by former president George H.W. Bush. He also has his own private wine label, The Calling, which released its first vintage in 2012. Nantz is a captivating public speaker as well, and is regularly booked for corporate events.
