Keith Jackson & Michigan Football

Sound bites, introductions, funny comments and play calls of Keith Jackson calling Michigan football.

[@marclaporte3710]

There will never be another Keith Jackson. Never ! When he was on the call, you got the undeniable feeling that this was the biggest game in the country on that particular fall Saturday afternoon. Keith embodied college football's storied tradition and was a living legend when we were lucky enough to have him around.

[@Nhamp2000]

Well said. Definitely one of the GOAT'S of that generation. Broadcasters were so much better back then. Glad I got to grow up and watch sports in that time, before the Joe Bucks of the world came in.

[@SaundersE5]

He was a dandy!

[@gmuny2010]

Keith Jackson on a crisp, autumn afternoon doing college football is one thing. Keith Jackson on a crisp, autumn afternoon doing a U of M game...priceless!

[@mas5867]

Until MI flopped.

[@catstealer419dominion7]

Chills.

[@4ksUpDvls]

Doesn't get any better than that!

[@mag-nm7tw]

Woah Nellie!

[@LouisWarren530]

Amen brother amen

[@davesutton6525]

Every time I hear him talk about Brian Griese being the Rose Bowl MVP and that he is standing next to his proud daddy it gives me chills. A great moment in Michigan history. Kieth was one of the best ever.

[@jeffduflo8204]

Most touching moment in sports I've witnessed live.

[@jamesbowen8960]

He was THE GREATEST! HE WILL ALWAYS BE THE VOICE OF COLLEGE FOOTBALL!!

[@arightscepter]

I didn't get to see that back then, this was a real gift to experience here. How could it get better than that broadcasting?

[@michaelallen8040]

RIP Keith. You will not be forgotten. Forever the voice of College Football in my mind!

[@ahprice1887]

Michigan first

[@jimj2839]

Keith Jackson was simply the best college football announcer ever.

[@scottbrooks3904]

He was one of the great voices of Michigan Football when I was growing up. My Grandma would send me VCR tapes of Michigan games when I was stationed in the Okinawa. Hearing his commentary, play by play, and watching Michigan Football with fellow Wolverine fans made time stand still, if only for a few hours. RIP.

[@Buccaneer9]

"Hello Heisman..." Gets me every time! Thanks Keith. Go Blue!

[@RuffRyder_43]

Arguably the greatest sports broadcaster in history has just passed away. RIP Keith Jackson. Thanks for all of the unbelievable memories and all of the WOAH NELLIES!!!

[@stevenpeltier4286]

No argument at all he WAS G.O.A.T. simply the best that ever was. He loved our Wolverines.... He said Ann Arbor and the BIG HOUSE was his favorite venue...

[@joeheid2776]

Not arguably. He was the best.

[@juleswilson175]

My daughter is whoa NELLIE, hail to the victors valiant, hail to the conquering heroes, GO BLUE

[@garrisondyer]

"Now if that doesn't whet your appetite, you're watching the wroooong channel." That's got to be one of my two two favorite Keith Jackson-isms of all time, second only to. "The last time Brian Griese ran that far, his daddy was chasing him with a stick!" Ahhhh, '97. Memories of champsions. Go Blue, always and forever!!

[@kdevinturner8778]

Amen

[@theGentlemanCaller73]

Just the best ever. The voice, the cadence, the inflection, the idioms, the poetry. Legend.

[@murkrow2316]

You will hear a roar that will knock pinecones out of trees 50 miles away. Simply the greatest.

[@paulseibert8598]

Thank you Keith Jackson for what you did for College Football and The University of Michigan. We grew up on your voice and miss you dearly.

[@cfoster81]

I maybe a Maryland fan, but Keith Jackson will ALWAYS be the enduring "Voice of College Football" on TV and he was on point when he did Michigan games

[@hoss73ford]

+Chris Foster Most the announcers of the 1970s & 80s were great . Didn't really care for Dick Enberg tho.

[@jeffcummins1408]

Chris Foster, many thanks for that assessment, from a loyal Wolverines fan. Keith could make an 80-0 loss enjoyable. He brought the whole thing together, with the pageantry, the weather, the atmosphere. He revered the band, the cheerleaders, and everyone involved in the festival as much as he lauded the players and coaches. What an enjoyable time that was! RIP Keith, you've made wonderful memories for so many of us!

