ESPN Play-by-Play Announcer Brent Musburger Is Retiring

Iconic ESPN play-by-play announcer Brent Musburger said Wednesday that he would call his last event on Jan. 31, ending a nearly 50-year career in sports broadcasting.

Musburger, 77, will be on the call for Georgia vs. Kentucky basketball at Rupp Arena for his final game before hanging up the microphone for good, ESPN said in a Wednesday press release.

His career has included coverage of the Super Bowl, tennis U.S. Open, Final Four, college football championship, Masters, World Cup, Belmont Stakes and more.

Musburger was known as much for his booming voice as his propensity to slip in references to betting lines and late covers, even when such commentary was considered taboo.

At the end of an Ohio State-Northwestern football game in 2013, for example, with victory all but assured for the Buckeyes, Ohio State recovered a fumble in the end zone as time expired to cover a 6.5-point spread.

"There are some folks who are celebrating," Musberger said, "and others who are saying, 'You've got to be kidding me.'"

His quote in ESPN's announcement suggests he'll be enjoying his sports-wagering in retirement.

“What a wonderful journey I have traveled with CBS and the Disney company,” Musburger said. “A love of sports allows me to live a life of endless pleasure. And make no mistake, I will miss the arenas and stadiums dearly. Most of all, I will miss the folks I have met along the trail.

“But the next rodeo for me is in Las Vegas. Stop by and we’ll share a cold one and some good stories. I may even buy!”

Musburger's career began in local television in 1968. He started doing play-by-play for CBS in 1973 and has been on the national stage since.

Most recently, Musburger called college football and basketball for ESPN and ABC.

This story will be updated.

Image via ESPN