Keith Jackson spent four decades with ABC enhancing broadcasts in a way few have, before or since.

Jackson is best known for his calls of college football games. It just didn’t feel like fall without hearing a “Whoa Nellie!” or other classic Jackson staples.

The Roopville, GA, native attended Washington State on the G.I. Bill after time in the Marine Corps.

He started on Seattle’s KOMO Radio and, later, KOMO TV. In 1958, Jackson became the first American sports announcer to broadcast an event from the Soviet Union, a crew race between the Washington Huskies and a Soviet team. He talks to Art Thiel about that and other topics.

The Star of the Year award annually presents an award named after Jackson to a distinguished member of the state media, This year’s award honored the late Mariners broadcaster, Dave Niehaus.

This video was part of a live webcast produced by Vomodo, a technology company that has provided services for ABC, FOX and CBS networks covering breaking news stories and live sports events.

Share.

5 Comments

  1.  I wish I knew how to tell Keith Jackson he is one of my favorite people in the whole world. Any suggestions or can you just pass it along.

  2.  I wish I knew how to tell Keith Jackson he is one of my favorite people in the whole world. Any suggestions or can you just pass it along.

  3. Who cares about Steve Hutchinson now.. he is at the end of his career and our offensive line played well last year late. We don’t need high priced free agents that are 36 years old.. People are way too into the whole free agency thing. Just build a good team with draft picks and coach them up. I was very glad we didn’t even go after Mario Williams at all.. he was WAY over priced.. I’m so happy we re-signed Red Byrant, Lynch and the other players we re-signed.  But, we need to sign Flynn.. come on  Seatte!

    • “People are way too into the whole free agency thing. Just build a good team with draft picks and coach them up.”

      But, Rex, isn’t Flynn a free agent?  Weren’t Bryant, Lynch, McQuistan and the others all free agents, too?  I totally agree that building through the draft is the best way to go, but sometimes you’re better off signing a veteran to fill a need than hope that 6th round pick from Slippery Rock can step right up and start as a rookie.