Greg Sharpe, the play-by-play voice for Nebraska football since 2007, died on Friday of cancer.
He was 61.
Sharpe, who also called the school’s baseball games since 2008, announced in April that he was battling pancreatic cancer.
“A wonderful husband, father, brother, friend and of course broadcaster,” Sharpe’s family said in a statement through the university. “While his passion and energy on the call of Husker football and baseball brought joy to so many for the past 17 seasons, it comforts us to know that his legacy will live on through these same moments that he narrated and through the relationships that he built. While the public knew him for his booming voice and infectious personality, those closest to him knew him for his loyalty and dedication to them.
“Over the last 12 months Greg has fought a very public battle with pancreatic cancer. Even though it was a grim diagnosis at the time, Greg chose to live and not to fear. He leaned into his faith, family and of course his professional calling of broadcasting Husker athletics. Without the support from the University of Nebraska, Playfly Sports and of course the best fans in college athletics, Husker Nation, he may not have been able to continue to fight and live the way that he did.
“The love shown to him during this difficult time truly touched Greg and our family. We are forever grateful to Husker fans everywhere for the letters, gifts and of course prayers. We are all better for having had Greg in our lives.”
Sharpe is survived by his wife Amy and daughters Emily, Campbell and Taylor.
Prior to his Nebraska gig, he was the voice of Kansas State football and basketball from 1996-2002.
He attended Kansas State as a student as well.
“This is a tough day for everyone,” Nebraska’s athletic director Troy Dannen said in a statement. “Not only those who were close to Greg and those who had the opportunity to work with him, but also for Husker fans who have fond memories of Greg’s calls of iconic moments in Nebraska history.
“Greg was an incredible person and was a friend to everyone. Simply put, he defined what it meant to be a Husker, and he will always be a Husker.”
The Nebraska athletic department last month named his booth in the press box the “Greg Sharpe Radio Booth.”
In December, the National Sports Media Association named him Nebraska Sportscaster of the Year.
“Greg was more than an announcer; he was a storyteller, a champion for our student-athletes, and a constant, trusted presence for all who love this university,” Nebraska President Dr. Jeffrey Gold said in a statement. “His impact will endure in the memories he created and the legacy he leaves behind.”