[@raycrawford7044]

this is when college football on television was awesome

[@DavGreg]

Back before ESPN screwed it up. Keith Jackson on ABC and Brent Musberger on CBS. ESPN was showing ultimate frisbee or something.

[@jeffcummins1408]

@@DavGreg, thanks to you and Ray Crawford for speaking the truth. ESPN has made college football too professional-like. There was a wonderful charm to the game when it was broadcast by the old ABC, and Keith Jackson was the voice of autumn. He could make even a defeat enjoyable.

[@mckinleywebb5910]

Never the same...

[@ikarooz]

His unique voice and play-by-play style are legendary. Regardless of which school's game he was calling, it felt like he was a dyed in the wool fan. We always waited for him to crown a hard working player in a game with, "He's a hoss!" With due respect to Bob Ufer.......None better! GO BLUE!

[@donteevans9303]

grew up every Saturday in the late 80's and 90's - 2000's watching college football and hearing his voice rest in peace

[@gmoney5487]

Growing up Detroiter for most all my life college football was Keith Jackson on Saturday and as a Michigan fan i feel privileged that he announced so many Michigan games throughout the years we were lucky enough to be blessed with the "VOICE" of college football he was always kind, impartial, informative and a gentleman, there will never be another Keith Jackson

[@jeffduflo8204]

Well said I agree, we were spoiled.

[@Jon.A.Scholt]

I was always happy when it was him doing the game instead of the OSU fanboy Brent Musberger.

[@sethderusseau3429]

What a legend! RIP Keith Jackson. There will never be a commentator as epic as Keith.

[@retired5249]

Damn...brought tears to my eyes. RIP Keith we love you.

[@GoBlue4lyfe]

Keith was like a vivid book, in that he was ALWAYS full of the best descriptions of words that you just couldn't wait to listen to. To picture everything he said with such anticipation. He was, and always will be, "The Great" Keith Jackson. Listening to him commentate Michigan games was as natural as the "Winged Helmets". The crisp fall air and Michigan football, with hearing Keith talk about what was at stake,or hearing him say, " Touchdown Michigan", or the famous " Whoa Nelly", was a big part of my life on Saturdays and there will never be anyone that will ever impact college football or Michigan Football like Keith Jackson. Good thing about the web, is that we can always go back and relive those memories of Keith and put a smile on our face one more time..... Thank you Keith.

[@Scared89]

RIP Keith. The greatest football broadcaster of all time. I grew up hearing the legendary voice of Keith Jackson call games between two "big uglies." This is absolutely horrible news. Michigan wouldn't have the name "The Big House" without him. Always a class act and will never be forgotten. "Hello Heisman!"

[@ernestkovach3305]

Keith said UM football Stadium was the greatest venue and his favorite.

[@bobbyyoung4243]

Keith was the granddaddy of em all.

[@kent266]

The Ohio State Buckeyes love playing there,.too!

[@ernestkovach3305]

@@kent266 Then the buckeyes must be masochists because mighty Michigan has an all time series lead in football over the Ohio State U suckeyes.

[@mas5867]

I bet he said that very early on. How many MI flops did he call?

[@mwheaties8681]

Thank you for putting this video together. So many great memories and a great tribute to Keith Jackson.

[@shadytnu24]

'...Now if that doesn't whet your appetite, you're watching the WROOOOONG channel." Vintage. Absolutely classic.

[@mobilebking]

Keith Jackson is a gridiron poet. Didn't matter who was playing, I'd watch so I listen so I could hear that familiar SOPH-OOH-MOOORE. And despite my Michigan pedigree, the one comment that's forever etched in my mind comes from 15-20 years ago. He was calling an Alabama game and described a Crimson Tide player as a "6' 200 pound soph-ooh-mooore out of Tuscaloosa . . . and he's a dandy."

[@dwalex97209]

Keith will always be the dean of college football announcers. RIP, Keith.

[@Man-of-the-Century]

Kieth Jackson did more for college football than any other single person in it's history.

[@otaviofrn_adv]

I agree. We have many figures that did major things to one School, maybe two. But Keith had major calls for pretty much anyone you can think. He is very connected with the Rose Bowl, the Sugar Bowl and the Big 10, especially Michigan, and Nebraska as well. But he called everyone worth of note

[@arightscepter]

I didn't really think of that but or m for sure. For someone off the field to be that impactful is special to say the very least.

