You are watching the legendary sportscaster Brent Musburger on the air, still going strong at the age of 85 and showing no signs of retirement. Musburger, who made the move to Las Vegas in 2017 to launch VSiN, the first sports betting network, first rose to fame as the standard-setting studio host on “The NFL Today” during a 15-season run that began almost 50 years ago.
His iconic voice has graced the airwaves covering major sporting events like the Super Bowl, World Series, and March Madness, helping to bring sports betting to a national audience long before it was legalized across the country. Even today, he can be heard on VSiN programming, including a Sunday NFL pregame show.
In a recent interview from his home in Montana, Musburger shared his advice for those getting older – stay busy and find something you love to do. For him, that has always been following and watching sports. He never considered retirement because he was doing what he loved every day.
For many sports fans over the past five decades, Musburger’s voice is instantly recognizable. But what they might not know is the story behind his famous catchphrase, “You are looking live.” It was actually born out of the world of sports betting, a nod to the audience who enjoyed a wager on the games.
“The NFL Today” was a groundbreaking show in many ways, introducing live pregame coverage and featuring diverse hosts like Phyllis George, Irv Cross, and Jayne Kennedy. It also brought sports betting into the mainstream with analyst Jimmy “The Greek” Snyder.
During his time with CBS, Musburger coined the term “March Madness” to describe the NCAA Tournament and covered a wide range of major events, including the Super Bowl and NBA Finals. His firing in 1990 came as a shock, but he quickly found a new home at ESPN and ABC.
Through it all, Musburger never shied away from discussing the betting line, making veiled references during broadcasts and endearing himself to fans who appreciated the insight. His work with VSiN has continued to push the boundaries of sports betting content.
As the industry has evolved, with the legalization of sports gambling and increased mainstream acceptance, Musburger’s influence remains strong. His return to work as the Raiders’ radio voice and his continued hosting duties on VSiN show his enduring passion for sports and broadcasting.
Despite facing personal challenges, including his wife’s illness, Musburger remains grateful for his long and successful career. He sees himself as the luckiest guy alive, thankful for the opportunities he’s had and the people he’s met along the way. The legacy of Brent Musburger in the world of sports broadcasting is sure to endure for generations to come.
