What Happened to James William Nantz III?
Jim Nantz is an iconic American sportscaster, renowned for his decades-long career as the lead play-by-play announcer for CBS Sports' coverage of the NFL, the Masters Tournament, and formerly NCAA Men's Basketball. He continues to be the voice of the NFL and the Masters, having recently covered the 2026 Masters, and plans to retire from his Masters role in 2036.
Quick Answer
Jim Nantz remains a prominent figure in sports broadcasting, serving as the lead play-by-play announcer for the NFL on CBS and the lead anchor for the Masters Tournament. He recently covered the 2026 Masters, marking his 41st year with the event. Nantz stepped down from his role as the lead NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament announcer in 2023 to spend more time with his family, but has publicly stated his intention to continue calling the Masters until April 14, 2036, which would be his 51st Masters and the tournament's 100th edition.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
Joins CBS Sports
Jim Nantz begins his long and distinguished career with CBS Sports, initially working as a studio host and on-course reporter.
First Masters Broadcast
Nantz makes his debut covering the Masters Tournament for CBS, an event he would become synonymous with.
Becomes Masters Anchor
Nantz takes over as the lead anchor for CBS's coverage of the Masters Tournament, a role he holds to this day.
Lead NCAA Men's Basketball Play-by-Play
Following Brent Musburger's departure, Nantz becomes the lead play-by-play announcer for CBS's NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament coverage.
Lead NFL Play-by-Play
Nantz transitions from hosting 'The NFL Today' to become the lead play-by-play announcer for 'The NFL on CBS'.
First 'Broadcasting Three-Feat'
Nantz becomes the first commentator to call the Super Bowl, NCAA Men's Final Four, and the Masters all within a 63-day span.
Publishes 'Always By My Side'
Nantz releases his memoir, a tribute to his father and his battle with Alzheimer's disease.
Pete Rozelle Radio-Television Award
Nantz becomes the youngest recipient of the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Pete Rozelle Radio-Television Award.
Signs New CBS Contract
Nantz agrees to a new long-term contract with CBS Sports, ensuring his continued presence as the voice of the NFL, Masters, and at the time, March Madness.
Final NCAA Men's Basketball Broadcast
Nantz calls his last NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament Final Four, stepping away from the role to spend more time with his family. Ian Eagle is named his successor.
Calls Super Bowl LVIII
Nantz calls his seventh Super Bowl as the lead play-by-play announcer for CBS, alongside analyst Tony Romo.
Confirms Masters Retirement Plan for 2036
Nantz publicly confirms his intention to retire from broadcasting the Masters Tournament on April 14, 2036, aiming for his 51st Masters and the tournament's 100th edition.
Addresses Bryson DeChambeau Comments
Nantz clarifies recent comments he made about golfer Bryson DeChambeau ahead of the 2026 Masters, attributing some backlash to 'bots' and LIV Golf's social media team.
Continues 2026 Masters Coverage
As of today, Jim Nantz is actively providing lead play-by-play coverage for the final round of the 2026 Masters Tournament for CBS.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Jim Nantz has built an unparalleled career as one of the most recognizable and respected voices in sports broadcasting, primarily with CBS Sports since 1985. His tenure has seen him become synonymous with three of the biggest events in American sports: the NFL, the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament, and the Masters Tournament. He has anchored CBS's Masters coverage since 1989, been the lead play-by-play voice for the NFL on CBS since 2004, and led the NCAA Tournament broadcasts from 1990 until 2023.
In March 2021, Nantz signed a new long-term contract with CBS, solidifying his position with the network amidst speculation following his NFL broadcast partner Tony Romo's lucrative deal. While the terms were not disclosed, Nantz expressed his desire to remain with CBS, particularly due to his deep connection to the Masters.
A significant turning point in Nantz's recent career came in 2023 when he announced his decision to step away from calling the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament after the 2023 Final Four. This move was driven by a desire to spend more time with his family, especially his young children, and to reduce his extensive travel schedule. He cited the need to balance his work commitments with his family life, a decision he made without regret. Ian Eagle subsequently took over as the lead play-by-play announcer for March Madness.
Despite stepping back from college basketball, Nantz has remained fully engaged with his NFL and golf responsibilities. He called his seventh Super Bowl, Super Bowl LVIII, in February 2024 alongside Tony Romo. As of April 2026, Nantz is actively covering the Masters Tournament, which runs from April 9-12, 2026, marking his 41st consecutive year with the event. During the lead-up to the 2026 Masters, Nantz garnered attention for comments he made about golfer Bryson DeChambeau, which he later clarified, attributing some criticism to 'bots' and LIV Golf's social media team.
Looking ahead, Nantz has been very open about his planned retirement from the Masters. In March 2025, he confirmed that he is circling April 14, 2036, as his scheduled final broadcast for the tournament. This date would coincide with the 100th Masters Tournament and his 51st year covering the event, a milestone he has long envisioned as a 'perfect exit point.' He has, however, acknowledged that he might consider extending his career beyond that if he feels able.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if James William Nantz III made different choices?