[@deedonnerramone4757]

A life well lived, Bravo Keith, rest peacefully.

[@dmiller4879]

Keith Jackson, Vin Scully, Doc Emerick, Marv Albert- they are the Kings of their respect broadcasts in sports broadcasting.

[@philhemenway3503]

Red Barber

[@deedonnerramone4757]

Ernie Harwell!

[@DirtyBeefCurtains]

Derek Miller I liked Gary Thorne too!

[@stevekalis139]

Keith Jackson wolverines Bruce Martyn red wings George Blaha pistons Mark champion and Jim brantstader lions Ernie Harwell Detroit tigers Doesn’t get any better than that Some of my other favs are buffalo Sabre’s rick Jeanerette Penguins mike Lange (Mario lemeiux era) Vin scully dodgers Brent musberger college football Gus Johnson college basketball football

[@TheLocalLt]

Derek Miller yep and Al Michaels in football

[@jeffcummins1408]

Many thanks, Historian. As a loyal Michigan fan, I've always appreciated Keith Jackson, and even wrote a story on him. Frankly, I'll speak for all college football fans: Keith just added something special to the game. He was the best.

[@paulseibert8598]

Keith Jackson & MICHIGAN FOOTBALL is like schooling young athletes of being the best they could be. AMERICA is GREAT because of the MICHIGAN WOLVERINES.........GO BLUE

[@rpryce2140]

Keith Jackson was to college football what Ernie Harwell was to Tiger baseball: Simply.The.Best.

[@verlinden80]

I agree

[@jasonburris33904]

Milky

[@whipmaster44]

The good news is that he died.

[@nathandlouhy745]

R Pryce Michigan game football Michigan Tom Brady Michigan was good man was

[@nathandlouhy745]

Hamzah Elsulayman Michigan Tom Brady day was good game football basketball Today on the star spangled banner lyrics

[@eagleye28]

The best tribute to "Whoa Nellie" Keith Jackson as we remember him with great respect and love on this day. Farwell Mr. Jackson you will be missed !

[@MrBudcole]

Keith Jackson epitomized class and elegance in broadcasting. Sure, this video is about him announcing Michigan football, but you'd never guess - if you didn't know better - that he wasn't an alumnus for ANY game he announced. He researched the teams he announced, and always - always - knew what made the games special. I miss his voice on Saturdays. I'd watch a chess match if Keith Jackson were announcing it.

[@otaviofrn_adv]

I might be sacrilegious in this comment, but I think the moment of Keith Jackson that resumes everything you said was the game between Nebraska and Colorado in 1994. The game was big at that moment in the season because it was a #2 vs #3 matchup (Colorado had beaten Michigan, a game called by Jackson as well, with a 75 yard hail mary by Kordell Stewart earlier that season at the Big House) and pretty much a championship game for the Big 8, but Keith had a little pregame moment just outside Memorial Stadium to give emphasis for the 200th sellout in a row in home by the Cornusker fans. How many announcers would give time to find out that this was the 200th sellout in a row? Many would give emphasis to the ranking, some would know about the sellout streak coming from 1962, but only Keith Jackson would take time on the days or weeks before a game, a big game, to make research and give a speech on something done by fans.

[@averagecitizen8491]

RIP Keith The best college commentator ever. WHOA NELLY!!!

[@jamesbowen8960]

Contrary to popular belief, Keith Jackson never said "Whoa Nelly until this clip documented it.

[@riverraisin1]

@@jamesbowen8960 That's funny, but I heard him say it on numerous occasions.

[@jamesbowen8960]

@@riverraisin1 He says he never said it and said specifically that it was Roy Firestone who hung that on him. I remember when he said it in a commercial as a gag but never ever during a football broadcast.

[@mas5867]

@@jamesbowen8960 That's not true. I have listened to multiple interviews where he said his great grandfather used to say it. And I have heard him say it in many, many games. KZbin: Keith Jackson on The Dan Patrick Show (Full Interview) 10/21/16. Where Dan gets the story straight from him.

[@mas5867]

starts at 720 i believe.l

[@jasonlandy3491]

I always loved hearing Keith’s voice doing a game from the Big House on a nice fall day!

[@TheUnnamedAssailant]

What a legendary hero for millions if future broadcasters to emulate. Too bad there will never be another that comes close, we miss you Keith.

