I vividly remember the occurrence to this day.
It was halftime at Autzen Stadium on a chilly November afternoon in 2005. The 15th-ranked Oregon Ducks were playing host to the 23rd-ranked California Golden Bears, and the score was knotted at 10.
After downing a few too many cups of water, I made my way to the press box bathroom, only to find a line that nearly extended out the door.
And instead of the normal bathroom chatter consisting of first half analysis from varied media folk, the room was eerily still and quiet.
That was, until one man wearing a black trench coat and top hat exited.
Following his exit, the usual bathroom banter picked up again. It was as if every person in there had been rendered speechless in admiration for the man that had left just seconds prior.
The man was Keith Jackson – a college football broadcasting icon who announced his retirement from college football last week.
The announcement ended a magnificent 40-year career, the last seven of which were spent solely calling games on the West Coast.
There’s no doubt he’ll go down as one of the greatest play-by-play announcers to ever grace the booth.
And the reasons are obvious.
His aura was unmistakable and his timing impeccable.
He witnessed more football and survived more incredible games than most anyone around.
Not only did he witness those games, he added to the importance of them.
That’s because his name will forever be associated with big-time college football – not only the classic phrases such as “Whoa, Nellie!” which accentuate his illustrious career, but also for his countless goose-bump producing calls (see:
“Hello, Heisman” in 1991. Or, for you Duck fans, “Here comes Howry. He’s gone!” a la Keenan Howry in the 2001 Civil War).
Jackson brought a unique flavor to the booth, but his mission to viewers was straightforward.
“Simply to help people enjoy what it is they’re watching,” Jackson said in an interview with ESPN. “Amplify, clarify, punctuate, and let them enjoy it.”
That’s indeed what he did. And much of the reason people enjoy college football is because of his insight and moment-capturing abilities.
I know that for me, and many others, it was an honor just to be in his presence – even if it was in a crowded Autzen Stadium bathroom.
Jackson is truly one of the great people in sports, and it’s difficult to see him step away from the booth. Then again, all good things must eventually come to an end.
But Oregon fans should be grateful for the opportunity to enjoy Jackson’s charisma and passion for the game; I know I certainly am.
And I’m sure I speak for the majority of college football fans when I say: Whoa, Nellie, Mr. Jackson. You will be missed.

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