Jack Whitaker, a sportscaster for CBS and ABC who called Super Bowl I and Secretariat’s Triple Crown triumph, has died. He passed Sunday morning in his sleep in Devon, Pennsylvania of natural causes at age 95.
Perhaps his biggest triumph was surviving the Omaha Beach landing three days after D-Day. He was wounded by a blast from an artillery shell and later was again wounded in combat. He was honorably discharged in 1945.
CBS Sports broadcaster Jim Nantz released a statement on Sunday praising the broadcast legend.
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“When I first met Jack Whitaker in 1986 at Pebble Beach, I felt like I had just been introduced to Ernest Hemingway,” Nantz said. “I grew up watching him deliver contemplative and contextual prose with his famous short essays, bringing class and dignity to his industry. He was enormously proud to have called Super Bowl I for CBS and was the last surviving network commentator from that landmark game. I spoke to him this week after hospice came to his home and his mind was still brilliantly sharp right to the end.”
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CBS Sports chairman Sean McManus also gave a statement. “There will never be another Jack Whitaker in sports broadcasting.”
“His amazing writing ability, on-air presence and humanity are unmatched. His unique perspective on sports ranging from horse racing to golf to NFL football was extraordinary,” McManus said. “My father and Jack shared an incredible respect for each other and had the warmest of friendships that lasted for decades. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Jack’s family.”
Whitaker was inducted into the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame in 2012.
Whitaker is survived by his wife, Patricia, daughters Marybeth Helgevold (Chuck), Ann Hanan (Bob); sons Gerry Whitaker, Jack Whitaker III and Kevin Whitaker (Rachelle). He was predeceased by his son, Geoffrey Whitaker. He had 11 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.
We have lost a legend. His approach his tone his wording. Just. 1st class. Rip
Whenever he was on TV you listened to him. His entire delivery represented the very best in broadcasting. He never talked down to his audience and made even the dullest golf game interesting. His passing truly marks an end of an era. Godspeed.
Such a legend. Grew up with him how he described Secretariat. And that perfect race. Rip. Gary Saraceno
Jack Whitaker was like a well seasoned merlot. Smooth, mellow and witty. Grew up with Jack’s voice being one of the few who dominated sports broadcasting. Consummate pro.
Rest in Peace.
I met Mr Whittiker at an Golf Hall of Fame induction, sadly most of the crowd missed his presence mostly because his talents were forgotten by time. He didn’t live to long, it is just fans had not had lived at a time to enjoy his delivery of sports. What a gentleman.