[@verlinden80]

Amazing video. Brought back alot of timeless memories being Michigan fan! Go Blue and Go KJ!

[@beast1160]

Hellooooooo, Heisman!!!!

[@jeffcummins1408]

This video should be required viewing for all Michigan supporters, whether fans or alums. Particularly younger people who might not remember Keith, and may not know what he meant to college football, and to Michigan in particular. Yes, I commented on this a long time ago WH, but this is excellent work, as we've come to expect from you. Well done! GO BLUE!

[@HP-hm3pn]

Stumbled across this. Brings back great memories. Keith Jackson was simply the best.

[@muzmaze1391]

As a kid growing up in New England, not knowing yet how big college football was throughout the country. I saw the Maize n Blue on tv, that stadium, those helmets and heard Keith Jackson call the games. I was instantly hooked! 55 years later, he’s the reason I still love college football and still root for the maize n blue.

[@thomasmcshea1843]

Thanks to WolverineHistorian for posting all these memories of yesteryear Michigan football. I have to concur with other people's sentiments regarding Keith Jackson, he WAS Michigan football for TV. Growing up with Keith Jackson commentating on a football game, especially Michigan, it made the game that much more enjoyable to listen to. GO BLUE!!

[@pauloberlee1779]

My dad loved listening to Keith

[@capitanfuturo594]

KEITH JACKSON IS A LEGEND !!!

[@TheLocalLt]

"Hellooo Heisman"

[@ET-bg8ru]

One of the reasons why I went there. I was 10 years old when i starting seeing him on T... he just made me live the excitement!

[@kennydyson31288]

The first 20 seconds legendary goosebumps gotta love it

[@murrayr2]

As an alum, with 2 children that are alums, you could say we've watched our share of games...If you couldn't be in the Big House for the games...there was no finer broadcast announcer than Keith Jackson. I have thought about these broadcasts over the years...and this gentleman. Say hi to Bo for us Keith...tell him Jimmy will be just fine....thanks for the memories

[@Jon.A.Scholt]

That Mercury Hayes catch @12:00 was easily one of the greatest I have ever seen. Him and Toomer were a great duo.

[@krisligman9312]

Love my Wolverines! Go BLUE!!! (Hopefully in 2021)

[@paulseibert8598]

This is THE BEST of the BEST with KEITH JACKSON & MICHIGAN FOOTBALL.

[@steveng.willis618]

Seeing Keith in that ABC Sports gold jacket takes me back to when I was a kid watching football.

[@AnthonyWilliams_83]

REST IN HEAVEN KEITH JACKSON

[@rickb.284]

Watching the clips, after I heard of his death, I had to choke back tears...RIP...and thanks for all the good times...

[@chriscoccagna5917]

Damn.....I went to the University of Maryland in the 80's and loved the ACC and college hoops but I never got to experience the thrill of B10 football......thank God for Saturdays and Keith Jackson's voice in the fall......

[@jofi4580]

Reliving my youth here today. Brought me to tears hearing the early part of this video. Forever one of the great sports broadcasters.

[@roberthobbs9316]

Keith left all of us with some incredible memories! R.I.P Mr. Keith JAckson

[@wolverine58]

GREAT sound bites and clips of one of the best TV anouncers of all time

[@franmccarty2048]

Keith, you will now be the voice from heaven.And we will always hear you. I'm looking forward to meeting one day😉

[@mickconnor7929]

RIP Keith Jackson. You were the best! Woah Nelly!

[@jamescolby3538]

RIP Mr Jackson your our greatest CFB announcer and us Michigan will miss you dearly

[@jaybd107]

As I'm watching Michigan/ND I was looking up something and saw this. What a way to spend commercial time listening to such a tremendous piece of a legendary all time announcer with my favorite team at the Big House. Great job! Thanks for posting!

[@Fabioman3]

He's not Ernie Harwell or Vin Scully, but he is Keith Jackson the greatest College Football Announcer in memory!

[@Vitte4]

Great compendium; took some work to do this, gracias! My childhood days watching Wolverine football and my 11 adult years in Ann Arbor came flooding back. Highlight of my day, appreciate it! Jackson lines here such as "There will be some raggin' around the fire this Christmas" & "That thump was the sound of Bo Schembechler fainting": classic!

