'Made every game sound so big': 'Voice of college football' Keith Jackson dies at 89

Sad news to report today as we’ve learned that broadcasting legend and one of the most well-known voices of college football, Keith Jackson, has died at the age of 89.

Keith Jackson, the voice of college football, passed away last night at the age of 89.

RIP to the GOAT. pic.twitter.com/38G2v0yTJa

— SB Nation (@SBNation) January 13, 2018

JUST IN: Keith Jackson, the legendary voice of college football, has died at 89 https://t.co/h94w35TTWD pic.twitter.com/gcScs5h1bZ

— New York Daily News (@NYDailyNews) January 13, 2018

Jackson’s legion of colleagues and fans weighed in after news of his passing, and he will be fondly remembered by sports fans everywhere:

This was Keith Jackson’s intro to the 100th game between Ohio State and Michigan in 2003. Still gives me chills. pic.twitter.com/DmfGemnhoY

— Dustin Fox (@DustinFox37) January 13, 2018

Just heard the news that everyone’s favorite CFB broadcaster Keith Jackson passed away last night. Can close my eyes and think of so many of his special calls. Thank you Keith for all the memories and the grace in which you provided them. RIP Keith. ?? #GOAT

— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) January 13, 2018

From calling @UMichFootball Bo years to the ‘97 national championship in @rosebowlgame to @Yankees Chris Chambliss’ walkoff HR in the 1976 ALCS, Keith Jackson was the voice of so many incredible sports moments for me. I’m heartbroken to hear of his passing.

— Rich Eisen (@richeisen) January 13, 2018

THE voice of college football and one of the most iconic voices of all time, RIP Keith Jackson. Thank you for all of the incredible Saturday’s.

— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) January 13, 2018

I remember exactly one Keith Jackson football game. Michigan was playing. As they were lining up in formation, the camera zoomed in on a Michigan offensive lineman’s rear end.

Keith in mid-sentence lost his train of thought then just said “that’s a big butt.”

— Matt's Us, Man ? (@suss2hyphens) January 13, 2018

At my first TV job I got to interview Keith Jackson who was doing a satellite tour, and I thought it was the coolest thing ever. His voice a huge part of my childhood every Saturday. #RIP #WhoaNellie

— trey wingo (@wingoz) January 13, 2018

Dick Enberg and Keith Jackson less than one month apart. Damn it.

— Brendan Stiles (@thebstiles) January 13, 2018

We are saddened to hear of Keith Jackson's passing.

An absolute icon, he was the Voice of the Rose Bowl and so many #B1G moments.

His calls, including this one, will live on forever. pic.twitter.com/zbE01ZxSfn

— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) January 13, 2018

Keith Jackson’s Voice on Saturday afternoons in the fall, nothing better. #RIPIP

— Big Cat (@BarstoolBigCat) January 13, 2018

Keith Jackson’s call of the Vince Young Rose Bowl, chronicled here by @RJ_Writes, is one of the best in sports history. Iconic https://t.co/NaohZVW5Rm

— Alex Kirshner (@alex_kirshner) January 13, 2018

Wow, #RIP Keith Jackson. As far as 10 year old me was concerned, he WAS college football. Games that he called were somehow a bigger deal BECAUSE he was calling them. I'll always remember him the most as the voice of the Rose Bowl. #NCAA

— Jeff Mackey (@JMackey0718) January 13, 2018

He was the face and voice of College Football I grew up with. He made every game sound so big. Rest In Peace Keith Jackson. #whoanellie

— HUGE (@Hugeshow) January 13, 2018