Tennessee pays tribute to legendary broadcaster John Ward on 4th anniversary of his death
Tennessee broadcaster John Ward had a legendary career at the microphone for hundreds of iconic moments for the Vols in football and men’s hoops.
Ward became the basketball program’s main announcer in 1965 and took over the same duties for football in 1968.
Four years ago, at the age of 88, Ward passed away on June 20. To mark the 4-year anniversary of Ward’s death, the Vols released a touching tribute video to the Voice of the Vols on Monday:
He did it for you.
6.20.18 pic.twitter.com/AsBty7ztnq
— Vol Network (@VolNetwork) June 20, 2022
Ward was a popular man in Tennessee, having been on the call for so many formative sports moments for Tennesseans everywhere.
A great tribute to a broadcasting legend.
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Tennessee online sports betting officially launched on November 1, 2020, and many of the largest sportsbooks are live and operating in the volunteer state. Tennessee is only one of a handful of SEC football states with legalized sports betting.
John Ward is truly missed… Every time I hear his voice it immediately takes me back to being a kid enjoying listening to games with my dad and grandfather as we we had the game blasting from the farm truck mending fences, etc.
We won’t see another like him. Certainly not Boob Kesling!
Bob is just now finishing the call on the last play of the Purdue game.
In fairness, John Ward had was a Master and Commander of the English language. Few have that.
I still cringe at that “No Sir Ree” call. Would a Vol here fill me in on the significance of the bottle of Listerine in the video?
that was a classic phil and he had so many more. what a colorful broadcaster. I didnt even notice the listerine. must have been to keep the voice in shape… maybe.
To brokeback. Nobody was going to replace John ward but Bob took on the challenge. He has done fine. No need to insult the man.
He hasn’t “done fine.”
Nowhere close to fine…he’s a very average announcer and he should have never got the job. There are PLENTY of others more capable and qualified to handle the job and it’s a shame that he’s still there.
He constantly misses calls, gets players mixed up and the fact that so many people seem ready to accept his mediocrity speaks for what our program has become.
Bring on a New Voice!
Always tough to lose an icon. Much respect to John Ward on this anniversary.
Simply the best!
The SEC has so many radio icons over the years. All much beloved and just a great part of the whole experience.