Legendary sports broadcaster Jim Nantz is stepping back after nearly 40 years of calling the NCAA Tournament. In an interview with CBS News, Nantz opened up about his decision to call it quits.
"I just felt like this was the right time," said Nantz. "I've been doing this for a long time, and I want to focus on other things in my life."
Nantz has had an illustrious career, covering some of the biggest moments in sports history. He's called Super Bowls, The Masters, and countless NCAA basketball games. But it's his work during March Madness that many fans will remember him for.
"It's been a privilege to be a part of something so special," said Nantz. "The tournament is unlike anything else in sports, and I'm grateful for all the memories."
Nantz also spoke about some of his most memorable moments during the tournament. He cited Villanova's buzzer-beater win over North Carolina in 2016 as one that stands out.
"That game was incredible," said Nantz. "To see Kris Jenkins hit that shot at the end was just unforgettable."
While he may be stepping back from calling games full-time, Nantz isn't retiring altogether. He'll still be involved in CBS Sports' coverage of events like The Masters and NFL football.
"I love what I do too much to completely walk away," said Nantz. "But it feels like the right time to take a step back and appreciate everything I've been able to do."
Fans will certainly miss hearing Jim Natz call games during March Madness but are excited about what he has planned next in his career path outside of college basketball commentary realms