12/21/24
May 01, 2006
Whoa, Nellie: The voice synonymous with Saturdays retires.
Fall Saturday afternoons just won't be the same!!!! Thanks Keith , Thanks for the all the great calls .
posted by tommygator at 06:56 AM on May 01, 2006
Mel Blanc died years ago, justgary.... Oh, you meant college football. Yeah, have fun on the golf course, Keith.
posted by scully at 07:52 AM on May 01, 2006
Well terrapin you just dated yourself. I will miss Keith like I miss Ernie Harwell (Tigers), Bruce Martin (Red Wings), Van Patrick (Lions), and Bob Bufer (Wolverines). All great and called the game with dignity and passion.
posted by coach at 07:59 AM on May 01, 2006
Keith Jackson was no Dick Enberg (whom I disliked even more), but he did broadcast for a long time, which counts for something. I'm happy he's retiring, and wish him luck on the links.
posted by Hugh Janus at 08:07 AM on May 01, 2006
Am I crazy, or didn't he announce his retirement a couple of years ago and then come back the next season?
posted by grum@work at 08:37 AM on May 01, 2006
I knew who you were talking about (Whoa, Nellie) even before I checked the link. I remember listening to Keith Jackson every saturday, and was heartbroken (yes, heartbroken) when he "retired" from announcing games on the east coast and stuck to the west coast games. Every time I heard his voice, he took me back to the days of watching Michigan football with my grandfather.
posted by wingnut4life at 09:10 AM on May 01, 2006
He and Frank Broyles made up the greatest college football announcing team of all- time in my book. Not many big games didn't feature Keith for over 30 years. Saturdays won't quite be the same without him calling the action.
posted by mjkredliner at 11:01 AM on May 01, 2006
I was shocked when I read the head line "Whoa Nellie". Just this weekend, I was reciting old sports cliches to my 3 year old son, and "Whoa Nellie" is his favorite, he even says it in a deep characterized voice. I never knew the name of the namesake of the phrase, but have heard him broadcast on numberous occasions (I am a Buckeye Fan). And now that he is retiring,a piece of College football will be missing. Keith you will be remembered, and your legacy passed on to generations. "Hit em long and straight my friend"
posted by oh2rooper at 11:05 AM on May 01, 2006
It's about time. Aside from Brent Musberger, he is anti-Ohio State. Which is the same thing as being anti-American
posted by lightman at 06:44 AM on May 02, 2006
Well those of us who reside on the east side of Wa State will miss Mr. Jackson and his "dulcet tones" as he was an alum of WSU. And I couldn't attest if he is "anti-Ohio State" but I don't think that makes anyone anti-American. Just educated.
posted by THX-1138 at 05:34 PM on May 02, 2006
Do you know why people from Ohio State put their trash in clear plastic bags? So people on the east side of Wa. State can go window shopping.
posted by lightman at 07:23 PM on May 02, 2006
Like Howard Cosell, like Johnny Carson, Keith Jackson's voice and style will be instantly recognizable for decades after he's left the game.