Meet Jim Nantz, the 64-year-old American sportscaster who has been a fixture in sports broadcasting for decades, even if you’ve never seen his face. With a career spanning since the 1980s, Nantz has been the voice of some of the most iconic events in history. Includes Division I NCAA men’s basketball, college football, the NBA, the NFL, and the PGA Tour for CBS Sports. He’s renowned for being the voice of professional golf’s most fantastic tournaments, including The Masters and The U.S. Open.
From North Carolina to the World Stage
Born in Charlotte, North Carolina, and raised in Marlboro Township, New Jersey, Jim Nantz’s journey to sports broadcasting stardom began at the University of Houston, where he majored in broadcasting. His career took off when he joined KHOU Houston as a sportscaster, followed by a stint as the weekend sports anchor for KSL-TV in Salt Lake City. During this time, he called games for the BYU football team and the Utah Jazz from 1982 to 1985.
In 1985, Nantz made his mark at CBS, becoming an integral part of the network’s sports coverage. His association with The Masters began in 1989, and since 1991, he has been the voice of Final Four games. He also took the helm for Sunday Night Football games on CBS Radio Sports. However, his football coverage genuinely defines him at CBS, as he hosted “The NFL Today” for five years and became the network’s premier NFL play-by-play announcer in 2004. Notably, in 2007, Nantz called the play-by-play for Super Bowl XLI.
Accolades and Awards
Jim Nantz’s broadcasting excellence has not gone unnoticed. He’s received numerous awards throughout his illustrious career, including multiple Emmy Awards for Outstanding Sports Personality and the esteemed title of National Sportscaster of the Year.
35 years ago today Jim Nantz said hello by joining CBS Sports as the studio host of the COLLEGE FOOTBALL REPORT and beginning a career that has been unlike any other. pic.twitter.com/fJDoO91JbP
— CBS Sports PR (@CBSSportsGang) September 14, 2020
The Twists and Turns of Nantz’s Personal Life
While Jim Nantz’s professional life flourished, his personal life saw its ups and downs. His first marriage was to Ann-Lorraine Carlsen Nantz, and they wed in 1983. Together, they welcomed their daughter Caroline Nantz in 1994. However, their marriage didn’t stand the test of time, leading to their separation in 2009 after 26 years together. Following a complex divorce, Nantz was ordered to pay $916,000 annually in child support and alimony.
Love Finds Its Way Again
During the divorce proceedings, Nantz’s life turned positive as he embarked on a relationship with his current wife, Courtney Richards. They crossed paths through IMG, a talent management company representing Nantz, where Richards was vice president. It’s essential to note that their relationship was not a factor in the divorce, as clarified by the presiding judge.
Before tying the knot in 2012 in Pebble Beach, California, Nantz and Richards were engaged for 21 months. Their union brought joy with the arrival of their daughter, Finley Cathleen Nantz, in 2014 and their son, Jameson Nantz, in 2016.
Beyond the Spotlight
Despite theirNeitherurtney, Richards is active on social media. However, despite their public personas, Nantz has authored a New York Times bestseller titled “Always By My Side,” which chronicles some of the sports’ most significant moments and pays tribute to his late father, who battled Alzheimer’s.
The Enigmatic Courtney Richards
Little is known about Courtney Richards before her relationship with Jim Nantz. Her date of birth remains undisclosed, but sources suggest she was born around 1979, making her approximately 44 years old. Richards keeps her personal life tightly under wraps, and there is no about her family or early life. She knows it is possible to be well-educated, but specifics about her educational background remain private.
Jim Nantz’s Impressive Net Worth
As of 2023, Jim Nantz boasts a staggering net worth of $15 million. His illustrious broadcasting career with CBS has significantly contributed to his wealth. In addition to his broadcasting income, Nantz co-owns ‘The Calling,’ a successful wine company he launched in 2012. Reportedly, he earns a substantial $5 million annually from CBS. Nantz’s contributions to the NFL, NBA, and PGA Tour broadcasts have solidified his status as a broadcasting legend, earning him the NSSA’s National Sportscaster of the Year award five times and prestigious roles like the Super Bowl in 2019 and 2021.
Looking Ahead
Jim Nantz’s first marriage may not have stood the test of time, but his current marriage with Courtney Richards seems to be on a path to happiness and fulfillment. Together, they continue to write their story, sharing their love and joy with their growing family.