CBS play-by-play man Verne Lundquist has had a legendary career. He’s called multiple Olympic games, the NBA, NFL, The Masters, College Basketball, and College Football. On Saturday, Uncle Verne called the the 2016 SEC Championship game for the final SEC game of his illustrious career.
Lundquist’s final SEC game was a blowout, as the University of Alabama won its third straight SEC Championship with a 54-16 rout of the University of Florida. Most of the time that would be disappointing to the audience, but in this situation it was perfect, because it gave Uncle Verne more time to tell stories, and gave CBS more time to honor the legend.
Verne got very emotional in his final sign-off, with his longtime broadcasting partner Gary Danielson:
Verne was also recognized by the PA announcer during the game, followed by some complimentary words by Danielson. Very real, awesome moment here, and you can tell that Verne was struggling to hold it together as he took in the moment:
And here’s a fantastic Verne Lundquist montage put together by CBS (they showed one like this after the game as well), along with some more tweets from CBS paying tribute to him:
Verne Lundquist and SEC football: a remarkable combination that we’ll never forget. #ThankYouVerne pic.twitter.com/osFm88NHXp
— CBS Sports College Football 🏈 (@CBSSportsCFB) December 4, 2016
It was thrilling. It was epic. @FootballAU will never forget it.
Verne Lundquist remembers The Kick Six. https://t.co/1kKssmJlw9— CBS Sports College Football 🏈 (@CBSSportsCFB) November 25, 2016
The Prayer at Jordan-Hare will always be a highlight of the Deep South's Oldest Rivalry. #StorytimeWithUncleVerne https://t.co/QbJrAojwex
— CBS Sports College Football 🏈 (@CBSSportsCFB) November 12, 2016
No celebration will ever match @FootballUGA's excessive TD celebration vs. Florida in '07. #StorytimeWithUncleVerne https://t.co/qE0ehDpwdC
— CBS Sports College Football 🏈 (@CBSSportsCFB) October 28, 2016
Neyland Stadium has provided Verne with plenty of @Vol_Football memories. #StorytimeWithUncleVerne https://t.co/JixxcejlcO
— CBS Sports College Football 🏈 (@CBSSportsCFB) November 18, 2016
Verne remembers @AlabamaFTBL's classic W over A&M and Manziel in 2013 led by @AJMcCarron10 #StoryTimeWithUncleVerne https://t.co/eFvmqTlYBB
— CBS Sports College Football 🏈 (@CBSSportsCFB) October 21, 2016
In 2012, @JManziel2 led @AggieFootball to an epic W over Bama in their 1st year in the @SEC #StoryTimeWithUncleVerne https://t.co/3Wmcj8eTz3
— CBS Sports College Football 🏈 (@CBSSportsCFB) October 8, 2016
More social media reaction (which there was plenty of):
Hey @CBSSports, tell Verne we said thanks for the memories.
Forever an @SEConCBS legend! #ThankYouVerne https://t.co/V8xUPB7FeX
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) December 4, 2016
https://twitter.com/DAonCBS/status/805215014185533440
Last SEC championship booth rehearsal w/ this stud. Feeling blessed to share this seat beside him though!❤️🏈 @CBSSports @SEConCBS pic.twitter.com/NjfZ2xs8ti
— Allie LaForce (@ALaForce) December 2, 2016
Just a tremendous sign off and farewell to Verne Lundquist after the SEC Championship game. Well done. #legend #yessir
— Jay Coffin ⚰️ (@JayCoffin) December 4, 2016
Verne was awesome. We'll miss ya dude. pic.twitter.com/VMF8iS8BOj
— Kevin Turner (@ktfuntweets) December 4, 2016
Damn…gonna miss Verne Lundquist calling games
— Damien Woody (@damienwoody) December 4, 2016
Verne, as you call your last championship game, thanks for one of my favorite memories 30 years ago. Yes sir! #86Masters #SECChamp25 pic.twitter.com/373YXeaux7
— Jack Nicklaus (@jacknicklaus) December 3, 2016
There are good people in this world and then there are people like Verne Lundquist . Way better than good… he's a great person and friend
— Peter Kostis (@peterjkostis) December 4, 2016
Verne Lundquist on calling @SEConCBS for 17 years – "The greatest assignment of my life."
— CBS Sports PR (@CBSSportsGang) December 4, 2016
Thank you @CBSSports for hosting us today for @VerneLundquist Final @SEC telecast Verne! You will be missed! #classact pic.twitter.com/8EjpKCa5R0
— Scott Hamilton (@ScottHamilton84) December 3, 2016
Also during the season, many journalists took the opportunity to write final pieces about Verne. Here are some of them:
Verne Lundquist on his own career and what he’s thankful for.
Sports Illustrated‘s Richard Deitsch on what Verne plans to do in retirement.
Newsday on Verne saying “goodbye.”
The Advocate‘s Scott Rabalais on Verne calling a historic LSU vs. Alabama game in his final year.
Loran Smith: A fond farewell to Verne Lundquist
TennTruth on Verne’s last visit to Neyland Stadium.
Thank you for everything, Uncle Verne.
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