[@rjak136]

Simply the best there was and ever will be.

[@llongone2]

Thanks for posting this. I really enjoyed it. It really brought back some memories.

[@wargod99921]

"Hellooo Heisman" favorite call of all time any sport.

[@markwiitanen697]

Brings back so many fond memories. Love Michigan Football and Keith Jackson. They are what's great about college football.

[@ccth22]

His call on Desmond Howard's return still gives me chills!

[@snowflakepillow8697]

as someone that grew up in eastern Washington state... we didn't know how good we had it with Keith Jackson and Dave Niehaus... as someone that got a helluva a lot of excitement from one Nick Plott calling matches solo from South Korea for the GOM Star Invitational and then watching a helluva lot more starcraft after that... all it takes is interest, wordsmithing, poetry, passion, ... luck um... a lot more than that but hey... wish I had been in Seattle to see Stork win the WCG!

[@MasonDaniels-ef6mf]

Man i miss keith jackson i grew up listening to the great comentator call Michigan games .nothing greater than keith and meeehigan

[@lladnarg]

Thank you, thank you, thank you for posting...the Voice of College Football and my favorite football team! Next time I watch this, I'll be eating my favorite dinner!

[@jeffduflo8204]

Best sports announcer ever. Never be anyone like him.

[@ohiostatesucks1]

Never get tired of hearing whoa nelly. Thanks for making this video.

[@mflynn45]

Love you Sir! You ARE College Football! Best voice ever! Period!

[@airguy71]

Keith Jackson the GOAT of College Football broadcasters. 2nd place is not even close.

[@Azishome]

I don't think he's arguably the best sports broadcaster. I think he was the best all-time. Miss him a lot.

[@rjdalchow]

Keith was the best! Thanks a million for all the work you did putting this together. GO BLUE!

[@WB8BRA]

I loved Keith Jackson just as much as I loved Bob yofer broadcasting Michigan Games. Job well done guys....

[@ida7535]

He is the soundtrack of my growing up. Every saturday.....................Whoa Nelly......................

[@jeffduflo8204]

Katie by the door, they're not gonna catch em.

[@fishbonebuba]

This brought a big smile to my face throughout. Thanks, WH!

[@Buttscum]

not a michigan fan but, he will always be my interpretation of the voice of college football on the tv forever.

[@thedivomeister6308]

RIP KEITH JACKSON. 1982 Illinois at MICH. Michigan leading and Illinois has the ball at the Mich 5 yard line with 1:00. 3 plays ball moves to the 2 yard line. Last play Illinois runs the ball. Bo turn his back and mumbles this game is over. He was confident UM won. Mich had great rushing defense. Keith Jackson says ""you don’t come to the Big House and try to score running the ball"" Thank you for uploading video

[@ahsanshaikh786]

God Bless you Keith! Thanks for all the memories!! Enjoy all the calls in Blue Heaven!

[@TruePatriotDave]

College football will never have another Keith Jackson!! He was the best and one of a kind!! I miss him a lot!! He made college football so much more enjoyable!!

[@DMichiganWol21]

Keith Jackson and Vin Scully. The greatest announcers of all time

[@Stryder46]

RIP, Keith. You will be missed.

[@JimRagan1967]

If only if he could broadcast tomorrow's OSU-UM game at the Big House once more.....

[@scottduyser8583]

No question. my all time favorite announcer.

[@GGinc-jj6qj]

Epic! Thanks Keith for everything!

[@johnmac2336]

The best 14:54 I've ever spent on You Tube! Awesome!

[@arightscepter]

Whoa Nellie!. I love Keith Jackson. Most of my time with him was Pac-8 or 10 later but I could say that, when my friend took me to a Beaver's game, I tried to find him or spot him although that would be useless hehe. :) His time with Pacific conference was special. Much admiration.

[@jonvisser1509]

Keith Jackson is the man. When speaks it means a huge game.

[@craigwalker7693]

This was a great man. Legend.

[@paulseibert8598]

GOD BLESS Keith Jackson. The adopted MICHIGAN MAN for life ever after.

[@todd2567]

RIP Mr. Jackson; you'll be missed for sure.

[@edmerc92]

Fantastic compilation.

[@raphaelhernandez4088]

Keith Jackson the best ever!

[@DavGreg]

Keith Jackson was College Football on TV- the Gold Standard. He retired the title.